44 Best Bars near Island Lake

“Love this place! Maggie is awesome, always knows what we drink soon as we walk in. Everyone there made us feel welcome. We enjoy shooting pool and had been looking for a good place in the area close to the house..This place is perfect! Definitely our favorite place ?“

“Friendly fun bartenders and a great atmosphere. Lots of fun games“

“Sideouts is an awesome place to eat, drink, bowl or watch live music! Huge outdoor patio with tvs, music, baggo, violleyball and so much more. The food is excellent, the pizza is some of the best around! Summertime they have car shows, bands in the sand concerts, and many other events. You gotta check this place out!“

“This place is great just walking distance from my house. They have excellent happy hour specials and the best bartender I’ve had in a long time. His name is Brian and he’s got a great personality and even learned an old fashioned drink recipe called the mary Pickford for me ? I love a bartender with a great sense of humor and a willingness to accommodate their patrons. Highly recommend this little gem.“

“Fun tiki like atmosphere inside, but you don’t really get good views of the water from inside restaurant. I got the bbq bacon burger and it was great! The fries were a seasoned kind, they were good but not my fave. The mister got the all you eat fish fry. They bring out two fried cod pieces at a time. The beer battered fish was great and so was tartar sauce, especially the spicy one was fantastic! Only complaint is we waited awhile for another serving of fish - but when it came out it was hot and fresh! We asked for side of blue cheese and some hot sauce - be aware they charge you for 75 cent for every sauce without letting you know.“

“Stopped in quick for some pizza and to watch the game. Staff was friendly and helpful. Loved their tater tots. Pizza wasn't our style, but hit the spot after a long drive. Great place to watch the game.Parking: Lot is pretty small and a little difficult to get in and out of, but there was parking available.“

“We had fish fry-baked cod, and baked perch, hush puppies, amazing potato salad and coleslaw. Really good! Pleasantly surprised! Good service, too.“

“Fun and friendly and welcoming place, full of great activities and the nicest charming bartenders (Jim’s my favorite). Also serves snacks, pizza, and sometimes hotdogs. Best prices around. Open to the public and helps veterans! Why isn’t this place listed under bars of McHenry? Odd.“

“I brought my mom here today and we both had Reshmi Curry with Eggplant-She had it with the chickpea noodles and I had it with rice. They were absolutely delicious, savory meals. We both cleaned our plates. And I’m a child-sized person, so that’s saying something.I certainly can’t complain about the service or the price either. I was also happy to find a restaurant that didn’t have any steps, since my mom uses a walker.“

“It's been over two weeks since my family and I visited The Polish American Bistro. It would be remiss of me not to leave a wonderful review of this lovely restaurant! Ania and Darek, the owners, are the nicest and most hospitable people ever! Since I have family in Poland, it was fun to talk to them about their homeland. Now about their food . . . it's completely amazing! I ordered galumpki (ground beef and rice wrapped in cabbage). The tomato sauce on top was so delicious, it spun circles around the sauce my grandma used to make (sorry, Grandma!)! My husband ate a breaded pork cutlet with mashed potatoes. SO tasty! And my daughter opted for a cheeseburger that looked and tasted so great that we even returned the next day to order another cheeseburger to go! Our entrees were accompanied by a side of two types of salad - one made of marinated red cabbage, and the other was their super delectable authentic Polish sour cream, cucumbers and dill. As you can tell, our dinner itself was a 5-star experience. Last but not least, I must discuss their DESSERTS! When you walk into Ania and Darek's restaurant, your eyes will immediately be drawn to their multi-tier display of desserts. Unfortunately, since our stomachs were full after our delicious dinner, we couldn't even think of dessert. However, take-home was still an option! So I asked Ania to escort me to the dessert case and tell me about her sweet treats. It turns out she owns a bakery in another suburb, and all the desserts are made on location at the bakery FROM SCRATCH! So we took a few home (see photo), ate them the next evening, and they did not disappoint! I loved them all, especially the vanilla custard inside the eclair and fruit tart! The chocolately hazelnut dessert was a Kinder Bueno torte. I want to go back and try more of these amazing treats! You should really go check out The Polish American Bistro, whether or not you are Polish! They have food for everyone. Dziękuję Ania and Darek!“

