Chessie's restaurant has been around for many years and offers good American basics, including fried appetizers, pasta, grilled chicken, soup and salad. The restaurant is spacious, great for large groups, has kids meals and would be ideal for casual family outings. Dining in the train car is fun, especially during the holidays with the seasonal decor. Our group did notice prices have increased significantly versus a couple of years ago; however, we may return again next year for our annual holiday luncheon. read more

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The food is very lackluster in flavor. I had a Chessie's chopped salad and it was okay. I asked for no bacon because I don't eat it. I didn't notice the menu said it contained olives, which I can't stand. Okay, my bad. But the amount of olives compared to the size of the salad is ridiculous. I felt like I spent more time picking out the olives than eating the small (for the price) salad. My grandson ordered a grilled cheese with bacon, which he said was okay. However, bacon was only on half the sandwich. And the homemade chips he asked for were overcooked. It came with a large pickle slice (not listed on the menu) which he doesn't like. The juice from the pickle slice ran all over the plate making his sandwich and chips taste like pickles and the chips soggy. The rainbow sherbet was NOT sherbet, but rather a disgusting mix of colors that was ice cream. Rainbow sherbet is supposed to have a citrus tang to it. This did not!!! Suffice it to say, I will not be back to this overrated restaurant. They really need to do better. read more

Chessie's Restaurant - Grilled cheese with bacon and homemade chips. - A white plate holds a grilled cheese sandwich made with toasted bread and melted cheese, accompanied by a serving of potato chips. The chips are irregularly shaped and crispy, placed around the sandwich on the plate. The setting appears to be a restaurant, with a person visible in the background. - American Near Me - Barrington, Illinois

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It was a great experience dining and loved the ambiance too. I went for dinner with family from out of town who had all sort of different food requests and the server was knowledgeable and accosted us really well. The food was delicious and the service was impeccable . I was very pleasantly surprised when I walked in inside. I normally love the whole in the wall places as well but since I was taking family from out of town, I was hoping that my food be served in proper dinner plates/bowls, etc and on a proper white cloth table. The look of the restaurant from outside was deceiving for sure. read more

The restaurant is beautifully decorated for Christmas! Very festive. We loved the train car you can sit in. We were just picking up but would love to have you eaten in. The hostess was very sweet and the wait was short. We all loved what we ordered. The ingredients were fresh and tasty. We will go back for sure! read more

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So we went on st Patrick day. This place is so cute all the fun decorations. They had a guy playing music and a dance floor. We did have reservations. The food fantastic service was great. We had the Ruben egg roll, salad, onion soup, cream chicken soup , burger, corned beef , mahi mahi, chicken piccata , a strawberry shortcake and the chocolate tower. And leftover the next day was delicious. All of us enjoyed everything we had. Always like going here. read more

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The Ice House Mall is absolutely amazing. Chessie's anchors the west side of the mall and Sundial Brewing and Blending anchors the other end of the mall. The chocolate mousse tower is amazing find. It is beautifully decorated, with a dark & white chocolate exterior and decadent mousse filling the interior of the chocolate shell. Miriam was so kind to help me with the menu. It did not disappoint. Thank you!! read more

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My hubby has been going here for 40+ years and I've joined him for the last 22! We love their food and the service is always great! There's more formal seating in the "train car" and more casual in the bar, which is nice too! They always decorate wonderfully got any holidays too! read more

When we happen to be around Barrington at mealtime, Chessie's has been our go-to. I'm a railfan and I particularly enjoy dining in their railroad car, which long ago operated on what is today the Metra Electric. Most recently, we had lunch here with a group and I experienced their banquet service for the first time. The brusque and scowling servers performed as though they would much rather be someplace else. They strived to keep service at the barest minimum. I had to request a glass of water 3 times. Refill the bread basket? This also took 3 requests. A decent house salad was served first. My entrée (one of three pre-ordered choices) was London broil. Diners should have been asked their preference for doneness - all portions were served well-done. Now, I can understand diners disliking slabs of red meat that all but say, "Moo!" but no, no, no, London broil should NEVER be cooked past medium-rare! Only the mushroom gravy made this dried-out gnaw palatable. The accompanying garlic mashed potatoes were actually the best thing on the plate. read more

