Specifically made a reservation, and upon arrival our table was not ready for 10 mins. Not sure why this happened. Forced to wait in bar area which was high traffic and we were shuffled around. Not fond of our server's humor/attitude - felt a little uncomfortable. My medium rare steak was rare and I asked for it to be cooked me more. He kept asking are u sure in a condescending way, to which I replied yes, this is raw according to the high end steak houses I've been to. Yummy food though. Sucks hospitality is lacking here. Prob won't be back. Heard the bartenders are lovely people though. read more

4 stars overall, but the food/drink is probably 3.5 - beautifully presented but composition is inconsistent . Nice ambiance that's casual enough to feel comfortable bringing my kids, but upscale enough for the evening to feel like a nice night out. Loved the appies - we got the cauliflower hummus and deviled eggs - highly recommend both. As for entrees, chicken sandwich was perfectly fried crispy with not too much breading, on a biscuit. Fries were just ok. They were unfortunately out of the schnitzel I wanted to try so I had the halibut special instead. The fish was perfectly cooked, but the composition of the fish was rather confusing - the lobster bisque-like sauce was fantastic on its own, but overpowered the delicate halibut. The crispy yuca strips went perfectly with the fish, but the dish was finished off with lots of shishito peppers - again, way too overpowering. I would have preferred a much subtler vegetable. Kids Mac and cheese was fantastic, with a hint of what I think was thyme. The drink list was heavily spirit -forward. I ended up getting a sangria which was good, but my husband thought the old fashioned was terrible. The balance of spirit vs bitters was completely off, plus it was served over tiny ice instead of a large cube. To top it all off, the cherry was muddled. read more

Highly recommend! Quaint, great food, service and atmosphere! So happy I found it while visiting my daughter.

Unbelievably great service, really feels like family dinner. Delicious food with rotating specials that are always amazing.

We had the brussel sprouts for an appetizer and poutine & flatbread for entrées. The brussel sprouts were very good but maybe could have used a little more citrus. The entrees were tasty. The service was very good. The ambience is cozy and it was very busy for Valentine's Day. read more

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We scored a last min Sat night reservation here. I've been wanting to come for years so glad I finally got the chance! The restaurant itself was pretty packed early on a Sat night, mostly with families. The menu is very family friendly so perhaps we'll come back with our kids in tow. Our waiter was hard at work, but got our orders in a timely matter. We shared a bunch of small plates and one large place. For the small plates deviled eggs (amazing), faux chorizo tacos (so so), oysters (yum) and the brisket flat bread (probably my favorite). And then we split the halibut special large plate (just OK). The desserts looked really good (can't go wrong with a warm giant cookie), but we ran out of room. In fact, we ended up bringing home half of the flat bread and halibut. Our boys enjoyed it and asked when they can come eat here! They have a great menu of family menus that you need to order before 2pm so I may look into those for the future. They also have a great happy hour menu so I'll be back for $2 oysters! read more

We had a really nice dinner here a couple days before Christmas. It has a really cozy neighborhood feel and the waiter was super nice. They have a daily happy hour which was awesome, we got mussels and cocktail shrimp for a really good price. It is very family friendly, they were very kind to our toddler. The best thing we ate there among many good things was the apple galette dessert, it was amazing. read more

Great Coast Commons - Wine Bars Near Me - Kenilworth, Illinois

Here's what you need to know: Outstanding service my Mike Donovan - just a great server who set the standard. Very tasty fried chicken sandwich and ribs. We celebrated our birthday here (very enjoyable galette for dessert) and really enjoyed ourselves and will be back for more, especially for Mike hospitality. While overall the pricing was fair for the area, The only reason why the review is not 5 stars is because of the pricing on the specials. They had a ribs special that was 4 ribs (about 35-40% of the whole rack) for $33 ($43 with tax and tip) which is just unjustified. These aren't kurobuta heritage ribs that I could tell and good smoking is not an extravagance these days with technology where it is. So seemed excessive for that. Ambiance is nice and quaint and we look forward to coming back to try the other offerings on the menu. Meal for 2 with coffee but no alcohol or apps was $100 read more

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Have enjoyed Great Coast Commons many times - both on site and by carryout. Food and service never disappoints. Menu is limited, but there are enough selections to satisfy most diners. Venue can be tight due to size and popularity. read more

