I visited Poor Phil's on a weekend night and it was busy! I was able to seat myself at the bar and my bartender made me feel welcome and answered my questions. He had great recommendations about the menu, and I was not disappointed. Poor Phil's is known for their seafood, and I now see why. I enjoyed the atmosphere here, a great neighborhood pub with interesting decor and a friendly laid back vibe. I'll be back as they have nice outdoor seating as well. read more

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How have we not found this place after living in the area for five years. Holy shit that's good food. Crabs, lobster, beer, whiskey, dive vibes almost perfection. It might be perfect not sure yet. The day we became regulars. Crab cakes are really crispy just too much horseradish in the sauce. Damn good The crab claws in garlic butter were perfect. Bite of the year 2025! Cheers read more

Poor Phil's Shell Bar - American Near Me - Oak Park, Illinois

Lobster roll was highlight of my visit. Waitstaff was patient with my group. Highly recommended. read more

Poor Phil's Shell Bar - Lobster roll & creamed spinach - American Near Me - Oak Park, Illinois

I moved to the area about 2 years ago and I just love this place. It's the perfect neighborhood bar with solid drinks and good food. They offer a great beer and cocktail list, and wide variety of food. The appetizers are stars on the menu, but I have also enjoyed their burgers and tacos in the past. This most recent visit, I finally tried their oysters. I thought they were very fresh and delicious and love that they offer a happy hour deal on them during the week. Server and bartenders have always been friendly. read more

Poor Phil's Shell Bar - Oysters are great! - American Near Me - Oak Park, Illinois

The food here is good b to great, especially the seafood and the fish sandwiches. Sometimes, the cleaning fluid smell is too pervasive, and the people collecting plates, drop them in tubs with an incredible clatter. A couple of small changes could make this place really excellent. read more

I came here with a party of three on a Sunday during lunchtime. The bad was fairly busy, but we were sat down immediately and the service was timely and great. We had played golf prior to eating so we were all fairly hungry. The food was delicious and very well prepared. We actually ended up ordering two orders of the garlic claws with the toasted bread because they were so yummy! We requested the tots extra crispy and they were prepared at such. The lobster roll was fresh and had large chunks of lobster. I would definitely order again. The lobster bites were just okay - lots of breading that overpowered the tender sweet lobster. The bloodies were okay but nothing to write home about. I requested mine extra spicy, but it wasn't that spicy so I had to supplement the spiciness with Tabasco. The Bloody Marys came with two olives, a lemon, lime wedge and celery. I would've really liked extra accompaniments (e.g., bacon, cheese, shrimp) and would've paid extra for it as well. This could be an easy addition and embellishments to take the drinks to the next level. I would definitely come here again. Such a nice friendly neighborhood location with great stuff and delicious food. read more

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Almost a four star. Had a lobster po boy. Discovered that the lobster is not lobster, it's breaded, perhaps beer-battered lobster...well... chunks. It's supposed to be on French bread, with at wasabi mayo. Eventually, I found the mayo. It was otherwise OK, but you'd be thrown in the harbor if you served this in Maine, RI, or Louisiana. There were the sweet potato fries, which the waiter recommended, costing an extra $2, and they weren't bad, but compare unfavorably with the best I've had. My companion had their cold Asian noodles, which were judged...edible. Not impressed. Maybe it was a bad day. read more

There wasn't anything particularly notable, but we enjoyed the cozy, quiet ambiance and good food. Perhaps because it was a lunchtime experience, when only a few other customers were present, that we were able to really converse with one another, and not yell over others' voices. I would really like to go back during dinner time and try the full restaurant next to the Shell Bar. read more

I used to like coming here, but then the waitresses changed. I'm 77 and my friend is 80. We don't drink anymore, so when we when in the second of two consecutive Friday visits , and said that to the waitress, she made a face. And we ordered cups of soup, again because we're old and don't have a lot of money, but do tip 20 percent. Thank you to the male manager who was kind enough to hold the door open so my friend could make it out of the place with her walker. Never going back. read more

