Gillerson’s Grubbery

Heard great things so we tried it tonight. We got there right at 5:00pm and it was basically empty, by the time we left, there was a long wait for a table. Great selection of craft beers. Menu is small, but lots of choices. There is also a special and a burger of the month. We had Miss May Pearls chicken nuggets as an appetizer. They were amazing. We all had burgers, Rebel Duck, Buddha and the Gracin. Everyone said they were delicious. Service was very good. Great to see a full restaurant in downtown Aurora. Definitely going back!

Gillerson’s Grubbery is the exact kind of place that I wish we had more of in downtown Aurora. They’ve got a great selection of beer, including a (monthly?) rotating featured brewery. In January, that brewery was Solemn Oath and for whatever reason they were offering pours of La Grippe for $ 5, that’s a 9% ABV beer that will cost you at least $ 7 anywhere else, including just getting one from Solemn Oath’s tap room directly. It’s super rare to see ANY kind of discount on great local craft beer, so, that’s pretty rad.
The food they serve is pretty typical of what you’d expect out of a gastropub, with a bunch of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and burgers. I’ve tried a decent spread of the menu, and have been totally satisfied with everything I’ve ordered. They’ve got a bunch of fancy appetizers, but honestly, their fries are nuts. $ 5 gets you a huge pile of them, which are great to pick at while you get started on your drinks.
The staff is friendly and the place is super clean. Also, if for whatever reason you can’t find parking on New York Street, just immediately hang a right on River Street and you can always find a spot in the casino parking lots there.
It’s not a bad idea to look Gillerson’s Grubbery up on Facebook either, as it seems like they’re always running some kind of special event or other deal. For instance, as of this writing, if you go on a Tuesday night burgers are half off and they’re taking reservations for a Founders five course dinner with beer pairings on February 15^th for $ 50 per person.
Anyway, I really dig this place and it’s super cool how they try to promote locally sourced food and beverages so much. Next time you’re heading downtown, definitely give Gillerson’s Grubbery a try.

I had heard about this new little place by the Casino. I read their menu online and was excited to try it. I went with a bunch of friends on a Friday night. It wasn’t too busy but it got a lot busier as the night went on.
Pros: The food is really good. It has a really good atmosphere even if you are just sitting in the bar.
Cons: I’m never one to really complain about the time it takes to get my food. We all have «those friends/​family members» that it ruins their whole din experience. It did take a really long time to get our food. i know it’s a newer restaurant with a newer staff. The food is also really expensive. 10 – 15 dollars for a burger.
Overall: I would come back to this place because I know they are new and I hope to change my 3 stars to maybe a 4 or 5. I can’t deny that the food is really good here.

Well, with high expectations I was a bit disappointed. IMHO, high priced burgers without the presentation I would expect. Hubby’s blue cheese bacon burger had blue cheese dressing on the bun, no crumbles. Shame!!! Just really average, sorry to say. I was looking for a killer burger spot in downtown. Guess we will still be stopping at Two Brothers, a much better value and selection. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t good either…

Gillersons is a perfect addition to the upcoming restaurant row in downtown Aurora. The owners are two of the nicest guys and the manager Krista is the sweetest person. The urban feel of the bar is unique for the area making it a cool place to hang out. Serving only local beers and unique cocktails (orange kush is my favorite!) Gillersons stands apart from other bars in the area. The food menu is again unique combining different flavors and local products. Border Wars jalapeño appetizer is delicious and so are the homemade chicken tenders. They come with a bacon jam dipping sauce that is just as delicious as it sounds. They even make their own ketchup! I definitely recommend Gillersons. Support local businesses. These guys are great!

Excellent addition to our downtown options. The space has always been very nice — sharp, clean lines, great light & good spacing between tables.
Clearly, the focus is on the many beer choices as the food menu is robust yet compact with salads, apps, & sandwiches. Definitely a burger joint — including veggie.
We each had a Bloody Mary (average & even though we were told they were ‘spicy’, they were not) and then shared the fried chicken appetizer (excellent) and a bleu cheese burger (exceptional) with tater tots.
Continuing a trend from the prior tenant, plating was uninspired.
Service was a bit dodgy. We had to request water several times and the tables were devoid of tableware, salt, pepper or condiments. Tableware showed up after the food arrived.
Overall a marked improvement over the prior tenant in quality of food — we’ll be back!

