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

I'm so glad they still operate during the COVID party. We got there and everything was empty we waited like 10 min to get seated or to even get seen. When he came in the waiter from outside I think ,he gradually sat us were we wanted. His service was good,his name I think was Mariano. Water had a funny smell. Not so clean glasses. Food was ok portions. Also food was ok. People who like the beer cold it was aaaaaight. Not cold enough. That's why I let them put my bottles on ice. Overall I will return for more reviews on the food and overall the place. read more

Red Barrel Restaurant - a view of the bar and dining area - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Awwww man! I live in the West Elsdon neighborhood so of course for years I've known of Red Barrel. Well that's the old Red Barrel so I won't speak of that one. Today I will speak of the "new and improved" Red Barrel that we all anticipated to open. Well it finally did, and although I didn't attend the grand opening, I "heard" of that night but of course I needed to experience it myself. The food was sort of eclectic and yet seemed like at a comfort food level. Oh gosh here goes, I was totally disappointed. A glass of wine $8? No! Not even downtown restaurants give you that. This is a neighborhood joint so shouldn't it reflect neighborhood prices? Well this truly was a disappointment for that, but even more so the food was at best mediocre. I am not one to hold back on a review so I will say that it was less than I expected. I can easily get a burger elsewhere for so much less. The barbeque was not the best as it was a little overdone and tough, but the sauce was okay. We ordered several appetizers and entrees but again, I can't give them the best rating for prices. I won't compare them to the original red barrel, but if I have to be perfectly honest, they aren't up to par. I wish them luck here, but I will not be returning. read more

So I have been waiting 20 plus years for Red Barrel to re-open. Some of my best childhood memories were at Red Barrel. Reminiscing about the popcorn when seated, peanut shells on the floor, and rabbits in the window. I was always so excited to see the rabbits! The aroma of bbq throughout the restaurant while looking at all the classic antiques decorating the building. Well, if that's the Red Barrel you remember like I do, let me tell you this is not the same experience. Disappointing I know, but I've moved past all the nostalgia to really be open to the experience of the new Red Barrel. The ambiance is much different than the original. No bbq aroma or peanut shells on the floor. You will walk into a new classier place with laid back music and low lit lanterns on the tables. We were seated and may as well have been sitting in our neighbors' laps. It is quite a tight space, so just be prepared for a less than intimate meal. Our waiter greeted us and promptly took our order. They serve complimentary Parmesan and herb seasoned buns.We started with the crab dip, which was similar to one crab cake surrounded by cheese and four small pieces of toast. As an entree, I had the baked rigatoni. It was very tasty and had a good flavor with Italian sausage. My husband ordered the chicken Vesuvio, which was quite different compared to the more common dish of chicken breast. This dish had bone-in chicken wings with potatoes. So just a heads up if you are expecting the more traditional chicken Vesuvio with chicken breasts. It was also good but a little spicy for my liking. We ordered Mac and cheese as a side dish. It tasted good and was in a white cheese sauce. We finished the meal with creme brûlée, which was excellent! Throughout the meal, our water glasses were never empty as they had servers constantly refilling everyone's glass. Service was very good and very fast. Prices are high and most of the entrees do not come with side dishes. They are each priced individually. This is definitely a higher end restaurant for the neighborhood and not at all like the original Red Barrel. I would not say this is a kid-friendly restaurant but it's a nice place to go as a couple or to meet friends for drinks, since there is a very large bar area. There are also many tv's to watch sporting events. It's worth coming in to check out and the food is really good. Like I said, once you can get past the nostalgia factor of trying to compare the new to the old restaurant, you can be open to what the new place has to offer. I do miss the bbq chicken and popcorn though. Ah well, at least I have the memories. read more

