I really enjoy this place. My dad and I came here for the first time after a kayak trip on the west branch of the Dupage River which is conveniently located right behind The Lantern. On this visit I had a caesar salad with an old fashioned. Both were great. I don't usually get salads at bars but this caesar had a fresh grilled piece of chicken and tasted just as one should. Across the way my buddy had a chili and pineapple upside down martini. He said good things about both. All in all The Lantern has a certain charm to it I can't describe. They also have a $3 beer of the month that is always pretty good. I highly recommend if you're in the area. read more

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I'm not up to date with all the Naperville bars nowadays. Naperville was a different homey downtown when I grew up there, and the Lantern is one of the few originals. Honestly, I don't know if there are any other original bars left? Yes, in my childhood, I did come to this bar regularly because my dad took me to watch football and eat chili. (That's when I thought I liked football just to be a daddy's girl) The Lantern is special to me because of my memories, and because it represents the original Naperville. I mean, pre-my childhood. My dad used to come here in the 70's in the days before carding at the door. It is one of the least hip/trendy bars in the area, but it's enjoyable and laid back. I think they still have the free popcorn that they've served for 30 years! read more

We've been Malorted!! A friend of mine is visiting the Chicago area from Philly for the first time and had a list of Chicago things to try. And somehow, Malort had made its way on there. If you don't know, Malort is a hometown liquor, Swedish in origin, made from wormwood and almost impossible to get outside of Chicago. So she (and my intrepid boyfriend) decided they had to try it. I called around and the Lantern was able to supply us, so we trekked down one night for a snootful. Now, I only had a tiny sip of theirs. But we had read things about "The Malort face" (due to its bitterness) and wanting more despite its awful taste. I can safely tell you that none of us wanted another round, and our kindly waitress commiserated with us about it afterward. (The Lantern must do a business in Malort, though, because you can by t-shirts that say "I Got Malorted at The Lantern" -- it's right up on the wall over the bar!) As to the bar itself, this is a casual corner hangout: dark, wood walls, free popcorn machine, darts and other gaming, Cubs game on all the TVs (occasionally inspiring deafening roars from the crowd). I've lived in Naperville for years and have never once been here, but some of my neighbors love it, and it definitely provided in this instance! So whether you are looking for a hometown tipple or just a comfy dive bar, the Lantern is shining a beacon for you. read more

While waiting for my ride home I decided to try this place for a beer or two. While watching the titans/ bengals plays. Nice crowd. Nice vibe throughout the place. I'm at the bar standing in front of four employees. Nobody bother to wait on me. After ten minutes of waiting I'm finally waited on. Then I seat myself (no problem with that). Now for a full nfl quarter with commercials no one came to ask me if I wanted something to eat. read more

Still a great bar...until 10pm. That's when the cockbag volume goes up. read more

I dropped in here with colleagues for lunch. The mushroom and Swiss burger I had (with tator tots) was quite generous and good for $7.25. The place was quite crowded, maybe unusually so due to US Men's Olympic hockey being on TV. Overall, looked to be a great place to have a beer and watch sports as there are a ton of TV's also. read more

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"Where everybody knows your name..." The good 'ole Lantern. Such a staple in Naperville. I just love coming here - especially with large groups! As long as we get there by 8 we're always able to pull together huge long tables. Which is hard to do anywhere else dt nape on a weekend night. The Lantern has a super divey home-town feel which is most of its charm. This bar had all the essentials: friendly staff, cheap drinks, bar food, darts and free popcorn. Nothin fancy, just everything you need for a successful night out. Their food isn't gourmet bit it's damn good. I suggest the grilled cheese, Reuben or cheese curds! Contrary to popular belief they serve more than domestics beer! I've sipped on a handful of craft beers here and the Lantern may not advertise fancy beverages, but those bartenders know how to mix a good drink! read more

I've gone to The Lantern a handful of times and have always considered it a decent spot for Naperville. I'm under 21 but haven't been carded since I don't order alcohol. Today I went to The Lantern and for the first time I was carded immediately upon sitting down. Frustratingly, I turn 21 in 4 days, was not planning to order alcohol, and was catching up with friends I hadn't seen in three years. I would've been totally content if the server simply explained that the policy at a certain hour was that under 21s can't be there and that I would need to leave. Instead, he says "if you're under 21 you need to get the fuck out of here". Total mood killer and completely unnecessarily rude. I had to awkwardly say goodbye to the friends I hadn't seen in years and it's totally ruined my view of The Lantern. Rude staff is not a good look. read more

