Colonial Cafe
5689 NW Hwy, Crystal Lake, IL, 60014
Colonial Cafe Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Crystal Lake for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Crystal Lake for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Crystal Lake for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
5689 NW Hwy
Crystal Lake, IL, 60014 - Phone (815) 455-5055
- Website https://www.colonialcafe.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :6:30 am - 10:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Breakfast, Dessert
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Dogs Allowed : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Amy M.
As far as lunches or dinners go I have to say their menu descriptions are less than accurate. I ordered the baked French onion soup and a chicken and cheddar panini. The "baked" French onion soup was not in fact baked but microwaved. The cheese was only partially melted. That being said the flavor of the soup was quite good. Next comes my sandwich which looks nothing like a panini but more like a grilled chicken and cheese sandwich on sourdough bread. When I bring this to the servers attention I'm told "Well it's on panini style bread". We ended up taking it home for my boyfriend to eat later. I'm not expecting 5 star dining however I do expect accurate menu descriptions no matter where I am.
(2)Susan P.
This is my first time since they moved and it's still as yummy as ever! Im a fan of the Mac and cheese bacon melt. Haven't had a kitchen sink in a long time, but I seem to remember loving it. Ask for Brian! Great service from him.
(5)Nathan S.
The whole menu makes no sense. It way to large to be done well. It's all over the board. The food took forever to get out. There are a lot of better options in crystal lake
(2)Jeff S.
Amazingly enough I had never once gone to the old location but have since visited their new restaurant multiple times. When we can't decide on a restaurant this has been the choice on a few occasions due to the diner-style menu and range of breakfast and lunch entrées. We can walk out of here with two to-go containers with half our meals uneaten and still have a total bill under $20 with tip. Cheap, good food with friendly service in a well lit, clean, brand-new setting. Might even move up to four stars once we try some more items or have room for ice cream one of these days.
(3)Alexander L.
Dining here was much worse than I expected. The restaurant seemed dirty. My table had sticky spots on it. The restaurant was very loud and the Disney pop music on the TV only made it worse. I got the pot roast which tasted OK but looked disgusting. It was served in a bowl of juice which had splashed all over the other food on the plate. The broccoli smelled like fish (I guess someone else's fish must have shared some space with my broccoli in the kitchen). I ordered a side of mac and cheese which was forgotten by the server. It came when I was 2/3 done eating. 2 entrees, 2 cokes, $25. Not a bad price but I expected a better experience. If you enjoy sub-par food and/or have poorly-behaved kids and you're looking for a place where they can run around and make a mess, this is the place for you. For everyone else - do yourself a favor and go across the street to Chili's.
(2)Michael C.
My wife, daughter, and I dined at the Crystal Lake location on 11/14/13 @ 6:15pm. We asked for a table instead of a booth and Richard L seated us in what turned out to be the ignored section of the room behind a wall. Cold food, bad service, and an expensive check...seriously go elsewhere.
(1)Malissa B.
My dad loves this place and always wants to go, im not the bigest fan but its not bad. a bit pricey for what you get
(2)Nix M.
Went there on a weekday for breakfast. I hate when wait staff waits on you by "drive by". I mean communicating as she either walked away or as she approached rather than staying put to talk to us. But, unfortunately the worst thing was that we ordered an apple juice and realized after a couple of sips that there was many pieces of food on the outside and huge streaks of some kind of goo all over the inside of the glass. Yuck! So, stuff happens and we sent it back but then my milk comes out and we inspect the glass and on the bottom was some kind of black stuff on the inside of the bottom of the glass. Needless to say we stuck with water to drink-plastic glasses were clean not the glass ones. Although the food part of our breakfast was acceptable, compared to the Algonquin location near Randall road, the food was kinda stale (biscuits) and overcooked (eggs). We won't be back to this location and can't recommend.
(2)Michael G.
My family and I had lunch there and I have to say that I was very surprised at how good it was. I had the ultimate skillet, my wife had the chicken and cheddar panini. The kids each had a children's meal. Food was tasty and one of the cooks even came out to the tables to ask how the food was. I was very surprised by that for a small family business. The kids finished with ice cream. All in all, very pleased, normal prices, pleasant atmosphere. I would go back!
(4)Ian S.
I've been coming to colonial for over 20 yrs. the new menu is excellent. Quite an improvement over the previous one for sure. I had the smokehouse BBQ burger and it is delicious. The waitstaff is awesome and my grandpa loves this place. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone who's looking for a reasonably priced meal quick.