“After spending almost all day in Volo museum we wanted to have a nice dinner and this place was just 6 min away..I wish I took some picture of the food but I was starving.. the prime rib was a good portion. It was delicious..I ordered chicken Marsala and had a Chardonnay with it and all in all the experience was amazing. The waitress was cheerful and very accommodating and the price range was very affordable...we will definitely come back..“

“It was a very special night for us and they made our dining experience so very nice“

“Good bar good bartenders. The owner is friendly. They also serve frozen pizzas so there is a bonus for food. Who doesn't want food after some drinks ? Classic dive bar & they also have slots & darts. Great place. I love coming here with my friends. Every time I always have fun. I highly recommend this bar!“

“The bartender was very nice and accommodating and the place has a friendly atmosphere but definitely needs more light in there and could use a bit updating. I got takeout and the food was amazing even after getting a bit cold cause I got stuck in traffic lol (Not their fault at all as It was warm when I got it). I would definitely get food there again (but dine in) as everything was really good and reasonably priced. Would definitely recommend.“

“I totally enjoy the skill of all the wait staff, their ability to inform, enjoy conversation, and do the run down on what the band is like. Owners Tom & Karen are gregarious, fun, interesting people and provide GREAT talented local musicians. The music scene in Wauconda, Illinois is 10 out of ten...bar hopping encouraged. French Martini with Chambourg, an 11 and one drink, my limit...usually. Dancing...FUN! Especially when Karen agrees. Lol. And occasionally, or perhaps too often singing back up to Motown song fulfills my fantasy to be a Temptation, a Top, Little Stevie Wonder, or Marvin Gaye & Tammy Terrell. And yes, the Jackson 5. But there's no mountain higher than backup to a Supremes song, except for a Diana song, or Tina is Simply The Best! But Diana's he PEAK, & so is STRAWBERRY MOON. CHECK IT OUT. WAKANDA FOREVER, on Main Street“

“My waiter was good and friendly. I sat in covered patio. I ordered a spring salad with shrimp. blackberries, grapefruit, candied pecans, arugula and berry vinaigrette and a side of Mac n cheese. The salad was missing the pecans but I forgot until I left, I thought something was missing. However, the shrimp was perfectly cooked. The ratio of shrimp to half portion was good. Mac N Cheese was ok. Noodles were undercooked and some still hard/crunchy edges and cheese sauce was just average and a bit gritty/thick. However, I was not expecting my meal to be served with plastic wrapped plastic utensils. a take home box for salad and a take home container for dining in. That was disappointing. the table of eight next to me was a bit shocked too to get their meals in to go cardboard containers.“

“WOW-ZAH! The Blue Heron Cafe!!have been craving a good burger - for weeks. So I decided to try a place nearby with a great word-of-mouth following & reputation.WHAT A FIND ( ok, NEW= To Me)This was the most amazing Char grilled-hand made Burger I've had in YEARS!! All topped with sweet grilled onions & the freshest butter lettuce, ripe juicy tomatoes, & BBQ sauce (on the side)......this level of burger was totally unexpected! I got a lovely fresh salad on the side- Yum!The Blue Heron Cafe = is WAY more than a local sports bar! ☆☆☆☆☆ Cheers to the Chef! And to your sweet bartenders!“

“Absolutely love all of the bartenders here! Micaela is so sweet and welcoming! Kristi is the such a great person and love talking to her about our kids and their successes. J is so sweet and always has a tan. And the manager Jen is so great! They have a great staff, who are attentive and fun! Met so many amazing people here and cannot wait to meet more!“

“What a delightful spot. Just what you want in a neighborhood bar. Stop by and meet some new friends. Love this place EXCEPT when someone jacks up the jutebox at 4 in the afternoon when everyone else is watching the news. We just left. Not everyone has your taste in music.“

“Nicole is really cute and awesome personality. Great bartender!“

“Went to attend a two day concert event there. Was greeted by the Sargent of Arms and later on by the VP. Great group of bikers. The lodge is very big. The bar is huge, with plenty of seating at and around it. Great food, the smell will definitely hook ya to get a nibbler. Nice size stage and dance floor. Very nice lay out. Never been in there, until this event came up. I would most definitely go back there again. Great people and welcoming. Good times and fun. Give it a whirl, and check it out... Don't think you'll be disappointed by any means. Good show guys ?hope to see ya again. ?✌️“

