Friendly and attentive staff and delicious food! Will definitely be back. The market is also a must see!

Beautiful building, many rooms to explore, even the patio is spacious and inviting. Would recommend going here for any occasion!

We have always loved this place to go for good food and be able to hear each other talk. This time we came with friends we had bragged on what a great place it was only to be served very poorly done patty melts. It was a shock that they would serve them cooked like this. It was a poor diner meal at a high price. So very disappointed. We will not be back. read more

This is the best thing in Harvard!!! Actually best in the county. If you want to have a really fun and interesting evening, and enjoy some culture this is the place!!! Get away and take your mind off things come see Starline. Last friday of the month. I go back as often as I can, different artists exhibiting there. Owner has truely worked magic in this antique Factory. All sorts of neat vintage stuff to look at in addition to some very talented artists works. Many many books and crannies. Many different types of art and artists. It will be your favorite place to go to There's music, bands, snacks, and a pub if you need more food. There's a contest for read more

See all

Starline is a beautiful (and affordable!) place to hold both a wedding ceremony and reception. The SPACE is absolutely stunning. Factory-style turned chic. Brick walls, exposed beams, stringed lights. It was gorgeous. The FOOD was actually really, really good, too! The salad was small, but the buffet included crispy fried chicken (with moist meat!!!!), roasted fingerling potatoes, an assortment of veggies, pasta salad, and fresh baked bread. My friend was also very pleased with PRICING. It was completely affordable and customizable with all of the different pieces she wanted and/or didn't want. The LOCATION is well outside of Chicago, and obviously into the burbs. It only took us about 90 minutes to drive there, so that really wasn't a big deal for us! There is a massive parking lot across the street, and a hotel with a shuttle nearby. Smooth sailing. I've been to other celebrations where there are two separate weddings happening and the families accidentally mash together and it's chaotic, but not here! Starline staggers the start time, and it's also super spacious inside. The left side is meant for a smaller wedding (50-100), while the right side is much larger (100+). Starline did a job well done making my friend's day magical. I would highly recommend for a wedding venue :) read more

See all

Beautiful place. Love everything Orin did here. Unfortunately since he passed, standards have dropped. They stopped music by 1030 before, which was respectful to the neighbors. Since he passed, I've had to call the police to shut down the music after 11 pm, I ordered fish fry tonight and it was cold and old. I spent 20.00 for two tiny, cold pieces of fish. Very disappointing. I wish we could go back one year where the food was amazing read more

Very good! Went for the fish fry. I got a mix of the baked and fried. It was delicious. I selected the fries as my side (yummy). Kids and hubby got the buffet and loved all of the food they ate, especially the shrimp and chicken. Only thing I didn't like was the tartar sauce. Good price/value as well. Cool old building too! read more

I attended and decorated a wedding on October 20, 2018. We stopped by a few times previously and walked through the venue with David, the event planner. He was so accommodating and unlike other reviews I've read, allowed us to decorate the poles. We used magnets as to not damage the architectural aspects of the building. We decorated the day of and he couldn't have been more helpful, before, during and after!! He even offered to park my sister's car for her as she has trouble walking. The service was great, the bartender was fast and accommodating and the food and cake were good. The one thing that stood out was the service. Thank you David and staff for making my nephew's wedding so special! read more

See all

Great pub, great food in Harvard! The chef, Colin is super creative and adds specials every week. You can go in on the second Friday and feast on a large buffet, and late night hours on the 4th Friday art event each month. I'm an artist in the building and have a studio there- I often come down for a carry out. Don't miss the outdoor terrace! Outstanding service too! read more

Review just for factory venue, not the restaurant. Came here with our Crystal Lake friends for 4th Friday event. Coolest venue ever. Former barn door factory, I think. Now, event space, restaurant and artist studios. Large variety among artists: handbags, photography, jewelry, clothing/textile, painting, sculptures. On the fourth Friday, 10$ entry, snacks, and 2-3 live entertainment (singers, bands etc). The theme varies by month, I think March's was 'Irish,' as the duo and band sang Irish tunes. A solo singer sang in the stairwell. Check it out, 6-10pm are the hours, I believe. read more

I recently had my wedding here, and it was amazing! We worked with David, who I was very impressed with. He was knowledgeable and accommodating, very prompt in emailing back. He worked with us throughout the year, and was there the day of. We were able to set up the Helm Room the day before since there was not another event and were able to leave stuff overnight. This made day of so much less stressful. The food was great, and service was wonderful. We had 130 people, and the space was perfect. Not overcrowded, room for kids to be kids without issue. Lodging in Harvard is an issue, but we rented school buses and staying in near by Woodstock, IL which was great for getting our hair done in the morning. I highly recommend Starline and David. Everything was amazing. read more

