We were looking forward to trying their beers and were disappointed. We had flights of their Farmhouse, Lager, Purple Line, Belgian Single, Bock, and a couple others I don’t remember the names of. None of the beers had any flavor. They were all different, with different colors and you could smell different aromas. But when you drank them they were essentially tasteless, like subtly flavored (bubbly) water. The pretzel appetizer was also slightly over reheated, they are not bakery fresh pretzels. Dinner was much better. The BBQ brisket was very good., tender with excellent flavor. The spoon (corn) bread and Mac and cheese sides were excellent - our favorite part of the visit. Service was good, we were in a mood to linger and we weren’t rushed. The restaurant space is very large and airy, with a nice patio in warmer months. There were some families here also, it seems kid friendly.
Memusi Ntore
Terrible service! Came in with a party of 2 for dinner and we were seated right away no problem. We (along with the table next to us) were then ignored for the next 20 minutes. Two servers walked through our section multiple times, serving tables in our vicinity, without even a look in our direction. We practically had to shout out to one of the servers to get their attention and ask for some water. After seeing both servers having a conversation by the bar and serve other tables without again acknowledging us, we immediately walked out of the restaurant. We will not be back.
M K.
Acceptable beers. Nothing spectacular, a couple of nondescript IPAs and a decent lager. Service is the real reason for the 3-star rating. Ignored everyone. Slow, ambivalent; total lack of personality from all employees.
sayak chakrabarty
The place is big but their salad might not be the best compared to the other salad provided by other restaurants downtown
Alan Moy
Love this place! Amazing offerings for food and beer. Leadership here is active in the community. And you can’t beat the patio. Great destination downtown to post up and enjoy good times over good brews!
Charles Rooney
I will say this. I really like Smylies food and drinks, it never disappoints. What was disappointing is the service today for lunch.The front desk staff was nice and welcoming but after that it was a mess. Our server had an airpod in the entire time to start. Ok fine when your doing dishes or bussing. But your taking orders and talking to guest, what the heck.We just sat down and then are immediately asked if we need more time with the menus. Yeah bud let me sit down and at least loot at it once.We order drinks, some starters and my daughter's meal. Food/drinks comes out promptly and it's all good.We finish our starters and drinks, my daughter is chamming away on her dish. Few minutes go by. Few more tables sit. There orders are taken and delivered. We are still waiting to place our main course. I ended up going to inside bar to get a second round of drinks. Sever is asking other tables if they need anything, plates cleared more drinks, anything else to order and so on. We are left stranded. My wife ends up going inside to place the order with the front desk.Food comes out promptly and it's all good. Waiter finally comes by and asked if we needed any plates cleared. By that point I bussed the table and put the plates on a bench behind us at it began attracting flies and bees. Waiter asked my wife for a drink refill and she said yes, the refill never showed up.Asked for bill and this was the fastest service we had, to get us out of there. For all the issues the bill was correct for what we ordered.Again. I like Smylies. The food and drinks are great. The atmosphere (building and setting alone) are wonderful. Front of house staff could use an attitude check or refresher on what service is all about. We all have bad days but when working for the public you kind of have to hide your issues. This all maybe a fluke of the day. We will continue to order out and this might have been our last dine in. Ordering out is always good option here.Also noticed a glass of wine costs as much as the bottle. I know Mark ups are a thing but shoot.
Brian K.
Great food had the BBQ Brisket Pizza. Staff was all nice and friendly, but actual Service was mediocre
Rupal Mandal
Food was ok. Service was horrible. The host was rude and our waitress was not very communicative. We needed to ask for refills on our drinks 3 times because no one checked on us for long stretches of time. So disappointing because it seemed like a really fun place to try out.
Rich H.
