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Around the Clock Restaurant & Bakery
Categories: Food Bakeries Restaurants American (Traditional) Bakeries, American (Traditional) [Edit]
5011 Northwest HwyCrystal Lake, IL 60014
(815) 459-2100
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 6 am - 12 am
Fri-Sat 6 am - 1 am
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Dessert, Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Dogs Allowed:
- No
Becka F. said: "Best bakery in the area, by far. They have a great selection of individual treats for everyday, and we've ordered trays of mini pastries for a graduation celebration that were fantastic. The mini cream puffs were gone in seconds. (ok,…" read more »
42 reviews for Around the Clock Restaurant & Bakery
Review Highlights
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"The veggie sandwich is huge and delicious." In 3 reviews -
"I highly recommend thier baked goods, pies, cakes, ect." In 2 reviews -
"Their pies are simply delicious." In 4 reviews
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42 reviews in English
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Review from Luke K.
Barrington, IL
5/16/2012
Very good food for the price.
Everything on the menu tastes great.
The pies are fresh made on site, I have been getting the Carmel apple pie for years now!
Protip: French Onion Soup is awesome -
Review from Richard R.
Barrington, IL
1/26/2012
OK, full disclosure -- I have not eaten here for several years. But, when I used to live in Crystal Lake, we were regulars -- and not because we lived close by.
Around the Clock is one of those iconic American places. It's kind of like what I imagine the old diners used to be like. A place where there are a bunch of regulars who never seem to leave; where the wait staff seem to be on a first name basis with everyone who walks in the door, and where the coffee is always freshly brewed and the eggs are never runny.
Even though I don't get out to Crystal Lake that much anymore, I actually will be in the area this weekend. Hmmm. Guess I know where I'll be stopping for breakfast! :-) -
Review from Michelle P.
Lake in the Hills, IL
5/23/2012
This is a very nice place to grab some coffee and dinner with a friend. Great food, great service, great prices.
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Review from Chris P.
Oak Park, IL
5/1/2012
Excellent and varied menu; helpful, friendly and efficient service; plenty of free parking; nice ambience - not too noisy, not too quiet; good prices; convenient location for 'passers through' the area; coffee was definitely a little above average for this kind of restaurant; portions were a good size for a greedy guts like me; the pies looked amazing, and I wished I'd taken one home with me (instead I bought two cannolis to go - which were a bit 'meh'). As 'Arney' always said, "I'll be back!"
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Review from Dayna D.
Fox River Grove, IL
8/2/2011
I have to say since Around the Clock has updated their menu, and revamped the restaurant I love it a lot more there. It is fun to hang out and just chat with friends. Great pastries and deserts. The food is really decent.
I think the one thing that really stands out about Around the Clock is their Baked French Onion soup, it is the best. I don't think I've had it anywhere else in the area that makes it as good. Love love love it! -
Review from Stu T.
Crystal Lake, IL
11/13/2011
When it comes to breakfast faire it's about average. I usually find the coffee to be mediocre, though, and typically not hot enough. The wait staff is always friendly and they provide decent service. Aside from the dessert options, nothing really jumps out at me as anything special. Even so, it's a nice place with a nice feel and a good standby option when you can't decide on anyplace else.
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Review from Dave C.
Lake in the Hills, IL
10/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Pretty good Skillet breakfast! Although the background music playlist was really bad...
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Review from D S.
Crystal Lake, IL
12/14/2010
This is the best breakfast place in the area. It is a hometown diner with an extremely extensive and inexpensive menu. It is great anytime of the day. I prefer to order from the breakfast menu almost everytime whether it is 10AM or 10PM. Also, their baked french onion soup is worth the trip alone. I get cravings for it, it is that good. Additionally they have a top-notch bakery that makes exceptional pies.
On top of all of these excellent offerings is the very low prices. You will really get value for your dollar here. The atmosphere is excellent as well, and the staff and managers are top notch. Also, your food will be there before you know it, it is crazy quick.
One of my favorite places no matter what time of day! -
Review from Luca C.
Chicago, IL
8/8/2008
Somehow, this tiny little diner-- run by a dude who kind of looks like a 1970's porn star-- makes the absolute best French onion soup in the world.
If you can stand being surrounded by McHenry County's trashiest high school students, go here and get this fine delicacy. -
Review from Damian C.
9/21/2009
The best thing about suburban eateries:
-Huge portions
-CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP prices
-Friendly home-town type of feel and attitude
-The people-watching is PRICELESS!