Super bad atmosphere would never come back food was gross and got overcharged on my CC I saw the reviews and figured people were just hating on the place but after going here I would never recommend this place to anyone not even someone I hate read more

The worst experience ever... went for dinner and drinks with a friend. The cheeseburgers were undercooked so we sent them back. The cheeseburgers came back charred... when we told our waitress she rolled her eyes! Hardly anyone in bar.... it was trivia night yet it took forever to get the waitress attention. She was too busy shouting out answers! We left and went to Fat Rosie's down the street! Excellent drinks, service and delicious food! Stay away from the lantern and head over to fat Rosie's. read more

If you like a good drink and a fun atmosphere, this is your place. If you are claustrophobic and don't like crowds, this is NOT your place. This place packs them in for friends to meet and spend time to catch up. They have plenty of TVs and a great staff to keep it coming. The food is pretty good too! This bar sits in the middle of the trendy downtown Naperville area but it's not like the others. They aren't trying to compete with flashy crap. They are what they say they are..... A bar.... A definite visit every time I fly home to Chicago! read more

The Lantern - Bars Near Me - Naperville, Illinois

Unlimited popcorn is not something that's going to keep people coming back. Neither is basic beer specials (Bud or Miller), but somehow the Lantern has survived and thrived in downtown Naperville. That's probably due to the fact that it isn't as pretentious as some bars, and wannabes can talk about their favorite "dive" bar. Look, Napervillians, just because a bar doesn't have a martini list does NOT make it a dive bar. The Lantern was super crowded on the Monday before Christmas, which is the total opposite of what was happening at Features. The interior is dark, with large uncomfortable wooden booths. It isn't a dump or a dive, it's actually rather clean, but there just isn't anything going on here. Underwhelming. Crowded. Not a great hangout spot for large groups. They had some bar food specials, like sliders for $1. Meh. read more

This place sucks. Bartenders are rude besides susan. Cheap disgusting food. Alll fried crap. The only good this is cheap beer. That's literally it. read more

This place is what 'Merica (as GWB often referred to us as) is all about. Exceptionally friendly folks staffing a cozy and totally unpretentious joint that is well appointed with large screens featuring sporting events and serving cheap but high quality food. That is my interpretation of The Lantern's mission statement-and it is delivered all day, every day. I've been hanging out at the Lantern since before I was legally able, back when ID checking consisted of a bouncer making a split second determination as to whether or not you looked to be 21. Let's call it 1982. And, while I don't frequent the place, I never tire of popping in for a few beers and a Jalapeno Cheeseburger in the company of a few homeys. Last night, dinner for three and three beers each tallied a remarkable $57 BT (before tip). Talk about value... It's a much better place on summer weekdays, after college has adjourned for the year, because there is a pronounced dearth of elitist fraternity/sorority scumbags (to borrow a line from Rob Downey Jr in "Back to School" (filmed at my alma mater, btw)). You won't be dancing to Macklemore and scoping hotties here, but it is my suspicion that if you're a gen xer, like myself, you'll dig The Lantern. read more

This has always been my go to bar when I come back into town for either football Sunday's, Friday night outings or just day drinking this is my favorite spot in Downtown Naperville. The service is great, Vicki and staff are so welcoming. I can be gone for months and they still know who I 'am (Although I'm not sure if that is a good or bad thing) when I come back...They have free chili during football Sunday and unlimited popcorn ALL DAY long! Plus...they make the best bear fights aroundddd! There's no other bar to go to in DT Naperville. read more

If you're looking for a relaxed scene and some good laughs, this is the place for you. The $2.50 bud light pints is what brought me in, but the free popcorn has be coming back. The clientele is a little bit of everything, especially with NCC so close, but everyone is very nice. read more

Great local spot. Downtown Naperville. Bar food and great staff. Staff was wonderful, helped me get in to restaurant due to wheelchair and large step. Now they are the only wheelchair assecible bar in Downtown Naperville with a portable ramp. Full bar great for hangout, Chicago games, and bar food. read more

I've never been here to eat...except for when I go there during the late night hours and they have UNLIMITED POPCORN. That is the best. I think what gets me about this place is just how freaking full it is at all times. It bottle necks big time at the front, and then you are just up to your neck in bros, college kids, and former fraternity members. Once you get past that...I enjoy this place from time to time. It's laid back and you don't have to worry about a dress code (Blackfinn), a mega dance party (Bar Louie), thugs (Features), awful service (Jimmy's), or popped collars (Rizzo's). read more

