Had some great drinks and average food at this bar in Yorkville but it wasn't like the name suggests, at least in the afternoons. It may seem like a local hangout with lots of drinks and basic food. Rowdy's is one of a few bars in this part of town. For sure it's nothing fancy of course. They're known for big ass burgers, and fries covered in stuff. Bar has a couple entrances, only one of which we were able to enter. It's got the rear one, which takes you through the gaming area before the main part. The front entrance was for some reason locked, even though the bar was open at that time. Anyway, they have about what's expected. It's about $7 for a basic cocktail, like with whiskey. Food is a pretty meaty thing with the burgers. They have shit tons of these. It's about $10 for their fries, which come loaded with toppings in baskets. We got a basket of the Sriracha Fries, which are topped with garlic Parmesan which we left off, along with hoisin sauce, jalapeños, onions, red pepper, and sriracha. Filling. These were enough to make a meal to be honest. Got to say it was better than expected. It's located on Bridge Street, amongst the older buildings around here. Those wanting meaty things can get burgers, while those not can get fries or whatever. read more

Rowdy's - Whiskey And The Sriracha Fries - Dive Bars Near Me - Yorkville, Illinois

Burger was great, fries were perfect after I added salt. Service was perfect. Very attentive! I will be back! read more

Tasteless burger and poor service. Plenty of other places in Yorkville to eat. Or just drive to Oswego. Just not here.

Went with friends last night. Not a terrible time but it's local only. Too bad had high hopes

Rowdy's has the best burger in Yorkville. Don't waste your time going across the street. You will not be let down here.

We only stopped in for a few beers on a Sunday afternoon - it was a SUPER cool place! It was in the fall so they had the outdoor going as far as live music and lots of people sitting outdoors enjoying the music and the weather. Its really a great spot and I can't wait to stop back in for a burger! read more

Everything here was just so amazing I come here every weekend I think k gained like 10 pounds just from how often I eat here the food is just incredible, I don't understand how people have the audacity to even think about eating this place one star! read more

Rowdy's is Yorkville's local dive in the best way. This is the place to go for inexpensive, dependable drinks and conversation. They've got gambling, darts, music... all the standards for bar entertainment plus theme nights like adult bingo. Now, the food. For a bar, the food is very good. If you're looking for a 'dining experience,' adjust your expectations or go elsewhere. The food is pretty much all fried and served in baskets or trays lined with paper. It's a great place for a hangover-busting burger or hot, salty fries and the prices are sensible. It's decent for kids earlier in the day but obviously it's not family-friendly as the night wears on. Late nights and weekends, this place earns its name. Overall, Rowdy's is dependable and tidy. The staff are pleasant and attentive without being overbearing. They don't make new folks feel alienated. Oh, and they have nifty fish tanks. I like the big plescostomus best. read more

My wife and I stopped by for a quick drink or two and ended up having such a good time we stayed and ord wings to go. This establishment gets points first for having such nice staff. Lisa was tending bar and is so interesting and friendly that we had a really nice conversation. Points also are in order for the way they prepare their food. open kitchen and freshly cut French fries. The atmosphere is cozy and the bar has a lovely salt water aquarium. The bathrooms need some updating. But how much time do you spend in the bathroom? Had a good time there, not fancy but very friendly atmosphere. read more

Service was good! Food was great! Only complaint is when you order smothered tots! I did expect them to actually be smothered they weren't cheesy enough for sure! The beer is cold the company is good! Great bar! read more

See all

Nice place Close to home Service was friendly and prompt. Food was good drink was cold and tasty. read more

Tonight seemed like a good night for a burger. I looked for highly rated local burger places that allowed take-out orders EVEN on weekends (looking at you Crusade.) I've lived in Yorkville for over 3 years and never have stopped in Rowdy's before. So it was an interesting bar experience. I wasn't sure which way to get into the pub. Spoiler alert: it's the back entrance, LOL. I walked in and thought I was in the bar's kitchen which was weird, but whatever, I just wanted to grab my food and go. As I walked further in, they had a game room, and some digital slot machines along the wall next to the bar. The atmosphere in the main bar/seating area is a small town bar vibe with a generous sprinkle of modern hip vibe. My food was hot and fresh. When I got home, I dived in. The cheese curds were a good texture, but the flavor was different than what I'm familiar with. They were very garlicky. And they were VERY greasy. I like garlic, but I didn't love it for the curds. Then I ordered the Van Helsing burger. Here's where I both really enjoyed the burger, but also thought it was way too rich. The flavor was very garlic-parmesany which was very nice actually. And the parmesan chip was fantastic! (this really speaks volumes because this is like greasy college bar food that's perfect after a night of moderate to heavy drinking. It was unusual, tasty, and had a great texture.) But on top of having the parmesan chip, they also had a melted thick slice of mozzarella and garlic parmesan sauce which I personally thought was what made this burger extra rich. The meat of the burger tasted pretty descent to be honest. But when I bit through this burger, there was an excessive amount of grease. Grease also added to the richness, but in an overwhelming I-hope-this-doesn't-give-me-a-heart-attack-tomorrow sort of way, but it is typical bar food. Also, the whole meal left my mouth feeling very salty and coated with a thick layer of grease. I would definitely get friends and grab a drink here and maybe an appetizer as long as it's not deep fried. But I probably won't be getting burgers from here regularly. I couldn't finish it or the curds. It sits heavy. read more

