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    JJ Kelly's

    3.5 (53 reviews)
    InexpensiveAmerican, Bars
    Open 11:00 am - 12:00 AM (Next day)

    JJ Kelly's Photos

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    Rajun Cajun Pasta
    Luke H.

    Very very surprised at how much I enjoyed this restaurant. Came here on a Friday night while passing through town with my parents. The place looked unassuming from the outside, but the parking lot was full. There was a full salad bar (almost all homemade salads, soups, and dressings). All of it was delicious, especially the soups. Cream of garlic and mushroom and butternut squash. Got the fish fry. The fries were underwhelming and the perch (though high quality fish) needed a more flavorful breading, but nonetheless quite good! My dad had a pasta dish that was very flavorful, but not obnoxiously spicy. The meal was accompanied by garlic bread, which was a nice change of pace. Seems to be frequented by plenty of locals, which is always a good sign!

    Wing Night
    Deon L.

    Great place to come have wings. Ask for "Jen" the Midwest #1 waitress. Food is always Hot and Drinks always cold

    A personal touch
    Shannon O.

    JJ Kelley's is a local Bar/restaurant that's been in the community forever. While I can't say that I have frequented the raucous nightlife they are known to offer, I do respect and appreciate their commitment to the community. Whether it's sponsoring Little League teams, or hosting a fundraiser, they are a vital member of the Village. During COVID they have been offering takeout to try and stay afloat. I have been trying to support local businesses during all of this, so we have hade takeout multiple times. I must say, I have not had a bad bite yet. Everything from Prime Rib to Perch to sliders, wings, deep fried sides, nachos, all better than expected. A few issues as is to be expected with any takeout order - sometimes the steam ruins the crispiness. But a welcomed treat in these awful times. During non COVID days, they often have live music with a focus on rock/hard rock. But we'll update the review to include late night fun once everything is open at 100% again. Totally worth it for takeout

    Michelle C.

    I went with my EX-fiancé to hear Sin After Sin and the opening bands on 11/23/13. We arrived about 8:15pm and seated ourselves at the only table near the side stage door. As the evening progressed, uninvited individuals converged on our table. These individuals became quite intoxicated and after the last song by Sin they confronted me. I was accused of causing ludicrous disturbances! I was not drinking alcohol and had been nearly knocked off my stool numerous times during the evening by the uninvited, intoxicated I've learned the bully patrons are "regulars" and vaguely acquainted with my fiancé. I, however, do not know them personally or professionally. After Sin's last encore, they surrounded me and verbally threatened us. They were each well over the legal alcohol limit; this was obvious. Neither of us had been drinking alcohol. The drunk. unruly patrons threatened to "kick my a$$". I was called a bit¢h repeatedly. No employee from the venue immediately interceded and forced the drunken would-be assailants to leave. A man did stand behind the three and witness the continued assault. EVENTUALLY, he removed two of the inebriated assailants, however, he permitted one to continue threatening me. As an attorney and officer of the court I was alarmed by JJ Kelley's lack of concern for the safety and comfort of their patrons. I have multiple sclerosis and was unable to hastily escape the assault. I was fearful the drunken assailants would carry out their threats and harm me in the parking area. I understand that alcohol causes individuals to act out of character, however, JJ Kelley's has legal, moral and ethical responsibilities that were not performed efficiently. I would not recommend this venue to my friends, family, clients or business associates.I CERTAINLY would NEVER suggest bringing a child here! The website insists this is a family friendly restaurant/pub/bar. Don't be fooled! This is a dive bar with all the dirty restroom, stale beer smelly air, draughty interior and filthy floors you'd expect in a dive bar!! I can only imagine what the kitchen must be like. I did not risk trying the food.

    Chicken soup  mmmm
    Oliver O.

    5 star!!! Bar Gigantic turkey sandwich, amazing chicken soup!!! Very good place! next time I'm in Chicago I will definitely come here for lunch !!!Thank you!!!!

    One bite of these fried avocados and they would not accept them back. They were soggy and disgusting.

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    5 months ago

    Nice place to eat & relax. Accessible for South East Chicago, Hegewisch, Lansing & Calumet City.

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    4 years ago

    Best wings in Lansing IL !!!! There I said it.. Tuesday wings are half off bone in .. I'm just saying

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    10 years ago

    Great service and welcoming atmosphere but mixed reviews at our table on food. Just inconsistent but still a good meal

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - JJ Kelly's

    What kind of live music do they play?

