This place is a restaurant impossible future Showing... the chef obviously does not taste the food when making... ordered beef shishkabobs special and it was sad... steak tasted like unseasoned pot roast that they cut into cubes..don't put pineapple pieces on steak shiskkabob.. we ordered the chicken parm sandwich.... SAD!! Chicken tasted like a frozen thin piece of chicken that was deep fried, put on a giant French roll, with little to no sauce(you couldn't even see it)and a piece of cheese... don't order.... They have too much on their menu they can't handle.... Need to revamp menu and cheap use of food products while trying to cut corners... $50 for 2 entrees....fries were actually decent....sweet potatoe fries were very soggy... maybe microwaved or reheated?? Will pass next time..... service was great though....Hope they can improve in the kitchen.. read more

It's been a few years since we went to the Donkey Inn. We stopped going for a while since their food was inconsistent. However, this time, everything was great. Their menu is huge - lots of different options. But I can only speak to what I had. My fellow diners were pleased with their meals - a Reuben made with turkey and a burger in a lettuce wrap. Both had sweet potato fries. Both said their meals were good. I decided to try their skirt steak. It comes with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables but I substituted tater tots for the potatoes. The skirt steak come smothered in grilled onions and mushrooms. I have to admit, it was pretty good. It was not the quality of steak you would expect in a steakhouse like Morton's. But for the price, I thought it was quite good. The vegetables are steamed and not spiced at all. A little salt and pepper made the difference. Lastly, the tots were crisp and very tasty. The service was good. And, the booth was clean and it wasn't particularly loud, so we were able to talk. We won't wait as long to go back to the Donkey Inn again, read more

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Tried this place for the first time. We loved the cozy local feeling vibe this place has. The sports that were on the tv's seemed off. They didn't have any local sports like Hawks or anything. The service was very promp and friendly. The food was ok we had the pickle spares which were great, County Fried steak, which was a frozen store bought patty. That was a disappoint and wish it was homemade. We also had the tuna melt, and that was very good. I'm definitely going to try this place again. read more

Donkey Inn - Fried Pickle spares - Burgers Near Me - Palatine, Illinois

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My son ordered the Beef Kabobs $19.00, definitely not worth the money. Thought he would have three kabobs, and it looked like a leftovers. read more

Donkey Inn - Theirs looked like this. - Burgers Near Me - Palatine, Illinois

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I consider this a hidden gem if you like a good hole in the wall. Used to eat there a couple times a month when I worked in the area. The menu is huge. Everything from breakfast to burgers, salsa, wraps, pastas, open faced sandwiches, to stir fry and more. My go to is the patty melt with waffle cut fries but have had many other dishes and all are usually good. Staff is friendly and you can eat on the patio when weather allows. read more

Had good food and received pretty good service when I was here. They are a bit slow though and could use more help. The Donkey Inn is the sister company to Schnell's Brauhaus, so if you been to Schnell's, you'd know what to expect but they serve different food. The bar is outside of downtown Palatine however so you're not near any other bars in walking distance like Schnell's or the other bars in the town. To better explain, this is your typical neighborhood bar and comes with what you'd usually expect in it. Overall, I'd say if you're hungry and in the area. Stop in here during normal hours to see whats what before dropping by on a Friday or Saturday night trying to enjoy yourself. read more

Welcoming, great food and slots Service was courteous and prompt. Will be back. Recommend. Breakfast served all day bonus. read more

Great service & food we really like this restaurant/ bar. We will definitely come again read more

Been here a few times. Foods pretty good. Decent variety. But While they have a cheesy beef, they don't offer a combo. This is Chicagoland. Step it up! Also no drink specials, no Happy Hour, no cheap bloody marys on Sundays, and no entertainment or Karaoke or anything else to offer. So, kinda meh... read more

