Husband's family rotates hosting the large family holiday which alternates between Christmas and…read moreThanksgiving depending on the year. This year was our turn to host Christmas and I was stressed out about how we would accommodate everyone, which could range from 30-50 people. Not only were we passed the hosting torch from my in-laws, but we were the first to host outside of our home. I've lived in the neighborhood for almost a decade and passed this place countless times, but had no idea it was a VFW. When I reached out about renting the space, the post commander was super helpful. Husband and I took a tour and booked it. I came back once more to get photos and measurements so we could plan for the event. They have plenty of tables and chairs and the beams in the room have LEDs which we set to red and green to make it festive. We ended up with 50 people for a sit down dinner, which we did potluck. We got so many compliments on the party and the space. We had plenty of space for people to sit, food, and kids to play. The post commander was also our bartender (you can bring food, but alcohol goes through the VFW) and he was great with everyone from the older relatives to the smallest kids. We aren't up in the rotation again for 5y, but I wouldn't hesitate to host here again. They're not usually open, so you can't just show up and grab a drink at the bar, which is a shame because it's just the kind of place we would frequent. Overall this was perfect for our needs, including the price. You don't need to be a vet to rent the space.

This place just got a major overhaul. Fresh new interior and OMG, TV's galore!…read moreAlso, they host the best fish fry you will find in the state.

So happy we stopped. The bartender and ER were very welcoming. The lodge building is huge and the…read moreproperty is beautiful. Be sure and stop by

The Lodge is very conveniently located just of I55 at the Shorewood/Joliet exit on the Frontage…read moreRd. Every Thursday they offer Burger and Karaoke Night. For $4 you can have a fresh flame grilled burger with chips and cloeslaw. That runs from 5-8. From 7-11 they have Karaoke with Star Finder Karaoke hosted by Craig! It's always a fun night. The Lodge is a members only organization. You can come and enjoy the evening as long as you are a guest of a member. If you follow me on Facebook then each week there will be an invitation from a member to come and enjoy a fun night! Of course membership has benefits and information is available at the Lodge.

Went here with my kids for a night out our server was Kelly and she was awesome best service ever…read more She was personable made us laugh and recommended laser tag for the kids and they loved it! We'll definitely be back just for her.

My husband took me out for a fun date on Sunday and we were really excited to go bowling because we…read morehaven't done it in years. Once we got to the bowling area, we were both greeted by a really aggressive, bossy, mean spirited, male employee that looked like he was in his late 50's and has salt and pepper facial hair. The second we got to the desk we felt like we were being scolded by some drill sergeant at boot camp because my husband said we wanted to bowl and he rudely responded with, "you only have about 1 hour to play because there's a party coming and you can only play two games at the most." My husband and I work so much and barely have time to enjoy ourselves and this male employee was extremely rude and we didn't appreciate the tone of voice he used and the fact he was trying to dictate how long we could stay. Employees should always speak to customers with respect and kindness because we are paying to have fun with our hard earned money and not showing up for FREE! I hope the next time we are out for a good time to bowl, we are greeted by a better employee who has great customer service skills and isn't some controlling jerk. Please take this review serious for the integrity of your business. This is a family and couples friendly establishment and your employees should be trained to be nice to customers. I do not appreciate how this male employee spoke to my husband, he needs to tone it down if he wants to keep his job.

VFW's bring up childhood memories of cranky old men complaining about the war. At least that is…read morehow they seemed where I grew up. This place is anything but cranky old men complaining about the war. My first experience here was completely surprising. I came for the Friday fish fry with my father and the nugget, who was a baby at the time. During Lent, this place is PACKED with people on Friday nights. I could not believe it. While waiting for my fish to arrive, I got a glass of wine at the bar. I thought I misheard the price...nope I didn't...it was soooo cheap compared to a bar or restaurant. After I bit into a nice meaty piece of fried fish, I was hooked (buh duh cha). The fish fry continues all year long...not just during Lent. Don't like fish, no problem. They have Italian Beef sandwiches, hot dogs, and fried shrimp. The price of your meal also includes coffee, and cake for dessert. You can't go wrong. Don't forget to bring some cash for the raffles. They usually do a 50/50 raffle, and some other thing. For Valentine's Day there was a delicious pork dinner and a band. For St. Paddy's they do a corned beef dinner. High suggested! Tuesday is Bingo and Thursday is wing night. There is almost always something going on here. Check it out!

I know it's a Fish Fry but they have 1/2 pound prime rib burgers that are the best tasting burgers…read moreI have ever eaten. And I've eaten a lot of burgers! The fish can be ordered fried (not as healthy) or baked (healthy). Both taste great but I can't resist fried!

Best VFW in the area. This place continues to grow and serve their community. We always feel…read morewelcome and have a blast at their events.

Quiet neighborhood VFW. Handicap street parking in front. But bar is not handicap accessible. It…read morehas three steps to go up. Seating at the bar at least 12+. Bathrooms adaquate. A pool room is separate from bar. Two flat screen TV's. Modern wall digital jukebox. Padded barstools with backs. Drinks quite reasonable. Variety of beer and spirits is average. There is a hall that you can rent. The hall is handicap accessible. But bathrooms are not due to three stairs into the bar. Hall holds a least 75 people and also has a bar inside the hall for parties. A place to hang up coats. Soft padded chairs. Outdoor patio/backyard area with a bbq grill. Veterans and patrons are friendly and inviting.

We love their Fish Fry and Meatloaf Mondays! Great food, cheap drinks, nice people. Bingo is fun,…read moretoo!

I joined my husband's family in celebration of his birthday. We had a late lunch at a local…read morerestaurant and convened here to continue the celebration. I have never been to a VFW, but found this location to be a fun and relaxing venue. I met a few veterans and their families who brought food for all to enjoy. Libations were offered at the bar at a reasonable cost. A band was scheduled to play at 7 pm, but I had to leave and didn't get to hear them. I'm sure they did a good job. Out of curiosity, I did a little research about this particular post and its namesake. I learned that the Harry E. Anderson Post 9545 Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States was established on July 19, 1947. Corporal Anderson was the first soldier in Will County Illinois to die during World War II. He was killed in Guam on December 7, 1941. On September 12, 1995, the post was completely destroyed by fire. However, plans to rebuild the it began almost immediately while trailers served as the temporary post. On November 19, 1996, the new building was completed and formally dedicated on January 11, 1997. VFW Post 9545 is one amongst approximately 9,000 posts worldwide. Its mission is to "honor the dead by helping the living" through veterans' services, community services, national security, and a strong national defense. Frankly, I'm impressed with the organization and its structure; specifically, VFW Post 9545. I took a photo of its organization chart. I'm an American who actually likes being an American. Yes, the country has its issues just like all countries. But the USA is my home

I love coming here for bingo Tuesday's night! The drinks are cheap here and it is a lot of fun if…read moreyou go solo or in a group!

Went for the fish fry. It was delicious!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Brought the kids no problemread more

Super fun experience!! We went for Valentine's Day and we will definitely be back! I can't waitread more

Bottle & Bottega truly feels like home. From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere was warm,…read moreinviting, and so much fun. I honestly didn't want to leave! It's the perfect mix of creativity, relaxation, and community. Whether you're coming with friends, family, or even on your own, you'll feel right at home here. I have had a few events/parties always a success.