Kief's Reef — Restaurant in Illinois

This is the most unassuming place I've ever visited. My wife heard about it a couple years ago because she and our son wanted crab legs and she heard they had a deal on Saturday nights for all-you-can-eat crab legs.

So we went and the rumor she heard was true. They still have that deal, along with several other specials on Saturday night, along with a great menu every other night of the week.

I've now been there four times. Each time I have had something different. My wife and son had the special. I ordered their special ribs and shrimp deal. Now having never heard of Kief's Reef nor them being a great place for ribs, I was apprehensive, but they were fantastic! AND, it came with a side and salad bar.

The next time I came with friends and had a burger which I recall was pretty good. The third time I came with a couple friends on a Wednesday night and it happened to be Bingo night. We had no idea that it was a special night for games, but the place was filled with regulars and each round had a special prize dealing with food and drinks at Kief's Reef. The main prize that night was a look-a-like nutcracker of Hilary Clinton. You could win the nutcracker, but if someone won the next round, they could choose the food related prizes or snag the nutcracker. It was hilarious! I won one of the last games and decided on the food-related prize. I won a rum bucket that I had to order while I was there that night. I did and had a blast. Plus, the rum bucket was delicious.

I returned a fourth time just this past weekend. My wife again got the all-you-can-eat crab lets and I got the prime rib (a Saturday night special). Again, the specials come with a side and salad bar. The prime rib was thick with not a lot of fat and an au jus. Spectacular flavor! I got the chips, broccoli and mashed potatoes. And indulged in the salad bar AND my wife wanted the onion rings.

We arrived at 7:30pm on Saturday and the place was sadly empty (every other occasion found the place full of patrons). There was a fairgrounds with rides up the road, so that may have been the draw that night. However, the restaurant/bar is teeming with incredibly friendly staff who even after their shifts end stay there to hang out with each other. The music is great every time we've come and this time was no exception.

Our server was attentive, friendly, and super helpful with decision-making. We were waited on by three-to-four people and had a chance to chat up the staff, swap jokes, and enjoy the playful atmosphere. It is very unassuming. I think most people assume it's just a regular bar and grill with typical pub food, but they are anything but typical. The menu has a lot of options and everything I've had has been extremely good. My wife and son love the crab legs and I have loved everything else I've eaten.

It's very casual and well worth the trek. Go on a Saturday night for the specials, on Wednesday for the bingo with locals, or any other time for their great food, atmosphere,...

It's been many of many years since I stopped at this place by boat on the fox river. The food is dynamite! They have great specials and reasonable prices. Couple things that drew my attention. If your looking for a great hot drink on a freezing cold day... The coffee is on, add some Jameson and Baileys or Frangelico and you'll be happy. Second, they have superb crab legs and great pizza! And now... Drum roll please... If you have been on the hunt, like I have... for Garlic Parmesan chicken wings! Look no further... I list them as a tie with a chicken wing outfit, not found around here, called wings to go... And that's a tough place to beat. The Reef has superior garlic parmesan chicken wings. The best by far that I've tasted in the NW suburbs. Per this review... Go on a Thursday night. You'll be thank me later, if your a chicken wing fanatic like I am. Your quest for your craving is over. They got'em! Bravo! (Whistling) Great Job Gang, Very Impressed! Don't change a thing with them wings. AAA+

Couple of updates: Mondays - 1/2 price pizza 14" on up, Thursdays - Chicken Wings (12) for $8.00, Fridays - Fish Fry (All You Can Eat) $15.00, Saturdays - 2 Lbs. Crab Claws $55.00 (Not All You Can Eat) extra clusters $18... Includes potato and salad bar. These specials start at around 5pm.

Outdoor patio dining, Riverfront Tiki Bar, Sand Volleyball, Live Entertainment, Boat mooring dock accessable.

Those of you with allergies to peanuts... The oil used to fry wings and fish is: Clear Liquid Frying Shortening. So, you should fair out just fine. 😁....

I went to Kief’s reef for the first time tonight for their fish fry. When My and husband I got their the place was packed. We requested a table for 2. The hostess stated that she could seat us in 10 minutes but we would have a hour wait for our food. We decided that would be fine. After 10 minutes the hostess attempted to seat us at one of the high tables. I explained to the hostess that I could not sit at the high tables due to a nerve injury to my back that causes my legs to go numb she was so nice. She apologized (she had no reason to apologize) she immediately found us another table, Our waitress was awesome. She immediately took our drink order and brought us out hot bread. I had the fish fry my husband had a burger. She immediately brought me a plate for the salad bar. It only took our food about 30 minutes to come out. The fish was perfect. The cheeseburger was perfect. The hostess frequently checked on us. She offered me more fish but I was full. The customer service was above and beyond. The food was great. The hostess was wonderful. Usually, I get an eye roll or well this is the only table we have and I end up standing at a high table for my entire meal. That was not the case at this restaurant. I appreciate the hostess being so polite, accommodating, making me feel comfortable, which allowed me to enjoy my dinner. The bartender was attentive, the hostess, and the waitress was so wonderful. This will be my new Friday night go...