Maybe it was an off night. Great service on a very busy Friday, but the food was just so so. Husband had the fish fry...bland fish coasted in bland breading. The onion rings appetizer was cooked perfect and had a great dipping sauce, but tasted as of it had been cooked in same fish oil. I tried the chicken pot pie. While it tasted fine, the clumpy mashed potato-like thick texture of the sauce and overly mushy nondescript diced vegetables (celery, carrots, onions maybe?) was off putting. Made me feel like someone just microwaved a bowl of chicken soup and popped a round piece of filo dough (baked earlier that week) on top. Edible, but unenjoyable. For years the Donk used to be much better quality...blame Sysco? Also, maybe clean the beer lines. We never send beers back. read more

The Donkey Inn is our "local," the place where I meet my Dad and sister and her husband for the Friday night fish fry, ice cold Guinness and a catch-up. Sometimes our children join us, sometimes cousins, sometimes we recognize friends (or meet new ones) and have a chat at the bar!! The Donk is often busy but wait times are short--and there's a bar where you can wait. Glamorous it is not. Walls, floors, chairs and tables are all wood. The booths are huge, accommodating 6 easily. There are big TVs in the bar where you can keep your eye on the game. Easy parking lot, too. Reliably good meal choices include the mushroom and Swiss burger with waffle fries; I mostly get the Friday night fish & chips special with tasty clam chowder, crispy cod and fries. Recently the tempura shrimp has been a standout, huge shrimp and a light crispy batter. Best thing about the Donk is the laid back, friendly wait staff!! Be sure to say hello to them for me!! read more

Donkey Inn - Tempura shrimp and onion rings with dip, cocktail sauce and coleslaw - Burgers Near Me - Palatine, Illinois

A few of us got together for a mini reunion since I moved back from Texas. The Donkey Inn menu is massive and appreciated. Most everything is pretty good and great portions. Karen was our server and very helpful and attentive to our party of six. I appreciate that Donkey Inn doesn't try to be more than it is. Good food, regular type clientele, and decent times. Here's why it doesn't get 5 stars. The menu states that White Claws are $5 but you're charged $6. The similar is true with High Noon's. The menu said it was $6 but we were charged $7. I don't think it's a huge deal and we paid the higher prices but this should be adjusted until they fix the physical menus. Overall, good experience. read more

Donkey Inn - Burgers Near Me - Palatine, Illinois

Best service I've ever had at a restaurant. Even the bar tender helped us by noticing we were trying to get our waitress's attention and got her for us. Worse French fry's they tasted like they were made from old potatoes. The potato skins also tasted like they were made from old potatoes. I only had a taste of each and by the time I got to my car I was vomiting. read more

I've come here multiple times, including today, and I'm shocked I haven't written a review yet. My parents love coming here, and they come here much more often than me and my husband, but I'd say the food here is pretty good, and they serve breakfast all day if that's your thing! I have had the reuben, the cream of chicken soup (which I normally order if available), and their bloody Mary here (the one with Titos that comes with a side car). Although I have always enjoyed my food from here, in my opinion, it's nothing special that I particularly crave. Though, the cream of chicken soup is deliciously creamy and thick, and the reuben is always perfectly cooked. I normally get the tots on the side, and they never disappoint either. The nice thing about here is that they have all of the delicious greasy sides to choose from: tots, waffle fries, chips, or normal French fries. When it comes to service, we've always had great servers. Everyone seems to be helpful and attentive. One thing that's a little annoying about this place is the small parking lot. Sometimes cars don't realize that it's a one-way parking lot, and then it makes it very difficult to make your way through to the exit. To be honest, Donkey Inn is basically just a nice neighborhood bar that's clean and has an extensive food menu. Though, I do think it's worth a try! read more

Donkey Inn - Cream of chicken soup - Burgers Near Me - Palatine, Illinois

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We weren't too sure about this place. It's cute inside. I was surprised. The menu has a good selection and the food was good.

