Came here on a random Sunday afternoon and was looking for a restaurant that was family friendly that didn't need a reservation. Stumble across Red Barrel...the drinks were good and the appetizers sweet sticky chicken was decent the fries were tasty. But my pasta dish was FULL OF SALT. I couldn't finish it. My Freind and husband did the fajitas with steak, chicken and shrimp and they cleared their plates so even though this is supposed to be an Italian place stick with the Mexican cuisine. The kid meal was a good deal and my 10 year old enjoyed it but it wasn't big enough portions so we ordered too. Will I be back? No but it was an interesting experience read more

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I came here last month with a group of 30 people. I called ahead and got everything handled with them. Since I knew I was coming with a large group, I asked if I could drop off our menu ahead of time so we don't have any confusion about what we ordered. Red barrel went above and beyond for us. I complimented the staff all night long because of how easy and smooth our dinner went. They sat us in two groups of 15. They called out our number and passed out the food in a timely manner. We had refills for all the soft drinks. The appetizers were sharing sizes. The food was amazing and everyone in my group finished their food. Thank you Red Barrel for having us! read more

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I love this spot, especially for their chicken and waffles, it's one of the places I'll always stop by when I'm craving that dish. The menu has plenty of other food options as well, so there's something for everyone. The restaurant itself is nice and spacious, with a banquet hall setup that makes it great for events or group gatherings. Solid food and a welcoming atmosphere overall. read more

Red Barrel Restaurant - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great food. Hidden gem. Vintage interior. Good drinks as well. Service is great too. It has a room that you can also rent for parties read more

Didn't eat here but came for a few drinks and karaoke only to find one chic doing ALL the singing!! Put my name down and she just kept singing. Why advertise karaoke if you're only having one singer?? The drinks were over-priced also. Nice place, and clean but I won't be back for karaoke EVER! read more

Picking someone up at Midway Airport, we had time and stopped at the Red Barrell. Friendly Staff and Great Food. The Owner introduced himself as he was sitting a few seats away. He was amazing. He went above and beyond our expectations. Unfortunately, I do not live in Chicago anymore and was visiting. if I still lived there I would visit all the time. You do not get SERVICE like that anymore. Please support him and his team. read more

We stopped in here last night for dinner and drinks on a whim. This place must've been some sort of German restaurant or something Central European back in the day because the decor and the structure speaks to it. I think now it's primarily Latino clientele and the menu is half Latin inspired and half Italian. We ended up ordering the bruschetta for appetizer and then the steak fajitas and garlic shrimp for dinner. Everything we had was solid. The staff here were very friendly and efficient and courteous. We had a couple different bartenders/waiters as we sat at the bar and they were all great. We liked the vibe for an after work drink/quick meal and will probably be back. read more

We went on Friday evening. They have kareoke night starting at 9 pm on Friday. It made for a great atmosphere. I ordered the chicken cordon bleu and I would order again. I started with a martini and it almost tasted like a jolly rancher and for a girl who hates tasting the alcohol in drinks this was perfect. I ended the night with an espresso martini and it was also delicious. The staff was also nice and fast. Did a great job of clearing the tables as soon as food or drinks were done. read more

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So far so good. Nice atmosphere good appetizers and drinks they are getting ready for a big new Year's Eve/day event happening today. read more

Red Barrel Restaurant - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Food, drinks are delicious and service is great. I go all the time. I do highly recommend this spot.

Finally made it here! I'm mad at myself for not getting here sooner! The food here is next level. The staff was very friendly, good service and knew the menu well. I can't wait to go back. There are so many yummy things on the menu it was hard to pick. I had the chicken tortilla soup which was mind blowing delicious. Then I had the Cajun Linguine.....so good and huge portion. My husband was home and jealous I was here so I got him the soup and spaghetti and meatballs. The meatballs were right up there, just melted in your mouth. Close to the airport too. read more

Red Barrel Restaurant - Chicken Tortilla Soup - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Was here for an event on Saturday 1/24/2026 7pm. ( banquet hall )1st. I was informed not to park in the lot because it was for the guests dining in at the restaurant. But the restaurant was empty no guests. 2nd. The food and drinks were very bad. I believe the person who hosted this event should get some of there money back, but this is my opinion. I was just a guest not the host. I will not recommend this banquet hall. Now for the restaurant it was empty at 7pm and there were only six guests at 9:30pm when we were leaving. The hall was nice and decorated nice. read more

