Really nice bar in downtown McHenry! We stopped in for a drink and to listen to their live music on the patio. Service was fast and friendly, the patio was super nice and spacious. The live music was a local guy, pretty good! Found out he was just 15!!! We didn't eat here but the food coming out looked amazing, next time! read more

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We've been driving back-and-forth and we saw the building being beautifully rehabbed a year ago and finally it opened and we always wanted to give it a shot "sometime". We have heard mixed reviews, but not in the positive sense but we still wanted to give it a try because we like to keep the money local if possible. We always attempt to support our local restaurants and businesses nearby first beforehand. That "sometime" became today, and it was full of regret. The first thing we noticed is that the outside lamps were really dirty. Full of cobwebs... I mean Really dirty- and for a building in that new of a condition? That should have been a clue, but we decided to still give the courthouse a try. We had the margarita flatbread, which was OK and two Arnold Palmer's. After that, it all went downhill from there. We were given dirty napkins to eat with: yes it had food chunks & stains caked on it from the previous user we'd assume: Disgusting... But we didn't complain. Why? Because we thought it was a fluke... (dismiss- for now) The place was not busy at all. There was only one table other than us occupied, and three people sitting together at the bar and Abigail served us, but after the flatbread was served by the runner, she never checked on anything else (only asked if we were ready to order- okay -another pass) We noticed in between times) She was more interested being on her phone than the patrons who "could pay her way", and we waited for 40 minutes after our order had been placed to have something else to eat. Yes. It took that long: I ordered the steak burger (medium)and my wife ordered the 5 hot wings and we waited. And waited. No "pulse check"... we sat there waiting. On a Sunday.... We finally noticed that Abigail finally went back.... and then brought out our food, which was by that time: cold. We believe she knew it was out there, and yet she still served us. (Huge problem) My steak burger I asked for was overcooked and grey looking. It was under like warm. The cheese had dried under the heat lamp, so it is of our opinion the staff & Abigail forgot our order and let it sit out for at least 10 to 15 minutes under the heat lamp in the back. When it came out, the fries were overcooked and again... they must have been sitting there for over 10 min or so..., and it was such a disappointing cold mess. And yet: After seeing this mistake, she still served us thinking we'd still eat it? We stated we didn't want the order anymore, (pointed out the issues) and instead of asking to maybe comp the flatbread (refire our meals again)or something like that (she could see we were not happy)or apologize for the mistake, she just told us that she just took off the burger and the hot wings and rang us up like nothing happened and it was our fault. It is our opinion that She did NOT care at all about the situation. As if we were bothering her to do her job that we came to visit to help inject money into the local business. She was totally disconnected, and in fact, she had taken a check from the table near us, and she had forgot to ring his check up. So he too, was waiting for about 10 to 15 minutes with his son at the table, before she finally realized that she still had his credit card and hadn't ran it to be processed or debited.... We really want to give this place a nice try, but after this, we won't be back. Such a bad experience for a local business near us. What a disappointment. read more

Service was great. Sat at the bar outside, and the bartender/server was fine. Attentive, no waiting for anything. Early evening on a Sunday. Almost no one there, presumably because of the early hour. Have walked by at night and usually pretty busy on weekends at least. That said it was Sunday at 4:30. Ambiance was nice. We sat outside on their patio by the fans and temps were a relief after the dire temps in previous days. Food: wish I'd taken a picture before we ate some. It was presented nicely. We had the Asian chicken wraps. It came with four almost, kinda sorta, wilted romaine leaves that were hard to wrap around anything, so that was interesting. I woulda preferred a larger colder iceberg lettuce. Room temperature white rice in the middle of small cube chicken, also room temp? with a teriyaki like sauce on it. On the side and in small containers, it had pickled onions and cucumbers, which were wonderful. Some sort of sweet /hot sauce I'm guessing and radishes with crispy wonton strips. I liked it all ok taste wise, but thought the rice and chicken could have been warm to hot. We also had each a flavored lime mule which was very good for $10 each. Not a lot of alcohol but tasty. Had cold things been cold and hot things been at least warm, it would have been much better. My friend wasn't too hungry or impressed so I took most of it home and warned it up and that is what you see in the picture. It was way more appealing and I just ditched the sorta wilty romaine. The menu doesn't know what it wants to be. It's mostly bar food, some Asian influences and some Greek, thrown in with 3-4salads. I almost like it better when they first opened with a very limited and kinda pricy small bites menu, but I suppose in McHenry you gotta have basic bar food, so I get it. I just wish there were an upscale pub type menu for something different. But that's just me. read more

