The hum of camaraderie mingled with the aroma of sizzling burgers and freshly poured craft beer at Stoney Point Pub on a brisk Sunday afternoon in Palos Park. Bears and Packers fans, draped in team colors, cheered and groaned as the game unfolded on multiple flat-screen TVs. The pub’s warm interior provided a cozy haven for the spirited crowd, with plates of appetizers and baskets of wings passed around like rituals of game-day communion.
Stoney Point Pub, 12900 La Grange Road, Palos Park, is more than just a neighborhood bar – it’s a slice of life where food, drink, and rivalries collide.
The pub opened its doors in December, taking over the former location of Great Lakes Beer and Bourbon.
“This opening represents more than just a place to dine; it’s a gathering spot for friends and families, a source of new jobs, and a symbol of our community’s continued growth and vibrancy,” Palos Park Mayor Nicole Milovich-Walters said. “Stoney Point Pub adds to the incredible variety of dining options for our residents and visitors, and we’re confident it will quickly become a favorite in the community. I encourage everyone to stop by, show their support, and experience all that Stoney Point Pub has to offer.”
James Burke, the affable owner and proprietor of Stoney Point Pub, is the heart and soul behind its success. Under his watchful eye, the pub has become a cornerstone for locals seeking both flavor and fellowship.
Opening a Palos Park location was an easy decision, Burke said.
“I’ve always liked the close-knit community and the small-town feel,” Burke, of Orland Park, said. “Palos Park residents are such wonderful people.”
This is Burke’s third endeavor. He also owns Stoney Point Grill in Mokena, which opened in 2005, and Stoney Point Grill in Homewood, which opened in 2024.
“By choosing Palos Park as their next location, Stoney Point Pub reaffirms what we already know, that our village is a great place to grow, invest, and build lasting connections,” Milovich-Walters said.
Burke himself has Palos Park roots, having previously lived in the village.
“I lived in Palos Park for about seven years in the 1990s, so I’m very familiar with the area,” Burke said. “While I have three kids who all played sports at Sandburg High School, our families and friends came to frequent this location where I opened Stoney Point Pub as our local hangout before and after many sporting events. For years, I’ve always wanted to have another Stoney Point location here, and when the opportunity came about, I jumped on it.”
The Palos Park location has a slightly different vibe from the other two, focusing more on the pub aspect rather than the grill. It features two 100-inch televisions and 35 smaller ones for the ultimate sports fan’s viewing pleasure.
“I decided to name this location Stoney Point Pub instead of Stoney Point Grill, keeping it a sports bar,” Burke said. “Depending on business over the next eight to 10 months, a remodel would be desired to expand bar seating and the kitchen.”
The menu offers a wide variety of Stoney Point Grill favorites.
“I have brought our staple menu items from the original location in Mokena and the Homewood location to the new Palos location,” Burke said.
This includes Stoney Point Grill’s cooked-to-order wings, the original Stoney Burger, buffalo shrimp, shaved prime rib sandwich, and chopped salad from Mokena. Additionally, there are items from the Homewood location, such as a half-pound smash burger and the blackened grouper sandwich.
“We operate a scratch kitchen, so all of our menu items are wonderful,” Burke said. “We also offer a variety of beer, wine, seltzers, martinis, and specialty cocktails.”
Burke’s commitment to great service, fantastic food, and unwavering consistency has turned the pub into more than just a game-day destination – it’s a neighborhood hub. Every detail, from the perfectly crisp fries to the coldest draft beer, reflects Burke’s devotion to quality.
Stoney Point Pub’s kitchen is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday until 10 p.m. The bar is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday until midnight.
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