I'd heard about this place from a person I know who knows good places to go. I'm so glad I finally went! On Sunday, and Sunday only, they have a 1/2 fried chicken dinner with mashed potatoes/gravy and a vegetable (along with soup or salad) for $8.25!!! The chicken was delicious. Great crust, fully cooked (I don't like "wet" chicken) and so smoking hot when it arrived, I had to let it rest before tearing into it. The mashed potatoes were to die for delicious. I don't know what they put in them....cream, sour cream? don't know but those potatoes alone have me wanting to go back already. The draft beer is very very cold and their lines are clean as the beer tasted great. Reasonably priced as well ($2.25 for a pint). We will be going back. I want to try some of the other food on the menu that sounded great as well. The car racing motif is cute too. Oh, did I mention the place is spotless. Looks like you could eat off their floors. To the reviewer who mentions it was dead at 9PM, I think it's because it's not a later night place. On Sunday (not sure about other days), the kitchen closes at 8PM. If you can find the place, do give it a try. read more

I have to start by saying the hostess was not pleasant. I decided though - that the reputation of this place and its burgers was enough to prod my chunky-butt over to a table. Now this is a NASCAR themed restaurant - but don't hold that against them. This restaurant knows a lot about customer service which - as we know - is a dying art. We ordered the King Petty Burger and two plates. The King Petty Burger is a one-pounder. We split it. (I didn't need to, but my friend only wanted a quarter of a burger - so what the heck.) Now most places - when you split - they charge extra but all they are giving you is an extra plate. It sucks to have to pay for the use of a plate. At Buck's - they do things a little differently. Both plates got a slice of onion, a slice of tomato, and a leaf of lettuce. We didn't have to split that up. Also both plates got a normal size order of fries. I am not sure if they charged extra- but I know the care to detail - and making the customer feel valued was worth the couple extra bucks. The young girl serving us - Sarah - began to get overwhelmed with the amount of customers - but she never lost her way. She kept up a professional demeanor - much more than the hostess. I love a good burger and I don't mind NASCAR. I will go back to Buck's and work my way down their menu and back up to the King Petty Burger (which I won't share next time). Look for me when the checkered flag comes down. read more

My best friend and his sister have been here multiple times and couldn't stop raving about how delicious their burgers and grape kool aid were, which I thought for kool aid are they not all the same? Apparently not according to these two. So all three of us stopped in before seeing a movie. Buck's is located on a corner street that looks like a typical burger/bar restaurant, but decorated with racing memorabilia. Walking in is directly a bar and the small dining room around the corner. The place was pretty packed and hearing numbers over a pa system, we had walked in during bingo night and I'm guessing this is the hangout for the older crowd. We sat ourselves in a booth and was immediately greeted by an annoyed waiter who snapped at us saying the kitchen closes at 8:30 and we walked in at 8:15. Previously working as a waitress, I know how annoying it is when customers come in those last few minutes prior to the kitchen closing, but it was an honest mistake on our part. Buck's hours clearly state 11 am - 2 am, but it doesn't say anything about kitchen hours on the door or when you walk in so we were all confused about the kitchen closing early. Regardless, I hurriedly looked through the menu since the other two knew what they wanted and the waiter quickly came back and took our drink and food order immediately. Everything happened so quickly, I didn't realize what happened so Buck's really does live up to their name. They had ordered an Open Wheel appetizer which was a large plate of deliciously fried foods such as wings, onion rings, potato skins, chicken tenders, green beans, pickles (ew), and cheese sticks. They come with a couple of different dipping sauces and it was heaven! However, they weren't serving the grape kool aid that night and we were all bummed because I had really wanted to try this amazing kool aid that they were raving so much about, but oh well. We had gotten our drinks with the appetizer and all of our drinks tasted funky and flat, but from the expressions our waiter were giving us, I just downed mine without saying a word. Our food arrived not too long after, and my best friend's sister had noticed that she didn't get her side of cole slaw that comes with her burger which I guess always does. Again, we didn't bother telling our waiter because we could tell she was just getting more agitated every time she came by. I had gotten their Chicagoland Chicken sandwich and it was OK at best. It was a BLT with chicken and ranch dressing so nothing spectacular. but their fries were simply delicious! Crispy and hot and nothing less. While we were eating, we had noticed we had gotten a few of not so pleasant looks. Considering we were the youngest group of the crowd, I guess we were killing their bingo buzz and not too happy about it. Once we were finished, we paid and booked it. Granted we were also running a bit late to the movie, we came to the conclusion that maybe Buck's was not a good idea to visit on a Tuesday night. read more

