After the Fox is a GREAT dive bar. I can especially see how it is a great place to go while boating on the Fox River. I was taken to After the Fox one night after work with one of the 'Regulars'. I have to say when I walked in I was a little nervous not being a regular, but everyone was very friendly and quick to spark up conversation. The price was right for the drinks I had, and the menu looks like it has a very homestyle quality to it. There was also a deck out back that I can't WAIT for it to warm up so I can sit out there. If you are looking for a classy time, don't go to After the Fox. But if you're looking for a few drinks in a laid back atmosphere with lots of laughs, this place is for you! read more

It is def. An old time supper club kinda feel. Sat on the deck on a Tuesday at 8pm..view was great. Ordered two ribeyes one MR other med....they came well and med. Well. Side salad was brown and had big hard chunks of lettuce. Server gloria was pleasant read more

First time we were there we were ignored so long, the people behind us were already served! Decided to try it again, and really enjoyed the fish and burgers. Especially grouper. I like the hometown atmosphere, and that it doesn't get all wound up. The entertainer on Wednesday is so much fun.Unfortunately, the one main server just isn't very friendly. She's adequate all right, but has no personality or sense of humor. read more

Birthday brunch was excellent! Place is unassuming but large inside. Friendly service and well stocked brunch items.

So many good things to say. If you love frog legs then this is the place to be on Saturday nights. Never had them, here's the place to try them. Yum. Crab legs are great, expensive, but again a special Saturday treat. On the cheaper side- Love the pork chops. Ribs are tasty and tender. The grouper sandwich is huge and flaky. I had this the other night for the first time as a whim and I was so pleased with myself. Fish fry is good but once you have the grouper you have the grouper. They have a side dish called party potatoes that are a party oh yeah cheesy crunchy goodness. Unfortunately they don't have them every night. It keeps things interesting. Great cole slaw, creamy crisp and refreshing. Outdoor seating area in the summer, small so gets full fast. Great view of the river, unfortunate view of marina across the way. Friendly staff family bar atmosphere. Good times. read more

After the Fox - Views of the river - Bars Near Me - McHenry, Illinois

See all

I just love their Friday fish specials. You never know what delicious offerings they will have on their specials board....could be halibut cheeks (to die for!) or lake perch or who knows what. One thing's for sure; it will be fresh. Their regular rose fish fish fry is delicious too. The sides to choose from are all pretty tasty as well....home fried potatoes! Unbelievable as it may seem, they also have some really tasty pastrami sandwiches. My other half was surprised that a place this far from the "city" would have a good one. Well he was wrong, it was a great one. Have never had a meal here that was not good. The bar is nice and homey. I wouldn't call it a 'dive' bar at all. Neighborhood is more my take on it. People are friendly; service good. If you want to come by boat, they do have a small dock. read more

used to have luck with their food and breakfast buffet, but the last time we went was very disappointing, we won't be back for a while. The buffet was simply bad, the food was not fresh, a lot of the containers were empty, and this was shortly after the buffet started in the morning. read more

Our group of 7 arrived at "After the Fox" restaurant in McHenry, IL at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday September 3, 2017. Our group included 3 seniors in their 80's. We were greeted by Patrick, the owner. We told him we needed a table for 7 so he placed us at a table for 6 in a room just off of the main bar area overlooking the river. Seeing we would need an additional seat my wife and I butted our table next to a table for 2 to create the required seating. When Pat the owner saw that we had moved the table he became extremely mad and told us we should not have moved the table. There were no other patrons in the room and only a few in the restaurant at this hour of the day and the tables were very light for moving. So, we moved the table back to let him figure out how we should seat 7 at our table for 6. We then asked Pat the location of his restrooms to use by our senior guests. Apparently, still mad at us for something as inconsequential as moving a table, he told me to use the river as a restroom. We decided at that point to find another restaurant. We did not need to be insulted by the owner of an establishment we chose to patronize. Sorry Patrick, your behavior was disrespectful, unnecessary and rude especially in the presence of 3 female senior citizens. They could not believe the way we were treated. Perhaps you were having a bad day but that behavior is no excuse from an experienced restaurateur. We will not be returning to your restaurant. Terrible service. read more

Terrible restaurants. Filthy bathrooms. They charge you for water when you're eating dinner there. And then extra charge for Mayo on a sandwich. Service was mediocre. I'll never go back read more

The food was not even mediocre, service was poor, & prices were high for what we got. Very disappointing.

