I like the 1/4 dark. Crisps and deep fried shrooms as appetizer. Sometimes the line is out the door and down the block for some deep fried chicken!! read more

So I came into town to visit a friend and she suggested we come here. It's a bar atmosphere but feels homey. I got the catfish and she got the whitefish. I am from the south and was expecting a cornmeal based batter but was pleasantly surprised when it came to the table. The batter is similar to tempura but also beer batter. While the establishment did forget our appetizer but it was quickly rectified. The food was delicious and the portions are HUGE. A few pro tips: the catfish is served as a steak so it has bone. Also, they only take cash or check. But there are 2 ATM's there. read more

Rip's Tavern - Whitefish - Seafood Near Me - Ladd, Illinois

Everything was soooo good! 4 of us came here for lunch today and the food was amazing. The crispies with pickles were good. The 4 piece chicken tenders are huge and the batter on them is so flavorful and better than any tenders I've ever ate. You honestly don't even need sauce at all. They are seasoned to perfection. Everyone loved the tenders. I could only eat two because they were so filling. The fries were fresh cut fries and also very good. My fiance had the deep fried cheeseburger and wow I was surprised how delicious it was. I had a small bite and it was so darn good. He loved it. He said it was a 10/10. The restaurant was clean and the cooks change their gloves frequently before cooking another meal. It's very sanitary. read more

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Great concept! Staff is always upstanding. Food fantastic! Love chicken and the pickles and crumbles.

We hadn't visited for a while. I was pleasantly surprised. The service was smooth and inviting. We waited in line for a bit but that's the ambiance of Rips. Our food was good. read more

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Great food, awsome service, basic down to earth atmosphere, well worth the wait. Price reasonable. Love the catfish on Friday nite!

Almost 30 years since I was here last. Same great chicken. Free app of pickles and "crispies". Ordered a chicken tender meal, only $6. Ice trays was tea forward and I loved it. Last time was a weekend road trip with my fraternity. This time my wife and daughter after a boat ride/party on the IL River in the new boat. How is the meat so white??? I may never know. A real gem. read more

I was so disappointed. My family used to drive an hour each way to have chicken here years ago. I was amazed to find the breading so bland. It sure could have used some salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, something. It's not that hard. What a let down. read more

First time here and was really looking forward to it seeing how the locals really talk it up. I'm sorry to say that I was not impressed at all. The chicken lacked any flavor whatsoever. So much so, that I had to add salt and pepper to mine to make it edible. It was like they just dipped it in their batter with no seasonings or love and deep fried it. The service was good but the wait was way too long for plain tasteless chicken. Sorry Rip, but you might want to come down south to Texas to see what good fried chicken is all about. read more

Delicious beer-batter chicken that needs no introduction to locals. Regionally famous and even Chicago area people make the trip when they crave the country vibe. People who have moved away generally try to make a trip to Ladd when they come back to visit home. That speaks volumes. read more

This place opened the year before my dad was born. He started coming here in 1955. I started in or around 1980. It's changed hands a few times since then. A fire. But it is still some of the best fried chicken you will ever have. Cash only. No reservations Plan accordingly or wait. But-and this is probably the nostalgia talking here-it's great. I feel closer to my dad here than at his graveside. Be patient be kind, bring a deck of cards and prepare for a no frills fantastic food experience. I am a little irritated their now "open for lunch" program doesn't include their famous fried chicken. I understand why but it is still irritating. I've been looking for better fried chicken ever since and I still haven't found it. read more

Rip's Tavern - Seafood Near Me - Ladd, Illinois

I have been dying to try Ladd's chicken for years. My BFF always dissuaded me for the past 12 years but tonight he finally agreed. We arrived on Sat a lil before 7:00 pm. We entered and were unsure to seat ourselves or grab a table. We were abruptly stopped and told to order before we would be seated. It's a small menu but I was excited to try the chicken. We ordered and then were seated. The restaurant was nearly empty. The bar was stunning but the dining area looked like a newer truck stop. The tables were cramped and were seated near the kitchen. I was relieved to be seated and hoped to have a nice drink and cool off. Not sure if there was an ice shortage but I was served a warm flat soda. When I spoke to the waitress she apologized and said there were issues with the Pepsi, and offered me an alternative which was just as flat and warm. By now I was hoping to have cooled off. Nope the restaurant was a balmy 75 degrees. We were brought out our appetizers. Nice and chewy mushroom that had been sitting under the heat lamp. To sum it in one word - gross. I ordered coleslaw. I brought out a to go container filled with cabbage and topped with some sort of sauce. How hard is it to mix cabbage and a mix....apparently to difficult for the staff to do so they leave it up the customer. I am waiting and waiting and waiting (about an hour) in an near empty restaurant as the staff is closing up for the night. I finally decide to leave. My BFF told me the food was bad with terrible but now I would understand why he had such distain for this establishment. In short if you want to eat greasy chicken hours after you arrive in a terrarium whilst drinking warm soda as you view a disgusting kitchen then by all means stop by RIPs chicken. FYSA bring tums. read more

