Everyone,
My own imposed rules for any review:
1. Must visit at least three times. Two of which must be distinctly different formats; i.e. one weekday night and one weekend night.
2. Must order something unique each visit.
3. If they have any "signature" items on the menu, you must order a "signature" item at least once.
4. Ratings are based on a 10 point scale with 5 being average, which does not mean bad. What a score of 5 means is that the category meets expectations for that establishments format.
Thanks.
VFW - Elgin
Location/Layout - 5/10: Located just north of Route 20 on the Weld Rd. The location is a difficult to get to if you are traveling from the either the East or North due to the route 20 reconstruction but there are signs guiding the way for those not familiar with the area. The building itself is a fairly industrial metal building but is kept clean and presentable. The dining area is an open hall with folding tables and chairs that also serves as the bingo room and meeting room for the VFW. The bar used to be located at the front of the VFW and was quartered off for use by members only, with a window access for those diners that either where not members or preferred to eat in the hall. They have moved the bar to the back of the building, which makes getting your drinks if you are there for food an inconvenience and is the furthest point from the restrooms?
Menu - 5/10: The menu is very limited but serviceable. They offer a fish fry and fish sandwich, but also have other items such as burgers and beef sandwiches. Sandwiches can be had without fries or for an extra dollar come with your choice of regular or sweet potato fries.
Service - 6.5/10: The service is typically friendly, especially at the kitchen. The folks are happy to help and are quick to both take and prepare your order.
Food - 4.5/10: The food is fairly good especially for the price. Although, over the past couple of fish fry seasons they have opted to use a frozen cod instead of the fresh options, which means that there is no way to order the fish baked. Additionally, there are less fish choices than in the past since they are going with a prepared product. Additionally, sides used to include baked potato but are now limited to fries. The other items such as the beef sandwiches are generous and flavorful (they use Bari Beef) and is very inexpensive. Unfortunately, I usually come here, as I have growing up, mainly during lent and for the fish fry which is lacking quite a bit currently.
Drinks - 4/10: The VFW has all the standard adjunct lagers and mixers at great prices in the bar area. Additionally, they do offer pop but do not offer refills which can make it expensive if you dine in the eating area. There used to be water coolers and coffee on Fridays but I did not see either on my last two visits.
Overall Experience - 4/10: Growing up we always came to the VFW a couple times a year for a Fish Fry, not to mention for countless activities at other times of the year. Recently we have limited our fish fry visits to once a season since the quality and variety have gone down. We are still optimistic and have our fingers crossed that they will bring back the delicious offerings of years past. read more
