Finding a restaurant that does justice to traditional Polish flavors is rare, but this family-owned gem is the real deal. As someone who grew up eating Polish food, this is some of the most authentic cooking I've had in some time. The galumpki was easily the best I've ever had, and both the borsch and the crocket were absolutely out of this world. We also shared a Polish platter, which offered your usual items --Polish sausage, galumpki, sauerkraut, potatoes and pierogi. All very good! Beyond the food, the atmosphere is exactly what I like to see from a family-run business. It has a wonderful, homey supper club feel that makes you want to linger, complemented by a great view that adds to the overall experience. What truly sets the place apart is the personal touch from the owners. They frequently wander throughout the dining room to check in on everyone, often sitting down to chat and making you feel like a guest in their own home rather than just a customer at a table. We're very much looking forward to returning (again!) to explore more of the menu and finally save enough room to try one of their desserts. I would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a genuine taste of Poland. read more

Coming from a polish family, this was so disappointing. From the moment we walked in, the hostess was incredibly rude. She huffed and puffed because we didn't have a reservation (with a restaurant full of empty tables). She scolded everyone who walked in without a reservation, and turned many people away. Our server and bus boy were great....but All food was Bland. Zero flavor, nothing traditionally polish about this food. The Polish platter, pierogi, pork....all completely flavorless. read more

Our visit this night was a birthday celebration for two! A late birthday dinner for my grandmother and an early birthday dinner for my uncle specifically. Getting in was hectic. The parking lot was plowed pretty well but it was full and hard to navigate. Steep spots make it a bit difficult for the handicap crowd so keep that in mind. The place has a great look both outside and in. And it was perfectly heated in there! No small feat in this cold. We had a reservation and everything went smoothly, despite a few of our group showing up late and two kids who are hard to please, which the staff handled amazingly. Our server was really great, top notch home style service from start to finish. She interacted and joked with the kids and even brought them some crayons and coloring sheets. Above and beyond. We were near the bar and I could hear regulars making small talk throughout the meal which was fun. A real friendly vibe here, loved that. We started with some potato and cheese pierogi as an appetizer while we waited for our late party members. Delicious and authentic! The shape and texture on these things... wow. You can tell these are legit right away. Bacon on top is a perfect touch. I had a cherry Pepsi to drink and they actually add cherry syrup to the Pepsi?! I haven't had a soda like that in years, no one bothers to do that anymore. It's so much better. I know I'm gushing about a soda but it really elevated my meal. I loved the pierogi so much I decided to get the all meat style as my entree. Also fantastic and more filling. It came with soup or salad, but pickle soup was an option I couldn't resist. That's something I'd never had the pleasure of trying and I'd get it every time! A great blend of dill herb flavor with a light pickle flavor, it's an amazing opener. Almost forgot about the bread basket! Again, you just don't see this anymore. It's a nice touch, and I enjoyed some rye bread with my soup. A gentleman with an accordion sang my grandma happy birthday and gave her a free imported chocolate bar. Really sweet. My uncle got a different song and I'll tell you this and only this, it was amazing! This man lifted the mood and we really needed that, we were all feeling really worn down. We had a plethora of dessert options. Both of the birthday duo went with the napoleon, I got to have a bite and it was perfectly creamy. I HAD to have the lemon cake. I'm a sucker for lemon pastries and this cake would be worth coming in for on its own. Sweet and tart with beautiful layers, can't say enough about this one! What a fun night we had! It's always chaotic getting my family together for something like this and we left in better moods than we arrived. That's a testament to the quality of food and service we received, and I'll be back in a smaller group soon to try some more appetizers and get my new favorite soup and cake again! read more

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This quaint intimate restaurant is filled with alot of memories and history. The walls are full of interesting historic photographs. There is a small area for live entertainment. Accordians and polish dolls accentuate the restaurant. Part of the dining room is facing Deep Lake. Do not be surprised that the price went up. Try the polish platter which includes soup. The pickled soup is light and tasty which is a potatoes soup with dill and a pickle taste. I tried the breaded pork. The saukraut was too salty for me. The purple cabbage was refreshing. read more