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First of all the waitress was great! I ordered chicken marsala. When it arrived at the table I tasted it it was so salty and it didn't taste at all like marsala. It looked like marsala but whatever they added to it whether it was some type of beef gravy or stock or something whatever they put in there is all it tasted like I did not taste Marsala wine at all and that's supposed to be the main flavor that you taste. Chicken marsala is all about the Marsala wine reduction also the chicken was way overdone it was kind of stringy and dry. The waitress suggested me order something else so I just ordered a salad at $9 on the menu it says iceberg lettuce tomato and cucumber with Green Goddess dressing. It came out with chicken on it. I didn't order it with chicken so I just took it off and left it on the side. I also ordered creme brulee. It was decent but it was too warm. Creme brulee should be chilled with granular sugar on top add toasted the sugar with a torch until it becomes a caramelized sugar coating. On top of that they put powdered sugar. It didn't ruin it. But every time I want to take a bite I inhaled powdered sugar. It already has sugar on top. It doesn't need powdered sugar on top of regular sugar! I'd likely will not go back again because the food was disappointing if you're going to make chicken marsala learn how to make it properly. And make it taste like marsala. And if you do creme brulee don't put powdered sugar on it. And one more thing, don't add chicken to something if it doesn't come on it and if it comes on it have it say on the menu. What if I was a vegetarian? Now here's the thing I'm most disappointed in. I did not eat the chicken marsala and send it back because it doesn't taste like marsala. Instead I ordered a $9 salad and creme brulee with $7. That's $16 total. The waitress said the creme brulee is on the house. But my check was $22? How is that even possible. How is nine dollars come out to $22? Well let me explain my receipt still says it had chicken marsala which is 19.99. So basically they charged me for the Masala and didn't charge me for anything else. I don't like that that they do business like that! read more

We went for brunch. Although there were only 4 of us they graciously let us take over the 2 top so we could spread. Bloodys and Mimosas were simple and right on point. They gave us local bread which I found charming. The food took a while to come but when it did Holy Cow! We had chilequiles with both pulled pork and scrambled eggs which was scrumptious, short rib and eggs. Our server was Erica and she was very attentive as were the busboys filling coffee and water constantly. The one issue we had was quickly resolved. I'm hoping to see the brunch menu expand a bit as this is a huge breakfast community. the chef made the rounds which I thought was so totally cool. I was so impressed to see all of the children there today impeccably behaved. This is exactly what our community needed! read more

Red Barrel Restaurant - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Never a disappointment. Our waitress Elsa was so pleasant and attentive This is a great place to come. Drinks and food are always on point read more

Red Barrel Restaurant - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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We were traveling and found this close by. It's a cute restaurant, the food was amazing (we ate every last bite), and the staff from beginning to end was extremely nice and welcoming. Highly recommend this place for the staff and the service. read more

We love coming here. But Easter brunch was a real disappointment. The wait was way too long (time for 4 or 5 cups of coffee). Several people came in after us, ate and were ready to leave before we even got our food, which was cold. Although it was cold it was still quality cooking but would have been really good if it was least warm. This is the 1st we've had bad service there. Not sure why we waited forever but it'll make me think twice before going back. read more

We came here back in the summer after a long day of travel and before hopping on another flight at Midway. Literally 5-10 min from the airport and all the surrounding hotels and truly tasty food from "not-a-chain" restaurant. The entire clan was happily surprised with the excellent level of service (for real - top notch service) and tastiness of the food. Even better, there was a Quinceanera happening in the party room and everyone looked so happy to be there :) Standouts included the garlic shrimp and fried calamari starters, as well as the chicken vesuvio and marsala main dishes. The only bummer was towards the end when they started setting up karaoke. The speakers were insanely loud. Job well done Red Barrel...looking fwd. to eating at your fine establishment again! read more

Unusual little place. In town for work and was looking for something other than pizza (which in Chicago is fantastic). Had the salmon and was really pleasantly surprised. Very tasty and well cooked. Will come again when I'm in the Midway area. read more

Red Barrel Restaurant - Plank grilled salmon with spinach and purple potatoes - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This place is better Than I thought. Good service Great food I had the BBQ Ribs with mashed potatoes Out of this world. I celebrate my birthday here cuz my brother always want it to come to this place... so I did and I'm glad we have something good to eat nearby home other than tacos. Thanks to everyone read more

Red Barrel Restaurant - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I have heard so much about this restaurant and I wanted to see it for myself around brunch, earlier this morning. At first when I pulled up to their parking lot, the exterior looks amazing and stands out from the rest. I then pulled in the The somewhat narrow parking lot and I thought.. it would be a bit larger.. maybe the have another lot. So I walked in and checked out the layout and it looks amazing and inviting. When I finally got in view of the bar to my front and to my left there is a small booth for an attendant and from the attendant's left there is one of the dining areas. I was greeted by.. what it looks like one of the male managers. To my right it looks like I saw a female manager, she looked at me and just walked by and didn't say anything.. I was a bit disappointed by that.. especially with being new here and deciding if I'm going to come back for dinner. I understand being busy, but that's just common courtesy. So they kinda lost points with me there. However, I was re-approached my the male manager and he asked for my name and what he could help me with. I told him I ordered over the phone and that the people on the phone were friendly and helpful. The manager goes back and in within a matter of seconds, a wait staff comes to back with my order and I am in and out in less than 5 mins. That made me feel better. I look at the price of what I paid for and as much food you get for the price, it's definitely worth it. I left the parking lot but was greeted by a sudden DROP.. so be careful when you leave the parking lot! In closing, the food meshed beautifully together, I had the eggs, roasted potatoes and short ribs and they added salad as well. Despite that hiccup in the beginning, this place visually and flavorfully.. (if that is a word) he he.. is worth it. I would rate this place 4.5 out of 5. read more