Rip's Tavern - No time to cook or clean - Seafood Near Me - Ladd, Illinois

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I have been going to Rip's since I was a child, as has my mom. Her parents went before her. It is the best fried chicken I have ever had for prices you wouldn't believe. read more

I've heard a lot of glowing reviews about this place & they exceeded my expectations. I've been back twice, it's definitely the best fried chicken in the whole region. read more

This review is long overdue as I've been here at least 6-8 times over the past 3+ years or so. First of all, I love Ladd and how amazing the community is as a whole that come together to help others via fundraisers, etc. The kindness of the people of Ladd comes through consistently and consider yourself lucky if strike up a conversation with a "Ladd-iator" while you are in line here or at the bar. Ok so I've been here with past management and current management and some minor changes have occurred for the better under new management. However, the overall taste of their chicken is mind blowing. Is it the best chicken ever? Well from the size of their pieces, yes. From the taste, yes. From the ability to reheat this chicken in the over and it still holds up, yes. So with those check marks, yes it's the best chicken I've ever had! Now plan 4 things when going here: 1st - prepare to wait both in line and for your food when ordered as their food is made to order. 2nd - bring cash as they are a cash only joint. 3rd - make sure you don't plan on doing too much after your meal as you will feel lethargic and not in the mood to do too much after and 4th and final tip is bring Bounty towels or some durable paper towels. This is why they get one less star is due to the flimsy napkins they provide. Ughh very frustrating as this chicken is yes, shocker here, a little greasy! Enjoy a Hamm's on tap as well and get yourself a side of hot sauce! Plenty of parking along the main street and limited parking in the back. Currently they are doing phone orders so plan accordingly and head to the back of the alley as they'll come and get your payment and deliver your food. I can't wait to dine in once things get back to normal! read more

Rip's Tavern - I mean if this doesn't get you aroused. - Seafood Near Me - Ladd, Illinois

We took the hour plus drive and were seated right away. First timers get free pickles with the basket of crispies...yummy! Onion rings were on special for $4 (YES please). Delicious! Got the 4 pc mixed chicken. Hubby got the tenders and rootbeer in a frosty glass mug. I also tried the coleslaw. Everything was absolutely delicious. The wing on my plate tumbled on the floor when the waitress tried to put it on the table but they made me another one, which I'm glad I didn't like best because it came at the end of the meal. Will definitely return...worth the trip. read more

Rip's Tavern - Poor delicious wing casualty took a tumble - Seafood Near Me - Ladd, Illinois

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Best fried chicken I have ever had! Worth the drive from Naperville. We usually hit Starved Rock on way there. read more

I don't write reviews anymore, I don't have the time nor do I really like to post about restaurants at all. This however was different because the chicken was that incredible. It wasn't just juicy it wasn't just good it was perfect. Come to this place, come early so you make sure to get yourself some chicken so you don't have to wait in the eventual lines that start forming. Just come here and check out the chicken, honestly, you will like it. read more

The refills are not FREE!!!! This is not stated anywhere. Who doesn't have free refills nowadays?!?! I would save your money overall. While the mushrooms are good and the chicken is ok, the fries are gross and so so so so much grease!!! If you can't tolerate greasy food, this is not the place for you!! Prices for chicken is fair, but $3 for about 4 ounces of cabbage? Nope. read more

I've been coming here for a LONG time. They recently changed their french fries, and not for the better. I'm in no hurry to return. Here's the story. Anymore, I only get here maybe twice a year. Recently, I noticed they had changed their french fries. Mind you, their fries have been the same for... ever? Since the 1970s by my experience, and probably longer. The story was they would cut and blanch them earlier in the week, then fry them prior to serving. I was here in October and noticed they were different. "That's odd". So I asked an old friend , who goes to Rip's more often than I, if he had noticed the change. "Yup". The fries at Rip's are as important as the chicken. Why on God's Earth would they change them, after all these years? I'm in no hurry to return. read more

