Hawthorne's Backyard Bar & Grill

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  My wife and I really enjoy this place. Very good food at a reasonable price. There burgers are great and my wife enjoyed the pilled pork sandwich also. We always like to get there appetizer sampler. The wings are great and they have the best potato skins around. Good drink specials and good service.

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  Posted on 05.05.13 Ryan G.

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  Attended a  breast cancer fundraiser here on 4/21, very accommodating... Very helpful and they donated 15% of the money made(I believe just from food) that day.. It's a great place for charity events.. Great food, helpful servers... Only little gripe and its very little only one bartender was working and although she was great, the bar was just too crowded for one Bartender... Otherwise I love this place and I will be returning!

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  Posted on 04.27.13 Sarah d.

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  I had a nice lunch here with coworkers. I have to say that I really enjoyed that tomato artichoke soup quite a bit. I had the pulled pork sandwich as well, which was good, but honestly too messy to eat as a sandwich. I ended up just eating the pork right out of it. The staff seemed really nice and personally knew the regulars there. I bet it would be a great place for a few beers as well

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  Posted on 04.15.13 Kathleen K.

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  I will rate Hawthorne's solely on the 'food aspect':
  
  Probably some of the best burgers and fries I have had - for that alone, I will give this place a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
  
  They undoubtebly have good food, and when I have gotten carry-out, the staff has been usually friendly.  But my interaction with them is also simple - I pay my tab and they simply hand me bags.
  
  Prices are a bit steep.  The burgers average around $8 each.  They are indeed excellent, but the prices in my opinion are a bit on the higher end.  I'm kinda confused with some of the other reviews where people have marveled about how inexpensive or great the prices are - because they just aren't.
  
  This place is a family restaurant type of place by day and early evening, but quickly turns into a 'dive-bar' during the later hours of the night.  I was in this place at later hours twice - becomes very crowded and loud, and its not very large or 'open' as far as space goes.  It's not an upscale type of atmosphere either.  Many people may like that setting - for me - it's kinda wained on me the past 8 years or so...
  
  Hawthorne's has also gone under different names and management/ownership at least 3 times in the past 10 years or so.  This could have no meaning either way, but just pointing out this fact.  I have heard (and also read other reviews - most are in the filtered section) stories regarding staff and management being rude to some customers and other stories of sub-par service.
  
  I can't comment on that per say because everytime I get food here, it is carry-out.  I have never dined-in and its not one of the top places I will go if I want to go to a bar setting either.  I just stick to carry-out.
  
  I do recommend for the food or take-out, if you're nearby or passing thru town and you just want to grab something quick to go, I'd say give them a try.

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  Posted on 02.01.13 Johnny A.

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  Very family friendly place that you can take your kids (and your parents) for a laidback dinner/evening out experience.  The prices are excellent, the food is delicious and the staff is friendly.  My kids especially LOVE the dessert here! The best part is the backyard which provides (at least) 9 months of incredible fun for kids and adults.  There is a ton of stuff to do like play volleyball,  wiffleball (with a fully equiped mini-field including bases, bleachers, fence and scoreboard), play bags, or just let the kids run around while the adults enjoy a drink or two around the giant outdoor fireplace or the super casual firepit meeting new people or catching up with old friends.  In the winter it's a great place to catch a football game - the half-time buffet (including pulled pork from a real pig freshly roasted on site!) and drink specials make it better than home - though this is much more for adults and probably not the best time to bring your kids.  I guess because of the location - the middle of an industrial park - not many people know about it but if anyone is in the area, I highly recommend it.

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  Posted on 01.10.13 Kelli T.

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  We went here one Saturday night for their crab leg and prime rib buffet after reading about this place for months.  It is located pretty far West from VP and kind of in a weird industrial area/middle of nowhere.  But it was most definitely worth the drive!
  
  We were seated right away on the restaurant side of this dive-y bar for our buffet dinner.  We placed our order and got some things for the kids and then hit the buffet.  There are only a few options but let's keep it real, we are all there for the crab legs and prime rib, both of which, there was PLENTY of!  They were refilling the crab legs like every 20 minutes so they were nice and hot...amazing!
  
