Excellent service, a gorgeous patio, good fried bluegill, and delicious ginger liqueur. read more

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I am a recent transplant to Ridott about a year ago. Big O's is about 3 minutes from my house. I have been here about 5 times, and this will be the last. The service and wait time have been getting worse and worse. I was there this week and it was over a 50 min. wait, and it wasn't that busy for 3 or 4 waitresses. The food was Lukewarm and for the prices they charge, was not worth it. I asked for a medium cooked steak, and it came out well inside and for $25, I'll pass. This was all on a Tuesday night. I will be heading into Freeport from now on. I like support local business, but I just can't anymore with Big O's. Sorry Big O's. read more

We waited for our food for over a hour and 20 minutes. It never arrived so we left. The waitress was nice. But we won't be back.

Stopped on way home from Galena. We sat outside on a gorgeous day. Not many tables outside but it was a Monday afternoon and we were able to sit out. Server was prompt and attentive. We ordered burgers. They were quality beef, cooked perfectly and did not take long. Fries are solid and crispy. Get the jalepeno bacon...it is delicious. If I am ever back this way I would not hesitate to eat here afa read more

Big O's on the Hollow - Patio - American Near Me - Freeport, Illinois

Having lived in Freeport for a year and a half, I always forget about Big O's on the Hollow. Mostly because it's on the far east outskirts of Freeport on E. Stephenson St (Route 75) just south of US 20. We finally remembered it, and I'm glad we did. When we arrived, there were a handful of people at the bar, and a couple of tables filled with groups. Shortly after we were sat and drink orders taken, other groups started showing up. We happened to arrive on a Trivia night. Something you only see in small town restaurants. Even though we didn't participate, we were there long enough to have some fun trying to guess the answer to the questions. The staff was friendly and would check on us regularly. Everyone was nice and helpful. For Dinner I had the Pacific cod with French fries. The fish was delicious. It was deep fried nicely, the fish was flakey, and the breading was good. It was not overly greasy, and it had a decent flavor, definitely the best I've had in the Freeport area to date. When I inquired if they had any Malt Vinegar, I was informed they did not. Which was disappointing as that's how I prefer my Fish. The fries were perfect. They had a great flavor, the outside was crispy, while the inside was soft. These were some of the best fries I've had in a long time. Hands down the best fries in the area. My companion had the Smothered chicken with baked potatoes. She was impressed with the smothered chicken so much she insisted I try it. I'm glad I did; it was flavorful and much better than I expected. Really, the smothered chicken was fantastic. Overall It's not a fancy restaurant, but it has pretty solid food. I would recommend checking it out if you are in the area. If you're traveling between Galena and Chicago, no, you're not going to get a Chicago Caliber restaurant, but if you're looking for a good rural restaurant with a pure Americana feel. Big O's delivers. read more

This is a Hidden Gem.... We took advantage of the Friday Fish Fry and the Fried Walleye and Cod knocked it out of the park. The drinks were priced as I could not believe how reasonable and we had fried shrimp apps. Great deck area and staff super friendly and attentive. read more

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First time there, great food and great service! We were with a group of 20 and our waitress was on top of everything and very friendly! I had the Not your Mama's BLT - it was so good. My husband had a cheeseburger & fries and it was done perfectly and raved about the fries. Everyone around us at the table felt the same way about their food. We will definitely be going back to try more items! YUMMMMM! read more

Not your Mama's BLT is great. All the Salads are ever so good. Best potatoes ever. Service done well and owners are caring, hardworking, fun people. read more

I thought this place was just ok. The ambiance was simple with no frills. The single waitress was nice but slammed with too many tables. The owner came to help out and was very nice too. The hamburger with cheddar was not one of the best I have ever had and on the pricier side for this area. I prefer Benchwarmers in Freeport when visiting the area. read more

This is a nice looking place with super-friendly staff. The kids menu has a lot of options, many healthy, which I appreciated. The food was just okay. Don't drink the water. read more

The burgers we're amazing! This is a great small town place that didn't treat us like out of towners. Friendly service, Supurb burgers. read more

Big O's on the Hollow - American Near Me - Freeport, Illinois

Sat outside on a wonderful evening. Service was spectacular. Table had a mix of Friday night fish specialties, all of which were pretty good. Don't recommend the au Gratin potatoes. read more

My favorite kind of place. Good rating on Yelp. Pull into the parking lot and we weren't sure what we getting ourselves into. Walk in to something that's cross between a bar, video gambling and dance hall. But the food was on point. My ribeye was perfection and Kathie enjoyed her Prime Rib. If you're ever around Freeport, IL this is the place to check out. read more

I have eaten at Big Os several times-- I highly recommend it-- great food-- friendly staff and very reasonable-- The burger is my go to, but the grilled chicken and walleye are top notch as well-- lots of parking, and even when it looks crowded, have never had to wait-- Pat and Kevin-(and team) keep up the good work--Ill be back! read more

Food was great and service/wait staff was very friendly! We found this place as we were driving by and were really glad we stopped!! Pork sirloin was very tasty!! read more

