Coffee by day, Wine by night? Eastside Café is located in Downtown East Dundee. They have a large…read moreinside but also a great outdoor patio to enjoy. They have plenty of coffee flavors and options to kick start your morning but also sell bottles of wine and drinks for the evening. This visit, I got a Bourbon Caramel Iced Coffee and my husband got a Hot Chai Latte. The Chai was on the sweeter side but had good flavor. My coffee was the perfect caffeine strength but it could have used a bit more syrup flavoring. Overall, the staff member who helped us was great and very kind! I'd love to come back and try one of their customer favorites.

Love the food and the coffee. They have gluten free breakfast sandwich's which are amazing. And I…read morelike the peanut butter syrup for the coffee

Chef Patrick slayed our brunch dishes on this beautiful Sunday morning. This was our first time…read morestopping for brunch. We started with mimosas (only way to start a Sunday morning breakfast). What we ordered: * Steak Hash- my husband said this is his new favorite breakfast meal. This is a man who loves breakfast over any other meal. Order the steak hash, you will not be disappointed. * Piquant sausage crostata- I absolutely loved this dish. It was bursting with flavor in each bite. Definitely had a kick of spice, which I love. I think we have found our new Sunday brunch spot! Thank you Chef Patrick and Kathleen for giving us wonderful food and a beautiful atmosphere to enjoy our early Sundays.

Let me start by writing that this place deserves five stars and should be five stars, and I wanted…read moreso badly to give it five stars. But sadly there was a private event that spread the kitchen very thin and it took away from the overall experience. Food: 5.0/5.0 - Everything we ate was awesome. We did the Wood-Fired Artichoke, the Two Pigs in a Basket Crostata, the Steak Hash, and the Arugula Salad. Everything was cooked and flavored nicely but I wish the steak hash had more steak. (See my photos) Service: 4.5/5.0 - The server was kind and Joe was walking around checking in regularly, making sure we were protected from the rain. I dinged half a point because the server didn't have the best explanations for why everything was out. More on that later. Ambiance: 4.0/5.0 - I think on a normal evening on a date, this place would be 5.0/5.0. The decor is rustic/modern and it felt like a vacation spot that you'd visit on the Florida coast. Loved the brassware and the attention to detail in the presentation of food. It was a Sunday afternoon when we were there, so the band across the street was disruptive to the feel outside the restaurant in the garden and patio. By 3:00pm the flies and gnats were becoming annoying. So good scores in general and worthy of 5 stars, but alas, the kitchen was not prepared for the afternoon private party along with the crowd from the night before... apparently. They were "unable to make" or were out of several dishes. From what I can recall, there were no: pizza pies, whitefish, and chimichurri. They also ran out of all soda except a few bottles of Coca Cola. And there was no beer on tap because the keg was broken, so they only had Guinness and Stella bottles. Because of this, it stung to pay the prices we did for our items. I'd say a fair price point with all said and done is probably $3-$4 less on any item here. Crostatas were great, but maybe for $13. I'd pay $16 for the steak hash. I'm sure if we came back on a weeknight, this place would be amazing. Great people, great food, and everything in stock. If we came back, I'd love to upgrade this review to 5 stars. The problem is, the price may keep us from giving this place a second try.

