Great place to meet friends! Outside seating was very nice. Love the food and drinks! Service was great! read more

First draft in downtown Grayslake came to serve and left no complaints, this is was the perfect spot in town to go to for chill atmosphere and great food. The service was fantastic our waitress made great drink and food recommendations along with some relatable laughs. read more

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The appetizer of Smoked Chicken Wings in Hot (mild) Sauce was surprising good. They had a nice crunch and smokey flavor. My boss and I had the Shrimp Po'Boy (I had roasted Brussels sprouts side, tasty). We agree that the plump shrimp were really good, lightly breaded and cooked perfectly. But, there wasn't enough Rémoulade (only a teaspoon?) and the French bread kinda fell apart when cut in half. Our guest had a really nice looking Cubano with a nice slab of roast pork, a good hunk of ham with the melted swiss oozing out the sandwich. I regret not getting his opinion of Lobster Bisque because I really wanted to try it. Oh, well. I'll get it next time with those tasty wings. read more

My family held a gathering here over the weekend and the entire staff at First Draft was stellar. We had the top floor for our group and it's such a gorgeous space! Tons of seating, TVs everywhere in case you need to watch the Bears or the Cubs, darts, pool table, foosball and a bar! What more could you need?! Legit, we had a big group and they handled everything so well. Great staff and the eats were tasty too. Their pulled pork is great! They have NA Heineken 0. I was really happy with my experience at First Draft in Grayslake and definitely wouldn't hesitate to come back. read more

I went with my friends and family, what a great spot to gather!! We ordered a bunch of appetizers and they were very good. The place is very nice with a lot of beer choices and TV's to watch sports. our waitress Kara did a great job of getting everything correct. i definitely recommend this place. read more

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We had a reservation and didn't need it. They fit six of us right in front. They have a great outdoor patio area, but it was a tad chilly the night we were there. They have these huge windows that they open on the warmer days and then screen them in so you can enjoy the warmer temps without all the bugs. The large window in their front room faces the train station and you can hear (and feel) the large, long. cargo trains as they rumble by. This did not deter from the experience and added to it. We were there at 6:30pm for our guys night. And they have some great happy hour specials that run until 9pm, which is good as the bar didn't start really filling up until after 8pm. The bar is in the back part of the first floor. There's a second floor party room area and a lower level. The special going on while were was the Burger and Beer special for $13.99. It's just their classic burger and a beer, but a great deal nonetheless. Most of us ordered the special, I did the bison burger (not on the special) and two guys shared both the sauced wings and the dry rub wings and a basket of fries from the happy hour menu. All the food was very good. My bison burger was cooked perfectly and was quite savory. It was around $20, but good bison burgers generally are and theirs fit in that category. I got it with fries, but they also have homemade chips that looked good , too. I am not a ketchup person, so I got a side of ranch for my fries and they have a good ranch. Our server was very attentive, constantly refilling drinks, checking on us, etc. Normally if we like a place, I'll mention that we'll be back soon. Heck, we're going back next month! read more

We had a memorial for my brother this past weekend at First Draft and I couldn't have been more pleased with the venue, the food, the staff (Julia, Kayla and Devon). All of our guests were so complimentary about the day and remarked what a great venue it was for the 50+ people who showed up. We had plenty of room to circulate and visit with everyone. Julia was a dream to work with, helping me plan everything from the food to the slideshow showing on multiple televisions and the curated playlist that my brother had chosen himself. It was a perfect day and I highly recommend that you utilize First Draft for any event you might want to host in the future. They truly exceeded our expectations!! In addition, First Draft is my family's go to place in town any day of the week. Love the staff, the food, the ambiance. Love the outdoor patio in the summer!! read more

On short notice and a busy Saturday night the hostess, bartender and server accommodated an extremely large group of hungry, cold, and damp people. All employees were polite and just went above and beyond to feed us and give us a space to enjoy ourselves. The kids loved the pizza and not one complaint. Your efforts did not go unnoticed and the entire team had a wonderful time. Thank you! read more