(4)John M.
One of Crystal Lakes best Resturants. Food is always good. Kid freindly. Good waiting staff. Always freindly. I must have been here 30 times.
(5)Samantha V.
Love the upside down apple pancakes! Cinnamon butter is so sinfully delucious! This location has a more modern almost diner-esque atmosphere, as opposed to the all-american homestyle restaurant atmosphere of the Algonquin location. The morning glory muffins are awesome, I like that they have samples of them at the door.
(5)T S.
family ate lunch here. overall, excellent food and service. tuna melt was top notch, among best had in long time. kids enjoyed diverse kids menu. salad, sides, dessert choices delicious as well. on a rainy Sat, this was exactly the casual diner type food we were seeking and met expectations.
(4)Jennifer B.
Great food, pricey ice cream! My kids love this place! Love tht enew location, POSH!
(5)Maria M.
Great breakfast's, and now that they have moved to a larger newer location...the wait is almost non existent. They have their stuff all figured out! Love it!
(5)Fernando M.
Good food
(3)Jen H.
It's a good family restaurant. Kids eat free on Mondays, and they have a balloon maker. The food is mediocre diner food at somewhat reasonable prices. Our last visit three people ordered the greek chicken salad, the chicken was rubbery and inedible, and it was missing the artichokes. The server was super friendly and apologetic, she went back and asked the kitchen for some. We overheard her tell the cook that they were missing, and he denied it saying, "do you want me to go out there and talk to her" Then mumbled something to his buddies about eating them all and they all laughed about it. The manager also came over to check on us and was super friendly. However, we won't be going back.
(1)M S.
I don't get it. This restaurant is not good and it's expensive for what you get. My family and I ate here a few Friday evenings ago and not one of us liked or enjoyed what we got. My son ordered a "panini" which basically turned out to be a grilled cheese sandwich served with lame fries. My husband got a salad which had some sort of yucky dressing on it and flavorless chicken. I ordered chicken fingers and wow, how do you mess up chicken fingers? Well, they did. They were truly the WORST chicken fingers I have ever had. And not only did they taste blah, they looked unappetizing too! So disappointing. We got pie and ice cream after dinner just to get the full Colonial Cafe experience...honestly hoping that they could redeem themselves in the dessert department but, it was just so so. Nothing special. Could have gotten better ice cream at Culver's or Oberweis. I don't like bashing restaurants. Everyone needs to make a living, but eating out is expensive and when you don't do it very often, you at least want to feel as though you've gotten your money's worth. I would not recommend Colonial Cafe to anyone based on our experience unless of course you don't mind paying a lot for below average food.
(1)Johnny G.
I came here for lunch and had the chicken fingers lunch. I have to say, the chicken fingers are the worst I have ever had, I mean worse than chili's. The breading was paper thin and super oily without a crisp and the chicken inside was dry. The fries were good though. I will be coming back though because their mac and cheese bacon melt which I had a while back is good.
(2)Kim W.
I really really love this place. We have visited most of the locations in the Colonial chain now and we always get the awesome ice cream we have come to expect. I really wish they would put one of these in Bartlett, IL. BTW, the GM in Crystal Lake is a really nice guy and goes out of his way to make sure everyone is doing okay and that the kids are having fun.
(5)Dan P.
Roaches in the Kitchen sink..... The ones that the ice cream come in and they carry to your table. This happened 3 1/2 yrs ago but still grosses me out. We went for ice cream after my son's 8th grade graduation and he ordered the "Kitchen Sink" which is a ton of ice cream that comes in a bowl made like a mini sink with plumbing and all. As we sat there a roach crawled out of the pipes. We got up did not pay told the manager on duty why and walked out. I will never return and yes they did move across the street since then but still freaks me out.
(1)Franklin D.
I like Colonial Cafe a bit more than all the other nearby restaurants. The people that waited on me here went out of their way to be nice, which I like. The "western bacon cheeseburger" I had was pretty good even though onion rings were 59 cents extra. But the thing I really like the best...kids eat free on Mondays. Woo hoo! That's right, for each adult that buys an entree you get two kid "entrees" free. This winds up to be a savings of about $8 since the kid meals are between $3 and $4 each. (see the scan of the menu I uploaded) The kiddie sundaes are awesome! $2.29 for these little parfait cup desserts like and oreo Mickey Mouse or the "gritty gummy " one my older son loves due to the wiggly gummy worms. Also the regular desserts here are great with plenty of choices. Who hasn't seen cars around Crystal Lake with a "I ate a Colonial Kitchen Sink" sticker on the bumper? If you eat this giant banana split they will give you a bumper sticker for your car. We did get the kitchen sink once and it was quite a bit of ice cream...no way is it something one person should eat by themselves. On the first Monday of each moth they have a clown that comes and bends balloons into funny shapes. In December they also have Santa Claus stop by.