Starline Factory Stanchion Pub - The Helm Room - Pubs Near Me - Harvard, Illinois

Brides Beware -Starline is a great industrial venue and the pricing is much better than most, but there are some things you need to know before you fall in love with this venue. When we had our tour, our consultant was lackluster at best. She never smiled and she pretty much said no to all my questions and yes only a few times. When asked if we could have pew decorations, we were told no, nothing could hang or be attached to the pew. We were told they needed to go on the floor. I thought this was odd, because they have old pews taken from a church which has probably had hundreds of weddings where the pews were decorated, but once the pews were moved to the Starline Factory, no more? Obviously, you need to be protective of how things are attached, but to just have a blanketed NO, is unreasonable. Pew decorations are all over Pinterest, but you can't have them at Starline. We asked if we can line the floor with petals, real or silk - answer - no. No explanation given. Really, how could this hurt anything? Have you seen petals lining the aisle on Pinterest? We asked if we could decorate the poles...answer - no. Really? No lights, no tulle? Let's face it, the whole place is brick, it could use some decorating. We're not talking about putting things up on beautiful Mahogany wood pillars here, we're talking plain, metal poles. I wanted my sweetheart table on one side of the room and we were told no. We were told it always goes on the other side. Really? I have no say in the set-up of the room? The side where we were to sit was definitely not the attractive side of the room, but that is where the Bride and Groom are allocated to. Where's the flexibility? They have a cool bridal suite, but we were told it was not for the groomsmen. There isn't a place for the groomsmen, so why not invite them after all are dressed? Nope. We were told no. My fiance took that as a punch to the gut. The groomsmen are to walk around aimlessly before the wedding, but the bride and her bridesmaids can be whooping it up in the bride's room. I wasn't very happy to learn that they get all of your money before your wedding even happens. $500.00 deposit and 3 months later they wanted another 1500.00 and before your wedding, you are paid in full. If there are issues, too bad, they have all your money. Read the other reviews about bad food, bad service and not getting what was contracted. Tasting- Their tasting is only for 2 people. Well that's great if the bride and groom are paying for the wedding, but my parents were paying and they weren't included. When I asked if more people could come, I was met with a sigh and told there would be a $25.00 charge. Really? For a tasting? I could buy a full dinner for that price. Event Insurance - This blew my mind. We were told that we had to buy an Event Insurance Policy. Why? Their business is being a venue for events. They are already insured. I looked in to it. Policies ranged from 175.00 to 400.00. This is a bogus charge. Seems like the owner wants to be overly insured, but not have to pay for it. Labor charge: This charge was not communicated to us upfront. There is a 5% labor charge added to your food and alcohol bill. So add up your alcohol charge per person, then your food cost per person and multiply it by 25% (20% regular gratuity and then 5% labor) This will be your total PP charge unless they add the 7.00 PP charge to it. $7.00 Per person - I never made it to the end of my contract, but I wonder, is the $7.00 per person fee for the use of tables, chairs, linens and dinnerware added to your food and alcohol costs and then the 25% gratuity/labor charge is charged against that fee too? Be sure to ask. For example, if you have 100 people at your wedding. The 7.00 pp fee would be $700.00. Now multiply by 25%. That's another $175.00 you would have to pay. Rental fees taxed - While I have you on the line, if you are a budget bride like me, you will need to know that the IRS taxes rental fees. If you rent a space with the expressed purpose to feed people, then you are taxed on the rental fee. If you rent a space, say for an art event, then you are not. Harvard, Il has lower tax around 7%ish. For example, their rental charge for a Saturday is $1,250.00, plus $750.00 for the chapel = $2,000 X $7%ish = another $140.00. read more

Went here for a wedding place is beautiful!!! Catering was good always on the smaller side especially when you've been drinking at a wedding read more

Starline Factory Stanchion Pub - Pubs Near Me - Harvard, Illinois

This review is based on attending a "4th Fridays" art show at this venue. First of all, don't bother coming to one of these shows unless you're 100% able bodied, fine with climbing stairs, and have no balance problems. The exhibits are on more than one level and elevator access is limited. Also, there are areas of unevenness in the floors where one area flows into another. Also, seating was so scarce as to be nearly nonexisitent, and most of the seating that did exist was occupied by people who seemed determined to remain parked there for the entire evening. A crowded, noisy event with poor lighting and no place to sit down = not my idea of a good time! So much for "4th Fridays." As for the venue itself, i don't know what it would be like to hold a wedding or other such event here, but I would not choose it myself. As a host. I'd be too concerned about the comfort, safety, and well being of guests with any physical challenges and/or those up in years. I'd want to have my event someplace less shabby and more accessible. But maybe that's just me, lol. read more

