Shirley&#x27;s Piano Bar

Local dive bar with an insanely good smashburger? Say less. This spot is low key with a laid back…read moreclientele and cool staff. Awesome spot to spend an evening and take advantage of their specials Food reviews: Truffle parm burger--wow. Not only was the cook amazing but the truffle flavor was perfect and not overpowering. Loved the crunchy contrast of the crispy onion. The fries were some of the best I've had. Salted and cooked to perfection

I can't imagine them serving up a better burger than this. Definitely just as good as my other…read morefavorite, Biker Dude Burger. Yankee Doodle Inn is a vintage bar in Barrington IL. Not much on visible signage but once you walk in you just know you are in the right place. Thanks for the recommendation Super Goode - Food Critic. Got lucky with my Monday visit as burgers are $5 off. I look forward to trying more of their daily specials. And Tommy is an awesome bartender. And remember that the sign says step up to the bar for your food and drink orders.

Great vintage vibe

Birria egg rolls & parmesan truffle fries

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Signage is easy to miss

Sundial Brewing & Blending

4.8(9 reviews)

0.2 mi

mikey and ian make the best beer i've ever had. ian doesn't have hair on his head but his beard is…read moresecond to none. mikey, who previously held the coveted "worst food server in Barrington" award has shown improvement after winning the "Best Beer Server in Barrington" award. the atmosphere of this place makes patrons feel welcome and appreciated. mikey spins the best vinyl and ian blends the best saisons. i've met some of my best friends in this establishment. Barrington has a reputation for being a suburb full of pricks, but this place is where the real Barrington folk come to kick it. before i forget, the absolute best part of this brewery is Shef, that dude is the realest around. mikey and ian do a decent enough job of holding the fort down, but Shef brings this place to life. there's so much to see at sundial, grab a bite in the mall and mosey on down to my fav place to grab a beer.

Great beer and great vibes. Ryan did a good job of poring beer the correct way. And one of the best…read moreplaces in Chicagoland for pilsners and lagers.

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Gigi Wine Bar and Bistro

4.7(53 reviews)

0.0 mi

It's awesome! A French bistro right by the Metra tracks…read more Rainy Wed night and the place was packed - it's a little tight in the front as you have to pass, but the dining room is nice size and comfortable. Excellent service and the steak frites was unbelievable- awesome sauce! Great cocktail a d wonderful, lively place to have a drink and a meal (my date LOVED the French 75)

Let's change up the menu a bit ! I was looking forward to the pork belly frisée salad but they were…read moreout of. I wish the waiter would have told us that in the beginning. Ended up going with the shrimp n grits again and the salad . Very good . I think cycle menu would do great here

Entrance

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Plate

Noe

4.6(20 reviews)

0.1 mi

We had an intimate seven-course meal at Noe for NYE, and it was truly exceptional. With only about…read more11 guests, the evening felt personal, progressive, and more like a culinary experience than a traditional dinner. Chef Robert Gadsby came out for almost every course alongside his team, thoughtfully explaining each dish and every nuance behind it. At the beginning of the evening, he introduced his entire team and their roles, which immediately set a warm and welcoming tone. Throughout the night, he checked in at just the right moments to make sure everyone was happy and comfortable. The team took time to ask about preferences, dislikes, and allergies so the menu could be crafted accordingly. For guests enjoying alternate dishes, those plates were explained with the same care and attention, ensuring everyone felt equally considered. Their service is impeccable. Every course was beautifully executed, creative, and memorable. We were all lucky to be there. This was a true city-like, fine dining experience in the heart of the northwest suburbs...a special place with an incredible team, chef, and atmosphere. We fully expect it won't be easy to get in anytime soon, and we can't wait to see what Chef Robert Gadsby and his team continue to do.

This is a tough one to review because it's unlike any other restaurant I've ever encountered…read more To tell you anything would ruin the surprise. (So maybe stop reading.) Let me just start with there is no menu. You talk with the Chef individually and then it unfolds. Totally novel. I've been a few times now and thoroughly enjoyed it. Nothing is pre-prepared so it takes a little longer than other restaurants. I prefer a late night Parisian style of unfolding movable feasts. This suits my style, but it may not work for everybody. (But "everybody" also eats dogfood at McDonald's. So who cares?) The chef's pedigree is quite remarkable. He's cooked throughout the universe and how he ended up in Barrington is yet another story. Let me know what YOU think.

