Stopped at a Route 66 diner in Pontiac, IL for lunch, The Log Cabin. It was established in 1926 and they are celebrating their 100th anniversary in May 2026. The Yelp reviews were mostly five stars, and it was touted to be a locals' favorite, so we decided to give it a try. We both chose the patty melt with a cup of vegetable soup. The soup sounded like an excellent choice on this cold cloudy day. The food, the service and the ambience were all wonderful. We finished off the meal sharing a slice of hot peach pie with vanilla bean ice cream. It was all fantastic. read more

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The ambiance is really cool! So much "stuff" to see. Such a cool place to hang out! Come see for yourself... The bartender was prompt in greeting and serving us, but cannot make a drink. I recommend getting only what comes in bottle. Both mine and my husband's drinks had no alcohol in them. This is something I've never said about a Long Island iced tea before!! We paid nearly $20 for 2 drinks with zero alcohol and they charged some kind of surcharge- quite annoying. We will be back for the ambiance.. read more

Sports bar with good Polish food and the vibe of a tiki bar mixed with a pirate bar with multiple bocce alleys out back. This place is a little slice of heaven. Established (as the wall told me) in 1936, I expected "Polish" to be in menu alone...and I was wrong. The gal behind the bar had an accent. Halfway through the Bears game, I started hearing folks concerning and cheering in Polish. I felt like I had slipped into a cool little club to which I would never have otherwise been invited. Loud (but not too loud) and boisterous. I read some other reviews talking about rude regulars: rubbish. Chicago is loud and direct. If you don't like that vibe, the shoulders in this city may just be a little too broad for you. The pierogi and the pyzy were great, both served with sour cream. The beers, while not draft, had a wide, Euro-leaning selection but still respected some local favorites (Old Style). Good food. Good folks. Confusingly brilliant ambiance. You're missing out if you skip The Log Cabin. read more

The Log Cabin - Zapiekanka: I had "pizza" in mind which was a mistake. It's a toasted open-faced sandwich. Well-made but I don't think I'll crave it. - Pubs Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

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It's a must see!!! Interesting place with the kindest wait staff Homemade pierogi. And other bar food! Gotta go there.

5 stars for The Log Cabin. Wow, this place is a hidden gem! This is a unique polish bar/restaurant and lounge with a spacious, beautiful patio in the summertime. I tried it out for the first time tonight with some friends and was super impressed. The pricing is very reasonable and they have a ton of options for food and drinks. The best part of the Log Cabin is surely the patio - there are so many tables and chairs to sit at and hang out at, multiple ponds and old decor and more - really nice looking. I'd totally recommend if you want a unique experience instead of your everyday bar & restaurant experience. read more

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The Log Cabin is quirky gem of a find in Northwestern Chicago. From its straightforward, order-at-the-bar menu with homemade Polish specialties as well as standard fare, to its nooks and crannies that make for intimate seating for groups of any size, it is an affordable place to relax amongst of an eclectic collection of farm implements, vintage signage and more than a little of the macabre. You and your fellow guests will have much to talk about as you wander around its sprawling outdoor spaces. Stop by for a music night or even just a slow hang and you'll want to share your experience, including its lack of cannabis smell. Staff are polite, friendly and are more than willing to share its little nuances. Located just east of the 294 tollway, off of Dempster St. or Golf Rd. exits. read more

Great place to hang and smoke a cigar outside and enjoy all the outdoor garden oddities read more

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the interior was so cute. you have to order foods and drinks at the bar for them to bring it to you. the food & drinks were alright but expected something more for the prices read more

The Log Cabin - Pizza & Pierogis - Pubs Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

I could not get a seat at Countryside. God bless them, great place. This requires me to find an alternate hideout. Mission Accomplished - Polish cuisine & a good hotdog. A couple of beers a dog & chips under $20. The old school manner of keeping tabs is charming and comforting all at once Go over and say hello to Jolie the mayor and enjoy yourself. read more

Food was great and really nice and cozy inside - you wouldn't think that by looking at the outside.

Unique fun gem. Finally, I got to try this place. From the outside, you can't tell what the inside holds. This place looks amazing inside, and the atmosphere makes me feel like I'm home. There are so many different little areas where you can hang out and have a great time. I tried all the polish food, which you can tell is homemade with love and pride. The stew is definitely the star and absolutely amazing. I already want to go back just for that, and it's a meal by itself. The pizza bread with ketchup is authentic and great. The prices here can't be beat. The service is semi-self service, all done by one very hard-working lady. You won't be disappointed here. For those that lucky live close. Make this your regular spot. read more

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Came here because it was serving food late and my travel got delayed. But boy was I glad they were open! The inside of the restaurant is quite small, limited seating, but a long bar and pool table... but the outside. The outside is a fully decorated beer garden, triple the size of the indoors, with a coy pond and fountains. The decor is like you stepped out into Bavaria. The food was decent, I got Pierogis, but this is most definitely the spot to grab a beer! Great environment to meet up with friends read more