We went to Buck's for an office party, probably about 12 people, and I want to thank Dawn for her excellent service and great sense of humor - she was fantastic!! We tried a bunch of appetizers, all were very tasty and I recommend the open wheel for tasting a variety of things - potato skins, cheese sticks, fried green beans (yum!) and other goodies. They also have cheese curds which were a big hit with a couple of kinds of sauce for dipping-they went fast! Ribs, chicken sandwiches and mini burgers were also good- we got big platters and passed them around the table. Ribs were especially tasty and tender! All the food was hot and came out fast, and we enjoyed everything we ordered. This was perfect for what we needed and every bit of food disappeared. Great neighborhood place to hang out and watch sports - I think we will be back soon. Thanks to Dawn for putting up with our silliness and keeping the cold drinks coming!! read more

Arrrghh! I'm torn between 3 and 4 stars. But I've only been here once, so I don't have a definitive opinion just yet. This is a neighborhood spot, for sure. Everyone seemed to know everyone. We sat at the bar to eat. The bartender was very nice. I was a little deflated by the fact that they didn't have a fun beer list, just Miller, Budweiser, Corona, etc. But the food was really good. We plowed our way through a whole basket of their homemade chips. Very, very tasty. I got the lake perch and my husband did the fish fry. The perch was fantastic, and he enjoyed his fish as well. Our dinners came with soup or salad, vegetable, and choice of potato. A TON of food. But the fish was the star of the show. For 2 beers apiece and our dinners, our bill was about fifty bucks. Very reasonable. We actually each had 3 beers, but the last one was courtesy of fellow Yelper Bobby O., who happened to notice that I had checked in and so came over to say hello.Thanks again Bobby! It was a nice time. I'd like to go back for sure and try the burger that alot of people rave about. Then I'll update. Pleased to meet ya', Buck! read more

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Great place! Wonderful, decor with local racing history displayed throughout. Warm, inviting and clean. Great bar to sit around and enjoy a drink and talk. Dining areas are clean and welcoming. The food was out of this world and home made. I had a delicious French Dip sandwich. My husband loved the burger but was not crazy about the garlic butter on the bun. He said when he goes back, he'll simply ask them to leave that off. We came here with a group of two families totalling 10 people after cutting down a Christmas tree. They couldn't be more accommodating to us and our unfortunately loud kids. The separate dining rooms gave us a little privacy and buffer from the other guests. Christmas decor was up and festive. Made for a wonderful end to a great day. read more

Came here for dinner tonight while in the area. I had their steak sandwich and my boyfriend had the Chicagoland chicken sandwich. Both were very good and our server was great. A lady who I think was the owner stopped by our table to ensure our food was done correctly, which was nice. Wish I could've stayed and hung out and enjoy a beer and the music, but had to go to work. So we will be back. read more

I need to put a few qualifiers to this review before I proceed. 1. I dont really get the excitement of racing. NASCAR, stock car, Indy car, I just dont get it. 2. I do my best to avoid Hogkins. Perhaps some bad memories of my teenage years. But family members tell me they have discovered a great resturant in Hodgkins and since I was overserved the night prior, there was nothing better sounding than a burger. And so I agree to go. I walk in to find a cop standing at the bar chatting up his non-cop friends. I immediately panic, but realize I'm not wanted anywhere (that I know of) and proceed on in. I didnt drink (see paragraph #2), but they had a decent bar menu - including a few "non-traditionals" like Fat Tire. Since it was lunch on a Saturday, they had only one server and she was busy. But she was awesome - our beverages came in a timely fashion, our appetizer platter came out hot (highly recommend the fried pickles). But the pièce de résistance was the burger. Now, I dont get excited about burgers, but this thing really was impressive. Great seasonings, great fries and it was HUGE... Prices are quite reasonable - a 1/2 lb burger for around $8. So if you can get past the black and white tiles on the ceiling and the photos of racing cars and other racing kitch, this place is a go. read more

Have been coming here for about a year. Warm reception and service. So many good things here. Best hamburgers and sweet potato fries anywhere. Love the soup. Happy to see the new special sandwich list. I had the Philly Italian beef which was excellent. My wife had the pot roast beef sandwich also very good. We both have discovered the Arnold Palmer iced tea. The lunch specials are delicious , plentiful and a bargain. Must ask about their new rewards card. read more

Excellent food and cannot say enough kind words about Donna the waitress. The Burger was outstanding! Will definitely be back