I heard about this place before Covid hit and always wanted to give it a try, so tonight was the night! I pre-ordered the fried chicken and biscuits via their website. Today, Zach called me (super friendly guy) around 11 to confirm my order and my sides. I wanted to order more food from their regular menu, but ordering a 10 piece fried chicken, biscuits, mashed potatoes and roasted brussels sprouts was probably enough. I hate to admit this, but I ate half of the mashed potatoes because they were so good! I love potatoes and these hit the spot. The Brussels sprouts were good. Fried chicken was really good. I used to order fried chicken on Sundays from Hofherr in Northfield, but I think we just found our new place for fried chicken. Thanks! I can't wait to try the regular menu. Pick up was super easy. I just pulled up and they came right to my car. I didn't even have to call. read more

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We love this restaurant! We've never had a bad meal. Our fave is the chicken and peppers, but really everything is delicious! And the staff is very friendly. read more

Great! Stopped in because we were in the area late on a Saturday afternoon. Lucky for us it was Happy Hour and we were able to enjoy a great peach sangria and a mojito. We also ordered and loved the chips and onion dip from the HH menu. For our entrees we shared the brisket flatbread, which we enjoyed, and each got a salad. My Greek salad was bright and delicious - with generous dressing. My sister enjoyed the wedge with the maple balsamic dressing (rather than the ranch as described in the menu). Also important to note - the service! Our server was attentive and very nice. It was a lovely visit. read more

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Truly a local find! The staff are great, the reception is always warm! Been here maybe 30 times, and I can tell you the Ribeye and New York are as good as any I have had in Chicago. Fried Chicken sandwich is fantastic packed with flavor. Any good restaurant should have great fries! They do! Wine pours are generous, and the wine list is well thought out. A lesser known Happy Hour! A must! Items are 50% off and oysters are delicious and fresh. It is my family local, and I can say with confidence, you will leave full, and happy. I will fight any grown man shirtless if you don't love it as much as I do. The fried Chicken to go? Makes Colonel Sanders look like Private Sanders! Totally endorse this crew! read more

My boyfriend and I came here for happy hour (which is everyday fyi) and it was so great! Everything was so good, and the mignonette for the oysters was *AMAZING*. The Elderflower Mule has a nice kick to it too Host and servers were so nice! read more

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Old school, high quality service. Every server was genuine, thoughtful, knowledgeable. The host shook my hand on the way out and thanked me for coming. Food was delicious. My 11 year old texted me afterwards to remind me to rate this restaurant five stars. Here it is. read more

Best service I have *ever* had *anywhere*. Our server and the owner both checked in with us repeatedly throughout the evening, never intrusively, just letting us know they cared. Best burger I've had in years, and the whitefish was nearly as good. My mojito could have used more mint and simple syrup, but I'm still giving GCC full marks. read more

I have to write. We try to sit at the bar regularly when we dine out. We like it it's our thing. Which means you need a special bar tender who can handle the bar, servers/drinks and general atmosphere. Shout out to Rob. The best. On to the food. We found this place during the pandemic when we moved to the area. Best best family dinners, nicest staff, etc. we continue to dine here and love it. Those of you who go know shake shake style of burger will love the burger here. It's fantastic. Their friends chicken is next level (and GF) my kid loves the Mac and cheese. Down home cooking g with refined twist at its best. read more

Great Coast Commons is just fabulous! Those vegan chorizo tacos are to die for, and don't even get me started on the trout - it's cooked to absolute perfection! Every dish is a masterpiece, with vibrant flavors and perfect textures. read more

Haters may hate, but I hate to break it to everyone, this is not a 5-star restaurant. We went on a Saturday night and sat at the bar. You definitely get the local restaurant vibe. It is a tight restaurant with limited seating. Most of the clientele seem to be from Kenilworth. The menu is light. Few selections, and kind of scattered in what they serve. I am not sure what their specialty is. I had the Spicy Thai Curry and my significant other does not remember what special plate she had. It was a standard meal when I compare it to the many other restaurants we have been going to. A heavy number of families with children in the place, fairly loud. Service was standard, but there is nothing remarkable. We usually remember something from a meal, but nothing from this place. Again, while many may call it a 5-star Kenilworth restaurant, there are plenty of other restaurants a few miles away that would receive a better star review. We will not be going back to Great Coast. read more

