They were very nice, then padded the bill an extra 25% figuring we won't notice. Stupid move. God someplace else. Food just average.

Great place good food I would go back in a heartbeat I'm so glad I moved closer Their fish is excellent

Food is ok. We just got tired of having to hunt down the check every time. When you are finished eating they just continue to walk past you in the hopes that you will order dessert. read more

Great breakfast, decor, management and staff. Come early to get a seat before they go on a wait.

Having visited the venerable BBI countless times over the past few years for their outstanding breakfast, creative lunch specials, and monumental dinners (can you say 'Fish Fry'? Hell yes), I will unequivocally say that I've never had a bad meal at owner Bobby Peterson's homey Wisco-style nook. The service is attentive and friendly, delivered with a smile and sass. On days when Bobby himself is explaining the daily specials, his personal charm and imaginative description of the prep and presentation always brings a smile to this hungry mug, and that style is represented in the menu descriptions as well. "The Best Breast in Volo"? "Piggy & Pineapple Making Bacon"? "Our Village Porker"? "Get it in the Country"? Oh yes, there's some playful humour going on here. So let's talk about breakfast. On days after the Corned Beef dinner special, the Corned Beef Hash & Eggs is the absolute go-to. No canned crap here, it's the real deal and delectable. There are 3 pages of menu dedicated to varieties of potatoes, egg combos, etc., which makes my early morning brain go ker-plunk and pretty much just close my eyes and point without disappointment; Spin the wheel! Whee! Lunch? Every day there's a $5.99 burger special that includes a choice of 3 kinds of fries AND the soup of the day. Unbeatable value. Add to that some pretty creative choices like the Beef bowl, chicken combos, meat loaf, and some lo-cal thing (whaaa?) and you might not even look at the regular menu. But if you do, the choices are equally difficult - from the crazy Bobby's Burger or Bomber to Italian sausage or beef, there's not a bad choice to be made. Hey now, let's not forget about dinner here - each day features appealing specials like AYCE Chicken (3 different ways), Cheap-ass Taco Night, Italian Night, and Fish Fry. Did I mention Fish fry? Hell yes I did, served Wednesdays and Fridays, the place packs folks in like sardines, especially during Lent when the parking lot ACROSS THE STREET is full. Again, AYCE fish served in four different ways: delicately breaded in beer batter, broiled lemon pepper, just butter or Cajun style - and your choice can vary with each refill - yes! Gimme my Omega-3s, my man! Saturdays are alright for feasting as well, with tender BBQ ribs, generous prime rib, steaks and crab legs, all economically priced and a true value. The long bar layout may make navigation a bit tricky when it's crowded, but regulars know you wanna get in there and stay put anyway. Speaking of the bar, you have a wide array of choices from cheap-ass Hamm's Tallboys ($2), 75 cent PBR drafts and then on up to more premium taps like Stella and Hacker Pschorr, Guinness, etc. The Bloody Marys are top notch as well, made from scratch and anointed with an array of pickled garnishes. Top, man! And if you really need to start drinkin' early, this is the only place in town to get it on - it's 5:00 somewhere, right? Sign up for their Rewards program, and for every $100 (food or drinks) you'll get a handy $5 coupon mailed to your shack, plus additional coupons for yer birthday, holidays like V-Day & Halloween - and they'll even remind you via email that you haven't cashed 'em in yet and throw in a cheesy G-rated joke. I submitted a joke once for that email, but apparently it was too risqué. I certainly thought the 'So I can examine you' joke was appropriate, but whatever - no accounting for my sense of manners, apparently. Go. Just go. You'll dig it. read more

Bobby's Barrel - Oh hai, Chili Cheddar Burger! - American Near Me - Volo, Illinois

Wowza! This place is good! 3 adults, 3 different meals and I tried all of them. The meatloaf was amazing. It was moist and flavorful paired perfectly with the best buttery mash potatoes. The steak superior (I'm pretty sure that's the name) was perfectly cooked, and had the perfect ratio of cheese to caramelized onions. The burger was good. The cole slaw was creamy and good. The service was great. All around a great experience and I highly recommend. Enjoy. read more

I used to stop here every year before being dropped off at YMCA Camp Duncan. Each time, my family and I were welcomed by the owner and we had great lunches. Now I am a wee bit older, but I still stop here every now and then and have a great meal! I used to, and still do recommend this place! read more

Miss going to Bobby's! Hopefully after this quarantine we can go again and enjoy their hearty breakfast

