Fitzgerald’s at 6615 Roosevelt Road, is a Berwyn mainstay and one of the country’s best local venues for live music. With three stages for acts of all kinds, this bar/music hall/barbecue joint, at one time owned by the Fitzgerald family and now owned and run by Will Duncan-who has worked in music venues, restaurants and bars for some 20 years. Duncan had been a patron of Fitzgerald’s at first, “I would stop on my way home from work after getting off work late in the evening, catch up on a beverage, and soak up the scene a little bit,” Duncan recalls. “It has such an incredible charm and unique energy. It’s a magical place. Anyone who steps foot on this property recognizes that right away.”
In the music venue Duncan points out the collection of drum heads lining the walls from those who have been privileged enough to play on its stage. There’s even an accordion with its keys signed by noteworthy musicians of both Zydeco and the Cajun music scene. To say there is a lot of history at Fitzgerald’s is an understatement; it oozes from every crack, brick, tile and tap.
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On either side of Fitzgerald’s are two other properties owned by Duncan: the Sidebar and his newest endeavor, Babygold Barbecue. In between the two buildings, a former parking lot, Duncan designed an open area patio where people can sit, drink, eat, hang with friends and family, all while enjoying music that plays on its newly constructed outdoor stage. This outdoor space let Fitzgerald’s host 200+ music events in the summer of 2020 at the height of the COVID outbreak.
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The Sidebar is a neighborhood cocktail lounge open 6 nights a week alongside the patio and the restaurant. Operating from 6 pm – 1am, its diminutive stage allows for small format live music, local singer songwriters, blues duos, and open mic night. A cadre of loyal local customers enjoy trending craft cocktails and dinner. There’s even a party room available to host events, small dinners, birthday parties and other intimate occasions.
Across the patio is Duncan’s newest baby, Babygold Barbecue. You can pick up and take out food, or peruse their retail options. Purchase Babygold tee shirts, sunglasses, sauces, and Babygold Coldbeer. You can even pick up some vinyl, due to a unique partnership with Val’s Halla Records in Oak Park.
The idea for opening a barbecue restaurant came from Duncan’s friend John Manion, proud Berwyn resident and acclaimed chef. As Duncan remembers it, “John said, there’s only one kind of food to eat at this place and it’s BBQ because it fits the American roots music legacy.” They’re currently working to open an indoor dining experience at Babygold Barbecue, replacing an existing wall with glass for a true music experience as you tap your foot to the beat outside while licking your barbecue-covered fingers.
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There’s even a 3-bedroom AirBnB that Duncan and wife Jess opened on the campus above the restaurant. Duncan adds, “It’s really taken off beyond our expectations. It’s booked 5-6 nights a week.”
This year Fitzgerald’s will host the inaugural Berwyn Blues Festival, planned for the final weekend of September. Expect blues bands and a blend of local and national acts. Tickets for the show are on sale now.
Already famous for its 3-4 day American music over the July 4th weekend for the past 40 years, Duncan beams when he speaks of the possibilities of even more music festivals at Fitzgerald’s. “It’s a space where you can have a music festival experience, with three stages, but it’s in this old beautiful building.”
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