Evergreen Park couple Philip and Christina Flores believe in disconnecting from technology and reconnecting with what’s most important — real face-to-face encounters with family, friends and community.
Christina has lived in Evergreen Park for more than three decades. Her husband, Philip, a Chicago native, moved to Las Vegas as a child before returning to the area — a neighborhood they both take immense pride in.
“Evergreen Park is home,” Philip said.
The couple, along with their family and friends: Philip Flores, Rashaun Little, Fabian Gonzalez, Nick Rodriguez and John Adams, chose to open their business, Evergreen Social Whiskey & Board Game Tavern, in the heart of the community at 2855 W. 95th Street.
“There wasn’t even a debate as to where we would open,” Philip said. “The city of Evergreen Park has been amazing to us, and everyone has been so welcoming.”
Evergreen Social officially opened its doors on July 31, offering a mix of whiskey, board games and good company. The couple decided to spotlight whiskey as part of the tavern’s identity.
“There are a lot of people who don’t know good whiskey or know good whiskey-based drinks,” Philip said.
The tavern is open to all ages, serving food, drinks and a game library featuring Dungeons & Dragons, Warhammer and more — plus Game Masters to help newcomers learn.
“This is a family establishment, and our sole purpose is to get people to spend more time with their families,” Philip said. “To get off their phones and to talk to one another.”
Philip brings more than 40 years of restaurant industry experience, having worked as a waiter, bartender and bar builder.
“My mom owned restaurants in Las Vegas — ever since I can remember, the restaurant business has been a part of my life,” he said.
The couple previously owned Greenfire Games, a gaming store in Oak Lawn, and have incorporated that passion into their new venture. Board games are available for customers to pick up and play while dining. A “Free to Play” area offers a space for guests who aren’t dining to play games together.
“This is great for kids after school to come in and hang out, giving them somewhere to go and socialize with each other without technology,” Philip said.
The tavern also offers private rooms with murals painted by Evergreen Park High School students and a retail section for buying, selling and trading board games and other nostalgic items.
In the kitchen, a Michelin-star chef serves dishes ranging from a grilled chicken sandwich on sourdough with provolone, arugula and avocado to house-made pappardelle pasta with asparagus, tomatoes, mushrooms and parmesan. Bone-in pork chops are also on the menu.
For kids, options include pasta marinara, cheeseburgers and fries, pizza or chicken tenders.
Having five children ages 5 to 16, Philip said keeping kids in mind was a priority when building the restaurant.
“I wanted to have a place for my kids to go — somewhere they could hang out with their friends and each other and feel comfortable, and we have that here at Evergreen Social,” he said.
