I like the Red Lion, but I really wish I could LOVE the Red Lion. I've been here 4 times now, and every time I've had something different; the food has always been really good. The atmosphere is great. On a quieter night it's intimate and cozy, and when it's busy it's still not too crazy. Try the spotted dick, it's amazing.
My only complaint is they really could use some more waitstaff. The past two times I've been here I have had some service issues. On the first bad visit me and someone else at my table asked for an order of curry dipping sauce for our fries, and the waitress never brought it. We reminded her TWICE...and just never got it. Service in general was EXTREMELY slow, but she was always very friendly. She also told me "not to trust" the beer selection on the menu because it was so out of date. Uhh, maybe print out a new one then so people don't have to order beers you haven't had in months? I thought it was just one bad night. But then...
Came back another night and didn't get menus until roughly 15 minutes after being seated. It was much busier this time but only 2 waitresses were working, and everything just took forever. Cooks from the kitchen appeared to be helping bring out dishes and clear tables! This was a busy Friday night. My friend and I split the bill; mine was more expensive and I paid cash. My friend paid by card, and they charged her for MY bill, which I don't even understand how that happened because they were in separate books.
Like I said, the food is great but they really need more people waiting tables there.
I can't believe it took me so long to go here! I went with a couple of friends for dinner here. They were super nice, our waitress was hilarious, and the food was phenomenal. I got the colonial chicken and I never wanted it to end. I don't know if I've ever so thoroughly cleaned a plate in my life. The waitress was also spot on with her drink recommendations. Even though we were there on a Friday night, and done with our meal, and paid up, we still stuck around talking. I know, I know. We were those people. I'm sorry. But they never asked us to leave (there was still an empty table or two) and the waitress kept filling up our water and checking in on us, never once pressuring us to get out already. I will definitely be going back as soon as possible.
Review Source:4-5 stars for the classic fish and chips, which are among the best around. Service here is a solid 4 as they have always been friendly and quick. However the rest leaves a bit to be desired. The bar often had an ok draft selection but the rest is just so-so. Remaining food is ok as well but definitely not among the best bar food in the area.
This remains our go-to local Lenten (or any other time) fish and chip stop. See you here an a Friday before Easter.
Another neighborhood pub with grub. The Red Lion is a no frills British themed bar and grill. They have a handful of beers on tap as well as a variety of beers by the bottle. A nice low key place to meet your beau or kick back with your friends. I've found it's pretty quiet during the week making it easy to have a conversation.
Friday nights are a different story though for Friday is all you can eat fish fry. I have to say, Red Lion is serving up some pretty good fish n chips. If you are a steak fry lover like me, you will not be dissappointed by these piping hot crispy behemoths. You get a pretty generous portion of fish as well and probably will not even ask for another portion.
I've also tried the veggie and dip platter/appetizer. It was pretty standard...as most cut raw veggies are. The servers are friendly and the food comes out hot. It's nice to know that I don't have to go far to satisfy my craving for fish n chips. Another score for my go-to list.
I used to go to the location near Fullerton & Lincoln & was sorry to see it go. I am ecstatic that they've reopened Red Lion!
We went on a Sunday evening when "The Walking Dead" had a season premiere & the pub was having a viewing night. We were taken care of attentively & the food was as wonderful as I remembered.
Friendly staff, cozy decor and hard cider on tap. I'm so happy to become a regular again :)
This is the perfect place if you are looking for a real English pub, it's not fancy and it doesn't try to be. I had a few friends visiting who had previously lived in Oxford and wanted to give them a taste of England and this definitely did it! The night we went it was all you can eat fish and chips and they were delicious! I got the Sheppard's pie which was perfect for a chilly winter night. They have a fun beer selection and great British desserts as well (the bread pudding was wonderful!). Highly recommend trying this place out if you want authentic British food and automosphere.
Review Source:2.5 stars for a dinner on Tuesday this week.
Our server was a friendly girl, though the table of 6 that was seated AFTER my party of 2 received their appetizers before we even got our beer. Had the bangers and mash and was pretty underwhelmed. The bubble and squeak (souffle of mashed potatoes, bacon, and cabbage) on which it was served sounded amazing, but in actuality was pretty pedestrian. Nothing was bad, but nothing was great, either. Would definitely not reorder this dish.
The man behind the bar (maybe the owner?) delivered our food to the table and was pretty gruff. We thanked him, which didn't even elicit a smile, let alone an "enjoy your meal."