While the food may not be the most amazing, you basically get two meals for the price of one. Our server was nice, too. -
Review from Duane A.
Chicago, IL
8/14/2010
As someone who grew up in Chicago and lived there most of my life, I like to think I know diners. Around the Clock stands up to any urban diner. I consider myself a regular here, and I have had a number of food items. All of them have been good. Unlike many diners, they use fresh ingredients for most of their cooking. Vegetables that are NOT out of a can? I'm in heaven.
The reviewers here all rave about the French Onion soup, and I agree with them, though sometimes it is a bit too salty. But this is really a minor complaint.
They make their own desserts and pies on site. Dinners are often filling so more often than not I pass on them. But when I do have room for dessert, I'm always satisfied, especially with the pie.
Where ATC really stands out is in the staff. They go out of their way to make you feel like family. The evening crew often has a number of area high school and college kids, and they always seem to be especially friendly and courteous, and they go out of their way to get to know you. I'm old school when it comes to tipping, and still think 15% is par, but I always end up tipping 20-25% when I am here.
I've eaten here often over the past few years, and I've never had an unpleasant experience. If you want a place in the CL area to just hang out with good diner food and great people, this is the place. -
Review from Jenna J.
5/18/2011
I've been going here off and on since High School, and now I go more often than not. THis is a great diner, that serves anything you could ever want. Breakfast at 10pm? No problem! I like to hit this place up for a late lunch and always leave happy. Some of my favorites are the Mediterranean omelet, the veggie sandwich and my holy grail the Chicken Avocado sandwich! The soup gets pretty good reviews too, but I only splurge if the potato is around. Yes there are a lot of old timers buzzing around the place, but don't let that discourage you, they know what's up! This place is also great to grab a cup of coffee and a pastry or slice of pie. It just feels so homey! I'll be back again and again, and as the name suggests they are open around the clock.
Listed in: Breakfast Love!
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Review from Mick B.
5/25/2009
This is your basic late night Chicago area Greek restaurant. It's one of the few places in Crystal Lake that has the kitchen open after 10 PM; because of the lack of competition, they are usually packed from 9 PM to midnight most week nights.
The service is fast, selection is large but there was nothing really unusual or inspiring that I saw on the menu. Let's be real here- this is a place to get a quick home style meal; don't expect candles, a linen table cloth or gourmet food, or an overwhelming salad bar for that matter.
I feel it is a plus that you can order breakfast any time of the day and it would appear that reasonable substitutions are no problem if you ask your server nicely.
The serving staff is attentive and polite- I would think that most of their clientèle just want a bite to eat and maybe a coffee, not a hard time.
Like many Greek places they have mouth watering desserts and pastries in a display case that you can't miss when you walk in.
Sun through Thurs they close at midnight. Kind of too bad for the late night crowd. -
Review from Amanda P.
Pawtucket, RI
1/11/2007
Let's put it this way. You have a Greek diner that probably dates back to the '50s. Sometime later a huge strip mall moves in across the street, complete with a couple of nationally-known chain restaurants. Greek dinner continues to attract the crowds despite the competition. That's when you know you're on to something.
I've only been here once, and I ordered the veggie sandwich. Boring, huh? Except it was one of the best veggie sandwiches I've ever had in my life. Give it a try. -
Review from Humera S.
Plainfield, IL
11/28/2010 1 Check-in Here
I went here with a friend one night and it was rather late but the service was great. They have a great variety of choices on their menu and I loved the caramel apple pie with ice cream I had for dessert. The French Onion Soup was so good, even though I knew it was super unhealthy with all the cheese melted on top of it.
I loved this place and if i'm in the area again I plan to return. -
Review from MARIA M.
Crystal Lake, IL
8/7/2008
Sorry, but this place is a disgusting old people place.
Geratric meals...Cant see how anyone can eat there....have tried it a couple of times just to see if it was just that one time....wrong....still horrible. -
Review from Dorothy P.
Algonquin, IL
9/6/2011
Other than being pretty darn loud, Around the Clock is a great place to catch a late night bite! I had their French onion soup on the recommendation of other Yelpers & it definitely didn't disappoint (a little salty, but what French onion soup isn't?). My husband & I are new to the area, but needless to say, we will most certainly be coming back to this little gem!
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Review from Franklin D.
Arlington Heights, IL
11/19/2008
Meh. I've experienced better.
