Delicious food, good cocktails and wonderful service! The proprietor and staff went out of their…read moreway to make us feel welcome.

I'm so glad there's finally a new neighborhood bar like Caraways in Countryside! From the moment…read moreyou walk in, the owner and staff make you feel welcome. They're incredibly friendly and actually take the time to remember their customers, which gives the place such a personal and community feel. The atmosphere is relaxed, comfortable, and perfect whether you're meeting friends or just unwinding after a long day. They have a really good selection of draft beers and cocktails, so there's always something great to try. The food is amazing too -- definitely beyond what you'd expect from a neighborhood bar. One thing I really appreciate is that they use beef tallow to fry their food, which gives everything incredible flavor and feels like a healthier, more traditional option compared to seed oils. This has quickly become one of my favorite spots. I keep coming back just to hang out, grab a beer or cocktail, and enjoy the welcoming vibe. Definitely worth checking out if you're in the area!

Wooden Paddle was a really good surprise. A little more upscale, but still comfortable. It was…read morekinda empty when we went. You can see the pizza ovens from the seats. Smells amazing the whole time. Staff was great. Sean helped us out and gave some solid recommendations. We went with the pepperonly pizza. When it hit the table, the presentation looked amazing. First bite... that was it. The crust had that perfect crunch on the outside but still soft inside. You could taste that wood-fired char, just enough to give it that smoky edge. The cheese was melted just right, stretchy and hot. The sauce had a nice balance, a little tangy, a little sweet, not overpowering anything. The pepperoni was the best part. Crispy on the edges, a little oily in a good way, and full of flavor. Every bite just worked. Thin, balanced, nothing too heavy. If you like pizza, this is one of those spots you gotta try. I'd go back for that one easy.

We went to Wooden Paddle for the first time with a group (including a toddler), and it ended up…read morebeing the perfect setting. It's a shareable, tapas-style dining experience, which makes it ideal for groups. We ordered the Fried Mozz Brick, which was good but didn't quite wow our group. On the other hand, I really enjoyed the Caesar salad, always a go-to for me and this one met my expectations. For pizzas, we tried the Pepper Only, the Sausage Fest, and The Original Mr. Beef, and that one ended up being my favorite. Definitely the star of the night. The drink menu is also great. Lots of options depending on what you're in the mood for. And as a mom, I have to mention the bathroom situation. Although it's downstairs, it's clean, spacious and private, and they have a changing table, which honestly makes such a difference. Believe it or not, not every place thinks about that, and it's always appreciated. Overall, a great spot for groups with good food, good drinks, and an aesthetic interior that left me wanting to go back for more.

The atmosphere is great...the services and staff horrible..bartender had attitudes..the drink…read moreprices was inconsistent..the servers was all over the place..Normally I had good experience but these was on a slow to mild night...I DO NOT RECOMMEND COMING ON A BUSY NIGHT..It will be longer wait time. Food wait and extra attitude with no apologies..Hopefully these complaints about the services will improve.. Sincerely not a happy customer!!!

On a Friday, went there kind of late but the band still had a set left…read more.. I was happy with the sound levels not being too loud! You were still able to have a conversation with our screaming at each other... The food that we ordered was delicious and came out hot not warm like it had been sitting on the heat lamps... Bartender knew her stuff and was polite, I will definitely be back there, looks like it's a complete turn around from what it once was "TAVERN ON LAGRANGE ". Prices are decent too.... But there is an entertainment gratuity, you almost can't get away from that these days..

