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545 North Bar & Grill
Categories: Restaurants American (New) Nightlife Bars American (New), Bars [Edit]
545 N Milwaukee AveLibertyville, IL 60048
(847) 247-8700
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Music:
- Live
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
21 reviews for 545 North Bar & Grill
Review Highlights
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"They also have outdoor seating with a fireplace that is..." In 2 reviews -
"Some of the best tuna I've had." In 6 reviews -
"I had a very enjoyable glass of Wente Sandstone Merlot." In 3 reviews
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21 reviews in English
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Review from Thomas w.
Scottsdale, AZ
12/29/2011
Came here tonight for date night with my wife. I had possibly the best steak I've ever had all year. Service was great, adequate wine menu and ambience was simple but nice. Just a straight up great little bar and grill.
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Review from Sonia B.
Lake Bluff, IL
5/13/2012
Repeated terrible service - ruined mother's day. Have been there several times before and have yet to have even decent service. The food is good and the drinks are too, but we can't figure out what is causing the absolutely horrible service. They are either understaffed or running a terribly inefficent establishment. And there is never food good enough to compensate for wasted time.
For mother's day we went at 1:30, they were out of several of the limited items they offered for brunch- we did not have food until 3! And then it was the wrong food to boot. Eggs benedict without sauce, burnt french toast (will admit this is the first time we had plainly bad food), they even made bad waffles - dense and dry, tasted like they had left them in a warming oven. When we complained - the owner didn't seem to care at all. The other servers clearly felt bad, however one person said they just had not been prepared and ordered enough supplies - the other person said that wasn't true - people just ate too much. And the best part is that to try to show that they felt bad - they just offered us free drinks - seriously? We had 7 children with us.
The table next to us gave up, paid for their drinks and left.
Oh and the best on Mother's day - the hostess, while very nice, had a skirt on that came just below her tush. Fine in the evening at a bar, but when it is a family day - really? Because we all want your elementary school age girls thinking this is OK.
They need to stick with being a bar, good drinks, that's it. Their attempt at being a restaurant for anyone who has experienced good service else where is just too far out of reach for them. -
Review from Tim J.
7/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Only two stars because it is too expensive for what you get here. I really like their appetizers, especially their warmed goat cheese and tuna ceviche. It is nice that they have a little patio in the back that has nice ambiance for a date in the summer, but that plus the locale doesn't make up for the prices. What should be a $60ish dinner pre-tip (2 entrees, a drink or three, an app or dessert) can go north of a hundo really quick. This would be a great place to go for an 'appy hour' when appetizers are 1/2 off, but as is, the only time I am going is when you're buying.
Also, the word on the street is that this is where the Libertyville cougars stalk their prey, so if you are collar-poppin' Lothario or an innocent-eyed Benjamin Braddock in the market for dry-aged meat, you could do worse than 545. -
Review from Chris D.
Waukegan, IL
11/12/2011
Enjoyed a lunch there recently. Food was cooked to perfection, they make an amazing burger. They have a small menu but it seems one of those situations where they only make what they are really good at. And that was the case.
Also you can get a pretzel bun for $1 extra, which is always a massive win in my book. -
Review from Sleepy L.
Lake Villa, IL
12/27/2011
I finally had a chance to stop by for a late lunch after shopping. There were 3 other people in the restaurant finishing their meal. I sat down at the bar and waited for a menu and drink. I waited, and waited and waited.... while one waitress stood at the corner of the bar and talked to a friend and while the other waitress waited on ''her'' table and managed to totally ignore me even after coming around to the bar and making eye contact with me. After 20 minutes I left. If they want return customers this isn't the way to get them.
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Review from David C.
Forest Park, IL
5/27/2011 3 photos
Went to 545 for lunch and got a burger and fries, also the hummus appetizer and soup. The food was very good, especially the hummus and soup.
But it isn't a cheap lunch. A plain burger starts at $10 and most toppings are extra. Cup of soup was around $4, etc...
Knowing that, I would still go there if you're looking for a little nicer than the average lunch spot.
The outdoor seating was somewhat limited but not crowded on a cool afternoon. There is a fireplace which I would imagine would help create an enjoyable atmosphere on a summer evening.
The service was good. -
Review from Alayne H.
3/17/2011
Met up with a group of people here for a birthday celebration. The owner was really nice in accommodating us by rearranging tables so we could all sit together.
I loved the atmosphere - small intimate space, warm colors, wood floors and soft lighting. There was live music and the guy was excellent. We sang and danced (although dancing garnered a few stares).
545 offers a nice selection of beers, which is what we were all drinking. Staff was efficient and friendly. Definitely, would come back here again. -
Review from Boones K.
Vernon Hills, IL
4/11/2011
I can't really consider any place trendy with a bunch of cougars sitting at the bar getting sloppy on martini's. That should have probably been my first clue to jump ship.
We arrived after 8 and the the hostess said it would be about a 30 to 45 min wait. No big deal we'll sit at the bar and have a cocktail. After an hour we inquired about weather or not they were going to have a table for us. They said they were hoping to, but that customers who had paid their bills over an hour ago just weren't leaving. Not my issue if they don't know how to turn tables. They promised to clear one of the tables out and have us seated in 5 minutes, which they did.
