After a day at the beach, a postal employee recommended we try The Tropics before leaving the area. Cute little cafe right on the edge of the Marina and lake. Our server/bartender was incredibly sweet and went the extra mile to ensure we were happy and comfortable. I ordered the fish basket with onion rings and a raspberry tea, it was very good! We enjoyed the views and the food, definitely a place to stop and try! read more

The Tropics - Fish basket and onion rings - Bars Near Me - Winthrop Harbor, Illinois

We stopped here for lunch and requested two checks because we had two separate families represented. We were told by the waitress that the restaurant policy was to issue one check for the table, but the waitress said we could pay with two separate credit cards, which made no sense to us. Due to this policy they missed out on the booking for 22 "Red Hat" ladies luncheon next week. It would be a nightmare to split up one check between 22 ladies not to mention that not everyone carries cash. Food was good but management policies make it very difficult if not impossible for groups to dine here. Too bad because it was a pleasant place to eat. read more

I almost didn't go here due to the bad Yelp reviews. Anyone who says Yelp reviews aren't important are daft! (A conversation I initiated with my server about leaving a good review due to the good meal and experience) I've lived in the area for over a year but decided to give it a try because it's right on the harbor. First, the patio over looking the boats was an amazing back drop to the meal. Our server, Tara, was fun and very personable. The meal we had were the grouper bites, a cheese stuffed shrimp appetizer, and the crab grilled cheese with fries. I didn't expect much with the reviews but everything was tasty. The grouper bites tasted fresh not frozen. The stuffed shrimp had different cheeses in it and it was such a unique appetizer! The sandwich was perfect. Crispy buttery brioche and a very generous position of crab! (Fries could've been cooked a bit longer). But as a whole meal, it was very nice and I will be back. read more

Pizza is good as always. You have to hit them on days they have pizza dough. Not sure how you run out, but when they have it, it's great.

What a treat! We read the reviews and almost didn't go however we did, and were very pleasantly surprised. Great Sauvignon Blanc and the meal was much better than the reviews led us to believe. Good quality bar food served on their huge outdoor patio overlooking the harbor. The grouper bites were delicious and not frozen (which has come to be the expected norm at a lot of places we've visited) and the stuffed shrimp was amazing. The menu was interesting and varied enough to include some curious takes on the old standards. Their crab grilled cheese was cooked to perfection! Tara, our server was lovely and very welcoming, as we're the rest of the staff. We will definitely be back very soon. read more

The Tropics - Not a bad view for dinner! - Bars Near Me - Winthrop Harbor, Illinois

Good comfort food and a view of the lake! What more could you ask for?! The chicken tenders and drinks are very good. I also highly recommended the cheese filled tater tots read more

If you enjoy gorgeous views, decent food and fairly reasonable drinks this is the place to go. We went on Father's Day and even though the temperature was in the 90's, the lake breeze made it feel like it was 75. They have a gambling area (I didn't win, but maybe you will) and both indoor and outdoor seating. I highly recommend this restaurant/bar to anyone who enjoys overlooking the water while enjoying a casual meal. read more

Not sure how I've not made it here before. I've gone a few times and feel that's it's good. I've only had the prime rib dinner and combo sandwich and both were very good. My fries were a bit soggy is about the worse I can say. I'll return again and recommend. I don't get the negative reviews. read more

