42 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 ?“

“Great place, games cheap beer, definitely the type of place you wanna come back to. The friendliest bartenders around, know em all by name and they remember me everytime i come in, shoutout to Trevor, Bre, Elena, Abby. The atmosphere is great, ive never been here and had bad vibes.Parking: Very limited parking and signs everywhere that no parking is allowed on the street.Wheelchair accessibility: There is a ramp to get in and out. Handicapped parking too.“

“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 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.“

“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 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.“

“Our server was very polite and helpful. She pointed out some great menu suggestions. We went with the spinach crepe and Pierogi combo. Both were so good and tasted super fresh. We can’t wait to go back and try more of the menu items. Great prices and atmosphere.“

“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..“

“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.“

“My cousin and I celebrated our Birthdays' yesterday at D and J Bistro. I am so happy that it was a wonderful experience. I was greeted warmly when I arrived. Our waitress, Colleen, was attentive and helpful and answered all questions. The menu was varied and interesting and the selections were easy to read and understand. I had Scallops which were terrific. My cousin had the Duck Confit with Sausage. She liked it as well. Since it was a celebration for our Birthday's, we were treated to a special desert. We asked for separate checks and were accommodated. We really took up too much time and were never hurried, we do not see each other enough and had so much to say. I have always loved this Restaurant and yesterday exceeded my expectations.“

“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!“

“Stop here a couple times a month. This is 100% dive bar. Overall it’s pretty worn down but kept pretty clean. The locals are friendly and typically interact with others. Food is pretty good and they have daily specials. There seems to be enough parking at least during the day. Bar tenders are friendly and do a good job with the service. Pool table, darts and gambling machines. A few tvs are typically playing some sports.“

“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.“

“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!“

“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.“

“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. ?✌️“

“First of all, this is most definitely a six star review, not a five star review. This divine little toasty tavern will knock your socks off in more ways than one. Want hair on your chest? Are you dying to rub elbows with an eclectic bunch of rip roaring fragrant homosapiens? Do you live for an elegant late night frozen pizza? Come on down to where everyone knows your name. PMO is a lifestyle. IYKYK“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“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+.“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“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“

“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“

“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.“

“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.“

“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!“

“Beyond AWESOME!!!! I just found this place online and the reviews looked good so we thought we would try it. The menu is very appetizing. We ordered delivery and it was fast, the food was hot and the delivery guy was great. The food was SO fresh! The pizza was delicious, sausage is home made and it has great crispy crust ! We also ordered the Fettuccini Alfredo with sausage and shrimp and it was out of this world. The portions are big. We can’t wait to go there and dine in. You will not be disappointed!!“

“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“

“Good and bad things to cover, so why five stars - rated for what it is and how they perform to those standards. Easy to find and close to other bars for some fun bar hopping! Parking can be a bit tough if you are not familiar with the area. Matt’s is a dive bar vibe with enough TV’s to keep you entertained by the game. Worn but kept pretty clean!! No kitchen . Only a couple of gambling machines. The patrons were mixed between locals and people waiting for the train across the street- everyone was friendly. Kelly O the bartender did a fantastic job. The big win that impressed me was a big crowd came in and the owner jumped in and helped unlike most places where they let the bartender drown and the customers suffer. Great job Matt’s and Kelly O??“

“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.“

“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.“

“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. ?“

“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!“