Everything was okay, just a heads up if you plan on ordering chicken tortilla soup. I ordered Chicken Tortilla soups and got a version of tomato soup ? With teeny bits of chopped chicken and a pinch of tortilla strips? It wasn't bad but definitely not traditional tortilla soup. They were nice enough to switch it out for another soups. read more

Red Barrel Restaurant - Chicken Tortilla Soup - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Food and ambience is outstanding. The steak stew is incredible. Great service as well. Highly recommend.

Great place for a boozy Sunday and football! Get the skirt steak soup!! Great place for a boozy Sunday and football! Get the skirt steak soup!! read more

Was in town for a sports tournament and we stayed by Midway. Found the Red Barrel and went there on our last night. Great spot! Good portions, great drinks (the Hibiscus Dream is highly recommended) and terrific service. If you want something in the area that's a nice change from fried food and/or fast food on Cicero then this is the way to go! Try the Chicken Vesuvius! read more

Today, my better half met me at the airport while I had a 4 hour layover. We wanted to try somewhere near MDW airport. We drove by Res Barrel Restaurant. Upon entering, you first notice a cool 1970's log cabin feel with a hint of German flare. We sat ourselves at the bar. The bartender was quick to ask us for drink orders. I ordered a house burger and she ordered grilled calamari. On her order, she requested extra greens that come with the order. When our orders arrived, they had given her fried calamari because the grilled didn't come with greens. When we asked about the fried vs grilled, he said he was confused. Not sure why he didn't inquire at the time of order. No biggie, the fried calamari was very tasty. My burger came out and was cooked medium as I had requested. I took the French fries off the burger because it comes with an order of fries. It was a little much. The burger tasted great! The horseradish Mayo complimented the juicy burger well. Overall, this was a real nice find. Minor hiccups, but it was good! I would recommend if you are in the MDW area! read more

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Food is always great. Everything from appetizers, salads, seafood & steak. Great place. Kid friendly. Always clean and decorative for all holidays. Servers always recommend great items and drinks. Usually fast service, good sized meals, tasty desserts. Banquet room in back is spacious too. read more

We went to Red Barrel Restaurant recently for my Grandma's birthday and it was so good! I had the sunset cocktail with rum, elderflower liqueur, lemon & orange juice, simple syrup, and aperol. Appetizers Garlic Shrimp - we had the garlic sauce on the side but omg it was divine! The shrimp eaters said the shrimp was great but I used the sauce to dip the calamari in! Classic bruschetta - delicious! Fried calamari - really good with some balsamic glaze on top! Dinners Chicken cordon bleu - this was my husbands dinner, I had a bite and it was nice and juicy! Porkchop porter house - really big yummy Porkchop with Yukon potatoes and Brussels sprouts with bacon. Filet with mashed potatoes - my grandma enjoyed it! I didn't try it Bianca flatbread - my sister and mom both ordered this. It had prosciutto, Parmesan, arugula, and olive oil (no sauce). It was good, but they put the garlic sauce from the shrimp appetizer on top and it made the dish! If you're looking for a good lunch/dinner spot near Midway, I definitely recommend!! read more

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Good good and service. We ordered appetizer and blue moons. They gave us cold mugs which was nice! We ordered pasta dishes and we enjoyed them. Large portion had leftovers to take home. I want to go back and try breakfast and other dishes. read more

