Crystal Lake or Barrington recommendation

Could not find much using search, meeting some friends who live in Cary so thought we'd meet in Crystal Lake or Barrington - we're not too familiar with the area - any good dining options? Thank you.

we dine at both establishments 3 or 4 times a year
I would recommend both.


http://www.barringtonbistro.com/

http://www.bistro-22.com/

We like 1776 in Crystal Lake, interesting menu and many things for my vegetarian SO. They do wine dinners but you would have to call and ask when.

http://www.1776restaurant.com/index.html

If you can hit the Randall Road corridor, go to Montarra at 1491 Algonquin Road in Algonquin. We are in Barrington Hills, and it is not far. The food is great, and so is the service. You will not be disappointed. It is far better than anything we've tried in either Barrington or Crystal Lake.

If you are willing to travel to Algonquin (5-10 min away) you can visit the Texan BBQ. This place is legendary to the people in the area. Amazing barbeque, Green River on tap, delicious hush puppies.

Whenever I visit my parents in Crystal Lake, I get 2-3 orders from my friends from the Texan.

Every time we head out to see my in-laws, I pass Texas BBQ. So numerous times throughout the last 14 years, I've been saying, we should try this place sometime. How is it lately?

Pie Lady wrote:Every time we head out to see my in-laws, I pass Texas BBQ. So numerous times throughout the last 14 years, I've been saying, we should try this place sometime. How is it lately?

There were a bunch of us who got together and tried The Texan BBQ versus Famous Dave's in a blind test. Famous Dave's won hands down. That says a lot.

The last meal I had there, I had leftover meat from the day before. Also, we did use them for catering and they ran out of food.

I would pass in favor of the Crystal Lake Rib House on IL-176 at Pingree.

Within spittin' distance of the train, too. Hmmm...

Pie Lady wrote:Within spittin' distance of the train, too. Hmmm...

Crystal Lake Rib House is NOT that close to the train. It is 1.2 miles from the train and requires a walk along a section of Pingree Rd that does not have sidewalks. It is an area that is not pedestrian friendly. Be careful crossing Crystal Lake Ave.