Excellent food and service! Our go-to on the Fox River. Anything on menu is delicious

Saturday 4/28/26 4:00pm They don't take reservations but there was plenty of room. Was disappointed because we went there for dinner but wanted that dinner did not start until 5:00. Unfortunately the web (which needs to be updated with their prices) nor the menu we got didn't say anything about the dinner time menus, so we were stuck with the limited luncheon menu. Customers that came at 4:20pm were able to order dinner. The waitress was not very friendly but was attentive. Now, that said, my wife & I order the Shrimp luncheon and the perch luncheon. Both were excellent except for the table spoon size serving of Cole slaw. Good portion of luncheon shrimp and the perch was excellent. We may try getting there a little later next time to get the dinner menu. If would have been nice if both on the web and Resturant menu if they would have that printed when the dinner menu started. read more

We had the displeasure of eating at Kief's Reef, and unfortunately, it was a very disappointing experience from start to finish. The food was underwhelming, to say the least. I'm still trying to figure out how "blackened" chicken could taste like it was boiled. The pork sandwich was battered and fried in the same batter as the fish fry, leaving it extremely greasy and overpowering any flavor the pork may have had. The service didn't make up for the food. Waiting 20 minutes just to get drink refills is simply not acceptable, especially when the restaurant wasn't overly busy. Overall, there are far better restaurants in McHenry where you'll get better food, better service, and much better value for your money. Unfortunately, this isn't a place we'll be returning to. read more

We've been enjoying going here for dinner through the spring. Great food. Nice menu. and we were looking forward to eating on the patio. BUT - the last two times we tried to go to Kief's all they had was pizza, and even that with long waits. Should we give up coming until summer is over? read more

Nothing bad to say this place always does an outstanding job. The service is quick and friend. The beer is cheap., and the food is killer. Cool atmosphere with plenty of seating and outdoor space for volleyball this place is killer. They have the best potato skins! read more

Can't believe I've never been here. This is just a good bar with great food and friendly staff and locals.

This is the most unassuming place I've ever visited. My wife heard about it a couple years ago because she and our son wanted crab legs and she heard they had a deal on Saturday nights for all-you-can-eat crab legs. So we went and the rumor she heard was true. They still have that deal, along with several other specials on Saturday night, along with a great menu every other night of the week. I've now been there four times. Each time I have had something different. My wife and son had the special. I ordered their special ribs and shrimp deal. Now having never heard of Kief's Reef nor them being a great place for ribs, I was apprehensive, but they were fantastic! AND, it came with a side and salad bar. The next time I came with friends and had a burger which I recall was pretty good. The third time I came with a couple friends on a Wednesday night and it happened to be Bingo night. We had no idea that it was a special night for games, but the place was filled with regulars and each round had a special prize dealing with food and drinks at Kief's Reef. The main prize that night was a look-a-like nutcracker of Hilary Clinton. You could win the nutcracker, but if someone won the next round, they could choose the food related prizes or snag the nutcracker. It was hilarious! I won one of the last games and decided on the food-related prize. I won a rum bucket that I had to order while I was there that night. I did and had a blast. Plus, the rum bucket was delicious. I returned a fourth time just this past weekend. My wife again got the all-you-can-eat crab lets and I got the prime rib (a Saturday night special). Again, the specials come with a side and salad bar. The prime rib was thick with not a lot of fat and an au jus. Spectacular flavor! I got the chips, broccoli and mashed potatoes. And indulged in the salad bar AND my wife wanted the onion rings. We arrived at 7:30pm on Saturday and the place was sadly empty (every other occasion found the place full of patrons). There was a fairgrounds with rides up the road, so that may have been the draw that night. However, the restaurant/bar is teeming with incredibly friendly staff who even after their shifts end stay there to hang out with each other. The music is great every time we've come and this time was no exception. Our server was attentive, friendly, and super helpful with decision-making. We were waited on by three-to-four people and had a chance to chat up the staff, swap jokes, and enjoy the playful atmosphere. It is very unassuming. I think most people assume it's just a regular bar and grill with typical pub food, but they are anything but typical. The menu has a lot of options and everything I've had has been extremely good. My wife and son love the crab legs and I have loved everything else I've eaten. It's very casual and well worth the trek. Go on a Saturday night for the specials, on Wednesday for the bingo with locals, or any other time for their great food, atmosphere, and ambience. read more

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Staff was great We sat at the bar while we waited for a table. This is not a huge place but it is packed. We were a group of 7. Our server was fabulous and friendly. I started with the salad bar yummy. And had ribs and fish. We split two dinners. I will say the potato pancakes were more like hash browns. Or coins like tots. Not bad just not what I think. The fish was good and ribs the same. No one had any complaints. They gave you bread it was also delicious. The one draw back it was very loud and hard to hear. We did enjoy the night out read more

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One of our local go tos. This comfortable little spot feels just like the Northwoods inside, with great pizza and a typical burgers menu, even with perch and smelt. The riverside bar and volleyball with live music is great for even the family and definitely groups. And I'm partial to finding a classic salad bar with peas and beets and potato salad. Not your fancy birthday dinner outing but a great spot for family friends and socializing. read more

Best pork tendy sandwich in two counties! Great smelt too! Friendly service and inexpensive PBR pitchers. What else is there ?!!