Went here...again...after visiting Matthiessen State Park with my best friend. This time we ate there. Big difference. Not bad. Not bad at all. Service was excellent. Chicken was piping hot and delicious. My best friend loved her chicken strips. We went during the week and right when they opened, so it wasn't a crowd. All I can say is don't bring it home. Eat it there! My best friend can't wait to come back in the fall when the leaves turn their color. If you like Long John Silver's with bones and without all that sodium, you will love this place. ***CASH ONLY*** read more

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It's no Sip N Snack, but it's a great place for chicken n beers. The strips are a bit on the dry side, and the chicken in general is a bit greasy, but it's worth every bite. read more

I don't know who's giving this place reviews to bring there score down, but this is a local staple I grew up going to... from my DECADES of dining here, you can ONLY get fried chicken, a plate of "crumbs" (fried breading that fell off), a plate of sliced pickles, some white bread and fries. Everything was always served on paper plates, and you couldn't get anything but drinks, chicken, and a couple other fried appetizers. * There has always been a line, even in this tiny, quaint town, whenever I would dine here with family. * I haven't been back in almost three years, but I'll be coming here again the first week of January, as I'll be heading home to the area to visit my family. I will update my review if things have changed, but this is a great spot, fun Midwestern vibes a great family staff and always a pleasure to eat their good ole fried chicken. * *update* * Just talked with my dad about their chicken and fries...said it had changed hands and they changed the recipe... said it's not the same. That's a bummer. ...leaving the five stars for the memories. read more

Food was very good Service was also good, I saw on the internet Key Lime pie for 6.99. After dinner I ordered Key Lime Pie kowing the price was 6.99. Got the bill and found out they charged me 10.49. I questioned it and the waiter had no answer.! I did take the pie but was outraged that the price was 3.50 more than on the iternet, Called to speak to manager. He did not offer to credit me. read more

Huge disappointment. Used to go here in the 70's with grandparents. We went there on birthdays and special occasions. Took my grandchildren there Saturday. They were closing at 2, we got there at 130. 1 group was seated after us, we and the other group were the only ones left. There was a whirlwind of getting ready to close. Around quarter after we got served, luke warm chicken and fries. Son-in-law had a chicken sandwich, the cheese had melted at all. Ridiculous. No second drinks, no refills, had to ask for Cole slaw we ordered. After being there numerous times in the last 55 years, I'll never go back. It was really a sad thing because I talked up the place. Family tradition no more. Ladd Christmas day was really nice trolley ride, fantastic carolers , gallon makers, face painting, vendors read more

Bar only searches 1/2 shots!! Fries are cold. Cole slaw was only cabbage had to ask for dressing, dressing was hot!! Chicken very very greasy. Whole staff seamed to be unprepared for the business. Saw food go to a table, one it was delivered, was the wrong order. Took food back to kitchen and just replayed for another table!!! ( totally against health regulations! Fries are all made ahead. Just sitting on pans on shelving. Will not return or recommend! read more

as a lifelong Illinois valley resident I have always loved Rips... but anymore the problem has become lack of consistency. for decades it was always reliable because it was the same delicious chicken every time. Not anymore. You never know what you're going to get. overcooked chicken. cold fries that have obviously been sitting around waiting for the next batch of chicken. sometimes it's wonderful.. but sometimes it is far below the bar that Rips once had. it's a shame. read more

This was the second time I have gone to Rip's. The first time was back in 2006 and I remember enjoying the deep fried chicken. I also remember waiting in a long line that was outside of the building. I recall being disappointed that all you could get with it was crunchies and pickles. Fast forward 7 years and I was back. My husband LOVES Rip's and complains a lot that we don't have good fried chicken where we live. The line still existed but was much shorter than last time. This time, their menu seemed to grow a bit. They now had fried mushrooms, chicken strips, coleslaw, etc. I really didn't want to deal with the bones so I decided to go for the chicken strips. It took a while to get our food once we were seated. When the food came, it was in large amounts. You definitely get a lot for the price. The reason for 4/5 stars is that I was disappointed in the chicken strips. They were tough and too crispy on the outside. I found them hard to eat too. However, I did eat some of the fried chicken and it was still just as good as I remembered. Long story short, get the fried chicken, not the chicken strips! read more

