- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Firkin
Categories: Nightlife Bars Restaurants American (New) Bars, American (New) [Edit]
515 N Milwaukee AveLibertyville, IL 60048
(847) 367-6168
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11 am - 11:30 pm
Fri-Sat 11 am - 12:30 am
Sun 11 am - 9:30 pm
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Trendy
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
117 reviews for Firkin
Review Highlights
"The beer selection is top notch and changes regularly."
(in 27 reviews)
"...was very tasty and Sissy enjoyed her Spicy Pork Sandwich."
(in 5 reviews)
"I'd suggest trying the beer batter fried asparagus."
(in 9 reviews)
Loading...
117 reviews in English
-
Review from jasmin v.
Entrance is through the back. A little odd as you walk through the kitchen and food pick up area, but once inside you get pulled into the amazing atmosphere. Maybe because it was Christmas time and the decorations and lights made me happy; but I immediately knew I would love this place.
The menu is huge and it was very difficult to make a decision. The waiter was friendly and helped us with his suggestions.
-Fried Asparagus: yum! Just as it sounds with a good chipotle sauce.
-Teriyaki Chicken with Alfredo Noodles: Sounds like an odd mix but paired perfectly together!
-Steak Fajitas: So good! I even ate it alone without the wrap! Steak was soft and marinated well with asparagus and mushrooms mixed in.
Huge selection of beer and the wine taste amazing!!
Service was fast and friendly. Either street parking or parking in the lot in the back. Already thinking about going back! -
Review from Thomas K.
Lake County, IL
1/26/2012
We intended to dine at another nearby restaurant, but since the only available parking spot was practically at its door, and we have passed this place for years promising each time to "go there someday", we finally opted to have our first Firkin dining experience. Upon entering from the rear of the space that Firkin occupies next to its sister restaurant, The Tavern, you will navigate a hallway that bypasses restrooms and a walkin freezer to your right, and the kitchen to yout left, which opens up before you into the restaurant and bar, which, to the probable delight of Northeastern Lake County hipsters, is decorated in a restrained, yet tragically funky-hip shabby chic style.
We both ordered a "1/2 Pound Tallgrass Grassfed Hamburger" ($11.95). My table mate embellished her burger with sauteed onions and cheese for about $3 more (which marked the first and last time that I will ever pay $14.95 for a hamburger with a cup of Asian coleslaw, less the customary Maruchan Instant Lunch type yakisoba noodles). I chose French beluga lentil salad as my side dish. Both burgers were cooked to their requested doneness with beefy-juicy-delicious perfection. Our side dishes were (blech) mediocre.
Our server's manner and the quality of service that she provided are why 4 stars are issued in this Review, rather than the 2 stars that a good $7 beef burger for $12, and a mediocre side dish would merit. Though she was very busy with lunch hour demands, her desire to make our first Firkin experience positive was evident through her words, manner and actions. She smiled easily, frequently refilled our beverages and always asked if we needed anything or had any questions. We will reserve Firkin as an out-of-town visitor beer-bar, cocktail, sandwich, 'small plate' and artisinal and farmstead fine bread, meat and cheese destination option. -
Review from Andrea R.
Round Lake Beach, IL
12/14/2011 7 Check-ins Here
Firkin: there's no other place like it. I've been here enough times now to have tried various menu items, martinis and hefeweizen beer selections (my fave type of beer).
First off, this restaurant is located in downtown Libertyville, which is sometimes pretentious, but mostly a lively and attractive area. There are many other restaurants and bars within walking distance in the surrounding area which is what attracts me to this part of Libertyville.
The interior of Firkin is warm, inviting and lively, usually with a really good assortment of music playing, whether Al Green or some worldly music that I'm not familiar with. The decor is like no other place I've seen before, with little baubles and knick knacks all over. Be warned that this place gets quite busy during peak hours...with quite a bit of a wait for a table, or a seat at the bar. I like to come here when it's slower and I prefer to eat at the bar as opposed to a table.