“Love the bar, love the service, love the food, and love the view. A blast to stop at if you're out on the boat! Even in off-peak seasons it is very nice. Hi Barb!!!Parking: Easier to find a spot by boat, parking in the marina lot out back next to the beef barge parking.“

“Another iconic place that has been there forever...It use to be a pretty rough establishment back in the day. But, hey we're old schoolers and born & raised locals from here. The majority of us go there. We all grew up together or attended school in the area and know each other. Great place to get a brew or mix drink, and reminisce. Lots of old faces in here. If your from here or seeking info about our town... Then you know where to hang out at. Restrooms, Karaoke, Jukebox, Full Service Bar, Pizza and Chips, Dartboards and plenty of seating available. Always something happening. Smoking allowed in front or back areas. We're all friendly folks in here. Stop in for one or more. Welcome to our neighborhood. Fri & Sat. Nights are quite busy. See ya soon. A+.“

“Really cannot rate the food yet, as we just went there for some wine.This establishment serves whisky (bourbon, Scotch, Irish whisky, Japanese whisky, and Tennessee whisky) and wines.Wine tastings are available for about $20-$45. Membership not needed.The bartender, Ashley, was a fully-rated whisky sommelier, and was very knowledgeable about most of their 200-plus bottles.We will plan to host an event here in April and should have more info then.“

“When I was 12-13 years old in 1977, 1978 the owner of this establishment at the time, Joe Kidd, would pay me $2/hr to sweep and mop the floors on Saturday and Sunday mornings. On Saturday mornings he would lock me in the bar so he could go out to breakfast with his buddies. So, I would pour myself a tall, frothy mug of Old Style and stare at it for a while before pouring it down the drain. I live in South Carolina now, but in 2016 I took a trip around the country by Amtrak, stopped in Chicago and rented a car to take my wife to visit Wauconda. We came here and I sat at the bar and drank an Old Style beer and pointed out to my wife that the tile was the same as what I swept and mopped in 1977. Thanks for the memories.“

“In response to the 1 star review from Meagan Chevrelette, I was there last night. I watched your children pushing each other around, being unruly and messing with the bowling equipment while you and your adult group was not paying attention. As a customer I was wondering who was going to intervene and correct them. I watched the owner calmy go over and speak to the children and fix the equipment. I would also like to note that the bowing lanes were occupied by 70% children. We specifically go to the bowl because it is both adult and child friendly. Hope you take your review down. That is a bad, inaccurate description of a family friendly place.“

“Celebrated my fiancé 30th birthday there and it was the best. Kenny made sure we had everything set days before the party, showed up to the party to help out and make sure everything was great. He would keep up with checking in every so often which was nice to have the owner involved and actually care how it was all going. The bartenders were super awesome and made sure to check on everyone who was in the golf simulator on drinks and food. Overall I’m so thrilled we did his party there. Would 100% recommend lulu’s to anyone who is looking for a nice, clean, laidback vibe and overall fun. Thank you guys for being so awesome!“

“We played a show at the theater next to this place. Had dinner here. WOW!!!! The service was very good and friendly. But the food!! I had a huge burger with bacon, egg, and hashbrowns. It was huge and incredible. Wife had a chicken wrap, she said was incredible as well. The incredible food combined with the small town friendly atmosphere makes this place well worth the stop. I love how they "branded" the bun.“

“Great place ! Visited after doing business in the fox lake area Real nice down home attitude and very friendly staff and a informative group of locals .Really reasonable drink prices and a great add on restaurant behind the Pub called "Pawneys place "which has great food at great prices Staff was great, music selection great food was great, drinks were very reasonable and the crowd was fun to be around -------Great visit“

“The food was so delicious that we when back the next day. On Friday night we went in for the fish fry and Saturday we went out for the prime rib special. Both days were delicious. The salad bar was amazing both days. I will definitely be back.“

“So many fun times at this bar, the owner Mike is the nicest guy ever..the manager Dennis definitely keeps everyone on there toes unless he is crabby and you catch him on a bad day ?.. it’s definitely a nice neighborhood bar with great people and has the oldest I mean coldest beer in town“