Walked in and was impressed by the decor. There's a very good vibe. Nice selection of liquors, beers and other drinks. Service was a little off. Maybe due to some fest they had going on out back. Bartender didn't project well and seemed annoyed. Never offered a menu nor mentioned anything about the festivities in the back. I had to read about them on the post in the bathroom. read more

Looked online for happy hour and was super excited to see that Tavern had Wednesday all day happy hour. Sadly, it is a lie. Upon arrival we were told that the website is not accurate and they haven't have all day happy hour for 'quite a while' and they haven't updated their website to reflect the correct details - only 4-7pm and not even the right menu. Bartender said he's just the bartender. Got the manager for us, who says, sorry, but he is not, there was no sincerity nor actual concern displayed, just a 'too bad for you' attitude. He has no explanation for why the site is not updated nor timeframe for when it could be. And this is the guy you got running this place? What a joke. When I point out that false advertising and 'bait and switch' are illegal in the state of Illinois, he just shrugged and walked away. read more

Great place to go out with some friends and get a few drinks. The staff is really nice and the environment was awesome. We'll definitely be coming back here. Also, the drinks were priced very fairly. read more

If I could give 10 stars I would! First, the ambiance is beautiful. Second, the food we ordered was phenomenal...the fig & arugula flatbread was one of the yummiest things I've EVER tasted in my life, the chicken sliders were juicy and fresh, and the fries were SOOOOOO good, fresh cut, definitely not frozen from a bag...not to mention My extremely picky kiddo LOVED it! Our waitress was also very kind and attentive. Will definitely be going back! read more

The Courthouse Tavern - Bars Near Me - McHenry, Illinois

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Curiosity equals Success... Thank you Kristal, John and Michelle! Staff is superb ,the attention to detail is exceptional for the McHenry area (with all due respect)... What a beautiful Saturday in March to visit the "Historical 1860 McH CO Court House" researched both the Lunch and Dinner Menus- selections are inviting. The 2nd Floor is their exclusive Steak House Dinner area -brilliantly appointed... When Weather allows a MUST VISIT PATIO AREA -bring your dogs, grass area and lights... right off the McHenry Riverwalk you will be so PLEASED! read more

If you're looking for a nice place to have a drink outside and a great atmosphere, this is the place for you. We came when there was a festival going on and the place was packed and it was really good. One in our party got flatbread, which was OK, but I got the chicken skewers which were fantastic and gluten-free. People were nice and did I mention they outside? This place has a fantastic five outside. read more

We had my son's rehearsal dinner here last night. Service and food were exceptional. We were upstair, great room, a private bathroom is included in the space. The decor is so well done, not too cutesy but also reflects the vibe of the town and street. Everything was very clean and well maintained. We worked with Kristen, she made everything easy and was so accommodating. Thank you Courthouse Tavern for everything it was a wonderful! Wish I had photos, I was to busy enjoying the company and celebration. read more

Food was so good!!!! I had the Philly steak sandwich and fries. My son had the gyros sandwich. Both amazing! I had them add mushrooms to my sandwich and the sandwich came with poblano peppers- absolutely delicious!!! The fries looked and tasted home made. It looks like the courthouse cost a pretty penny to build. Our waiter was very nice and attentive but didn't hover which I love. Definitely going back. Also , I love the menu! Small and to the point. When menus are small, this means the restaurant isn't contributing to food waste. Bravo!!!! read more

horrible, the cook needs to go back to school , I think the top fell off the shaker, the ultra was great, will never go back so many choices in mchenry don't waste your time going there! read more

Mchenry has changed a bunch, I tell ya what. The place is very visually appealing and I stopped in for just a drink or two. Nice decor, cool look to it. It's just a bit too "upper middle class senior citizen golfers come here after the country club" for me. As bourgeois as it looks I was kind of surprised how pedestrian the tap beer selection was. I'll give it another shot another time. Not hating on it, it's off to a decent start. I was just kinda surprised McHenry spawns a place like this, but times they are a changing. read more

I'd happily approach the bench any time if this drink is what I'd get. The other specialty drinks look good too but this drink is too delicious to try anything else. read more

Wow, there's a new place in McHenry that's a gem. Went there last night to check it out before a venue at the Vixen. Great building, it even smelled brand new. Tastefully decorated and nice ample sitting areas on the main and second floors. Nice selection of beverages, prices are quite reasonable. Folks working are good, especially Jennifer who was very helpful and friendly!! Didn't get a chance to try any of the apps, the menu looked yummy and high end. Definitely worth stopping in, we will definitely be back when Jennifer is bartending. Check it out! read more

The Courthouse Tavern - Appetizer menu - Bars Near Me - McHenry, Illinois

We were first time visitors to the Courthouse Tavern. We dined in lovely outside area. The food was excellent: shrimp kabobs, lettuce wraps, salad. The service was good. We will definitely return. read more

Absolutely tried to rip me and my wife off. Over charged us by $100 and didn't apologize! We will never go back!!! Thankfully I caught it.