Stopped in with my family and my small children today and promptly left before even sitting down. The drunk manager, owner whoever he was, was extremely rude and used horrible language in front of me, my 4 year and 6 month old saying "those F*ing people don't listen!" as he was reffering to my parents who went to sit by the window, must not have realised I was their daughter and those f*ing people as he stated are my parents! Telling me my 4 year old can't sit at a "high table"!!?? Excuse me? There is no sign that says wait to be seated? or no children past a certain point! My son is more than capable of sitting in a chair. Told the guy as he went back to his barstool I didn't appreciate his language in front of my 4 year old and 6 month old! We will NEVER set foot in that place again! read more

Great location - on the water - even during winter it's soothing just to be next to the river. Besides that the food is good and the drinks are great. Sunday's breakfast buffet is WELL worth the $8.50 also. I think I'll dine here for my birthday this year! read more

My wife and I just tried this place last night. I have to say it was really good for the average run-of-the-mill food. The burgers were huge and their onion rings are fantastic. The best part is the prices. Very cheap for what you get. We're going back again. read more

I like this little bar. The sign says established 1982 and I would have to say the decor is original. It reminds me of the Regal Beagle from Three's company. I keep expecting Larry and Jack to walk in any minute. What I really like about the place is the outdoor area. Right on the river, it is very relaxing to sit out there and watch the boats go by. The food is not bad, the drinks are good and the prices don't seem to be crazy. Actually the food is pretty cheap. I had a grilled Ahi tuna steak for $8.99 which I thought was pretty good. I would definitely try this downtown Mchenry stable. Right on the water so you can come by car or boat. All the trimmings of the crazy 80's sin Mr. and Mrs. Roper. And decent food. I hear they have a really good Friday fish fry, but I haven't tried it yet. read more

I'm so disapointed in this place and don't think I will return. I decided to support local businesses and have some people come here for my birthday this year. First of all, we attempted to move the front tables ourselves and the owner yelled at us for doing so while indicating that they are new and really expensive. It completely changed the mood and everyone felt a sense of akwardness for a moment. We did get over it and stayed and had dinner and drinks. The service was slow, and one of my friends overheard one of the older locals complain about us being there. After the place cleared out, we were still there ordering many drinks, but it didn't seem that they wanted us there, so we decided to take the party back at my house. I assured my friends that this was a great place and most of them drove over an hour to be there that night. Too bad they didn't get the experience that I thought they would get..Additionaly, the waiter made it clear her shift was over and implied for us to close out our bill. She wasn't very friendly. My husband and I started to eat here almost once a week, and now I no longer want to go there...It's a shame because I really liked their food, but I don't want to go somewhere where I don't feel welcome. I just moved to McHenry about 6 months ago, and really thought I found a place where we could potentially feel like locals, especially because I live walking distance. McHenry has failed me once again. Next time I'll take my business to the new Buffalo Wild Wings close by....It only takes ONE bad experience to never go back. Hope the locals are happy now...you won't be seeing my face there again...and once your place shuts down because you don't welcome any other generation, I will NOT feel bad...can't live forever...ya know.. I do want to express how nice the cook is. I think his name was Kyle, and he introduced us to himself one time, asked how our meal was, and pointed out the owner. Kyle, if you're reading this, this review has nothing to do with you and you should open up your own restaurant.... **UPDATE---We have since gone back and the owner was extremely friendly and food (as always) was up to par. I guess I just wouldn't come back here with a large group. read more

What a charming bar and restaurant located on the Fox. We stopped in after seeing Santa a few weeks ago and had a great dinner of fish n chips and ribs. Outstanding and very reasonably priced. read more

A really nice restaurant/bar in downtown McHenry. Overall the atmosphere is nice, and it's right on the Fox River so the views are great. The staff is also great. Really friendly and attentive. The food (especially the fish fry on Friday nights) is outstanding. read more

This place is not an enjoyable place. Walked in and it smelled like a funeral home. No joke. Not the atmosphere that is promised by a restaurant on the chain o lakes. After consideration of the place, we went down the Road to Bimbos Italian Restaurant. So much better atmosphere and the food was phenomenal. Then when we came back through to get on our boat. The owner of After the Fox disrupted the whole restaurant to make a scene about our boat being parked on his piers. I professionally apologized and he started swearing and degrading me. Truly unprofessional, and I do not recommend this place to anyone. Save your money. There is much better food and environment on the chain. read more

Second time ever being here might be our last first it's HOT out I get it may be hard to keep it cool, with a patio but the temp was 78 where we were sitting the thermostat said so, second we ordered steak and fried shrimp awful no taste on the steak the breaded shrimp was way way over breaded. Then to top it off the old bag as a so called waitress was a complete witch! read more

Fantastic place!! Pat the owner is a great guy. The locals are so friendly. My wife's Girl friend works there and has been asking us to visit. Drove 67 miles to get there well worth the trip. The food is Fantastic. Great view of the fox river. Very comfortable place to visit. They make you feel like your at home. Wish it was closer. Go visit its great. read more

After the Fox is a regular for us. Fish Fry on Fridays along with plenty of other seafood specials. Not all fried fish and I like that. If your not a fish fan then order from the regular menu because the burgers and steaks are good. Well stocked bar and good service. read more

The beer battered cod is the best I have ever had. Seriously. I've had it a few times here and it never disappoints. The breading is super crispy, not greasy and a generous portion. I am super picky about fish fry and these guys win the prize in my book! Drinks are excellent and the prices really reasonable. This place is now on our A list of places to eat in McHenry. read more

So, we've stopped in here before for the amazing Friday fish fry. We decided to come out today to watch the boats go by on the Fox and have a couple cold ones. The service here is always the best. The blackened grouper sandwich was so utterly off the charts that I've decided to make this place a regular stop. So why only 4 stars and not five? Because I'm a beer snob and the draft beer selection is pretty generic. But the food, service, and atmosphere is as good as any place you'll find in Mchenry or on the Fox. read more

Very good food and great outdoor deck for a nice summer evening. I had the fish and chips. Very good!