Assuming this place is known more for the drinks and beer, which I don't drink the latter. I enjoyed the food too. I was in the area and have heard of this place from neighbors and I love me some good Nawlins poor boy and gumbo, so I stopped in for some take-out. I would have preferred to sit and enjoy the atmosphere, which was more than pleasant. The wait staff and bartender were wonderful. I sat at the bar after placing my order and chatted with the bartender (can't remember her name) She was friendly and funny. Looking around the bar, I can tell it would be a pretty fun place to sit, eat and have a drink or two...next time. It was Saturday around 1:30pm and there was a nice little crowd. The food was okay. I ordered the Lobster'Boy and bowl of gotta'getta Gumbo to go. The sandwich was good, but assuming it loses a little something in the trip home versus sitting and eating it there. Now the gumbo...unfortunately, I've tasted much better. I make a good gumbo and of course nothing compares to being in New Orleans and eating gumbo. It was quite bland. I don't think I will order it again but will definitely try other menu items in the future. I like this little place. Perfect for the neighborhood. Will visit again soon! read more

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Went on a double date recently and enjoyed the chill vibe and amazing drinks. Great place to go to if you're not looking for a club vibe.

A ton of great beers on draft, and if you like Gumbo...I HIGHLY RECOMMEND. I'm ashamed of the way I inhaled a bowl of it today

Great lobster bisque and shrimp. Nice atmosphere. You can get oysters which I appreciate

OK, I have been here a couple of times since my last review in 2016. Nothing ever really stands out - never found that meal that I "have to go back for". But when I was there with some friends recently to watch a football game, something happened that kinda ticked me off. Being in a group, I decided not to make a stink about it at the restaurant - but I will share what happened here on Yelp. I had ordered some food and a couple of beers - others in my party had as well; we were all paying for our own food and drinks. Toward the end of the night, I decided to close out with a Licor 43, so I ordered one. I'll often order these at restaurants that have it - it's a Spanish vanilla type liqueur that I call "liquid flan". Typically a glass of 43 in a snifter ("up") runs about $8; sometimes less, the most I've paid is maybe $10 or $11. A bottle (750ml) at Woodmans was $26 - had just checked this weekend. The drink comes out in a good sized snifter - I take a quick sip and immediately know that this is NOT Licor 43. I tell my server ASAP and she said, oh, I thought you said Licor 23. I told her no - that I was looking for the liqueur that's called Licor 43. She comes back and said that all they had was the Chocolate Licor 43. I had seen a bottle of it recently at Woodman's - essentially Licor 43 with a chocolate flavor. I ordered it - glad I tried it, but I'll take the original over this. Some time passes and we're all ready to go. I get my glimpse of the check so I know how much to kick in - on the bill is a charge ANEJO that is $15. Knowing that it couldn't have been for the Licor 43, I pointed it out to the waitress... "Oh, yeah it's the same price, we just don't have a key for it." Having not seen a manager there all night, there seemed to be no recourse. So I paid it but will not go back to this place again. read more

This was one of my favorites when I lived in the area. Visited for my birthday many years later. Nothing like I remember. Service is awful, food - rice undercooked. Almost chipped my tooth. I would not recommend. read more

Went at lunch time and was served by Ella- service was quick fast and excellent! Food was good (got the salmon caesar salad and it was very filling) read more

Now you know, I love me a good beer. Especially from Draft and with a big selection. I was pleasantly surprised at the selection of beers here. Come on now how can a place be hidden from site, especially when draft is such a big play? My beer was super chilled and perfectly served in a nice and cooled down glass. This went so well with my fries and hot wings. So much so that I re-ordered again because it seems that my friends kept "trying" out my appetizers to the point that I had to re-order. The appetizers were a good choice as they fed four of us nicely and still was making us feel full. Still not enough not to order a burger, but that was okay. Done especially well and so seasoned perfectly. I am impressed and I do love it when a burger is done as you ask for it. Now lets jump a little to the unusual. The bathrooms were super clean and themed out in a dark side theme. I like this, as usually you go to places and the bathrooms are so sterile and cold, but these gave me a nice mystery and again, very clean. Nicely done Poor Phil's staff, you all are just amazing and kind. This is the kind of joint that one must visit! read more

