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    Kief's Reef

    3.6 (160 reviews)
    ModeratePizza, Seafood, American
    Open 10:30 am - 1:00 AM (Next day)

    Order Kief's Reef Takeout or Delivery

    Kief's Reef Photos

    KIEF'S REEF ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Divey
    Casual
    Loud
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Kief's Reef

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    Nutcracker from Bingo night
    Dave K.

    This is the most unassuming place I've ever visited. My wife heard about it a couple years ago because she and our son wanted crab legs and she heard they had a deal on Saturday nights for all-you-can-eat crab legs. So we went and the rumor she heard was true. They still have that deal, along with several other specials on Saturday night, along with a great menu every other night of the week. I've now been there four times. Each time I have had something different. My wife and son had the special. I ordered their special ribs and shrimp deal. Now having never heard of Kief's Reef nor them being a great place for ribs, I was apprehensive, but they were fantastic! AND, it came with a side and salad bar. The next time I came with friends and had a burger which I recall was pretty good. The third time I came with a couple friends on a Wednesday night and it happened to be Bingo night. We had no idea that it was a special night for games, but the place was filled with regulars and each round had a special prize dealing with food and drinks at Kief's Reef. The main prize that night was a look-a-like nutcracker of Hilary Clinton. You could win the nutcracker, but if someone won the next round, they could choose the food related prizes or snag the nutcracker. It was hilarious! I won one of the last games and decided on the food-related prize. I won a rum bucket that I had to order while I was there that night. I did and had a blast. Plus, the rum bucket was delicious. I returned a fourth time just this past weekend. My wife again got the all-you-can-eat crab lets and I got the prime rib (a Saturday night special). Again, the specials come with a side and salad bar. The prime rib was thick with not a lot of fat and an au jus. Spectacular flavor! I got the chips, broccoli and mashed potatoes. And indulged in the salad bar AND my wife wanted the onion rings. We arrived at 7:30pm on Saturday and the place was sadly empty (every other occasion found the place full of patrons). There was a fairgrounds with rides up the road, so that may have been the draw that night. However, the restaurant/bar is teeming with incredibly friendly staff who even after their shifts end stay there to hang out with each other. The music is great every time we've come and this time was no exception. Our server was attentive, friendly, and super helpful with decision-making. We were waited on by three-to-four people and had a chance to chat up the staff, swap jokes, and enjoy the playful atmosphere. It is very unassuming. I think most people assume it's just a regular bar and grill with typical pub food, but they are anything but typical. The menu has a lot of options and everything I've had has been extremely good. My wife and son love the crab legs and I have loved everything else I've eaten. It's very casual and well worth the trek. Go on a Saturday night for the specials, on Wednesday for the bingo with locals, or any other time for their great food, atmosphere, and ambience.

    A crumpled receipt from Kief's Reef on S. Bright Rd., listing food items, prices, and total amount paid.
    Amanda G.

    Staff was great We sat at the bar while we waited for a table. This is not a huge place but it is packed. We were a group of 7. Our server was fabulous and friendly. I started with the salad bar yummy. And had ribs and fish. We split two dinners. I will say the potato pancakes were more like hash browns. Or coins like tots. Not bad just not what I think. The fish was good and ribs the same. No one had any complaints. They gave you bread it was also delicious. The one draw back it was very loud and hard to hear. We did enjoy the night out

    Stu F.

    Stopped for my first visit here. It was a Wednesday night about 6:30 and was making the stop to evaluate the wings while having a few refreshments. Place was pretty empty inside with some 4 others sitting at the small bar setting. A bar tender never acknowledged me but I watched her serve those around me. Then from the kitachen another bar tender popped out and assisted me right away. That must have the the one seat assigned to him. LOL Thru the few hours I was there it seems the lady bar tender was happy to help all the bar patrons except me? Personally don't care since there was another to assist but wtf? Wings were healthy with meat and served as I asked. They even came in a dish with the Buffalo sauce a little soupy which is how I like them. Sauce could of had a better bite and the blue cheese was just fair. Wouldn't go back.

    Fish fry
    Michael W.

    Came here again on a Friday night. Sit at a high top and hope you get Katrina as your server - friendly, sassy, and she takes care of you. If you get the Fish Fry (I suggest you do) you get the salad bar: their coleslaw is the best I ever had. Their fish fry is excellent, the fish is very crispy but not over-battered. They have all you can eat fish and sides: we have tried the tots (ok but nothing special. Their regular fries are really good and the sweet potato fries are great. We just love this place and continue to come back.

    All You Can Eat Fish Fry
    Christina W.

    Great local dive just off the Fox River and Rt 176. We came down their Friday Fish Fry. It comes with their homemade bread and butter which we declined (watching our carbs); salad bar, choice of fries or baked potato (we chose their fries that are so good); a bottle of homemade tarter sauce. Woah, their fried perch is hands down the best fish fry in this county! You gotta try it for yourself. But it's so hot, crispy, and full of flavor. Their coleslaw is homemade, too. Oh wow, yum! This was a rainy, cold, Friday night at the end of October but so much fun.

    Friday night All You Can Eat Fish Fry
    Valerie C.

    We went for the Friday night all you can eat fish fry. Food was good and they kept it coming as we wanted it. The fish pieces were crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside, just how you'd want them. Don't waste much time or stomach space for the fries! The kids grilled cheese and applesauce was a hit with our preschooler.

    So good...  couldn't even get a pic in- Cheese Thin Crust Pizza

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    1 month ago

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    3 months ago

    Can't believe I've never been here. This is just a good bar with great food and friendly staff and locals.

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    2 years ago

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    8 months ago

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    3 months ago

    Best pork tendy sandwich in two counties! Great smelt too! Friendly service and inexpensive PBR pitchers. What else is there ?!!

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    11 months ago

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    5 months ago

    Best wings in Lake and McHenry counties...fast hot delivery...great service staff...one of my favorite places now!

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    7 months ago

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Love this place! Great food & service every time! Inside or out the service is superb!

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    2 years ago

    Nice people to drink booze with and eat reasonably priced good food. The summer river vibe is pretty cool too.

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Food is good, great views of the river. Service is friendly. It's a real fun bar in the summer.

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    3 years ago

    Love kiefs great food awesome service good. Pizza is amazing, soups are great. Will be back

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Great neighborhood pub! Good drinks and GREAT ribs! Fun place to have lunch, watch football or just hang out.

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Black and Blue Burger was to die for. I almost left my phone and the bartender chased me out with it. Cute outside area.

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    3 years ago

    Great place! Awesome food! Great view of the lake and outside bar. Employees are all super friendly and the service is great

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    2 years ago

    Shitty customer service. Guy was rude and interrupting me could barely finish my order. Horrible service

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    3 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Good local bar with great salad bar, ribs and burgers. Plan on it being crowded on weekends and special events.

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    Kief's Reef - pizza - Updated May 2026

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