Art & Alma’s was built more than 100 years ago. (Photo by Chris LaPelusa/Sun Day)
BURLINGTON – It may be decades since the last person used a hitching post at Art & Alma’s restaurant rather than a parking space, but the history of that Great American Era still remains in this fine-dining establishment.
House spcialty Char-grilled Barbecued Baby Back Ribs. (Photo by Chris LaPelusa/Sun Day)
Located on the corner of Center and Main in the Century Inn, Art & Alma’s is a historical benchmark in downtown Burlington. It was originally opened in 1908 as Rulhausen’s Tavern, serving the booming dairy industry of the area, and featured a back bar crafted by regional masters, which still stands today. In fact, the bar area of Art & Alma’s remains virtually unchanged, from its tile floors to its mirror, since it opened over 100 years ago, said manager Dorothy Meyer.
“We keep the bar the same,” explained Meyer, noting the pride that local residents and regulars take in the establishment.
The tavern that is now Art & Alma’s survived all the turmoil of the last hundred years. It withstood wars, depression, dairy strikes, even prohibition, and stands today as a testament to the customer service that is as much of a tradition in Art & Alma’s as the history it preserves.
Auethentic newspaper placemats. (Photo by Chris LaPelusa/Sun Day)
And then, of course, there’s the food.
In the late 1970s, Art & Alma turned the tavern into the four-star, fine-dining establishment it is today with the addition of its dining room and menu, which features daily specials and offers guests everything from original appetizers to ribs so tender the meat slips from the bone, to succulent, aged steaks, to a good old-fashioned burger. Entrees include soup & salad bar, breads and spreads, and option of side. Fridays only at Art & Alma’s also feature their popular fish fry, and currently they are now open for breakfast on Sundays.
Skillet Fried Candadian Walleye. Lightly seasoned. (Photo by Chris LaPelusa/Sun Day)
“We have high-quality, good food at good prices, and our friendly staff,” Meyer said is what keeps current guests coming back and making regulars out of the people who come in just to see what Art & Alma’s is all about. “We’re a welcoming staff. It’s like family here.”
And if guests aren’t enjoying an atmosphere that was created over 100 years ago while waiting for their meals, they can read about that history in every placemat, which are laminated sheets of real newspaper from dates going all the way back to the tavern’s establishment.
“While [guests] are waiting, they can read the newspaper,” said Meyer. “People just get a real kick out of it.”
Art & Alma’s
What: Four-star, fine-dining establishment
Where: 125 Main St. in Burlington, located in the Century Inn
Directions: Make right out Sun City main entrance onto Route 47. Take 47 to Plank Rd., make right. Take Plank Rd., to Main St. in Burlington. One block down on left side of street.
Hours: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, Saturday. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. Closed Monday.
Phone: 847-683-2883 or 847-683-9272
Web: aacenturyinn.com