This is my third time here, and I really don't feel any compulsion to return. For a little neighborhood joint, the service was a bit too cold for my liking.
I like it here, the kids LOVE it. It is literally 2 blocks fom home. The service is a wee bit lacking. That is my only critique, they could tighten it up a bit.
Good solid food, a little unevenly heated from time to time.
Green Curry Wings are the best! My favorite thing about the lion! You be to try them, crispy, green curryish with a little honey maybe! Hhhhmmmm.
Get your kids a butter beer, like a butterscotch Italian soda! Â Yum, liquid sugar for dinner :) my kids love the chicken and dumpling soup and the BLT, watch that bacon kitchen- English food is awful, but they do not blacken their bacon :)
Check them out, have a little patience and support this local pub!
Cheers!
I've walked past this place a zillion times on my walk to get groceries at Harvest Time the last few years and have always been meaning to try it. Â I'm not much of a drinker, but I love Fish'n'Chips, so I decided to order takeout tonight. Â
The place is small and cozy with the cutest sort of old world English Decor. Â It wasn't very busy. Â I think having a low visibility location probably hurts this place a little bit. Â The food was to die for! Â Nothing like watching the London Olympics with the best Fish'n'Chips I've had since moving to Chicago. Â The beer batter was light, crispy, flaky perfection, with a much nicer portion of actual delicious fish inside. Â The portions were big. Â My best friend got onion rings which she won't stop raving about. Â
I can't recommend this cozy out of the way Rockwell Pub enough!
Fantastic place.
The decor and atmosphere is exactly what you'd be looking for in a Brit pub. You can comfortably hang out here all night and feel like you are at home in your living room. Everyone is super friendly and the service terrific. The owner is very hands-on and obviously cares a great deal about his establishment.
The food and beer are excellent. Hand-formed and battered fish goes into the fish and chips. Hand-pulled pints at the bar, plus a great selection of other beers.
Keeper. Â First time at the red lion. Â Family outing in search of "fish'n chips". Â I was not disappointed. Â GREAT food. Â Traditional English pub. Â The fish'n chips were fantastic. The onion rings were the best I've ever had. Â We took 6 kids from 6 to 15 years old and they all enjoyed the food and atmosphere. Â My 13 year old really liked the "Harry potter" drink. Â
The area was not bad, and parking was within a few blocks. Â A 5th star would be given if the wait staff was more friendly. Â They were competent, but didn't add to the experience. Â Price not bad.
Walking distance from the hustle and bustle of Lincoln Square 'Prime' is the Red Lion. Â A lovely, unpretentious little English pub. Â Fish and chips, Shepherd's Pie, Bitter, and a selection of English Ales. Â Usually not too crowded. Â Great service. Â Big United Kingdom flag in the window. Â Makes me want to throw away my ethnic background and become a Brit - it's that cool. Â You know who else is cool? Â The Queen. Â Happy Diamond Jubilee! Â She's such a classy lady :)
Review Source:I sometimes frequented the old Red Lion in Lincoln Park when I was working in the neighborhood, and was overjoyed to see it reopen...walking distance from my home! Â I'm a dedicated Anglophile and this place really is like dining in an authentic English pub. Â I'm a big fan of the Shepherd's Pie, which is just as good in the restaurant as it is when you carry it out and eat it at home. I'm not really a drinker, but friends tell me the beer and ale selection is quite good. Â They also recommend the Fish and Chips.
An easy and comfortable place with friendly and attentive waitstaff and management. Â I'll be back for sure. Â Jolly good!
From the outside, this place looks great. Â From the inside, this place looks great. Â However, the food sucks. Â How does a place ruin fish and chips? Â Somehow this bar did a great job being bad...real bad Michael Jackson. Â Also, the beer was warm. Â I can get crapy food and warm beer at my house! Â I will never be coming back here. Â I would also recommend if you do come here, to bring your own ice. Terrible service, terrible food, and warm beer. Â Seems like it should be a college bar. Â I'm not sure what other people on Yelp are talking about, but you must have been wasted when you entered.
Review Source:The Red Lion being one block from my old apartment, it's a good thing I moved a mile east three years before it opened. Â Otherwise, I'd be spending far too much time here. Â It's the most inviting spot to come to Lincoln Square in ages.