Came in for lunch with a group of 5. Amazing service with a packed house and still a smile and always making sure everyone was taken care of - food and drink - and cleaning tables in between it all. Roxanne you are amazing!!! read more

When I was in grad school one of my coworkers would always bring me burgers from here. First time stepping in to the actual restaurant. We sat outside on our visit. Our per server seemed to be the only one for inside and outside. She was hustling! I got the bacon cheeseburger with chips. It was good but could have used some condiments. Their menu was huge! Burgers, salads, wings, wraps. I would recommend when in the area. read more

very good service food came out fast workers have a passion to be there food taste amazing

Great hamburgers, big and juicy. Friday rib special outstanding. Tender meat bones . Reasonable priced beer

Somehow we just discovered this place after years of living in the area. It's got an awesome old-time western theme to it, something that's rare to find in the area. The food menu is absolutely MASSIVE with a great variety of choices at great value and good daily specials. Drinks are excellent too. My literal only complaint: no vintage saloon doors! Would absolutely recommend Donkey Inn to anyone! read more

Donkey Inn - Bourbon Chicken Salad - Burgers Near Me - Palatine, Illinois

Good food. Waitress just too busy. Never got refill on water. Left thirsty. Other than that, it was good.

DONKEY is my husband's and my "go-to" for a casual evening of good food, drinks and service. I usually order breakfast and a martini on Saturday nights because, well, that's what I crave, and Donkey delivers what you want. Burgers, ribs and pizza are worth time to your palate, although the menu is E X T E N S I V E for a pub. Definitely a local spot for all ages who decide at the last minute they are ready for a comfortable and unpretentious meal anytime. Just saying, I really wish they had a colorful statue of The Donkey, as a reminder of what this place is about... read more

Ok I will be honest, when I heard the name Donkey Inn... I was very concerned but they had one of the best egg salads I've ever had...and I am an egg salad connoisseur! It was not very busy when we went, and the service was very good. My daughter ordered a cheeseburger which she devoured and my friend loved the blackened chicken salad, and her daughter ordered an appetizer, which she enjoyed as well. They do have a kids menu which is decent pricing, but over all I would say their pricing is about average for lunch. They do also serve breakfast all day! Great little spot to stop in for breakfast or lunch! read more

Pizza went down hill. Bartender said "that's how our pizza comes here " Meaning it only comes burnt. Sent the first one back and this is the 2nd one. Never had burnt pizza before. Tossed it out! read more

Donkey Inn - Burnt pizza - Burgers Near Me - Palatine, Illinois

This establishment is many things but we've only ever experienced the breakfast, which was fantastic. The restaurant portion surrounds the bar, which is beer prominent and has permanent drinkers populating it no matter what the time of day. But that's not a bad thing. We enjoyed their banter and felt that it added to the fun atmosphere of the place. We both got omelets and they were superb. Meticulously put together in a way that lets you know the cook knows his business. They were great and we've moved this up our list of "go-to" breakfast restaurants. If you try it, ask about its history. It's been around for a LONG TIME, like from the forties as a restaurant, and the building had tie ups out front for horses and donkeys from before that! Pictures are all over the walls. It's a great place and we recommend it! read more

Donkey Inn - Spinach omelet - Burgers Near Me - Palatine, Illinois

We ordered pizza and a Ruben for takeout from here and were very disappointed. We ordered a small half cheese, half sausage, and the pizza looked like nothing I've ever seen before. It looked fake and there was no sauce at all. The ruben was dry with no sauce either and no flavor. We won't be back here for food read more

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They've got a wide variety of foods which is great when you've got picky kids and everything tastes great. The service hasn't been as good unfortunately. We've had a couple not so great experiences but they were all with the same waitress so I count that more against her than the restaurant. I do like that they have different seating options and a patio as well. Nice local joint. Definitely worth a try! read more

I've been coming to da Donk for decades. Solid neighborhood restaurant/bar. Fun patrons, accommodating staff and a well prepared pub fare menu. Good breakfast too! read more

Donkey Inn is a great kid friendly restaurant. It has great food, great service, and I would definitely recommend the place to anyone, and everyone looking for a nice sit down restaurant. read more