The online hours say open till 9. The sign on the door says open till 9. When you show up at 8:15 - they tell you the kitchen is closed but yet they still seat you. If your going to seat someone and hand them menus and tell them it's not a problem - you see that dining experience through. To the end. If they were unwilling or unable to provide the service we were paying for - someone should've said something and we would've been understanding and gone somewhere else . There was four of us and after being told the kitchen was closed but they would take care of us - we quickly decided on our dinners and drinks as to help move things along Our shared appetizers came out with no silverware or plates and no ordered drinks aside from waters. Before we could blink the entrees came out - but one was missing and one was wrong...but at least now there was silverware ...but still no drinks. One meal was incorrect and one was still missing Then the drinks were delivered by young man who couldn't tell the difference between a glass of red wine and a Manhattan. A few minutes later a person came out and asked if we were waiting for a sandwich - which was understandable But still sloppy service. Finally a few minutes later the correct missing entree arrived After a few more minutes our server came out and asked how things were.. To be honest my Rueben was pretty good but knowing that they were looking to close up and get out of there - I asked for another drink. Then the weirdest thing I have ever experienced in all my years of being a customer happened. The young woman told me she couldn't bring me another drink until my glass was empty...I asked her why - she said something about the restaurants rules and then she said something to the effect that if I ordered another drink and didn't drink it - that would be wasteful...I replied that I was paying for it and it would be my choice ..and she replied...."well...people are starving..." WHAT?? people are ....starving...for scotch on the rocks....? That was seriously her answer. After that we never saw her again. NO checking in on us, no water refill, no presenting the bill Our dirty dishes sat on the table as another person came out and asked us if we were done....he wanted to close up finally a check was presented by not our original server ... Overall - the customer service was horrible. We don't live in evanston and rest assured we won't be going back ...restaurants on a Saturday night should not close at 8 and if I want a second drink while my first drink is still there ...then I want a second drink...cause I don't really buy that "People are starving' ...for johnnie walker black on the rocks.
DreD0590
I’ve been here 3 times. Service has always been sooooo bad. Would have spent much more money on drinks each time I was there had someone actually paid attention to us. The last time we were there is the last we will ever go. Horrifically RUDE and horrible service, and we are actually super down to earth. Do not waste your time and money going there to be treated like garbage.
Initially went to the one in Lakeview. Then came here. Food is really good and enjoyed the ambiance.
Emily H.
This restaurant has a solid menu and a good beer list. I really like the purple line beer which they seem to normally have. Pizzas and burgers are both really good. They have 2 different kinds of bbq sauce on the tables and their fries are really good. Last time I was there I had the empanadas. The meat in the empanadas was really dry. But there are plenty of really good things on the menu. I'd just stay away from the specials
Christine T.
Could easily be one star but I'm feeling generous. Near-empty patio (not to mention nearly no one inside) and the host refused to seat us without me first providing my name and phone number. Ummm why? Host then proceeded to provide my party with only one menu. Again, why? Limited, unhealthy menu at stupid prices, even for Evanston. Two stars only because the patio is cute and the waitress was very kind, but if you have ANY other choice, go there instead.
Brittany S.
Despite available seating, they refused to seat our party of five outdoors because they said they would not seat more than four. We offered to pull up an extra seat to a table, combine tables, or otherwise be flexible, but they adamantly refused.
Joseph Rogano
We moved to the neighborhood not long ago and heard nothing but great recommendations about this place from neighbors so naturally we had to pay a visit. We originally were planning on sitting on the patio but it looked like rain was approaching so we opted to sit inside at the only two seats at the bar. Best. Decision. Ever. The interior of this place, WOW! The exposed wood, the lighting, the brewing machines front and center. Our bartender Brad was incredibly knowledgeable, helpful, and patient with our many questions. The guy really knows his stuff and genuinely loves the beer he's serving. Both his beer recommendations hit the mark and his candor about an item on the dinner menu was commendable. The half chicken and pulled pork sandwich came out so fast that we didn't think it was our food! Both were generous portions with a side and had incredible flavor. The half chicken was so good that we took another one home. But honestly, the best part was the beer. Brad recommended the lager and the wolcott ipa. Beautiful, simple, and clean beers. We sampled a few others but these two are the real winners for us. We didn't plan on walking out with a case of beer but here we also had no idea we would find a gem like this in our new neighborhood. We are looking forward to being regulars here and checking out the patio.
