The Bar at Deer Path Inn — Restaurant in Lake Forest

Wish I could give a good review but can't. Made a spur of the moment decision to visit the bar today for Sushi around 4:30 without reservations but our reception can only be described as "chilly". When we told them we did not have reservations but would be happy to sit at the bar we were told the bar had "no room" This despite the fact we could see open seats at the bar. When we pointed this out we were told "you have to sit out there" which is a room adjacent to the bar. The body language and tone from both the host and hostess after we pointed this out was noticeably chilly. Not sure what unwritten rule we violated to deserve this reception but I'm guessing they recognized we're not regulars and treated us accordingly. Whatever it was, we didn't stick around to find out. Walked down the street instead to the Italian place and had a...

Why doesn’t the Bar have more reviews of its own? This is a one of a kind experience. Decorated in the sort of aristocratic wood paneling and dim lighting that probably made sense decades ago, this Bar is anything but that. It’s a total scene, great people and staff and food and beverage. We love to grab a seat at the bar for a drink or two and dinner. The cocktails are top notch and sophisticated. Not many places confident enough in their supply of Pappy to put it right at the top of the cocktail menu. The black tuxedo is a great drink. But the food, the food is great too. Pictured is the toro tuna tartare, but everything is pretty great. Even the sushi, for real! Don’t expect to chat up the bartender, these guys are all business. But your seat mates are likely to be friendly and fun. And the business side is...

Great food, excellent original creations by the chef. Staff are friendly and attentive and recognize us as regular guests, making us feel welcome. The red cocktail glass for Valentine's Day was awesome, as was the drink in it. I'd love to find glasses like that somewhere to...