Poppincorks Bistro — Restaurant in Rich Township

My husband and I learned of this new Black owned restaurant and wanted to support. We were greeted by a lovely person and advised that there was a 2 hour dining limit. Our server was Andre S. He was warm and friendly as he asked for our drink orders. I ordered a mango margarita. I asked for a Tajin rim and was told that wasn’t available. Understandable. I then requested a sugar rim or salt. Andre placed our drink order only to return to the table and explain that the bartender refused to add sugar to the rim. I was nearly speechless. To clarify, I asked Andre, are you saying that the bartender doesn’t have the adequate supplies or inventory of sugar/salt is low or he is actually refusing to do the part of the margarita that is standard? Andre replied ‘he said he doesn’t do it…he has the supplies but if he does it for you, he’ll have to do it for everyone.’ Am I crazy or wouldn’t that actually be the point? Isn’t the goal to make drinks as a bartender for everyone who orders and pays for them? I explained to Andre that this is a horrible first impression and this shouldn’t be a hill that the bartender kills the restaurant on. Andre explained that the bartender was experiencing many hills this day. I got the impression that the bartender is problematic to not only paying customers but to his coworkers. Then low and behold as I go to write about my experience, I see some other reviews complaining about their bartender experience. On to the food: We started with an appetizer of wings. They were perfectly fried and my favorite part of the meal. My husband had the blackened catfish and macaroni and cheese. You get 1 filet. He thought it was salty. I liked it. The macaroni and cheese was ok. Not truly southern home style. More like a step up from frozen that you spruce up a bit by adding some cheese on top. Popeyes actually does a better Mac and cheese for a southern home style flavor. I tried the slow cooked beef short ribs. It was flavorful but not as tender as I prefer. There is no complimentary bread for the table or salads on the menu. If you would like a veggie, there was an option of Brussels sprouts on the menu but not available today. Also, fried string beans. Neither of those were appealing options for me. I truly hope the owners find another option in a bartender. As they grow, I am hopeful that their menu expands. I have included a copy of my receipt showing that my server did make an attempt at my ordered margarita. It only served as a reminder of what was refused me. I doubt my husband and I will be returning any time soon. Too many other options with accommodating bartenders to give...

I was recently looking for some restaurants to try that are black owned. Saw a video that The Black Foodies did on this establishment so my friend decided to go here on 3/25/25. It's in Flossmoor, IL.

I'm so happy to do this review on them. We went on a Tuesday and although I had in mind what I wanted to order from the regular menu, we arrived while their Happy Hour was still going on so we decided to take advantage of their tacos for Taco Tuesday and their guacamole. The guac and chips came out first. It looked so fresh and when I tasted it, the angels were singing! Delicious. Then came the tacos - I was surprised how big they were, filled up with good stuff. I had the steak and the chicken. Both were good but I liked the steak best.

I had had a challenging workday so I treated myself to the Lemondrop Flight as I love lemondrop martinis. You can pick three from the flavors of original, passion fruit, watermelon, mango and strawberry. The presentation is beautiful in what they bring it in. Toya, one of the owners made it herself and she is definitely a good at making drinks. I enjoyed them immensely.

This place is a total VIBE - small, intimate and cozy. They play R&B that takes you back to the 80s and 90s - we were thoroughly enjoying it. Many come in and sit at the bar where there are two large screen TVs. They also have a small outdoor seating when the weather is nice. We were really enjoying our time there. We had the best wait staff - Chris was super cool, engaging and just plain nice. He was informing us of all the events they have there which piqued my interest. Toya also came over and talked with us and I complimented her on the restaurant and promised her that I would definitely be back and would bring others. I have already posted about them on social media and many of my friends are planning on seeing what they offer.

For dessert, I ordered the Turtle Cheesecake. I'm kind of a cheesecake snob because my late Mother made the best cheesecake. The presentation of their cheesecake was gorgeous. The caramel drizzle and nuts on it was inviting. One bite and I was SOLD! I was too full to eat the entire big slice they gave me so I worked on it some more when I got home.

This place opened in 2023. I wish them the best because they definitely have something there. I can't wait to come back there, it's a place to come, relax, eat good food and enjoy the positive environment that there. Check out their weekly events, brunch and live entertainment on Saturdays. Thank you...

I would have loved to give this place 5 stars.. Honestly this place was under staffed! We had reservations a week in advance for a large group over 10 guests. The original time slot reservation was rescheduled by the restaurant same day for a later time. No big deal! I called the day before the reservation to get approval to arrive early to do some decorating. I was told: Yes, that wouldn’t be a problem” We arrived 30min before only to find out the place wasn’t open! The hours on the door were the same as our new reserved time 4pm. Why would you reschedule us for the same time you open. Only to not have any one there.. I began calling the restaurant numerous of times no one answering! This was supposed to be a surprise.. I felt awful knowing, I had people traveling from Chicago, IN, & suburbs to a restaurant not open.

Well @3:59 the manager Rose, showed up! After going over my frustrations with her. Rose reassured me that everything would be fine, she usually works every Wednesday mostly alone” I literally didn’t see anyone else inside. I asked if she would be cooking the food too?! Long story short! Rose made it happen she served the drinks food etc.. All with a great personality never showing she couldn’t handle the pressure! I didn’t like the fact that once the main course was served some plates were out long before others. I was near finishing my plate when some of our party was still waiting!

Another young lady started bringing some items out. Stating: She didn’t work for the restaurant” In the end: I don’t think this restaurant had proper prior planning for our large party! We helped moved tables, who makes reservations for a large party to have everyone sit separately!

The place has a nice atmosphere. The food and drinks are good! A- DJ came in later in the evening to set up for house music in the same area of our party. Rose was always respectful in asking if it would be okay. In the end: Maybe the restaurant should be renamed Roses Place’ she did an amazing job of making sure we were happy! Yet, why put that much on one person.. Overall we had a great time! This place has...