First time visit, and we will visit again ! We were looking for a good place to get breakfast before running our errands. We have heard from locals that this place has the best ham steaks. I am not into chain restaurants due to "generic" predictable food is usually what can be found on the menu. Upon driving up to place (behind Portillos on 12). It looked to be a place you would find in the hills of Kentucky....intriguing. We walked in the first set of doors to find a billboard posted with bikes and misc for sale...hmmmmmmm ? Biker hang out? As soon as we took one step into the next door, the place was packed (9:30a.m. Sunday). The place was rather "intimate" (12 x 50 ish), with booths on one side of the wall and the counter which runs down the entire other side with stools. We were immediately approached by a respectable middle aged Man (Bobby perhaps)that was very polite , he asked if we wanted to sit at the counter and enjoy a cup of coffee until a table is available. So we took him up on his offer. The coffee was very good (comparable to Dunkin Dounts. Our table was ready with in 10 minutes. We were escorted to a booth by the door, the outdated atmosphere somehow works in this place ?!! The menu has a selection for everyone and they have some rather fancy specials as well. Prices are fair, and the service was perfect, not to annoying, yet attentive. I ordered the eggs and ham and Bill ordered a skirt Steak sandwich. The ham I must say, holds up to the reputation .We both enjoyed the food and will return. So, was this the infamous Bobby? read more

I was in the are and there weren't many options to choose from. This place is certainly a hole in the wall with a menu and bar selection you'd expect from the looks of it. If you're looking for a neighborhood tavern where you can let it all hang out and grab a beer, this place is for you. If you're looking for decent wine or cocktails outside of a rum and coke, venture elsewhere. For food, they have lots of fried options (bar food) and not many healthier items to choose from. They do have nightly specials (Tuesday = all you can eat chicken). The staff was extremely friendly, just don't think this venue was quite my cup of tea. read more

Just your neighborhood dive bar with a flare for some food. I may have missed out on the specials. I ordered the Country Benedict and just wasn't blown away. Hashbrowns were luke warm and the sausage patty is generic. Server was super nice, but put the specials up after I ordered. She said I could reorder if I'd like. Biscuits and gravy are housemade it appears. If I wasn't taking the hashbrowns home, I would have sent them back. I doubt I'd make the long trek again. read more

Bobby's Barrel - Country Benedict was okay. Hashbrowns not very hot. - American Near Me - Volo, Illinois

Bobby's Barrel Inn is a quaint restaurant/bar. They have booths on one side and a bar/counter that runs along the other. Before you even open the door, you can smell the food being cooked. The place is small, but lends a home-y feel. This place is off of 12 behind the Fratello's, so it can be a little difficult to spot if you aren't looking for it. They have a faded sign off of 120, but you could easily miss it. The sign says they are open every morning for breakfast starting at 5:15am. Pete & his wife, Michelle, are incredibly personable and take a lot of pride in the product and service they present. I had a difficult time picking something from the menu because everything sounded so delicious. The specials menu was also intriguing. I ended up with a skirt steak sandwich. It was excellent cooked medium rare just as I had ordered it with fries that were crispy and delicious. I look forward to visiting this place again the next time I am in the area. read more

Stopped in for lunch on our way home from a soccer game and what a treat this was! The staff were some of the most friendly people I've met. They were very attentive to our group as well. We all had burgers and they were great! Perfectly cooked and tasty! The fries and cheese curds were a hit as well. If we get a chance, we will definitely stop back by again!! read more

Best Friday night fish fry I've had anywhere. It's a terrific little dive restaurant/bar with great service and nice owner, who came by our table and asked if everything was okay, which it was... For the fish fry, I tried one-of-each cod they had available, grilled lemon-pepper, garlic-butter, Cajun, and the beer-battered fried. All fantastically prepared nice cod fillets. The best cod filets I've had in recent memory. They also offer various catfish and African perch, didn't try those. The addition of a huge mixed grilled vegetable order (one's enough for two people) and choice of potato makes for a very filling dinner! I'd like to add they serve the best cole slaw I've had anywhere. Decent deserts too I'll definitely be back here for another Friday fish fry. Moreover, I plan to have breakfast here in the future too (their breakfast seems to be real popular (and if it's half as good as their fish fry, I'll be satisfied!) read more

If you want an old, authentic dive with decent, satisfying food, this is your place. We've never left dissatisfied or hungry, but gourmet it definitely is not! It's a diner style with a bar running adjacent the tables. Service is good and friendly, and prices are what you'd expect. Give it a shot! read more

Came to eat here for the first time. Absolutely AMAZING! Best breakfast I've had in a while!

