“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!“
“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.“
“This is a really good local establishment. It's a small bar with what looked like a decent outdoor area. It was burger night and the smash burger was excellent. The birria tacos were also very good. This isn't some highbrow place... just a small local joint that is serving up a couple of really good items along with good drinks. The bartender was friendly and I was glad we went there.“
“Great food! Appetizer of vegetable samosa was very tasty. I had a paneer dish, husband had a lamb dish, kids had butter chicken, all delicious & served hot! Naan was a great addition. We were served quickly and the atmosphere was romantic. We will definitely be back!“
“I was the day of coordinator for a recent wedding that rented out MadCats for their after party. I worked with Sauvio who had great communication and is super personable & a great host. He worked the event!! Great expert. Great food. And an incredible atmosphere for all the guests. Everyone had a great time!!“
“No wake is great. The servers and bartenders are really friendly. The prices at this bar are always reasonable. I always enjoy the food when I visit. Atmosphere is fun too. This bar is popular but gets more crowded in the summer months. Located on the Fox River it's always fun to stop while boating. They also have gas for refueling boats. There are also a lot machines and there is outdoor seating in the summer months. I would highly recommend visiting no wake.“
“I enjoyed the Escargot, Oyster Rockefeller, three cheese potatoes, Mac and Cheese, an the cocktails. Steaks looked great and large enough to share. But the most important item was the bar service staff! They were amazing! I recommend anyone going!“
Bar & Grill • $
“Good Fish Fry. Very friendly staff. I opted for the sweet potato tots which were a little over done on the outside but still soft in the middle. A lot of your classic bar food dishes. They offer home made soups daily. It can get a bit loud inside. Overall, a great place to stop by and have a bite to eat!“
“The reason for my 4-star atmosphere review is that sometimes the restaurant feels cramped. It's a small restaurant, but that never sways my decision not to go here any chance I get!For many years, we've been indulging in this delicious gem! We've been to many fine French bistros, but this one takes the cake ? the food is delightful with flavors that satisfy a foody plate. It's not only the food, but the waitstaff is superb! There is a particular waiter that makes you feel like you're dining in France, and he's known you for years (this particular experience was in 2023, so if you're lucky, he'll be your waiter).If you're ever in the mood for a lovely meal, I recommend D&J BISTRO.Bon Appétit!“
“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.“
“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!“
“We were seated quickly and the waiter was very friendly and attentive. He checked on us frequently which we appreciated.The drinks were great but the food was a bit salty. I ordered the fettuccine Alfredo with chicken and the sauce was too salty. Other than that the food and atmosphere were good.“
“AMAZING! I go to restaurants comparing them to Morton’s because l had an amazing time here! Food AMAZING the steak MUAH! the chefs know how to cook! The service was great! The drinks so good and the butter and bread forget about it. The baked potatoes UGH I want more ? this place is the only place that has gotten 10/10 for me 5 stars and I mean it! Can’t wait to go back!“
“I love coming to this bar!! Every Thursday they switch the Tap!! TAP TAKEOVER and omg the beers are amazing. They also have live music, came to see Frank liston Music, he was amazing and added to the atmosphere. The staff is super friendly. Food is okay but overall the atmosphere is where it's at!! Come for Tap Takeovers!“
“Dear Jimmy D's, We cheated on you today to go try the bird's nest for lunch. I'm eating the buffalo wrap right now & it pales in comparison to yours. Whoever reads this, don't go to Bird's nest to "see if it's good." Instead, just keep going to Jimmy D's, where the service is great & the food is always delicious. Again, we're sorry we cheated on you to try Bird's Nest. We love you Jimmy D's. Sincerely, The people with the small children & the grandparents that come in all the time.“
“This is absolutely one of the best and most authentic virtual golf simulators Ive played.Of course the putting is always the wild card but the drives, irons and chips were truly spot on.Nice facility and the help were awesome as well.I'm definitely will be heading back during this winter season“
“This place is awesome as staff and customers are very friendly and food is always good. If you want something light the vegetable soup is great and comes with a warm dinner roll. Bar service is great and there are daily food and drink specials. Pizza is also excellent!!!“
“Update!!!New Menu Options Weekly and Monthly, Fatsolutely The Best Fish Fry Around ~ Hand's Down! Complementary Biscuits & Gravy Every Sunday From 9-12 GREATEST Customers A Bar Could Ask For Cleanest Bar Ever, Best Bartenders Around, Awesome Cook and Scrumptious Food - especially the burger!!!“
“We popped into Strawberry Moon on a Saturday night and had the best time. I enjoyed a dirty martini and the Folie Chardonnay. We also had the cheese and charcuterie plate which was very good. The staff was attentive and fun. We sat at the bar but there is table seating as well. Definitely will be back.“
“I can say that this a good place to grab some beers and food. Great service, even after a week of going for the first the guy at the Bar knew what beers my buddies and I had the first time. Good ambiance although it does lack vegetarian options. We did have their Spinach Artichoke dip with chips, tots and pretzel. They do have board games, cards, Jenga game. Live singing on Fri night (not too loud), decent number of TVs to watch Sports.“
“Kiefs reef is a fun clean and friendly establishment. My family and I often come here and are treated like family. The service is amazing the food is great and the atmosphere is very inviting. The waitresses and staff are wonderful. Couldnt ask for a better home town bar and restaurant.“
“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.“
“We love JJ Twigs. The pizza is always hot and fresh and they have really good sauce & cheese. The beef sandwich with cheese on garlic bread is hands down the best around. We typically get delivery and the drivers are professional and polite. The one time we ate there the service was good, the server was hustling to keep everyone happy and fun to talk to. A low key atmosphere and ok to bring the kids!“