So we came here as a group of 3 soon after they opened on a weekday. I like the space and the building, it's got the classic dark wood you think of for this kind of spot. The tables have a little built-in space for the menus, a really smart touch that keeps the menu out of your way while you eat but keeps it handy if you want to try a different beer or appetizer. Our server was friendly which is always appreciated, but someone in the kitchen was screaming profanities. I haven't heard the F word used so liberally in a restaurant before, and while it doesn't bother me much it's very unprofessional. For food I had the Cubano sandwich with fries. The sandwich was decent, not great not bad. The fries were my kind of fries. Great batter and texture. Everyone else was happy with their food as well. We didn't have any drinks, which is obviously a big part of the focus here, but the drink menu was vast and the bar vibes are on point. Overall the food was decent and the space is classic so it's a solid option in the area. read more

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It's a great atmosphere. This gnocchi with Italian sausage I ate with freaking drenched with olive oil is nasty. Call in Chef Ramsey to fix. A simple Marinara would have worked. Wtf. read more

I came here for a work dinner event. There was a private event room booked at this establishment. This was my first visit. I did not know about First Draft before this visit. I had a good experience in my first visit. Located in a nice-looking downtown area of Grayslake, First Draft is a sports bar and restaurant with a modern feel and rustic touch. They have plenty of seating area and TVs for your viewing pleasure. Parking (free) is available in the street or nearby public lots. Since I was here for a private event, the food options were preselected as a buffet for the attendees. The food options included chips & salsa, Italian salad, grilled veggies, chicken bacon wraps, Italian beef with bell peppers in its au jus sauce and assorted cookies. The drinks were of our choice from the open bar. I had a couple of beers from their tap. I tried a Pipeworks pilsner and something Pigs brewing company (sorry, I forgot the brand name) Vanilla Bitchslap amber Ale. Both were good in taste and refreshing. The pilsner was my favorite. Food wise, I tried everything except for chips & salsa and the sandwich rolls for the Italian beef. The Italian Beef was my favorite. It was seasoned and cooked well. It was juicy, tender, and flavorful. The next favorite item was the salad with grilled artichokes. It was fresh and quite tasty. The Italian dressing for it was perfect for the salad. I also enjoyed having the grilled veggies and some of the cookies. The establishment was nice and clean. The service was good. The menu options (from their regular menu), although in the pricey side, are of good variety. They also have Sunday brunch menu and 1/2 off their pizzas on Sundays. I really liked their beers on tap variety. First Draft is a nice place to hang out over for good and drinks. I liked their patio/ balcony seating areas. I bet in summertime, the patio seating is in a full swing. I would go back to First Draft. I liked it. I recommend checking it out. read more

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We've always enjoyed the food here. The issue is, for some reason, they now charge a $3 charge for carry out. This makes no sense and is definitely disappointing. read more

The food was delicious. But, but be aware of making changes from the printed menu., ( a daily deal) because if the wait staff uses the word "modifications" you may be surprised at the added cost. *It cost our friends and extra$10 and $7 for me. read more

Great place to go in Grayslake for beers, burgers, and fun. It's one of the more happening places in town. First Draft, just knowing the name of course, has lots of beers. Maybe it can get crowded but it's usually not that bad to be honest. The food menu includes burgers and fried stuff. Always has a ton of beers on tap for local breweries. It's about $7 a pint. The last time there was Liquid Love Brewery with the Tango Hugs, a lightly sweet one made with tangerine. As for the food, most people will get a burger. We got the Beyond Burger, the main choice for vegetarians. It's about $15 to get one with toppings and a side. This comes with lettuce, onions, and tomatoes. Even if it may be a little expensive, it's still a lot of food. The burger is a good amount for a meal. Best place in town if looking for a sports bar atmosphere. It has pretty good prices for the portions. The burgers are the main things to eat on the menu, and there's options for carnivores as well as vegetarians. read more

First Draft - Liquid Love Tango Hugs And Beyond Burger - American Near Me - Grayslake, Illinois