Great joint for prime rib...when they have it. They need to stock up when it's on special along with baked potatoes. Might need to reserve a steak in advance next time. Overall friendly place, great location and good food. read more

Had dinner there last night with the family it was great steak and crab legs for 25 bucks can't beat it wait staff was great .

It looks like a dive bar, but the food is good and the staff is friendly. I wish they had a better beer selection, but the mixed drinks are good. The menu is pretty small, but you get huge portions of tasty food at a moderate price. A nice place to kick back and relax. read more

One of the worst experiences I've had at a restaurant. Told 20 min wait which turned into over an hour. Ordered and waited go reverse only to have one of four meals show up. Finally told our food was delivered to another table. So you8 telling me someone was happy e as ting our meal rather than what they ordered?.. Finally got the food...med rare burger serverd well well done. Over 2 1/2 hrs for dinner of burgers and fried fish. read more

Love the food, people and location. Highly recommend steak and seafood items. Great drinks and great prices. We enjoy the historic atmosphere and watching the boats go by on the chain while we eat. read more

One drink minimum! Just went to have lunch only wanted water. They were going to charge a buck for the water. The place smells like pee anyway. Two negatives equals we left! read more

After being told that one of the specials were not available i asked for something similar. First off shouldn't the server know this? Anyways i ordered the " shaved" prime rib sandwich. It was nothing more then scraps that were festering in the bottom of the pan full of grease and fat. You could literally taste it and CHUNKS of fat were in the sandwich. I ate about 1/4 before the server came back to ask " how is everything " i asked her point blank " what exactly is this"? Shaved prime rib she said. I explained to her that there's nothing more then scaps and chunks of fat in here, then she says " well why did you eat it, nobody else has ever complained" at that point i told her i wouldn't feed it to a dog and you can tell your manager and cook that. A few moments later the owner and manager come out and say "is there a problem here"? In a very authoritative tone mind you. Again i explained the problem, the drunken owner says " it's prime rib there's supposed to be fat in it , pay your bill and don't ever come back" REALLY? Is this how you resolve an issue? I've been a frequent patron of this place for a very long time but i will NOT recommend it anymore. Good luck to anyone that ever eats here. read more

After the Fox is a great local bar with ample tables inside and out for dining. The wait staff is friendly and the bartenders are entertaining. The food is great; I suggest trying the specials. I once had a calamari pasta dish that I swear, had more calamari than pasta! I've have also heard that the Halibut cheeks are excellent. The beer selection is limited, but the atmosphere definitely makes up for it! read more

We have been going to After the Fox for almost 30 years! It is a great place. Clean, the food is excellent and reasonably priced! Alot of regulars and all are so nice. Bartenders are always friendly and the owner is very nice! read more

Place is out dated.It's where the locals hang out at.Been here several times for lunch and dinner.Food is a hit or miss.Must go through a lot of cooks. read more

Aftern The Fox is run like other restaurants should be. Great cooks, friendly servers, good drinks, great food and fair prices. Actually the customer get more than what they are paying the portions a good sized enough for a big appetite~! There's this bartender who's name is Lance and he is one of the best that I had serve me. The owner Pat has been in the business and he know's what he is doing. I would recomend this place to family, friend allike. read more

Great food and the bartenders know their stuff. We try to eat here at least once a week and have never had a bad meal.

Would have liked to try out the atmosphere and the food and the drinks but we're not given a chance. Went in with 5 people and went out the deck but couldn't find the seat...which was fine.... so we decided to go in and get a seat with a view of the river. We were accosted by what I think was the owner who told us they refused to put two tables together which we never asked him to do and he tried to seat us at another table but all we wanted was a view of the river. We were made to feel pretty darn uncomfortable so we left. read more

It's the Best Food on the Chain.Great views of the river , fast service and very reasonable prices especially on their specials.I am a going to be a Regular now !!! read more

The owner is more concerned about his spot at the bar drinking rather than accommodating customers. Came in for the fish fry, 4 seats at the bar available (2 by the server station-not ideal), two to the right. Owner would not give up his seat "that's my seat" to accommodate myself and my guest. We walked out, and will never go back. If you like a restaurant where the owner sits at the bar and drinks, then this is the place for you. read more

Great neighborhood bar! 1st time there felt welcomed & at home. Now we're going for brunch which we've heard is one of the best around. (Get there early for the potato pancakes.) Had an unplanned dinner and it was very good: perfectly breaded fish - not greasy, not heavy, not dry. And oh so tasty! BTW - they're right on the Fox. In summer - what a view! read more