Kiefs Reef - McHenry

I absolutely love this spot! It's a fantastic destination for bikers. I'm from upstate New York and usually struggle to find chicken wings I enjoy in Illinois,... read more I absolutely love this spot! It's a fantastic destination for bikers. I'm from upstate New York and usually struggle to find chicken wings I enjoy in Illinois, but their wings are incredible! The Acapulco Gold sauce is absolutely delicious. In the warmer months, they have live music across the street by the river, which is a great vibe. I highly recommend checking it out!

We ordered three all-you-can-eat fish fries and one boiled fish plate. While the fried fish was quite good, the boiled fish came out cold and undercooked—not ev... read more We ordered three all-you-can-eat fish fries and one boiled fish plate. While the fried fish was quite good, the boiled fish came out cold and undercooked—not even a proper cod. I mentioned this to the waitress, who replaced it with another all-you-can-eat fish dish, but she never offered us any drinks during the meal. Later, we asked a different waiter for two takeout containers for our leftovers. When our waitress overheard us discussing the food on our plates, she told us we couldn’t take anything home and that it had to be thrown away. Although I understand it's an all-you-can-eat restaurant, this felt unreasonable—I would have liked to bring my leftovers with me. She then abruptly took the takeout boxes from us, insisting we couldn’t keep any food. When the bill arrived, we were charged for the shrimp appetizer, which was more expensive than the calamari. We paid, tipped, and left without hesitation. I have no plans to return.

Kiefs Reef is an amazing riverside venue I've enjoyed for years. On weekends, they have fantastic live music, and the outdoor bar adds a great vibe. The staff a... read more Kiefs Reef is an amazing riverside venue I've enjoyed for years. On weekends, they have fantastic live music, and the outdoor bar adds a great vibe. The staff are warm and friendly, and there’s a good variety of beers and drinks available. The indoor seating is comfortable as well. The food is top-notch, and I definitely recommend visiting if you’re nearby.

After a 10-minute wait, the hostess attempted to seat us at one of the high tables. I explained that due to a nerve injury in my back, sitting there would cause... read more After a 10-minute wait, the hostess attempted to seat us at one of the high tables. I explained that due to a nerve injury in my back, sitting there would cause my legs to go numb. She was incredibly accommodating and quickly found us another table. Although she didn’t have to apologize, she did, which was very thoughtful of her. Our waitress was excellent; she swiftly took our drink order and brought us warm bread right away. I ordered the fish fry, while my husband chose a burger. She also promptly gave me a plate for the salad bar. We didn’t have to wait long for our food—it arrived in about 30 minutes. The fish was perfectly cooked, and my husband praised his cheeseburger. Throughout our meal, the hostess frequently checked on us and even offered me more fish, even though I was already full. The level of customer service was outstanding, the food was delicious, and the hostess was exceptional. Usually, when I mention a seating preference, I might get an eye roll or told that the only available table is a high one, forcing me to stand during my meal. However, that was not the case here. I truly appreciated how polite and accommodating the hostess was; she made me feel comfortable, allowing me to thoroughly enjoy my dinner. The bartender was attentive too, and both the hostess and the waitress were wonderful. I can confidently say that Kief's Reef will be my go-to spot for fish on Friday nights from now on!

I had a great time at this lively place with a good band, but since it rained, we had to stay indoors instead of enjoying the beach. I ordered two rum punches,... read more I had a great time at this lively place with a good band, but since it rained, we had to stay indoors instead of enjoying the beach. I ordered two rum punches, which were quite weak for $12 each, especially on an empty stomach. While the drinks tasted good, they lacked any real kick. The beer selection didn’t impress me either; there wasn't a menu listing, and we were left guessing while trying to order at the bar. My friends tried the fried fish sticks and patty melt but barely took a bite, so I'm glad I didn’t order any food myself. It was a fun atmosphere, but I'm not sure I could eat or drink anything here again.