Had cheap drinks at this bar in Elgin. It seems like a good place to watch games. The Dive Bar…read morecertainly has an appropriate name. Actually it's better than it sounds because it's clean. There's fun things including a pool table. Even with the name of it we still think it's a pretty cool bar. It's one of the few not fancy looking places in this part of the city. There's a few parts of it with their own atmosphere and gatherings. Basically it has a couple entrances. One is where they have the pool table. It's about $5 to get a basic cocktail. We got something with whiskey. Main bar area is in the middle. The other entrance goes to another seating area full of tables. Here is where to go if not sitting at the bar. They sometimes have events such as live music. Good bar that's better than many think it would be. It's located on Highland at Grove. They're open late including both weekdays and weekends.

Great local bar, fantastic pricing. As of NYE 2025 they're been open three days. Locally owned…read more Cash only for now

Outstanding Wings -- Crispy, Juicy, and Packed With Flavor…read more I'm not sure what kind of magic is happening in this kitchen, but these chicken wings are on an entirely different level. The skin comes out perfectly crispy--that kind of crisp where you hear the crunch before you even take the bite. But the real surprise is inside: the meat stays unbelievably moist and tender, not dry or overcooked like so many places get wrong. The sauces are just as impressive. Each one has a great depth of flavor, not just heat for the sake of heat. You get that perfect balance--bold, saucy, flavorful, with a kick that hits you just right without overwhelming the rest of the wing. And let's talk about the house-made ranch. Creamy doesn't even begin to describe it. It's rich, smooth, and somehow manages to cool your palate without dulling the flavor of the wings. It's the kind of ranch you'd happily dunk anything into -- honestly, they could bottle it and I'd buy it. If you're a wing lover, this place should be at the top of your list. Quality, flavor, and consistency... they nailed all three. I'll absolutely be coming back for more.

First time visiting RK's Bar & Grill and won't be the last time. Prior to stopping at RK's, my wife…read moreand I had left a bar in South Elgin that had no concern for customers and it showed. RK's was immediately different upon entering! Greeted by the bartenter Laura and she stayed connected to us. Made sure we had what we needed and was great! The kitchen was closed for a remodel. The free popcorn was appreciated. Looking forward to the reopening of the kitchen to try the food. Drinks were excellent! The 2 piece band did a nice job and were engaging with the patrons and not just playing music. A shout out to the Staff at RK's and to Karri for responding to my email about a left behind jacket. I was able to pick up the jacket the next day. A lot of places would not care or make the effort. I really appreciate RK's Bar & Grill! Looking forward to the next visit!

I love a good dive bar but Eaton's has probably been the weirdest dive bar I have ever been to…read more After getting carded, the bartender made it very clear that they only accept cash, how old school! But I didn't care, cash is all I had. I have been to some seedy bars but Eaton's was straight up scary! I was afraid to touch anything in fear I may leave with a disease. Décor: The set up was super simple, mainly made up of a colossal bar that took up most of the place. There were some booths and couple of tables along the walls, but that was about it. The walls are made up of wood paneling and exposed brick, while the ceiling was made up of some antique moldings. There are only 2 restrooms, 1 men's and 1 women's, that don't have paper towels. They have that revolving towel in the machine that just rotates the same sheet over and over, nastiness. There is a pool table stuffed in one of the corners of the bar along with a couple of slot machine-like arcade games, very fitting for the casino town. The Crowd: Like any dive bar it doesn't exactly attract many posh patrons which is why I like them! If I wanted to hang out with preppy brosef's I would go to a club. Service: A-ok, not too welcoming when you first enter but after they card you & order a couple of drinks they seem to warm up a little. Liquid Courage On Tap: Bud, Bud Lite, PBR Originally I was going to order something in a can or a bottle, just to protect myself from any herpe that may be floating around waiting to infect me, but when Berto noticed they had mason jars we were drawn in. 24oz Baller mason jar of Bud for $4.50? I'll take my chances against the herpe! I think it's safe, I'm pretty sure alcohol sanitizes anyway. Right? Eats: I'm not gonna lie, I could have munched on some bar food but the looks of this fine establishment terrified me. I'm sure if you even ordered food they would have a hard time starting up the grill because it didn't seem like the sorta place you have dinner and a few drinks. They have a corn dog machine that looked like it hadn't been turned on in years. Eaton's offers a variety of bagged chips and nuts. There are also 2 liquor store like fridges filled with pop. I have to mention the pickled mystery items in the life-size cloudy jar on the bar. It was very Moe's Tavern. Sounds: Other than the drunken banter of the regulars it was karaoke night. I am always up for karaoke! I did notice the line was fairly large but I put in my request anyway. I have to give props to the KJ, he didn't waste time with filler, he got everyone up n' out and before I knew it it was my turn! Parking: It's downtown Elgin, so all street parking. Overall: Eaton's, you really freaked me out at first glance but after getting to know you I think we may have something here. I will keep a mental note to always bring cash and to eat before my outing in tackling another mason jar!

This is a dive bar with no pretense what so ever…read more This is your classic rectangle bar designed for efficiency. The bar tender can spy everyone at a glance and so can you! The building façade is probably intimidating for the squeamish. Eaton's has no problem with that, nor do I. Cheers!