Food was yummy and sourced locally. My husband wasn’t completely sold on his burger but I enjoyed my salad. Regardless, I was sold when I ordered my daughter’s chicken ahead of time and we had it within five minutes. We will definitely be back!

My friend and I came in on a Wednesday night around 7 pm. Based on the previous reviews, I was expecting to be impressed.
I arrived a few minutes before she did and just kind of awkwardly stood in the doorway. No sign about «seat yourself» or «wait to be seated». Turns out it’s «wait to be seated» as there were several tables open, but dirty. We were originally seated at a tall wobbly table. We asked to be seated somewhere else and they tried fixing the table with coasters. Ten coasters later, they agreed to put us at a different table. The guy said we would be seated at another table soon. A few minutes passed and a group was seated at the table we were promised so we got up and say ourselves. They seemed to have a problem with that and asked why were changing tables. So that was a pain.
We both ordered drinks. We ordered the shrimp salsa «appetizer». It is literally salsa with shrimp in it and a handful of tortilla chips for $ 11. Don’t do it. It’s not worth it. I had the Gracin but with chicken instead of beef. Apparently that’s not a thing here. When I asked for chicken instead of beef, the waitress sighed and said «well maybe but the chef is probably going to say no». She checked and said «he said yes but to tell you it will be cut up in strips» because apparently that’s how they serve it for the only chicken sandwich on the menu. I’m hoping they make the chicken fresh for everyone. You know, it was good with the chicken. It came with spicy ketchup and it was necessary to dip the sandwich. The sandwich was quite dry without it. Tots were good. Spicy. I liked them.
Food is decent. A bit expensive. Wait staff not super friendly. Probably won’t return.

I’m going to give this place 5 stars for the amazing food and beer. Thank God I don’t have to go to Ballydoyles anymore.
My husband and I have been here twice. Both times we kept feeling a draft throughout the meal; I would suggest they find a solution for their entryway to block the winter air. The second time we brought sweaters lol, so it didn’t keep us from going back.
The first time we went it was slow service despite only having a few tables full. The next time we went was primetime, 6:30 on a Saturday, we waited 10 min for a table (had a drink at the bar), and the service was much better. Our waitress said it was her second day, she did a great job!
I have had the miss Minnie BLT and the pig pen salad, loved the delicious bacon on these dishes.
We have had the chicken nugget appetizer and the mushroom appetizer, both of which were overpriced and not enough for what we got. We decided to just get fries as an appetizer, as they are $ 5 and you get a large portion. Plus the fries with the lemon aioli sauce = amazing.
This place isn’t cheap but the entrees are top notch. Beer selction is pretty good too. If you’re downtown trying to choose between Ballydoyles and Gillerson’s, you are a chump if you pick Ballydoyles. Just bring a sweater :)

My friend and I went to check it out as it was new. The craft beer list was decent. The décor looks pretty awesome. The food was quite good, but it is definitely a gastropub. The menu offers nothing ‘normal’ so be forewarned if you have picky eaters. Our server was very nice and friendly. It might earn 5 stars after a return visit.

Stumbled upon this little joint while in Aurora looking for a quick bite and cocktail. It was off peak hours so the place was pretty open, our server was polite and as we were in a bit of a hurry she made sure to rush things along a bit which we were thankful for. My husband and I split the Buddha burger and tots as well as the the fried chicken appetizer. I will say that the star of the show was the bacon jam that goes with the fried chicken app, it was bananas. The burger while flavorful, was a bit over juicy but still very tasty toppings were on point and the pretzel roll good as well. The tots we’re really great super crispy and flavorful. If you’re in the area I would definitely give this little spot a chance and if we are ever out that way again probably will do the same.

