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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Waukegan

Food and bars

You want a drink and a meal in a space that doesn't feel like a chore.

Based on 555 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
North Avenue Tap image 1
North Avenue Tap image 2
North Avenue Tap image 3
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Bar & grill

Cozy neighborhood bar with a friendly atmosphere and reasonable prices. Handmade burgers and a Reuben sandwich stand out among the food options. Regulars create a welcoming vibe in one of the area's oldest bars.

Food here stands out for its great taste and consistent quality. Every dish served is enjoyed for its flavor and freshness.

Cozy neighborhood bar with a strong sense of history as one of the oldest in town. Bartender Brian offers friendly service and shares stories about the bar's union roots and historical significance.

People are saying

"This bar feels like family, a true neighborhood spot."

"The pizza here is great and the staff is friendly."

"I thought the food here was great."

Good to know

1

Cash is required for payment; cards are not accepted.

2

The kitchen is currently down, so food service is unavailable.

3

Handmade burger patties are served, not frozen ones.

02
The Taproom image 1
Bar & grill

Dive bar with cozy seating and a laid-back vibe offers slot machines and casual gaming. Atmosphere stays chill and local, with music sometimes loud and a welcoming, slightly dank but clean feel. Food includes affordable burgers and snacks, making it a solid spot for relaxed evenings.

Food here is consistently delicious and affordable. The menu offers good local bar fare with solid flavors and satisfying portions.

A local dive bar with a quintessential watering hole vibe, it offers good food and service in a clean but slightly dank atmosphere.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was amazing."

"I thought the burgers here were ridiculously good."

"The bartenders here are awesome and so welcoming."

Good to know

1

The restaurant uses fresh beef daily for the burgers.

2

Drinks are priced fairly compared to similar venues.

3

The place offers good value for the money.

03
TR's Front Row image 1

Bar offers beautiful lake view and variety of slot machines with multiple TVs. Atmosphere feels friendly and welcoming, making it comfortable to relax and hang out. Crowd is good, with beer on tap including unique draft cider options.

Food comes at a really reasonable price with consistently excellent quality. Staff can prepare food even when the kitchen is closed, keeping the experience smooth.

Bar offers a great neighborhood vibe with amazing service and a variety of drinks. Bar food is done well and complements the atmosphere.

People are saying

"The food here is fantastic and always on point."

"I found the burgers here to be awesome and tasty."

"The bar food here is fantastic, especially the burgers and fries."

Good to know

1

They offer a 5-pound burger challenge for those who want to test their limits.

2

TR's Front Row hosts awesome bands once a month.

3

The burger is priced reasonably for its size.

04
Lucky Scottie Restaurant image 1

Historic building with speakeasy-style bar and live DJ music creates a warm, lively atmosphere. Crowd enjoys fresh, flavorful food and a variety of cocktails including superb Negronis and Margheritas. Games and entertainment add to the inviting, fun vibe.

Food comes out cooked to perfection and scratch made with great care and attention to detail. The dishes feel special, though prices lean toward the higher side.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

"The Italian food here is so delicious and creamy."

"The burgers here are juicy, large, and held together well."

Good to know

1

Karaoke night happens every Thursday with $5 drinks available.

2

Taco Tuesdays offer $2 tacos, making it a popular night.

3

The kitchen closes early on show nights, so arrive in advance.

05
Glen Flora Tap & Grill image 1

Bar offers plentiful big TVs and slot machines in a separate room, creating a lively setting for sports and games. Atmosphere stays laid back and chill, with a happy crowd and music that runs a bit loud. Back dining room feels bare and windowless, contrasting with the otherwise inviting vibe.

Food here is consistently great and very tasty. Prices stay reasonable while offering a solid selection of beer and other drinks.

Classic dive bar vibe with a laid back atmosphere and good beer on tap including PBR and Hamm's. Wings stand out as genuinely better than typical bar fare, and the bar serves a decent bomb shot.

People are saying

"These bar wings are just good, with a light, crispy coating."

"I loved their amazing American food, especially the burger and wings."

"The food here is great and very tasty."

Good to know

1

Wings cost $1 each, making them a great value for a casual meal.

2

The bar offers a variety of reasonably priced food and drink options.

3

The atmosphere is casual, suitable for a night out or solo dining.

06
Green Town Tavern image 1
American restaurant

Classic Midwest style sets a warm and inviting tone with an electric vibe from a young owner and a mixed crowd. Music plays loudly, creating a lively atmosphere that suits watching games and enjoying a night out. Clean space offers comfort food and affordable prices in a local joint feel.

Large portions of fried food come in baskets the size of a head. Food arrives hot and prompt, offering comfort food that beats many pricier spots.

A lively spot with a great bar band and a good atmosphere. The food matches the bar vibe with solid bar food options.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and prompt."

"The bar staff here is so friendly and attentive."

"The Blue Burger's creamy blue cheese and good meat hit the spot."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Wednesday at 7pm.

2

Bingo is hosted every Thursday night at 8pm.

3

Expect a $2 surcharge for credit card payments.