We've got some plusses and minuses here my friends. Let's start with the uppers: + Nice location. In fact, as far as I know, the only restaurant between Highland Park and the border where you can dock your boat for a meal. + The food was good... I had the "jumbo" fish sandwich (the only fish sandwich on the menu) and it was in fact JUMBO. Huge. Cooked perfectly. The breading was not too heavy and complimented the fish. The tartar sauce tasted like it was probably homemade. + The food came out hot and fresh. + Casual atmosphere. And now, the downers, and reason for my 2 star review: - No A/C on the hottest day of the year. Seriously, 105 with a heat index of 110? Your craptastic ceiling fans are NOT going to cut it today. - Unattentive staff. Take your order, come back with your drinks, walk past you several times in the 45 minutes it takes your meal to come and not apologize for the wait or let you know the kitchen is working on it. - See point 2. 45 minutes for a burger, 2 salads, a fish sandwich and some chicken fingers? When one of our party asked what the delay was, the waitress snottily replied that turkey burgers take longer to cook. I don't know about y'all, but they only turkey burgers I've ever made that took that long weren't burgers, they were hockey pucks. Maybe the kitchen was overwhelmed due to the heat, because it certainly wasn't because the restaurant was busy. I can't really sympathize, because they didn't have their A/C on. When its 105 out, you turn on your A/C, keep the iced tea refills comin' and keep your customers happy. End of story. read more

We stumbled on this place by accident, best stumble ever!! It was a beautiful day so we sat outside. The views are AMAZING and you feel like you are in Florida not the northern shores of Illinois. We had the smoked fish dip and Onion rings, both were excellent, ESPECIALLY the fish dip. We have been going to the Florida Keys for almost 25 years and we felt like we were there. The best part of our visit was our server Rachel, she was an awesome server and KIND and knowledgeable. Thanks Rachel, we will be back soon.... read more

Owner frank is an a--hole. Walked in with 9 people and wanted 3 separate checks because of only debit cards. Told us we don't do separate checks, what is the difference when server would be taking cave off from 3 people never again. Very rude read more

We thoroughly enjoyed our Sunday lunch at The Tropics. I completely agree with the previous reviewer who said that it's best to think of this as a large bar that serves food. Having said that, it must be noted that they do some Very nice things in the food department. My wife loved her strawberry smoothie - complete with whipped cream - and the house-made guacamole was heaven! I ordered the Guido burger and the Italian sausage and peppers was completely up to my expectations. The big treat, though, for me, was the high quality of the hand-cut, house-made French fries! These beauties arrived to the kitchen as potatoes and were transformed - is it peanut oil in the fryer? - into Fabulous Fries that Evaporated from my plate! Our experience was topped off by a tangy slice of Key Lime pie. Our waitperson, Nicole, was attentive, informed and completely helpful. We will return - prolly next weekend! read more

Good food and atmosphere. Great patio/deck to sit outside and watch the boats. Clean place and friendly staff. Service needs lots of improvements, drinks not filled, "all you can eat" fish fry but never offered or checked back to get more. read more

This place has a very cute tropical theme and what makes it great is that it's right on the harbor. Outdoor seating has a beautiful view of Lake Michigan. I think that's what really tempts me back; I'd come back for the view alone! The service is actually very friendly and conversational as well. The boats are also amazing to look at. Sometimes social boat owners will even give you a tour. The menu is simple, inexpensive, and has something for everyone. It's a great place for kids to come if you are into that sorta thing, they have a game room. I almost forgot to mention that they have a pretty impressive beer list for such a small joint. I also enjoy the ride TO the restaurant. There is an off beat road surrounded by wetland swamps with overgrown grass making it peaceful route to drive through. All in all I can say I enjoy the entire experience this area and restaurant has to offer. Oh and yes this place is a bit "townie" but I love local spots like this! I crave them. read more

The view and atmosphere really is fantsastic here. However, the food... not so good! I asked the waitress what she recommended and she told me the Crab Grilled Cheese. She said it was fresh crab and came out like a crab cake. While it sounded good, it came out more like a tuna melt, and had a very mushy texture, which did not sit well with me and was not at all appetizing, or "fresh" to me. There was way too much cheese so the crab was pretty much drowning in the cheese, did not resemble anything like a crab cake, and you could barely taste the crab. Like I said It really just was mushy and not good! I literally took 2 bites trying to convince myself to eat it but I just couldn't do it. I was very clear to the waitress that I was not impressed, and somewhat grossed out by it. If I was the waitress, since she recommended it, I would have offered to replace it with something else, but she just smiled and walked away. Had I been offer a replacement, I don't think I would be as bitter and dissapointed because maybe they could have redeemed themselves with somthing much more to my liking but that was not an option apparently. I understand not everything will be perfect, but I am sorry, this sandwich was just gross. Pleasing your customers is part of customer service and getting people to come back, by knowing they are leaving happy! IF we do go back, it will most likely be just for a drink, but most likely will not be eating here again! read more