Wow. What a beautiful space, vibe, and venue. The Pub food is wonderful. I was hesitant about the scallops but they were cooked PERFECTLY and delicious. Drinks are tasty and strong. Check it this local gem! read more

Do not book your wedding here. This was by far the worst wedding food I have ever had. From what I understand there is no tasting until the whole bill is paid up front. No wonder, if you tasted the food first you would cancel your wedding. The chicken was a small processed piece the size of a half dollar. The lasagna was unrecognizable. The salad has no dressing on it. This was a very expensive wedding and drinks were served in plastic cups. I think they purposely keep the room closed so you have to buy drinks in their very expensive bar. 2 drinks for $39!Appetizers were horrible - We stopped at McDonalds on the way home! Think twice before you book here. I also understand the contract was constantly changed on the bride and groom. read more

This review is for the Venue itself, not the Restaurant. The Starline Factory was the most amazing place to host our Wedding. From the cleanliness, to the service, to the decor and overall ambiance. David was amazing and accommodating. He allowed us to bring our decor in on a Wednesday (our rehearsal day), decorate on Thursday evening and our wedding was on Friday. David even helped us take our decor out of our car!!! He was very patient and had many recommendations on where to take photos throughout the building. Our food for the wedding was out of this world (and I am very picky on good food). Ron ( the chef) was amazing to work with. He is a top notch chef. He has an amazing personality and wants to make sure his customers are 100% satisfied. Our guests had the champagne chicken/beef medallions/twice baked potatoes and veggies ( 280 guests). The presentation was beautiful and our guests RAVED about the food. The dessert was absolutely amazing as well!! The presentation and assortment of desserts exceeded my expectations. Overall, the Starline exceeded our expectations and I would recommend anyone to have their wedding there. You will not be disappointed. read more

Had an awesome dinner here. The whole experience was great - excellent food and thorough drink list, all in a very cool repurposed building. I would highly recommend this for any occasion. Definitely a very versatile restaurant. Can't wait to come back! read more

Resident artists Greg Gantner & Gabe Karagianiss are crazy talented & host a wonderful space. I love checking out their summer, winter, fall and spring solctice shows. read more

Starline Factory Stanchion Pub - Entrance on 400 e front - Pubs Near Me - Harvard, Illinois

My friend and I went there Wed. Had a good meal . I love the look of the place . Food was good . I little slow coming out of the kitchen . They have a free ice cream bar. What a Beautiful place to have a wedding ! Kim read more

My husband and I traveled from Chicago to view the space and instantly fell in love with it. As a gay couple, we were anxious about tolerance levels outside of the city, but Teresa, the Event Coordinator, was kind, caring and helpful. Our wedding was in October 2017, and it took us a little under 10 months to plan everything. We visited Starline three times before the big day - once to view, once to choose the menu and linen options with our wedding planner, and once for our tasting. Choosing the venue without having tasted the food was a little nerve-wracking, but we learned that is fairly common. Teresa was very good about answering any questions we had either in person or via email. Having just under 100 guests, we rented the Starline 1883 Room. Anything in the city couldn't even come close to the price we paid for both the venue and the food. Our food AND beverage package came in at about $25 less than anywhere else we looked at for JUST food. Lodging is a bit of an issue in Harvard, so we decided to stay in Lake Geneva. Originally we planned on hosting our rehearsal dinner in Lake Geneva, but everything felt over-priced and we still weren't going to get what we wanted. Teresa again came through for us and we had our dinner at the Starline the day before the wedding. The team there even surprised us with table decor! The Starline 1883 room is gorgeous and added a lot to both our ceremony and our reception thanks to it's unique two-floor setup. We were allowed to bring in anything we wanted to craft the look of our day, and having a decor vendor (Forever Birdy) right in the building was very convenient. Our wedding day went by very quickly, and was pretty near perfect. It was on a Friday, and we were allowed into the venue plenty early to set up, take pictures and even relax a bit before our ceremony. The food was AMAZING and our guests still bring it up when we see them. The service was fantastic - from the cocktail hour to the dinner and everything after. The chef and manager even came out to see how everything was at the end of the night, and we had several friends comment on how much they enjoyed the bar staff. All-In-All, we couldn't have been more pleased with the Starline and definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a venue! read more

