Crystal Lake Junction

Review summary

1. P

   PJ

   Chicago

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   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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2. F

   Fred

   Chicago

   6 reviews

   4.0

   6 reviews

   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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3. C

   Christina

   Chicago

   32 reviews

   5.0

   32 reviews

   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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4. D

   Denise

   VIP

   Chicago

   8 reviews

   5.0

   8 reviews

   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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5. J

   James

   Chicago

   4 reviews

   5.0

   4 reviews

   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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6. F

   Fred

   Chicago

   6 reviews

   4.0

   6 reviews

   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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7. T

   Tina

   VIP

   Chicago

   22 reviews

   5.0

   22 reviews

   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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8. b

   bert

   VIP

   Chicago

   15 reviews

   5.0

   15 reviews

   Dined on November 17, 2024

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

   Always great if you are looking for awesome food, service in a chill atmosphere!!!
   

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9. J

   Julie

   Chicago

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on November 16, 2024

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

   Every aspect of our dining experience at Crystal Lake Junction was wonderful! From the hostess, who greeted us with a smile, to the gal who took our drink order, to our awesome waiter (who doubled as the bartender!) the service was outstanding and our food was delicious. We will definitely return the next time we find ourselves in Crystal Lake!
   

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10. E

    Erika

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 23, 2024

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

    Cute place. Cozy with friendly service. Smash burgers hit the spot, nice selection of fun cocktails and wine. Will return next time I'm in the area!
    

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