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This place is very unique with dining in an old railroad dining car. Very nice, festive holiday decorations. Additionally, they are bar seating also decorated with Christmas holiday themed , unique, they even had a railroad train operating in the bar area. I mean the ambiance was just amazing. So let's discuss the food and service, my wife ordered the cedar plank salmon which she thoroughly enjoyed. I on the other hand ordered the open face steak sandwich, the steak was well done and thin which I returned. The next one comes , still over cooked and still very thin. This should have been cooked to a medium at most. Anyway, I ate it and regretted it. So let's discuss the service, obtaining a glass of water was difficult, she wasn't the friendliest waitress we've ever had. I won't give her name figuring maybe she was having a bad day. The place was busy though, a lot of pasta dishes being ordered, next time perhaps. So is this place worth going to, yes it is. I'd go back but order something different. Even on a Wednesday for lunch, we needed reservations, so we waited 30 minutes , other business their in this complex so it made it easy to shop while waiting, they call you when your table is ready. So anyway, if you want something unique, I'd try this place. read more

OH MY GOSH! I didn't realize Chessies was still around. I used to go there a LONG TIME ago. It is still adorable with the rail road dining car atmosphere. I have been back a few times recently and love the food and atmosphere. They have an amazing reuben sandwich and their fries are delish. I had the roast beef and brie sandwich the other day! YUM YUM YUM! There menu is varied and nicely priced. Sorry, I forgot to take pictures. The mousse tower for dessert is "to die for" I'm glad I have rediscovered Chessie's Restaurant read more

Great service, comfort American food. I had a fine steak one night, a gourmet burger another time. Fabulous cocktails. Love this place.

Food was awesome, I loved the onion loaf. The vibe was great, we had a fun Christmas date experience. This place is super busy, make sure to give the staff enough time. The staff were running and trying to keep up with how busy it is, let's treat them with respect. Rather than enjoying the Christmas atmosphere, some were impatient and rude. The decorations were astounding, I appreciated the moment. read more

Things started off nicely then went downhill from there. We enjoyed our dining experience the first time we came here so we decided to go a second time. Before we were served, we asked if we can split checks. The waiter said he can only split the bill into 2 bills, not the 4 we wanted (there were 8 of us). I then asked to then just separated my family bill from the rest. Service - good, food - good. Then came time to pay the bill and it came as one. Now, last time we were here as a party of 6, the waitress had no issue splitting the bill 3 ways. When we asked about the split, they replied they can't do it. They went from splitting it 2 ways to none at all. Then the attitude came from the waitstaff after my friend mentioned this was just a lazy way of inconveniencing customers. Their answer: Well, you don't have to come back. After my wife said we were going to put this in a review, the hostess decided to chime in by saying "we don't care what you write, just leave". Which we did and why I'm here writing this. I'm hoping the owner reads this and corrects/trains the staff on how to treat customers and review policies. Why they can accommodate check splitting on one occasion and not on another and then giving customers attitude about it is something that needs to be corrected immediately . I hope customers also read this and decide to go elsewhere. Based on previous negative reviews on Chessies, seems like the owner doesn't care much about customers either. Never again. read more

The food and service was great. Definitely a fun atmosphere eating in a train car. I will definitely go back!

Kitschy Barrington standby - eating in the train care is unique but the restaurant is a bit tired overall. Service was excellent. The menu a tad boring but prices were fair. The burger was solid and the fries were decent. The wings were about average. The diet soda was somewhat flat - as if the bartenders pours a few glasses ahead of time and the waitstaff picks up glasses that have been sitting awhile. Like a watered down soda. We were hungry and they had open tables. So it was fine but not memorable. We probably wouldn't eat here again unless we were entertaining a train buff. It's too bad because the location is decent. read more

Food was all good, served hot and in good pacing from app to soup to entrée. Loved dining in the train car and seeing everything decorated for the holidays. 1st timer and will be back for sure! read more

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July 4th decorations were up, so that was cute. It was HOT, I didn't think about a train car without air conditioning. We went for our anniversary dinner. Food was so-so, salad didn't even come with bread (never seen that before=disappointed) Hubby and I were disappointed with our food. It's a nice one-time experience for people who like trains, but we won't go back. read more