Amazing ribs, great drinks and fast service. They always have a variety of specials and a great selection of entrees that are always available. Their shrimp is amazing and always perfectly breaded. The ribs and fish is what keeps us returning to this place time and time again! Don't be fooled by the tucked away location! Definitely give Buck's a try when you're in the area! read more

I have never heard of this or even knew where it was. I found a restaurant.com for it. I decided to try it out. So this place is a few blocks or so off of east Ave. we sat at the bar and she was great. Very friendly. We ordered an appetizer and two sandwiches. It turns out the sampler appetizer we ordered was big enough for two as a meal. We ended up having to take the rest of our food to go. It was definitely worth the money. Huge portions of all food. All the food we had tasted great. Definitely coming back again. Pick up the restaurant.com and try this hidden gem out!! read more

A great little neighborhood place off the beaten path ! Buck's is a cozy old fashioned tavern/restaurant with good food and a friendly staff. Prices are very reasonable. For $14.95 I had the frog legs dinner. Generous portions and quite tasty. They have a NASCAR theme throughout the bar and restaurant. I would highly recommend this place for informal gatherings. I will be back to try some of their other dishes. read more

Always a fun place to take a group of friends. Good food, reasonable prices, super friendly staff and if your lucky.....live music on Fridays. Our group ordered ribs, strip steak, fish fry and French dip. 04/30/18: Revisit......Waitress forgot to place order, bought us a beer....such nice people. Had French Dip A1...... read more

Fantastic Food and Super Service! Make this place a regular visit - get the 1lb burger. Dawn the waitress/ bartenders is the cherry on the sundae. She makes the experience that much better! read more

Disappointed. We went to dinner early to celebrate a birthday and the restaurant wasn't busy but waited 25 minutes for someone to serve us before we had to get up to go find a waitress. Meal came out but we were still waiting for our soup and salad. Finally got everything and the prime rib was mostly fat and gristle, poorly cooked and tough. Walleye and pork tenderloin were good but not worth going back. read more

Very upset worst steak sandwich I ever had ordered medium rare it was dry it was tough. Returned it for a burger which the waitress said were amazing it was horrible ate half if that. Wife had the walleye very good but small portion for the price. Waitress was very pleasant . Wasn't happy about being charged for the burger especially after waiting 25 minutes for the steak sandwich then another 10 for the burger. Would not be returning to bucks. Its ashame becasue it was a nice little place. Never should been charged for the burger especially when I complained about that too. Oh well live and learn. read more

Went Here before a concert, really enjoyed it. Friend had the prime rib, he really Loved it.i had a club sand was good. Also had fried green beans. Everything was tasty. Can't wait to come back to this hidden gem read more

After not receiving a reply from my dinner experience, I decided to try the bar for entertainment nights. This is the second time I have gone in and it took a minimum of 10 minutes to get a drink while the female bartender chatted with her friends. I will never be bk. read more

Tucked away off Joliet Road near Menard's in Hodgkins is a great little Nascar themed restaurant/bar called Bucks. The food is always good and has items like deep fried green beans. They serve home made chips and other cool items. Their burgers are big and juicy...baby got back! THe bar selection is good and a cold tap beer goes perfectly with a burger after getting your handy man freak-on at Menard's. read more

First time there and we will definitely go back. Hubby had the pork chops and i had the southwest chicken salad. Nice music and laid back.

I recently went to Buck's on a recommendation of a friend and was not disappointed. I was met by friendly staff at the door who followed covid protocol excellently. My server was Donna. Her attitude really made my day. She was knowledgeable and polite. Definitely one of the best dining experiences I've had since the shutdown. The food was extraordinary. I will definitely be coming back to Buck's!!!! read more

Buck is not a nice guy !! Food is not great but considering the area it's about the best you'll get. The police hang out here and are rude, they are here uniform drinking. Would be nice if they were polite. But they know you don't know who they are so they can get away with calling people names this happened in the bar area. A gentleman I know had a stroke Buck refuse to serve him food or drink terrible. read more

Great prime rib special! I had the steak sandwich and sweet potato fries on my last visit! My steak was a generous size and cut cooked to perfection! I highly recommend it! My fries were crispy and hot right out of the fryer! My mom and dad both ordered the Sunday special of fries chicken, mashed potatoes and green beans. This dish was also homemade and cooked perfectly! It's a cozy hometown feeling! Try it today! read more

I didn't know this place existed until I was talking to a Hodgkins village official and he mentioned how great it is. I wasn't disappointed. They have the best fried pickles I've ever had. The burger was amazing. They also have a fat man size burger that I couldn't dream of knocking down. Can't wait to go back read more

