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    Island Tap

    3.2 (37 reviews)
    InexpensiveBars
    Open 3:00 pm - 3:00 am (Next day)

    Island Tap Photos

    ISLAND TAP ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Juke Box
    Divey
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups

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    mgd
    Chris M.

    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

    a bar with balloons and a clock
    Mick B.

    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!

    Best and oldest dive bar in the area. Hidden in a parking lot behind the main drag
    Michael C.

    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!

    a bar filled with bottles of alcohol
    Michael W.

    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.

    people sitting at the bar
    Jonny R.

    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.

    Lack of attention when there's 10 people in place. Terrible tender.

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    1 year ago

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

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    12 years ago

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

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    8 years ago

    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.

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    16 years ago

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    16 years ago

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

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    11 years ago

    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.

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    Ask the Community - Island Tap

    Review Highlights - Island Tap

    ! She was such a gem (and her bar shirt was so cute)

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

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    Mickey Finn's Brewery

    Mickey Finn's Brewery

    3.4
    (573 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$
    Locally owned & operated
    Takes reservations

    I came here for an office happy hour and it was my first time hearing about it…read more I was blown away. The private room was perfect for our group. The bartender was kind and quick and took care of us sitting at the high tops when no one was at the bar. I had the Amber Ale and I would definitely recommend. I'm not a fan of the IPAs and I don't like the light beers much, so this ale is on my list as one of the best local beers around! The food that was catered was amazing. Great spinach dip, cheese bites, and the pizza was surprisingly delicious. It's rare that a bar pizza stands out, but I swear by this one. Loved the sausage and pepperoni and had my fair share before leaving. They even gave us take home containers so that I could take more home. All the employees here were kind and helpful. I definitely recommend you host an event here or come for yourself. You won't be disappointed.

    This place is super neat!…read more Inside is big and there's plenty seats and TVs, I think an amazing place to watch some sports! We're not locals but this is what we tried. Cheese curds: 6/10 Happy hour pizza toasty: 3/10 tastes like a store bought oven pizza. Chicago dog: 6/10 (tooo much mustard) Brussels: 4/10 They were no kind of crispy and they tasted like dates. On the upside: All the beer was delicious and the service was great. We would come again.

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    Libertyville's Tavern In The Town

    Libertyville's Tavern In The Town

    4.0
    (246 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$$

    Went out to dinner with a friend and family. Decided on The Tavern…read more Overall ambiance is still an old world steakhouse. Hostess and servers were very nice. Patient and helpful. We started with Caesar Salad and a Prosciutto and Mozzarella dish. Both were good. The Caesar greens were a little "old and brown" but still tasted good. The Prosciutto dish was really good and fresh. Everyone doing great. We ordered some cocktails that were on point as well. Service was slow - probably had a little to do with being on a second floor of the restaurant. But we enjoyed the pace. Entrees ordered were 2 different steaks and one Bacon wrapped chicken. The steaks were amazing. A lot of places, even steakhouses, are cutting back on quality due to costs. These steaks were delicious. I ordered the Allen Bros Ribeye which was cooked perfect and was sooooooo flavorful. It was awesome. The Bacon Wrapped Chicken however, was actually black on top and the chicken dry and over cooked. My wife couldn't eat it. To the restaurant's strength, when we alerted the waiter, they immediately took it off the bill and offered to get anything else. When my wife passed (she ate some of our steaks), they bought dessert for our table too. It was the carrot cake and delicious. We will be back and enjoyed our evening out.

    The Tavern in Libertyville continues to distinguish itself as one of the stronger steakhouse…read moreexperiences in the area. After several visits, it is clear this is a restaurant that understands the fundamentals of fine dining: atmosphere, execution, and a menu that extends well beyond its steakhouse label. What first sets The Tavern apart is its ambiance. The space leans into a dark, romantic, dimly lit aesthetic that feels both polished and inviting. On our most recent visit, we were seated upstairs according to our reservation, and that remains the preferred setting. The quieter noise level above the main floor allows for more comfortable conversation and a more intimate dining experience. Service was solid, if not especially memorable. Our server was efficient and capable throughout the evening, though somewhat lacking in warmth and guidance. Fortunately, the kitchen carried the night with ease. Every entrée at the table was excellent. My wife's lobster was particularly well received, while the steaks were cooked properly, deeply flavorful, and presented with the kind of care expected at this level. Presentation across the board was refined and appealing. The wine program also deserves recognition. The list is extensive, thoughtfully selected, and offers strong choices for diners who appreciate pairing a serious bottle with dinner. The Tavern is undeniably a high-price-point experience, but it largely delivers the quality and atmosphere to justify it. For those seeking a refined steakhouse meal in Libertyville with strong food, notable wine, and an intimate setting, it is easy to recommend.

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    Downing's

    Downing's

    3.2
    (31 reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $

    Basic looking dive bar in Libertyville that brings in mostly those that live around it. Downing's…read moreisn't a high class place. If looking for anything fancier, stay away and up the street to the hipper restaurants. Has basic beer on tap, and some crafts in bottles and cans. The prices are pretty good on these. A place that's called an Irish pub, but it's really just a regular old bar. It doesn't actually have that much Irish about it except the Guinness. They do have festivities around St. Patrick's Day though. Good beer. It's about $5 a pint. The bigger named corporate brands are on tap. May or may not have food. Seems like it depends on if they feel like making anything I guess. Of course, really not sure if you would want to even eat anything. The place isn't filthy but it's kind of scuzzy. Cheap prices are the best things about it. It's pretty boring in the afternoon, and gets livelier at night. They're open pretty late until 3 usually, so this is one of the few places that are still open late, so they get crowded the later it gets from people coming from other bars or wherever.

    Why would I continue to patronize in establishment that parks a political statement at the front…read moredoor? It's never been a terribly friendly place. Lots of negativity from both patrons and staff. Are used to go here often to get my car repaired nearby. I would spend time and money in the pub while waiting. Never again.

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    Island Tap - bars - Updated June 2026

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