We were looking forward to trying their beers and were disappointed. We had flights of their Farmhouse, Lager, Purple Line, Belgian Single, Bock, and a couple others I don’t remember the names of. None of the beers had any flavor. They were all different, with different colors and you could smell different aromas. But when you drank them they were essentially tasteless, like subtly flavored (bubbly) water. The pretzel appetizer was also slightly over reheated, they are not bakery fresh pretzels. Dinner was much better. The BBQ brisket was very good., tender with excellent flavor. The spoon (corn) bread and Mac and cheese sides were excellent - our favorite part of the visit. Service was good, we were in a mood to linger and we weren’t rushed. The restaurant space is very large and airy, with a nice patio in warmer months. There were some families here also, it seems kid friendly.
Terrible service! Came in with a party of 2 for dinner and we were seated right away no problem. We (along with the table next to us) were then ignored for the next 20 minutes. Two servers walked through our section multiple times, serving tables in our vicinity, without even a look in our direction. We practically had to shout out to one of the servers to get their attention and ask for some water. After seeing both servers having a conversation by the bar and serve other tables without again acknowledging us, we immediately walked out of the restaurant. We will not be back.
Acceptable beers. Nothing spectacular, a couple of nondescript IPAs and a decent lager. Service is the real reason for the 3-star rating. Ignored everyone. Slow, ambivalent; total lack of personality from all employees.
The place is big but their salad might not be the best compared to the other salad provided by other restaurants downtown
Love this place! Amazing offerings for food and beer. Leadership here is active in the community. And you can’t beat the patio. Great destination downtown to post up and enjoy good times over good brews!
I will say this. I really like Smylies food and drinks, it never disappoints. What was disappointing is the service today for lunch.The front desk staff was nice and welcoming but after that it was a mess. Our server had an airpod in the entire time to start. Ok fine when your doing dishes or bussing. But your taking orders and talking to guest, what the heck.We just sat down and then are immediately asked if we need more time with the menus. Yeah bud let me sit down and at least loot at it once.We order drinks, some starters and my daughter's meal. Food/drinks comes out promptly and it's all good.We finish our starters and drinks, my daughter is chamming away on her dish. Few minutes go by. Few more tables sit. There orders are taken and delivered. We are still waiting to place our main course. I ended up going to inside bar to get a second round of drinks. Sever is asking other tables if they need anything, plates cleared more drinks, anything else to order and so on. We are left stranded. My wife ends up going inside to place the order with the front desk.Food comes out promptly and it's all good. Waiter finally comes by and asked if we needed any plates cleared. By that point I bussed the table and put the plates on a bench behind us at it began attracting flies and bees. Waiter asked my wife for a drink refill and she said yes, the refill never showed up.Asked for bill and this was the fastest service we had, to get us out of there. For all the issues the bill was correct for what we ordered.Again. I like Smylies. The food and drinks are great. The atmosphere (building and setting alone) are wonderful. Front of house staff could use an attitude check or refresher on what service is all about. We all have bad days but when working for the public you kind of have to hide your issues. This all maybe a fluke of the day. We will continue to order out and this might have been our last dine in. Ordering out is always good option here.Also noticed a glass of wine costs as much as the bottle. I know Mark ups are a thing but shoot.
Great food had the BBQ Brisket Pizza. Staff was all nice and friendly, but actual Service was mediocre
Food was ok. Service was horrible. The host was rude and our waitress was not very communicative. We needed to ask for refills on our drinks 3 times because no one checked on us for long stretches of time. So disappointing because it seemed like a really fun place to try out.