The Log Cabin - Patio - Pubs Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

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Wow I could have never imagined how amazing this place is on this inside from the outside. Recently found this gem while attending a birthday party and enjoyed everything from the moment I arrived till I left! Very nice bartenders with very reasonable prices! Authentic and delicious polish food available. Definitely recommend the pierogi's! You can and I did spend hours walking around to see everything they have on display. Bring quarters because they also have a fun gum ball machine with cheerios where you can feed the koi! More fun than I thought it would be! So much entertainment with nice/great service and delicious food? What more can you ask for!? Loved everything about it and can't wait to come back! read more

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such an interesting bar ! very friendly atmosphere, i sampled the periogies and prysy which were delicious! owner showed us all his creations and memorabilia throughout his bar and outdoor sitting area , even has a koI pond such a fun place read more

Well we thought we would give The log cabin a try. It's a neighborhood bar where the locals were loud and obnoxious and swearing (probably had too much to drink) with no respect to others in the restaurant. The food was subpar actually had some stomach discomfort. I had the pierogi's they were bland and they apparently used "bacon bits" as the garnish( not even real bacon) My wife had the fish which was very greasy and smelled fishy. Many better places for polish food don't waste your time and money here. read more

While the pierogis were tasty, my Bloody Mary enjoyable, the service good and the atmosphere cleverly kitschy, the regular patrons were obnoxiously rude. Maybe because that's just who they are and they deem their behavior appropriate, but if that is the case that is where management needs to step in. My husband and I stopped there for a drink and snack and when we saw the patio we decided to eat outside. We had been sitting (at the table closest to the restaurant door) for just a few minutes when two rude female regulars barged in at our table lighting up cigarettes. We told them we were sitting there and didn't appreciate their smoking. They said this was their family table and they were not moving. Wait, what? Smoking less than 15 feet near an establishment is not allowed in the state of Illinois. Period. Interestingly there were ashtrays scattered throughout the patio tables so we assumed that behavior is just an accepted fact even though this is in violation of the no smoking law. And that is the reason for my one star overall review. Save yourself time money and aggravation and enjoy polish specialties elsewhere. There are many to be found throughout the Chicago area. read more

Super fun place with great food. Rustic kind of place with cool outdoor area. Had 4 Polish beers even! read more

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The breakfast was great and would make Paul Bunyan proud! The atmosphere was fun and friendly, and the portions were large!

I like stopping on here for a beer and a bite. It isn't a fancy place, but I will say it is a unique place with some cool stuff. Staff was friendly, and it was exactly what I was looking to find, a little joint with some character. read more

Super friendly owners (presumably) and yummy polish food! The decor is really random but somehow it works! Even tho it's a divy bar, but it's super kid friendly (well we went for lunch :) ) The owner even taught my daughter how to play checker! read more

The Log Cabin - Pubs Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

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Love this place. Great prices. Cozy. And also have an awesome outdoor patio. Have to see it to understand it but it's a cool spot.

This has been on my list for sometime and finally made it ! The decor is what everyone else states, it is eclectic, randon and just plain fun. We went on a Saturday afternoon, so it was not very crowded., so we had the opportunity to walk around and take in all the fun decor. There is a unique beer garden with more vintage items than anyone can imagine, a fish pond, and fire pits. It was a beautiful day, so we sat outside. Our server/owner was so nice and recommended a polish beer for my husband and for me ( I do not drink beer) a light, pineapple beer, which she said was her favorite and has become mine! We ordered bigos, pyzy (meat dumplings) and a burger. All of the food was traditional polish, made from scratch and served piping hot. Everyone was so nice , friendly and attentive. We had a wonderful time and truly enjoyed this unique place. read more

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Great spot. If the weather is nice this is a must go to place in the area. The prices are reasonable and the staff are super friendly. The patio is the winner though in that it is unique and secluded and nothing like anything in the area. Great spot for a group outing. read more

Love the atmosphere, outside patio a must in the summer. Staff and regulars were very friendly. read more

The Log Cabin - Outside patio - Pubs Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

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Unique atmosphere and fun for a few beers and some polish food! Cool little place worth checking out if you're in the area.