The dining room at restaurant Noe

Grilled Shrimp

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The delicious dessert to seal the evening

Copper Fiddle Distillery

4.5(103 reviews)

3.0 mi

We came in for the tour on a Sunday and it turned out to be a private tour with Amanda. The tour…read morewas more of a conversation and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Amanda's energy and passion was outstanding. The tour was about 45 minutes and includes a tasting flight. Since I do not drink bourbon, they allowed my to substitute a drink. There were so many options that I was interested in trying, but after discussing what I like with Amanda, she suggested the Lavender Haze. The lavender syrup is made in house and was sweet, with a floral taste . The drink was excellent. They have open mic nights and live music. They are expanding into the adjacent space in the next few months. It was interesting to hear all of the logistics involved in moving equipment into the new space. We will be back !

Went today at 7pm and place was closed. Tried to call and no answer. No sign or anything to…read moreindicate change of business hours whatsoever. Super disappointed

Banana Rum Old Fashion

Smoking the Stramble On

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Blue Heron Cafe & Bar

4.2(31 reviews)

0.6 mi

Standard bar with many choices. There were a dozen people sitting around the bar (out of about 16…read moreseats) and all seemed to be regulars. We sat and one of the 10 or so tables and enjoyed a fantastic italian beef sandwich, great greek salad, and quite good thin crust pizza. Very reasonable prices. Nothing fancy.

Best dive bar in the Chicagoland area!!!! Staff was great, perfect spots to watch gamesread more

Blue Heron storefront

Blue Heron Cafe & Bar - THANKSGIVING MORNING PATRONS PREPARE 300 MEALS FOR THE ELDERLY AND FOLKS DEALING WITH TOUGH TIMES. ALL MEALS DELIV. BY STUDENTS

THANKSGIVING MORNING PATRONS PREPARE 300 MEALS FOR THE ELDERLY AND FOLKS DEALING WITH TOUGH TIMES. ALL MEALS DELIV. BY STUDENTS

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Special order deliciousness :Black Olive , Feta, Bacon

The Hidden Tap

4.4(14 reviews)

5.1 mi

Great prices! The atmosphere is relaxing. This is the cleanest bar I've ever been to. The bar…read morestools are so comfortable.

The hidden tap is a great local bar thats in a quiet neighborhood. It's fun and frequented by…read morelocals. The bartenders and staff are always friendly and the have some fun events going on a regular basis. From bingo, To other special parties it's alway good times at the Hidden Tao. Keep an eye out for DJ Dave's special events - 80s night, Pajamas party and other fun themed night that some folks get dressed up for including myself! If your a little hungry - their pizza is so dam good. It's a 12" pizza with great crust. It's fantastic! Week days are nice and chill so you can enjoy some Good laugh with a comfortable and clean pub. The hidden tap lives up to its name .... but the fact that it used to be a speakeasy brings an element of history that makes their drinks taste just little better for some reason.

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Who does number 2 work for?

Consume

4.2(295 reviews)

2.9 mi

Great and unexpectedly fun time. Been back several times since. Get the naked soux vide wings. You…read morewon't be sorry.

Had the fried chicken sandwich, it was overcooked and really tough. My family had some mac & cheese…read moreaswell and it was lukewarm and runny. The grilled cheese was good. Shirley Temple was watered down and mediocre. Steak was pretty good. Overpriced and sad place. Dark ambience and gloomy and sad. Service was nice, the food was just bad for how much it cost.

Sous-vide Wings and Fried Pork Shanks

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We Be Jammin'

The Polish American Bistro

4.3(53 reviews)

0.6 mi

Excellent, authentic polish food. A very unassuming restaurant with good service and delicious…read morefood. My husband had the borscht, beet soup with dumplings. It was a hearty and classic. A bowl was $10, a bit high but the quality was very good. I had the breaded chicken, it came with 3 healing scoops of mashed potatoes. The chicken was so tender you could cut it with a fork. My husband had the stuffed cabbage rolls, with mashed potatoes. We also shared an order of pierogis, meat and cheese and potato. This was the standout dish. The pierogis were light, and so well made. Prices were a bit high and I did not appreciate I was charged for a refill of ice tea, and would have appreciated bread to accompany our meals. However, the food was so good, we will be back.