The suburbs don't usually inspire much confidence when someone tells you they're taking you out for…read morepizza. More often than not, you're looking at another tavern-cut pie, a dozen televisions screaming sports highlights, and a menu designed by committee. Safe. Predictable. Forgettable. Then there's Woodfire. I ended up here with my family celebrating my son's second birthday and was immediately reminded that every now and then, hidden among the endless strip malls and chain restaurants of the Chicago suburbs, you'll stumble across a place that actually gives a damn. The Vodka Pizza arrived looking almost too good to touch. Almost. Hot Calabrian vodka sauce. Fresh mozzarella. Shallot. Pepperoni. Ricotta. Basil. A combination that sounds familiar enough until that first bite lands and the heat punches through. Not the fake, watered-down, suburban version of spicy that restaurants use to avoid frightening anyone. This pizza has conviction. It has backbone. The Calabrian peppers make their presence known immediately and refuse to apologize for it. Good. Food should have an opinion. The crust, charred, blistered, beautifully imperfect, comes from house-made dough cooked in a wood-fired oven that sits like the beating heart of the restaurant. Every pie carries those little marks of fire that remind you an actual human being made it. Not a conveyor belt. Not a timer. Fire. Flour. Skill. And speaking of things that deserve respect, let's talk about the bar. Kevin has become something of a local legend in Dundee. The kind of bartender whose name gets mentioned before the cocktail list. The kind of guy who understands that making drinks isn't about pouring alcohol into a glass. It's hospitality, theater, craftsmanship, and just enough mischief to keep things interesting. Still chasing the heat from the pizza, I ordered the Spicy Flamingo. A dangerous drink. Sweet enough to invite you in. Spicy enough to keep you paying attention. The kind of cocktail that disappears faster than you intended and leaves you contemplating a second before the first one is gone. Around us, bussers moved through the dining room like a pit crew at Daytona. Tables were cleaned before they looked dirty. Empty glasses vanished. New guests were seated. The machine never stopped moving. Then there's Chef Mason. It's obvious someone in that kitchen understands the difference between cooking food and feeding people. There's technique here. Knowledge. Discipline. But thankfully none of the self-important nonsense that infects so many restaurants once they start believing their own press. Woodfire isn't trying to change your life. It's not trying to educate you. It's not trying to be the coolest restaurant in the room. Like Ferris Bueller, it understands that life moves pretty fast. So instead of chasing trends, it focuses on making exceptional handmade pizza, memorable pasta, serious cocktails, and creating a place where people actually want to spend an evening. In a world full of restaurants desperately trying to be something, Woodfire succeeds by simply being exactly what it is. And that's a hell of a lot rarer than it should be.

Woodfire fits naturally into the heart of Dundee -- relaxed, welcoming, and easy to enjoy. The…read morepizza is the highlight, bringing a fun, flavorful approach that works well for both casual nights out and group dinners. The pasta and appetizers are solid across the board, and the drinks round out the experience nicely. It's the kind of neighborhood spot that may not try to overreach, but consistently delivers a good time and a satisfying meal.

I am SO grateful this establishment is here in our town of Algonquin! The gals are personable,…read moreattentive, and knowledgeable about their vast selection of whiskey, wine, and trivia! My partner and I (early 30's) have been regulars for over a year. We look forward to trivia every Tuesday (and a few spontaneous nights between). You cannot beat the rotating wine tastings weekly and the charcuterie is killer! Made fresh to order every time!! Whether it's a special date night or a quick stop in, you are bound to have a fantastic drink (highly recommend the whisky sour) and some cheeky conversations with the lovely women work here! Kristi is truly dedicated to the business and has created a great space for the community to come together. We HIGHLY recommend you check out W&W!

Whiskey & Wine does exactly what its name promises -- and to its credit, it does those two things…read morevery well. The selection is deep, especially for whiskey, and it's a fun place to try bottles you're unlikely to run into elsewhere. There's a simplicity to the concept that works, though it comes with limits. No full bar and no food menu keep the experience fairly narrow, but if you come for a pour, a conversation, and a little exploration, it delivers exactly what it sets out to be.

We went for the Mother's Day brunch. And everything tasted so good. I was so happy they had the…read moreTiramisu its my favorite and they have one of the best ones. I also loved their nutella cheesecake. The prime rib was cooked and seasoned perfectly. The ham looked dry but i did have it and it wasnt dry so looks can be deceiving lol. The Garlic roasted chicken was also a fav, the chicken was juicy and tasty. Service was great and they had a Valet service specificalky for this occasion. Definitely coming back because i still want to try their grilled octopus. Happy Eating!

We met here with a work group. All of us in town for a meeting. The food took so long and it got so…read morelate I had to go because I hadn't planned on eating so late. The table server was kind and polite but could not cover for the slow cook. I left my coworkers who opted to wait it out. The slow food service kept the others another 30 minutes before they got their orders served. Could have been an anomaly but I'd call this a failure. I hope for their sake they find a chef.