We started out with the grilled calamari, which was tender but charred and burnt tasting. Couldn't struggle through it even though we were starving. I ordered the braised short rib and my boyfriend got the tenderloin. Both the short-rib and tenderloin were tender, but there was nothing spectacular about the dishes for the price. I have to admit I also have a hang up about paying downtown dinner prices in the suburbs.
The food just wasn't enough of a wow factor to deal with the hassles. -
Review from Al M.
Round Lake, IL
10/10/2010
The beautiful weather this weekend begged for us to find a place where we could sit out side on "date night" . About 7:00 pm I called 545 to see if they had tables available outside. The hostess told us they had lots of tables getting up now that there would not be a problem. We showed up 30 minutes later, to find the patio packed and people waiting. Come to find out later that evening the hostess was new and she did not quite understand all that was happening.
We had seat at the bar and ordered a bottle of wine. One of the classiest moves I have seen in while, the bar tender poured both my wife and I a taste of the bottle we ordered. This was very respectful and did not assume I was the one choosing the wine. We waited 20 min for a our table outside.
The waiter was slow to get to us, slow to get our order, the food was very slow coming out. What did come out was just so-so. The tuna tartare was over spiced to the point you could not even taste the tuna. My braised short rib was dry and the sauce was over reduced. The waiter did come back and took $10.00 of our bill.
I did have a chance to speak to Dierdre, the manager/owner as I was leaving. When someone asks me how my meal was, I will always tell them about my experience. She explained that last night was much busier than expected, they had new bus and host staff. She was very apologetic and was very genuine in her response.
Like in any relationship, whether it is husband and wife or waiter and customer, communication is one of the most important things. When you are busy tell me, when you have new staff tell me, when the kitchen is slow tell me. This allows me to adjust my expectations and be a little more patient and understanding.
We will go back because of Deidre, and the bar tender. -
Review from Patty Z.
Gurnee, IL
3/16/2011
Went here on a Saturday night for after dinner drinks. Nice place, looks trendy, similar to what you would see in the city. Live music started at approx 10:45. The guy was pretty good.
Martinis were average price. Not as high as in the city but not cheap either. For a relaxing or romantic night out where you just want to listen to music this is an enjoyable place. .
Cons: small -
Review from Robin L.
Libertyville, IL
1/27/2012
I have been to this place many times and never had a bad meal! And, the rolls are fabulous. The owner always makes an effort to get us a table even though we never have a reservation. In fact, the last time we were there, we were able to sit immediately on a Saturday outside in the covered patio which was cozy and warm despite the winter weather. Wine selection is nice, too. The only reason I don't give this restaurant a higher rating is that I had SEVERAL bad experiences with a nasty little French waiter who had a pompous attitude and was downright rude.
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Review from Jori C.
Libertyville, IL
7/13/2011
One of our favorite places! The food is wonderful, and the atmosphere is very urban-you really don't feel like you are in the suburbs at all. They also have outdoor seating with a fireplace that is really enjoyable.
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Review from Jessica S.
Hoffman Estates, IL
7/15/2009
Came here for lunch with a vendor (translation: it was FREE), it was lunchtime and totally dead, which was a little weird since most of the places in this area get packed. We sat outside on their awesome patio which seemed much more Chicago-y than Libertyville-y. In other words - it was pretty hip.
The food was good and I didn't pay too much attention to the prices, but the ones I did notice seemed steep. I had the Ahi Tuna Salad ($15.99) and it was good, but small. I was still kinda hungry when I left (and nearly ravenous several hours later), and had I actually been paying with my hard earned money I would have been pissed. But, since I wasn't, it was fine. There were lots of other things on the menu that seemed yummy (pitas and hummus, quesadilla club).
I will definitely go back to 545 North... if someone else is paying! -
Review from Patti R.
Bloomingdale, IL
1/9/2011
Fab.U.Lous!
My husband and I dined here on a Saturday night with another couple and had the most terrific time. The environment - warm, inviting, romantic. The food - delectable. The service - top notch. The price - just right! What more could we ask for?
545 North Bar & Grill isn't a very big place, but it doesn't need to be. When we first walked in, I immediately noticed the exposed brick walls, low lighting and warm colors. It made me think of a trendy bistro you would find in Lincoln Park or another hip Chicago neighborhood. But by my experience, it's less expensive for better food! We were seated a few tables in from the door - not quite in the bar area where the TV's had football on, but not right by the bathrooms either where there tends to be more traffic. The noise level was just right.
Our server, unfortunately I didn't catch his name, had a French accent and was delightful. He was friendly and attentive, yet patient and unintrusive, just the right mix! We ordered a bottle of wine, the Hob Nob Pinot Noir, which was incredible. I will be looking for it at Binny's! The girls ordered a couple martinis, the pomegranate and the French Connection, both were exquisite. We had the tuna tartar and spinach/artichoke dip as appetizers - the tuna tartar was seasoned perfectly and so tender, it just melted in our mouths! Some of the best tuna I've had. The bread was warm and fresh. For dinner, I had the beef tenderloin with asparagus and my husband had the pork tenderloin with sweet potato fries. The beef was incredible, and just the right portion. My husband really enjoyed his pork, although he's not a big fan of sweet potato. That cannot be held against the restaurant however!