We held our daughter's engagement party here and it was wonderful. Everything - from set-up to the food buffet to the bar - was executed as we had planned. The manager, David, was very responsive and professional, and the staff was courteous and helpful. I would highly recommend this venue for any special event. read more

I was very hopeful when referred here as my wedding venue. I've been coming to this place for over a decade before it was a venue. The venue is beautiful, and the atmosphere was great for our special day, but all that lead up to it was not what I would wish on anyone else to experience for their biggest moment. When we finally chose this to be our local, we put a deposit down and signed a contract for the ferris room and chapel. Expecting about 225 people. Little did we know our chapel time was double booked and we found out after we printed invites. No one told us. So we offered a solution to compromise with the other party, no solution or apology was given by starline. Second issue, we were given menu items in which we chose and then come to find out they revamped their entire menu, still no one told us until 2 months later. At this point I'm stuck in this so why not move forward right? Day of: we had to break down our room at 11pm and have everything out. Okay luckily I hired help for that. We paid for two bars to be open for the whole reception, and only one bar was and flooded with guests that had to stand in line for drinks. We paid for the top shelf option too. A quarter of my guests didn't get their salads, when they asked the servers they were still not given them and already served their second course. We did a double protein, thank God because the chicken was raw. This is a health hazard and so incredibly embarrassing. The servers were very unapologetic, very unprofessional. A couple of my guests complained about ones pants being down and serving food with their butt crack hanging out. Real nice when you're paying over $20k for services. And why not have actual serving trays versus bar trays? Gross. We had about 10 guests not show day of, and our overall count was 199 VS 225, we still paid for the whole 225. Lastly we had to hurry to break everything down, only to find out that no one was renting the space that next day (Sunday) and we didn't have to break everything down. I had asked about this over a handful of times. Again lack of communication. Overall, you do not get what you pay for. When I took these items to Teresa, nothing was done about it. I'm not going to refer anyone else here unfortunately. The food that was cooked was really good, the location is great and space is beautiful, but accommodating for your big day it's not. There was so much lack of communication when we tried our hardest and it seemed we were not a priority. Total bummer. read more

The atmosphere of this quaint pub is the best!! Located inside the starline factory it's a great little spot to grab a bite! Service was good and food is yummy. Big portions! Small menu but decent selections. As a bonus if a weeding is happening when you are there it's a good people watching time and you get to hear the event and music. Was fun!! Worth checking out for an out of the ordinary spot. P.S. they have an ice cream Sunday station!!! #amazing! read more

I picked this based on reviews to meet a relative halfway for dinner only to find out they only serve to the public W-F......so who knows how the food is because we tried to go on a Saturday:( read more

My daughter had her wedding and reception here. It was perfect. Venue was gorgeous. Food was delicious. Ample parking in their multiple parking lots. Couldn't have asked for more polite staff. Highly recommend. read more

5 star venue.... 1 star food & service. The wedding was as it should be. The bride beautiful and the groom handsome. The lighting was amazing and overall the venue itself could not be better. The food and service however stink. And that's using nice words. You know you have un-trained servers when they serve both men and women at a table in sequence, are short on food for a table and leave the woman without her plate. You have servers reaching across two guests to get at plates or refill water decanters. Zero class or refinement. The best thing about dinner was the perfect simple salad. fresh greens, delicious vinaigrette, a few tomatoes and some mozzarella balls, perfect. The main course however would have to work hard to be any worse. the vegetables and mashed potatoes were decent. The poultry ( could not tell chicken or turkey) was inedible and the roast beef was more dry and chewy than most gas station jerky. I pray the bride and groom had better. You know it is a bad meal when half to two-thirds of everyone's food remains untouched when they come to pick up the plates. This could have been just our table (yeah right) . I would certainly consider selecting the venue for a wedding as it was extremely beautiful and well done. I would however bring my own caterer or chef. Cheers to the Bride and Groom for beautiful ceremony! Boo to the chef and untrained servers..... read more

A group of friends enjoyed a wonderful dinner at the Stanchion Pub! Great dinner, great service, great price, and wonderful atmosphere. We will return! read more

This review is for the venue. We attended a wedding there 08-24-19 and were very disappointed. The wedding chapel is on the second floor and they had no working elevator. My wife recently had broken her leg and could not walk up the flight of stairs so we could not attend the wedding. Not only was this disappointing but I'm sure it against the American disabilities act. This venue knowing that over 200 people were going to be there should have made every effort to have a working elevator. read more

My wife and I had out wedding here last month and we could not be happier with the outcome. The venue is beautiful. The food was good. And the staff was very helpful. read more