Way overpriced fish n chips that had too much batter. Had to leave the batter in a pile on my plate. It was lunch time & service was slow even sitting at the rail. Typical sports bar feel with tons of sports on TV. read more

Poor Phil's Shell Bar - Fintastic Fish - n - Chips - American Near Me - Oak Park, Illinois

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The food was delicious and hot. Service was amazing The whole ambiance was friendly and relaxing Really enjoyed my first visit. Definitely will not be my last read more

*Drink and app review* I live in Oak Park and my daughter was in a math camp nearby so decided to stop in for the hour I had to kill for a cocktail and a quick bite to eat. I noticed when passing they had half off apps and drink specials so this primarily what made me stop and I'm glad I did! The margarita was so good and so strong which I was so surprised about. I just knew it would be weak but weak it was not! The mozzarella sticks were fresh and tasty too. I will be back for another margarita while I sit outside and people watch. Great location for that too. read more

Poor Phil's Shell Bar - American Near Me - Oak Park, Illinois

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First of all, they tried to squeeze six people into a booth that clearly only could hold for adults so two of us had to sit far away from the other 4. The service was fine. That said everything else was terrible. The wine was completely mediocre and $20 for what they call a glass and a half. I buy an entire bottle of this wine, of the same quality, for seven dollars. The food again was mediocre. I had the fish and chips which I have had before. Although it has been some years ago the fish was mushy. The breading was heavy and totally filled with grease the french fries were of a caliber that makes McDonald's look pretty darn good. My husband, a hamburger. He is gluten-free. Of course they did not have a gluten-free bun. We were crammed and seated very nearby to several tables filled with very noisy, lively children. Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you enjoy the play? read more

Love this place. The garlic claws are AMAZING - I always order w a group of friends and eat them so fast that I get the lions share - we end up needing to order more. Beer selection is great. Staff is great. read more

I've been staying in Oak Park for work a few times this year. This place feels like home. Jordan the bartender is a good dude. Great food and specials! read more

Poor Phil's Shell Bar - Happy Hour Oyesters 100% - American Near Me - Oak Park, Illinois

We come here every time we visit family in oak park. It's your tropical neighborhood bar, but one that sucks you in and you end up staying forever. It's so fun and staff is friendly. Lots of drink choices. We've never eaten here but it looks good too. One of our favorite spots in Oak Park! read more

Poor Phil's Shell Bar - people sitting at the bar - American Near Me - Oak Park, Illinois

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This is a nice neighborhood restaurant and bar, with delightful service and delicious food. There is abundant patio seating too, which is nice to watch all the people going by in the Pleasant District in Oak Park. All of the food tastes good and is fresh, so far we have not had anything we would not eat again. The tater kegs are not big tater tots, they are outstanding. Although I cannot decide if they would be better with ranch or sour cream, you'll have to decide that. The burgers are juicy and nice variety to choose from. They have about any beer you could want and a nice selection on tap, wint nicely blended cocktails. read more

I'm really impressed with Poor Phil's! We sat outside, which was very nice. They have 36 beers on top along with many options for bottles and cans. I got something from Off Color Brewery. They do Happy Hour oysters at $2 each. Unfortunately, we missed happy hour but we did get a half dozen for $24 and enjoyed them. They're good sized oysters. For my entree, I got the Philz Got Legs. The market price when I went was $39.99. The crab legs seemed fairly fresh and I thoroughly enjoyed them. I wish they provided some wet wipes though! Definitely will come back. I tried the catfish sandwich and it was so good. read more

The service was HORRIBLE. Our waitress had an attitude the entire time UNTIL it was time to pay. Go figures lol. I order mozzarella sticks and chicken wings. The sticks had no pull to the and the marinara sauce was disgusting. The chicken wings were like something you get at a bowling alley if you're catching my drift. So party wings but prepackaged. I didn't finish my food and I didn't box it to go. I did, however, go and get food afterwards. So that should tell you everything you need to know. read more

Note: these are NOT their hours of operation. They have shortened Winter Hours. Check Google, or PP's actual website for correct hours.

