When Sportz Nook, 7841 Grand Ave. in Elmwood Park, opened two years ago the idea was to cater not only to sports fans with 38 television screens, but also to women. That means the menu features bar-food favorites and also lighter fare and vegetarian options.
“We want to have a sports bar, but with a female flavor to it,” said Marketa Gladkowski, general manager.
Of course, men are more than welcome too, she insisted. It’s a place where a couple can go out and both find what they want on the menu. And it’s the rare barstool-joint that’s ideal for a girl’s night out.
The vibe is friendly, welcoming and meant to be a gathering place for friends. Watch a game. Enjoy some gaming. And bond over a delicious meal. The location is open for patrons 21 and up only, due to the gaming options.
When it opened, the original menu focused on burgers and beer pairings, but they have expanded. There is serious attention to detail in the kitchen. Burger patties are hand-made. And most of the menu is crafted on site, with the exception of the tater-tots. That’s the only thing that comes out of a bag, according to Gladkowski.
Daily food specials rotate through the week. Monday through Friday a half-priced meal deal from 4 – 6 P.M. kicks off the evening. Best sellers are the Philly cheesesteak sandwich and tacos – featuring Peruvian and Mexican hot sauces. There are unexpected offerings as well, such as mussels and a beef and barley soup that tastes like it just walked out of a garden.
The Fire Cobb salad is the classic with a twist. The chicken arrives enrobed in Buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles making this more like the famous appetizer in a more vegetable-forward form.
The kitchen and management team are female-led, which is the secret behind the female-friendly environment.
“We’re making them feel comfortable and we’re seeing more women come now,” said Madelyn Castellano, marketing manager. “We’re always in front talking. We socialize.”
This is something Gladkowski is proud of. She started in the hospitality industry at a young age. It shaped her ideas about creating welcoming spaces.
“I’m originally from Czech Republic. I have this saying, ‘This is my third continent, 5th country!’ I’ve been bartending or managing bars everywhere. I have a business degree in Italy and restaurant degree back in Czech Republic.”
At Sportz Nook she incorporates European attention to detail with American fun.
There is a patio in the back with its own TV.
On the weekends Sportz Nook opens at 9 a.m. Brunch is served. Bloody Mary’s flow coupled with dishes from simple, like corned beef hash and avocado toast, to sophisticated, like Southern eggs Benedict and cinnamon apple French toast.
The menu changes with the seasons to what is fresh and comforting. October brings a new round of delights.
Come in and ask them to tune in to the game, match, race, contest, playoff, championship … whatever you are looking for.
“Just yesterday, customers were asking for a certain channel and we went back there and turned three TV’s on the same channel,” Castellano said. “Everybody was happy!”
Know before you go:
• the-sportz-nook2-2.website.spoton.com
• 7841 Grand Ave., Elmwood Park
Hours:
Monday – Thursday 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Friday 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 a.m.
Sunday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.