If you are planning your next event......look no further! Exceptional service in every way…read morepossible! We experienced Angelina's expertise, her exceptional attention to detail, a seamless and easy process of planning a private dinner party. Every request big or small, was met in a timely manner and she was always so kind and thoughtful with her responses! I cannot tell you how much I appreciated her! On another note, Joel was absolutely exceptional in every way possible! He was hard working, kind and so incredibly helpful in every way possible! He handled each and every guest as if there were 4 of "him" doing service. Not one single person wanted for food or drink once in the entire evening. Joel went above and beyond with managing small details, such as suggesting he put the kids orders in first to keep them occupied. When we surprised my sweet niece with car keys, Joel followed the 25 person parade through the restaurant to have a look outside- he was so joyful!! By the end of the party, everyone was singing his praises- he made a wonderful evening that much more special! Exceptional experience, cheers Cooper's Hawk- Algonquin!!!

Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant is always a solid dinner choice for me, but only recently did I…read moretry their brunch! The salted caramel donuts and the Cooper's Hawk steak and eggs were some of the best items I've had from there. Let's start with the salted caramel donuts because...wow. They come out warm, soft, and perfectly golden with just the right amount of sweetness. The outside has that light crisp, the inside is fluffy, and paired with the salted caramel flavor, they're dangerously easy to keep reaching for. Definitely a must-order for the table. The Cooper's Hawk steak and eggs were just as impressive. The steak was cooked exactly how I wanted, tender, flavorful, and not overdone. The eggs were perfectly done, and the potatoes were crispy on the outside but soft inside, which really pulled the whole dish together. It's one of those meals that feels indulgent but still balanced enough for brunch. Between the cozy atmosphere, great service, and food that actually delivers, this is one of those spots I'll keep coming back to--especially for those donuts alone.

Stopped by this past Sunday to do what we often do, order something to drink and quick bite while…read moresitting at the bar. It's one of our favorite spots, second to the outdoor patio. Conversations with the staff and occasionally the customers seems to just flow naturally. Has a Cheers feel where familiar faces meets welcoming atmosphere. Sydney, server and bartender, recently introduced a new set of cocktails. Adventurous as I am, I had to try the Campfire (I think that's what it's called). Made with Scotch and a hand toasted marshmallow (see pic), it was smooth and smoky (though no smoke is involved), capturing the essence of a campfire and S'mores. Easily a new favorite. Awesome Sydney!!!!!! My wife wasn't too hungry, but I ordered the Chicago Chopped Cheese from the specials menu (see pic). Surprisingly good and didn't expected the style. Chef Mark is on a role lately, as I have tried all but one of the specials. Keep it going. Be back soon!

The girls still love to have our girls night out dinner at Village Vintner. We have been back a…read morecouple times since my first review. Service is still great. The last time we went, it was pretty early and it was quiet. Food is always very good; I still don't drink wine, so I still cannot comment on it, but the iced tea was lovely the last time I was there.

The food and drinks were excellent. We were a party of six and the waitress was crabby and…read moredisrespectful. It definitely influenced this rating.

The Saddle Room has a way of making a night out feel a little more special. The food is…read moreconsistently good, the drinks are fun without trying too hard, and the atmosphere strikes that rare balance between polished and relaxed. What really makes it stand out is the ambiance -- warm, inviting, and tailor-made for date night. It's the kind of place that may not shout for attention, but quietly delivers a very enjoyable experience.

By far the best cocktail spot in East Dundee! The first floor has a beautiful bar and some larger…read moregroup seating areas. Upstairs feels like a swanky lounge with sofas and chairs. The entire place was beautifully design and played into the concept well. I ordered the Fox River which was spirit forward, smooth, and subtly sweet. My husband ordered the Gin Blossom which was frothy, bright, and balanced. The drinks both tasted good and were presented well. This was definitely a favorite spot of mine and I'd certainly come back!

If you love a chill hangout spot that has delicious craft cocktails and a modern-chic speakeasy…read moredecor then The Distance Social is for you! I've been here a few times with the guys and each time we love it. We've had the back room, with a big screen TV, all to ourselves and we've also posted up on the balcony. Not matter where we sit the seats are comfortable and the surroundings are swanky! Ordering from the menu is a chore because everything sounds amazing! Rest assured... it is! I have yet to have a cocktail here that didn't wonderfully wet my whistle. And the same high remarks go for the staff, who are always welcoming and accommodating. I dare you not to become a fan of TDS upon your first visit! Will I be back again? Absolutely!