07
Anastasia's-Waukegan Restaurant & Sports Lounge image 1

Spacious sports bar and lounge with plenty of TVs and ample indoor and outdoor seating, including a quiet patio area. Atmosphere is clean, warm, and cozy, balancing a classy vibe with a lively crowd during games. Shuttle service and live streams add convenience and unique touches.

Food here is consistently amazing with large portions that are both reasonably priced and delicious. Service matches the quality, making meals enjoyable every time.

Plenty of TVs show games with a lively crowd. The bar staff is attentive and serves drinks like Emilyโ€™s Watermelon Long Island. The space feels clean and spacious with solid service.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, with perfect portions and presentations."

"You can enjoy great food while watching live sports here."

"I thought the bar food was pretty good."

Good to know

1

Expect longer wait times during major sports events.

2

Happy hour features $6 Moscow mules on Mondays.

3

Half-price pizza night occurs every Tuesday.

08
Big Ed's BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Huge, clean space with a cafeteria-style dining area creates a spacious, casual vibe. Live jazz and a full bar add to the lively atmosphere, while comfy couches offer spots to relax. Known for top-tier barbecue and a variety of sauces, it blends great food with a fun, family-like energy.

Food here stands out for its amazing flavor and consistent quality. The menu offers delicious dishes that draw people from far away.

Rustic bar offers a very ambient atmosphere. Dinner includes mouth watering sides and delicious main dishes.

People are saying

"You have to try the brisket; it's some of the best American food around."

"I thought the food here was amazing."

"The bar area felt very nice and clean."

Good to know

1

Arrive early to avoid missing out on menu items as they sell out quickly.

2

Free meals are offered on Thanksgiving Day, making it a popular time to visit.

3

Some menu items are only available on specific days, so check ahead.

09
Louie's Restaurant image 1
Italian restaurant

Old school supper club with 1960s-style layout and red checkered plastic tablecloths creates a nostalgic atmosphere. The vibe is warm and inviting, blending a classic Italian restaurant with a clean, well-maintained bar. It feels like a small neighborhood spot with a friendly, family-oriented energy.

Food stays consistently excellent with tasty Italian dishes that leave you full for hours. Service remains great and attentive, matching the quality of the meals.

An old classic setting frames a clean, well-maintained bar with a solid cocktail selection. Seating at the bar is easy and the thin tavern style pizza pairs well with drinks.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

"It's got that awesome old school Italian vibe."

"It's an old school bar with a classic, gangster hangout vibe."

Good to know

1

Tonight, the all-you-can-eat fried chicken is available as a special.

2

The restaurant has been family-owned since 1941.

3

Expect higher prices due to recent price increases.

10
Jester's Double D Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small, cozy space combines bar and casino elements with slots and lottery machines. Atmosphere feels casual and welcoming, with a locals-only vibe and comfortable setting. Music and decor add to a relaxed, familiar environment.

Food arrives hot, fresh, and quick with a 12-inch double stacked pizza offering plenty of toppings and leftovers. The menu features phenomenal pizzas and consistently great quality dishes.

A genuine old pub where locals gather after work for a beer. It combines a bar with sit-down dining and some casino games, making it both a tavern and a restaurant.

People are saying

"This pizza is one of the best I've ever had."

"You have to try the double decker pizza; it's a phenomenal idea."

"This pizza was so damn good and stayed hot!"

Good to know

1

Weekly specials and music Bingo happen every Wednesday night.

2

Expect longer wait times for deep dish pizza; allow extra time for baking.

3

Free parking is available on-site for customers.

11
Bowlero Waukegan image 1
Bowling alley

Modern bowling lanes combine with an arcade and bar in a clean, spacious setting. Music videos play on screen projectors, creating a fun, lively atmosphere. The venue offers table side delivery and features well-maintained lanes alongside classic decorations and cute cartoon displays.

Food comes out hot, fresh, and flavorful with a great package of options. The menu pairs well with the fun activities and a good-sized bar.

A good-sized bar serves a variety of alcoholic beverages with quality. The bar staff is friendly and attentive, enhancing the experience.

People are saying

"The bowling staff here are so nice and helpful."

"The staff here are so welcoming and attentive."

"The bar staff here is always amazing and friendly."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay $16 per person to start and $10 per game per person.

2

Unlimited bowling special is available for $18 per person starting at 9 pm.

3

There is plenty of parking available at the venue.

12
Chili's Grill & Bar image 1

Open bar and lively music create a cheerful atmosphere that feels both welcoming and relaxing. The space is clean and inviting, with a mix of quiet moments and noisy energy depending on the time. Regulars enjoy a casual vibe suited for dining and socializing.

Food arrives hot and well made, with quick service from the kitchen and bar. Dishes are consistently delicious and fulfilling.

Strong leadership runs the bar with Lexi managing it well. The bar area sees casual interactions, like people chatting and offering electric vapes.

People are saying

"I loved the food here; it was delicious and fulfilling."

"The lunch spot staff here are genuinely nice and make you feel welcomed."

"Brad at the bar was so easy going and knowledgeable."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, and there is usually no wait.

2

Happy hour drinks are available with discounted prices.

3

The restaurant has a generous amount of parking available.

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Waukegan, Illinois

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