What a treat! Located in beautiful Kenilworth and so convenient to Kenilworth Metra. Cool vibe inside and the place was jammed. If I'm correct, it is the only restaurant inn Kenilworth to have secured a liquoR license. Bartenders were greedy, and fun cocktail menu. Wine and beer list strong as well. Loved my steak and crispy garlic potatoes. Steak cooked perfectly and great flavor on whole meal. Had fresh shucked oysters foR and app and they were cold and delicious! Other people raved about the hummus and pita chips. Can't wait to go back and try the sandwiches. They have a kids menu too! All food is upscale with creative presentations. Owners couldn't be more friendly and you have to love patronizing Places where it's family run with fresh recipes and hard to come by outside of downtown and these guys hit a homerun. Will be back! read more

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Always see this place out of the train window and the wife and I finally drove back down to try it a few weekends ago. Great food, great service. Everything we had was terrific (Brussels sprouts to start, the salmon with miso citrus glaze, kale and arugula salad). Service was attentive despite a full house. If you're the type that wants some space while eating, some of the seating is pretty tight. We didn't mind it. read more

Good food; poor timing Went there on a weeknight. Restaurant was not busy. We ordered the food at 6:30 and got the food at 7:40 maybe. Looked like the restaurant was taking good care of their online orders - there was a steady flow of take out bags leaving the restaurant. The food itself was great. Felt like the restaurant cares more about their online orders than their customers. read more

Very good and exquisite food! The service was amazing. I went there on my birthday and had a splendid time! Good job!

What a delightful meal. We ordered the haddock, with a pate appetizer and wedge salad. Vanilla creme brûlée for dessert. The plates looked fantastic; every bite was delicious. The space was full, but quiet. The acoustics are good. Great service You can't miss! read more

Great staff, great happy hour, clean and relaxing interior. Try the Short Rib Flat bread. Well made cocktails and a good beer selection. Didn't get to the wines yet but I'll be back. read more

My husband went to Great Coast Commons with some friends and liked it so much he wanted to go back with us, his family. We went on a Friday or Saturday night and arrived at about 7:30. The picnic tables are spread out on the grassy, shady median of Park Ave, which makes for a casual and safe dining out experience. We had to wait a while for a table and we felt like a bunch of vultures hovering over parties that looked like they might leave soon. There were several other families trying to stake a claim, too. For this reason I wish GCC would start a waiting list and seat guests in order of their arrival. We ordered a salad, two pizzas, a cheese board, and a couple of drinks. The wait for the food, which all came out at different times, was very long. We were getting cranky before everything arrived. The food itself was fine. The pizzas had a softer crust than I like but the flavors were good. Had we had this experience in pre-COVID times, I'd give GCC three stars. Knowing that they're scrambling to make it all work as best as they can under difficult circumstances, I'll give then four. read more

Outstanding food -- with amazing variety in a small menu, from ribs and steaks to fine whitefish, crispy fresh salads and vegetarian dishes like spicy Thai curry. And delicious hamburgers. Wonderful bar and fun bartenders. Expert and friendly wait staff. All interesting people, all pros, very attentive and fun -- that includes the owner, Chick, who sets the tone and does anything & everything to make everyone feel welcome and make the place hum. He even delivers carry-out. Delicious desserts. Great for all ages. We have brought all of our out-of-town kids and grandkids here and they've had a great time. And a cousin with a crazily restrictive diet who was in seventh heaven because she had lots to choose from. We go frequently because we love it so much. The decor is also beautiful and unique. "Nautical" sounds kitchy: this is anything but. So smooth and sophisticated, designed by owner's talented wife with colorized large paintings from Kenilworth historical photos. Just charming and pleasing in every way. My favorites: their Manhattans, crispy garlic potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, ribs in the summer, pork schnitzel in the winter, vegan tacos, chicken peppers, the apple galette, of course, and whatever Rob and Mike recommend for a nightcap, read more

Wonderful food, atmosphere and service. We have also gotten food delivered and it was timelyue

