My bestie and I stopped in for a quick shot just to check out the vibe, and it did not disappoint. Shots were under $10 each, which was a nice surprise so we tipped well. The bartender was super sweet and even offered us water. Another staff member came over asking if it was ladies' night -- we loved her energy! She was such a gem (and her bar shirt was so cute). We'll definitely be back again soon! read more

This place is not called Island Tap anymore but... It's very cool inside! Ladies restroom is down the stairs. Staff is hella friendly. Juke box is a nice touch. Drinks were good. Hosted gem for sure! read more

Island Tap - Sign on side - Bars Near Me - Libertyville, Illinois

See all

This is a great place to get your identity stolen. Four individuals hanging out by the dartboard, one in particular, were seemingly friendly to me and my wife. It then got weird with the guy asking pressing questions about family, how many kids, etc. He then tried to take a live FaceTime video with my wife and she thankfully turned away. This is a targeted identity theft tactic and should not be tolerated. I have not experienced this anywhere else in Libertyville. Stay clear of the Island. And if you do go there, you should be wary (unfortunately) of overly friendly patrons. The guy was talking about the Waukegan casino as a subject of conversation, so be wary of this "conversational" approach. read more

Exactly what we expected - a dive bar but a fun atmosphere. Good drink selection and efficient service

I typically like this place but lately I went there this past weekend and they have been doing last call at 2-2:15am on fridays and saturdays. They wouldn't serve me just a redbull (no alcohol) before 2:30am and they close at 3. I think it's a bit ridiculous to do last call before 2:30 at a 3 am bar. Just close at 2. read more

Exactly what I was looking for, a bar to hang out at when going home locally. Good/weird vibe I love it; they have a jukebox good sound read more

Island Tap - mgd - Bars Near Me - Libertyville, Illinois

Fist timers are definitely not welcome here. Barman is quite rude, music is overwhelmingly loud and certainly do not go into the bath, its horrible. Would not recommend for newcomers to be here! read more

If I could rate this place 0 I would. Racist employees. They're very blunt and forward about it too. They'll be rude on purpose to chase you out with their " are you finished yet? Are you going to order something else or are you just taking up space?" Etc.. We went here to have a couple drinks to celebrate a birthday and the employees made it their job to ruin the night read more

It had been at least 10 years since I had visited the Island Tap. Since my previous visit it has been transformed from a hole in the wall maximum dive bar into a very passable imitation of an Irish pub (or what Chicagoans think an Irish pub is like). I wondered aloud why they kept the name "Island Tap" and was reminded by a patron that Ireland is an "Island" (albeit a large one). Lots of great beer choices, sports on TV, a classic oak bar and bar back, and a board for "Sharps" are big plus factors. No trouble with service even on a very busy night. That having been said- it does pay to not be shy. OK Being here on St. Patrick's day might have tipped the fun factor a BIT toward the positive? Slainte! read more

See all

Thad is the best owner because he doesn't care if you're white, black, asian any other race. He has very fast service. He always smiles at everyone and is very friendly. I love coming here for a fun time. Would definitely recommend coming here. read more

Love it, been going there since I was 21...off the beaten path of downtown and a favorite where you don't have to deal with the libertvilke " tourists ". read more

I love the bartenders Travis and James! They are amazing!! The only reason I do not give this place 5 stars is because the owners brother is a racist drunk. I try to ignore it but he has harassed me twice. The first time he was so drunk asking for me and my sisters ID that he didn't know what personal space is. This last time I literally walked in greeted my friends and he I started pestering me and telling me to shush like I am a child. It got so obnoxious that my friends had to say something to him. If you can ignore this guy you'll have a great time. There's a music machine and great bartenders!! read more

Island Tap is by far my favorite watering hole in Libertyville... It's a small town, Irish pub that sticks to what they do best: making & pouring drinks with a smile. They pull in the locals who you WANT to hang out with -the cool kids on School. Whither you go to Island Tap with your posse or alone, you'll leave a happier you! Billy... He's the best bartender this side of the pond: friendly, relaxed, pours killer drinks & has a personality to boot! He brought home the best Baby Guinness family shot recipe from Ireland, 'Billy's Mini Guinnie.' Order one... You'll LOVE it, almost as much as Billy. If you don't like it (the drink), msg me & I'll think about reimbursing you. Simply put: Good People+Good Drinks=Good Times @ Island Tap. read more