Dutch Inn West is a true dive bar in the best, most unpretentious sense of the word. It leans into…read moreits no-frills charm, offering a laid-back atmosphere where the focus is less on polish and more on simply enjoying the moment. The experience is straightforward but dependable -- a place to grab a drink, relax, and settle into the kind of environment that hasn't tried to change with the times. It's a solid three-star spot that delivers exactly what you expect from a neighborhood dive. If you want to run into friends that you haven't seen since high school; this is your place.

This is another establishment in the Elgin area that has been around for years and years and years…read more I have a nice outside patio. There's plenty of parking. It's in a more quiet area. Fish fry on Friday.

Came here 3 times just to try the brisket and always out thank you Patsy for a taste and a piece of…read morecorn bread absolutely amazing you must try every bite melts in your mouth uffffff and I had the just a slice thanks again Patsy

A nice hidden way Elgin bar that is a dive and has some crazy locals and a homie cabin feeling at…read moreone time this bar might actually have been a cabin in the woods and it seems like it is right off the busy Route 12 in in a underpass old developed area of under it this bar was outstanding with plenty of televisions and gambling and had the old crusty seating that one would associate with a dive bar the bathrooms were discussingly small and there was stickers and graffiti in and around the bathroom area the four slot machines area also are in the other corner and ridiculously small the small Windows give it a homie feeling and you can actually look out and see cars drive close by and hear the trucks in route 20 they even have an outside and a pool area to get away from the rest of the ugly fuckers who might be inside the bar there's one pool table in a patio type setting and the small and bumpy parking lot could be difficult to Traverse

Great local bar! Friendly employees, owner! Do a great Bears Sunday presentation! Great locals,…read moremany slots!

A subpar dive bar. (Didn't think a dive bar could get lower?) No menu. No tab. Waitress just comes…read moreand tells you what you owe. Two pieces of fried fish and coleslaw on a Friday night with only a tonic and lime (no alcohol) $19. Men's restroom was dirty. No lock on the door. Maybe we shouldn't be surprised when the place has a similar name and font type as a popular gun cleaning solvent. Definitely won't be back. Don't waste your money. This gets one star as Yelp doesn't offer zero stars.

I keep coming back for the Detroit style pizza. It is really good! Also good, the salads,…read morepotstickers, mozzarella sticks, burgers, fries, wings and pretzel bites. Their sauces and dressings seem to be homemade and all really tasty! It is just sometimes service isn't so good. Sometimes the food is meh. The beef sandwich was dry, the chicken fingers overcooked and Cuban sandwich ok. I just wish they were more consistent. I joined the rewards program and have taken advantage of that. They also have lunch and happy hour specials.

YAY you have Kegan now! He's a great bartender! Got the pizza again, so good. The fries are so…read moredifferent and really GOOD! Never change them. Loved the cocktails. Have Kegan take over the cocktails, he comes up with some really good ones! Will be back!

We loved this place! A very pleasant surprise! Looks sketchy from the outside but is clean, fresh,…read moreand nice on the inside. Several screens but not loud. Most screens showed a variety of sports, but some were thankfully other subjects like funny videos, etc. Food and service were top notch and IMHO whoever is running this place knows what they're doing. We will abs be back!

Walnut Speakeasy has the foundation of a solid neighborhood bar -- the food is decent, the drinks…read moreare fairly priced, and the concept itself has some appeal. On paper, it feels like the kind of place that should work well for a casual night out. Unfortunately, the atmosphere is weighed down by the tone set behind the scenes. Interactions from management toward staff came across as unnecessarily harsh and uncomfortable, which noticeably affected the experience. Combined with a nighttime crowd that can occasionally feel a bit rough around the edges, it becomes harder to fully enjoy what otherwise could have been a much stronger spot.

Came here on a Friday night. It's a pretty chill, casual spot with couches to sit and kind of has a…read morelate 2000s vibe. The bartender and server who greeted us was really friendly and let us sit in the "VIP" section, which is a raised area near the back with more sofas. The couches in the general area were all filled. There's a bar and a few high tops by the bar as well. They have a huge selection of martinis with decent prices. I'd love to come back to try more, especially the dessert ones. They also have live music on Friday nights, and luckily we got there just in time before they started. Tonight was a jazz band and they were great!

Came here with some friends after eating at El Patio down the street, great Mexican food there by…read morethe way. After we ate, we decided to try the Martini room.it definitely has a cool bar and vibe. Tons of places to sit and sip. Our waiter was very attentive and came around just in time as I was finishing my drink each time, I tried about 4 Martinis which I know is a lot. I heard they have a special during the week too so definitely check them out. I tried a the strawberry shortcake/cheesecake which I did enjoy. The banana foster wasn't exactly what I expected a little artificial. The starburst and jolly rancher martinis were good. Overall a great place to stop by for drinks in downtown Elgin!

This place is the best!! The best bartenders, great food and 1/2 price deals daily!! Not mention…read morehappy hour Monday-Thursday!! Everything about The Riverside is amazing!! They have great tvs, juke box options, and more!!

Chk#117 Ordered…read moreBuffalo chicken sandwich, forgot the bleu cheese dressing. Wondering if my life is worth living.