I love the location and ambiance on a sunny, warm day. I wish it was a place that I'd think of for a rainy day. The menu is fried and iceberg, if you know what I mean. When a family can only get excited about grouper balls it's pretty sad. I wish they'd take a clue from a very similar restaurant that doesn't even have indoor seating, The Dock, in Chicago. It still has fried for those who are working on heart attacks and strokes, but it also has interesting healthy choices. I will go to the Tropics, but as a fair weather customer. (Too bad they couldn't come up with a name for the place that speaks to the area.) read more

The Tropics - Bars Near Me - Winthrop Harbor, Illinois

The Tropics is like something you would find on the coast in Florida. Regulars include locals and boaters. Nothing like sitting outdoors on the patio and watching the boaters come and go. It is located in the North Point Marina which is the largest marina on the Great Lakes on the northern edge of the Illinois Beach State Park. The food is very good, casual dining. Appetizers, sandwiches and pizza. No dessert on the menu but just ask. A very large bar with anything you could desire. Televisions throughout. They even DJ on weekends. They also have a tented, outdoor party area. The owners, Frank and Allison, are always there and will ensure you're satisfied. read more

Disappointed I have to write a negative review, but was at The Tropics recently and we were charged for drinks on our bill that we didn't order. Challenged it before paying, but I was still charged for those other drinks we didn't order. Called back and was somewhat lectured over the phone, and told I basically can't add. Too bad, but I won't personally return. Service is marginal. Beware and double check your bill before paying. read more

Do not try it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Waste of time and money Service was not good at all, the waitress was nice but these people have no idea how to run a restaurant. i am surprised this place is still in business. read more

See all

The Good: Nice location with a beautiful spot on the docks! Is gladly sit here with my wife on a warm summer night! The Bad: Don't order the "Philly Cheesesteak" or you will be sorry! If you notice that I put it in quotations; then good for you! I did that cause basically what I got was Italian Beef that was thrown on a flat top grill and masked to be steak! Really!?! If I wanted an Italian Beef I would have ordered one! I guess thin slices of Ribeye is too much to ask here! The Conclusion: There is a possibility I will come back one day but I will not go out of my way and I will definitely eat some where else first! It's a shame too cause I really wanted to like this place! read more

Group of us stopped in and had grouper bites, fried clam strips and Cajun boil shrimp, all extremely excellen. Great views of Lake Michigan the harbor and a lot of really nice boats. Would highly recommend this place for people to just stop in for a casual time of food and drink. read more

Love this place and recommend it to anyone! Such yummy food, great atmosphere and wonderful drinks. Dog friendly too on the patio :)

I love this place, I don't get up there as much as I would like, but the food is awesome and I love the DJ. He is so much fun. I've tried several tings on the menu and have have never been disappointed. The crab grilled cheese and pizza are my favs. Can't wait to go back. read more

Fantastic view! Large variety of food and drinks. Friendly staff. Be sure to eat out on the patio. can't find a better place for an evening meal or drinks on the lake. read more