Meh... Service was good, attentive waitress/bartender, but the food was painful. Fries were solid but the chicken sandwich was suspect at best, the chicken tenders were lacking. Gives off VFW vibes (average age 80). Chicago folk stay clear and keep driving home. read more

Big O's became my favorite Freeport place to eat almost as soon as I took the first bite. It used to be that my folks would only want to go to one of two restaurants when I visited. While I understand familiarity, I liked to change things up a little. Talked them into trying it one day and now it's become their number one. Because their menu offers a delucious variety, I won't make them switch it up anytime soon. The staff is friendly and attentive so be sure to tip accordingly. Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations because they're usually spot on if you give them a few clues. Don't forget to grab a drink while you're there. Reasonably priced and tastefully mixed. My favorite(s) are their steaks. I don't usually get a taste for steak but, since learning to mind my carb intake, it's become a more frequent request. Even without adding mushrooms, my taste buds are always happy with the results. And because I will miss the carbs if I don't have them, get the cheesy taters for one of your sides. Then even it out by picking a veggie or side salad for your other side. I've had burgers and apps there as well. Again, never disappointed. If you want a place that makes your taste buds smile while providing a fun atmosphere, go here. read more

Waited 1.5 hrs before being served. Waitress did her best but the kitchen was staffed but just could not handle the order. Not sure what was happening back there. Food was OK & somewhat overpriced. We called ahead to alert them and still fumbled the ball repeatedly. Sorry..but this not worth the wait. Very disappointed. read more

Sorry Rafters, but this IS the best steakhouse I've found in Freeport so far. Not only is the steak delish, but they actually serve broccoli to taste, meaning I can have it tender-crisp instead off nearly raw or overcooked. Soooo nice, as I love veggies and particularly broccoli! The atmosphere is casual, but the food quality is well above the casual ambiance (not knocking the ambiance, just expressing this is food you would expect to find at a fancier restaurant). Service was as good as any restaurant I've ever been in, including Ruth's Chris Steakhouse (which is pretty much the fanciest restaurant I've ever been in). Our server was friendly, relaxed, efficient, and prompt. We are so happy to have been referred to Big O's! read more

It was a little bit out of the way but the Friday night fish fry special was quite tasty

Randomly came across this place after an extended weekend getaway as we were headed back home and needed a meal. We arrived at an off time (around 4 pm on a Monday) so only one other table dining. Our bartender was phenomenal (unfortunately didn't remember her name) and quickly greeted us. I had several questions concerning the menu, as I generally do, and had great suggestions. Food was great, but service was even better! While waiting for our food we got to learn some history about their place, their fairly new ownership, and plans for the future. This place has such potential and already has great tasting food, a beautiful outdoor area with a patio, 2 new sand volleyball courts, bags (cornhole), and what looked to be an oversized beer pong with buckets . Wish we had more time to partake in the the lawn games! Can't wait to see what they do with the place, as they seem to already be doing great things. Bought a hooded sweatshirt to remember our times for only $25! Will definitely be back if/when we return to the area. Thank you! read more

Loved my experience in Big O's when I recently passed through Freeport. Perfectly cooked ribeye and duck strips so tasty. Dessert was so decadent and delicious. Looking forward to my next visit to Freeport. read more

I use to come in there every Friday for fish it was good in till one Friday about three weeks ago it was over cook and tough haven't been back there since read more

Excellent food. The staff was friendly and efficient, and it was very clean. Would definitely recommend!

1st time to Big O's tonight and I will say this it will be my last time. I was looking forward to a Friday night fish fry with Karaoke, been cooped up in the house for over a year now with covid restrictions. Karaoke was to start around 8 so I went around 6:30 to have dinner 1st . I was set at a four top which is fine, no two tops available. I then waited for service waitress came about 10 minutes after I was sat then I waited 30 minutes for some very bland fried fish and fries. I ordered a side of potato salad that was the worst thing I have ever tasted. The service was sub par sat for over 15 minutes with empty glass and had to ask for everything I would need, lemons and sweet and low. I checked out and then decided let me forget about the bad dinner and service and try to get a drink at the bar. I sat at the bar top for another 10 minutes while being completely ignored by several staff, it was a bit busy but not enough to not even be acknowledged by the staff. So I left went to another place that was recommended via yelp Mort's, I walked in and as soon as I sat at the bar the bartender came over and was friendly and got me a drink. I ended up staying there for about 2 hours having a great time. So in short Skip Big O's the service is sub par and the food has less flavor than a high school cafeterias food. read more

This is easily becoming my favorite place in Freeport. The food is really good, the bartenders are awesome, and they always have something going on. Between the food & drink specials and events, there is always a reason to go to Big O's any night of the week. read more

Not gonna lie - needed food on the way through town. Ended up finding great service here, a fun vibe and FANTASTIC food! Wait staff was superb! read more

Food was beyond its normal taste ! Must be someone new in the kitchen. Great meal thanks