First, the food is delicious - the fish and chips incredible - and fairly priced. Â If you're a beer lover, you're in heaven. Â The Red Lion specializes in regional craft beers and a few harder-to-find import brews. Â (One wish? Â A Guinness tap - I'm not going to pay $5 for a can.) Â Now, don't expect sports bar pricing - there are no $3 drafts. Â Instead, you pay a little bit more for a draft to be savored like a fine wine. Â As for that wine, that's one place where the Red Lion could stand some improvement. Â I don't mind its small size, but the wine list could be better. Â
The best thing about the Red Lion, though, is the atmosphere. Â It truly feels like it's been imported from the British Isles, yet without kitsch. Â The surroundings are simple yet warm. Â The bar itself is small, and usually full with regulars. Â The owners make you feel immediately welcome, and the servers are friendly and efficient. Â
Granted, tucked away on Rockwell, just south of Lawrence, it's a bit off the beaten track. Â The advantage, though, is that you may actually get a seat. Â I've no doubt that, if the Red Lion were placed in the center of Lincoln Square, it would be packed.
Check it out!
This is really one of my favorite places. The fish and chips are the best I've found in Chicago. The menu seems expanded from the prior iteration. The specials are always tempting.
The selection of beers is amazing. There's sometimes a British TV series or movie on DVD playing such as fear of the Black Adder. Just an all-around great place to go. The service is good; food has never been a disappointment. Kid friendly. The surprising aspect of the place is the level of authenticity in English pub fare. The hand pulled Hobgoblin beer is really unique and a tasty find.
Great English style restaurant/pub.
I was recommended to this place quite a while before I was able to finally visit. But my two friends and I came on a quiet weekday evening during Christmastime. The place was cozy and casual. We ordered two plates of fish and chips, which were quite large and a Guinness Chocolate Cake.
The food was tasty, the service was friendly, and the prices were reasonable. This is a place I know I will be coming back to.
Several friends and I went last night and the place was quite full and was hoppen with both rooms full up with diners.
They have a great beer list and provided each one of the people in our group with a glass that matched the beer they ordered.
I will be back to this place for a Fish and Chips meal.
I just moved within10 minutes walking distance of this place and in my exploring, tried Red Lion for the first time this weekend.
It has a very chill atmosphere, and seems like it's geared towards a more mature crowd. By mature, I don't mean older. There was a nice mix of people from different age groups when I was there, but it just seems like a more laid back crowed.
All the reviews were pretty positive about the fish and chips, which happens to be one of my favorite dishes, so that's what I tried. They were excellent! I love the batter they use for the fish. I'd definitely come back and order again. The beer list is short, but they have a good selection of craft and UK imported beers.
I'll definitely make several return trips here.
As others have mentioned I REALLY wanted to love this place. But I dont. I like it and will go back but if I didnt live down the block would never drive to it.
You can have good experiences with the food but stick to the basics like burgers and fish n chips. The first time we were there my mom ordered a curry dish which was just gross, we really like curry and this was terrible.The chicken wasnt cooked fresh there it was pre packaged cubes. I had the patsy which had potential but the gravy was a blob that didnt pour out of the dish. The appetizers are all pretty good but not plentiful. I think I spent 7 bucks for 5 olives. They were awesome, too bad I couldnt afford to order more.
That said. I am still really glad its in my hood and I'll go back Im sure a few times at least.
We recently visited this neighborhood pub for a low-key birthday celebration. Having walked by the former location in Lincoln Park several times, I was intrigued by what the new Lincoln Square location would look like.
We sat in the first room (there is an additional dining area on the other side) and immediately felt like we were in someone's living room - that atmosphere is cozy, nicely decorated with iconic British décor and plenty of seating options. I loved that there was a small group of hardcore women (they even brought their own lamp) to sketch while partaking in a beer. There is a tiny bar too... so that made it seem less of a "pub".
Eats:
We happened to go on an unlimited fish & chips night so people in our party ordered that. I didn't eat it, but can tell you the "chips" were superb (and I'm not usually a fan of wedge fries!). Â Being unlimited, I thought once your basket was empty, it would be re-filled. However, this was not the case. You are brought out one fish portion at a time thereafter but the initial portion is so big, I doubt you need more! The chips on the other hand... yum!
I tried the BLT... wish I could do that over again. The french bread was hard and the bacon was a little overcooked for my taste... making for a very dry sandwich. Â I guess that's what I get for ordering an American sandwich at a place with British fare.