Trying to find a new AUCE fish fry in the area. Beer battered fish is the AUCE. The baked is not. Fish pieces are large but mostly batter and oily. My mashed potato side was like warm at best. Salad bar was ok , service was ok. Will not be back for fish fry but might stop and try something else read more

Best wings in Lake and McHenry counties...fast hot delivery...great service staff...one of my favorite places now!

Stopped for my first visit here. It was a Wednesday night about 6:30 and was making the stop to evaluate the wings while having a few refreshments. Place was pretty empty inside with some 4 others sitting at the small bar setting. A bar tender never acknowledged me but I watched her serve those around me. Then from the kitachen another bar tender popped out and assisted me right away. That must have the the one seat assigned to him. LOL Thru the few hours I was there it seems the lady bar tender was happy to help all the bar patrons except me? Personally don't care since there was another to assist but wtf? Wings were healthy with meat and served as I asked. They even came in a dish with the Buffalo sauce a little soupy which is how I like them. Sauce could of had a better bite and the blue cheese was just fair. Wouldn't go back. read more

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Good salad bar & good fried fish on Friday. One of the best around here .. good price & good food. All of us (4) liked the food ....all wanted to go back soon ... read more

The service was fantastic. Our server Darcy was an awesome waitress. She was all about customer satisfaction. The food was really good. Well worth the time to sit back have a beer and a meal. read more

Came here again on a Friday night. Sit at a high top and hope you get Katrina as your server - friendly, sassy, and she takes care of you. If you get the Fish Fry (I suggest you do) you get the salad bar: their coleslaw is the best I ever had. Their fish fry is excellent, the fish is very crispy but not over-battered. They have all you can eat fish and sides: we have tried the tots (ok but nothing special. Their regular fries are really good and the sweet potato fries are great. We just love this place and continue to come back. read more

Kief's Reef - Fish fry - Pizza Near Me - McHenry, Illinois

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Great local dive just off the Fox River and Rt 176. We came down their Friday Fish Fry. It comes with their homemade bread and butter which we declined (watching our carbs); salad bar, choice of fries or baked potato (we chose their fries that are so good); a bottle of homemade tarter sauce. Woah, their fried perch is hands down the best fish fry in this county! You gotta try it for yourself. But it's so hot, crispy, and full of flavor. Their coleslaw is homemade, too. Oh wow, yum! This was a rainy, cold, Friday night at the end of October but so much fun. read more

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Food and service was spot on. Great place to eat and drink during the summer. We have been there many times and have never been disappointed. read more

Came here for an all-you-can-eat crab leg meal. They were cooked perfectly! Friend had the ribs and those were amazing! Definitely a place to patronize. We will be back. read more

We went for the Friday night all you can eat fish fry. Food was good and they kept it coming as we wanted it. The fish pieces were crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside, just how you'd want them. Don't waste much time or stomach space for the fries! The kids grilled cheese and applesauce was a hit with our preschooler. read more

Kief's Reef - Friday night All You Can Eat Fish Fry - Pizza Near Me - McHenry, Illinois

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I went there on a Saturday was completely busy, which is not all that bad. Usually a good sign. Every table is getting there all you can eat crab legs however I decided to order the fillet. It was advertised as a 9 to 10 ounce fillet and if it was 6 ounces I would've been shocked. It was also the toughest piece of meat I've ever had. And for $40 it was horrible. The bar was decent. Service was OK overall not the best experience. read more

Food allways amazing Service and staff excellent Ambiance typical bar scenery with games bar area loud. read more

This is a great local spot right on the Fox river. Love it here. Been supporting local restaurants as much as we can and today we we ordered a couple pizzas. One large - veggie and one cheese pizza. I love the crust and sauce at Kief's always. Little tangy and just right on that sauce! Crust has a nice crunch . Just right. Everyone really enjoyed them in our family. I would highly recommend ordering some good food for take out during these times and Support Kief's. It's yummy !! We called in which is easier than dealing with grub hub. read more

Kief's Reef - So good... couldn't even get a pic in- Cheese Thin Crust Pizza - Pizza Near Me - McHenry, Illinois

I walked in today with my sister and my service dog they told us to sit any where. So we sat in the corner. Then we were told to leave they don't allow service dogs! I was in shock this has never happen to me. We left Then looked up the laws in Illinois Service animals are protected by the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and can accompany their owners wherever they go service dog accompanying a person with disabilities is allowed access to any part of a public facility and privately-owned business that is open to the public and paying customers The ADA does not require an animal to be officially certified to be considered a service animal as long as they can perform the tasks a disabled person needs, are housebroken, and can be controlled. This restaurant violated Americans with Disabilities Act my right to eat read more

Everything. Lousy service, quality of food has gone way down and the ambiance is very dated. Might consider reevaluation of your business model and trying to attract a better level of customers. Very scary people and that's not limited to customers. read more

Nice people to drink booze with and eat reasonably priced good food. The summer river vibe is pretty cool too.

Love this place! Great food & service every time! Inside or out the service is superb!

