The Chain O’Lakes, located in northeast Illinois, is made up of a group 15 lakes connected by the Fox River and other man-made channels. In total, “the Chain” offers more than 7,000 acres of water, 480 miles of shoreline and 45 miles of river. Popular lakes include Fox Lake, Pistakee Lake, Grass Lake, Lake Marie, Channel Lake, Lake Catherine, Nippersink Lake and Petite Lake. In addition, this area is home to Chain O’Lakes State Park. The 3,200 acre park and conservation area provides numerous opportuniies for boating, fishing, hiking, biking, camping, archery, hunting and picnicing.
The Chain O’Lakes is a one of the most popular recreational waterways and is famous for being the busiest per acre in entire the United States. Weekend crowds of up to 100,000 people are not uncommon. As such, numerous restaurants and bars have popped up catering to these larege crowds, many coming from Chicago and Milwaukee. Here we break down the top 10 must see bars on the Chain O’ Lakes.
#1. Blarney Island
Blarney Island has been called the “Greatest Boating Bar in the World” and “The Key West of the Midwest”. It is a favorite of many coming to the area from Chicago to Party and offers live entertainment and boat races, in addition to great food and drink. Be warned however that you will need a boat to get to the Island. If you don’t have a boat, you should buy a boat on the Chain! Otherwise, Blarney Island offers a $5 shuttle service from the Port O’Blarney.
#2. Captains Quarters
Catptain’s Quarters is another fun bar located on Fox Lake famous for its live music on Friday and Saturday nights throughout the summer. For the boaters, the also rent out boat slips and have boat storage. The place is also family friendly with volleyball courts, a kids play area and dog friendly beaches.
#3. El Puerto Mexican Restaurant
El Puerto is serves solid Mexican food but is most famous for its atmosphere. It has plenty of indoor eating space, an intimate bar, and huge outdoor patio with fireplace and boat docks. This kid friendly bar is also famous for their free tortilla chips that many patrons use to feed the fish and ducks right off the waterfront patio.
#4 Bootleggers Bar and Grill
Although Bootleggers is not right on the water, it has quick become a local favorite for their great food, cold beer and excellent specials. Their BBQ is their staples with their wings being their top seller.
#5. The Sandbar Bar and Grille
The Sandbar is located on Lake Marie and is known for their Friday night fish fry and daily drink specials. They also have a boat launch, self serve fuel station and gambling through Awesome Hand Gaming!
#6 Kief’s Reef
Kief’s Reef is located just off the Fox River and has a ruputation for cheap eats and drinks, rowdy crowds and good times. The also having gaming and boat slips available.
#7. Famous Freddies Road House
Freddie’s is on Pistakee Lake and offers a nightclub experience complete with dance floor and state-of-the-art light and sound. Don’t miss the waterfront “bikini bar”, daily drink specials and weekly bags tournaments.
#8. Lake Marie Lodge
Lake Marie Lodge is most famous for being featured on Spike TV’s “Bar Rescue”. The newly remodeled bar is known for their AUCE fish fry and their shrimp skewers.
#9. Broken Oar- Port Barrington
This one is a little off the beaten path but offers a more upscale experience and lakeside dining. Broken Oar offers gaming along with scenic views, a skydeck, full-service marina, live entertainment and a party tent!
#10. Cabana’s on the Chain
If you are in the area, you need to check out Cabana’s for their Bloody Mary’s featuring a one-of-a-kind kabob. They also offer scenic views from the outdoor patio and great and affordable drink specials.