    Hard rock , head banger !!

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - JJ Kelly's

    The Service was Quick and the food was Hot and for about the price of Double Quarter W Cheese lg Fry and a Drink.

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Jack's Sports Pub & Eatery - It's a Bears bar. Stocked pretty well too!

    Jack's Sports Pub & Eatery

    3.5(17 reviews)
    1.5 mi
    $

    I honestly do not have much to share about this venue. I was there for almost 2hrs and didnt have…read moreanything to eat or drink. I showed up to a friends birthday/karaoke party. It started at 7pm. I arrived closer to 8pm. There were people there, and as the hour progressed more and more people showed up. I assumed the singing and such would have started on time. But when I left after 9pm... no singing had begun. When Inarrived a server asked did I want a menu, I said yes. But she never returned. So I sat drink less, food less. This making up in my mind I wouldnt be staying long. The place was rather spacious, clean, looked like a good time would be had(on another occassion). I actually want to go back one day and have SOME SORT of experience. It was a cozy spot. Pizza and wings. People were complaining about their drinks... but it was nothing I could personally give a tip or judgment on or about... no one ever served me. *shrug*

    What to say 'bout Jack's.... I was "Benchwarmers" Years…read moreago... ahhh memories. Anyway, Jack's is a great little place with daily drink specials and an awesome set of cooks in back. Bartenders are frickin' awesome, and hook you up right. The beer is always cold and the mixed drinks are normally on point, sometimes a bit strong though but, who minds THAT? Food to get: Irish Nachos - Ho-Ly Jesus, talk about a loaded plate! Feeds at least 2 people. Pizza - one size one price 14" for $10.00 and pretty darn good. Jack Burger or Mini's - 'tis tasty, hot, juicy and delicious. What's cool: Svedka Pitchers - they're all good flavored pitchers but the lemonade one's my fave. Trivia on Mondays - always a decent crowd gettin' their knowledge on. Stuff to do: Pool (billiards if you prefer), Darts, Karaoke on occasion too. Aww man...: This may be a "woohoo" for some(not I). It's Illinois so you gotta smoke OUTSIDE. Mens room... meh, it's a mens room, it's kinda dirty(ish) but has soap 'n water. Beer - yup... this bar has beer. Needs to add some local brews though, just sayin' This bar is kinda like Cheers... become a regular and it's "Where everybody knows your name..." except that one guy...

    Photos
    Jack's Sports Pub & Eatery - Maker's Mark

    Maker's Mark

    Jack's Sports Pub & Eatery - So. ..this is Christmas...

    So. ..this is Christmas...

    Jack's Sports Pub & Eatery - Green Irish Car Bombs!

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    Green Irish Car Bombs!

    Thornton Distilling - Entrance

    Thornton Distilling

    4.6(107 reviews)
    2.8 mi
    $$

    I have been wanting to try this distillery ever since I saw a segment on them on one of the local…read moreTV stations. We stopped in on a Saturday afternoon around lunch time. They have a few parking spaces in the front of the building with a larger lot in the rear. It was not too crowded and we were seated immediately. Our server Michaela was very friendly and suggested a few food items for my wife which were GF. I started with the House Old Fashion and my wife had the Bee's Knees. Both were very good and cost 10.00 each. For lunch I tried their Pecan Whiskey BBQ wings. 5 wings cost 10.00. They were good size and very tasty but I didn't taste any of the Pecan Whiskey flavor. My wife had the Barbacoa Tacos which were filled with braised beef. She could only eat 2 of them so I had the third taco. Flavorful but I would have preferred more salsa or a dipping sauce. I wanted to try their Drop Dead Bourbon separately so I had a small tasting. I loved it so much I bought a bottle to bring home. Cost was 60.00. The history of this distillery dates back to 1857 and is one of Illinois' oldest standing distillerys and was once Al Capones largest bootlegging facility during prohibition. I would love to go back and try a few more of their hand crafted cocktails and one of their signature burgers.

    We have had this distillery in Thornton IL on our radar for quite a while and this first full day…read moreof spring was perfect for a drive out. The building oozes historic charm going back to 1847. Our server and hostess were friendly and helpful. There is only a few spots to park in the front but a big parking lot in the back marked with a sign. It was lunchtime so we ordered wings and beef barbacoa tacos and both were very flavorful. The server suggested the tacos as they can be made gluten free. Besides the cocktails my husband asked to taste their straight bourbon called Dead Drop. He enjoyed it and bought a bottle to take home. I could feel the ghosts of bootleggers of the past haunting the place. Worth the drive to experience it.

