Tom and Chris Meyer of Lake Bluff (from left) enjoy dinner and drinks with Gina and Shawn Connor of Gurnee at Inovasi in downtown Lake Bluff on Feb. 22. The village is working to further improve its attractiveness to visitors, businesses and residents. |

Downtown Lake Bluff has come alive on weekends with the addition of new business, including the Lake Bluff Brewing Company. | Michael Schmidt~Sun-Times Media

Lake Bluff Brewing Company manager Lauren Davidson (from left) meets with employees Joe Carani and Tyler Mattson prior to the Friday rush on Feb. 22. | Michael Schmidt~Sun-Times Media

About to enjoy dinner at Lake Bluff Brewing Company, kicking off their weekend on Feb. 22, are (clockwise from upper left) Mitch Beales, Kuei Tseng, Adriana Caballero, Ilaria Badagnani, Zachary Marinelli, 4, and his mother Micky Marinelli, Josh Decker, Da

Lake Bluff Brewing Company ferments its own brews. | Michael Schmidt~Sun-Times Media

Enjoying conversation at the bar at Lake Bluff Brewing Company on Friday night (from left) Lauren Davidson, Perry Brown, Gary Gordon, Andy Krivoshik, Chris Bradley, Brendan Watters and Michael Moore. | Michael Schmidt~Sun-Times Media

Jennifer McKenzie (left) and Michelle O'Connor kick off their Friday night at Lake Bluff Brewing Company. Downtown Lake Bluff has become a destination for entertainment. | Michael Schmidt~Sun-Times Media

The Lake Bluff Village Board is slated to approved an $11.9 million budget for fiscal year 2014, anticipating an 11 percent drop in sales-tax revenue, including from downtown businesses. | Michael Schmidt~Sun-Times Media

Karen and Bob Blanchard of Lake Forest enjoy dinner at Inovasi restaurant, which they said is their favorite place. The village is in the midst of a branding study to become a favorite destination for others. | Michael Schmidt~Sun-Times Media

The Lake Bluff Village Board is slated to approved an $11.9 million budget for fiscal year 2014, anticipating an 11 percent drop in sales-tax revenue, including from downtown businesses. | Michael Schmidt~Sun-Times Media

The Lake Bluff Village Board is slated to approved an $11.9 million budget for fiscal year 2014, anticipating an 11 percent drop in sales-tax revenue, including from downtown businesses. | Michael Schmidt~Sun-Times Media

Heather Olszewski helps daughters Lena, 4, (center) and Zofia, 6, at Lulu's Frozen Delights in downtown Lake Bluff. Despite the vibrant business climate, village sales-tax revenue continues to lag. | Michael Schmidt~Sun-Times Media

The Olszewskis (clockwise, from left) Mariusz, Zofia, Heather and Lena, share a family moment at the popular LuLu's Frozen Delights in downtown Lake Bluff, where sales-tax revenue continues to lag despite the vibrant business climate. | Michael Schmidt~Su

Mariusz Olszewski (right) brings frozen treats for Zofia, Heather and Lena at the popular Lulu's in Lake Bluff, a big draw for the village's vibrant downtown. Village sales-tax revenue continues to lag, due in large part to lower automobile sales. | Micha

Carmela Heintzelman of Lake Bluff (right) shares a treat with her daughter Gabby, 5, (left) and son Jonathan, 2, at LuLu's Frozen Delights in downtown Lake Bluff. Downtown business popularity hasn't offset the village's lagging sales-tax revenue. | Michae

Jonathan Heintzelman (left) enjoys his Friday night treat with his sister Gabby at LuLu's Frozen Delights in downtown Lake Bluff. Downtown business popularity hasn't offset the village's lagging sales-tax revenue. | Michael Schmidt~Sun-Times Media