Beer lovers...this is the place for you. Mickey Finns (right across the street) is great and has their own brewery, but Firkin trumps Mickey Finns as far as selection is concerned. If I have beer at Firkin, I usually chose the Goose Island "Matilda" or "Sofie" Belgian style ales. I LOVE the Milk Stout. and the Plank Hefeweiss.
If you're not a fan of beer, they have tasty cocktails...the cosmo is good, so is the "bellini martini". I recently tried a new wine here that I'll be picking up a bottle of (Cigarzin Zinfadel, M. Cosentino).
As far as the food is concerned, the "Tallgrass Grass-fed" hamburgers are the tastiest...especially with blue cheese and bacon. Hmmm, bacon. The fries are full of salty potato-y goodness. If I'm in the mood for lighter food, the "warm goat cheese salad" is TO DIE FOR. I split one this past weekend with my friend and I was so sad because I had to share it.
Other than that, they have tacos, burgers, sandwiches and more traditional entrees. A few of my favorite appetizers are the salmon rolled with goat cheese, applewood smoked bacon (more bacon), edamame and fried asparagus. I feel like anyone can come here and find something that appeals to them.
Don't base your opinion of Firkin off of my review...come visit and see for yourself! -
Review from James B.
Libertyville, IL
2/7/2012
This place is sooo bomb. This is my go to place in the ville. Yes it's expensive, but if you stick to the delicious Trumer Pils and spicy pork tenderloin sandwich, you can get out of there for under 20$. If money isn't a problem, I would suggest the Blanche de Chambly beer on tap and some lobster tacos or wahoo tacos! Do it!
-
Review from Kaye V.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 2/3/2012
What is going on here? The food quality is really dropping - not to mention the stench from the hood that doesn't seem to work...YIKES - wanna smell like a deep fryer for the rest of the day - go here! Had the tall grass burger, served with little scraps of iceberg lettuce and anemic slices of tomato - come on - my cafeteria serves better quality greens to go with a so-called high end burger. Also had the Two hearted on tap..wow I think this was one of the very few times the tapper was dirty - or the keg and connections are dirty..a bad draw of beer for sure. Others in the group as well unimpressed with this visit, but at least their beers were ok. I think its time to move on. Competition in Libertyville could easily overtake this place at this point - if a new place steps up.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
8/16/2010
Was there last week, got the fish tacos, and they were awful! Another friend was there earlier same… Read more »
-
-
Review from Dan N.
Bartlett, IL
2/1/2012
Excellent Beer selection and great upscale pub grub. Love love love the calamari! Everything is comforting most everything has a bit of a unique twist. Have been turned on to many good Beers there...its really a great place to try new Beers and learn what you like and what you dont , staff is very knowledgeable. Its a destination for sure, were 30+ miles and tray to get there when we can
-
Review from Hari R.
Chicago, IL
12/1/2011
(If you don't like reading - skip to the bottom for my final thoughts)
Let me just say that I live in Chicago and I make regular trips out to Libertyville just to go to this bar with my SO. The food is delicious. The atmosphere is lively. The weekly live music is unbeatable. THIS IS MY FAVORITE RESTAURANT/BAR IN CHICAGOLAND.
-----DRINKS:-----
With the number of drink selections on tap, in bottles, and lining the shelves, it's no wonder that this restaurant was named one of America's 100 Best Beer Bars by Draft Magazine in 2011. Resident beer connoisseur, Dave, mans the bar and helps indecisive customers choose a brew that matches their palate preference for the night. Often times, I go there - tell him what mood I'm in, and he'll serve me up a tall glass of beer that I've never had before. He's never failed me, as his recommendations have always been spot-on. Dave also brings in rare beers and posts a notice on Facebook to come and enjoy them while they're still on tap. If you're not a beer person... be careful - the beers he serves you will make you into one!
-----FOOD:-----
The food is always delicious. I've only had the vegetarian options here (and there are many), but I've heard the meat entrees are great as well. The prices aren't too expensive either. My suggestion - try anything with mushrooms and anything with goat cheese. You can't go wrong.