Decided to try First Draft again. Wanted somewhere close. I had a burger and fries and hubby had the shrimp Po Boy. The burger was ok. Fries were good - both the regular and the sweet potato. They have a nice crisp to them. The shrimp po Boy seemed dry and we asked for more sauce and it came when the meal was almost done. So I would say the service was a bit lacking. May try this place again to see if maybe it was an off night. She was nice but just not very attentive. read more

First Draft Delivers Big on Flavor, Portions & Atmosphere! I recently had the chance to visit First Draft, and I have to say, this place absolutely knocked it out of the park! From the moment I walked in, I could tell this was going to be a great experience. The atmosphere was inviting, the staff was friendly and attentive, and the overall vibe made it the perfect spot to kick back and enjoy some incredible food. And let me tell you--the food did not disappoint! I ordered the meatballs, cheese curds, sliders, and wings, and every single dish was top-tier. Sliders - The Star of the Show! The sliders were, hands down, the highlight of my meal. Cooked to absolute perfection, the patties were juicy, flavorful, and just the right size to pack a punch of taste in every bite. The toppings were fresh, and the pickles added just the right amount of crunch and tang to balance everything out. The buns were soft but held up perfectly--none of that falling apart halfway through nonsense. Every bite was better than the last. If you're a slider fan, you need to try these. Cheese Curds - Huge Portion, Huge Flavor When they brought out the cheese curds, I was honestly shocked by how big the portion was. This isn't some skimpy little appetizer--you get a huge basket full of perfectly fried, golden-brown curds that are crispy on the outside and packed with gooey, melty cheese on the inside. They had the perfect amount of crunch without being greasy, and every bite was full of that rich, cheesy goodness. If you love cheese curds, this is easily one of the best versions I've had. Meatballs - Absolute Perfection I wasn't sure what to expect from the meatballs, but wow--these were incredible. Perfectly seasoned, tender, and packed with rich, savory flavor. They weren't dry or overcooked like you sometimes get at other places; instead, they were juicy, with a great texture that just melted in your mouth. Whether you eat them on their own or pair them with sauce, they're a must-try. Wings - A Solid Choice The wings were another standout. Cooked just right--crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor. They weren't overly sauced, which I appreciated because it let the seasoning and the crispiness of the wings shine. Whether you like them mild or with a bit of a kick, they definitely hit the spot. Final Thoughts - A Must-Visit Spot! Everything about my visit to First Draft was top-notch. The food was incredible, the portions were generous, and the service was on point. Whether you're stopping in for drinks and appetizers or sitting down for a full meal, this place has something for everyone. If you're looking for a great spot to grab some fantastic food, a welcoming atmosphere, and an all-around awesome experience, do yourself a favor and check out First Draft. You won't regret it! I'll definitely be back soon. read more

Big shout out to Travis for making my mushrooms and gorganzalo burger a juicy AF burger. Also, shoutout to the sous chef. This was my first time trying this place. I'm definitely coming back and personally coming for the sous chef for more. read more

First Draft - American Near Me - Grayslake, Illinois

Really love their salads and burgers! Beautiful building. Decent offerings for NA beers.

We went for the AYCE fish fry on Friday. $17.99. It will either be haddock or cod. Our serving was haddock, which we preferred. Lightly battered, three large fillets initially, a ton of french fries that were excellent and coleslaw. They have a large outdoor area that is pet friendly. The only downside is it's quite loud even outside. read more

Best fried pickle chips, friendly staff, and a nice relaxing date night environment. They have a nice patio, which is great when we bring the kids. read more

We came here early on a Friday afternoon! Amanda was our server and she was wonderful. Great outdoor seating and good beer selection. We had the cheese curds and fried pickles which were really good. The portions were big and great to share for two. We will definitely be back! read more

I went here for a friend's charity event. The owner Tom Bystol was gracious enough to host the event at his location. The ambiance is very nice as it is newly remodeled and you can tell Tom spared no expense. The cocktails were very good and same with the buffet with meatballs, pasta, Italian beef and goat cheese salad and all were excellent! I will definitely be back! read more