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This place has been on my bucket list ever since I heard about it from a WGN report. Located on Deep Lake,this waterfront cabin like restaurant offers delicious home cooked Polish meals as well as a variety of appetizers, salads,burgers,seafood and a variety of entrees. We went on a Sunday afternoon and were lucky enough to get a table on the patio overlooking the lake. A nice surprise was the complimentary bread and cracker basket . We figured portions would be large do we decided against having an appetizer. My wife had their Sunday special..Roasted Duck with steamed apples and cranberries. Also came with mashed potatoes and a cup of pickle soup I had the breaded pork tenderloin with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes. I had their chicken noodle soup. Everything tastes like your grandmothers recipes and food is served hot and very flavorful. Check their website for hours of operation. If you want fantastic home cooked meals in a beautiful setting, definitely give Reflections a try! read more

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The time was finally right for us to dine here. We have been wanting to try this restaurant since Marcus Leshock of WGN MorningTV program talked about it. We felt the old school vibe right away. Full disclosure we both have a high percentage of Polish DNA and it felt like walking into Ciocia Gerri's house minus the hugs & kisses. We dined on the outside deck viewing the lake because 81 degrees on Oct 5th right?! No wonder it's called Reflections. Gorgeous! The menu is huge. If you are new to Polish food you might try the Polish Platter which gives you a good variety. Entrees come with soup or salad and choice of potato. I had the pickle soup which is gluten free and my husband had homemade chicken noodle. We both slurped them up. Such comfort. I chose the half duck because it's been decades since I've had it and it's a Sunday special. Moist fall off the bone dark meat with crispy skin was perfection. My husband had the Breaded Pork Loin which was also moist and tender with a perfect crust and gravy on the side for dipping. Portions are huge and prices are reasonable. Come for the views but don't miss the food. Smacznego! read more

Reflections On Deep Lake - Lunch at Deep Lake in Lake Villa - American Near Me - Lake Villa, Illinois

We went here with high hopes. The patio and view of the lake are nice. Cute wood cabin vibe. I was excited to try the pierogis after seeing good reviews of them. The potato and cheese ones were very bland and pretty soggy. The pickle soup was fun to try. Apple pie was homemade and very good. Service was a little slow, but we've had worse. At the end of our meal, the accordion player came out, which we had been interested in hearing before we left. However, he proceeded to make a loud racist comment in discussion with another table. The 2 other tables around us burst into laughter. Needless to say this is not a place I feel welcome, and I will not spend money here again. read more

Great spot. Lots of history here. Beautiful view with a patio to enjoy it or inside by the large windows. They have live music sometimes as well. It does get busy so definitely plan ahead. Great service each time I've been. I ordered the fettuccine Alfredo & I would not recommend, not much flavor. Id stick with the more traditional options & you won't be disappointed. They are delicious and flavorful. The desserts looked amazing, I'd love to try those in the future. read more

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Great home cooking. The views are awesome. We dine several times a year. The food was authentic and the service was great. You can't beat the ambiance. read more

Food is mid. For the price and sizing it's nothing spectacular. Took a while to get our food. Nice patio outside though so if you're just looking for a drink on the lake it's decent. Well lit at nighttime. read more

We love polish food and this restaurant is wonderful. Great atmosphere and authentic polish food. Also kid friendly cheers read more

The food is fantastic, plentiful and reasonably priced. Always excellent service. The setting is incredible. Old world inside and spectacular views of Deep Lake from indoor window seating or from the very nice outdoor patio/deck. Gotta do this place more often . It is always a delightful experience. read more

My parents took me for my birthday recently. In all the years I've lived in the area, I had never been. O got the Polish plate and it was heaven! The golabki reminded me of my grandmother's, the pierogi delicious. I saved the rest for lunch at work the next day and my colleagues were jealous. The service was excellent and the ambiance wasn't crazy noisy like some restaurants are these days. It felt like sitting at my grandmother's kitchen table than in a restaurant. I highly recommend. read more