“The menu and taplist are great! Something for everyone! Plenty of vegetarian and carnivore options, most beer styles well-represented. Lots of local gems on the tap list, amazing selection of bottles and top shelf whiskey wall, and superb specialty cocktails. Great service-Real good people.“
“We have been searching for decent “Chinese” food since moving to mchenry 8 months ago and NOTHING in the area was even close to being good. This was the first time I’ve had it since moving and I can FINALLY say we found the place. The egg rolls were so good, which is usually my biggest test on a place! The beef egg food young was also great, no big chunks of onions either. It was a good portion of ingredients, and the flavor was spot on. My husband had the chicken fried rice and orange chicken and he said it was really good - he usually says “it was fine” whenever we get Chinese, so this is a big compliment coming from him. The service getting the food was quick and still warm when we got it. I do remember coming here years ago, and remember it being really a great atmosphere and really good. So luckily with Uber Eats, we were able to have it delivered. I am thrilled to say I FINALLY found my go to spot!!!!“
“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!“
“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“
“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.“
“Went on a whim on Friday and had a great experience with Lizzie. She was patient and super helpful when making recommendations. Literally everything she suggested was to die for. Can't wait until I'm back in the area ....... making sure Lizzie is working before heading in!“
“Zin is a place that we don't visit often. The food is decent enough, but an extremely limited menu. The service was slow on a night where it wasn't very crowded, and I would say our meals were above average but definitely not something that I would recommend as a must go to. It's a decent place to meet friends for a cocktail maybe a couple of appetizers really more than anything else.“
“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.“
“First time at the Saloon. Didn't eat but enjoyed a great atmosphere with some wonderful music from Anthem (Styx Tribute band). We had a table for 6 by the stage. Great view. Lots of standing room on main floor. Could see management and others walking around making sure everyone was having a good time and helping to support each other to better serve its customers. Will definitely be back.“
“I had my wife’s birthday celebration dinner (party of 12) at 5:30 pm yesterday (located in the private dinning room). The entire experience - start to end was beautifully executed by the management and staff. An absolutely outstanding experience! The table was beautifully decorated, the room was very appealing, and very importantly the entire restaurant is acoustically set up to allow for comfortable table conversation (it’s not too loud).The waiter, Nate (Nathan), was very professional, attentive, and proficient. He had a great personality and sense of humor. The service was as good as it can get! The other’s assigned to our table did a nice job executing good service as well. The quality (in every regard) of all of our meal choices was absolutely superb! We eat out often (Italian and otherwise), you can’t get a better tasting meal at this price point anywhere else.Closing thought: my wife and I, as well as another couple frequent this establishment occasionally throughout the years, and it is always consistently an outstanding experience.I would highly recommend you consider this restaurant for your future dinning needs.Thank you - everyone involved last night! My wife and I are so grateful to you all.5 - STARS“
“Cheers. This is a quintessential dive bar where everybody eventually knows your name. A good place to be alone or regale with friends. I’ve visited at least a half dozen times and the experience has been fine. Trish and the other bartenders have been attentive and quite friendly. I’ll be back time and time again.“
“Went with the Hubby on a Saturday date and had a great time! The other customers were friendly and we ended up chatting with half the bar before the night was through. 1 pool table but everyone was super chill taking turns to play. Bathroom was clean. Bartender was very attentive. Looking forward to going back!“
“I use to clean there for about 30 yrs on Sunday morning before they open. I did St Patrick cooking 20 years until couldn't doit.. love going there in the morning or afternoon. Great people work there and so of my friends too.Kid-friendliness: I now lit of them and they are great too.“
“Awesome wine bar with fantastic live music several nights of the week!Alex and the crew do a great job pouring a good variety of wines along with some beers and standard cocktails. Since it's right downtown Wauconda, there are plenty of food options nearby.There's also a good wine club membership that offers monthly wine selections and access to special events.Love this place.“
“I wish I lived closer. I absolutely love coming here. The service is excellent. The good is very good. They won because every keeps their expectations low because it's bar food, but it's actually very good. And the vibe here is just fun! I had one of the best salads I've ever eaten. The Thai Spinach salad. Soooo good and spicy! Loved it! We also had the Spinach artichoke dip, which was fabulous. My 17 yr old son had the 8pc wings and a burger with a sunnyside up egg on it. He loved it and said it was the best burger he has ever had.Vegetarian options: There are options, but it's not a separate menuParking: The parking is essentially the end of the Costco parking, so it can be crowded.“
“I didn’t eat here. I actually got water. They don’t have lemon I was designated driver and they didn’t look down at that. They kept my water cold and brought me more ice. Pretty quiet. Family placeKid-friendliness: Bring something for the kids to do. Tables are huge. Enough for food and a board gameWheelchair accessibility: No stairs. Double doors.Plenty of parking“
“Great place. Bartender made us really good food even after the kitchen had been closed. He went the extra mile and turned everything back on just for us. Food was excellent as was the service. We WILL be back for more. Thanks for Making our night!“
“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 ?“
“If anyone likes Polish food, the POLISH AMERICAN BISTRO in Barrington is amazing. So authentic, delicious, clean & owners are very friendly. Small, casual with great desserts too. They give you plenty to eat. If Borscht is soup of the day, I highly recommend it. 8 of us loved our various meals & will return! We want what the other guy had haha!Wheelchair accessibility: Handicapped parking right in front. Plenty of room to wheel even in the bathroom. Appropriate hand grips & toilette height.“