-----ENTERTAINMENT:-----
Live Blues and Classic Jams speckle the week. During a night with live music, the pub fills with local crowds and visitors from adjacent suburbs, all dancing to tunes of music we all know the lyrics to. Harry and Peter, a duo that masters the guitar and the harmonica, rock out to hits from the 60s, 70s, as everyone sings along between sipping on cocktails and dining on pasta. Throw out some requests and they may ask you to come up to sing with them! Along with the staff, the musical guests are some of the nicest folks I've ever met
-----SEATING:-----
Sometimes it gets really crowded during the holiday seasons and weekend evenings. Even so, you usually don't have to wait too long to get a table. Just grab a drink and by the time you're halfway through it, your table should be ready. Even with the large crowds, it hasn't seemed to affect service too much.
-----LOCATION:-----
Easy to get to, and plenty of parking. You can park on the street, park in the lot in the back, or park in the parking garage about a block away.
-----FINAL THOUGHTS:-----
The food is delicious.
The drinks are unique.
The service is fantastic.
Come ready to eat, drink, and be merry. Hey - you might even run into a few celebrities along the way (ahem... Frank Thomas). -
Review from Robin L.
Libertyville, IL
1/27/2012
Do not go here if you are on a diet. The mac n cheese is the best on the planet and the shrimp tacos with french fries are fabulous! Firkin changes its specials and its decor seasonally which is great for regulars like me.
Good drinks, atmosphere, tasty food and weekly Vance Kelly band (Thursday nights) are all great reasons to come here but the SERVICE sets this place apart. The wait staff is REALLy ON the BALL! They are super friendly, knowledgable about the food and make every effort to please. My drink glass has never been empty! -
Review from David L.
Keeping rating at 4 stars.
1. Buffalo chicken salad, 13 http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Grilled Chicken, Buffalo Wing Sauce, crumbled Blue Cheese
~Pretty good. Simple but yummy.
2. Grilled West Coast Salmon Sandwich, 11 http://www.yelp.com/bi...
~Delicious. Salmon was cooked nicely, and it was a great burger. Asian cole slaw was good for cole slaw, but a tad too sour.
My only gripe with this place is the service. It took a bit too long for us to get our food, and way too long for get our check and receipt.
Also, their menu was last changed about 16 months ago, so there's little/no seasonal variety. It would be nice for our server to tell us the specials since they're written on a board on the other side of the restaurant.Listed in: Chicago Food
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
-
11/23/2011
Food: 3
Decor: 5
Service: 3
I showed up here with a party of 6 for dinner on Friday. I was told the… Read more »
-
-
Review from Helen S.
Yum. I came here once on a Friday night and it was super packed. Me and my bf waited around for a table for our group, and we were practically drooling over the food as it came out of the kitchen. We shared baked oysters to start, which were lovely. I ordered the Caribbean salmon, which had some sort of tomato cream sauce and it was served over rice. I don't know if it was because I was super hungry (I didn't eat lunch that day) or if it was really just that good, but it was the best thing I remember eating recently. My bf got steak fajitas which were alright.
The two of us came back again about a week later, the day after Thanksgiving. I got the buffalo chicken salad, which was probably one of the best salads I've ever had, and my bf got the grilled salmon sandwich which was also delicious.Listed in: Noteworthy in Chicago
-
Review from Johnny T.
9/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Never would I ever have thought that I would be super excited and seriously contemplating return visits to a place 38928745 miles outside of the city, but that's what Firkin did to me. First, let's discuss Libertyville. I have no doubts this would be a fantastic community in which to raise kids. It reminded me a lot of cities in Jefferson County, KY (where I'm from). I felt immediately comfortable and at ease. I dig it. Take a weekend day and come up just for the drive. For non-car owners, the Metra will do you as well.
