Finding a reliable spot that balances high-quality wood-grilled flavors with a relaxed neighborhood vibe isn't always easy, but Grill 89 in Westmont has managed to hit that sweet spot. The menu is a thoughtful collection of New American classics, ranging from heavy-hitting steaks to surprisingly fresh protein bowls. Whether you are stopping by for a quick lunch or a long-overdue family dinner, the current offerings reflect a commitment to bold seasonings and quality ingredients.

Located at 800 East Ogden Avenue, this establishment has become a staple for those who appreciate the smoky char of a wood grill. The menu is divided into accessible categories: starters, handhelds, mains, and a particularly robust selection of market greens. Here is a deep dive into what makes the Grill 89 menu worth a visit this season.

The starters that set the tone

At any table in Grill 89, you will likely see a massive plate of the Famous Pot Roast Nachos. These aren't your standard ballpark nachos. They use tender, slow-cooked pot roast that pulls apart with a fork, layered over crisp tortilla chips with cheddar-jack cheese, jalapeños, sour cream, tomatoes, and scallions. The small portion is priced around $15, while the large at $20 is easily enough to feed a group of four. The richness of the beef against the sharp jalapeño heat creates a profile that is hard to stop eating.

If you prefer something slightly more refined, the California-style Deviled Eggs are a consistent favorite. These are topped with avocado, radish, and the legendary Nueske’s smoked bacon. The inclusion of Nueske’s—a premium smokehouse from Wisconsin—adds a deep, salty crunch that elevates the creamy egg yolk base. For $12 to $14, it is a sophisticated take on a classic comfort appetizer.

For those who like a bit of heat, the Wood Grilled Wings are essential. These aren't deep-fried into oblivion; instead, they are rubbed with habanero and charred over the wood fire. The smoke from the grill complements the habanero spice, and the Danish blue cheese dressing on the side provides the necessary cooling effect. At roughly $13 to $15, they represent the restaurant's mastery over fire-based cooking.

Other notable starters include:

  • Southern Cornbread Muffins: Served with jalapeño, sweet corn, and whipped butter ($6 - $8).
  • Dip & Dip & Dip: A trio of pimento cheese, guacamole, and San Marzano salsa served with warm tortilla chips ($13 - $14.50).
  • Fresh Fried Calamari: Accompanied by both cocktail and tartar sauce for a classic coastal feel ($12.95).

Handhelds, burgers, and the art of the sandwich

The sandwich and burger section of the Grill 89 menu is designed for satisfaction. The signature 89 Burger ($15 - $16.50) is a masterclass in simplicity. It features cheddar, mustard, mayo, onion, pickles, lettuce, and tomato on a split-top bun. The quality of the beef is evident, and the split-top bun—sourced from local favorite Turano Bakery—holds up well against the juices without becoming soggy.

For those seeking something with a bit more complexity, the Steakhouse Burger adds Nueske’s bacon, caramelized onions, and A.1. sauce into the mix. It's a heavy, indulgent choice that pairs perfectly with their Kennebec fries. If you’re not in the mood for beef, the House-made Black Bean Burger is a standout vegetarian option. It uses aged white cheddar and avocado yogurt to ensure that the patty, which can often be dry in other establishments, remains moist and flavorful.

One cannot discuss the handhelds here without mentioning the Smoked Angus Beef Brisket Melt. Priced around $18, it features aged white cheddar, caramelized onions, and a kick of horseradish cream on a brioche bun. The brisket is smoked to the point of melting, and the horseradish cream provides a sharp contrast to the sweet, smoky BBQ undertones.

Other handheld favorites include:

  • Spicy Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich: A massive portion featuring jalapeño slaw and ranch dressing ($15 - $16).
  • Deli-Style Corned Beef: Served on seeded rye with Swiss cheese and 1000 island dressing on the side ($18 - $23.50).
  • Fresh Fish Tacos: Usually featuring the catch of the day with chipotle mayo and a bright jalapeño slaw ($16 - $17.50).

Market greens and whole grain bowls

In an era where diners are increasingly conscious of fresh ingredients, Grill 89’s "Market Greens & Whole Grains" section is more than just an afterthought. The Sonoma Coast Chicken Salad ($17 - $18.50) is perhaps the most popular salad on the menu. It is a massive bowl filled with mixed greens, avocado, corn, almonds, dates, bacon, tomato, and cornbread croutons, all tossed in a green goddess dressing. The combination of sweet dates and salty bacon with the creamy dressing creates a multi-dimensional flavor profile that feels both healthy and decadent.

For those looking for a power lunch, the Protein Bowls are a great choice. The Santa Fe Blackened Chicken Bowl and the Bang Bang Shrimp Bowl (both around $16 - $19.50) use organic rice and kale as a base. The Bang Bang Shrimp variant is particularly interesting, featuring pineapple, poblano peppers, and a red quinoa-edamame-corn-black bean salsa. It’s a vibrant, colorful dish that avoids the typical "heavy" feeling of a restaurant meal.

Salad highlights include:

  • Wood Grilled Salmon Salad: Organic kale, butternut squash, cranberries, red quinoa, and goat cheese with a citrus vinaigrette ($22 - $24.50).
  • Seafood Cobb: A protein-packed mix of shrimp, scallops, avocado, and blue cheese ($17.95).
  • Mike’s Chicken Salad: A lighter option with candied pecans, goat cheese, and apples ($15.95).