They had a decent-sized beer list and some good wines and ciders to choose from as well.
For dessert, we all split one big slice of chocolate cake - a little on the dry side too, but it hit the spot.
Service:
Our waitress was attentive and checked up on us for food and drinks throughout our stay. The man behind the bar helping serve was also very friendly.
I hope this place thrives in this less than ideal location (off Rockwell & Lawrence). It's a nice option from the busy bars on the Lincoln Ave. strip and a far cry from some of these trendy British pubs that have sprung everywhere (Owen & Engine, Bangers and Lace, etc.).
Overall, this would not be a destination place for me (probably since I'm not a beer drinker) but I would definitely come back and try something more authentic off their menu - the chips alone are well worth it!
So happy to have The Red Lion in our 'hood. Â We went for our second visit tonight and had a great dinner. Â I had the fish and chips and my husband went for the Bangers 'n Mash. Â We both loved our food. Â The fish was just right. Â It had a nice breading, was light and flaky, and the best part was that it wasn't greasy. Â
We have tried a couple of different beers and have found some solid choices on tap.
A must visit for a good bite to eat and a great pint.
As others have mentioned, as a neighbor, I was thrilled to see The Red Lion appear, and I want them to succeed. To me, there are issues related to attention to detail that inhibit greatness. I think I Â have gastropub envy, and this just didn't measure up.
The highlights: Major points for the hand-pulled ale. It provides a refreshing flashback to one of the best parts of a trip to London. Also, the owner is very personable and engaging, and hands-on with service.
Issues that are limiting: I know others have enjoyed the fish & chips, but I can't get past seeing a guy hauling 3 brown paper bags of frozen fries. If the goal is to be a "good enough" neighborhood joint, this might make the grade, but I was hoping for so much more, or at least some fresh potatoes. The turkey burger was thin and bland, and I am afraid also arrived frozen and pre-formed. The chicken and dumplings was refreshingly lighter than norm with its clear broth, and had loads of chicken, but it was overly salty, and there were only two dumplings in a bowl (so one dumpling in a cup?).
I'm not sure if the goal is to be a bar with food, or a restaurant with a welcoming bar. Unfortunately, both aspects could be improved. The actual bar is too small to give it a great pub feel. There is a bar in the main room, and a second bar in the side room, and it seems the staff has to run between the two just to gather drinks. The Guinness tap is in this side room, and I watched a server pour half a pint in a glass then finish with stout from a pre-filled pitcher. Really? I'll listen if someone tells me this is standard, but it appeared to be a corner-cutting measure to speed up the delightful but time-consuming precision of a perfect pint. The food isn't of high enough quality and creativity to beg for returns just to dine. Perhaps I should have just enjoyed my beer in the hood and happily headed home.
I am a local resident and drove by this place too many times before finally making the decision to TRY IT OUT!!!
my lady and I went on a weekday night around 6pm and we were the only people inside the place. Â after a few minutes, more people did arrive, but i got nervous that this place wasnt going to make it long term being it was a prime time of the day on a weeknight with no one around. Â seems like when i drive by, there are always people on the patio which is good to see.
the food was good. Â i had the famous fish n chips and they were very good. Â my favorite part of the meal was the fried green olives that come with a side of Bleu Cheese! Â HMMMMMMMM! Â Sooooo good, but you only get like 5-6, so i will need 2 orders next time.
They DO have a liquor license now, but they were having issues with their taps, so look forward to that. Â We have sangrias and they were good, but nothing special.
All in all, definitely a place to try out if you live in the hood. Â Hopefully, the place sticks around...
This is perhaps the most conflicted review I have ever written to date. I want so badly for this place to succeed and be the place I bring my family and friends.
I used to frequent this establishment when it was located awhile ago on Lincoln and was happy to see that it has relocated on Rockwell south of Lawrence. In fact, I was thrilled.
But, after our recent visit, 2 stars = "Meh. I've experienced better" or 3 stars = "A-Ok." What a toss up.
First, the pluses. Great location, in my 'hood, spacious, outdoor seating. Onion rings are excellent. All you can eat fish n chips on Friday - $10.95 - is very good - it may even keep this Anglophile coming back for more. If it wasn't for one huge issue.