Came here with a handful of friends on a Saturday evening. We decided to arrive early to reserve a table. Upon entering I was surprised as there were so many tables available for a Saturday! First this place is huge. A downstairs bar and a bar upstairs. With patio seating at both levels and a game room with darts and pool table. What drew us to gather was their huge selections of beers! Their menu is great as well. We ordered some chicken wings, fries and a hummus vegetable tray. No complaints with our order. For a Saturday evening the place was really quiet. Our server was wonderful. Made sure we were doing well and was very attentive. As it was first time visiting she made sure we were comfortable with the food and drinks. Plan to revisit and will try their pizza next time. read more

Second time here. The menu has been understand pared back from 3 to 2 pages. I ordered "vegetable soup" which turn out to be zucchini & yellow squash in some kind of gelatinous substance, served lukewarm.. Also ordered cheese curds which were just ok and chili. Servers and bartenders unmasked in flagrant disregard for current health mandates for the Rona. Kitchen stuff delivered food sans mask too. As several other people have commented on this you can only assume they don't care. You have to wonder how clean the kitchen is and if the bother to follow other heath codes. We won't be come back anytime soon if at all. Shame, because it's a great location and we were excited about a new restaurant/bar in the food desert of northern Lake County . read more

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Cocktail Menu Fabulous meal. Chicken Pita and Chicken Caesar Wrap. Very delicious. Great service too. read more

First Draft - Patio - American Near Me - Grayslake, Illinois

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The First Draft is a fun place to meet up with a group of friends. On the second level, there's an open area where there's a bar along with entertaining games such as pool, shuffleboard, darts and Foosball. The establishment is tidy from front to back. The staff is friendly and welcoming, providing quality service to guests. read more

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Have been here several times and really want to like this place . Service is so slow . Wanted simple black pepper for my soup . It came after I was finished eating . Soup was seriously watered down . Pretty bad . Burger was good . Salmon was not fresh and very mushy . There were only 3 other tables filled when we were there . Beer sat on the bar and was not served to me for atleast 10 minutes . We want to love this place ..... I think we are done . Too many chances to impress us and it has not been impressive . read more

Good drinks, great beer, responsive servers and a welcoming atmosphere. We went here for an event and were pleasantly surprised. The venue was a generous size clean and well set up. It also had game tables throughout that hit frequent use. My Bloody Mary was exactly how I asked for it. The beer selection on tap was very good. I recommend you try it if in Grayslake or the surrounding area. read more

Went in tonight and host told us we could pick a table we waited for 30 minutes and never got a server. Yet a table of 8 came in after us sat directly behind us and a server went up to them to take their orders. Not sure what went wrong on their end but it was completely disrespectful. read more

Food was tasty. I had chicken parmigiana. Large servings. We had the fried pickles and the raw oysters. Yummy! We had the Mac and cheese , the cubano, and the bbq pork sandwich as well. All were very tasty! My favorite was the fried pickles! Will definitely go here again. The menu is huge! Like 3 pages of food and an entire book of beverage! lol Service was excellent. We were there on a Tuesday night. We were solo in the dining area but the bar area was packed. read more

I want to like this place. I really do. This was our 2nd visit. Tonight was not good. Our waitress greeted us with "so do you want a drink". We never learned her name and she never thanked us for our visit. We saw waiters wearing masks on their chin with nose and mouth exposed. There was zero social distancing at the bar. Guests were walking around with no masks on. The pizza is terrible. Emils is much better. The burgers are actually pretty good but a bit overpriced. Most of the food is overpriced. Cheese curds appetizer for $13?! Lots of good beers on tap. Beautiful outdoor patio. So many good things going for this place, they just need to tighten up the service and think about lowering prices a bit. read more

First Draft - Upstairs bar. Zero social distancing. - American Near Me - Grayslake, Illinois

We enjoyed our first visit here. We were able to sit out on the patio and enjoy the weather. You can DEFINITELY tell that they are still working out the kinks of being a new restaurant, getting wait staff trained and working on cohesion between front of the house and back of the house. But, the waitress we had was VERY kind and apologetic when a mistake was made (confusion around food deliveries and tables, moments of chaos when too many beers were sent out). The entire wait staff seemed eager to help but need more clarity around what their "lane" is to help things run more smoothly. The food has potential. Gruyere and kale dip was not good. Sauce was broken and greasy. My chicken pita was very plain - could use lemon and some more garlic/herbs. Everything needed salt. Best part was sitting on their beautiful deck and having a beer. Will wait a few months for them to work out the kinks and then make another visit to see where they're at. read more