Red Barrel Restaurant - Appetizer - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I'll explain the 3stars first. We walk in to the restaurant at least 30 seconds after this young couple who as we saw were already seated as we got to the host area. I observed a woman (an employee) near the bar area just standing there looking at us. I smiled, yet no expression or gesture toward us at the door. A younger woman came out and they began talking however no movement toward us at the door. So our conversation turned to the decorations which are Christmas decorations and the tree being full of ornaments. I suppose we "surprised the staff" there were only 3 tables occupied with the largest table seating of 4 people; and we were a party of 2. Not sure if this was their "lull" period. However we stood at the door for approximately 3 minutes before anyone came to the hostess area. The hostess spoke so softly I had to ask her a few times what she said and she was right next to me. We were finally seated which allowed me to get a better view of the dining area and it confirmed my observation of only 3 tables occupied. We were told we could select our table, due to the low lighting we tried to sit where there was a bit more lighting. I was able to also see there is a "private" room which was being setup and that room was bright and beautiful. It seemed they were preparing for a party. The choice of the restaurant was to take my Mother to a restaurant neither of us had gone to before to celebrate her Birthday. Finally after a few minutes at the table our waitress came over and was pleasant asking if we would like any beverages in addition to the water. There is a nice cocktail menu which was presented with the menus given to us by the hostess. We ordered our beverages and before leaving the waitress did ask if we needed time to look at the menu or if we were ready. Being the first time here we needed time. There is a nice selection and range of items. Several of the dinner items are listed as "MP" which is okay however it allows a restaurant to just throw out any price they feel, so you really don't know (unless you check Market Pricing before you go. And what Market can the consumer know it is being compared to?). Because this was a celebration dinner I was prepared. However if a consumer is looking for affordability stick to the items which do have prices. When the waitress returned with the beverages we had a few questions on the meal we each were going to finalize. On the Lamb dish I asked what the "MP" was for the day ($36.00) only then did she tell me there was a "special" Lamb meal however I was not impressed with the offerings. We ordered however my meal did not come with a salad so I ordered the Caesar. I must say for the food it is a 4 Star! The fresh shaved Parmesan cheese on the Caesar Salad was delicious and there was just enough dressing where it did not overwhelm the lettuce and I did not have to ask for more (as in other restaurants). My Porterhouse Pork chop with potatoes and Brussel sprouts was delicious (sprouts could have cooked a little more because they had a little "bit" to them). Other than that it was a symphony in me mouth. The Filet was over cooked (however it was ordered Well). Which Mom should have said medium - oh well she said it was flavorful and she used some of the sour cream from the baked potato to coat the Filet. All in all my suggestion would be to work on the front door experience. Oh all the time we were in the restaurant only one additional party of 2 came in and by the time we had finished eating when we left there were only 2 tables seated and 1 person at the bar. Just as a side note... the ladies washroom was immaculate. While walking out we did pass a couple going in and as we got to the parking lot and got in the car we observed several other people heading toward the restaurant. Guess we were super early (we arrived a little before 5PM on a Saturday). read more

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The restaurant is located near Midway airport. They weren't taking online reservations but we were seated immediately upon arrival. I ordered the veggie omelette and was pleasantly surprised that it came with complimentary sliced avocado. I also had a watermelon mimosa. They have about 6 flavors to choose from. We sat at the bar but I can't recall the bartender's name. He was pleasant though. They have a small parking lot across the street from the restaurant but unfortunately we weren't able to park there because they were hosting two parties during my visit. I would definitely recommend! read more

Red Barrel Restaurant - Watermelon mimosa - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

What a nice experience. Love the grand entrance both outside and inside. The menu is vast, it will cover the likes of all. I came with big eyes and a small stomach, none the less the large servicing will make for great left overs. Plenty of parking, formal banquet hall, reasonably priced drinks, and tasty food. I think I may be a new regular. I truly look forward to coming back. read more

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Still fire! Friday night favorite! Tried something different and no regrets! Tequila on tap and meals made to perfection. read more

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Great restaurant,Exellent service,best old fashioned drink in south Chicago .over all is the my favorite spot in the south midway Chicago. read more

Red Barrel Restaurant - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We hosted our Christmas party there and I was glad to be supporting the community, but after awhile we were told to move our cars from the parking lot, they were for the restaurant patrons only and supposidly the banquet parking has 8 spots. The manager was smug. The staff was friendly but that is not the way to run a business and want return customers. I will not be returning. I will spend my money at a restaurant who treats you with respect. read more

Christmas party was hosted here, yet we were all asked to move our cars from restaurant parking lot otherwise they'd be towed. The parking lot for 'venue' is for 8 cars at most. Do not recommend. We won't be using this venue again. read more

Every time I've stopped in here they haven't been crazy busy during the day which is nice. Their food is delicious and their service is good. I enjoy coming back here with my kids. read more