Rowdy's - Van Helsing burger with cheese curds. There were way more curds before this pic was taken, so they give large portions. - Dive Bars Near Me - Yorkville, Illinois

See all

Good burgers, especially if you are looking for more traditional bar food without a concern for healthy eating. There are several burger options to chose from, and the patties are generous in size. The burgers were slightly overcooked from our requested temperatures, but not too overdone. Try the garlic parm fries- Wow! Greasy heaven! The place stops short for me only because it is a bit "rough around the edges". It definitely is a "dive bar", and not in a "trendy" way, but as in actual "dive". There are quite a few people outside the doors smoking, and the overall appearance, inside and out is rough. If that doesn't bother you, then it's fine for dine in. They do offer takeout and delivery (through a third party), so that's an option for those not into the dive bar scene. read more

I gave 4 stars because I asked for a grilled chicken and got breaded chicken. The food was really good and everything was hot and fresh when I picked it up. The chicken sandwhich was huge and they're not stingy with the fries. I love that they have the hand cut fries. I definitely recommend this restaurant and will be trying them again. read more

Rowdy's - Chicken sandwhich - Dive Bars Near Me - Yorkville, Illinois

Rowdy's is a cool little dive bar in downtown Yorkville - one of only a few bar/food spots left in the downtown area. It's a great place to meet friends for a drink and catch a game; Blackhawks, Cubs, Bears, Bulls & that other Chicago baseball team if you're a fan. ;) Route 47 expansion devoured the street parking, so park in the back - that's actually the main entrance now. Seems weird, but that's just the way it is. I met some friends here a while ago to watch a Hawks playoff game. There are many TVs in here, so you can get a decent view from just about anywhere. Our server kept us happy; no complaints. Hawks lost that night, but it wasn't Rowdy's fault. Fast forward a year. I heard that this place has 2 dozen different burgers on their menu. I had never thought about this place for food, but that's only because I had no clue they served food here; anything beyond typical boring bar food, anyway. I was wrong - they have a pretty extensive menu. I don't eat burgers, so I can't comment on those, but if I did, the selection looks quite interesting. The fries are fresh cut. Yummy. I ordered the Ultimate Gilled Cheese minus the tomato. OMG...seriously the best grilled cheese I've had; even better than mine - and that's saying a lot bc I make a killer grilled cheese. The bacon was perfectly crispy - and I do mean perfection, just how I like it. Thanks for listening. Delicious! My friends like to come here to watch games, so I'm sure I'll be back again when I visit Yorkville. It's still home, after all. read more

See all

First time but won't be the last time. Great place for a quick but delicious burger for lunch. The burgers were cooked fresh to order. Worth the regular price and can't wait to comeback on Monday for the burger special. read more

Rowdy's - PBR burger - Dive Bars Near Me - Yorkville, Illinois

See all

You can't even compare rowdys to crusade! Rowdys burgers are so much better. I don't know what it is. We usually go on Sundays to see Lisa. She's great, always smiling and happy to see us and the girl cook is awesome! They did a remodel recently and it looks so much brighter and updated! read more

Local favorite! Burgers are good and the beer is always cold! Stop in and try it, locals know how good it is!

Burgers were great. Bartender on her game. Great prices. Great dive type townie bar. Will be back.