“Well, been passing by this place forever and this time we decided to stop in. Very sparse parking so we asked where to park and immediately the female bartender came outside and pointed to a few locations. She must have been an owner because it is rare and doubtful an employee would be so accommodating. Moving on..... We were seated, by the very nice and conscientious female bartender. She asked for our drink order and gave us menus........ So far so good......The food..... Corn Beef and Cabbage Dinner-Outstanding Monster Burger-Incredible Ruben-Great Patty Melt- Delicious Absolutely excellent all around. Not a single negative comment from anyone in our party. Oh, yeah! There was a gentleman talking to some people at the bar and was showing the coolest DUCK model to his friends. Said his buddy made them and was selling them for $5. My buddy immediately jumped up and bought it and asked for another one. Well the gentleman left the bar. Damn... no duck for me....... Hold on...... He returned with another duck in hand. I snapped it up and thanked him. That doesn't happen nowadays. How cool is that. The entire experience of that bar/grille was that of a typical Chicago old neighborhood tavern. Great people. Great food. special nod to the female bartender. Awesome lady who "gets it." We'll be back.....again and again.“

“This bar is awesome if you love a good friendly dive. You walk in and everyone knows each other, making it a very warm, welcoming environment. The first time I've been here was a couple years back when my friend had just turned 21 and we got (I'd say one of the best) bloody Mary's. Beers cheap and people are great! The bar tender is also really fun.“

“Sauen was very attentive to our orders and gave explanatory guest services to my nephew and I during our visit. We definitely will be back of Sauen is serving.Kid-friendliness: Thank you, Sau I hope that is the right the right spelling of your name. It was quite nosy“

“Excellent mocktails and ambiance. Also, great piano music. The bartender was extremely organized and attentive to all her customers. She's basically a one-woman-army: bartender/barback/manager combined into one. Furthermore, I was impressed with her ability to deal with drunk patrons. Sadly they don't have a kitchen.“

“Met my besties here for girls night/catch up session. The food was delicious and the drink menu extensive! We enjoyed every minute of our experience, especially service by Mary. Ken described the cod special so well, all 3 of us ordered it. We can’t wait to return!“

“It's a small bar on the corner of Berkshire and Virginia Rd. Cutoff. I didn't get the chance to order food. Good place to grab a drink. It has a patio/deck for outside seating. Limited seating at bar, some table seating offered. When I went, the place was full in the parking lot and full inside. I remember this place being the old Frank N Stein. Its interesting what they did to the place and from what I remembered of business that use to be in there. Stop in and have a drink or nibble... It's a small interesting place. Update 03/08/2023 - Had Italian Beef, Fries and tatter tots... Excellent. Long Island ice teas are a great finisher. ?“

“What a great vibe in here! The clientele is mixed and everyone is chill. There are middle aged and millennials, regulars and newbies all in one small space. People come in off the street while walking their dogs just to say "hi". The look is an eclectic mix of rock n roll meets pop with some hippy mixed in. In the back is fun outside seating. If it's nice, get out there and relax. Don't miss out on this place and don't be afraid to go inside ladies, don't be fooled by the outside...it's perfectly ok and you'll miss out on a gem.“

“A wonderful bar to grab drinks at. We have always wanted to stop in here, and we were not disappointed! The service was fantastic. We were blessed enough to meet the owner who is a complete gem! They have pool, darts, and a beautiful beer garden. Can't wait to spend more time here!“

“We ordered carry out from here a few times, food was always really great. We did dine in for the first time, the service was great, the food was even better. The women working the bar and the tables was super friendly and we love the overall vibe of the restaurant itself. I find it cozy and a sweet little spot to eat. :)“

“I was here for a celebration of life. This is the 2nd time here for that reason. I also attended for other parties. The food and drinks are great. The staff is friendly and the service is fast. Great view of the lake. I would definitely recommend for parties.Parking: Small number of parking spaces and not easy to turn around to leave.“

“Pete the bartender is very quick, attentive and professional.“

“It’s a fun place to hang out!! Pool, volleyball, boat docks and a ramp to put your boat in“

“Excellent service with delicious food. The four of us shared several entrees with lamb, lentils, and chick peas. We’ll be going back again soon.“