We just held a Birthday and Anniversary celebration this past Saturday 4/27/2024 in the party/banquet room of the Red Barrel Restaurant on Archer Ave. The room was beautifully decorated -simple but elegant which was what we wanted. The food was excellent and the staff was not only courteous but went out of their way to help us. They provided extra plates for dessert, served the buffet dinner to us and all of our guests. The bar worked out great and we thought that the price was very reasonable. We worked with Patti for this celebration and she was always easy to get a hold of - reruned calls promptly and since we were new at "pary planning" she gave up some tips and made some good suggestions. Our party was a great success and we have many memories that will last forever! Thanks Red Barrel and your greaat staff! Linda F. read more

We had the pleasure of having our wedding reception here. The food was amazing, the decor was beautiful, the staff was easy to work with and made sure every detail was taken care! thank you so much for making our day stress free and beautiful! read more

Took my boyfriend for his birthday. Tbh, it was the day after his birthday and I casually mentioned it in conversation with our lovely waitress Ximena. I did not expect her and the entire staff to go above and beyond and set up a birthday celebration surprise! They came out with a complimentary cheese cake, sparkler candle, and sang a joyful happy birthday song. Our food was absolutely amazing! Every bite "taste like heaven" as my daughter described it. I think my family and I have officially found our favorite restaurant. They had something in the menu for everyone's liking. Will definitely be returning. Thank you for the wonderful experience. read more

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They never picked the phone up and they sent me a fake cancellation. They made me wait 45 minutes to still not bring my food.

This is a hidden gem near Midway airport. My family and I went on a weekday evening it wasn't crowded. Servers were nice and attentive. The food was fresh, delicious and a nice portion. read more

Red Barrel Restaurant - Pasta with shrimp, chicken, asparagus, spinach and Alfredo sauce. - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Well I've waited a long time to come here finally and have heard good things. Beautiful inside clean and great service. Food is very,very good quality and delicious, a little pricey for the ribs I thought but very good quality and sauce was amazing. Tiramisu was outstanding! read more

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Food was really good. Service was attentive and helpful. There were 6 of us and we talked a lot. We never felt rushed. My sister was between planes at Midway airport so this was a convenient place & not far. read more

The food was top shelf, the service was fabulous - the wait staff very attentive - we'll definitely return! Be sure to try the chicken marsala and/or porterhouse pork chop. Just around the corner from Midway airport, family owned and operated. read more

South side hidden gem with great breakfast and dinner options and parking is easy to find with great service

I was really excited to try Red Barrel given that so many people on the south side raves about it, but I was not very impressed with the meal or the service. My party ordered the fried calamari and the portion was SMALL. The calamari rings were thin and barely covered the plate. For the entree I got the ghost burger-- a burger with a pretzel bun, pepper jack cheese, bacon, red barrel special sauce, and hot sauce. The burger had a very "off" taste to it and that says a lot coming from a person that LOVES hot sauce. The burger was a hearty size, but the side of fries were definitely lacking in number. The service was also just okay. The food took a very long time coming out and our waitress constantly forgot to fill up our waters. The party next to us got even poorer service and they had to constantly ask their waiter for refills as well as missing entrees and appetizers. In short, Red Barrel definitely wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either. read more

Red Barrel Restaurant - Ghost burger - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Amazing food. Excellent presentation. Our waiter Alexis was on point. This has to be one of the best places near the MIDWAY AIRPORT area. We will return. Thank you. read more

Red Barrel Restaurant - Chicken Cordon Blue - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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It's not the Red Barrel you remember. It's not BAD...but if you're going to play on people's nostalgia, you better make it like they remember. It's a lot fancier than it used to be. Which doesn't always fly in this neighborhood! The burger was decent, the fries were good, the ribs were alright but not quite the same as back in the day. Probably my favorite part of the meal was the coleslaw. It was SUPER yummy! Uniquely creamy and very well seasoned. Can I get like a quart of this to go? The atmosphere is nice, but not the grungy old place I remember. It would be a nice place to have a large group banquet style. The price was...eh...I hate paying $12+ for burgers. I would return of invited, but probably not on my own buck. read more