    Photos
    Thornton Distilling - Barrells with the name

    Barrells with the name

    Thornton Distilling - The entrance

    The entrance

    Thornton Distilling - Entrance

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    Entrance

    The Rhoyal Bistro Live - Decor was really nice. Clean and had a turnt up party here when we arrived.

    The Rhoyal Bistro Live

    3.4(84 reviews)
    0.4 mi

    I visited with a group, and we all had a great time. I absolutely loved the green and gold color…read morepalette. The music was amazing, and the overall ambiance felt elevated, social, and lively. Everyone enjoyed their appetizer. I had the Bang Bang Shrimp, and it was great. I wasn't a fan of the margarita flight, but my friend really enjoyed hers, so I'd say that's more of a personal preference. Everyone's food presentation was beautiful. I ordered the jerk pasta, and while it was just okay, everything else looked incredible. The staff was pleasant, friendly, and attentive throughout our visit. I definitely plan to return to try a different drink and main course because, honestly, everyone else was really pleased with their meals.

    We came for Fathers Day Brunch and it was a vibe. They had a live dj which really elevated the…read moredining experience. I love the decor and colors of this restaurant and the food was delish. This was not my first time here and I notice they seem to change the menu a lot. The sweet potato bowl and salmon were our favorites. The staff is always nice and they had some fun cocktails that they recommended for us. Plenty of parking and they host different events throughout the year. Not many restaurants like this in the area so I'm happy to support and encourage others to try it as well!

    Photos
    The Rhoyal Bistro Live - Blacken salmon and asparagus

    Blacken salmon and asparagus

    The Rhoyal Bistro Live - Seating

    Seating

    The Rhoyal Bistro Live - Dope clean decor. Friendly and professional staff. Food came out quick and fresh.  Gratuity is %20 and automatically included in the check.

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    Dope clean decor. Friendly and professional staff. Food came out quick and fresh. Gratuity is %20 and automatically included in the check.

    Dick's R U Crazy - Let's play pool!

    Dick's R U Crazy

    3.6(13 reviews)
    4.3 mi
    $

    Dick's R U Crazy is the lone successor to a Calumet region Gay scene that once boasted five (5)…read moreflourishing and active Gay bars of which one was exclusively for Lesbians. Unfortunately, Calumet City succumbed to a sad combination of white flight and city officials Hell bent on destroying the State and Stateline entertainment corridor, leveling solid historic properties into a barren surface level wasteland, that remains void to this very day. We were once guided by the bright neon signs and chasing lights, like a mini-Las Vegas strip it was. God forbid someone was drinking, carrying on, staying out until past 4 a.m. and having a Gay ole time. So here we are at Dick's R U Crazy, this lone Gay venue has been established in 1990 and serves as a beacon of life for area Gays. It offers a traditional Gay bar feel from back in the day with two (2) chalk dusty pool tables and an eclectic variety of your usual patrons. A corridor leads past the restrooms on the right that opens up into a lounge area with intimately lit tables, a stage and runway avec drag drapes. However, classic Drag shows and those once crowned as bar royalty, drag queens, have been replaced in a new world favoring karaoke. Ugh! You cannot miss what you do not know. In my opinion, today's bar music or what I heard at Dick's was a bore. It's choppy and doesn't flow one song to the next. Who wants to hear and see Seth Meyers bash Trump on Big TV screens on a Friday night in your bar? A total waste of fun time! There must be something far more entertaining and uplighting to fill in the background with to get people up and dancing. Dancing!!? What the F..k is that? One might ask! Dick's R U Crazy is a Gay oasis in a desolate desert environment that doesn't offer many better options short of going into Boystown/Chicago . Hopefully one day the Calumet Region Gay scene will rebound. Dick's R U Crazy is a continuing work in progress.

    Love this bar. Free popcorn , divey, cheap drinks and friendly bartenders. All of them. Pretty…read morechill spot. Very open to straight couples as well. Overall great place to people watch.

    Photos
    Dick's R U Crazy - Dick's R U Crazy

    Dick's R U Crazy

    Dick's R U Crazy - A Total Top?

    A Total Top?

    Dick's R U Crazy - Fun bar

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    Fun bar

    JJ Kelly's - tradamerican - Updated August 2026

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