It feels like home. (No, thanks, I am not an alcoholic.) Unlimited popcorn. Sick of standing around in a circle of 40 men/boys at Features wishing you were able to hit on one of those seven hot chicks? Go to the Lantern. read more

This is my idea of a great dive bar. Smokey (I don't smoke, but a bar should be smokey) loud, hot girls behind the bar, Guinness on tap. I always seem to run into or make a friend every time I walk in. Good bar food, no hassles. read more

Very cheap drinks which is a plus. But these people are all adamant Trump supporters. They explicitly called us racist terms when they found out we weren't fully white, Christian or Republican (the bartenders especially, and I even talked to the manager about it, and she did nothing to fix it. Her response was, "so what do you want me to do"). Would not recommend for people looking for a safe space. read more

I have been here twice so far and I have loved both times I was there. They have a great atmosphere and the prices are the best in Naperville. Friendly and fast service the drinks I have ordered were mixed well, I haven't tried any of the bar food yet but I will the next time I go there read more

This bar really reminds me of the neighborhood bars in Chicago. It is pretty basic. A long bar with several booths along the opposite wall. And all the space between is for standing-room-only mingling area. Our waitress came by when we first arrived (about 10pm-ish) and got us the first round of drinks. After that, she was long gone and we had to venture through the bachelor parties and pub crawlers to get our drinks. It wasn't terrible though. The bartender got to us quickly and we were able to make the best of it. When we arrived at 10pm, the noise level was manageable. All the booths and bar stools were full. But not more than 30 minutes later, the place was packed. And you couldn't hear a word from across the table. Even if you shouted. It wasn't the music, it was the sheer volume of too many people in a tiny space all talking at the same time. Was this place horrible? No. It was fine. Will I return? Probably. It makes a great stop on a pub crawl or even a few pre-dinner drinks. However, I wouldn't go there for an entire evening. read more

shitty bar all around . from the food to the owners , it's all just bad. owner should get new staff

Douchebag volume goes up at 10 PM? I think we were there far before then and it was already swarming with DBs.... If you've just turned 21, you might enjoy this place - it's got plenty of frats/DBs trying desperately to score. I had to kiss my boy in front of a group of guys, and even then they didn't quite get the hint. The two stars is for the delicious beer I had, Goose Island's Nut Brown Ale. But other than that, this place was pretty terrible. $4.50 for a beer but $7.50 for a shitty glass of box/house/bad red wine? No dice. If you're from around here, I'm told this place was a hit growing up to hit at the end of the night. I'm sure it's just as packed as it was years back, and with a similar crowd. No way I'd return to this place. I'd rather go to Bar Louie. read more

We've been coming for over a year and it's such a great place. Great food Great atmosphere Cheap beer and good selection Good music on jukebox Waitstaff/bartenders are all great! (Cobb salad is delicious) Not to forget - chili, hawg wings, quesadillas, buffalo wings, burgers, grilled cheese. read more

I recently moved to Naperville from Saint Louis with my family. Saint Louis has great food so I have been missing my favorite spots and have been struggling to find good restaurants that remind my of Saint Louis. This place was a great replacement for a local dive bar burger place that I love, the service was great. The food was amazing (I got the jalapeno burger and loved it) and the beer was only $3 for a great pour. I will be going back here a lot! The only downside to this place, and most places in Chicago, is that you cannot find a single sports channel playing Cardinals games. I should expect this though as being in Chicago and a Cardinals fan could get me a good beating especially if the Cards are winning. Overall, I loved this place! read more

Note that my review is for those that are a little older, and look for chilled out people. Not all of us fit that profile so ignore if you can't relate. For those that can, you will understand. Everyone goes to a bar for different things... If you are going for college kids, or those people that thought they were cool in HS and forgot to grow up, perfect for you. I try to avoid this scene whenever possible. For me it was a bunch of amateurs that did not know how to hold their liquor. Not a great beer selection, and the bartenders were not well versed. Over 25? Look somewhere else. read more

