Crystal Lake Junction

Crystal Lake Junction reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Review summary

1. D

   Deb

   Milwaukee4 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on March 25, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   This is my favorite local restaurant, so I brought a friend there for her first time. We both loved everything from the comfy couch, excellent service, great food and ambiance!
   

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2. J

   Jim

   Chicago1 review

   5.0

   Dined on February 22, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Great choices for gluten free (sensitive) food choices. Place is smaller, so reservation help save us a seat, and we didn't have to wait. Our waitress was great with knowing the menu.
   

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3. E

   Erik

   Chicago8 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on February 15, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Outstanding food and amazing service. Not-so-hidden gem in downtown Crystal Lake.
   

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4. P

   PJ

   Chicago1 review

   5.0

   Dined on January 24, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   My first time visiting, but everyone else in my group has been to The Junction numerous times and has raved about it. My experience was delightful. I was first in my party to arrive, and was greeted warmly and promptly. In a nutshell: Naomi was our amazing server and was very attentive throughout. Menu was very impressive, hard to choose because it all sounded so good. Two in our party ordered burgers, the other four ordered the Mediterranean Chicken Caesar wrap. WOW!! So amazingly good... the chicken was perfect... so tender and delicious. The burgers were a huge hit as well. I also ate every last little French fry that was on my plate- they were perfectly seasoned and cooked to a crispy light golden. Prior to ordering our food, street corn and tortilla chips were brought to our table. I seriously could've eaten the corn with a spoon- it was phenomenal! The atmosphere of this cute restaurant is simply perfect for a family meal or gathering friends together. There is an adorable outdoor seating area for dining in warmer weather- can't wait to come back win the Spring for that! So happy to have such a great restaurant in Crystal Lake and I certainly plan to become a regular! For those that don't live in Crystal Lake, hop on the UPNW Metra and check it out, the restaurant is just across the street from the Crystal Lake train station!
   

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5. F

   Fred

   Chicago6 reviews

   4.0

   Dined on January 18, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   As a local resident who enjoys many of the area restaurants, The CL Junction is a great fit and has become my restaurant of choice in town. While the American fare is great, I love the Portuguese and Mediterranean spin on many of their options. The service is such that you immediately feel welcomed like a regular. The vibe is nice, comfortable, and not pretentious. Even when the place is filled up, it’s easy to carry on a conversation without having to compete with all the other tables.
   

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6. C

   Christina

   Chicago32 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on January 12, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We took our grandson to breakfast for his birthday. We all had a delicious meal. The staff was very accommodating. We have been here many times and will continue to return.
   

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7. D

   Denise VIP

   Chicago8 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on January 8, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   I recently brought a group of 5 friends out to lunch to The Junction in Crystal Lake. The eclectic decor is very warm and inviting. Our server was wonderful. She was kind, attentive and efficient. The menu is there is extensive with a very diverse selection. Everyone loved their food! The Beer Can Chicken was fabulous! We loved the Cadiz Shrimp Bowl and Mediterranean Bowl. And their Smash Burger was delicious. Too full to enjoy any of the signature milkshakes they offer. Next time! I have also been their twice for breakfast which was so good! Check it out. You won't be disappointed.
   

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8. J

   James

   Chicago4 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on December 27, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Crystal Lake Junction is now my favorite casual food restaurant. The menu is broad in scope and the SmashBurger was awesome. We stated with soup as a side. The beer was cold. The greeting and service were the highlights. When new to a restaurant, you anticipate what you read in the reviews but the staff make the atmosphere complete.
   

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9. F

   Fred

   Chicago6 reviews

   4.0

   Dined on December 2, 2024

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   While Crystal Lake Junction offers traditional American fare, I’m partial to the Portuguese and Mediterranean influenced offerings on the menu. The Beer Can Chicken options and assorted “bowls” offer up savory and unique options in Crystal Lake.
   

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10. T

    Tina VIP

    Chicago22 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on November 17, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5

    Super cute place! Loved the food!! 🥰 I would dine here again for sure!
    

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