Great food and service. The crab claws are the best! So glad that they are still around as it's a classic for Oak Park.

Was in Oak Park recently and decided to stop in Poor Phil's for a drink before heading home. I have eaten there in the past and always enjoyed the food. Sat at the bar and my wife and I each ordered a glass of Moscato. The moscato was served in a small flute glass, it was okay, nothing special. After finishing our one drink each I asked for our check. The bill was over $31.00 !! Each glass of the moscato was $14 plus tax. I've paid less than that at wineries and expensive restaurants. If you go to Poor Phil's for food have water, lemonade or a pop with your food. They rip you off with their alcohol prices. read more

Absolutely another oak park gem that can be easily lost in all its other eateries . This place's burgers are exceptional , especially the one called the da bomb . It has a delight atmosphere with kind service and a bar that is second to none. Its outdoor seating is very accommodating. Well done poor Phils , indeed well done . And remember whether it's a quick bit or business meeting or a special occasion this place won't disappoint read more

Servers are nice and friendly. Has a great selection of beers on tap. The clam chowder is delicious! The lobster roll is great as well.

Service was appalling the way the lady answers the phone, and acts like she's doing me a favor for asking questions? No, sorry, we don't accept credit cards over the phone, no sorry, we don't accept Apple Pay. "I guess we can meet you at the outside hostest stand for you to pay for your takeout order beacuse you have your dogs". I wasn't even mad, I just felt pity. I imagine the customers of this place come here exactly once, and everyone else are tourists. They ought to learn some manners, and general customer service 101. I wonder how a place like this stays in business. Sincerely, M. Ryan read more

Excellent seafood (I had the lobster roll) but the decor looks like a sad, old TGI Friday's or some other bar from the 80's! Could use a vibe refresh! read more

I could not have been more disappointed in a lunch than this. The lobster bisque had one chunk of lobster that did not even fill my soup spoon. I told the waitress and she said at least it tastes good. I had also ordered the lobster bites. The small pieces of tasteless fried dough had something inside that did not remotely taste like a lobster. The bottle of Prosecco was cute and tasted really good. I won't be back. read more

Great food, good drinks at this longtime OP favorite. Reccomend the fried fish wit tots and the New England clam chowder.

Best clam chowder in town and a damn fine beer selection. 100% recommend. All made in house

I really don't like writing reviews but Becky C was not it. She didn't look like she wanted to be there. It looked like she was overwhelmed, didn't get any refills for most of us and the was only 4 of us dining. It took a while for her to deliver our checks and then proceed to say to us " let her know about splitting the check, so I can keep track early or it's going to be one big check?" Ma'am really?!! Not cute at all. Maybe she needs to reconsider working there, because she not a pleasant service provider. read more

Great little lunch! It's definitely a bar vibe and a little too dark for me to bring the kids but perfect for my wife and I. I got the crab cake which came with a simple spring mix salad with a balsamic vinaigrette. It was the perfect portion for lunch. I also got a side of creamed spinach and tater tots because I didn't know about the salad. The creamed spinach didn't look the creamiest but I was pleasantly surprised by the flavor and would absolutely order again. My wife got the po boy with the blackened catfish and a side of steamed broccoli. She enjoyed the sandwich but would've preferred the creamed spinach. I look forward to getting a drink next time from their lengthy drink menu. Perhaps Monday through Friday from 4-6 during happy hour! read more

Meh. Used to be our go place - went today and understand now why the place was basically empty for a weekend lunch service. I get things are expensive but $21 for a fish sandwich and cold side of broccoli? The sandwich was "mid" at best. no flavor/kinda small for the price - For $21 it should be fantastic and at that price im in the territory of going to a finer dining experience. bummer. read more