The story
In January 2013, longtime Palatine residents Walt Oswald and Jimmy Iuorio purchased the restaurant to save it from auction. They renovated the building extensively over three months, updating plumbing, electric, kitchen, roof, walls, floors, and furniture, while maintaining the historic charm. They rebranded it as "Brandt's of Palatine" and reopened in April 2013.
The restaurant continues to be known for its 1/2 lb burgers, ribs, cheese curds, and Wisconsin supper club atmosphere. It features the original cozy dining room inside the historic farmhouse, plus a modern covered outdoor deck.
Everything that was here
- 2013–present
Brandt's of PalatineRestaurant
In January 2013, longtime Palatine residents Walt Oswald and Jimmy Iuorio purchased the restaurant to save it from auction. They renovated the building extensively over three months, updating plumbing, electric,…
See the map in 2014 → - 1969–2013
Brandt's Little CafeRestaurant
Joe and Romelda Brandt moved their restaurant here from 10 N. Northwest Highway in 1969. The George Grisco family operated Brandt's Little Cafe for years until Walt Oswald and Jim Iuorio bought and renovated it in 2013…
See the map in 1970 → - 1950–1956
Nick and Al's Friendly InnRestaurant
Post-World War II restaurant and bar that occupied the building. Limited additional information available about this establishment.
See the map in 1951 → - 1933–1944
Illegal CasinoEntertainment
After Prohibition ended in 1933, the building continued to operate as an illegal gambling establishment. This continued until Roger Touhy was framed and imprisoned by Al Capone's organization, and control of the…
See the map in 1934 → - 1930–1933
Speakeasy (Touhy/Kolb Operation)Bar/Tavern
After purchasing the property, bootleggers Roger Touhy and Matt Kolb moved the 1883 farmhouse from Inverness to this location. They operated it as an illegal speakeasy during the final years of Prohibition. The…
See the map in 1931 → - 1920–1930
Maple Grove InnRestaurant
The Maple Grove Inn stood on this site until it burned to the ground in 1930; the 1883 Inverness farmhouse was moved here afterward. Opening year approximate.
See the map in 1921 →
Did you know?
Connected places
The Lexington Hotel
The Four Deuces
Prairie Avenue Home
Exchequer Restaurant & Pub
Hawthorne Inn
St. Valentine's Day Massacre Site
Explore the full web of connections on the map.
Nearby history
Quentin Tap
Quentin Corners Shopping Center
Daisys Ice Cream
Countryside Mall
India Foodie Lounge
Palatine Hills Golf Course & Clubhouse
Know something about Brandt's of Palatine? An old photo, a date, a memory of what stood here before?
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