This is my second time here and both times it was a "special trip" semi-out- of- the way to take people to this absolutely hugh country restaurant.
We ordered the famous fried chix fo 2 and had plenty- even w/ our 5 yr old eating.
He was more interested in the corn fritters, which are deliciuos. I agree with another yelper that the cottage cheese was very tasty (i NEVER eat cottage cheese) but the beets were the cheap canned type.
Also The mashed potatoes are powder and the gravy is nasty! Luckily I remembered that from my 1st visit so we ordered the fries, which were good.
The freid chix was great, krispy skin and flavorful.
A good value for the money plus its like an antique mall inside. The have old kiddie rides for only a quarter and antique cars museum w/ motorcycles, bicycles and tons of nostalgic stuff.
We moved to Chicagoland 2.5 years ago from the south. So, I was excited to earn about a place that reportedly had good fried chicken and, presumably, southern-type food. Â Wrong! First the chicken. Â It was grossly over-priced and completely unremarkable. It was not seasoned much at all and was an epic disappointment, especially at $15 a person. Then to the sides. I suppose they see it as a big selling point that the sides are served family style and they are all you can eat. Â Really? I can eat all the cottage cheese and pickled beets that I want? Gross! How about some fried okra or black-eyed peas or collard greens? How about some corn bread and sweet tea? No sweet tea?!
The website advertises an antique car museum and petting zoo as well. Â No. There are four old cars parked inside behind some glass and you can barely see them. Â There is no petting zoo. Â There is a chain-linked fence with some goats, chickens and a lama. Lame-o. Â And you can't pet them.
My familly and I will never darken those doors again.
I have been going to White Fence Farm since I was young. It has been a great place to go with extended family to celebrate birthdays, holidays, etc. since it is one of the few places where everyone is happy with their meal.
Food here is served family style. It starts with bowls of pickled beets, coleslaw, cottage cheese, corn fritters and kidney bean salad. I don't know where they source their cottage cheese, but it is darn good. The kidney bean salad is great too, as is the coleslaw which is vinegar based instead of mayonnaise based. However the fritters really steal the show. They are delicious. The best part is that the wait staff will replenish these items for you if needed. My family tends to go through quite a bit of these items.
The entrees are limited: fried chicken, some aged steaks, fried shrimp, and a few fish options. The star here is the fried chicken. It is flavorful, crisp, and perfectly cooked. It is also served family style, arriving on large platters, with the equivalent of half a chicken for every person who ordered it. The other entrees arrive on plates specifically for the person who ordered them. I have ordered the age steaks in the past as well as the shrimp. I have always been happy with the meal, but the fried chicken is the best of them. Yes, the chicken gravy is bright yellow, but it is still pretty tasty. I have never used it on the chicken (it doesn't need it) but instead put it on my baked potato.
Can't tell you about dessert since we usually go back to our home for dessert and to celebrate whatever person is having a birthday.
The place is always pretty busy. They will take reservations for large groups. The number system they have works pretty well. You walk in, tell them the number in your party, and they give you a number. They will call your number and tell you which room of the place to go to for seating. It's also posted on scrolling signs in case you miss the announcement. I have always found people to be pleasant at the desk when you come in, but I am sure there are times they can get frustrated.
The decor is dated, but I find that part of the charm. My kids are older now, but when they were young they loved the funny mirrors and being able to go out to the petting zoo while we waited.
I love nostalgia, kitsch, and southern cooking.....But this place needs a major makeover. Yes, the place is a bit dated......but the problem is the food quality. Nothing was worthy of a return visit.....the corn fritters were served cold.....when we inquired, we were told they were suppossed to be room temperature...the chicken was so  so at best. There were many servers and few custumers. service was lackluster ......and that's a stretch.....This used to be a classic family treat.....now this place needs help from the "restaurant impossible" team for a candid critique and full fledged makeover...Anything short of that and the farm will soon be shuttered. How sad!
Review Source:My sister and I have birthdays 9 days apart (different years, of course), and as kids in the 60s our parents took us to White Fence Farm on the weekend between every year. Â It was our favorite restaurant in the world. Â I still go back when I am in town, and the chicken and corn fritters haven't changed. Â Now I get to share it with my kids and grandson. Â The food is definitely better than anything you will find at any chain chicken place. Â Anyone who doesn't realize that has absolutely no taste. Â The atmosphere is dated but still fun. Â I hope that someday my grandson will remember trips to the restaurant and bring his kids. Â It really is a special experience, and the food is that good.