Reflections On Deep Lake - Polish Plate - American Near Me - Lake Villa, Illinois

Everything. Excellent drinks served by friendly bar attendants and waitresses. Very welcoming atmosphere and decor. All patrons speak highly of all menu items and the fine Polish selections offered. We agree with all those opinions. read more

So incredibly authentic. Home cooked Polish traditional foods. I'm a huge fan of sauerkraut and theirs is truly heavenly. The service is spot on. And the view of the sunset is spectacular. A definite place to return. read more

Reflections On Deep Lake - Bread Basket - American Near Me - Lake Villa, Illinois

My first time here and wow, super impressed! I went for a birthday dinner, about 15 of us. The atmosphere is so homey and with a beautiful view of the lake! The food was great and the service stellar!! I cant wait to go back! read more

Reminiscent of a Northwoods supper club, Reflections is everything you want and more. Serving amazing Polish food, with a friendly staff and waitstaff that treat your time and interaction like you're at a Michelin star restaurant. The vibe is perfect, with a north woodsy wood cabin-like feel. Overlooking Deep Lake with patio seating in the summer months and inside the coziness you would expect. If you're lucky enough to be celebrating a birthday or anniversary (or a special event) you're sure to find an owner out with the accordion playing a song. Oh, don't sleep on the dessert! I never eat dessert at a restaurant (I'm always full) but I had to have their blueberry mascarpone. It was AMAZING. We can't wait to come back again. read more

This place is simply charming. The dining room is busy with diners enjoying their meals. It's a friendly crew who works there and the atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable. The bar area was lit up with people enjoying their drinks and conversations. I went here with my Dad who thinks this is his all-time favorite restaurant. He ordered the Strip Steak with potato. I ordered a Shore burger w/ fries. For dessert, Dad said I HAD to try the Napoleon. We split it and it was very tasty. In addition to tasty food, the porch area overlooking Deep Lake is a feast for your eyes. Wow, it's was an overall very positive experience. See pics. You will thank me later. read more

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I love the ambiance and service! The quality of authentic food was fantastic and would recommend the polish platter to get a great variety.

Wife and I were there recently for the fish fry. The food, service and ambiance were great. Has a supper club vibe. They even had a keyboard player. Excellent, not too loud, really good. read more

We love Reflections! Went with family and had a wonderful dinner at this charming tried and true local gem! Always decorated for the holiday, Refections has a happy atmosphere. Our table had Prime Rib, Roasted Pork Loin Special, Stuffed Cabbage Rolls and T Bone Steak. Everything was delicious. Oh, and save room for the desserts! Homemade Apple Pie and Neapolitans, Lemon Cake were sooo good! The service is always great here and you'll often get a musical treat when Jack comes around with his accordion! read more

Do not care for the French onion soup. It was odd to ME. I'm used to a beef broth but they use something different, maybe vegetable broth or dishwater. Haha! It didn't taste very good to me. But that's just me! Everything else is beyond fantastic! read more

Everything was amazing!! Everything is homemade Perogis, cream of mushrooms soup. All deserts.....

We decided to visit early on a Saturday evening without a reservation Do yourself a favor. Make a reservation. But because there was just my husband and I we didn't have a long wait. The bar is quite pleasant with comfortable seats for everyone. Soon we were seated and a seasoned server attended to us. She was fantastic. My husband got the Roast Pork and I got the Polish Platter - House Special. The pierogis blew me away. I didn't expect to like the mushroom sauerkraut ones and that was my favorite. My husband's pork loin was excellent. Thank you! We will be back and yes we will make reservations. read more

Reflections On Deep Lake - Polish Platter - House Special - American Near Me - Lake Villa, Illinois

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Everything is amazing- food, lake view and owners! My favorite was roasted duck, my husband loved breaded pork tenderloin with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes. I can't wait for my next visit. read more

Love their food. Always very delicious. Especially love the Napoleons as they remind me of my childhood and my German grandmothers.