Went here for breakfast on a whim. We were not disappointed. The food was delicious, fresh and plentiful. The 5 ounce steak and eggs was super flavorful- the mushrooms, onions and peppers were a great touch to the steak. The potato casserole was delicious as well. Eggs cooked perfectly. Definitely a great meal for the price. PS- Try the Bloody Mary! read more

Great set of breakfast specials: try their homemade corned beef hash or Southwestern Benedict. Very casual but comfy atmosphere, friendly staff. AYCE fish fry on Fridays; $1 tacos on Mondays & Thursdays. read more

Bobby's Barrel - American Near Me - Volo, Illinois

We went here after football practice. We decided to give this place a try after our friend stated they had good breakfast. I was starving and while waiting for our table, we saw a plate of fish fry come out with a waitress and it looked good. We decided to get the fish fry. It was a disappointment, it had no flavor and the tarter sauce didn't help. Our friend stated her salad was good. First impression was not good so we won't be back. read more

Have lived not far from Volo for a long time and unfortunately never noticed Bobby's right around the corner from big intersection at rt. 12 and Hwy 120. Now let me just say that this is an old place that may not look like much from the outside and inside just reminds me of an old house tavern from the 80's. However the food is spot on excellent. I had the Bobby's Burger and it's off the charts! Cooked and seasoned to perfection with a huge order of tasty fries. The service here is fast and always excellent. The desserts are also bomb! Homemade peach cobbler and a bread pudding that was ridiculous! Michelle are her husband are the owners and if you can catch Michelle, she is the sweetest woman ever! Give this place a try!!!! read more

We were starved after a long trip at Volo Antique Mall, and Bobby's is right on the corner. It's a much better option than their neighbors, Fratello's. It looks like a total sh*thole on the outside, and my mom was afraid we'd be sitting side by side with a biker gang. At 3:00 p.m. on a Monday, there were a few guys (townies?) sitting at the bar and drinking beers and only one other table was occupied. We took a booth in the corner, and I noticed the warm and cozy feel inside. Sure, it's mid-January, and there are still Christmas garlands and lights up, but they did a pretty good job with them. The menu is smaller than most diners, and we both had the Lorett burger (American, Swiss and Mozzarella cheese, served on pumpernickel). The bread was a nice surprise, and the burger was good. Not the best I've ever had, but good. The fries, however, are a different story. I inhaled my grossly oversized portion of fries and wanted more! They're crispy on the outside, as if they're battered and fried, and fluffy on the inside. My mom compared them to a place called Submarine in Woodfield Mall in the 1970s, but I had no idea what she was talking about... 2 burgers, fries, and 2 Diet Cokes cost $24. I felt it was a little steep for diner food at a divey place in Volo. I mean, it's Volo. We received great service at Bobby's though. The waitress even came by our table to turn down the TV so we could talk. I found that to be a really nice gesture. Next time I'm in the area, I'd come in for a heaping serving of fries and a cold beer for sure. read more

Fast Service to order A Lil while for the food but you can do an errand and come back I thinks the woman in charge even said that read more

It's a hole in the wall, small place with a bunch of booths surrounding a bar. 70's decor is on point!! THE FISH FRY!!!!! It was the best my family has ever had. We've tried quite a few places too. It's cod. They offer 3 different flavors of broiled cod too. They were all outstanding, lemon pepper was our fave. The fries are outstanding as well. Give them a try!!! read more

Love this place!! Great food and fen nominal service! My second time only for breakfast. Will try the fish fry next:)

Call ahead to check for availability since they can fill up quickly. We usually stop by and if it is too crowded, head to Windhill pancake parlor. Bonnie's is great for a greasy breakfast or lunch and comfort food is also good. Beer or drink specials help too and it's all a decent price for decent food. You won't be wowed but it's decent. Hubs loves the fried chicken. It's a big meal and juicy and tender. Be sure to check specials that are written on the wall and not in the menus as we have missed some opportunities by realizing it after the fact. I like that they play around with options and there is plenty to choose from. read more

Total dive bar with a homey vibe. Pretty good food (we're usually here for the all you can eat fish fry). The young bartender, Hannah, works her ass off! She is the main reason we continue to come here! She is very personable & treats us like family. When it's busy she puts in serious work to make sure everyone is taken care of. Give that girl a raise because she has totally earned it. read more