Great little dive bar, tucked away in a parking lot behind the main street in downtown Libertyville. Apparently it's the oldest bar in the area. Great place to watch a game, and if you're a Yankees fan, you'll enjoy being able to watch the game with sound. There is no food served, but the bartender (who is often the owner) will pass out take out menus and you're welcomed to order a pizza or whatever right to the bar. That alone makes this a gem! Lastly, there's a guitar hanging on the wall and if you play, ask for it and play the bar a couple tunes. I played a few songs and had a few rounds bought for me by customers in the place. We had a great time! read more

Island Tap - Best and oldest dive bar in the area. Hidden in a parking lot behind the main drag - Bars Near Me - Libertyville, Illinois

I liked it better before they painted the walls yellow but still a good place to go for drinks.

i never had a problem with this bar until last night. i loved this bar bc of how quiet it is on certain days of course but it's just a cool hang out spot to catch up w people at. Last night, made me really rethink the experience. The bartender is TERRIBLY rude. It is the owner i believe... she treated basically everyone like shit who were of a difference race than white.. I'm sad that it is becoming a shit show bc i really enjoyed this bar. i don't recommend. read more

Parked in the middle of a parking lot behind the main drag row of buildings is this oasis in Libertyville. You come here to get your local drink social on, Irish is the style, and on tap as well; but a butt load of bottled Corona and Lite to boot. Open mic nights on Wednesday so step up to the mic and get your play-sing on. Service was friendly - tip - $20 min with credit cards, also, no food, but you can order from a Morgan's menu and Morgans next door will bring the food over to you. You don't even have to leave your seat at the bar, now THAT'S convenience. read more

Island Tap - a bar filled with bottles of alcohol - Bars Near Me - Libertyville, Illinois

Friday 7pm visit. Irish themed pub located a block east of Milwaukee ave. Its more of a neighborhood type place...not the fancy type establishment that is common nearby. I grew up in libertyville, and recall stopping in here during the day to visit a great buddy's father who tended bar here in the late 70's. We were maybe 9 or 10 at the time, and would play the bowling game or gawk at pickled bar foods. Anyway, it's been 35+years but in some senses, little have changed as far as the layout I recall. Very cool. Bartender was quite but does a fine job. There we're a few loud people at the end of the bar playing a dice game..with the lady shouting out the occasional F'ing that..f'ing that..clearly will have a hangover in the AM. read more

Island Tap - people sitting at the bar - Bars Near Me - Libertyville, Illinois

Oldest bar in Libertyville I've heard so stopped in for a beer after work. Cold tap IPA. It was tasty so I ordered a second one but after one sip I knew it was Sam Adams the tap next to the IPA I was having when I asked it seemed to be a bother a he blew me off with out so much as offering me another beer. But as you can see by the over glowing sink and glasses being served out of it makes me say never again. read more

Island Tap - Lack of attention when there's 10 people in place. Terrible tender. - Bars Near Me - Libertyville, Illinois

The lady at the bar was extremely rude and got mad because I didn't tip her enough. She said she hopes I never go back to the bar, and I will not. Worst bar and worst service I have ever experienced. read more

I hadn't been in years and if you're the same, the Tap is worth another look. It is still divey in comparison to the rest of the fancy pants bars in downtown Libertyville, but it is much more upscale than the run-down hole it used to be. The ladies can is still in the basement, and the place still smells like smoke from the hovering fiends just outside the exits, but the inside decor and alcohol selection is much better. The bar has been re-imagined as an English town pub, and the walls are adorned with rugby paraphernalia. The taps and the whiskys (ies?) are not exclusively British, as I saw Stella and a domestic craft beer or two, but heavily lean that way. The crowd is a mixed bag, but the place is so small that if you roll in with a crew of more than two, your group IS the crowd. read more