Review Source:This review is solely based on the food, not the whole White Fence Farm experience. Â We met friends here for lunch today. It was a quite a trek all the way to the burbs, and when we got there, we realized that the restaurant did not open until 4, so we just got carryout and had a picnic in the car. There were 4 of us, so we got a bunch of chicken, coleslaw, mashed potatoes, fries, and corn fritters (we got the meal that came with 16 pieces of chicken). People kept building up the corn fritters, so I was expecting some type of delicious and savory hush puppy type item, but it was sweet and dusted with powder sugar. Kind of a let down, but not bad. The chicken was tasty, but I still prefer the fried chicken at Harold's. The coleslaw was really nice...a little vinegary, just the way I like it. The mashed potatoes came with chicken gravy and were extremely delicious, although I felt my arteries clogging as I ate them. Overall, the food was solid, but I don't know if it was necessarily worth the trip. Maybe in the spring/summer when the petting zoo is open and if we had actually sat in the restaurant, it would have been worth it.
Review Source:I've been coming here for almost 30 years and can't remember a time when it isn't at least half full. Â From birthdays to holidays to the New Year's eve dinner (last dinner serving before they go on break), this place hasn't changed a bit. Â I no longer play the various games in the lobby like many children but the food remains consistent. Â White Fence Farm definitely knows how to hold onto customers. Â The question is, can they bring new customers in the door? Â I'm honestly not sure.
As I've grown up I find myself eager to eat at new restaurants. Â I tend to get bored with routine but fully admit to still enjoying their fried chicken. Â I've also been known to scarf down numerous bowls of their delicious corn fritters which I crave to this very day. Â This place seems to cater to larger groups, families and elderly couples who have been coming for decades. Â The food isn't pretty, it's served family style and the waitresses all hustle as what you may find in a diner. Â It's down home comfort food for many in the area which is why customers head back.
If fried chicken is your thing, White Fence Farm is a fun trip especially if you have kids. Â It may not be the best you've tasted but you'll be glad you went.
People tend to gush about this restaurant, but I'm not sure where all the praise is really coming from. Â I think they sell the 'homestyle' type of cooking, but really what you get is sub-par food. Â The corn fritters are tasty, but with basically everything else on the menu you'd do better at your local family restaurant or a place that actually specializes in fried chicken. Â I think most people romanticize the place because it is a place that their families have gone to time and time again. Â So to them, they're not there for quality food as much as for the memories. Â I'd say that if it is something that intrigues you, give it a try. Â But let me be the splash of cold water to prevent you from expecting too much.
Review Source:Been coming here since the 80's and my parents have been coming here since the 70's. Overall he food has stayed consistent. Â
Built in an old farm house and expanded over the years, it's really a fun place to go. Â The lobby area is huge and has museum with antiques, many local pieces. Â There's also a big screen TV, a few arcade and prize redemption games. Â
Take some time and look around, there's lots of very interesting stuff. The lobby area is huge, which is a plus because it can get very crowded on the weekends at dinner time.
Family style sides included with your meal are vinegar coldslaw, beats, cottage cheese, kidney bean salad and CORN FRITTERS!!!
Chicken is also served family style (usually everyone is having chicken). Â What I like about the chicken is that it's very crispy on the outside and very moist inside. Â It's also not salty like most friend chicken.
Make sure to try the gravy. Â It's a neon yellow color but don't let it fool you, it's AWESOME.
Steaks, fish and ship are also very good.
I have been here a few times with family and on work outings. Everybody I talk to says that this is the place to go for chicken. I find this place disappointing for several reasons. 1) You can't order all dark or all white meat. 2) The chicken pieces are small, looks like it came from a newly hatched chick. 3) And the famous corn fritters, barely have one or two kernels of corn in them. 4) And the servers can be very slow at times. On the good side however I do like the restaurant setting and the decorations inside.
Review Source:Here's a great place for a bit of nostalgia! Â Their fried chicken is wonderful... forget KFC and Brown's. Â This is true "gramma made" fried chicken. Â They bring out small bowls of cottage cheese, cole slaw, beets and kidney bean salad and cheerfully ask if you want more. Â And, they did. Â We like our southern fried chicken with honey and they were more than happy to give us more than enough. Â My companion had the mashed potatoes with gravy but I had the baked potato... saved some calories here. Â Fun place to wait until your table is ready and there are so many antiques to view and show the kids "how gramma/grandpa" enjoyed their early lives... toys, car memorabilia... lots of fun. Â All in all, if you want pesudo gourmet chicken... move on. Â This is the way family chickin eatin should be. Â Hope they stay around for a long long time.