Red Barrel Restaurant - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

If you are planing on having an event here, think again, they don't allow you or any of your guests to park in their parking lot if you get a banquet package. Makes no sense. read more

What a disappointment. First, they didn't have burgers available that day. How is that possible? Go to jewel and buy what you need to get through the day. One of the highlights of a place like that, and usually one of the only redeeming qualities, are the hamburgers! The calamari... wow... $17 for 14 small, chewy calamari rings! Thats about $1.22 per piece of calamari! Shameful. Popcorn shrimp... about 15 50 count shrimp with the breading glooping off them from the sauce... on a bed of soggy fries... that was $13. The Mahi, which is actually called Mahi-Mahi I believe shouldn't be cooked well done, and I immediately sent it back. To get something quick so I could actually eat with my family, I settled on the ravioli with marinara and it was nothing special. Obviously from frozen products and nothing made in house; which is fine if reasonably priced. And no cheese, no bread, no salad... seriously, to get your money's worth for a decent meal of pasta and more, go to the Olive Garden. Also ordered was the cod, again, small and over priced. I mean seriously, the scant vegetables served with it are a joke, why are they trying to save on the yellow squash!? Two paper thin slices of squash and 4 thin and over cooked pieces of asparagus? The 14oz steak was ordered too... thin and $37!!! This on 8 stalks of thin, over cooked asparagus. Other things of note... waited 20 minutes for my beer and had to ask twice. Still, service was satisfactory but we were the servers only table. Oh, and it's 20% gratuity on groups of 4 or more! It's in tiny red letters on the menu if you're looking for it. If I was the host of this meal, I would have walked out and not paid a dime for any of this slop. A weak, weak showing from a restaurant that was, over 20 years ago, a place for great bar food. Now, I don't know what the heck it is, but it does look like a lumberjack threw-up in there, so there's that. The space is big, clean, and bright; but there were only about 10 people in there when we were there. So, Vazquez brothers, if you're reading this, I'm amazed you're still open at all and my experience was poor, to say the least. Good luck! read more

This was a great find, varied menu, nice wine list, tasty food and excellent service. The Chicken Marsala had quite ample chicken and the Marsala sauce was yummy. Excellent grilled calamari as well. read more

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I absolutely love the cabin style feel that this restaurant has. The place was full but still had a great customer service experience. The owner walked around the tables making sure everyone was doing well, which was nice, he was very friendly and carried himself very humble. I regret showing up not so hungry and only getting a flatbread, but it was so good! I can't wait to come again and try out a delicious pasta. The menu had a great selection of foods so there's something for everybody's taste. read more

The food is so good especially the fish ceviche. Also, the restaurant was super clean and organized.

I've been here twice and I will keep coming back. The first time I had their Chicken Buffalo flatbread and it was good. The last time I visited I had the lobster ravioli in vodka sauce which was amazing. Drinks are also very good. The one thing I didn't like was the live music. The place has high ceilings so the sound was very poor however the musician wrapped it up quickly so ended up being nice and chilled after she left, read more

This place being as big as it is, it's easy to pass up! So I never noticed it until recently and decided to check it out. The staff is friendly and the food is tasty! I've sat at the bar & during Covid last year, we enjoyed our food and drinks in the back "patio" outside. I love the feel & vibe of this place, very "homey". 5 of 5!!!! read more

Ordered their 4 course special. I chose tomato bruscetta, salad, spinach ricotta ravioli, and cheesecake. Son got ribs, wife got shrimp tacos. According to wife, tacos were just ok. Refried beans were good. I tried the ribs and was pretty disappointed, but I guess it's not a rib joint so probably to be expected. The ravioli was disgusting, I don't know what they were trying to do with that sauce but it was so bad. Way too salty along with whatever other nasty they mixed in. Bruscetta & cheesecake was great. Service... If you could call it that, was horrendous. Dude was slow at everything and forgot everything else. We will definitely not be back. read more