Actually, the Metra might just be the way to go, considering the incredible variety of brews waiting for you at Firkin. While the name may have you thinking some naughty thoughts (I never quite understood what *those* -- you know what I am thinking of -- were for anyway), the beer will get you back on track. They take brews pretty seriously in the North Shore and if you are a beer enthusiast, I challenge you to find a draft or bottle that doesn't impress you. Belgiums are the star of the show, but, truly you should be able to find any beer to satisfy your Euro and American needs.
And even though you might come for the beer, stay for the food. It pairs *very* well. On my visit, I enjoyed fruit beer and an even nicer spicy pork sandwich with green chillies, chihuahua cheese and smoky chipotle sauce. Not only was the sandwich appropriately man-sized, it tasted d@mn good. I opted to get my sandwich with Asian slaw (instead of fries) and I put it on my sandwich as well. Hot & cold together never tasted so good. I can see how Firkin is a popular Spring destination but with the coming autumn, I can't imagine a better evening than throwing back a few reds and chowing down on some deliciously hearty food. And you better believe that if I do it, catch me taking the Metra. I want to be able to fully enjoy my time in the ville of Liberty aka getting rosy cheeks and a buddha belly at Firkin. -
Review from Rebecca R.
Lake Forest, IL
12/14/2011
Finally, a pub with a good night scene in the North Suburbs! I was so excited to see this crowd on a Saturday night in December. I didn't get a chance to try any food, but I did have a few delicious glasses of their very own brewed beer. It was off a large list of brews, so I will be sure to head back soon to try a few more. The location is good for parking, the decor is inviting, and the people were friendly. Can't wait to head back to try some food along with my delicious craft beer!
-
Review from Chad M.
Hoffman Estates, IL
9/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
Wow. That is my first thought when I ate the burger. I would have given this place 5 stars, but I penalize them a half a point, for the server not telling me there were specials. I didn't notice the board until I turned around to look around the restaurant.
I ate the Tallgrass Beef burger. It was really lean, and delicious. Its a half a pound, and USUALLY a half a pound of beef would have filled me up, and sat like a brick. It didn't. Yeah, I was full, but it isn't heavy, which to me, is a good thing. Because when food sits like a brick, I end up feeling gross later.
The burger was delicious and was cooked exactly right. I spread the mascarpone cheese on the burger, and it was really good. The pickles are yummy too!
A++ for this place. I will be back for sure. -
Review from Kiera D.
Lake Zurich, IL
11/26/2011
Sooo cute! I love the Christmas lights! Food is medium, but it's not meant to be a 5 star place. Just a fun little hang out. Yay!
-
Review from Carl F.
A great place to come and have a beer... or two and also chow down on some good, comfort food. The atmosphere is trending towards cleptic, but it is festive.
The wait staff was very friendly and efficient. Our waitress was a gem at helping me wade thru all the beer choices to selected the perfect one for me and boy was it good!
The food was also outstanding. The menu is not too extensive so if your in a group with a lot of picky eaters, then it may be an issue. However, if your group is made up of, "lets give that a try" or "I'll have what he's eating," then you'll be happy with the menu.
The food comes out with presentation one would expect at a bar and it is so good you practically don't put it down. The only time I put mine down was to mop up the grease off my hand which was dripping from the outstanding cheese burger I was chowing down.
This is yet another, Yelp success story, for I only came here after reading the reviews on Yelp... Thanks fellow Yelpers! -
Review from Coleen A.
Waukegan, IL
12/10/2011
Our server, Matt, was knowledgeable, friendly and attentive. The food was way beyond typical bar food. And the fact that the bartender (at a beer bar, no less) knew how to make a dry martini really impressed me. The one issue - and this is not Firkin's fault - is the noise level. It was loud for a reason: it's popular, and it's damn good!
-
Review from Carri C.
Chicago, IL
11/26/2011
I went here for lunch. The beer selection was good. The cheap plastic water glasses seemed out of place. Service was ok, not overly friendly. The food was overpriced and just ok. The burrito, at $16, had a small amount of meat and lots of cabbage and rice. Very disappointing. I question if this place would survive in Chicago due to a lot more competition. I would not return.