The Log Cabin is a special place. The furnishings in and out are unique and beyond description (you need to witness them). The ownership is old world from Poland and bring the attitude that built this country (I am 70 and my grandparents came from the old country). They are hardworking, hard playing no nonsense and welcome all walks of life into their establishment as if it were their house. They grow their own vegetables and cook with fresh ingredients. The Polish food is like my Busia made. I have witnessed the clientele from afternoon during the week (the working class who stops in after work to unwind), then later in the night a younger group who comes in to socialize. We were recently there on Saturday afternoon of Labor Day with 10 of my family and were treated like family. It's like a bar in the old neighborhood (for those of you who might remember them), you have cross section of people from all walks of life who frequent the place, and they are all welcome. At the end of the day, it's refreshing that the Log Cabin exists during the trying times we live in. It's a place where you can go in, have a drink, some great food and meet some interesting people if you can look beyond the judgmental world we live in today. Give it try, if you like it go back, if not find another place. I highly recommend it. Ned read more

This place is amazing. Drive past it a thousand times until a friend recommended to stop in. Friendly service and just a fun place! The back area is something to see!! read more

The Log Cabin - Koi pond with a bar to sit with your drink and relax. - Pubs Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

I love this place but am super-upset that they removed the pool table. That brought so many people into the bar that we befriended and now will probably never see. I don't know what the owner was thinking to do that to his regular customers. read more

The food and service was amazing. I would definitely return when I go back to Chicago.

What went well?? Everything was great! Just as advertised! Local neighborhood bar with great ambience-so much nostalgic stuff to look at and take pics with. Two wonderful Polish ladies tending bar- and the food tastes like your grandmother made it!! Will go back again and again!! read more

Best bar in area. Great employees and a really nice owner. Very limited beer selection- you aren't going to find a lot of crafts here, there are a few decent german imports and a lot more polish beers. Okay liquor selection too. The biergarten outside is THE BEST ive ever been to anywhere. You can reserve small and large booths for bday parties, there are fireplaces and a koi pond. There's even a bocce court out back, but its limited to tourney play, youd have to ask how to join up in the league. There is a pool table, and quite a few people. One night a week, competitive people play seriously, the rest of the time it is reasonably casual. The best food on menu is the pierogies (mushroom+sauerkraut, meat) and the polis sausage. Occasionally, they have homemade sauerkraut too. The red gumbo gets an honorable mention. Jukebox gets a bit contentious at times, sometimes people mess with it or they'll skip songs, just dont play too much at once. There are SEVERAL really nice people who come in here, and that's whay will probably what will get you coming back. This is predominantly a nice neighborhood bar with a decidely polish feel. Occasionally there is some free food: tacosz sloppy joes, etc - nothing fancy and its not a meal, it is a nice drinking snack, so have some manners and dont load up 3 or 4 plates. Safety: I've only ever seen one situation here and it was able to be resolved pretty quickly. Its the safest place in the area to drink at imo. The cops dont hover and there arent fights. Recommended: This is the one place I'll miss a bit when i move away. read more

The Log Cabin - Entry to biergarten. - Pubs Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

Our group came here in January on a cold dnowy day after a hike. We loved it! The food was delicious, service was great and friendly, snd the smbiance beyond belief! We're coming back here again for sure ehen the weather is warmer. This place is a gem! read more

This place is special- a rare gem. They are hospitable to say the least! The outdoor garden is magical. The owner has spent such thought and care in the vibe! The polish food is fantastic! Homemade pierogis. I loved the gumbo. The nicest bartender who treated my little girls like her own. I can't rave enough! The owner came to introduce and give us history in the decor... everyone was family read more

The Log Cabin - Pubs Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

I couldn't possibly bestow enough accolades on this place. I happened to stumble upon it while looking for a cold beer after a hike along the Des Plaines River, and feel like fate may have steered me here. I had a rousing good time with my bar mates, ate a mouthwatering hunter's stew, and wished I'd been born Polish. As unique a bar as I've ever visited, and I'm pleased to say I've visited many. Glad to have found this place. read more

Great food, fun atmosphere!! Can't wait to come back in the spring for the beer garden - friendly service, too!

Amazing country bar. Had wonderful time went there and light my own fire, great customer service I was there for over 3 hours. Wonderful outdoor seating. read more

The Log Cabin - a person holding a glass of water in front of a fire - Pubs Near Me - Des Plaines, Illinois

Great Polish food, especially pirogis at reasonable prices but the big draw here is the cool decor outside. Nice little seating areas and just outrageous. It is definitely a fun place and very relaxing laid back read more

Amazing artsy vibe, super eclectic. Super spacious and special. The best Polish food and hospitality. Original and one of a kind. Great date place. read more

First time here with a good size group of people and everyone raved about their food. The only reason I docked a star cause it took awhile to get a drink as there appeared to be only 1 bartender on a Saturday night. The beer selection is limited but still enough good choices. Also prices are great! $3 fireball and every day there is a different mystery shot for $2 read more

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As so many of the prior reviews stated, this place is very cute. The people at the bar are very friendly and helpful. My wife and I have been there several times. however, the last time some of the customers sitting at the bar became so rowdy that we had to leave. This was several years ago and things have probably improved. Maybe we'll give it another try. read more