My parents held their 50th Anniversary part at the Starline on December 3rd. The building is beautiful. I was pleased at the numerous improvements made to the facility over the last several months. The new parking lot is first class as well as the signage that made clear where the event was being held. The staff was most helpful and flexible handling the last minute questions and changes with grace and an attitude that couldn't have been better. The office staff was great start to finish. The bartenders were friendly and made sure that everyone had exactly what they needed. The serving staff was courteous and we were well taken care of the entire night. The food was great and served right on time. I would gladly hold another event at the Starline. It was a night to remember. read more

Unexpected gem hidden in the midwest. This is the space of many artists with lots of work on display and for sale. They also host classes and 4th Friday open house events. I am already thinking of my next visit! Went here in winter so there was definitely no outdoor space to see. read more

Outstanding! The Helm Room is beautiful. The Land Conservancy held its fall fundraiser there last weekend, and we couldn't have been happier. Hors D'oeuvres were great. Special call outs to the crab cake bites, pizza tarts, spinach- artichoke tarts and tomato-basil-mozerella skewers! Great selection of sweet treats too. Staff were all very helpful and pleasant during set-up and throughout the event. We've already booked the room for 2018! read more

This review below is for the venue itself not the restaurant. We couldn't have asked for a better venue. Starline was professional and easy to work with through the entire process. As an architect this was exactly the setting I was looking for. It matched my wife's rustic tastes and the building has so much character with the beautiful exposed brick, original heavy timber framing, and the salvaged artifacts from the factory really make this space one of kind. In addition to aesthetic qualities of the venue being able to have the catering, linens, dinnerware, cake, and bar service all in house made the planning process so much easier. We even had them provide lunch for our bridal party day of, which was reasonably priced and delicious. The venue has a day of coordinator who helped ensure things stayed on time and went smoothly. We received so many compliments and would highly recommend the venue for weddings other private events! We would like to extend a special thank you to David and Virginia for helping make our day so perfect. read more

I'm at this venue with a friend who is getting married today. I am blown away at how unhelpful and unfriendly the staff is here. I've participated in so many weddings and been to many venues, and have never seen people treated so awful on such a special day, that they've paid a lot for. It's such a shame because the space itself is so beautiful with lots of potential. If you're up for being your own planner and take care of everything on your own, without much help from your wedding venue, then this place could be great. If you want help or decency, then I would try a different venue. read more

My husband and I seriously do not get what this monthly event is all about! The glowing reviews must have been submitted by the artists and/or family members. The restored Starline building is pretty neat. There is a gravel parking lot across the street, but it is very uneven and the nearby sidewalks are also treacherous to navigate in places. I've gone twice and it's not a fluke...the attendees seem to think they are at a spectacular art showing. However, most of the artwork is mediocre (and overpriced). We've seen much better talent at outdoor juried art and craft fairs. The food and drinks are OK. Music is actually the best part. We were stunned to see how many people turn out for this event. After 2 visits we just can't comprehend the attraction. IF you have to see what all the fuss is about...check out Groupon. Last time we went we scored cover for 2 (normally $5/person), and 2 drinks for $10. read more

-Attended a wedding there this weekend. Worst reception ever been to. If you want to have large parties start thinking about the parking. 400 guests and parking for maybe 50 - long cold walk. Servers need to be trained and you need to hire some real cooks. Chicken DRY, beef over done and cold, green beans weren't edible - not cooked and cold. Start looking at the food being left on the plates. The BAR (if that's what you want to call it) nothing to drink. Soda was watered down, poor choice of beer, good thing I like water. The Desert? dry tarts, hard ice cream (time to invest in a soft serve machine) Oh yes, and could not get coffee till 8:00 when the desert was served. They put two puts in the corner of the room - cold coffee and you had to get it yourself. The facility is not kept up. Bathroom doors don't lock - really. Future brides and grooms - don't embarrass your self- McDonalds would be a better choice. This is what I label as a WANNA BE place - and they have a long ways to go They may think they are geared up for parties - but have no clue where to start. read more

My Husband and I got married last Saturday august 12, 2017. Everything was spectacular and exceeded our expectations. The venue is gorgeous and the staff was great and really cared for their job. The presentation of the food was wonderful. All night long our guests were giving us compliments! I wish we would relive the day over and over again. If anyone is considering Starline its unbeatable! read more

My husband and I just got married and we could not have asked for a more perfect day! The venue was beautiful, the staff was amazing, and the food was great. You guys are just amazing! read more

Maybe the Art is not first class, maybe the place is a little overrated but they are trying and for beginners they are doing very nicely. Give it time, I'm sure it will improve. The concept and the building is a very nice start. read more