Review Source:I've been to White Fence Farm twice now. Â Once with a group and we ate in the dining area and more recently we took an order to go.
The place is pretty big and can also get pretty crowded. Â When we ate in the dining area, we went through a maze of smaller rooms to get back to where they seated us. Â I think there were about 14 of us in the group. Â Service was good and quick. Â Everyone had the chicken dinner. Â It came with cole slaw, beets, beans cottage cheese (I think) and something else. Â Also came with corn fritters. Â Everyone was shoveling the corn fritters in their holes almost as fast as the waitress could bring them out! Â The chicken was crispy on the outside and juicy inside. Â Everything was very good.
A week or two ago, I was at my sisters and we decided to go there for a carry out order. Â We got the number 2 special which was something like 24 pcs of chicken and 3 dozen corn fritters plus an additional 8 pcs of chicken and 2 more dozen corn fritters. Â All 4 of us ate until we were stuffed, there was plenty to take home to my wife, to put aside for her husband and still have more left over. Â I think it was all about $35. Â Not bad for feeding 6 people and still have leftovers! Â However, the chicken seemed a little drier than it was last time, but still damn good!
THIS PLACE IS SOOOOOOOOOOO YUMMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am new to the Chicago area and I kept hearing people talk about this place, so i decided to finally check it out. I was craving fried chicken and really sick of the usual fast food options. THIS IS NOW MY NEW FAVORITE PLACE!!!
They are known for its chicken, so of course this is what I got... it came with sides, sides  and more sides. All the sides can be refilled as much as you want and are served family style.
1. Four pieces of chicken a person-It was simple and delicious, no seasoning to speak of, but the meat is juicy and not greasy at all.
2. Red bean salad (Kidney beans, onion and mayo- deceiveably simple and good!)
3. Cole slaw (vinegar based)
4. Cottage cheese-very tasty, I'm not usually a big cottage cheese person but theirs was very fresh and tasty
5. CORN FRITTERS!!!! YUMMY!!!!! I swear if i worked here I might weight 300 lbs because of these....its hard to describe its almost like a homemade baby donut balls/hush puppy's with icing. VERY GOOD!!!!!!
i didn't try the deserts as I was SO full but I did see a few going out to tables and they looked good, maybe I will try next time...if I have room :)
They also have a "petting zoo" you cant really get in with them and pet them but rather they are caged off and have holes they can stick their head through to get food (they have feed you can buy for 25 cents) This was nice, they had goats and llamas :) Also, some chicken you can see. Though I felt bad for them since most were missing feathers-which generally means they are stressed and picking them out. However all the females had this and not the males so maybe the males are being mean and doing this to them??
In conclusion this place is AWESOME!!! In fact just talking about it makes me want to go there now!!
I Love white fence farms!!!
The chicken was ok, but could have used some spices. Â The mashed potatoes were awful. Â They were definitely instant and the gravy was yellow like what lemon pie filling would look like if you heated it. Â I'm pretty sure that it was just chicken soup base thickened with corn starch. Â The potatoes and gravy were some of the worst I've had. Â Ever. Â As others have said, the corn fritters are great. Â That was the only thing I can really say was great, though. Â The service was adequate. Â The decor was interesting.
I would say if you live in the immediate area and want to go to experience it for yourself, it's worth it for the corn fritters (and maybe you like bland chicken more than I do), but otherwise, KFC is 100 times better and I'm not a huge fan of that, either. Â Oh, and I was there on 4/25/10 and the price of the chicken dinner is up to $13.95.
Went here on a Monday to find it was not open on Mondays.. You're not supposed to be closed when I want fried chicken and those corn fritters!!
Anyways, been here a couple of times now on the way to the IMAX in Woodridge.. I'm a city person and moreso a northsider when I go into the suburbs, but I have come to appreciate things that we don't have in the City or northern suburbs.. White Fence Farm is one of them..
This isn't a review of anything, but the chicken as that's the only thing I've ordered.. It is what you're supposed to order! They have a big chicken outside their door. Enough said. Anyways, the chicken is fresh as in the chickens are on the premises.. It's seriously some good stuff.. I do pick off the skin from time to time eating fried chicken, but I consider it blaspemy doing so at this place.. It's just too good to not eat it!
The sides that come with the chicken dinner are also really good. I could eat those corn fritters all day! Also liked the potato and bean salad.. Love how they are all you can eat as well!
So why only 4 stars instead of a perfect? Well, they were closed on Mondays.. That sucked.. Also, the service isn't exactly consistently stellar.. Sometimes it has taken us forever for a refill or for even an order to be taken.. Plus, the chicken could have some spices and herbs ala KFC or popeyes added to it though that would just make that the perfect fried chicken!