My hubs and I have been coming here for years. Their food is delicious, but service can be up/down. How is Candice the bartender still employed? She is the worst bartender in Palatine. We waited for drinks, menus, our food, she never checked on our meals, more drinks, the check and to pay. People around us were laughing and making jokes at her incompetence. "its just how she is" was told to us by the ladies next to us. She looks down, avoids eye contact and spends more time texting than helping customers. The man next to us waited 15 minutes to be acknowledged. People across the bar were standing up, keys in hand, and she still wasn't taking their check. Brian & Joel, DO BETTER. If she's at the bar next time we stop by, we are leaving. read more

Food was good. Had breakfast. Great value for what you get. Server was another story. Was hungover and she had an Attitude. Worst coffee I ever had. read more

My husband recently went here for a take out order. The bar was shoulder to shoulder, no social distancing rules being followed. The woman at the front desk asked him to go to the bar, he felt uncomfortable given the large number of unmasked shoulder rubbing guests gathered there but was ultimately forced to stand there in order to pick up our meal. Not cool. He was unhappy with his skillet, my grilled cheese and tater tots were good. read more

Great selection of food at good prices and good portion sizes. Not amazing but less seasoned/salty and more "home-style" food than many other local bars. Matzah ball soup: A little more "hearty" in flavor than the usual chicken broth you'll find in most other restaurants. Good for a cold winter day. Cream of potato soup: Nice and thick texture although a little underwhelming in flavor. Still enjoyable if you like extremely smooth consistency. Skillet #4: Light and fluffy, not too heavy of a flavor but also not very oily either. Hamburger: Cooked well and a great deal for 1/2 pound at $7 with a side. Lacks a char type flavor but does have a good level of fat in the patty. Chips: Homemade, thin and crispy -- light and enjoyable. Chicken pot pie: Kind of like a nice cream of chicken soup underneath a large piece of puff pastry. One of the more interesting interpretations of the dish and not overly salty. Orange roughy: The fish was alright, expectedly not amazing given the price but also not bad. The mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables were prepared well and gave it the feeling of the same dish at a classier Italian restaurant (at 6-8 dollars cheaper). Given the very reasonable prices and variety of items on their menu, I'll definitely be back. read more

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They do not allow dogs on the outside patio. (Many sites list them as allowing dogs on the patio.).

I don't know what's happened here but they have gone seriously downhill to the point I won't be going back again. They used to have 5 choices of fish on their Friday Night Fish Fry. Now it's only beer battered perch. The batter is so thick you can barely taste the fish and it's very greasy. I've also tried numerous other entree's and haven't been satisfied with any of them. The last straw which broke the proverbial camels back was their Bloody Mary's. This one bartender made the best I've ever had. But apparently she didn't share her recipe with the other bartenders because none of them ever came close to matching hers. Continuity should be very important in a restaurant but sadly it's not here. read more

It seems like there might be a new chef in the kitchen. We've been going here lately because it's an awesome place to take our three little kids - we sit outside so they can run around and the wait staff is always super friendly and accommodating. The wraps we have ordered are delicious and the BLT club was impressive. They serve breakfast all day and lunch early in the morning so all fam members are happy. Con - we love to sit outside, but it's a bit noisy bc of Plum Grove Rd. read more

Great burgers and watering hole. Big menu and I do like lots of other items on the menu. This is a great place for comfort food and a drink. Staff is great and attentive. Great prices and good food. I go often. read more

Great local place with an amazing Patty Melt! Salads are great too! Cute patio to dine in the summer.

I've been a patron for years. Seems like the Donkey like many others are struggling with good help. Food was OK comfortable atmosphere and cold beer. Will return next time in town. read more

If your youth hockey team has a game at West Meadows Ice Arena, this is your pre-gaming meet-up location. Decor that reminds patrons of a ski lodge, this cozy bar-and-grill has terrific burgers and chicken wings. read more