What's up with the weird nativity crap around the holidays? -
Review from Doug M.
Good old local favorite. Something for everyone here, from breakfast to dinner or just a coffee and dessert.
The place is clean, even the restrooms and that counts for a lot. -
Review from Jason G.
Crystal Lake, IL
10/18/2009
I really enjoy their carmel apple pie. The rest is your basic Greek dinner food. We usually go for breakfast, so that is all my rating is based on.
I order up the chicken fried steak with fried eggs and hash browns. It tastes great and fills me up for the next 12 hours. -
Review from George B.
Chicago, IL
10/6/2008 4 Check-ins Here
Around the Clock is a great diner. So close to Rt. 14 and 31, this is a nice place to stop while out for a trip.
I've been here a few times, and every time I had great and friendly service. The coffee is good, and I've been satisfied with my meals.
The baked goods are excellent! -
Review from Mike c.
Lake in the Hills, IL
11/29/2006
I've been to Around the clock a few times now and have enjoyed the food they offer. They are your typical family restaurant with the typical fare you would see and most of these types of places. the food to me was nothing really special, but it was good comfort food.
Thier bakery though is VERY good and i would give them 5 stars for that. I have ordered 2 cakes from them (sheet cakes for parties) and they were AMAZING. LOTS of filling and very moist. The decorations were also perfect.
I highly recommend thier baked goods, pies, cakes, ect... And the food is also good. You're standard family restaurant with a good bakery. -
Review from Kris A.
Chicago, IL
5/22/2008
I remember when this place was a teeny tiny diner overrun by guys in Harley jackets. Now it's pretty big, and I think it sucks that they are rude to teenagers (at least they were a few years back when I was a teenager).
The food is standard diner food, but the desserts are good and the coffee is flowing.
And now they're pretty nice to me. -
Review from Nicholas R.
Chicago, IL
9/7/2008
This place kills it.
The rave reviews of the french onion soup are on par. Make sure you get the bowl (cups of soup are for pussies) and make sure you get it baked. It tastes the way I imagine the female orgasm must feel.
The bakery is surprisingly kick ass. I suggest the carrot cake. It weighs a ton.
At this point if you order anything other than the breakfast food you're an idiot. I mean, you don't go to a chicken joint and order a hamburger, so why go to a diner for anything other than breakfast snacks. The skillets are bomb. Get 'em.
Lastly, some serious creeps have worked here over the course of my lifetime. These two girls worked there the span of my high school / college career and they weren't even hot, but tons of my friends wanted to mate with them. Then, one night at a bar across town, we saw them giving these senior citizens sexual back rubs, right at the bar! Gross! Also, there's this really sleazy dude (name with held) who clearly loves getting some stink on his hang down from the barely legal waitresses. It's so blatantly obvious he might as well ask the customers to smell his fingers.
During the day its smelly old people, while at night its smelly young people. FTW, eat at ATC. -
Review from Summur R.
Elgin, IL
6/24/2011
Came here with my guy for a late night dessert. Very friendly staff and delicious sundae. I had the tin roof. Yummy. I would try the other breakfast foods bas well. My guy had the German chocolate cake and the most delicious hot chocolate we've ever tasted.
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Review from Jin Joo L.
Schaumburg, IL
4/25/2011
When I think about going back to Woodstock or late night munchies... this place is great! They always have fresh fresh yummy desserts, too. It's a win-win since they have pretty much anything you could crave... Also, the small town diner feel, love it! They're pretty friendly, I don't remember any bad experiences coming here. I believe they're still 24/7.
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Review from H F.
Crystal Lake, IL
5/20/2008
Like the french onion soup, VERY salty. The veggie sandwich is huge and delicious. A bit of something for everyone. Don't go there looking for a gourmet meal. Its pretty basic, but still good.
Tons of teenagers at night. Big hangout place, so go early. If you do go late it is sometimes hard to park. -
Review from Julie L.
Lake in the Hills, IL
2/27/2010
I love Around the Clock! It's a fun, good diner with a great atmosphere and wait staff. We occasionally go for breakfast where we'll order the typical eggs, toast, hash browns, bacon , etc.
For lunch or dinner I always get the open faced turkey on bread, gravy, mashed potatoes.
They have a variety of menu items - sandwiches, soup, salad, even entrees such as steak. Their pies are simply delicious....can't wait to go back again! -
Review from Georgina K.