  There was also some BBQ chicken on the buffet that was REALLY good!  That BBQ sauce was one of the best I've tried and the chicken was so juicy.  There was also baked potatoes and some potato casserole which was pretty fabulous. =]
  
  The atmosphere here is definitely laid back, cozy and friendly.  There was even a wedding reception going on in the room (could have even been a tent, not sure) off of the bar.  So fun.  So there was a huge mix of dinner eating patrons, people drinking at the bar and drunk wedding guests.  It was definitely a fun night filled with great service and excellent food!  We will definitely be going back!

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  Posted on 01.07.13 Angela P.

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  Good food, poor service for the most part.  My wife and I did the saturday all you can eat crab and prime rib.  It was very good and a decent price (about $70 OTD)

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  Posted on 12.11.12 Sean M.

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  YUMMY!!
  
  Found this place on a whim...by researching bbq here on Yelp around the Batavia area. Very glad we decided to check it out!
  
  Super cute place! Mini log cabin in the middle of nowhere (we're still in West Chicago...right?!) with a cozy sporty feel inside...but not so sporty where you feel undressed if you're not sporting a jersey of some sort! Had some amazing sketches/oil paintings of Da Bears...including one awesome shot of a tackle on Green Bay!!  
  Loved!! the metal splash guards behind the faucets in the bathroom. Not every day you see a new use for a part that belongs on a truck!  ~
  
  Settling in...My hubby ordered the sampler - their homemade brisket and woodfire chicken served with mashed potatoes and coleslaw.
  Me, I'm an old fashioned kind of gal and went with pork chops and applesauce - or close enough! Baked cinnamon apples - which are much better then the traditional selection - and sweet potato fries.
  Of course had to sample their Artichoke bread soup that everyone raved about! Baked with provolone on the top!
  
  Food was DELICIOUS!
  Not something perfect you would eat at Webber or Redstone...but homemade delicious! Good old fashioned cooking! Which is always better enjoyed then a stuffy steak house!
  
  Wasn't a huge fan of their bbq sauce...more sweet then I like it. But that's just me...and I admit, it did pair nicely with everything.
  Their brisket and chops were great!!
  Didn't expect boneless!! Especially for the price!! And they were cooked to perfection!! No chewy dog toy to take home for Fido here!!
  The sweet potato fries...some of the best I've ever had!! Couldn't stop picking at them!!
  And the soup!! OMG!! You NEED! to get this soup!! don't go full bowl though, a cup is just perfect for starters!!
  
  Great drink specials!! And very friendly people!! We'll be back for sure!! ~ Two thumbs way up!! Can't wait to return back!!

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  Posted on 10.26.12 Jean K.

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  I drop by this place all the time for lunch.  They have a lunch menu that provides great value.  The staff is very friendly, but a little pokey every now and then.  Even on those days you get in and out pretty quick though.  The food is generally very good, but not great.  I never have drank there, but it looks like a solid selection.  The menu is good, but just seems to be missing something that I can't put my finger on.  Overall 4 out 5 stars means I will be back for more!

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  Posted on 10.05.12 Jason R.

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  LOVE THIS PLACE!! I cannot believe it took us so long to go here-in the middle of no where it seems. Awesome little bar/restaurant inside-live band. Outside you are just like you are at someones backyard BBQ-firepits-whiffle ball-bags-outside bar and huge patio. We did not eat this time-but the drinks were reasonable-i mean 32oz of sangria-homemade-5 bucks! Wednesdays they have all you can eat wings for 8.50 and saturdays all u can eat crab legs-I cannot wait to go back this weekend! Totally fun place!! You must go!

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  Posted on 08.24.12 Christen D.

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  What a great find!  You feel like you're in Northern WI but your in West Chicago.   Who would have thought that could happen!  Their outdoor area is amazing, 4 acres of grass, a patio, tiki lights, volleyball, bean bags, etc.  Great casual fare.  Love the burger and cheese curds.   The tomatoe and roasted artichoke soup with bread (not in a bread bowl) topped with provolone and baked is incredible.  This alone fills me up completely.   The 24 ounce Blood Mary's served in a Mason jar on Sunday are spot in.   Really friendly crowd. Some may call it a dive bar but I've never met a dive bar I haven't liked!
  
  Can't wait to go back to try their all you can eat wings on Wednesdays.  They also have a crab leg and prime rib buffet buffet on Saturdays that could also lure me in, but you'd probably have to roll me out.
  