The service is horrendous. Seriously, you guys - come on. You have GOT to fix this. Poor service is a huge reason people don't come back to a restaurant. You can have the best freaking food on the planet but if the service sucks, your clientele goes elsewhere.
The 3 of us were recently at the Red Lion on a Friday. There was no wait - we got seated right away. The 10-12 tables were full including a 20 top in the back room. There were 4 people including mgmt bringing out food, drinks, etc.
However, we had to ask for silverware; we had to ask to have someone wait on us; we had to ask for drinks - that came 15 mins later after we reminded them that we still hadn't received them. We watched other frustrated tables get up and leave in the meantime.
Our onion rings appetizer came 20 mins later and our fish n chips? Arrived AN HOUR later. An hour.
Having been a waiter many years of my life, I am the most patient and forgiving patron you will find - almost to a fault. I am willing to cut a place some slack but there is one thing you cannot have happen: you cannot forget to acknowledge your customers. Give them a free appetizer for their inconvenience. Check in with your tables and if there is a back up in the kitchen, tell them. COMMUNICATE. As long as patrons don't feel ignored, they are forgiving.
Red Lion, I believe in you. I want you to be my neighborhood hangout so badly. I like your food which is why I am giving you 3 stars instead of 2.
But should I really have to pack a lunch to eat while I wait for my food to arrive? I think not.
I liked the feel of this place. Â It made me lean back in my chair and let out a relaxed sigh. Â It's something along the lines of an old English seaside pub or a quiet restaurant you might find alongside a foggy cobblestone alley. Â The blue-gray and deep red-colored walls soak up its low lighting and make it especially low-key environs for a late afternoon meal. Â
Our server was quick to greet us and give us tips on the food. Â I had the fish & chips, and my girlfriend had the chicken pesto sandwich. Â Both orders tasted great, but I'll probably order one of their more unique dishes the next time I'm there. Â The curry chips were a great and generously proportioned finger food to share while we waited for the main plates.
In short - Had a hard day at work and need a place to catch up with a friend or read the newspaper over a sandwich and a pint? Red Lion is a solid spot for it.
Last night was my third trip to the Red Lion and unfortunately it could be my last.
First two trips: Awesome; both times on a weekend afternoon and there was only 2-3 other people in the place. Food was really good and we enjoyed ourselves.
Third trip: Went on a Friday night with a couple from our building. It was good to see the place was lively - not packed but busier than the first couple times there. Here's how things went:
Walked in and sat down.
10 minutes later we get four waters
5 minutes after that we get menus
15 minutes later they come to take our order - this included my wife asking for something on the menu and them reporting they were out of them (on a Friday night, at 7 pm? Did I miss 5 pm dinner rush?)
30 minutes later dinner arrives - everyone enjoyed their meal. Throughout dinner we had to ask repeatedly for more drinks and they could never remember who they were going to at the table.
After plates were cleared we waited another 20 minutes for the check. When it arrives the waitress tells us she gave our check to someone else and they paid it. She 'thinks' their check is less and hands it to us. We do some rough math and find it's maybe $5 cheaper. We all look to 'see what we ate' and pay the bill.
I really want this place to make it because the neighborhood needs more local hangouts with good food. Having said that, if you can't handle 20-30 people in your place at one time you are in trouble.
The location - awesome. Â The service - pretty good. Â The food - DREADFUL. Â The atmosphere - eh.
After reading such great reviews of this place, we decided to give it a try. Â We ordered the fried olives - over-fried and way too salty, the fish & chips -chewy and tasteless fish, the chips - soggy and the cornish pasty, which was in soggy puff pastry which made me think it had been microwaved. Â
I've had good food at many English pubs throughout the city and this doesn't make the cut on any level.
When I first walked into Red Lion, I felt like I walked into a British movie with the typical pub you always see the "boys" hanging out in. Â The entire decor looked way more authentic to me than the hundreds of wannabe pubs all over Chicago that simply plaster the walls with knick-knacks.
It's a shame they don't have a liquor license yet, but hopefully soon. Â I would love to come here to catch some Euro Cup games rather than fight for a spot at the Globe Pub.
The food was pretty good. Â Their fish and chips were done just right and were not those crappy crumby frozen fish you get in the wannabe spots. Â Their Cornish and Veggie pasties were decent, and I liked their curry mustard sauce that went with the fries.
I'll definitely go back. Â I just hope they can snag that liquor license.