There was a musty smell walking in but not present in the restaurant. Very cute concept decorated Very nicely. We had 2 tables of 10 with a server at each table. Great friendly service. The food was pricey. I really wanted an entree but over $30 is unaffordable for me. I had the Prime Rib Sandwich which was excellent. Their Homemade Chis were also excellent. Others near me ordered the Steak Sandwich which they also thought was great. I would like to return for their Friday only Fish Fry and sit in one of the train cars. read more

The place has not been updated in decades. It even still smells like cigarette smoke. The drinks are ok, and the food was fine, but nothing to write home about. Server was nice, and everything was pretty quick. read more

Service was slow and unfriendly. This is a family restaurant and I feel like they turned their nose up to the fact we had kids with us. Food was only OKAY for the high pricing. I probably won't be back. read more

One of our favorite places to eat at. The burgers are so juicy and delicious and usually our go to. We love the fried shrimp too. They have a great breading and taste so fresh. Also, you have to save room for dessert because they have so many yummy options. read more

My friend and I were strolling the Ice House Mall in Barrington, and came across this rather interesting eatery / barroom designed around an old train car from yesteryear. We decided to stop in for lunch, and though the train car was quaint and favored by other guests, we chose to be seated in the bar as it had a more pleasing atmosphere to us. Our server was kind, but one of us received the wrong sandwich, which seemed improbable to the deliverer (huh(???). We did get the replacement, but agreed that we prefer an open faced rueben, and the flavor did not have Vienna's standards. The plus was that there was no fat AND the onion brick was NOT greasy, but crunchy and tasty! The wedge salad was crispy and served as expected. But why did we sit waiting for the check, long after our take home containers were delivered to the table by the same server? There were a few other customers, albeit nothing much to attend to otherwise. I abhor rIsing my arm for attention , but did't want to walk over which seemed even ruder. No notice! I enjoyed the ambiance, and would like to return again, but wonder why service and detail is not so important at too many establishments anymore. read more

I have never been there but went today. Service was very slow. My sister & I ordered the same thing she got fries and I got cole slaw. One rang up a dollar more. Also I asked for a liitle bbq sauce and someone else asked for 2 sauces with her chicken fingers. Well without being told we were charged $2.00 more for that. Waited forever to get a dessert that was ordered but the bill came quickly. Not very busy. Not impressed with my first time there. read more

I've never had a bad experience at Chessie's. From the fun of dining inside a train car to the good food and service, I have no complaints! If you've never eaten at Chessie's, it's definitely worth trying. Request a table in the train car for the full experience and so you can say you've eaten there! read more

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Good food in a cool environment. Was surprised they were not more crowded on a Saturday night. Nothing on the menu jumped out, but all the dishes I tried were good. read more

Thanksgiving Buffet: Pass Turkey dry, stuffing wayyy to Salty, no sweet potatoes/yams. $55 too high for what was offered. Great service, thanks Lily. Definitely not the Chessies of yore. read more

Broiled fish was very good. Waiter was fun, sharp interactive with our group. The place was "hopping" with pre-gamers for the high school football game. read more

I had chicken fettuccine, my wife baby back ribs. I also had the potato soup. They were just ok. The service was good, the setting very good. I did like the old train dining car. It's OK if you are in the area but I personally would not drive a long way to get there. read more

Tasty, American-style food, and an adorable passenger train car in which to enjoy! Service was spot-on for an early Saturday afternoon. Should I be up in Barrington again, I'd definitely stop here (back of the Ice House Mall.) read more

The drinks and food were very good. But we were surprised to see how young the bartender looked. She had long dark hair which she kept fiddling with. She finally got it in a ponytail, but she never washed her hands. Who wants a lime squeezed into their drink by someone who had just been running their hands through their hair? Not me! Also, this little girl payed way more attention to men than she did to female customers. It was difficult to get her attention when we wanted new drinks. I'd still go back to Chessie's though. It's the best place around when I'm in Barrington to visit my relatives. My family goes there all the time. read more

Chessie's always decorates so nicely for Christmas. We had a table of 6 and were seated in the raised dining room of the restaurant. Its nice but not as festive and cozy as the lounge area but that part only has 2 and 4 tops. We ordered the chicken with fettuccine is was very good. My friends had the sweet potato crusted salmon and steak. They were happy with their choices. The food came out fast and hot. When we asked the servers for horseradish sauce and boxes they forgot. The restaurant was about 1/2 full on a Saturday night. The menu is a much smaller placemat version of years past. But quite a few good choices. Few vegetarian options but a lot of chicken, shrimp and steak options. Good amaretto sour and choice of medium priced wines. I would recommend especially around the holidays. read more