Very creative burgers. Somewhat pricey for the size of the burger but that’s just a minor consideration. Great fresh brews on tap. Avoid the check appetizer (essentially chicken nuggets). Overall very good.

Not good for brunch. Under trained staff, over priced food. Too much ROSEMARY! Sorry smashed tater-​tot, salt and Rosemary isn’t gourmet nor is it hash-​Browns nor good.
Also if your juices and fruit isn’t fresh please stop claiming that it is…
But nice view of the river. I’d rent the space but the food would be catered in.
… However I’m being rude as I’m next-​door eating because I didn’t get enough to eat at this place.

Upon entering is a giant chalkboard wall in the bar area with all local craft beers listed, which I really appreciated. The décor definitely has a gastropub, inviting feel to it. One Unilocaler commented that their use of wall fixtures were outdated, but I think they decorated accordingly and that the wall hangings were not overdone. Unfortunately I was not very hungry when I visited, so I did not order any starters and kept my meal veggie based to be light. I had the Tacoma Ave with coleslaw and thoroughly enjoyed it-​the tomato focaccia bread is to die for. The coleslaw was homemade and had the perfect mayo-​vinegar ratio along with a unique seasoning that I really enjoyed. I also stole a few fries off of someone else’s plate and they were incredible!
Overall, my experience here was pleasant and I’m excited to have somewhere other than the mediocre Ballydoyles across the street to enjoy local brews and a bite to eat. I can’t wait to try their burgers and other sandwiches!

Amazing. If you enjoy burgers and beers this is totally the place. I got the Rebel Duck and while it was messy (I mean, it’s a burger, with pulled pork AND bacon) it was most definitely one of the best I’ve ever had. We went for lunch and it wasn’t too crowded which was nice. My sister got the Miss Minnie Bennett and loved it. And my mom chowed down on the Pig Pen Salad (which she enjoyed greatly).
But seriously, the food was great — the atmosphere is very welcoming… I hope this place sticks around for a long time. I will be back.

Remember, «A-​OK» = 3 Stars. I’m not sayin’ you shouldn’t go, but don’t expect the 5-​star food experience, as was rated when I visited. It is a solid three star with food, service, and ambiance. It’s a gastropub with a huge dining room, casual sandwiches, fried potatoes on the side.

Most beers are in cans or bottles, with only 4 – 5 on tap.
«Local grub, craft beers» might mean you are just «eating in Aurora, with good beer» because there are no indications that any of the food is local. Please see below.

You cannot claim local if it is not. This slogan is misleading.
The old Chef Epicurean space has been transformed into a funky-​meets-​farm influenced décor «Grubbery,» with sledge hammers on the wall and a large pig-​head mural in the dining room. The few beers on-​tap are listed on a large chalkboard wall. The charm is not lost on me, but I will say, the lime green hurts. Also, the junk on the wall stuff stopped with Bennigans. A few here and there is cool. But no one appreciates your antique collection anymore. This ain’t Portillo’s.
We are greeted by the host, who was friendly and joking, then helped ourselves to a beer. Solemn Oath on tap! Local!
As for the «Craft Beer» selection and service — There are only a few taps, say 4 or 5, though let us remember, the Grubbery doesn’t claim to be a «tap house» of any kind. They do claim to be «Local grub, craft brews,» as stated on their shirts and menus. The beer list is long, though mainly in bottles or cans.
**It irked me that they did not pour my beer for me, but instead, set a glass down and the can next to it.
Pour it for me.
As for the «Local grub,» the menu only states «Locally Ground Beef.» Well, that could be done in the kitchen here. Where is it from? What else is local? It bothers me that «Local Food» is printed on your shirt, but you are not giving any shout outs to any LOCAL producers.
What is LOCAL about your food? You cannot claim to be local just for the popularity of it.
Tell us.
Where is your food from? Your Pork? Your beef? Your chicken? I mean you have a pig painted on the wall. You must have some respect for good food, yes?
But you cannot claim local if it is not.
Or, do you just mean «Local Grub» as in we are eating in Aurora? I don’t get it.
FOOD
Chicken Nugget starter is ON POINT. Though they serve it on a huge plate, making the amount of fried chicken look small. I wanted more as soon as I looked at it! To add to this problem, they gave 2 dipping sauces, also both ON POINT, which needed more chicken to use. YUM.
Pork Belly Sandwich — Seeing all the pig references on the wall, I went with the Pork Belly.
Pork Belly should be served by itself, not on a sandwich. It was dwarfed by the store bought soft bread. Soft bread, soft tender meat = muddled flavored sandwich. The pickles were interesting. The pork belly itself was delicious. Though it was easy to ignore because of the bread.
Pulled Pork Sandwich — Also, lots of bread, though the flavor was there. Topped with coleslaw, it was pretty good.
The fried potatoes, be them chips, or tater tots, or fries, were good. ALMOST too salty, though the beer cut through that easily.