(4)Kathie C.
Vesuvio panini is messy but fantastic!
(4)Angela C.
It's an OK place. Good for Monday nights when kids eat free. Food isnt great, but kids like the balloon/magician. Have had the same waitress twice, and she isnt very good. Dont know if I will go back,...
(3)Paul S.
Good food and service. You get a good amount of food for your money. Onion rings and sweet potato were nice and crispy, not soggy. Had the chicken cheddar panini which was very good. Server was very good as well.
(4)Kate M.
Ok food. Portion sizes and quality are not worth the price. I got the California turkey wrap, it came with 2 meesley pieces of turkey, 1 overcooked piece of bacon and 1 slice of avocado for $9, way over priced! Not worth the money at all for what comes on it. Friendly service though, and it was very clean and bright. Just an OK place, dont know if I'll go back though.
(2)Konni H.
Only eaten there twice and each time I got the California Wrap. Should have learned my lesson the 1st time. Still hungry after eating. Barely any turkey and I only saw 2 small slivers of avocado on the whole wrap. For $8.25 (cost of wrap only) shouldn't walk out still hungry. Fries were good though.
(2)Tony D.
I used to go here when it was across the street. It seemed much more intimate and restaurant style. Since they moved the place looks like the set of a Disney show. It can get loud when the restaurant is full, which unfortunately (for them) doesn't seem to be often since the re-opening. I have to say the menu is over the top large, unorganized and it takes too much time to try to figure it all out. A few of the servers seem very knowledgable while most of the younger ones don't seem to really care or aren't well trained. I did have one server, I think her name was Lee who did actually go out of her way to help me, even tho she wasn't my server. Overall my experience at the "New Colonial" was ok. It seems like it would be well suited for kids parties or other such activities. I don't understand the move tho. It seems like they added space but lost business. I haven't seen anything on that side of the road do well or stay in business long, besides McDonalds. I wish them well but I think their fate may already be taking its course.
(2)Samuel E.
This is a legacy restaurant in Crystal lake that I have only recently discovered. The food is of the T.G.I. Benna-chili-bee's variety, but (and this is a big but) they have CHOCOLATE COKES WITH FREE REFILLS. (sorry for the Caps but that is a big deal to me.) They apparently began as an Ice cream place, and as such, have the gamut of treats. Their signature creation is called a "kitchen sink" and is served in a miniature version of one. Decor is soda fountain-ish. Well worth a stop when you get tired of chain places. (yes I know they have two, but that does not make them a chain to me)
(4)Lia L.
My hubby and I stopped in this past weekend as we were really hungry but were hoping to find a place with at least some healthy options (like a grilled chicken sandwich perhaps). We didn't find any grilled chicken sandwiches on the menu, but I did find fish tacos, which our waitress said was a new menu item. I opted for the grilled tilapia (you can also choose fried fish), and with steamed broccoli as my chosen side, I was pleased with the fresh taste of my meal and I didn't feel guilty either. Now, my husband ended up tempted by all the more indulgent offerings, and he got a breakfast entree for dinner, as he loves skillets. At least he split his meal in half and took the rest home for the next day. After we were done with our meals, I was bummed looking at the enticing but huge dessert offerings (as Colonial Cafe is famous for their ice cream), wishing for just a little bit of ice cream to finish off our meal. When our server checked back with us, she informed me that a single scoop of ice cream was included in my meal, so it ended up being perfect! My hubby and I split a scoop of cookies and cream with hot fudge. As we skipped appetizers and didn't have to pay for dessert, our dinner out ended up being very reasonably priced and we left feeling satisfied. I'd definitely like to return to Colonial Cafe whether I'm eating light or if I can go back and indulge a little more!
(4)Mike H.
Have always had a good meal here. Michelle is the best server around !
(4)I M N.
order the chicken with tomatoes and an cheese, it was awful fed it to the the dog. she likes dog food. stay with the burgers. Would not go there again.
(1)Erik J.