Main entrees and wood-grilled specialties

When evening rolls around, the focus of the Grill 89 menu shifts toward the wood grill. The steaks here are treated with respect. The Center-cut 8oz Filet Mignon ($35) is the flagship, often served with a green peppercorn sauce, green beans, and whipped potatoes. The wood fire adds a subtle smokiness to the crust of the steak that a standard broiler simply cannot replicate.

The Twin Filet Mignons are another popular choice for those who want their steak perfectly cooked and paired with classic sides like asparagus and mashed potatoes. If you prefer seafood, the Faroe Island Salmon ($19.95 - $24.50) is a top-tier selection. It’s often prepared with a honey-chipotle glaze or a pinot noir vinaigrette, served alongside organic rice and seasonal vegetables like honey-ginger carrots.

A true neighborhood favorite is the Friday Night Fish and Chips. It features fresh East Coast cod, a crispy batter that isn't overly oily, and a gourmet jalapeño slaw. It has earned a reputation as one of the best fried fish dishes in the Westmont area.

Additional main course highlights:

  • Chicken Parmesan: A classic execution with a thick parmesan crust and rich marinara ($16.95 - $18).
  • BBQ Baby Back Ribs: Smoked and finished on the grill with a house-made BBQ sauce, served with cornbread ($18.95 - $20).
  • Rigatoni & Vodka Sauce: A vegetarian-friendly pasta dish using mascarpone and Parmigiano-Reggiano ($16.30 - $17).
  • Ditka’s Berkshire Pork Chop: A thick cut served with apple chutney and cherry jus ($17.95).

Weekend Brunch: The 11 AM to 2 PM tradition

Brunch at Grill 89 is a dedicated affair. While many of the all-day favorites remain available, the specialty brunch items are the real draw. The Haas Avocado Toast ($16) is a modern staple, but Grill 89 elevates it with corn salsa and eggs cooked to your preference on thick-cut multi-grain bread.

For those who want something heartier, the Cowboy Omelet is filled with cheddar-jack, bacon, and breakfast sausage. If you have a sweet tooth, the French Toast (made with thick-cut Texas toast and mixed berries) or Robert’s Chocolate Chip Pancakes provide a dessert-like start to the day.

One of the unique brunch items is the Pot Roast Hash. Taking the same tender beef from their famous nachos and tossing it with breakfast potatoes, peppers, onions, and mushrooms, it’s a savory powerhouse that defines the "New American" comfort food style.

Finishing touches: Sides and Desserts

No meal at Grill 89 is complete without considering the side interests. The Mac n' Cheese ($8.50 - $9) is a four-cheese blend featuring brie, cheddar, parmesan, and Swiss. It is rich, creamy, and often ordered as a shared side for the table. The Asparagus and Honey-Ginger Carrots provide a lighter, brighter accompaniment to the heavier meat dishes.

As for dessert, the Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet ($8) is the crowd-pleaser. It arrives warm, with the edges crisp and the center still soft, topped with house-made vanilla ice cream. However, the Apple Croustade is the sleeper hit of the menu. It features crisp pastry, warm apple pieces, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream, creating a perfect balance of temperatures and textures.

Beverages and the bar scene

The beverage program at Grill 89 is as robust as the food menu. They feature a rotating list of craft beers on draft, including local favorites like Alter "Alterior Motive" IPA from Downers Grove and Allagash White.

The cocktail list is led by the "Ditka’s Bloody Mary." This isn't just a drink; it’s an appetizer in itself, garnished with a shrimp skewer and served with a Miller Lite or Short’s Local’s Light chaser. For something more refreshing, the Sparkling Sangria (available in red or white) or the Espresso Martini provide excellent options for different times of the day.

The Dining Experience in Westmont

Grill 89 manages to be several things at once. The bar area is lively, making it a great spot for drinks and "nibbles" like the pot roast nachos or wood-grilled wings. Meanwhile, the dining room offers comfortable booths and a more relaxed atmosphere suitable for family gatherings or business lunches. There is also a patio for the warmer months, allowing diners to enjoy their wood-grilled salmon or burgers in the fresh air.

The service is frequently cited as a highlight. Staff members are known for being attentive without being intrusive, and the kitchen is generally flexible with dietary needs, offering many "gluten-friendly" (GF) and vegetarian (VG) options clearly marked on the menu.

Summary of what to expect

When you look at the Grill 89 menu, you are looking at a cross-section of American culinary preferences. It respects the classics—the burgers, the steaks, the salads—but adds enough of a twist (like the habanero rub or the avocado yogurt) to keep things interesting.

Prices are moderate, with appetizers in the $10-$15 range, sandwiches around $16, and entrees varying from $18 to $35. It is the type of place where you can spend $20 on a high-quality burger and a beer, or $60 on a full three-course steak dinner. That versatility, combined with the consistent quality of the wood-fired grill, ensures that it remains a premier destination in the Westmont dining scene.

If you're planning a visit, keep in mind that the Friday fish fry and weekend brunch are the busiest times. Reservations are often a good idea for dinner, especially on weekends when the neighborhood locals fill up the booths quickly. Whether you're there for the famous nachos or a perfectly charred filet, the Grill 89 menu offers a reliable, flavorful experience that justifies its reputation as a local favorite.