Come for the beer and appetizers. Anything else and you will be very disappointed. We ordered a variety of things from the menu, wraps, fish fry, meatballs, brisket sandwich and salads. Wraps were forgettable. Fish was so overcooked it was difficult to eat. Meatballs were raw and served cold, brisket was pretty bad. Only highlight was the salads which were generous and tasty. read more

The service, food, and atmosphere were wonderful here. The pizza was seriously amazing. I'd order it over and over again, and never get tired of it. There were lots of draft beer options too - pages and pages of various craft beers to choose from. It wasn't crowded, which I loved but was confused about. It was a Friday or Saturday night, so where was everyone? They were missing out, that's for sure. I highly recommend this restaurant for lunch, dinner, or even just drinks. Support local businesses! read more

We had our first time visit here today. We were very happy with the service, the food and the ambiance. We ordered a cheese pizza, calamari, and a FD hash. The food was amazing. Best calamari we have had in a very long time! The restaurant wasn't very busy but had a good crowd for the football games going on. Our server Mikayla was great! She was very attentive and made sure we had a great time! The Zebra beer is what my husband had and it was wonderful! We will definitely be back! read more

The ambience is really weird Good if you're just by yourself drinking at the bar or with a couple friends

This is our fourth visit, but 1st time being served a short pour of wine. When asked about the serving we were told wine only goes to a certain part of the glass. Apparently she didn't know which part of the glass . We let that slide but usually it's a 6 ounce pour. After discussing amongst ourselves the shortness of the drink, we noticed another bartender making a wine pour but... He utilized a handwritten white line on the bar with a "W" on it. I'm going to assume that's where the pour should have endef. The amount was much higher than what we were served . Waitress then later asked "did you want a little more" but considering it took her so long to ask, we had decided we're having 1 and done. Considering it's $9 for a glass of wine you would think one would get a decent pour. That wasn't the case and we will never go back! A repeat customer was lost over a glass of wine. read more

Stopped in for the first time tonight and I loved it. The environment was great, as was the modern appeal. Came on a Saturday night and had about 25 minute wait which isn't bad at all. We sat on the upstairs outdoor patio. It had cute string lights and a fire place. The service was great, very attentive and kind. There is also a lower outdoor patio, and large windows and doors opened throughout both the upper and lower levels so that lowered COVID concerns for me. Everything was great and I would definitely return here! read more

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Overall pretty good but needs some work: -Pulled pork poutine was tasty, but not served with a spoon to get the liquefied cheese sauce from the bottom. When I asked for one, I got... A pizza server? -Wife ordered Stromboli, with the caveat it would take 25 min. No problem. However, I believe my entree (chicken parm) was prepared at the same time and sat under the warmer, as it came out hot but dried out. -Also on the chicken parm, menu said it would be served on linguini, it was served on spaghetti, which was disappointing. -Menu was pretty varied, but has some weird limitations. Stromboli was great, but only pepperoni, Canadian bacon, and spinach? Pizza/flatbread was only pepperoni or cheese I believe. Burgers all had lettuce, some had Bleu cheese. -Large beer list, but waaaaaay too many IPA's. And server was not at all knowledgeable about them. I don't require a lot, but it took a lot of help for them to find them on their little order machine. -Space was very loud, even in the non-bar part where we were seated. This wasn't a huge deal, but could be a tad quieter. Will try again when in town, there is a lot of potential there with the location and concept. read more

The Good: the best Cuban sandwich I've ever had! The fries are good. The beer selection is solid. The Bad: I've had my share of not so great food there. Inconsistent food at top end pricing is a bad combo. The Ugly: Overpriced! The pricing may be the reason it's not often busy in there. I hope they review their pricing and adjust because I really want them to do well. read more