First time there bartender who we suspect might also be the owner pointed out the sliders on special for $2. We said we will have the sliders. She then says it comes with fries puzzled a little but thinking what a deal. Get the bill and the sliders were $13? So we basically paid $9 for 10 to 15 French fries. Gave my first $0 in about 20 years. Sad because seems like a nice place other than being ripped off. read more

My wife and I have been here a half dozen times. Food is very good (small plates which is perfect) and service has always been great. Very nice addition to McHenry and needed!! read more

A great looking downtown rural Illinois bar. This place used to be a courthouse and has excellent outside seating and up stairs as well. This bar was very I appealing and is a great place to hang around and again is in the historical town of McHenry Illinois. This is amazing bar in a town with many bars and old shops and indeed the architecture of this old building and how it's been remodeled to fit a modern bar is utterly amazing. read more

This was my 2nd visit, but 1st time on the patio. I love this this place for drinks and atmosphere... Servers are pleasant, and they had live music outside. Best old fashion I have ever had. Definitely recommend stopping here for cocktails made the right way with top shelf liquor and delicious appetizers. read more

The Courthouse Tavern - Bars Near Me - McHenry, Illinois

Love the fact that their starters offer a vegetable platter ( Mezze Platter ) ! How many restaurant you know offers that? The Shrimp Bowl was delicious! I can't wait to come back and try their Flatbreads, it looks good on the menu but gotta taste them! read more

Nestled in downtown McHenry is the coolest restaurant and bar! Immediately when you walk in you will notice the amazing light fixtures and vaulted ceiling. We chose to sit at the bar for our lunch. The bartender was very nice, let us know her favorite menu items and was very attentive. We started with the dip trio...the bartender told us to mix the red pepper with feta hummus with the tzatziki and it was unbelievable. Our next course was the filet medallions. The meat was tender and the mushrooms were so good. We also had the truffle Parmesan fries. We will definitely be back! read more

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Boring!!!! Stopped in for date night drinks & food. Inside was extremely smaller than photos online. Heavily edited as well. The young hostesses were no help. They asked if we wanted to sit at the bar, dining room or upstairs. Well, I wouldn't know as I haven't been here before. The bar was full so she recommended upstairs. Once we got up it was literally vacant on a saturday night... The decor is too random. the faux marble tables with the yellow gold legs dont match. No idea what the place even is. They brought us each a water. Mine had no ice, my husbands had a tiny scoop of chipped ice? Waitress rushed us to order. We order margarita with the check as well, since I can't stand another minute in there. I'd rather drive down to Green St. After a total of 17 minutes we got our drinks which the waitress wobbled up the flight of 40 stairs almost dropping. The drink was horrific. Their margarita tastes like the rancid 90's daquiri mix you'd get in a can. Extremely sweet and artificially flavored. I will not be coming back or recommending this place.. gross! read more

The Courthouse Tavern - Watermelon Jalapeno Margarita - Bars Near Me - McHenry, Illinois

Looks great! Foods good! Service not so good! Need to a be able to change tv I've been here several times not a new bee.

Food was decent. The service was below average and the plating was awful. I would only go there because bimbos was too busy. read more

The Courthouse Tavern - Ugly looking appetizer - Bars Near Me - McHenry, Illinois

Two for two. We had the deconstructed kabobs, both the pork and the filet on our first visit and sliders on the second. The filet was so tender and the mushrooms and brandy sauce so rich and savory. The pork was just as delicious. The burgers were tasty, however the cheese hadn't melted and was missing the caramelized onions. (Forgot about them until looking at menu later. Would've been a nice accompaniment) The platter flatbread was so fresh and served warm, the sauces flavorful. Service is so-so. Attentive but a couple order mix-ups. No one greets you at the door so not really sure where to go. Somewhat noisy. Could be cozier. We will definitely return again. read more

It has everything! New, character, and very well done. Awesome patio. Great drinks and service. Menu is appetizers, flatbreads and such but enough to make a delicious meal. This place was sorely needed in the area and we will be regulars. Love everything about it!! read more

Food quality was very, very good, but you will spend more here for it. I love the ambiance and service here.