I've been back a few times since my initial review, by myself and with friends, and the food only gets better. Some of the very good items we've had are the:
1) Â The turkey burger. My friend, the Broccoli Goddess ordered the turkey burger plain, just meat on a bun. She ate the whole thing, and said it was one of the best she'd ever had. She also ate almost all of her french fries. Trust me, that never happens.
2) The BLT comes with a big stack of delicious bacon. Yes, I eat bacon. Yes, I like bacon. And oh boy, did I like this. Mayo comes on the side. Be sure to ask for it.
3) The veggie burger is a BIG burger. It is almost too big for the bun. It is really good.
The Red Lion has a few tables out on the sidewalk, so you can get a suntan while eating delicious pub food.
Service is very friendly and accomodating without hovering. The Broccoli Goddess was hoping they had broccoli on the side. They didn't, but they made several other offers, and were very willing to accomodate her unusual needs.
The only helpful suggestion I have is for the waiter, and is based on my long-ago waitressing experience at the original Red Lion on Lincoln Avenue. When someone orders a burger of any sort, bring all the condiments and extra napkins when you bring the food. Trust me, it'll save you an extra trip, and also impress the customers by anticipating their needs.
The liquor license is coming. Looks like they'll have it by the end of June. So, if you really really love BYOB, get over to the Red Lion soon. Otherwise, you'll be forced to enjoy what will surely be a wide range of English beer and wines. I'm just wondering if the new place will be a "Bud-free zone" like the old one was. I hope so.
I was really looking forward to going, and as they have no menu posted, I decided to check out some of the other yelpers reviews. Â Since I'm not a drinker, not having their liquor license didn't dissuade me, and as my party was aware, it was BYOB. Â Enticed by the thought of a juicy and delicious Red Lion burger, I knew in advance what I wanted, and I was excited. Â English Pub food! Â
When my burger came, it was neither juicy nor delicious. Â The bun was hard. Â My onion rings weren't flavorful (unless grease counts as a flavor). Â My table-mates both had the fish and chips, which I was looking forward to coming back later that week and trying, and both of them told me I'd be better off going to Duke of Perth. Â
I really try not to be too judgmental of a place, but hearing how the rest of my party were treated (Even though they knew in advance that we were a large group, they didn't accommodate us, and we were seated at separate tables) I see no real reason to go back.
My beau didn't want me to review the Red Lion fearing I would give it three stars when he felt it was a solid four stars. So, I am giving the Red Lion four stars not only to continue to be a mystery to him but because It rightfully earned them based on service, quality of food, and ambiance.
If you ever visited the original location you will not find the same feel, but, really, how could you? That building was just kinda special. With the new location, the owners have done a bang up of job turning a common storefront into a homey, inviting place. On top of that, you have them. They are just lovely - so earnest in their desire that your experience be a good one.
For dining we tried the black bean soup and welsh rarebit to start. My beau found the soup great. For entrees my beau had the regular pastie and I had the veggie pastie. They came with mushroom sauce and I immediately poured the sauce all over mine, regrettably for me. I didn't care for the mushroom sauce. My beau loved it. I did find a bit of my pastie not covered in the sauce and really enjoyed the flavor of it plain. We split a bread pudding in the end and perhaps splitting one was a mistake. Two could have easily been in order. Delicious!
Street parking was easy for us that day.
This was my second visit to the Red Lion and I have to say, I'm on the fence about this place. Â Both my meals were good. Â The first time, the best fish and chips I've probably ever had. Â This time the Guinness Stew. Â But the service! Â And the inconsistency. Â
Tonight was a big group and many in our group ordered the same things - Shepherd's Pie and Fish & Chips. Â The Shepherd's Pies were a disaster as they were the last time I was here. Â The flavor was there, but the temperature was way off. Â Half hot + half cold = totally unacceptable. Â When this happened the last time 2 months ago they said they would work on it. Â Obviously not. The fish and chips were all over the place, some a little too crispy. Â The inconsistency was apparent.
My biggest gripe was the service, though. Â They forewarned us that a bigger group was coming in so we should order up. Â We did. Â Fish and chips came out first .... pause. Â Beef Stew .... pause. Â Burgers ... pause. Â Finally partially cooked shepherd's pie. Â Water refills? Â Not so much. Â Asking how we're doing? Â Not so much. Â Can we have more water? Â Sure. Â Excuse me ... water please? Â Sure. Â Water? Â We eventually just grabbed the pitcher and served ourselves. Â And I am very forgiving of restaurants when they're busy. Â But it wasn't that. Â They just seemed a little spacey.