Homemade Polish food! Been to this restaurant a handful of times and it doesn't disappoint…read more Favorite items are the soups, breaded pork, and the beef rollups. Desserts are fabulous too! Restaurant itself is cozy - choice of booths or tables; full bar. Looking forward to coming back!

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Pete's Dueling Piano Bar

Table 12 for the win!…read more I was in Rosemont for a work trip, which usually means dull dinners, early nights and generally a bit Puritanical. Since we were in Chicago, I took my boss and coworker to the Tiki TIki next door for a shot of Malort. It's Chicago, after all. 1 shot became 2, 2 became 4, and before I knew it, the bartender was ushering us through the swinging door into Pete's once they opened. Fun fact: we were the first ones in and also shut the bar down. From the moment the pianists started, it was clear this place was on point. Even them doing introductions and giving the ground rules was done musically. All four singers were wicked talented, and rotated in and out through the night. On occasion, they came together and became a full on quartet playing instruments other than pianos. Vocals were amazing, the energy in the place was such that I didn't even realize the time until they did last call and the lights came up. The layout of Pete's lends itself to entertainment. Regardless of what table you are at, you have a great view of the stage and no one has their back to the performance. The atmosphere is covered with fun and bright signs all over and despite being a larger place, it feels intimate when your song is played and everyone sings along. The table service was also great. She never hovered, but we also never lacked a drink. The next best thing about this place, after the performers, is the level of crowd interaction. There were folks singing along to every single song, and at times it was the whole bar. A couple of times during the night, folks were running around the bar riding a horse's head (or maybe a unicorn) on a stick. Somehow, it all just made sense. Pete's turned what could have been another boring end of a work trip sitting in the hotel into a night full of laughs, shots, and having a hoarse voice for days.

Company outing after dinner with the team! Never been to a dueling piano bar so wasn't really sure…read morewhat to expect. The experience is in the name; 2 guys and a small band pick songs to play and the audience really sings out loud (and really loud sometimes). I knew some of the songs so I could sing along. The inside is very big, accommodates a lot of guests, seating is everywhere, huge bar, and I loved all the cute/funny decor everywhere.

Things to do in Barrington

Bar

Inside

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Inside

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Chris B.

577

2

8 years ago

Incredible and authentic atmosphere, great drinks, top of the line piano men / women, comfortable and charming if you're looking to grab an afternoon drink and high energy if you're looking for a place to be social, sing your heart out and be with friends on a weekend night - Shirelys is a diamond in the rough! read more

Shirley's Piano Bar - pianobars - Updated September 2026

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Copper Fiddle Distillery

4.5

(103 reviews)

We came in for the tour on a Sunday and it turned out to be a private tour with Amanda. The tour…read morewas more of a conversation and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Amanda's energy and passion was outstanding. The tour was about 45 minutes and includes a tasting flight. Since I do not drink bourbon, they allowed my to substitute a drink. There were so many options that I was interested in trying, but after discussing what I like with Amanda, she suggested the Lavender Haze. The lavender syrup is made in house and was sweet, with a floral taste . The drink was excellent. They have open mic nights and live music. They are expanding into the adjacent space in the next few months. It was interesting to hear all of the logistics involved in moving equipment into the new space. We will be back !

Went today at 7pm and place was closed. Tried to call and no answer. No sign or anything to…read moreindicate change of business hours whatsoever. Super disappointed

Martini Room

3.8

(155 reviews)

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!

Find a nice restaurant have a steak dinner and a drink instead!…read moreI went with ten people and four complained about the first round, poorly mixed almost no liquor or wrong liquor... One star for service only.

Lamplighter Inn

3.3

(171 reviews)

Stopped in here for a private event up on the second floor. It was fairly chill in general in the…read morespace on a Saturday evening. The upstairs was spacious - had a dedicated bar, a kickbutt bartender and really really reasonable prices! I got some premium tequila for $9 a shot. Beers were $5-$6. They also were serving pizza (not Chicago deep dish ha) but folks seem to be enjoying it. The space was clean (yay for no sticky floors). Apparently there is a very large urinal but I clearly did NOT see it for myself lol.

I've ordered several times. pretty much the same Order Came…read moreby 8;45. Grub hub delivered it. I live about 1.5 miles away. It came barely warm. Very disappointed. Last time for me

Big Shot Piano Lounge & Restaurant

3.3

(196 reviews)

The atmosphere at this piano bar was great! The musician was amazing and really got the crowd into…read moreit. The martinis were delicious! Will go back again.