I'm giving this restaurant a 1 star solely on the basis that there isn't a lower rating. The lack of professionalism and care in regards to their customers is almost laughable. We called on Wednesday to make a reservation for our family to celebrate our Father's 59th birthday. We spoke to the restaurant manager Alyson, and she told us they didn't reserve tables but to call her and she would be mindful, because it was "supposed to be a busy holiday weekend!". Which is completely understandable.... now fast forward to Friday. We try to call... no response or answer. Show up, surprise the rest of the staff, who had no idea we were coming, but did in fact get us seated where we wanted to be seated, at dirty tables. After us bringing it their attention that the tables were in fact filthy, they sent 2 girls out to clean them. Things got better from there because our server was an absolute sweetheart and did a great job. She was the best part of the crap experience. At around 8, they started karaoke, where in fact, the drunk owner was the host of the shit show that ensued. Literally made my jaw drop when he loudly starts talking and makes a "joke" about pedophiles over the mic that leads into the whole restaurant. That's when I couldn't stomach it anymore. When you have a 7 year old ask you what a pedophile is at a family function, that's when I draw the line. There were also other families in the restaurant that I'm sure were annoyed and appalled, with their small children in attendance. I get it, you're a "bar", right? BUT You're a restaurant that caters to the marina and boating community.... that's why I'm confused.... after 9 p.m. I get it, kick the kids out, live your best life, act life a drunk moron. However, before that hour of 9 p.m....run the business thats supposed to be " the #1 restaurant in the area"... in the words of the owner, that I had a few choice words with on my way out the door. When I asked him if he was drunk, his response was "No", however the multiple empty shot glasses I pointed out to him, right in front of him, painted a different picture. Also, even admitted to drinking on the job, "what's 2 shots?" Worst experience, and behavior I've ever seen from a business owner. If you want to be a drunk idiot, hire someone to actually manage your business. What a great business you're running down there. Continue to show the community you could care less about their children. I'll have that uncomfortable unnecessary conversation with my kids, thanks to you. I'll also choose to spend our money elsewhere. read more

Family favorite! Great food and people. As "regulars" we truly miss this place over long cold winters and can't wait for opening weekend in the spring. A few of our personal favorites are the Prime Rib, pizza and specialty burgers. read more

What sucks about this restaurant & bar is that it is (1) Quite pricey compared to other restaurants & bars in Winthrop Harbor, and (2) When sitting at a table with a group they will not split your bill, instead the bill comes in one lump sum and you as the customer must split the bill and decipher what each person owes yourselves. If you ask me, putting a few different tabs/bills into the system is not difficult and makes things much smoother for the customer. read more

Been going here for a couple years. Not the best, not the worst. Steak sandwich is good. A bit overpriced for what you get. Sitting outside in the marina is a nice touch. Owner is a nice guy. Just wish there was better food on the menu. Sandwiches and apps basically. Need to change it up a bit. Other places on the lake in Kenosha and Racine. Check those out for some good food. read more

Best pizza and ambiance. Period! Nothing better than enjoying delicious pizza with the views of the harbor! Great atmosphere, great people, great ownership! They take care of you here at the Tropics. Frank always gives you a good time. read more

I'm confused the menu states handcut fries and the ones we were served looked like crinkle cut ore ida frozen fries. Says fresh meet but the hamburger sure all looked the same. When we started to eat the cole slaw ithad ground beef in it We told the waitress and she shook it off like we put it in there. For a fifty dollar meal we are going to try to get you for a dollar. Check came and the cole slaw was still on there. In addition they charged us higher than menu prices for cheeses. Better meal at Applebee's for less. read more

Was at the Tropics three weeks ago. Had a family emergency - had a bit of time - wanted a good pizza to take a little of the stress away. Since we've last been here the only thing that was still good was cold beer. The appetizers were greasy and bland. The pizza just sucked. It used to be one of the best around, now it's about on the same level as a Chef Boyardee home made kit. The crust was soggy and tasted like a white bread recipe. The cheese was four or five levels under what they used to serve. It's a shame that my daughter and granddaughter flew in from Alabama to have a lousy dinner. I told my brother about how downhill they went so he went there last night. He didn't get to try a pizza because they were out of dough again. Can you believe that? He told the bartender how this is the third time it's been no dough - once when we were with them. The bartender told the owner who turned out to be a jerk and basically said he doesn't need money from Wisconsin spent at his business. I'll support that wish. read more