-
Review from Mark A.
McHenry, IL
1/11/2012
the kitchen part that you walk past when you come in is pretty gross and dirty so we walked out before we were sat.
-
Review from Jelena Z.
Firkin is the suburban answer to Hopleaf. Yep, I said it.
Don't believe me? I have the evidence to build a strong case. With almost 30 rotating beers on draft and another 45 or so in bottles, most people would say Firkin's list can't compare to the some of the craft bar spots in the city with their 200+ selections. But with a list this well-curated, you can go ahead and keep the other 125.
I've listed my current crush as Malheur 12. Who, what? It's a rich quadrupel with tasty hints of raisin, figs and brown sugar with a birth certificate reading Buggenhout, Belgium. Do you know how difficult it is to find this beer in a bottle? West Lakeview Liquors is indefinitely out. Lush doesn't carry it. But Firkin serves it on draft. And just like a crush, it's somewhat out of reach: Sometimes Firkin has it and sometimes they don't. But, just knowing that it crashes on the couch every so often keeps my head in the game.
And the food. Akaushi beef, turkey burgers with mascarpone cheese, Labriola baguettes served with the housmade lentil puree, chicken liver mousse... I'll stop now, but I will say you have to try the lentils. Spun with gold and truffles or pieces of heaven itself, you'd never know these lentils are actually good for you. But, they are.
The staff is made of peaches. Really, I've fallen in love with a different server or bartender on each visit regardless of their gender. If you ever have a couple of free hours in the afternoon, come and sit at the bar and sample a few pours before committing to a pint. It's good fun, and I promise you'll leave with some new friends for life.
And then you leave this dim dream of a bar and realize life is just as you left it, but you're a happier person for having spent those few hours in the sunniest of places. This is exactly when I start plotting my next visit... as I'm driving away! -
Review from scott b.
Keller, TX
7/2/2011
Upon entering, I'd say Firkin must be an alcoholic's dream. Oh wait, I am an alcoholic, so I'll go as far to say that Firkin is Heaven! When we were seated, there was an extensive beer list on the table. I began to peruse through this menu {salivating}, and eventually opted for a Left Hand Milk Stout. Jesus Christ, this is one hell of a beer!
Now, after deciding on sandwiches, wifey and I ordered the following: Caribbean & the Spicy Pork. I thought wifey's Caribbean was good. Really good, but the Spicy Pork was unbelievably tasty. I'm usually not wowed over a stupid sandwich, but I'd probably join in on one of those infamous flash mobs on Michigan Avenue in order to gank one of these sandwiches. Yes, it really is that good!
In addition to the creative menu, and phenomenal beer selection, the liquor selection was top notch as well.
Great food, great service (Geoff), and an alcoholic's dream selection of beer and spirits. You're damn right I'll return. Soon, at that! -
Review from Juliann P.
Austin, TX
6/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
I really can't think of anything else that I could want in a restaurant. Our server Daniel was incredible, explaining all the specials to us and recommending his favorites.
The beer selection was great! Not so many to overwhelm, but more of the best of the best. I had a local IPA from Two Brothers in Warrenville IL that was fantastic, along with some old standbys from Great Lakes Brewing.
The food was really close to 5 stars... like 4.75... We had the wagyu burger, fried asparagus, french onion soup, lobster tacos. The only item that was only slightly lacking was my softshell crab "sliders", two sliders sized sandwiches with a crab each, what an awesome idea. I think the iceberg on the sammy was a let down and the kitchen forgot the mayo. I slathered on some of the chipotle mayo from the asparagus appetizer and it was all good. The lentil salad side was very inventive, it reminded me of cold indian dal dish. super yummy!
This place can get crazy busy, but it is worth the wait. -
Review from Sid V.