Rip's Tavern - An order of dark - Seafood Near Me - Ladd, Illinois

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The chicken was super greasy and the way it is thrown in the bags on chinet type plates. Everything is at the bottom of the bag and the bags were super grease saturated. Thank goodness I put them on the floor mats so they didn't leak on my seats. Also watching how things are done when standing at the kitchen pick up window is a little disheartening. Not everyone was wearing gloves when they touched the food and the fries were in a pan on the shelf and they looked precooked. They just threw a couple handfuls back in the fryer for a few minutes to warm them up. read more

Rips has been a family tradition of ours for years. We love the fact that it hasn't changed much, just gives you that familiar we're home feeling. Crazy fresh chicken served super hot. The mushrooms are huge and fresh, and of course the Krispies on a pickle, yum. The beer was served ice freakin cold with frozen glasses, amazing, refreshing. You won't leave hungry. read more

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Some of the best chicken I have ever eaten. It's so juicy and tender. The mushrooms are divine. The onion rings are spectacular. Such a good crust. It's juicy and greasy, be prepared. Did I mention how good it is? read more

The food was good but the service was horrible they just kept coming up to us asking for a refill than at the end when we were done the waitress decided to tell us that the refills weren't free she figured to tell us after than before that place is the worst especially the waitress read more

I had the chicken strips ..delicious!! Perfectly fried with crispy outside and moist inside. I picked yummy ranch dressing to dip into. The pickles and crackling I would skip next time. We will definitely be back. read more

I've been coming here with my family since I was literally born and it seriously gets better every time I come back. I moved to California in 2018 and i've been missing it BAD, so in June, i came back to Illinois with my mom and my grandpa and we ate here four days in a row. Prices have stayed low despite inflation and the service is fast and simple. I highly recommend trying the fried mushrooms! A+! read more

Was in the bar area at 6pm. 30 min later a woman was walking down the waiting line taking orders. Was seated 45 min later. Sat for 20 minutes. Watched others who were behind us, seated after us , being served their chicken. NEVER GOING BACK. Where are the owners to HELP PICK UP THE SLACK when their people need it. No front of house presence. One bartender. I get it no one wants to work anymore. Owners! Step up your game! read more

It's is not worth the wait They bring pickles and left over breading crumbles to your table when you finally sit down, which they charge you $1?!?! Great beer selection and fried mushrooms which is why I am giving it 2 stars. If it was not for the beer. Mushrooms and pickles I would not even give it a rating read more

Been driving by the signs on the I-80 for years and have known of the reputation Rip's has for the best fried chicken around. Finally found an opportunity to detour 5 minutes north to Ladd and gave Rip's a try. Calling something "the best" is subjective and always debatable so I'm not going to say it's the best, but Rip's truly has some really good fried chicken that has both really good flavor and you can tell it's fresh. Juicy and not greasy, yet crispy. Yum... Definitely in the top 3 or 4 for fried chicken I've ever tasted. read more

Terrific fried chicken, terrific wings, love the pickles and crispys they give you. Nice bar area, they need to set themselves up with Marquee and Cub games, the place across the street has the Cubs! read more

Top notch chicken and the service is excellent! I highly recommend you try it for yourself!

Warning this place is cash only. They have an ATM in the restaurant but if you want to avoid an ATM fee, bring cash. My family and I are seated and they immediately bring out fried batter bits (if you have ever been to Long John Silver's, you know what I'm talking about) and sliced pickles. Seriously other places need to take note. We came on a Saturday night and the menu is not complicated...so uncomplicated it's written on the wall. Dark meat, white meat or chicken strips. You order before you're seated and the wait time for food is short even though the place was full. So how's the chicken? I got the white. The wing/breast are still attached. The breading is really good. The only positive/negative is the serving comes out right out of the frier so as all one piece, it is hard to pull apart and it retains heat for a long time. Super juicy and I have had fried chicken that's dry so major uptick there. The fried are good. The strips are...ok. The ranch is reminiscent of tartar sauce, which my wife was not a fan of. She is from Iowa and we all know ranch dressing runs through their veins. The napkins are woefully inadequate. Here's the amazing part. We ordered 2 white, 1 dark and 2 strip meals. Three drinks. Total $41. My wife literally did a double take. Heck $41 is a bad dinner at Taco Bell. Amazing value. I guess the savings comes from not dividing the chicken. We would definitely come back. read more