If you ever find yourself lost in Winthrop Harbor, IL (border of IL and WI), it's worth your time to check out the Tropics. My family docks a boat up here, so I usually spend my Saturday evenings getting wasted at this bar. Why the 5 star rating: 1. The location - it's right on Lake Michigan! 2. The decore - feels like you're wasting away in margaritaville...bumblef*ck illinois style 3. The drinks - they have them, they're strong, and they're waaaaay cheaper than the city 4. The owner - Frank is the quittessential Italian bar owner, story teller, dj, and all around bad ass. 5. The crowd - townies, boating regulars, creepy men in hawaiian shirts, etc. 6. The music - Frank djs on the weekends. You get everything from Sinatra to Shania Twain. I like to watch the 40 something single women dance the electric slide in their "seductive" ways 7. The late night menu - the cheesy tater tots have saved my life on several occasions 8. The pool table and darts - in case you're not drunk enough to dance to "Stroke It" 9. The wall of shame - pictures of drunks over the years. You can find myself and my family displayed in these photos 10. We're talking Winthrop Harbor, IL ... where the hell else are you going to go??? read more

The owner Frank was very rude to the point of being an a-- h--- . The waitress was great and the food was great. I had the lobster grilled cheese and my friends had philly cheese which was delicious. That being said, I will never come back due to the OWNER. There are too many good people trying to make a living. read more

This is a great hideaway cold drinks very decently prepared food. If Frank bothers you, you've never been to Chicago, New York, or Boston. It's him he is ok. Shonda is the day Bar Mgr. She is pretty cool and a fox. If you have problems ask Bar Mgr or Frank. They will be more than happy to make your visit better. Remember! The way you treat or ask for food or drinks maybe the attitude you get in return. These people work for tips and business. If your better than that go see the yacht club house. Maybe they will put up with you. Those of us locally like Frank his wife and his staff. It a good gathering place. read more

We stopped in for a quick drink in the middle of the afternoon. First time to this Harbor. Decent beer selection. On a whim we decided to snack on fish dip. Delish! And a large portion. Would like to come back and try their grouper bites which seem to be what everyone likes. Looking at the table next to us who ordered red wine... very healthy pour! read more

Not related to the restaurant, but the nearby dog beach nearby has been closed to pets. Nearby trails and boardwalk are still pet-friendly.

Normally a great burger with a nice grilled taste but this evening was slow so the cooks decided to micro-wave my burger ??? If it's a slow night go with the Italian Beef or a Pizza because the cooks are to lazy to fire up ( and clean afterwords) the grill. read more

Physically assaulted by the owner! Went to the marina to work on a friend's boat; had no thought of dining out, so had not bothered to bring shoes along. When it was suggested we eat here I was concerned, but there's no sign near the entrance and its a very casual atmosphere and right on the beach so I thought barefoot may be OK. But waitress noticed and said bare feet are a health code violation. Well, I know this to be untrue and told her not to worry. So the owner comes over and says that I have to leave. OK, he's the owner, that's his right, no argument from me, so I stand up to leave. But he blocks my exit, gets right in my face and yells, "NOBODY WANTS TO LOOK AT YOUR UGLY FEET!" (Of course, if I'd had a pair of flip-flops somehow my feet would have magically become beautiful.) So I want out of there! But after clearing the front door and going some distance I sense someone following. Turn and see its him. I incredulously ask, is he shadowing me to the property line, or what? That's when he grabbed hold of me, with both hands. I didn't move a muscle, just looked down into his face (he is comically short) with a do-you-really-want-to-go-there? look. He instantly jerked his hands away like I was red-hot. As I turned and continued on he yelled obscenities. What a psycho! read more

My wife and I love this place! The food is great and the staff are efficient and courteous. The owner is a fun guy and really gets the dance floor hopping when he DJs. We like to sit at the dog friendly outdoor tables. The wait staff automatically bring out water bowls and our dogs love the doggie burgers! read more

This is a good place to go for the nightlife scene in WH. It feels a little "townie", and I recognized at least half of the people from my high school there, but the service is pretty good and the music is great. Plus, the location is beautiful! Who can beat a bar right on the lake? read more