Terrible. Came in today and ordered chicken fingers- burnt, boneless wings-charred. My husband ordered soup it never came. Waitress never stopped by to refill drinks, so we had to go to the bar for everything. When we told her that this was awful, she shrugged her shoulders and said "I'm the only one here, what do you expect". Avoid at all costs. Luckily we told people coming in to leave and they did. I give this a zero star. read more

I have always loved Bucks but for the first time, we were disappointed. We went for the Friday fish fry which used to be a good quality fish. It is now Swai Fish. The menu states it's a Hawaiian fish. It was awful. Heavy greasy breading and the fish had a mushy texture and I pulled out several large bones. So of course I look up Swai. It is farm raised Vietnamese cat fish. Mass produced and treated with antibiotics and cheap to buy. No thank you. Had I known I'd have never ordered it. Bucks please correct your menu or better yet, ditch this crap fish and use a wild caught cod. Your quality has always been excellent. Btw, I feel the same way about tilapia, another mass produced imported bottom feeding fish. Google it and I'll bet you'll never eat it again read more

Great place ,Good service many food choices from dinner to snacks Bartender Natalia was friendly and on the ball but not pushy Best steak sandwich i've had in a long time read more

Our favorite go-to place in the southwest suburbs for a casual dinner with friends. Always very good food in a friendly environment and great friendly service. Diane is always nearby making sure all is just right. Never disappointed. read more

Great place to go for a home cooked meal. Hamburgers as big as my fist and not just the bun. Very casual with booths and tables. The waitress, Dawn is extremely friendly and also satisfies all her customers. They also have a frequent visitor card. Need to try it. read more

Stumbled upon this little gem when searching for new bars in the area. I am not an autoracing buff, but I gotta say this place is pretty awesome. The bar is a three-sided horseshoe shape with great people sitting on all sides. Everyone we encountered was friendly and super-entertaining. Best part of all, the beer and appetizers were dirt cheap. My two friends and I came for the fried pickles after seeing a fellow Yelper comment about them and they did not disapoint. I will definitely be back for a full meal in the near future! read more

Pizza is not that good, the crust could definitely be better. But the wings are very good. Prices are pretty average. Decent setting. Not a bad place to grab a bit. read more

total ripoff! I ordered a bacon cheesburger, simple bar joint sandwich right? barely any bacon, they had the nerve to charge me $3 for bacon and another $1.50 for a slice of cheese most expensive bacon cheesburger I ever tried to eat. and the amount of fries you got you would have thought they were going to poor house, no soup no salad, stale bread rolls. stick to a regular greek joint where you get everthing for $8.95 not $17.00, and btw supposed to be a nascar bar, no strip cards or any free food during race read more

My grandparents-in-law love this place. They eat here all the time. We have joined them on a few occasions, and I have never had a bad experience. It wouldn't be my first choice for restaurants though, because there are few to zero healthy options on the menu. Your choices are pretty much fried, fried and more fried. The walleye is very good though. However, they commit the ultimate fish fry sin by not having malt vinegar to offer. If you're in the mood for simple fried food and good service, you should go to Buck's. read more

I love to go to Buck's. Everything I have had here is great. Their burgers are awesome. I ordered the mini burgers today with the seasoned fries (their homemade chips are great too). So good! They make a good Bloody Mary too. Can get a little crowded on the weekends and evenings. If you are going with kids, take them for lunch. It's really not a "kid" kind of place. Great service always. read more

Wow. Their burgers are amazing. This is truly a hidden gem in Hodgkins. Prices are very low compared to the quality and quantity that you get. Definitely order their seasoned fries. Staff is very genuinely friendly. read more

Great burger & fries. Nice atmosphere & racing pictures all over the place. Friendly quick service too.

It's time to give a great eatery their recognition. Clean and neat atmosphere with an always friendly staff is so hard to find today. The food is delicious and fresh. Had the fried chicken which was not greasy and very tasty. Great potato soup too! Very relaxing surroundings without any screaming brats or loud-mouths to ruin your dinner. Loved it and will go back! read more

Went there for a late lunch , I was found by the back bar after quite awhile . I had the burger ,it was one of my best ever . It's a shame the service was so bad. read more

Just ok. We went there on recommendation, and we had a good sever, Christy was her name. Chicken and dumpling soup was cold, like out of the fridge, and did not nuke it long enough. Cheese curd appetizer was really good, I had reheated ribs, that were decent at best, they obviously have an obsession with their microwave, my wife had the shrimp, again, only decent, I wish I could say that we would come back, but I don't think that is going to happen. We could have microwaved leftovers at home. Not sure what my friends eat here, but we were disappointed, sorry read more