Bobby's Barrel — Restaurant in Illinois

We had a party of 5 on a Sunday morning, around 9:30ish. The place was busy, and by busy I mean you could barely get through, but we were seated promptly. It was a booth at the other end. First a lady came by to ask about drinks and we quickly received them. Then another lady took our order, and shortly after delivered the food. At some point a gentleman (whom I assume is there owner) walked up to our table and stood behind where I was sitting in the booth and proceeded to talk to us. I can understand and appreciate giving your customers attention, but I don't like strangers standing behind me like that, and he never introduced himself. So, so far that's two waitresses and a stranger. The food itself wasn't all that great. My MIL had hashbrowns that were cooked on the top and the rest was raw, like they didn't even flip it once to cook the other side. Bacon, toast, eggs, basically the sides were all cold. The pancakes and biscuits and gravy were good. The coffee was weak, but that's all up to preference. Then when it came time to pay, we couldn't find anyone. While we were eating, we kept getting attention, but at the end when we want to find someone, they blended with the crowd. Eventually we got another gentleman's attention and he gave us the check. We left a tip, but I have no idea who it went to. We normally tip based on performance, but when you deal with 4 different people, Idk 🤷‍♀️ I do agree that this seems to be a place for town regulars, and maybe all the added attention was just them trying to be diligent. Although, I would rather have someone occasionally ask if there's anything else we would like, otherwise leave us to eat in peace, rather than striking a conversation. The cold sides, well, again the place was packed. I still didn't care for how cramped the place was, but they're working with what they have. I doubt we'll be back since it isn't near by and I don't think it would be worth a special trip, but if you're in the area and it doesn't seem too busy, I wouldn't advise...

Saturday Morning Breakfast place almost hate to share it, but love the place enough to want them to succeed beyond bad weather and politically charged USA. Because the food and atmosphere are so worth waking up for and grabbing your favorite friend for breakfast or brunch at least a couple times a month! Pete keeps his counters clean, his food hot, his tables happy, and his decor interesting and blooming! Bobby’s Barrel is full of fun, with many great recipes to try, quality delicious food, and wonderful Lake County atmosphere. Friendly people serve friendly people! It is wholesome food, with antiques and novelties on the wall and blooming pots surrounding garden seating. It is a Bloody Mary with Sunday morning egg casseroles or Mimosas with mouth watering brunch next to a pot of sunflowers and a side of breakfast pizza. You make your meal the special occasion and let them provide their best recipes that pack ‘em in day and night! There are scars on the tables and nicks on the wood and yet, there is nothing served that doesn’t come hot and fresh or cold and bubbly from the kitchen or bar due to Pete’s rigorous standards! There are some places we live to eat out in on the weekends, to get our favorite meals before the game or shopping, or just to meet for breakfast because the atmosphere is friendly and there is seating at the counter or outside on unusual fun occasions when we just want to make the meal an occasion itself- that’s Bobby’s Barrel! The specials are just that SPECIAL. Good cooks are essential to the success of Bobby’s Barrel and they dig deep to find them and keep them! Cranberry French Toast, Breakfast Pizza, Polish Sausage and Egg Casserole~ they stock take- home containers because the portions are large! We’re going back after our granddaughter’s fall softball game next Sat and probably for Fri Fish Fry soon because we met people at the counter this morning and set a date to see them back at Bobby’s- why not? It’s that...

Amazing, amazing and I'll say it again AMAZING! My girlfriend and I went to Volo auto museum and were hungry. New to the Crystal Lake area (1 year) we Googled and stumbled into Bobby's. The entire experience from the Staff, Bobby himself to the family members and the stories they shared. Let's not forget the F. O. O. D. We felt bad because it must have looked like we haven't eaten in weeks; I mean we ate everything! Biscuits and gravy-perfect. The biscuits were not doughy or floury tasting, the sausage was not too spicy and no grease running into the gravy; the gravy was excellent. REAL corned beef and hash - who does this anymore!? Winner a must have! Blueberry pancakes. Real blueberries (obviously) and damn they are just friggin good too! Most places add some vanilla extract and that makes everybody happy, I don't know what Bobby does but these pancakes blow away any others I have tried. Bread pudding - WOW sums it up. If my father were alive he would be back for the bread pudding, the corned beef hash and the biscuits and gravy as these were some of his favorites. Finally, as if we could eat anymore, the peach cobbler. Simple delicious, not over sweet and fresh peaches-this will put a smile on your face. I highly recommend this place. Bobby's Barrel is cozzy, comfortably, friendly with food that will please and suprise your taste...