The final straw was asking for the check. Â I asked, she acknowledged and then stood at the bar chit chatting with the other patrons for 10 minutes. Â We asked the owner. Â He said sure and then stood at the bar eating dinner. Â We did get the check 15 - 20 minutes after the request. Â Annoying.
Will we go back? Â My husband says no. Â Me? Â As I said, I'm on the fence.
Living nearby and having lived in Lincoln Park before the old location closed, I was eager to give Red Lion a shot. I'm really looking forward to them getting their liquor license, but BYOB isn't a bad thing either!
Went in there in the middle of a Saturday afternoon and it was pretty quiet (although seeing it in the evenings, it can be pretty hopping...even without booze!). I got the burger which was pretty tasty and cooked surprisingly well to order (medium-rare)! The chips were a little plain but didn't expect anything too out of the ordinary with them.
I'm definitely looking forward to returning and trying some more of the menu! And it'll probably become my regular spot for drinks once they get their license...
The original The Red Lion in Lincoln Park was my favorite pub in Chicago, and offered plenty of occasion for amazing evenings spent at the bar, full of conversation with Colin and/or Joe, great friends, good food, and tradition.
When the old place closed, I really can't begin to tell you how it affected my friends and I. Â We felt like we lost our hang out, and like we lost our place to make memories. Â We moved on, but sadly.
When news came of the opening of Red Lion Lincoln Square, I was ecstatic, and now after my first trip there, I am looking forward to all that's in store.
Much remains the same. Â The menu hasn't changed much, but looked like it had some very nice additions. Â Joe is there, and is as friendly as ever. There's no liquor yet, but that is obviously on the way, and for now, I say cheers! for the BYOB.
On a night when we planned to order fish and chips (which were excellent!), my friend and I ordered an appetizer... of more chips. LOL. eh, it was worth it. Â they're quite good, and the curry sauce is amazing.
With the pleasure of company from the lovely Andy M. and Carolynne M., I had a simply wonderful evening. Â I am so grateful TRL is back, and look forward to creating new memories.
Hard to accurately rate this, since the night we were there it was still BYOB and cash only.
However, I will rate the two things I can speak of, which was the food and the interior. Â
The interior...well it looked more like a coffeehouse than a pub. Too brightly lit, too empty in terms of furniture and decorations and while the far room was nice and private, it was too harsh and unwelcoming, with the hard seats, cold tile floor and no music. Â (The other side was considerably better.) Still, could use some work.
Food: Â Andy ordered the Welsh Rarebit, which was toast covered in cheese sauce and tomatoes. Â I ate the tomatoes, which were of the winter variety and therefore too pink and bland. I did not care for the cheese which had almost no flavour at all. The onion rings he ordered though were fantastic! Perfectly crisp and with deliciously sweet onions - very nice.
My entree was the Cornish Pasty, which was a flaky pastry with meat and veggies inside. It came with a mushroom gravy and a side salad. Â The pasty itself was just OK, when eaten on its own it didnt have much flavour, but the gravy was delicious and I could have just eaten that with some bread and been happy. The salad was fresh, with a very nice bacon vinaigrette. However, after seeing some orders of the fish and chips, I was sad I didn't order that as it looked and smelled amazing.
Having never been to the original Red Lion I can't say if this is better or worse. I do know that they are trying to make it into a comfortable hangout place. I think they are on the right track, and will be interested to go back once everything is in place.
I was a huge fan of the old Lion and when I found out a new one was opening around the corner from my house my heart filled with joy. A friend and I had the chance to have dinner there last night and it was excellent!
Things are still very new here so the menu is in flux but the staples like the Fish and Chips (great. just, really tasty and perfectly portioned) and the ground beef pasty with mushroom gravy (very warm, tasty and comforting) were both fantastic. Currently the place is byob until they get their liquor license and we took advantage, I just brought from home but there's a handy liquor store on the opposite corner. The service was friendly and everyone smiled and said hello and goodbye. Currently they are operating on a *cash only* basis but that's soon to change.
We sat at a lovely table by the window and felt very cozy. (Our one suggestion being to perhaps lower the lights a bit to make it even more so). At any rate the red lion is a wonderful addition to the neighborhood. We'll be back!
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