  Little bit out of the way, it's in an industrial area but I think the restaurant/bar was once a stand alone house.  Anyway, it's a unique restaurant with good food, great service and prices.  What's not to like?

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  Posted on 03.25.12 Sandy S.

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  My husband and I eat at Hawthorne's at least once a week and we have never been disappointed.  All the food has been great and the service is better than we have had at a lot of what are classified ed as "top level" restaurants.
  
  I think the prices are pretty reasonable and they have coupon specials all the time, so you can save a fair percentage of your check by using them.
  
  I will agree with some reviewers that the noise level can be pretty ridiculous.  We were there one evening and a guy from the band told my husband that they were using the same sound equipment that they had used to play for 10,000 people.
  We left pretty quickly after that !  My husband is hearing impaired and can't understand a lot of conversation if the background noise is too loud....but we've avoided that by eating earlier in the day.  Sunday afternoons are very quiet........
  
  We have had a party there every summer for the past 4-5 years and they have worked with us on menus very willingly.
  
  If it wasn't for the noise factor I would give them 6 stars if I could !

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  Posted on 03.10.12 Patricia W.

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  Really tasty food.  I've only had the burgers, soups and salads here, but they were well worth the inexpense and the drive, (they were cheap but a bit of a road trip).  The staff is friendly, the place is clean, and they have events there like outdoor BBQ and other summer stuff.
  
  Recommended.

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  Posted on 02.06.12 Carla P.

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  My boyfriend and I went here last night with a $10 for $20 living social coupon. I have to say this place is in a strange location, right in the middle of an industrial park. We must've walked in the back of the location even though it looked to be the front. When we entered we were stared down by a bunch of bar regulars, we then realized we ended up behind the host desk, but they were happy to seat us.
  
  The place is pretty small, so any screaming children (which were next to us) will definitely bother you. Other than that, it is a very small, cozy place with a country-like interior. I'm a country girl...so I was loving it!!
  
  Now onto the important part....the food. We went on a Tuesday, which was $1.50 domestic drafts and half off appetizers! We decided on two coors lights and the BBQ pulled pork sliders to start. Yummy!!! The sliders had thin, crunchy onion rings on top. Delish.
  
  For dinner, I had the half slab ribs and my boyfriend had the brisket. Both came with soup or salad, plus sweet potato fries AND cinnamon baked apples. What a unique combo, we both loved it!!!
  
  There was only one server, which I was nervous about because there were about 8 tables sat. However, with support from the bus boy everything came out in a very timely manner! I was impressed. Our server was nice. She meant business, but my boyfriend and I don't like to be bothered so it was perfect.
  
  With the drink and appetizer special, plus the living social coupon, we got all of those lovely items for $14.95!!! Before you ask...I left the waitress a $10 tip as the original bill would've been about $45. I'm a waitress and know what it's like when people don't tip on the original... So I made sure I did because she deserved it :).
  
  All in all, it was awesome, we had plenty of food to take home, the food was awesome as was the service. I can't wait to use the second living social coupon I purchased!

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  Posted on 11.23.11 Erica L.

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  Greatest resturaunt in westchicago great burgers ribs service vollyball and sports

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  Posted on 03.13.11 Joey B.

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  Saturday's special is $17.99 ALL YOU CAN EAT CRAB LEGS!  For my son's 19th birthday we went and had the special.  This was the best value for crab legs I have had for a LONG time.  One of the best crab bargains in the area by far!   I also highly recommend the ribs!  Skip the steak sandwich though.  Those three items are all I have eaten so far.  Plus they are on <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Frestaurant.com&s=c5fe485af4df376130bee54f875814d79c4d7913e1258123b1206d2bdbf4873b" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://restaurant.com</a>.  However, <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Frestaurant.com&s=c5fe485af4df376130bee54f875814d79c4d7913e1258123b1206d2bdbf4873b" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://restaurant.com</a> coupons are not good for daily specials. So, they do not work for the crab leg special.  But at the price, you are already getting a great deal!  The place is not fancy by any standard.  It is a hidden, rustic bar out in the middle of industrial buildings close to the DuPage Airport.  Well worth the adventure.  Enjoy!

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  Posted on 11.10.10 Paul H.

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