The George

The George French Dip arrived on a board, shaved prime rib piled onto crusty French bread with white cheddar melting into every fold, and a cup of au jus so dark and concentrated it tasted like a reduction rather than a simple broth. We dragged every last bite through that jus. The Badge 13 Burger, a double-smash patty slicked with bacon-onion jam and aioli, had the kind of seared crust that only comes from a properly hot flat-top, and the meat-to-bun ratio was exactly right. Named for Captain Joseph Naper, the founder of Naperville, The George occupies the former Bev's space on Washington Street and brings a modern tavern energy the block needed: exposed brick, warm wood tones, a long bar pouring craft cocktails, and a menu that takes pub classics seriously without overcomplicating them. Friday nights here run past midnight.