Nothing special except for perhaps the ice cream. Portions tend to smaller. However, I think you'll find a more interesting variety of foods than a lot of other chain restaurants (meatloaf sandwich is fairly good). Completely unrelated: My inner 5-year-old laughed last night as I drove by when all the letters burnt out except the following combo: "Colon C" It's the little things.
(3)Jen B.
The food at this place is alright, it's nothing I'd go out of my way to purchase really. The only difference between Colonial and all the other restaurants on 14 is the fact that Colonial has a variety of ice cream to choose from afterwards. The service was lacking, the food was bland- But the ice cream was delicious.
(3)Caitlyn O.
Hometown diner style food with an atmosphere that matches. I like colonial for simple meals and ice cream. Food: 7/10 My best advice for ordering here is "keep it simple" because the more basic the meal: the better it is. Breakfast: is a good bet, portions are a little larger then average at an average price. The skillets are great, and you can ask to have them make you a custom one. Bacon, Pancakes and hashbrowns are good, and they always get the eggs cooked well and in the way my husband specifies. Lunch/Dinner: Sandwiches are tasty and big(my favorite is the Ruben which is always juicy with a heaping portion of meat, a tangy topping, and fresh marbled rye bread). The french fries are great, the onions strings are great. Hamburgers are juicy with a wide thin patty thats larger then the bun, with some cool topping choices. Meatloaf is good(comes as what almost looked like 3 small loafs, not slices), chicken tenders are great and pair well with their ranch and honey mustard. Foods to avoid: anything with fish, the complicated salads(the plain ones are good), chicken and waffles, cornbread. Service: 9/10 Very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Food always comes quickly and is always correct. Occasionally there is no hostess to greet you when you walk in, but they will notice you pretty quickly. Cleanliness: 9/10 Always very clean. Fresh flowers on tables. Vacuumed floors. Bathrooms scrubbed(sometimes pieces of toilet paper on the floor though.) Silverware and plates and glasses are always spotless. This is a brand new building that feels like they are taking good care of it. Ice Cream: 10/10 Ice cream is hard to mess up. Give me choices and im happy. Nothing frou frou here, go for gormet somewhere else. This is plain ol good ice cream. Tons of topping choices. Choose from 1 scoop and up. Kitchen sink is massive, can be customized, and comes with a bumper sticker. Milkshakes available.
(4)Allyn J.
So... We are not long time regulars to here, but we are fast becoming ones. The food has consistently been top notch, and overall the staff and severs are very friendly and wonderful to have at your table. There was one time however that we had a server off their game. It happens, and the manager here Richard, worked with us to make it right. He also remembers a face, as when we returned he made the decision to take care of our table personally. He also has a fantastic personality, that makes him a top tier manager in my book! I highly suggest this location in particular to everyone. However of note. If you don't want to wait long. You might want to shop up after 1130am on weekends. Because the wait can be long, but it's so worth it!
(5)George K.
I had the Cheddar Cheese Chowder and Fresh Baked Meatloaf. Delicious! Ice cream concoctions are always top notch! Service was very friendly and attentive!
(5)Keith S.
What a disaster!!! My wife and I went to the Colonial Café in Crystal Lake on Saturday August 30th, 2014. When we first arrived there was no hostess to seat us. We waited five minutes before we were seated. Should have left that point. Sat down and the waitress asked we wanted to drink. I said a tomato juice and my wife a coffee. I did receive my juice promptly and the waitress said she would be back with the coffee. 15 minutes later, no coffee. The two waitresses that were working the tables looked overwhelmed (badly understaffed) My wife and I then observed two ladies walking up to our waitress with money, offering to pay for the food that they ordered but NEVER received. They told the waitress they were tired of waiting and that they were leaving. At that point my wife and I left the restaurant. I then called the Colonial Café corporate office to inform them of the situation at the Crystal Lake restaurant.. The person I talked to was very cordial and I assume she recorded what I told her. She apologized and assured me that somebody at the Crystal Lake restaurant would call me within 24 hours to discuss the situation. Well the 24 hours passed and no call!!! We are done with the Crystal Lake Colonial Cafe after this. Not following through with a phone call tells me that they really don't care about their customers.
(1)Tom J.
Very solid restaurant. Food is good, the atmosphere is great, employees are great. It has a very classic feel to it with but at the same time it is not run down and likely has been recently renovated. They have great food for both breakfast and lunch/dinner I look forward to returning
(4)