In general, we had a terrific experience and I would come back in a heartbeat. The food was done to perfection, the right portion, the right seasoning, and the right price. And the atmosphere just added to our night. Definitely go, and enjoy. And visit Mickey Finn's Brewery when you are done - the Amber Room upstairs has the same type of vibe and warmth for you to continue your night out! -
Review from Doug G.
Palm Desert, CA
Updated - 7/12/2011
After our mildly disappointing dinner at The Tavern, we walked up the block to one of our other favorite places, 545 North. Totally different atmosphere -- much more crisp and contemporary -- than Firkin or the Tavern, but warm and welcoming as well. The outdoor seating looks very inviting, with candlelit tables but we were just seeking an after dinner drink so we sat up near the bar. This was a Monday night, so no entertainment, but it was still pleasant. I had a very enjoyable glass of Wente Sandstone Merlot. It was quite rich tasting and smooth. The highlight was Anita's Espressotini. Vodka, Kalua and espresso, shaken and served ice cold in a martini glass. Anita's not a coffee drinker, so I was surprised when she ordered it, but she loves Kalua and once she got to the second sip (I mistyped Zip at first, which may have been Freudian as you will see) she became a fan. She very much enjoyed it. Except for the after effects. We were home by 10 p.m., I was in bed and asleep by 11. I found out this morning that Anita was wide awake until 1 a.m. Methinks that inexperienced espresso drinkers have severe caffein reactions! So while we highly recommend 545 North, beware the late night caffein in the Espressotini!
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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5/8/2011
My wife and I had enjoyed our first visit here so much that we went again with family to celebrate… Read more »
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Review from Justin S.
7/9/2010 1 Check-in Here
First off, I've only ever come here with vendors so my review disregards pricing. That being said, I think the hummus appetizer is a must. I've tried a few of the salads there (Ahi Tuna, Chicken Ceasar & Chopped Cobb) and thought all were really good. The servings for the salads were rather large if you ask me. But their distribution of tuna & chicken never seem to be even. When I had the tuna and the cobb, there was barely any tuna or chicken, respectively, but with the ceasar, there was too much chicken haha.
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Review from Catalina A.
Vernon Hills, IL
1/1/2009
The atmosphere is what first drew me to 545 and the service. The food is good, not great. There is an appetizer of beef skewers and each time I have tried them, the meat is full of grizzle. The tuna appetizer - outstanding. The ceasar salad dressing needs to be a bit creamier and less of a dusting of spice and please stop toasting the bread - you can break a tooth. Why did they ever change the menu to stop serving that wonderful lobster pasta dish??? What were they thinking??
On New Year's Eve, the place was dead as a door nail after 9 and if that is supposed to be a bar's big night, I suggest that the owners re-think their long-term strategy the menu, for the entertainment who frankly, did not even play or sing on NYE, and for 545's continued patronage. -
Review from Philip P.
Winnetka, IL
7/14/2009
I'd give it 4 stars except that I'd agree with the first review that it's overpriced. The food is actually very good and props for presentation, but I can't get over the prices, even for appetizers.
Never crowded the couple times we went (probably off-times), but the place looks pretty packed at night with live entertainment...I might try it then and have a different experience. -
Review from A G.
Lake Forest, IL
6/23/2011
Love coming to 545 on a Friday or Saturday night to the bar, but we came on a Wednesday night for a nice quiet dinner. It was anything but. The tables were so close together you could hear conversations. Not only that at 8pm loud music started. We couldn't even hear the waiter or talk without shouting. If this had been our first time we would never go back. Will still come on a weekend for a drink at the bar but never again during the week for dinner.
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Review from Vinny The Vacuum S.
Gurnee, IL
11/11/2008
The food is good, but not worth the price. Thank God we came here on a cold/rainy night bc the place was not crowded like the other reviews I have read. The patio was totally empty and the bar was at half capacity so it was a nice dining experience. The appetizers were good: the humus ($8) and artichoke/spinach dip ($9) went well with the bread they provide before dinner is served. I had the BBQ hangar steak with caramelized onions - excellent but pricey at $26. My wife got the tenderloin salad for $18 - that's right, $18 for a salad. She said it was below par and did not finish it. Around 10pm things stared getting loud as the bar crowd came in and a solo guitarist who could not play or sing well started his show. The bar crowd is fun to watch - old folks trying to be young again by acting stupid to the bad entertainment. Overall, this place is OK. I would go for dinner and leave before the show starts if you want a good dining experience.
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Review from Peter D.
Libertyville, IL
5/17/2010
Great bar and outdoor area. Nice decor. TV's are there for the casual sports viewer...having a few pops before dinner. Food is relatively higher end for Central Lake County - nice change from the family/American fare you find in Libertyville. Good seafood and specials on weekends. Service is pretty good. Place turns into a late night bar after 10-ish...I think they close at 2AM - pretty late for the 'burbs. Check it out.
