06/17/2026
1886 Grill
A new name inspired by Elwood’s history. A tradition worth preserving.
Named after the year natural gas was discovered in Elwood, 1886 Grill celebrates the hardworking spirit and rich heritage that helped shape our community. Located in one of Elwood’s most iconic restaurant locations, we’re proud to carry forward a tradition that generations of families have enjoyed.
At the heart of our menu is the legendary traditional onion burger, prepared in a way that pays tribute to the restaurant’s earliest days as Williams in 1926.
Over the decades, recipes and techniques naturally evolve, but our goal is to honor the tradition that made this location a local favorite for generations. Our onions are carefully prepared before being pressed directly into the beef on the flat-top grill, where they slowly caramelize and become one with the burger as it cooks.
Before the burger leaves the grill, it’s finished with a generous portion of onions slowly cooked in beef tallow, adding another layer of rich flavor that complements the caramelized onions already worked into the beef. It’s a simple touch, but one that reflects the care and attention that made the original onion burgers so memorable.
The result is the rich, savory, unmistakable flavor that longtime customers remember and new customers will come to appreciate. It’s not about reinventing the onion burger—it’s about returning to the craftsmanship, simplicity, and quality that made it special in the first place.
At 1886 Grill, we’re not creating a new tradition—we’re bringing back a taste of Elwood’s history, one onion burger at a time.
Pair it with our signature fries, cooked to deliver the perfect balance of a crispy golden exterior and a tender, fluffy center, just the way great fries should be.
More than a restaurant, 1886 Grill is a gathering place where history, community, and great food come together.
Community chosen. History inspired. Tradition served daily.