Great find not far from midway airport. Fun decor (looks like a big barn), really good food, and excellent service. We started off with cocktails - they have an extensive drink list (I had the mango margarita - yum!) and the drinks were not over priced. For an app we had the chorizo and choose - four kinds of cheeses melted and topped w ground Chorizo and served with crostini - flavorful and really good. For dinner I had the house burger - served on a delicious pretzel roll - and had bacon jam and Brie cheese - fabulous flavors together. My friend had the ribs and they were fall off the bone good. We wrapped up w creme brûlée - vanilla and very good. Server was excellent - the right amount of attentive. Also notice they had a nice room for events and such. We will definitely be back next time we are in town! read more

Our food and service were excellent. We went on a Saturday afternoon and it was not crowded at all. The brunch/lunch menu was small but provided a variety of choices to please everyone. It's a nice looking place and pretty cozy. Try to sit away from the entry area as there is no blocking the wind as people are coming and going (this is common sense though, I just didn't think it through in the day). Everything really felt like quality. We had the chilequiles and Cajun shrimp pasta. The fountain Coke was on point. I don't really have any complaints. Can't wait to go back and bring family to try it out. read more

Fantastic food and superb service! The chilaquiles in red sauce will keep me coming back. read more

Red Barrel Restaurant - Chicken tortilla soup. I should have ordered a big bowl!! - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Good drink specials! Great service and totally recommend the chicken and Brussels sprouts

We just had the best meal in a long time. The food at the RED BARREL restaurant is phenomenal. Chef Rolando Gomez is remarkable his food speaks for itself. I enjoyed the 8oz New York strip with sautéed mushrooms and a baked to perfection sweet potato. My fiance had the Almond crusted mahi mahi with roasted brussel sprouts and pickled onions. Neither of us had ever eaten creme brulee so for dessert we decided to try the vanilla creme brulee it was simply amazing. read more

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The original Red Barrel was considered a southwest side landmark and there has been a lot of buzz since the re-opening was announced. I truly wish the new owners success and hope they can build their own reputation and turn this landmark into a renewed SW side destination. I decided to wait a couple of days after the grand opening to poke my head in and support a local neighborhood establishment for brunch. I arrived around 11am with my teenage daughter to see what the brunch menu had to offer. The very first thing I noticed when walking in was the top 40 music playing in the restaurant, a little odd I thought for what I was expecting to be more of a family oriented spot. Second, we noticed it was a quite a bit cold inside the restaurant, not a big deal since I like temps a little on the cool side but my daughter was cold the whole time. This could have been due to it just having opened about an hour before we arrived, but it was noticeable. We were given the dinner menus by mistake and were given the brunch menus after asking our server if there was a breakfast menu. The hostess who seated us was very sweet, and young, so I won't really hold that against her. I suspect she may have been the one who set the music when they were setting up prior to opening because they changed the music after we were done and put on some loungey Frank Sinatra, you can't go wrong with Frank. I saw a photo of some good looking pancakes on their FB site but decided to order the Steak and Eggs, while my daughter went with the Veggie Omelette. The food was served promptly! Almost too quickly for steak I would say. The presentation was very nice, steak, eggs, potatoes, and a side of arugula salad. I ordered the steak medium and that's exactly what I got, it looked so right that I suspect they might be using Omaha Steaks. (This is only my wild guess based on how perfect it looked and the temp being a little on the cool side when served. I am not saying that's what they're serving, but when I looked up photos, they looked very much alike.) The steak itself was ok, juicy, tender, and a little red the way i like it, but missing a bit of flavor which isn't a big deal because you don't go to this type of place and expect to be knocked off your feet. My daughter also thought her omelette was ok, nothing "wow" about it but it did have a very generous amount of cheese. I will go back again to try their burgers which look pretty good on the menu. The wait staff was very attentive and a lady who I assume was the manager did stop by after we finished to ask if everything was ok. I'll give the service an A+ and will update my review after I go back again. read more

Dinner was delicious and friendly staff. I will definitely go back to try something different like the burger. We had the creme brûlée, French Onion soup & ckn vesuvio and were not disappointed. Their drinks were good too! Nice to have this option in the neighborhood. Wishing the owners much success! I forgot my phone and it was returned (relief).I stopped by the following day to pick it up :-) and found out they have a beautiful private room for parties. I encourage everyone to stop by check it out and support the restaurant. read more