Chessie's Restaurant - Six women are gathered indoors, standing close together and smiling at the camera. They are positioned near a Christmas tree decorated with lights, red ribbons, and ornaments. The background includes a wall with string lights and a festive atmosphere, suggesting a holiday gathering or celebration. - American Near Me - Barrington, Illinois

Broccoli bites and chicken fingers with their mustard sauces are wonderful. Service and ambiance in old train car make it a must destination. read more

Service below average. Told server we had allergy and served the item anyway. Food was meh.

A classic since I was a kid. great deals Wednesday 1/2 price pasta and bottles of wine. is it as good as it was with the old owners...not 100, but its warm, welcoming and has a great menu. walleye special with capers was great....great for parties and the ambience of the train car is awesome. come in and get cozy. they got rid of the fire place in the bar....bummer..... read more

Place is full of water damage and moldy smell No music or energy We went on Saturday night no one was dining there Prime was chewy They give you no background on the train car Just look like a mall and restaurant that was probably hopping. 20 years ago but their time has passed read more

If I could give this place multiple zero stars, I would but I do not have that option. What was supposed to be a beautiful event for my second daughter celebrating an upcoming birth of a baby turned into a nightmare! Despite previous assurances from the owner and the manager about an uneventful and perfect event it turned out to be quite the opposite. The tables were not arranged as requested. I'd intentionally grouped people by table (ahead of time) to make the event more comfortable for my guests. When I asked for the manager to correct it, he wouldn't. Instead he argued that the total number of chairs was right. Not the point. I was busy with other tasks and my daughter mentioned that the entrees didn't seem right. By  the time I could look, several guests had already served themselves food. What we ordered: Chicken Genovese (light lemon sauce and artichokes), london broil, strawberry salmon salad, penne with marinara, sliced chicken, and chopped salad. What we actually got: Pesto chicken, Beef with peppers and onions, salmon salad drowning in dressing with no strawberries, buttered noodles, more sliced pesto chicken, and a garden salad with no dressing at all. All food was supposed to be served to the guests from the buffet by servers due to COVID-19. No buffet servers showed up. The owner claimed that on the day of our party, the chef and buffet servers didn't come in to work. In order not to create a scene, I let things play out as they may but needless to say I was extremely disappointed. And more disappointed when I got the bill which was almost TWICE the cost between our share and our in-laws to what was initially agreed upon. When I asked to speak to the owner, Eleanor Nelson, I was told she was out of town. There was no reach out by this owner despite the fact that she allegedly received 5 phone calls from her manager, on the Saturday event when there was a problem. When I tried to speak to her about the bill on the phone she became dismissive, aggressive, rude, confrontational &  extremely unprofessional and non-customer oriented and said there was nothing they could do for me. I have never ever left a negative review on anything however I feel like this is warranted and not only with the venue but the disrespectful behavior displayed by the owner of this restaurant. This was our third event at Chessies and It will definitely be our last!  I would recommend caution with hosting your events with this restaurant. I only wish I was forewarned. Sent from my iPhone read more

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Service was excellent, food was tasty, and so very nicely decorated for the Holidays.

Went to Chessie's last night with my husband. Wanted a quiet dinner out together. We ate on the train car of course. It was very nice. Great service. good food. Nice dinner. Don't go here if you want something trendy and exciting. I had the the seafood combo of shrimp and scallops with pasta. Delicious. Hubby had fish and said it was very good. read more

We sat at the bar, that is amazingly decorated for the holidays!! We had the calamari and filet kabobs... both sooo delicious! We had some fun Christmas drinks that were delicious and pretty strong :). Then we had 2 desserts the moose tower and apple pie a la mode.... Yummmmm!!! And the staff was all super friendly, and Armando the bartender was fabulous! 5 stars all the way around for us! We will be back! read more

Great ambiance. Really felt like I was sitting in a classy train! Totally recommend the herb chicken dish and Chessie's salad! Also service was great, they were able to make me the drink that I request! Will be back again! read more