Been planning to try this place for awhile and finally had lunch there on Thursday before the madhouse expected on Memorial Day Weekend. A beautiful day so we (2 couples-seniors but not grumpy old pain in the ass seniors) decided to eat on the outdoor deck. We were greeted by a waitress who knew her way around this place and was very personable and accommodating. Ordered: * Patty Melt with fries. Excellent. Kick ass fries. *Huge Burger with fries. Excellent. They actually prepared it rare as requested. *Smelt with fries. Very good and a huge portion. Could eat these all day long like popcorn. *Lake Perch with fries. Crazy good. Could have eaten another order. Our waitress was real. Nothing fake about this little Sicilian lady. She noticed we were Italian and hastened to share some pretty humorous comments while conducting herself professionally and efficiently. Good place. Good Food. Great Sicilian lady. Her name escapes me but.......YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE !!! WE'LL BE BACK !!!! Gonna try some other menu items next time and hope to record 5 stars. read more

The food was so delicious that we when back the next day. On Friday night we went in for the fish fry and Saturday we went out for the prime rib special. Both days were delicious. The salad bar was amazing both days. I will definitely be back. read more

Most rude, insensitive and oblivious worker on staff Sunday afternoon, 6/30/24. Average height and weight female in a maroon hoodie or sweatshirt. Brought a boatful of folks onto the river. Stopped at Keif's, Purposely went here to eat, because the food is decent. Half of us went for food and a drink, 4 stayed onboard because they already ate. We finished (40m and $110 later), and on return to my boat from a distance saw this woman berating my guests. She walked past is in a huff. Not being sure, I asked them, and they reported she went off on them about loitering, using port-potties that cost money, and listening to a band the bar has to pay. Thankfully, they weren't clients (which happens), where I lost money. I couldn't find her, she must have ran away in shame. I guess my money wasn't good enough. read more

There are lots of bars and eateries along the Fox River in Northern Illinois. If you're a boater, you can navigate the river up to the "Chain of Lakes" where you'll find even more choices. At nearly each one, there are docks to tie up your craft if you feel like having lunch, dinner, or a few bumps. In the winter, apparently, they also serve as way stations for snowmobilers going up and down the frozen river. Such was the case yesterday at Kief's Reef, and also it happened to be a "wake/memorial" for a local denizen who had recently passed, and was apparently quite a popular person judging from the size of the crowd. It was elbow to elbow. I might have chosen someplace different had I known about that, but once inside, I was committed, and I had looked at the menu earlier in the day, and had a hankering for their offer of a "School of Lake Perch" platter, served with fries, tots or chips, and a dollop of cole slaw. Kief's Reef, I understand, is very popular for their version of the Friday nite fish fry, a big thing in these parts. They also serve up a respectable pizza, a lot of wings, and prime rib on Saturdays. The perch was everything I was expecting and more. Three large fillets, batter fried, crispy on the outside, tender, steaming fish inside. Tots were deep fried to perfection, as they should be. Ultra-creamy cole slaw had a little twist to it, as their recipe includes ultra fine diced onion. Nice change. The burger was mammoth, hand pattied, and covered with blue cheese morsels, not some of the icky salad dressing so many people use. The blackened seasoning was just the right amount and there was more than ample bacon. The bun was bakery soft but sturdy enough to hold up as many toppings as you could choose to garnish your meat. Video gaming too, of course. I'll go back in the summer, sit on the outdoor patio/deck, watch the boats putt by on the lazy river, maybe have a beer, and admire the sunbathers. Full menu.  Best server ever?  Kelly! read more

Kief's Reef - Massive Black and Blue and Bacon Burger - Pizza Near Me - McHenry, Illinois

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Food is good, great views of the river. Service is friendly. It's a real fun bar in the summer.

Po Boy shrimp wrap never fails. Service on a busy Saturday was very good. It is a bit loud, but don't think much can be done about that. No pictures as I scarfed it up. read more

Love kiefs great food awesome service good. Pizza is amazing, soups are great. Will be back

Had dinner with friends on patio. It was good weather and sat in back corner of deck. It was a pleasant experience and enjoyed it very much. Had the ribs which was tasty. The others had the cod fish fry which they all liked very much. Been to the Reef a few times before and was always happy with it. Great salad bar which is gearing rarer to find anymore. No reservations but walked right to deck upon arrival so no issues. read more

Great neighborhood pub! Good drinks and GREAT ribs! Fun place to have lunch, watch football or just hang out.

Possibly the worst fish fry I've ever had in my life. Poor excuse for cod, just terrible. read more

Great place! Awesome food! Great view of the lake and outside bar. Employees are all super friendly and the service is great

Excellent fried Smelt. I really enjoy these tasty little fish. They're cooked perfectly, you can get 1/2 lb or a full 1 lb order. It's more than enough for 2 meals. Comes with Fries, or Tater Tots, Coleslaw, and of course Tartar Sauce. If you love Smelt you've gotta come try it here. read more

On 8/19, the short bartender outside by the lake, she is so rude. I come here every other weekend but after getting treated this kind of way, I will not come here anymore. The tall blonde bartender was amazing. read more