My boyfriend and I had to make a last minute decision when a neighboring restaurant had too long of a wait time so we checked out a few places online and went with rowdy's because of all the positive reviews and convenient location. That being said I didn't really know what to expect going in but it's not the kind of place to bring your family or have a nice meal at it's more of a drunken bar food place and the staff was so rude I can't believe I see so many comments gloating about them. Our appetizer alone (6 boneless wings) took over 30 minutes to come out and main entree over an hour !! There was also no one else in the dining room so I don't understand the wait. And let me tell you the burger was good, if you like deep fried, hard burgers. And the fries were just soaked in oil and were barely warm when served. Paid way too much and waited way too long. read more

Came in last night for a burger and fries. The food was exactly what I was looking for! It was super crowded, but the kitchen staff was able to keep up! The bartender was personable, attentive and spot on. Even with how busy it was, he kept an eye on our drinks and we were never without. Great experience as usual! read more

They don't reveal drink prices until you get your bill. And it depends on what bartender you get on how you will be charged It's a dive bar with so so food not a 5 star dining experience be clear on your pricing up front I think they are trying to keep up with all the improvements in downtown with the people who know how to run a bar/restaurant read more

Unique local tavern and grill complete with taxidermied animals on the wall. We started with a basket of crunchy pickle fries fried to perfection; then, onto the tenderloin sandwiches where the meat is twice as big as the bun! To top it off, it was Tuesday, and kids eat free! Our waitress was very personable and efficient. Rowdy's is right across from the Crusader Burger Bar, but a fraction of the cost. Recommend it definitely for good bar food with a small town vibe. read more

Rowdy's - Crunchy pickle fries - Dive Bars Near Me - Yorkville, Illinois

See all

I like this place. No, that's not right. I like this dive! Man oh man is this place the very definition of a dive with superior food all being put out of a postage stamp sized "kitchen" at the end of the bar. It's an old, dark bar with a couple of sports screens going. Two huge aquariums make up the back bar and the back wall. It has a great, inviting dive atmosphere. Rowdy's is known for its burgers but there is so much more including a very respectable breaded pork tenderloin sandwich. The food is fresh and served up by an excellent and friendly staff. Now you can cross the street to another burger bar trying very hard to make you feel like you are in Chicago....by charging you double for what you get at Roudy's. I've eaten here several times and had most everything from the burgers to the beef to the fish sandwiches. I've yet to be disappointed and always left with money in my wallet. This is a great place to hang, have a beer and an a really good burger. read more

Is it just me but is there a consistent smell of sewage, or rotting fish? Not being mean. Lost my appetite. That being said they should have taken the covid opportunity to do some clean up. read more

A place that was voted best burger in the county two years running doesn't necessarily need my endorsement, but here it is anyway. This is the best burger in Kendall County. The place across the street (Crusade Burger Bar) has lines out the door regularly. There's always a wait, and the space is crowded and uncomfortable. Crusade does have some killer burgers, but... it leaves a lot to be desired in my opinion. I don't want to make this review all about knocking Crusade, because it is a good restaurant- but there's an even better place right across the street. What I don't like about Crusade is the atmosphere. Loud metal music may be great for the younger crowd or hipsters looking for a cool place with a crazy energy, but it's just not for me. When I got out to eat with my friends or my family, I want to be able to hold a conversation. Crusades fries are just not good. Yes, that's a matter of opinion, but that's what Yelp is for. Crusade is more expensive, very slow, and always crowded. I recommend you go across the street and give Rowdy's a shot. I believe the burgers are superior. Lots of crazy fun toppings and interesting concoctions there too. The fries are the best around (maybe only Salerno's Red Hots are a bit better). The staff at Rowdy's is so warm and friendly, the place is conducive to conversation during the dinner hour, and you rarely have to wait for a seat. Again, I don't mean to knock Crusade, I just Hope a few folks waiting in that long line read this review and head across the street to give Rowdy's a shot. They won't be disappointed. read more

Well. A dive bar is a dive bar. I used to love their burgers, but things have changed - namely their buns and suppliers by the taste of it. I can't say I enjoy the offensive bar smell when I walk in either, but to each their own. When they first opened, it was a promising space. Great food, good atmosphere. But now it feels like their focus has shifted away from this bar, and to their next project down by the river. I mean, tbh- there is a hole in the women's bathroom floor they covered with a rug. It just seems like a rude money grab that thinks its charming because its DIRTY. Sorry Rowdy's- but the neighbors are better. read more

Seriously check your bill. This place is a dive bar on purpose. It is a little rough when you walk into the unfinished porch. They have recently added a party room/extra tables and the decor in their is nice. Bathroom is minute. The staff is nice most of the time but the bill has been wrong more than half the time. Food is good and the prices are good. It is great for a dive bar in a very small town. read more

The Monday night burger special used to be great. Sadly don't recommend it anymore. Not sure what happened here but the bun is huge and the pre-made patties are a joke and can only be cooked well done. Still like the dive atmosphere but if your looking for that awesome burger special you might want to look else ware. read more