Barrington, IL
6/26/2011
This is a great place to go for Sunday morning breakfast. We had a larger group....10 of us. I did call the night before to give them a 'heads up; that we would be coming at 10 AM. Either though there was a wait list we got in right away! THANKS !!! The server was pleasant and efficient. Our order came out of the kitchen all at the same time and ALL correct !!!! KUDOS to you !
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Review from Jen B.
Crystal Lake, IL
4/16/2008
I love the fact that ATC has free wifi. Large booths for the college student who has a paper to write, and waitress' who don't mind wandering around hour after hour topping off your coffee. The food leaves a bit to be desired, but their deserts are something that I treat myself too every time I go.
Although it is called, "Around the clock", it closes at 11pm on weekdays, but Friday and Saturday they are 24 hours, which makes it the local high school/College kid hang out. If you can deal with large crowds, lewd jokes, and a huge amount of scene kids, then Visit those nights. If you have a paper due Monday and need to pull an all nighter, the crowds tend to thin out around two A.M.
All in All, their food is edible, their staff is friendly (Say hi to Lori!) and their deserts are delicious. The free Wifi is a bonus, and their free bread is the poor student's Savior. -
Review from ananda z.
Augusta, GA
1/24/2006
This is the premiere French Onion Soup in the nation, possibly the world. Substantial beef broth, crunchy perfection of croutons, and perfectly browned cheese on top. It gets crowded, and sometimes the smoke bleeds over from the smoking side...and sometimes service is slow, but the salads, sandwiches, burgers, and more meal-y meals are genuine and tasty. Great late night coffee stop with friends.
Listed in: Suburban homeliness
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Review from Marc B.
Chicago, IL
6/8/2009
Around the Clock is a Crystal Lake institution. County fair winning pies. Great soups. Open all the freakin' time. Greek-run everything-you-can-ever-want-on-the-menu joints are all over the place, and for the most part interchangeable with their hotel lobby-like decor and generally experienced wait staff. But Around the Clock does everything slightly better than those others. They've recently redone their interior. It's a little more open now that the table dividers are lower and less private - which means it is slightly more loud than before. Overall a solid place to grab bite any time of the day or night.
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Review from Chad W.
Madison, WI
1/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great place and good prices!
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Review from Uncle K.
Key Largo, FL
11/28/2010
How can you go wrong feeding 13 for $125. Classic diner style food. Don't order the prime rib on a Saturday, it was Friday's (dark on the outside, pink on the inside means reheat). I didn't care for the French onion soup, as it was overly salty and not gratinated. Great value and great friendly service.
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Review from James S.
Huntley, IL
9/6/2010 1 Check-in Here
Great food (You get your moneys worth)! Servers are professionals. Very fast service. Must come and try at least once.
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Review from Cindy G.
Lake in the Hills, IL
This place was nice to go to with the family. If you come here more than three times...they probably will know your name and what you like to order...Two interesting facts is that they make their own deserts under the restuarant and they have fresh cut flowers at every table everyday. Our waitress wasn't that great but that doesn't mean that it will be that way every time. The manager was nice and very helpful when we first walked in. The display of deserts had a nice touch....but reminds me of this place being more of a glorified DENNYS than a restaurant on its own. I seems like a nice inexpensive home family restaurant to come to and have a nice meal.
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Review from Sylvia R.
Crystal Lake, IL
5/3/2008
This is one of those local restaurants that I found you have to visit a couple times to FINALLY find something you like- I found the price not all that appealing and the midnight crowd even MORE unappealing. I'd suggest going during the day and not getting your hopes up.
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Review from brian b.
Chicago, IL
9/7/2008
A landmark in Crystal Lake but food really not that good. I have had breakfast there countless times and never thought it was all that good, just OK at best. The bacon is cheap and tasteless and always overcooked. The french oinion soup tastes weird and super salty. Burgers are boring with cheap low grade meat. They do have very good bakery items that can be boxed to take home. The best thing about ATC is that they never close so they come in handy after a long night out.
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Review from Matt D.
Palatine, IL
1/16/2009
Eh.
Not too bad. The french onion i'd heard so much about was a let down, though. -
Review from Kyle F.
McHenry, IL
10/3/2008
I have gone to this restaraunt quite a bit, and I have to tell you that their French Onion soup is very good, the onions are huge! The food I almost always get is the deluxe skilltet, the sezchwan steak wrap (very good), and the breakfast plate with all you can eat pancakes. Over all, an affordable meal while keeping it tastey.