Bobby's is right down the road from us and we have become raving fans. My fiance introduced me to the restaurant about a year back when we went for lunch and I had a delicious chicken avocado sandwich. Today, we ordered out and although, my mushroom omelette wasn't the best, my fiance's biscuits and gravy were melt in your mouth delicious. I think the reason I didn't like the omelette was because I prefer a sauteed mushrooms, and didn't realize they would be fresh. The best part of our breakfast, though, was the impromptu mickey mouse pancake they made for our four year old. Although it wasn't on the menu, they were more than willing to compromise for us. Not only was the pancake in the shape of Mickey, but they gave him banana/chocolate chip eyes and nose, and a hashbrown mouth. My son was beside himself with excitement. And, that is why I LOVE this place, they are friendly, serve amazing food, and are always willing to make the customer feel like they are at home. read more

Overall Bobby's is an outstanding experience. Between the atmosphere, the food, the staff, etc, I'd definitely recommend it. The Friday Fish Fry is outstanding (all you can eat). My only advice, get there early because the dining area is kind of small and fills up fast. If you arrive after 6pm, plan on waiting about 30 minutes for a table, but trust me, it's well worth the wait. The breakfast at Bobby's is also really outstanding. Give that a try if you can as well. read more

Stopped here on the way to Volo Auto Museum. It was a cozy place with great food. We ordered two different fish dishes (one breaded one lemon pepper) with mash potatoes, both were outstanding. My children had the BLT (no complaints loved it) a grilled cheese sandwich with curly fries (fries were great no complaints on the grilled cheese) and a burger for the little guy that came out with everything on it. The little guy wanted it plain and wasn't happy, Bobby came over to the table and remade his burger as fast as he could saving me a headache during lunch. I would definitely return to this restaurant again if I am ever in the area. The service was great and the people were very kind and welcoming not something you can find everywhere. The fish you need to try because I would go back just for that with a cold beer. read more

Food was alright, went for breakfast. Well water! Don't get water, can definitely taste where it came from. Hash brows need to more crisp instead of just one side and a mound of bland taters. Other wise I would consider going back read more

Went here because now that we moved to suburbia....well, what else do you do but a Fish Fry on Friday date night!? Lol Came because I remember coming as a kid and the place hasn't changed. Still good cod (ask for the drawn butter, really makes it worth while). Cheesy fries like the curly ones at Arbys, good buns...cole slaw kinda dry. Watch out though, the fountain soda was $3?! Huh?? This is bumble f*** Volo right?? read more

Staff was friendly and we were well-served. But I ordered the Saturday night BBQ ribs special, and I'm sorry, but putting BBQ sauce on something doesn't make it barbecued. The price for a half slab of those precooked, ketchup-soaked, disintegrate-off-the-bone ribs was 15-something dollars, which is about what you'd pay for a half slab of actual smoked ribs at a real BBQ joint. Nice, homey place with fine people, but if you like BBQ, don't get the ribs. read more

I haven't been here in some time, but they have amazing burgers. It's an old-style place and because of that it's pretty cool. Different atmosphere than most places. It's usually pretty quiet in there and they make good mixed drinks. read more

The food is just Amazing every time! Absolutely no complaints the people and staff are Amazing love that place and the food!!

This is my favorite place in town to get fish. It is unlimited and you can get fish either blackened, breaded, or broiled in garlic.

Hannah, on 12/06/19 Jessica complained that the chicken was shredded. You said everything is explained on the menu. I suggest you re-review the menu. Nowhere does it say it is shredded... I had the same experience when I asked for an open faced serving. That was the last straw and I stopped coming... read more

Small, so seating is limited but when you get a seat, you're not disappointed-/their breakfasts are great, the fish fry is good and so many other dishes are tasty! read more

We had a great first visit at Bobbys for the Friday fish fry! Everyone was very nice, attentive and the beer battered cod was delish and came out super fast. We will definitely be back!! p.s you can get curly fries w/ cheese on the side of your fish fry... nom nom nom read more

Food was ok but worst service I have ever experienced. Server never returned to the table after bringing us our meals. All you can eat fish fry-took 45 minutes for 1 extra piece of fish to come out. I had to ask for pop refill and water refills. read more

Okay I went there today to Order chicken sandwich but it was shredded Chicken not a whole piece of chicken then my Daughter fell thru floor they didn't say or do anything read more