Rowdy's is THE BEST! Best burgers around, the cheese curds are great AND they have the best ranch! Delicious, cold beers & even better... the service is always amazing. Ethan is the best - he's super friendly & down to earth. 10000/10 highly recommend Rowdy's :) read more

This is the takiest, dirtiest most disgusting bar in Yorkville. The bartenders overserve the costumers. The decor is hideous, and the food gave me diarrhea for three days. The costumer base consists primarily of douchey knobs looking for a fight to prove to themselves that they aren't losers. I felt very uncomfortable and unwelcome because I was the only one paising my drinks. The bartender kept trying to push shots on me and became belligerent when i refused. Save yourself a trip to the clinic and dont go here. read more

Yorkville's hidden gem. Good food; better service. Night and day difference it makes to have properly trained staff employed here. Compared to neighboring establishments this place blows them out of the water. Never had a bad experience. Prices are fair. My go to is a tall beer and juicy burger. Can't go wrong! Keep up the good work Rowdy's! read more

Love the outside area. I was socially distant because I dined solo. Everyone was enjoying the weather and having a good time with families and friends on this Sunday night. Had the pickle fries. Very much impressed. Good fry texture but also great ranch. Not too thick not too runny. The ranch stuck to the pickle fries and didn't drip off. Bonus points for that. Ordered the Bridge burger. Again the highlight was the fries. Not overdone. Not soggy. Perfectly fried and nice seasoning on them. Burger was good but I'm going to say not over the top crazy excellent. Would have preferred it a little more pink inside but it was not overdone whatsoever. I should mention there was one waitress for the patio and she did a bang up job of keeping on top of her tables. My drink was never empty and as far as I can tell neither was anyone else's. Overall a great stop for a Sunday dinner outside even if it was a solo mission. read more

Rowdy's - Pickle fries - Dive Bars Near Me - Yorkville, Illinois

See all

Burgers were piping hot, delicious, creative, and cooked perfectly however the fries were served cold and it took over twenty minutes to get a refill on water. I'm still waiting actually... read more

Food is good but the lack of attention you get from the waitress if you are not a regular there is horrible and because that we won't go back. Tried a few times and each time it was the same thing. Same waitress each time. After she got done eating a few bites of her burger she decided to come over and take our order- how nice of her to do us a favor I mean after all we interrupted her meal and social hour. She rushed through taking our order and when we tried to get her attention she acted like she didn't hear us and maybe she didn't but she sure heard the people she was doing shots with mid-day (which I think is tacky and so unprofessional, bar or not, you're working). We had to go ask the cook to make our burger how we wanted it because again she walked away and was ignoring us. We were not even told goodbye when we left and again it was mid-day so it was only her buddies in the bar and us. That was enough for us, no burger is that good or maybe stick to take out here. Sad because we are long time locals but definitely not treated like one. Will stick with Bristol Tap. read more

We tried to get into Crusade but the wait was over 2 hours so we seen this place across the street and figured after driving an hour we would try it. It's definitely a local dive bar run down and dirty. Don't get the nachos they are really bad! Burgers are decent, at least they are fresh. Kitchen is a small open corner at end of bar. Bar staff was friendly. Top shelf drinks are weak, stick to beer. read more

This place is ok. Only thing good is the bottled beer. Went about a week ago and ordered a Bloody Mary. Worst decision ever, for one it was like drinking ketchup it was so thick and for two THERE WASNT ONE GARNISH ON IT. I was like wtf!!!....then I got a crispy chicken sandwich with bacon and I couldn't even eat it. All I could taste was the old fryer oil. The dude cooking the food looks like he doesn't give a dam about cooking. His whole appearance was just sloppy looking. If you're cooking you should at least look the part and not like you belong at McDonalds frying fries. read more

it takes a while to receive the food but its worth it! i love the bbq pulled pork sandwhich and my kids love the chicken tender baskets. my husband always gets the gyros. read more

Great little dive bar to check out while you're in the area!! We've been around a long time and always frequented this place. Not gonna lie, food used to be waaaay better. Still really good, but not like it used to be. Tuesday night Bartender Stanette cannot be beat though, she is so sweet, and really knows her stuff!! Want a fun hometown bar to hang out in, this is the one! read more

Best burgers and fries in town. Meat is purchased locally and patties are made as you order. Fries are real potatoeS also cooked to order. Food isn't fast, but sure is great. The burger menu is extensive with all kinds of interesting combos. Seating is limited, so come at an off time for quicker service. read more