I attended a private party at Big Shot Piano Lounge in Arlington Heights. It is downstairs,…read moregrandmas's basement type stairs. Not sure of there is ADA access. The ceilings are low and there are multiple support columns which made for tight spaces. I think maybe when it's not a private party there may be less tables and hopefully less congestion. It was impossible to talk or have a conversation, it's all about the piano, which the piano players and singers were good and knew a wide variety of music. Very very loud. The bar was nice, aesthetically pleasing and suited for the basement vibe. I was bummed at the lack of mocktail options, next time I'll come prepared with my own concoction idea. Food was okay. They did a great job of serving the buffet, but it was in a corner and it was again awkward to access with the columns and tables.

RocHaus

4.1

(45 reviews)

Pretty awesome venue! Love places this size. Small enough to get close to your bands and big enough…read moreto get a loud crowd. Service was quick and easy. Good looking place where the stage is tall enough for everyone to have a good view. Only complaint is the prices. Tab was rather high, so be prepared to pay a few extra bucks than expecting.

Best local venue for live music! Located in the heart of West Dundee. They have different bands for…read moreall different types of music lovers and all age groups. They have a walk up bar, with all of your basic alcoholic choices of a beverage. They do not serve food. We have been here several times and each time it's been great, quick service with drinks.

Gigi Wine Bar and Bistro

4.7

(53 reviews)

It's awesome! A French bistro right by the Metra tracks…read more Rainy Wed night and the place was packed - it's a little tight in the front as you have to pass, but the dining room is nice size and comfortable. Excellent service and the steak frites was unbelievable- awesome sauce! Great cocktail a d wonderful, lively place to have a drink and a meal (my date LOVED the French 75)

Let's change up the menu a bit ! I was looking forward to the pork belly frisée salad but they were…read moreout of. I wish the waiter would have told us that in the beginning. Ended up going with the shrimp n grits again and the salad . Very good . I think cycle menu would do great here

Bolgers

3.6

(5 reviews)

The people are down to earth and bartenders are are the best they make you feel at home.read more

The ambiance was cool and sexy with incredibly comfortable bar chairs. However the highlight of the…read moreevening was the stellar service and hospitality from our bartender Amber!

The Gin Mill

4.3

(3 reviews)

Great place to go to. All the bartenders are awesome and very friendly. The owners are also very…read morewelcoming and personable. The Gin Mill is a great time especially when they have karaoke.

Always have a great time when we are there. Never over crowded or under crowded. Good music and a…read morechance to sing karaoke if ya want. Bartenders are always friendly. Prices are not to bad. Always a friendly atmosphere. We enjoy going up there.

The Vixen

3.6

(30 reviews)

We had a fun night at The Vixen watching the Foolhouse 90s party band. If you are a fan of 90s…read moremusic, you can't go wrong seeing this band. I recently had knee surgery so opted to buy a VIP Table in the balcony so I didn't have to stand all night. I was glad I did because the band played for over 2 hours and there was also a DJ. The venue itself is dated and carpet and furniture upstairs smells musty, like an older bar. However, the view and sound from the balcony were pretty good, and we had our own little dance party upstairs. It is a walk downstairs to use the bathroom, but we appreciated that there was a bar serving drinks upstairs. During a few parts of the concert, it sounded almost like the song started off key, and we kept seeing the vocalist tap his ear, so not sure if there was an audio issue. There is parking nearby, if you arrive early enough to get a closer spot. The employees here were working hard to get everyone inside, despite the long line. Drink service in the balcony was fast. There is no separate entry for VIP. Just one long line and once you get inside are then brought to your ticket area. In all, I would say we waited outside for close to 30 minutes before we got inside for bag and ID check.

We saw a Genesis tribute band recently and this was our first visit to The Vixen. We really like…read morethe Vixen and would love to return again! The space is big and you never felt claustrophobic despite the fact the place was pretty packed. We appreciated the fact you are seated at a table (at least for this band. I no longer enjoy standing for hours on end at a long rock show!). The bar is reasonably priced - a Lagunita's IPA was $6 or so. They seem to run the venue pretty well - no goony bouncers or shady staff lurking around. Stop in for a show if a band you like is playing here! The Vixen is a great music venue with good sound!

Hermann's Rest-A-While

3.8

(12 reviews)