Chicago, IL
11/2/2011
I don't doubt I could go back here and have an experience worthy of four or five stars. The place has a desirable degree of character to it, the service was crisp and the beer list and menu diverse and interesting. Alas, I had the nearly seventeen dollar burrito-now one would assume any place with the balls to charge seventeen bucks for a Chipotle sized burrito w/o sides would deliver something special. Alas, this burrito was severely lacking in the purported steak and shrimp and lacking a bit in flavor overall. Certainly I've had superior seven dollar burritos. For that reason I am compelled to keep the review to a mere three stars.
-
Review from Thomas S.
Lake Bluff, IL
10/24/2011
GREAT beer selection, fantastic food. One of the places I go most frequently with my girlfriend for a Saturday night dinner and drinks. The atmosphere is warm/rustic with a very casual crowd and it's always full. It gets a little loud after 9pm, but most bar/restaurants do, so that's no surprise. Staff is friendly, fast, and always quick to recommend. Appetizers are great - especially the goat cheese in tomato herb sauce, and the lobster tacos. This is one of those places that is perfect in the summer or winter.
-
Review from tami g.
4/14/2011
So I was wanting a beer because, well, I had a stressful vacation (I know, vacations should NOT be stressful) and my friend and her husband tell me we are going to this great beer bar. Talk about music to my ears, and not turning down adult beverages, I tagged along.
I walk in and am in awe with the decor. They have fairy lights (christmas lights) hanging from the ceiling, along with numerous Bob Marley flags. It is SO nice to go to an establishment that is non smoking! I digress...
So we sat at the bar and I stare at the beer menu that is posted on a chalkboard. I didn't even know where to begin. I decided to go with a usual, Chimay. Can't go wrong! I then tried a Left Hand Nitro Milk Stout. I am a HUGE fan of dark lagers and this was not disappointing! It tasted just as described, like chocolate milk. Magma was another good choice, as was Duchesse de Bourgogne and a few other ones. I was told that the beer menu changes frequently (once a month) so I HAD to try every beer :0
We did show up after the kitchen had closed, so we were unable to sample the food, but next time I head back to Chitown, I am meeting my friends and hitting up this joint again!Listed in: Chitown
-
Review from Kevin S.
Chicago, IL
4/29/2011 4 Check-ins Here
This is a food review. I came here for lunch with a few coworkers. I had the Caribbean sandwich (not on the menu) that had roast pork, ham, and swiss cheese on it (very similar to a Cuban sandwich, but had a little bit more spice to it). It was great. The fries were good as well, nicely seasoned.
Everything my coworkers had looked good.. next time I go I want to try the Wagyu beef hamburger or the fried chicken sandwich. -
Review from Scott B.
Chicago, IL
5/13/2011
I'll keep this simple.
Food is very good, but not incredible. But that's really not the point of Firkin.
Firkin has one of the finest beer selections in Chicagoland. If you love the world's finest brews, Firken will satisfy you. A truly amazing selection. Firkin stands up to any place in Chicago proper, so to find it tucked away in the suburbs was a great surprise (thanks, Yelp recommendations).
Go there. Have a beer. Chat with your friends. Be happy. -
Review from Jill L.
Lake Zurich, IL
5/5/2011
Someone is crazy. Just was playing on my iPhone and noticed this establishment is listed as a dive bar and a sports bar. It is neither.
What it is, is a classy establishment with a vast variety of beverages (including champagne and several awesome beers)! Food is decent, but the main reason I think you go there is to try various drinks while admiring the holiday decor year round.
Looking for a dive bar? Hit the island or downings. Looking for a sports bar? Hit Finns. -
Review from Stephen M.
Lake Forest, IL
5/21/2011
Firkin busts out of the burb rating and gets a full-on 5 star rating. That includes the core city!
I could pretend that I'm a beer virtuoso, recognizing the subtleties in the wide variety of beers that Firkin offers. Can't do that, but I know that their categories and selections stand heads above the Bud/Miller soap that some bars serve.