It was good!! The owner would come out with us and with his accordion and play music for you. Very nice. The ribs were the best nice baked potato. read more

Such a delightful restaurant to go to. They had tons of memorabilia all throughout the restaurant. Tons of pictures and accordions and other polish/german knickknacks. Some of the pictures were fantastic to look at. In fact it was very similar to going to a museum except they had delicious food. We all ordered different things which was great one had the German sampler , perogies, weiner schnitzel, chicken Schnitzel. Everything was delicious. W had a very personable waitress who was very enjoyable to talk to. She sounded like a very proud grandma. read more

This restaurant has been there for many years. The owners are very nice and go out of their way to make sure you have a wonderful experience. My husband is from Poland and enjoys the food there very much. The pickle soup is my favorite! I say that and I know people are rolling their eyes. Don't criticize unless you have tried it. read more

Extraordinary surprise! My shank was delicious, as were all the sides, and I may add, at a surprising price for these days. The others in our group were equally happy with their meals. Decor & view was beautiful. Service was excellent. Was visiting family in the area, but will certainly be back to try other dishes I saw on their menu. read more

Good food and service. Very nice ambiance. Large selection on menu.I enjoy celebrating on special days with a good meal. Reasonably priced.

Great service! View of the lake is beautiful. My whiskey old-fashioned was weak and duck was dried out

We had a great time! Jack was serenading with his accordion, and funny with his jokes. Had the pork chops very delicious, would definitely go again! read more

It's been a while... Last time I was here it was very good. This time it was spectacular. It's a hidden gem. Polish food was great. I had the Walleye and it was fantastic. Pickle soup...what?...it was fantastic. Service was polite, quick and accurate. Ambiance is great. Overlooking Deep Lake with a cabin feel and motif. Live music was a gentleman on keyboards who also crooned sone of the old rat pack lounge music. He was on occasion accompanied by the owners husband who played the accordion and sang sone fun old time Polish pub music. Price is very fair and portions are on point. I'll be back. read more

Very accommodating staff, service and food was excellent!! Highly recommended and I wish I would've known about it sooner!

This is a tough one to review. It's so unique and truly a hidden gem. Here's the highlights: Tucked away in a residential area On a real lake Wisconsin supper club feel without the relish trays Your grandma's collection of stuff everywhere Largest collection of accordions I've ever seen Live keyboard music No beverage menu, server says "they can make whatever you want" Fresh rye bread basket Affordable good food Polish and traditional dinner entrees Our server Kim was busy but had time to chat Yummy desserts The owner stops to play Happy Birthday on his accordion. Busy Saturday night! read more

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Great waitress!! Great food Would definitely recommend Reflections. We had the duck and it was good but I would recommend either a cherry or orange sauce to make it excellent read more

Friends recommended this place and we're glad they did. We went on a Friday and they had a wonderful fish selection. Lake Perch was excellent. Get there early; it fills up fast. read more

Have to say once again what a great place our server was ABSOLUTELY fabulous she was fast - knowledgeable and great attitude. The food delicious as always, especially the pickle soup, doesn't sound appealing but it is very light and refreshing. And the owners are warm and friendly as always. Will be back thank you for and enjoyable evening. read more

I know not to order a skirt steak at a polish restaurant but I did anyways. My steak was very chewy, I told the waitress I couldn't eat it she said no problem if you would like to order something else which I ordered breaded pork loin and it was great. The French onion soup wasn't salty it was very good. I hate salty French onion soup . There bread basket was so fresh and yummy.. The salad was fresh and tasty. We had a platter for an appetizer which was an entree a polish platter which was very good also I had a cosmo that kind of tasted like kool-aid. The ambiance is the best around the accordion player that played music and sang Happy birthday at the table next to us.Great entertainment.My friend said the duck was quite tasty and very tender. I will stick to their polish food. read more

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