Getting hungry writing this review... I think it may be a fried chicken night!!!
Come on...you can't not like this place. Â Sure it's been the same for YEARS, but consistency is a good thing! Â The amazing chicken, the side dishes, the cool antique clocks and old people drinks.
And hello.....corn fritters, really amazing. Â Agree that this probably isn't an everyday healthy choice, but it is a suburban dining icon to be treasured!
1. Â I dont like to share my food
2. Â The chicken is ok. Â Nothing to write home about
3. The mashed potatoes are not homemade. Â They are from powder.
4. The decorations and  style of the restaurant is kinda creepy.
5. Â If you go with a group you cant have separate tickets. Â They put it all on one ticked and then it takes FOREVER to seperate at the register to pay.
6. Â I wont go back that's for sure
This place is like House on the Rock meets KFC. Â It's a huge southern style mansion desperately in need of a makeover. Â I liked the kitschness, but the dinge was definitely taking over. Â There are several large dining rooms and then some strange game and museum rooms. Â I personally love places like this for their cheesiness, and would recommend going here for that factor alone, but the food was pretty good too.
I really appreciate that they kept the sides coming, we probably at least four bowls of fritters and a couple bean salads. Â The chicken was definitely good too.
Eh, underwhelming. Â It's been the same for years and years, which is both good and bad. Â The chicken is good, but really no better than you can get at Popeye's, Brown's or Church's at this point. Â The mashed potatoes and gravy are surreal (potatoes are the styrofoamish KFC variety, the gravy is like nuclear yellow-green shellac). Â Sides are OK....I agree with whoever said the corn fritters are the best thing on the menu, they're kinda like sweet hush puppies, though they're better than they sound.
Really, the best argument for going to WFF is for large family gatherings. Â This is one of my family's 'go-to' spots (usually our group is 20+) for birthdays, Mother's Day, Easter, etc......just get reservations. Â Service is usually friendly but not necessarily fast, don't go if you're in a big hurry.
Have been coming here for years and enjoying their carry-out for an even longer period . Â Too bad cholesterol has become a problem because I would eat this chicken at least once a week if I could. Â The chicken is soooooooooooooo juicy, the sides are perfect, and the place is huge.
Nothing fancy, just great food at a great price.
Friendly service.
I remember going to this place a few years ago and remembering it was the best fried chicken I ever had. I went a few months ago and the price went up by a few bucks. So I no longer consider it a steal since it's a good 35 minute drive for me. However the chicken was still delicious; juicy and tender. I believe the raise the chickens on their farm. So nice and fresh chicken that isn't greasy like you would get at some places in the city. If you get the 4 piece chicken dinner, it comes with 5 unlimited sides; corn fritters, kidney beans, cottage cheese, beets, and cole slaw for a whopping $12.95. Oh gee...I sound like an infomercial. Anyways, I love their corn fritters. It's fried and slightly coated with sugar but the last time I had them they were skimping on the corn. Maybe it wasn't in season *shrugs*. Overall I would pop in for a visit if I were in the area. Oh be careful when you go as they close for a month or two in the winter.
Review Source:Why it has taken me so long to write a review for WFF, I will never know. Â I have dined at WFF for years; first going as a young kid with my folks probably 30 years ago. Â
Not much can be said about this place that hasn't already been said -- The food is wonderful!
You start out with an assortment of relishes -- pickled beets, slaw, cottage cheese, corn fritters and bean salad. Â YUM. Â I can easily go for three refills before I've been satisfied. Â The corn fritters are incredible. Â
Then the chicken comes -- I believe they use a pressure cooker and follow it up by flash frying it. Â What you end up with is an intensely flavorful piece of chicken that falls off the bone. Â Skin is as crispy as it gets. Â Absolutely to die for if fried chicken is your thing. Â
For dessert, you have to try a brandy-ice. Â Very nice way to cap off a splendid meal. Â
The facility itself contains many of the Hastert family antiques. Â Each room in the 'farm' has a different theme. Â It is very old, but well maintained. Â
In all the years I've been going, the food has never changed. Â It's always been one of my favorite places to go for good fried chicken. Â
I do miss Doris Hastert, the family matriarch who used to sit behind the desk at the front door calling out numbers of people waiting to be seated. Â She passed away a number of years ago. Â As you walk around the waiting area perusing the collection of antiques, you can almost hear the echoes of Doris from many years spent greeting guests as they came to her farm...."201 Red Dining Room...207 Carriage Room...211 South Pump Room...."
i came here like 2 yrs ago and it was absoulotely GREAT! the chicken was big and moist, and all the appetizers were die and drool for!
i went back like three weeks ago, and the chickens were much smaller, but was still yummo and the appetizers were still stinkin awesome!
only creepy thing they have there is they have the chickens in the back, and like you can see them! and u feel sooo bad for em!