The beer selection is as easy as answering such questions as what do you think you're interested in? The waitstaff knows the beer and they'll give you a taste. Simple.
Is the food as good as the beer selection? It's a shame that question has to be asked. It isn't everywhere, but it is here. Don't get me wrong--it's bar food with flair. Using that standard, you can go there and have an enjoyable meal, even when not having a beer.
They have a standard menu and then offer specials. The fish entrees are can't misses and the French onion soup is excellent. -
Review from Kerri L.
1/26/2011
I love this place, it's one of the happiest places on Earth.
The beer selection is fantastic, and if you love beer you'll love this place as much as I do.
Unfortunately, the food is over-priced and bland. Eat first and then come here for the beer. If you're a beer fan you do NOT want to miss this place. -
Review from Alayne H.
11/27/2010 4 photos
I was in town visiting a friend and had some free time on my hands so thought I'd wander down Main Street and check out the shops. I walked by Firkin and instantly fell in love with the warm decor. The interior was tastefully decorated with Christmas lights and the glow of the multicolored lights against the rich wood made for a relaxing atmosphere. It was midday so only sprinkled with a few patrons having lunch. I ordered a glass of pinot noir and was impressed with the thoughtful and reasonably priced wine list by the glass.
The staff was friendly and I could see myself being a regular if I lived in the area. If I visit Libertyville again, Firkin will be a must do. -
Review from Brad H.
1/11/2011
Bumping place...so bumping that the first time I tried to go the wait was 45 minutes to an hour!
Went with two friends. The bread keeps coming which was awesome. The Macoroni and Cheese was to die for. Outstanding.
The Beer selection is outstanding and not overpriced.
Quirky ambiance. Great place. -
Review from Justin C.
Richardson, TX
1/31/2011
I went here for lunch on a Sunday, it is a happy place.
I ordered the schnitzel (spelled "snitzle" on the menu) and got a delicately prepared chunk of boneless fried chicken as big as my head. I had to ask for the sides, because they forgot to bring them. Otherwise the service was prompt and professional. The asian style cole slaw is so simple but delicious.
The menu was full of spelling errors, and it was sort of fun to find them all while waiting for the food to come. I dont know if the menu changes often or not, but they could use a spell checker ("sweer peppers") -
Review from Frank N.
12/22/2010 1 Check-in Here
Went here tonight to meet a friend for drinks. We both got there around 8pm and it was more crowded than I've usually seen it. My buddy and I squirmed our way near the bar and didn't wait long before one of the bartenders to our drink order.
Now, this is not your regular beer selection...this was a remarkable beer selection. I started with the Bells Brewing Winter White. This was a nice light ale that went down smooth. For the second drink, I wanted something a little different and asked the bartender for his recommendation. A moment later, a Great Lakes Xmas was in front of me. While similar in taste to the first, the after taste had a little more statement to it. The bartenders here are pleasant, funny, and knowledgeable.
Bartender #1 - Entertained us with a little baseball talk and the whole Cubs vs Sox chat. (I'm a Cub fan - sorry...)
Bartender #2 - When asked if Amaretto is a chick drink, happily replied no and gave a great mixed drink recipe with Amaretto. I have an Amaretto on the rocks every once in a while and my buddy said it was a "chick" drink. Thanks Bartender #2!
Now, onto the eye candy ! While the crowds here tend to be fairly young and sport after work employees, tonight had the best eye candy I've seen here. Maybe it's the Holiday time but the women were dressed attractively and smelled sooooo good - okay maybe I've had a little alcohol in my system and I'm basically horny. :)
Love coming to this place and will definitely be back soon!Listed in: We're going streaking!
-
Review from K B.
Chicago, IL
9/18/2011
Great food, great service, amazing beer list ... what more do you need?
Food is unique and well-made. Beer list is long, ever-changing and detailed. Staff are very knowledgeable and opinionated on both the beer and the food. In addition, the food and the decor changes seasonally, making for a pleasant atmosphere at any time of year. Highly, highly recommend!! -
Review from Becky P.