I came out to Gillerson’s on a recommendation from a coworker. Two other coworkers and I came out today for a late lunch. The restaurant wasn’t very full, although we did come about 1:30. We were promptly greeted by the owner (?) and seated. The waitress and service overall, however was a little slow for my taste. The menu is small, however packed with flavor. I decided on the Burger of the Month. I can’t remember what it’s called, however it was a medium rare burger with with a creamy white cheese (havarti? maybe gouda?), a corn relish, and a spicy aioli mayo on top. The burger was cooked well, with a good pink in the middle. I did get a side of chips with the burger, and those were delish! Often homemade chips are too thick or not cooked crispy enough, however these were very crisp and thin! When paired with the lemon aioli, it made a great side!
The drinks looked great on the menu, although it will have to be for another time since we were going back to the office. Hopefully the wait time on service was just today, because this could be a great spot in Aurora!

Excellent food and great beer list. The food is high quality and prepared well. My only «gripe» is they need to put salt and pepper and possibly ketchup on the tables. It seems as though they make their own ketchup, if they do, that’s fantastic but then they need to be on the ball with asking people if they want it. It’s mostly burgers and fries or tots, most people want ketchup and salt with that. Overall, this place is so great though! I highly recommend it.

Walked into the bar as I had never heard of it before. Learned it was only the 2^nd week it was open. Had a wonderful experience as we were just there for a nightcap after watching show across the street.
The manager came over and talked to us and explained the menu items and a bit of history. We tried the «15 Feet» from Off Color brewery. It was terrific! All beer on tap is local beers!
Their menu looked great and we are anxious to come back try! The manager haves us a take home menu to check all they had to offer.
We will be back!

We went to the soft opening. Great experience! Dan (one of the owners) was able to chat with us a bit and made sure we were comfortable.
The atmosphere is awesome. Exposed brick walls, WWII décor, cozy bar area with great beer choices. I wish I would have gotten a picture of the mural on one of the walls.
Our waitress was super friendly, prompt and knowledgeable. We ordered drinks and an appetizer to start. I got a cocktail called «The Butcher’s Apprentice» which I helped name! It was delicious, made with bourbon, fresh mint and lemon. Very refreshing. Mike had an apex preditor farmhouse ale. Great choice as well.
Food we tried: chicken «nuggets» for our app. Fried cornbread and southern style fried chicken bits. The seasoning was spot on, nice kick to it. We had 3 dipping sauces, ranch (which tasted house made and was super good), house made hot sauce which was like a salsa verde and bacon jam. Oh, the bacon jam!!! Please try if you can!!!
I had the «Grumpy Mcgrumperson» 12 hour slow cooked chuck roast paired with giardiniera peppers! Yum!
Mike had the «Rebel Duck» burger and it was EPIC! local beef (the same beef Au Cheval uses) fried onions, bacon, pulled pork on a pretzel bun. I tried a bite and will be ordering next time. Dan even had the time to tell us the story behind the name «Rebel Duck»
Can’t wait to go back! Excited for this place to be so close to home.