Port Edward Restaurant
Get your sea legs ready for Port Edward Restaurant (20 W. Algonquin Road), “a nautical dining adventure in Algonquin.” While the interior’s maritime theme features a koi pond and a full-scale ship, dockside dining offers a sweeping view of the Fox River, as well as live entertainment Friday and Saturday. Ambiance aside, the food is the highlight of this seafaring restaurant. There is something for everyone all week long: Tuesdays — filet and crab cake tower ($19.95) and 8-ounce cold water Australian lobster tail ($24.95); Wednesdays — Creekstone Angus prime rib ($19.95); Thursdays — unlimited snow crab feast ($32.95); Friday nights — international seafood buffet; and Sundays: Award-winning Champagne brunch.
>> For more, call 847-658-5441.
Vickie’s Place Restaurant and Tiki Bar
Hungry for American fare with a view of the bustling Fox River? Vickie’s Place — a pink A-frame with outdoor seating decked out in tiki décor — is just the place. Vickie’s (1211 N. River Road in McHenry) dishes out generous portions, from sandwiches, such as the heaping sourdough Italian beef ($11.79), to lighter fare like the Jamaican jerked chicken Caesar salad ($9). Burgers, which start at $8, are also widely popular. Guests are invited to experience the restaurant’s “tropical attitude in a northern latitude,” with picnic table and umbrella seating outside, complete with an outdoor tiki bar that mixes up island-inspired concoctions. A Jimmy Buffet cover band plays July 9 to kick off Fiesta Days, and the restaurant features live music every Saturday and Sunday night.
>> For more, call 815-385-2014.
The Tracks
The Tracks (108 W. Main St. in Cary), aptly named for its proximity to the Cary Metra station, is more than a commuter haunt. Read any review about this tavern and grill and one thing rings true: The Tracks is the burger capital of McHenry County. Burgers start at $6.50 and the piño burger — a 10-ounce black angus burger loaded with bacon, mushrooms, cheddar and jalapeños — will run you $8.50. The patio is open all summer, perfect for a quick bite after Cary Cruise Nights on Wednesday (featuring 50-cent domestic drafts), a Friday all-you-can-eat fish fry ($7.99) or a family night on Saturday. Really, though, you don’t need a special occasion to enjoy a meal at The Tracks in downtown Cary.
>> For more, call 847-639-6064.
La Petite Creperie & Bistrot
For a French al fresco dining experience on the Woodstock Square, consider La Petite Creperie & Bistrot (115 N. Johnson St.). The outdoor terrace is surrounded by colorful flowers and occasionally includes live music. Lunch, dinner and Sunday breakfast are served, and the menu always includes a monthly special. Popular crêpes include L’ océane, featuring shrimp, bay scallops and salmon in a pesto cream sauce ($9.25); La Bourguignone with braised beef in wine sauce with carrots, mushroom and baby pearl onions ($9.50); and la crêpe maison, with a sautéed chicken breast in a veloute of tomato with fresh herbs and wild mushrooms ($8.75). La Petite features a small, but eclectic selection of wines that changes monthly; highlights include Taja Reserva, a red wine from Spain and a New Zeland chardonnay. Thursdays are martini night.
>> For more, call 815-337-0765.
Broken Oar Bar & Marina
Broken Oar Bar & Marina (614 Rawson Bridge Road) is a boater and biker paradise on the Fox River in Port Barrington. With extensive outdoor seating and a view of the river, two bars and a fully equipped stage, it’s the perfect place to grab a basket of golden-fried appetizers, a sandwich and fries, and a beer while jamming to a live band. Tuesday pot roasts ($7.75) have been drawing crowds for years, according to General Manager Kenny Arbuckle, adding that the weekend breakfast are another big draw. For drinks, he recommends the Mai Tai, a popular rum cocktail. Marvel at the boats and rows upon rows of bikes; the Broken Oar is a great place to people watch, too.
>> For more, call 847-639-6660.
Duke’s Alehouse & Kitchen
At Duke’s Alehouse & Kitchen (110 N. Main St. in downtown Crystal Lake), gourmet eating is a family affair with something for all ages and tastes. It offers outdoor deck seating for 70 among the sights and sounds of downtown, and a menu as local as the folks who patronize it. For example, it sources turkey from W.M. Land Corp. based in Woodstock and other ingredients from Natural Farm Stand in Richmond. Among customers’ favorites is the Edward Island mussels ($12) steamed in Rogue Chipotle Ale broth, served with garlic bread and roasted garlic aioli. Chef and General Manager Zak Dolezal says other big hitters include the Cuban pressed sandwich with slow-simmered pork, shaved ham and Gouda cheese on a French roll ($9), and the meatloaf with garlic mashed potatoes and gravy ($14). The bar caters to craft beer lovers with a wide selection of brews from around the globe. Kids will love comfort foods such as baked mac’n’cheese ($8) and the build-a-cupcake ($6) for dessert. Music fans will enjoy live local acts.
>> For more, call 815-356-9980.
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano
For a relaxing Italian meal close to home, dine outdoors at Biaggi’s (1524 S. Randall Road in Algonquin). The fenced-in outdoor seating features a pond, flowers and glass tables with umbrellas. The kitchen serves up a selection of homemade and imported pasta, soup, salad, pizza, seafood, steak and dessert, as well as domestic and Italian wines, with entrée prices ranging from $10 to $20. Dinner menu highlights include the black fettuccini with lobster ($15.99), lobster- and shrimp-stuffed orange roughy ($18.99), ziti al forno ($14.99) and stromboli ($9.99). Biaggi’s features a wine dinner every two to three months, which will be held outdoors in August. Sign up for Club Biaggi online or at the restaurant to receive news and recipes, as well as a coupon for a free appetizer, plus a free dessert on your birthday.
>> For more, call 847-658-5040.
The Clubhouse of Cary (Cary Country Club)
You don’t have to be a golfer to appreciate the scenery at Cary Country Club’s Clubhouse restaurant (2400 Grove Lane in Cary). The Clubhouse has something special for all meals, including a Sunday breakfast buffet ($9.95). For lunch, grab the popular prime rib sandwich ($9.95) or cheese-filled Wisconsin burger ($7.75). On Fridays, the restaurant offers a fish buffet dinner ($10.95). And refresh with one of the bar’s signature cocktails like the sunset martini ($7) made with pineapple juice, raspberry vodka, triple sec and grenadine. See page 44 for more details about golfing at Cary Country Club.
>> For more, call 847-639-9494.