12/30/2010
This narrow restaurant/ bar has a great atmosphere, and is a diamond for northern burbs beer snobs.
They always have something unique on the menu, and at least one beer on cask (yay!). For example, today I had the un-unique french onion soup (which is out of this world!!!!). But, you could have gotten lobster tacos, panko breaded tilapia, or swedish potato sausage, oh my!!
I give 4 stars because to me this place is a little pricey, but the other half insists that they are way cheaper than downtown. -
Review from Art M.
Buffalo Grove, IL
2/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
The beer selection is top notch and changes regularly. Check the specials - these are normally some of the best menu items. The rest of the menu is unique and solid but not outstanding.
The beer more than makes up for the food, though! -
Review from Christopher W.
Costa Mesa, CA
11/9/2010
I lived above this place 4 four years!
Having such a great establishment stumbling distance from my door was amazing. I never would have left if it wasn't for work. The soft shell crab sandwich is amazing and so is the service. My only complaint was some of the decor. The owners wife decorates the walls with tacky crap. -
Review from Mark Z.
Ingleside, IL
8/4/2011
Firkins is great when not crowded, and its almost always crowded in the evening, no matter the day of the week.. I've been there maybe 20 times in the last few years and have always gone alone or with 1-2 people. The prices are bad, but its hard to complain when there are so few places in the Northern Burbs with a comparable selection. 3 stars if you are solo or with 1-2 others. -2 to 1 star for any larger group. With a great selection of beer and a very nice menu you really should be able to handle a group as large as 6. The last time I was there was with a group and it was a disaster. Never again. Our server was awesome, and they all are - in my experience - but once the hostess and manager have to be involved be prepared for rudeness and short tempers.
I will most likely go there again, but never with a group or during crowded times. -
Review from Megan T.
Palatine, IL
10/18/2010 2 Check-ins Here
BY far one of the BEST bar/restaurant places in the North/Northwest suburbs!
My husband and I frequent pubs and i can honestly say this is one of the best. They have a cask that always changes and we thought we knew our beers, there were several beers that we hadn't heard of! The bartenders were really great and very friendly!
The fried calamari is also some of the best I have had. The breading is light yet crispy and the calamari seems very fresh! i also enjoyed the sausage platter that they served during Oktoberfest and it was fabulous! I have had better service, but it was not horrible it was just slightly slower then desired. We didn't feel rushed!
I have had the lobster tacos which were good, we liked the shell that they used it was smaller and crisper that your typical taco. My friend got the baked Mac & Cheese and she said it was good, but not as good as my mom's.
If you are a pub/beer person this is worth a stop! -
Review from Tiffany G.
Chicago, IL
11/13/2010
SUCH A FIND! Finally, a pub in the North suburbs that is worth going to! They offer the kind of beer and spirits selection you'd generally only find in the city, with better prices. Notable is the strong selection of Belgian beers and a vodka list that even includes Zubrowka (wow - Binny's or the odd Polish restaurant is just about the only place you'll ever see THAT one)!
The Tallgrass burger and grilled wahoo tacos were both very tasty and the menu offered plenty of other good choices I look forward to trying next time.
I really liked the atmosphere here too. Warm and inviting, bustling, but not to the point where you can't hear yourself think. And, even though this should go without saying, the bar itself is the kind you PREFER to sit at - very long, unobstructed, and breathable. It seems like the bar should be the most obvious factor at this sort of establishment, but I can't count how many times I've been to one of these pub/restaurants and been turned off by how small and unpleasant the actual bar is. Don't you hate it when you've waited ages for a sliver of space at a minuscule bar, finally gain entree, sit down and look up only to be staring smack dab at the tap or a bus station full of beer glasses? You're lucky to have enough space to set down your glass let alone a plate of chicken wings... That won't happen Firkin!
The bartenders here were also friendly and attentive regardless of how packed the place was. Impressive.
It's safe to say Firkin is going to become our new haunt.