We go to WWF about 2 times a year. Â I just adore the appetizer salads - the excellent pickled beets, great coleslaw, creamy cottage cheese, and kidney bean salad. Â All you can eat, too, but the second helpings come out in much smaller portions. Â Their hush puppies (fritters) are great, too.
The fried chicken is quite delicious hot at the restaurant. Â Taking it home and eating it cold can be a greasy nightmare, however. Â My all time favorite fried chicken is Brown's, but these places are few and far between.
Pass on the fakey mashed potatoes and neon yellow chicken "gravy." Â
Desserts are pretty much like Old County Buffet - skip them, too.
I do hate that the waitresses are forced to wear very old fashioned waitress uniforms, hose, and nurse shoes. Â
This is a favorite place for family parties and should remain so. Â It is kitschy with all kinds of chicken trinkets and games all over the halls.
I hate the "petting zoo." Â This should be investigated by the Illinois Dept of Agriculture. Â I think they abuse these animals.
Something Wicked This Way Comes--not the book, the '80s flick--is what came to mind the first time I ever set foot inside this place. Not to say that its unusual charm isn't more than welcoming enough to make you stay. It is both unusual and charming in a slightly creepy, somewhat Colonel Sanders kind of way that ends up leaving you with a warm, fuzzy, slightly confused feeling all over as you exit the premises stuffed to the gills with some of the best fried chicken you've ever had.
White Fence Farm is the epitome of a fun family dining experience--I say "experience" because the museum, petting zoo, etc., definitely elevate it from "restaurant." And the restaurant facility itself elevates the American culinary institution of fried chicken. Just try it. You'll find out what I mean. On top of that, the bean salad and CORN FRITTERS (always get them to bring you extra) are to die for.
Bring the kids or our-of-town aunts and grandparents here (after hitting downtown and other noteworthy city spots first). It is an oasis of weirdness, wonder and always-satisfying meals out in what we city folk think of as practically the middle of nowhere.
I wish they would stay open all year long. Â Because in the middle of winter, I will suddenly have a craving for White Fence Farm chicken, and will be drooling all over myself until spring when I can get me some. Â I know they have a carry out location- but it's just not the same. Â The place itself is a sprawling restaurant/mini museum, with all kinds of historical farm equipment, period clothing and just all sorts of cool old junk on display. Â The corn fritters they serve are outstanding, and the full relish tray to every table is a great addition to your meal.
Review Source:I came to Chicago on business the last 2 years and met a native Chicagoan. She hyped up the restaurant sooo much that I had to taste for myself.  It's actually 45 minutes outside of Chicago, so the anticipation was killing me.  Boy  was I happy that I made through the drive.
The chicken was perfectly fried and it came with  ALL the following sides:
Bean Salad, Cole Slaw, Cottage Cheese, Pickled Beets, Corn Fritters
French Fried Potato, and Mashed Potato, or Baked Potato with Home Made Gravy
I came, I ate, I conquered! Â I also left with my pants button undone and 5lbs heavier. It was definitely worth the calories.
White Fence Farm is a seasonally operated place that closes down for the winter. The waiting room is a rather large antique museum that has some pretty cool artifacts. Â The chicken dinners are served family style and you get a good deal of food for your money. Â If you are looking for a side-splitting fun place than this is not the place for you. If you are looking for a place to bring the relatives from out of town than this is the place. Â My only complaint is that they have a very limited bar if you want a drink. The chicken is a cut above all of the other places. Â The meat is juicy and falls off of the bone and it has a very light breading that nearly melts in your mouth. Â They have delicious steaks also. Â They are very tender cuts of beef that are well seasoned.
Review Source:Illinois can be divided into three general categories. First, there is the city of Chicago which people in their right mind know and love. Secondly, you've got the suburbs. Finally, farmland. Now some places don't necessarily fit so neatly into this framework. There are places in Illinois that are part suburbia and part farmland. Okay, geography lesson is over. Now onto truly important information. White Fence Farm is a great fried chicken restaurant located in one of these farmland/suburban areas. In the past, we have always gotten it take out. It is more home-cooked than kfc or its competitors and is a time-saving family-style option.
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