The DJ got us fallin' in love again..... Okay, so this is not a bar where I would expect to be hearing Usher on the overhead--but still. Local flavor is just what the doctor ordered when you step inside and are in the mood for a beer. Inside is casual and cool, a place where you could have a total love affair with a pint and a belly full of laughs. And food...apparently they have some. This I'm not sure of, but even so. I met up with a friend and we sat in one of the wooden booths sipping cold ones and getting caught up. The bartenders are fun, there's ample seating...and there's sports playing on the many TV screens. You really can't complain about a bar like this in Naperville. In the sea of upscale eateries, frilly cocktails and Hooters--you can find yourself getting comfortable in the medium. The Lantern is the medium. And that is a-okay. Why do I feel like I should stand up at the bar and start an anthem inside because it stays busy and isn't filled with douche-baggery. Definitely a place that I would recommend, possibly stop by if needing a moment after work and a diet soda is not helping. read more

I have only fond, fond memories of this place. That pic says it all really. A dive bar in the downtown of a richy rich suburb - I am always pretty well hydrated with liquor when I get here AND the only time I am here is with my very best and oldest friends. So we eat a lot of popcorn, drink more, laugh a lot and never actually branch out much outside our table. I have never had a bad time here but I can say the few times I can remember talking to people outside our group it is a a mix...we'll leave it at a 3 star rating. read more

This bar a is a go-to in Naperville. If you are looking for cheap drinks and a hopping venue is is always the move.

Of your looking for a hole in the wall bar, this is it. Seems like a local hang, cheap drinks, nice bar tenders. Cool place to hang out. Feels like home. read more

The Lantern was where my friends and I chose to hangout when I was in college at North Central. Nothing too fancy but it gets the job done... Bar food, darts, beer, TVs, and free popcorn... Pretty much what everyone else has said. A divey-bar in the heart of Naperville. The only reason I don't give it a 5 is sometimes the bartenders don't seem to give a crap about you and act like they're doing you a favor. This isn't all of the time, however, so I usually look past this. read more

I used to pop in here for lunch on a regular basis. I'm a dive bar guy in the atmosphere suits me. The service is absolutely, and consistently awful unless you sit at the bar though. And I'm a patient guy. It's been fun Lantern, but you've gotten more than enough chances read more

This place is fun. The drinks seem a little pricier than they should be or need to be but drinks in Naperville in general seem to be pricey so that's that. There's a good amount of tables if you're with a group and want to sit. The bar is also quite large so you should be able to find a stool to sit at if you so desire. In the end, this place to me is like the Mike Fontenot of bars; it's not very big nor good looking but it doesn't matter, it gets the job done. read more

It's a great dive bar in the middle of the uptight and trendy part of Naperville. Like one reviewer said it has that Chicago bar feel and I don't see that as a negative. The crowd gets a little loud and rambunctious at times. Notice the Naperville squad is almost permanently parked outside during the weekend. But come on, isn't Saturday all right for a fight? Prices are standard for the area. The staff is always friendly and pretty chill. You may not be able to kick back and have a quiet evening here. No, you won't find deep political discussion among the patrons. Here the only conversation is between you, your friends and Mr. Daniels. The Lantern is everything you could want without the pretentious snobbery of some of the downtown bars. It's a decent neighborhood bar that will hopefully continue to outlast their competitors. read more

I didn't LOVE this place, I didn't hate it either... if you like a crowded bar full of 20-something year olds, this is it! Not being in that age bracket, I didn't care much for this place and just lucky to have a table to sit down at. It appears from other reviews too that this is just a crowded bar all the time. I came here on a Friday night just after 10pm on a pub crawl and the place was jumping for sure.This place is deep and narrow, and has a crowded bathroom. I didn't eat there and only had one domestic beer which I didn't even buy so I don't even know if this place was reasonable or not in price. Considering the location of this particular place, I get why it's the hot spot being right on the main intersection of downtown Naperville. If you're looking for the crowd...this is your place. read more

Horrible!!! There was a fight between two patrons the bar did not seem to care they just let it continue disrupting everyone else people were leaving it was horrible get control read more

Awesome bar! This is a great place to unwind while watching all the "brahs" that are heading over to bar louie. Great atmosphere with a lovely laid back and throw a couple cold ones down feeling. Not sure if Naperville can handle this kind of pure American greatness, but I'm sure this place will be around for a very long while. During the week this place is not as busy , even into the night. The weekends do crowd up, but its the type of crowd you do not mind getting stuck with. Overall, excellent bar. read more

Hmmmmngh. Went here for lunch with my dad, and - well, I know it's a bar, and it must be a good one, but their food was just not very good. Dad enjoyed his wrap, but my BLT was mediocre and their soup was not so good. Also, the atmosphere/decor leaves a little something to be desired in the daylight. Like I said, though, I'm sure their bar scene is better. And the people working there were very friendly and likable, which is a definite plus. read more