I came here a few weeks ago with some girls for a bachelorette party bar crawl. We were all dressed up in black dresses, and this was the first place the bride-to-be wanted to go. We arrived at about 10:30pm and found the place about 2/3 full. We put some money into the jukebox (per the bride's request), and instantly the bartenders seemed to hate us. Why have a jukebox if you hate music and we aren't allowed to use it? We then waited at the bar to order our first drinks of the night. Some of us managed to find seats at the bar and still we waited. It was becoming obvious that the bartenders dis not want to serve us. Finally, the brides mom was able to secure a bartenders attention and we ordered drinks. I feel they were small and overpriced. We had a bad time overall due to the general unwelcomenes from the staff. I understand that we are not "regulars", but I expected at least a warm hello or a congratulations to the bride. We left with a bad taste in our mouths, but had fun at other local bars. On the plus side, they had a good beer selection. But most bars would around here. read more

I would have to say the LITTLEST bar in Liberttyviile. It seems like the regulars really like it. Personally I like a place with air conditioning and that sells food. Also the bartender seemed to have better things to do like chatting with the folks at the end of the bar, then serve drinks. There are soo many nice bars in the area not sure i would go back to this one. read more

Phenomenal place! Love everything about it. We will be back for sure- super cute Bartendars read more

Island Tap - Bars Near Me - Libertyville, Illinois

My dad and I decided to stop into today for a beer since he had heard some good things about it. Its the oldest bar in Libertyville and the owner is from Ireland. Seemed cool enough until we walked in... I instantly knew that this was not our kind of place. It was completely empty and smelled like cigarettes. The women's restroom is terrible!!!! After walking down a dark narrow staircase into the basement, you will find one bathroom with no lightbulb and an unpleasant odor. I was also disappointed that they don't sell any sort of snack. When I drink, I want to snack. After we each had one beer, we decided to call it quits and go elsewhere. I will say that the guy working the bar seemed nice enough. I truly believe this is the kind of bar that locals love, but as someone not from the area, I think I can skip it next time. read more

Were told to leave because we made a joke to the bartender. She's a crabby old bat that shouldn't be in front of customers. Was more concerned to plug in someone's phone than to get our drinks. When we were ID'd she walked away and served 5 other customers that were 5-10 years younger than us and didn't ask for their ID. If you'd like to know the joke she kicked us out for. We went to the wrong bathroom by accident. She yelled that we weren't allowed and I told her not to assume genders. read more

Small Libertyville bar. Went here on a Sunday night for a few after a movie in Gurnee, since all the other bars around there were closed. Delicious chocolate cake shots and, my favorite part: Magner's on tap! Brought me back to Ireland for a bit. read more

Was lucky enough to visit this tavern on a road trip this summer. Asked a server on a place to go in town and he recommended the island. Best rec, great Guinness and proper service. My only warning don't think u you will only stay for one beer. read more

Recently under new ownership, The Island Tap is tons of fun! An ancient little place in the middle of a parking lot (yes-it's in the parking lot). There are only about 20 seats which gives it the feeling of an Irish Pub. read more

This bar is awful. The one older blonde bartender that seems to be there every night only caters to her regulars. My boyfriend waited 15 minutes tonight for a Guinness, after he tried to ask her 10 times and she kept ignoring us. She seemed to have time to ask everyone else at the bar what they wanted, but he couldn't get a drink. Apparently, if you're not a former frat boy you can't get served. Plus, the customers only play awful music on the jukebox. I know it's open late, but you'd probably have a better time staying home drinking, unless you're a bro. Then you'll get served. read more

I love this place. Truly a friendly neighborhood tavern. It is also the only building in Libertyville that has been used for its original purpose. If you want to experience Libertyville , check this place out on a Saturday night. What a blast! Best Guinness pour in Lake County. read more

This place has about four flat beers on tap and the bartender was a douche. I've taken cooler sh*ts than this place. One star.

Fun ..hole in the ground...... great place to grab a beer and chat with friends..... in the summer we like to go out dancing and then meet up at the island for a few drinks before going home-- it small.. and very friendly.... fun! read more

Best little bar in Libertyville. Great service, fun folks.

Love the Island because they know how to pour the smoothest Guinness around. Their dart board and jukebox makes it a fun place to hang out.

Small dive bar in the parking lot behind Morgan's. It is a dive bar so you get what you'd expect. Nice bartenders, cold beer. Place gets packed after 10 pm when other bars in town let out. Overall a fun atmosphere. read more

The Island used to be the best dive around! We recently went by with some friends to shoot some darts, but saw what they had done to the outside, and just kept going. It's no longer the divey old bar we always enjoyed, with the best atmosphere in town. Boooo read more