The Shanty Restaurant
| Address: | 38985 US-41, Wadsworth, IL 60083, USA |
| Phone: | +1 847-336-0262 |
| Site: | theshantyrestaurant.com |
| Rating: | 4.4 |
| Working: | 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 8AM–12:30PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 7
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Robert Wargolet III
Ive been to a lot of restaurants featured on the Food Network, many of which are a disappointment or seem to stray from what made them popular. Ive been to The Shanty twice and both times was blown away by the food and amazing service, including direct attention from the owners! Both times we were promptly given a fresh, warm pretzel roll/loaf with a honey cinnamon butter that was quite tasty. They also have a bean vinegar salad they give you right off the bat (free) that is a nice little treat to hold you over for the appetizers and entrees. Both times I got the Whiskey Shrimp (featured in their Diners, Drive-in, and Dives spot), which does not disappoint. Once I had their clam chowder, which was not very noteworthy, but my cream of potato soup on my second visit was the best Ive had. For dinner, Ive trid their perch fish fry, wild boar burger (on pretzel bun), and the conch filet featured on the show (bacon-wrapped filet mignon with diced conch in a pineapple salsa)... all of which were even better than expected. On my first visit I noticed a sign advertising their pumpkin cake and a martini. Being a bit unsure about the wording, I asked if they was a pumpkin pie martini, as my wife loves them. Mary Jo (presumably a part owner, as she makes the martini recipe herself) confirmed and moments later gave me a tumbler half full of it to try for free! It was enough for all 4 of us at the table to have a few sips. I brought my wife back the next time so she could have it and Mary Jo recognized me and then offered to give us the recipe! Theres a pumpkin pie martini in CA that we love (far beyond all others weve tried) and this one beats it easily. Last, but not least, on our way out, the owner (Demitri) stopped us and asked how everything was, introduced himself, shook our hand, even had a brief chat, and wished us a great night. All around impressive, two times in a row!
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Brad Seehawer
For years I drove down US-41 to bypass the ridiculous tolls of Chicago, without giving much thought to the little restaurants that dot the sides of the roads of my travel. Leave it to Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives to showcase The Shanty as a bastion of good eats that Ive been ignoring for so long. The place is a dive bar (more like a dive restaurant with a bar), but with the popularity of the show, theyve started construction on a significant addition to the restaurant. It occurred to me that once the new addition is complete, "shanty" would probably not be a very appropriate term to describe the building, but such is the cost of success. As it was Friday during my visit, I went with a selection from their fish fry menu - Lake Michigan Perch, in fact. I received several large pieces of the fish with a nice fry on each - not too greasy. It was fried in the traditional flour batter of the Midwest, but I typically find it to be a little lacking in flavor. This was no exception, which was disappointing, but the restaurant didnt become popular for its different takes on the classics. Many side options were offered, but I went with the steak fries. They were not prepared in house, unfortunately, and I regretted not trying some of their other choices. As I ate I watched as the regulars came in for lunch and were chatting with the owner about their holidays. I suppose when youre situated in (relatively) the middle of nowhere like The Shanty, its better to stick to making the classics well and keeping your main clientele happy. The Shanty offers classic Midwestern home cooking, and its doing it well.
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Brett Mansdorf
Nifty place. We visited at noon on Sunday - they serve ONLY brunch till 1pm on Sundays (be forewarned). First - the sig dish was available (whiskey shrimp) as an appetizer - its very good. Second - the omelet is actually a frittata (mixed in versus folded), but you wont care - they are very good! Suggest the Cajun shrimp & crawfish. The menu suggested each breakfast is accompanied by braised red potatoes (turned out to be true home fries in cube format - and VERY good). Lastly - the veggies are excellent - Im certainly not a vegetarian but could handle a few pounds of these... If you are between Chi and Milwaukee - STOP - at least once, and likely more often (and for the fisherman / hunter - its a whopping 4+ miles from Bass Pro Shops via back roads). Wait - NONE. Price - No issues there. Friendly waitress, very good food all made for a nice stop... The atmosphere is certainly memorable (just not sure good or bad). B
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clay hannes
Excellent!!! We were here the Sunday after Fathers day, at 5:00 they were busy but not crowded. We ordered 4 different entrees, so we could sample them. The Apple Brandy Braised Pork Shanks were the "hands-down" favorite, tender, flavorful, fantastic. We also ordered coconut shrimp, large, tender with a flavorful sauce. Also we had Old World Chicken Spedini, delicious. Finally, we had the Shrimp and Scallop Sautee, I heartily recommend you give them a try, especially the warm bread and THE HOUSE OLIVE OIL, a real taste experience. The wait staff and hostess were very friendly, and accommodating ( a soccer team showed up with 20+ people) they were all sat and served immediately. Definitely will recommend it to everyone. ENJOY!!!
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Brandy Castle
My group of 4 went to the Shanty this past Saturday. We had a small wait but was WELL worth waiting for! We were in the horse room. The atmosphere was great and they had live great music and the volume was just right where we were still able to have great conversation. Our server Diane was WONDERFUL! Very knowledgeable on the menu and drink suggestions. Diana was very friendly and professional and provided us with great service! The appetizers were great we had the alligator tails, goat cheese wontons and crab cakes. Everyones dinner was amazing. I had the honey glazed salmon. It was cooked perfect and came to the table still very hot. I will definitely come again when I am in the area. A MUST go to restaurant!!
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robert babington
Usually the Friday fish fries fairly well although he splits his walleye in half to save on all you can eat went there last week didnt have a choice of soup or salad usually they have everything but that Friday night we were served what they wanted us to eat so one bowl of soup everybody else had salad had asked for bread no all you can eat one serving of cod no walleye no seconds guess they ran out of food it was 830 at night bar was not too crowded music was good so I usually like to go to a restaurant where I can order what I want to eat not what they want to serve me so its going to be awhile before I go back, Beer was okay, but when isnt it!
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Tom Babiarz
We have been coming here for years, its alway a family outing, even had a party hosted here. The food is really great, cant go wrong with the steaks, burgers are amazing as well. They have a pasta menu but somehow weve never tried any of those. You have try that alligator tail appetizer. Tu/Thu is seafood day, they are pretty famous for that and its alway busy on those days. The place is generally busy come dinner time not so much for lunch and early dinner. Atmosphere is very casual, the bar is in the center so it gets pretty loud when its full, for a country style restaurant that is the charm, and has very country decor.