This place was a favorite of mine as a child so I was excited to come back and celebrate my birthday here tonight. (By the way, they don't sing or anything like that which is fine by me.) I was very impressed with the staff and manager who waited on us left and right. Even the chef came by our table. They made sure our water and wine glasses stayed full and food came out timely. Food presentation was good too. I had the mahi fish, red beet salad and creme brulee. All were very delicious and I left feeling satisfied. I wil definitely be back! The only issue I had was with trying to make a reservation using open table, it wouldn't let me make one for more than 4 people and I had a hard time reaching them by phone. Luckliy my brother stopped in earlier today and upgraded our reservation to 6 people without having any issues that way. read more

I liked the atmosphere and attentive service. My wife ordered the house burger which was fantastic based on the bites I had My biggest turn off was the "smoked" ribs which from the Reviews were fantastic. I love to BBQ and know what smoked meats taste like. The ribs I was served were boiled ribs with no hint of smoke whatsoever. At $28 a slab (which I was ok with paying) I expect some good ribs these were very disappointing. I will be willing to try this place again but will avoid the ribs. I hope they can get it right. Debated between 2 or 3 stars but our server made up for it. read more

First time trying this place and it was amazing and staff was very friendly and full of good vibes not to mention great drinks ! The mojitos were mouth watering and did the job walked out of there as lit as a candlestick will definitely be back again read more

Red Barrel Restaurant - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great people awesome service too. Staff is very friendly and welcoming as well. The waiter was great and asked the perfect amount of times if we where doing well with service. Food was great good taste will come back for sure. I will also recommend to friends and family. Also they have tv's to watch while you wait for food or just watch. Clean place and looks great too. We had a cantarito and it was good as well, very well served. read more

This restaurant was phenomenal! I came for a fundraiser to support my brother's high school model UN group. We were a group of 7, not too large but still a good size. The servers were attentive and very accommodating for our group. Everyone loved their food. My older family members all ordered beers and were very pleased to have their beers served with chilled mugs. Their bread was topped with oregano and parmesan cheese and it was absolutely delicious! I ordered the chicken cordon bleu, my first time ever trying it and I was not disappointed! The vegetables that came as a side were very flavorful and the mashed potatoes were also incredible. The actual chicken was also very well cooked! I was so stuffed I couldn't even finish my meal. I had a wonderful dinner and hope to return soon! read more

Red Barrel Restaurant - Chicken cordon bleu - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Let me start by saying this place opened this week Went there for lunch with a friend, long story short we never got our food! And only ordered appetizers! Sat at the bar, young girl bartender was nice but had NO CLUE where lunch menu was,after 40 minutes she said Im sorry the chefs thought the order was just a test order! Really?? Wonder if she ever put the order in.Paid for drink and walked out. Don't expect anyone to go for lunch with such slow service!! I will say regular menu is expensive!! 15.00 for a burger? 7 for soup? If you want area companies to stop for lunch, have a cheaper lunch menu, Was looking forward to checking this place out but was totally disappointed!! read more

This restaurant was such a pleasant surprise and really is a great addition to the neighborhood. Very nice menu choices, cocktails were absolutely fantastic! We ordered a few appetizers, and salads that we were able to add shrimp( they were very nice size and cooked perfectly) and the other salad had chicken which was flavorful and not dry. I looked at their brunch menu which I will be going back for very soon. They definitely deserve your business, customer service was great and the quality of food was excellent! read more

Favorite place to stop for food on the way to/from Midway airport. Fantastic food and even better customer service!

Disliked this place so much.. attended a baby shower and it felt like we were treated poorly.. we were not allowed to park in the "consumer" parking lot upon arrival, so plan at parking at your own risk elsewhere.. the place wanted to cheat the party hosts from the high end liquor agreement they had paid for, & the food portions were made for a 5 year old.. and might I state, not tasty at all.. never stepping foot in this Place again.. read more

Came from out of town and picked up takeout. Usually, takeout isn't as good as when you eat at the restaurant. Not at this place. Food was great and warm as well as flavorful. LOVED IT! read more

Sat at the bar since I was by myself. Service was great. He was attentive and professional. Food was good. One of the better places to eat in this area near the airport that is not pizza or Mexican. I will come back when in town. read more