The online hours say open till 9. The sign on the door says open till 9. When you show up at 8:15 - they tell you the kitchen is closed but yet they still seat you. If your going to seat someone and hand them menus and tell them it's not a problem - you see that dining experience through. To the end. If they were unwilling or unable to provide the service we were paying for - someone should've said something and we would've been understanding and gone somewhere else . There was four of us and after being told the kitchen was closed but they would take care of us - we quickly decided on our dinners and drinks as to help move things along Our shared appetizers came out with no silverware or plates and no ordered drinks aside from waters. Before we could blink the entrees came out - but one was missing and one was wrong...but at least now there was silverware ...but still no drinks. One meal was incorrect and one was still missing Then the drinks were delivered by young man who couldn't tell the difference between a glass of red wine and a Manhattan. A few minutes later a person came out and asked if we were waiting for a sandwich - which was understandable But still sloppy service. Finally a few minutes later the correct missing entree arrived After a few more minutes our server came out and asked how things were.. To be honest my Rueben was pretty good but knowing that they were looking to close up and get out of there - I asked for another drink. Then the weirdest thing I have ever experienced in all my years of being a customer happened. The young woman told me she couldn't bring me another drink until my glass was empty...I asked her why - she said something about the restaurants rules and then she said something to the effect that if I ordered another drink and didn't drink it - that would be wasteful...I replied that I was paying for it and it would be my choice ..and she replied...."well...people are starving..." WHAT?? people are ....starving...for scotch on the rocks....? That was seriously her answer. After that we never saw her again. NO checking in on us, no water refill, no presenting the bill Our dirty dishes sat on the table as another person came out and asked us if we were done....he wanted to close up finally a check was presented by not our original server ... Overall - the customer service was horrible. We don't live in evanston and rest assured we won't be going back ...restaurants on a Saturday night should not close at 8 and if I want a second drink while my first drink is still there ...then I want a second drink...cause I don't really buy that "People are starving' ...for johnnie walker black on the rocks.
I’ve been here 3 times. Service has always been sooooo bad. Would have spent much more money on drinks each time I was there had someone actually paid attention to us. The last time we were there is the last we will ever go. Horrifically RUDE and horrible service, and we are actually super down to earth. Do not waste your time and money going there to be treated like garbage.
Restaurantji Recommends
Initially went to the one in Lakeview. Then came here. Food is really good and enjoyed the ambiance.
This restaurant has a solid menu and a good beer list. I really like the purple line beer which they seem to normally have. Pizzas and burgers are both really good. They have 2 different kinds of bbq sauce on the tables and their fries are really good. Last time I was there I had the empanadas. The meat in the empanadas was really dry. But there are plenty of really good things on the menu. I'd just stay away from the specials
Could easily be one star but I'm feeling generous. Near-empty patio (not to mention nearly no one inside) and the host refused to seat us without me first providing my name and phone number. Ummm why? Host then proceeded to provide my party with only one menu. Again, why? Limited, unhealthy menu at stupid prices, even for Evanston. Two stars only because the patio is cute and the waitress was very kind, but if you have ANY other choice, go there instead.
Despite available seating, they refused to seat our party of five outdoors because they said they would not seat more than four. We offered to pull up an extra seat to a table, combine tables, or otherwise be flexible, but they adamantly refused.
We moved to the neighborhood not long ago and heard nothing but great recommendations about this place from neighbors so naturally we had to pay a visit. We originally were planning on sitting on the patio but it looked like rain was approaching so we opted to sit inside at the only two seats at the bar. Best. Decision. Ever. The interior of this place, WOW! The exposed wood, the lighting, the brewing machines front and center. Our bartender Brad was incredibly knowledgeable, helpful, and patient with our many questions. The guy really knows his stuff and genuinely loves the beer he's serving. Both his beer recommendations hit the mark and his candor about an item on the dinner menu was commendable. The half chicken and pulled pork sandwich came out so fast that we didn't think it was our food! Both were generous portions with a side and had incredible flavor. The half chicken was so good that we took another one home. But honestly, the best part was the beer. Brad recommended the lager and the wolcott ipa. Beautiful, simple, and clean beers. We sampled a few others but these two are the real winners for us. We didn't plan on walking out with a case of beer but here we also had no idea we would find a gem like this in our new neighborhood. We are looking forward to being regulars here and checking out the patio.