First and foremost - everyone I interacted with was SUPER KIND, and I really liked some aspects of…read morethe experience. But for a premium price, I expect premium product, and this place is rough around the edges in ways that feel easy to fix. I'm pointing them out in hopes they'll be corrected. First the positive - the food was pretty good. Not great for the price, but pretty good. Drip coffee was better than most diners/cafes in the area. The ambience was pleasant. Here's the issues. 1. The furniture needs a refresh and I don't think the place has even been open that long. The side tables by the window are losing their finish - a fragment of wood got caught under my finger nail as I was sitting down and just lightly grazed the table with my hand. I also brushed away a few additional flakes coming up. The chiffon curtains are charming until you look closer and see they're speckled with food from past diners. A moss ball decoration in the bathroom is missing half its moss. It's little stuff, obviously, but when I spot things like this at a place otherwise charging a premium partially for cute aesthetics, I always get concerned that the lack of attention to detail might also be getting reflected in the food. 2. Value for money and food quality are also an issue. $20 for one slice of sourdough cut in half, a rather overdone French omelette with sour cream on top (not mentioned on the menu and a weird choice) a bowl of fruit I wasn't interested in rather than a choice of free side, and sausages I paid extra for, is not good value to me. The bread was good! The omelette was mediocre. The sausage was very solid, had a slight funk to it that I liked and suggested to me it was made in house - but 7 dollars for two sausage patties is absolutely wild. I would suggest Milkstop rethink the combos on its menu to include more and be priced a touch more transparently. 3. Finally, service. Everyone was VERY KIND, again, want to stress that, but service was slow and rather inattentive for most of the meal. The place was only half full, but water and an initial drink order were slow, and I waited for a while for the check while the staff chatted amongst themselves in the corner of the room. Not trying to be a dick, the life of a service worker is tough, but the place was mostly empty and I noticed they already charge a 3% service gratuity on your orders, so I'd expect a little better. Basically this place has a very charming surface with some wonkiness around the edges. I will definitely come back again but guys, come on - ditch the gross chiffon curtains, for both our sakes.

Stopped in on a Friday for a quick working lunch - very nice environment if you ever need the…read moreopportunity to do so. (and forgot to snap a picture!). I had the red pepper and cheddar quiche -- delicious! It was light and fluffy and came out in great timing. The salad was crisp and fresh, and the dressing was light -- just enough. Service was great and the entire staff was super friendly. I will definitely be back!

Good beer, good vibes! I like this place for a nice meal…read moreand Guinness. We had the fish and chips which is cooked perfectly plus I asked for the side of curry gravy - sooo good as fries dip. The place is not big, so it gets packed easily. We usually go here before 5pm and were able to snag couple chairs in the bar. Parking is a challenge, too on a busy hour or day.

Rafferty's was truly an unforgettable experience. I haven't seen this much unearned superiority…read moresince a guy named Connor explained whiskey to me like his family personally invented Ireland. The atmosphere was very "we're better than you," which is ambitious considering half the room looked genetically connected to famine survivors and dock workers. The confidence level in that building deserves scientific study. I walked in expecting casual dining and somehow ended up in what felt like an audition for "Medieval Lords of the Suburbs." The staff acted like they were protecting ancient bloodlines instead of refilling ranch dressing. At one point I honestly wanted to ask: "Sir, are you judging me... while wearing a polo shirt with barbecue sauce on it?" The energy was aggressively holier-than-thou for a place where the main cultural contribution is fried appetizers and vodka seltzer. To be fair, the food was fine. But the side of racial superiority was a little harassing for my ego. If you're looking for a place to drink with historic levels of racism and naturally redheaded bartenders, this is the place for you!

Came for lunch, first time in this area. The area and shops looks nice but being a hot day, no one…read morewas out and the restaurant was nearly empty at 12:30. Bartender doubled as our waiter, who by the way was super friendly. We had the steak fajitas which was delicious. Included some zucchini and squash along with onions and peppers. Optional, no charge, roasted garlic and jalapeños really added to the flavor profile. I normally am not a fan of Spanish rice but this one was super tasty.