I just found this place during the covid19 epidemic and they deliver and do curbside pick up! This food has amazing flavor..... omg I need to order this all the time .the monkey bread is so light but crispy, the salad lyonnaise has a perfectly cooked egg, totally gooey on the inside, and mixes with the dressing. I got a (faux?) chorizo taco and damn was that good. Soft and crunchy and flavorful I'm seriously impressed. Keep this small business around and order takeout!! Wonderful staff, so kind and friendly. Gave wipes to each customer to wipe our own pens to sign the bill haha. Weird times but amazing service :) read more

Great Coast Commons - Salade lyonnaise - Wine Bars Near Me - Kenilworth, Illinois

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My wife and I each had a salad. Hers was a chop salad and mine was a caesar. Both were quite good. The white anchovy on the caesar was surprisingly good....mild and not too salty. The star of the meal was the filet mignon we split. It was perfect! The glasses of wines we had were very good and the decor was quite nice. If you like really good food in pleasant surroundings with good service, you gotta go there! read more

Kenilworth it's self is a great town and as a local I'm very glad that this restaurant is there the food tasted fantastic! And the staff was very attentive. I would highly recommend this place for all families and couples. The only thing is is that you need to be sure to make a reservation before hand. read more

This place was incredible. I come from a family of great cooks so some may say I critique too harshly. I found this place by chance and it will definitely be a go-to! The service was amazing, the bartender Mike was so sweet and attentive. The decor was so cute and tied to the name and nautical theme. The food. WOW. Everything was amazing!! The oysters were so good and fresh. The burger and chicken sandwich was so flavorful. For our capper, The apple galette was UNREAL! I have told all my friends and family about this place!! read more

We have now dined at Great Coast Commons three times plus two carry out meals during the shelter in place. Each visit has been a wonderful experience. We love the energy, the ambience, the feel of a village restaurant and best of all the food. Love to start with the Monkey bread- normally, we avoid the bread service but the little bites with melted butter are absolutely yummy. We've particularly enjoyed the scallops, Amish chicken and the salmon; however, one night I ordered the halibut with a cauliflower purée and micro greens- it was superb! Cooked perfectly with fabulous flavor. Loved it! For our carry out meals , we had the chicken and short rib flatbread along with the chocolate cake - all A+, packaged nicely and easy pick up. A wonderful addition to Kenilworth, read more

Ok, I ordered on New Year's Eve, so there's some reason for it to be made hastily and not too great. The fried chicken was mediocre and the ambiance, well I didn't eat there. The fries were good but nothing to write home about. Overall, it's okay, read more

Went to Great Coast for our date night after hearing great things about the new Northshore restaurant. We arrived shortly after 6pm, the place was packed, we immediately liked the atmosphere, casual elegance with a city vibe. The host was super attentive. After seated, we ordered Monkey Bread and Avocado Toast as appetizers, the Money Bread dipped in herb infused butter is quite addictive. Avocado Toast is piled with Smoked Salmon and an egg sunny side up, all the flavors were pulled together with spices with a slight kick, hands down the best avo-toast I've had. For main dish, my husband ordered the burger and I got three vegan tacos. My tacos are fantastic in flavor, perfectly prepared, you can taste the freshness. My husband loved his burger as well. The couple sat at the table next to us ordered the Salmon and Chicken Sandwich, they gave thumps up to their dishes too. Overall, it was a super enjoyable meal, we are very glad to have this new restaurant in the neighborhood, looking forward to going back soon and try other things on the menu. read more

Great Coast Commons - Menu - Wine Bars Near Me - Kenilworth, Illinois

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What a great find. New, clean, great service and even better food! I tried the avocado fries, the vegan tacos and the bean soup. I highly recommend them all. They also had a great cocktail and wine selection. read more

Great Coast Commons - Wine Bars Near Me - Kenilworth, Illinois

Service was very nice and attentive. Food was delicious. I sat outside so cars were going by on Green Bay Rd but it was fine

My family of 5 (wife and 3 daughters 4,12,14) had a great experience here! Great place to have a nice dinner before going to a Northwestern game. The food menu is great. They do have a kids menu as well. Which makes ordering for younger kids easier. The food was amazing. I would highly recommend the poutine! The waitstaff knows what they are doing and made our dinner very enjoyable. The wine selection is great. read more

This restaurant delivers top quality food, preparation and innovation. I absolutely love everything on the menu. Every order has been consistently excellent. Must go. Finally a restaurant on the north shore to rave about. read more

Great food family friendly atmosphere. Owner is usually on site checking in and ensuring a great experience.