Looking for a new Mexican restaurant to try in the area. Settle on here. Chips and Salsa were…read moregood. The Guac imo was really good, I loved it. For my meal I had the steak and shrimp fajitas. While the shrimp was tasty, would have been nice if it was peeled. The steak was just OK. Went with 4. 1 kids taco meal (2 tacos) 2 reg taco meals (3 tacos) 1 Steak and Shrimp Fajita Dinner Guacamole and Chip The bill was over a $100. I would go back, everyone overall enjoyed there food and service

Great quite coffe shop that also serves as a bar in the evening and performance venue. Get the…read moreChocolate Cherry Bomb Latte, it is fantastic.

Fantastic little spot that's totally not something I ever expected to see in sleepy Western…read moreSprings! I mean, it's not loud or rowdy or punk, but they make an honest, delicious drink and have a cool vibe. Quite enjoyed my first visit and I guarantee it won't be my last!

I've been wanting to try The Elm for quite a while now since I've heard so many good things. So I…read moredecided to stop in during lunch and wow, I was impressed. From the atmosphere, to the decor to the food, everything just felt right. They currently have their winter menu right now and I ended up ordering the Crispy Buffalo Chicken Wrap with sweet potato fries. Definitely a healthier bite on their menu but it was still packed with so much flavor and the perfect buffalo kick. For appetizers I ordered the Tempura Shrimp and I really liked that ALL the food came out steaming hot. I didn't catch our waitress's name but she was informative and kind from the beginning. She even told us they host comedy shows there, which is such a nice touch. I will definitely be returning, especially once warmer Chicago days arrive and their patio can fully be enjoyed.

We dined over the weekend. Reservations are online and honored which is a huge plus. The rooftop is…read morescenic and our waiter was attentive and quick. Drinks look like they are updated seasonally with classics remaining. The food is well seasoned and prepared; however, the salmon was not fresh at all. It had a very pungent "fishy" odor, so much I tasted it in my drink. Messaged management first, but they didn't respond.

I've had cocktails here a couple of years ago but on my recent visit, I made reservations for…read moredinner. Our group of four were seated promptly at their all year round rooftop terrace, Our server was pleasant and efficient throughout the evening. I tried: GRILLED OCTOPUS- delicious GNOCCHI- this was good but it was a little too oily/fatty because it was loaded with prosciutto PRIME HANGER- the steak and mashed potatoes were both prepared and cooked well The place is nice and clean. Parking can be challenging especially on the weekends but there are a couple of parking lots around or you can get lucky with street parking. 'Til next time!

Happy Hour Review! The perfect happy hour spot in Downtown…read moreLaGrange! My husband and I ventured in on a weekday and sat at the bar for Happy Hour. Pete took care of us and went above and beyond to make our visit special. We ask suggestions for cocktails and he had great recommendations. My husband got the Adventure Land and Pete made me an "off menu" Last Word cocktail with mezcal he had been loving to make. This drink was amazing to say the least! It was frothy yet fruity and very balanced. The Adventure Land was also great and exactly what one wants in a summertime gin drink. I later also tried the One Upon a Time in Mexico which gave more of a mezcal spritz vibe. It was lighter and refreshing. For food, we shared the Scallops as well as the Gnocchi. All Starters are 25% off during Happy Hour. Items can still come at a premium but they had so many options to choose from, portions were standard sizes, and quality was great. Pete offered a free birthday dessert but we were too full to accept the generous offer. I highly recommend stopping into Fourteensixteen to explore their menu and drinks!

The ambiance of this place is great! Black lighting throughout makes the unique Day-of-the-Dead…read moredecor pop. The service was outstanding. Great drinks. The food selection is extremely limited. That's the only thing that I would have liked to have more of. Simple finger food is all that is offered at this time. It would nice if they would offer tequila flights to try out their wide selection. The location is very good. Right in the heart of Riverside by the train station. All in all it's a great place to meet up with friends for a drink.

The drinks here are awesome! They do serve several of their specialty drinks in these skull mugs…read morewhich are pretty cool. We did not eat but when it comes to food they have some appetizers to order from. The decorations and lighting inside makes the experience that much better. We did sit at the bar and service was good. No complaints. Definitely recommend!