The Townee is your local mom-and-pop diner. It's located smack dab in the middle of historic/downtown Libertyville and offers a bright sunny spot - albeit no frills - environment to eat, catch-up over the paper, or meet with friends. So this review is based solely for what it is, its food, and service -- you cannot compare it to a gourmet city restaurant, because that'd be useless and like comparing apples to oranges. So moving forward: the highlights. My skillet was enormous and fresh - I'm the meat-and-potatoes kinda gal that prefers salty over sweet. With my fried egg over the fried potatoes, mushrooms, cheese, and ham, it was a beautiful symphony of carbs, meat, and ooey gooeyness that reminded me, I need to go run 2 miles afterwards to work off the calories. My dining companion went for pancakes with applesauce and bacon. I think I did better, when it comes to the presentation aspect and they didn't care for the overall blandness. The waitress that took care of us did not rush us or hover over us -- which is a bonus, consider we scored a booth seat and were in the midst of catching up. The girl with the coffee pot did her thing and made sure our mugs were full at all times, which we appreciate. It's kind of neat sitting and seeing the older guys come in and talk politics, news, or whatever it is that tickles their fancy. It's very much a place engrained to the local community and where you cna go to get a reliable meal at a fair price. I'll be back for lunch/breakfast again. If there is one area to improve upon, it's when you first arrive - we weren't greeted and there were about 5 of their servers/kitchen staff just standing and they looked at us as if we should know what to do. (In our mind, it seemed appropriate to wait and be seated, rather than to help ourselves.) A simple nod, hello, or a hand gesture to go ahead and seat ourselves would have been sufficient.
(4)
Douglas S.
My favorite place to take the kids for breakfast- it's one of those classic neighborhood diners that seem increasingly hard to come by. It has that great small-town atmosphere, friendly, genuine and hard-working. On the weekends it can get understandably hectic, but it's worth the wait. Food-wise, the cinnamon roll french toast is fantastic, and their Bavarian Benedict is one of my all-time faves. Always check the specials- there's usually something amazing to be had. I can't really comment on the lunch menu, since I almost always get breakfast no matter what time of day I'm there. For an added treat, on the first Sunday of every month an incredibly talented balloon artist visits every table with kids to offer custom creations (plan ahead and have some cash for tips handy), usually starting around 9:30 or so. We're not talking balloon poodles here- one time my son walked out with a balloon palm tree almost as tall as he was, complete with a monkey at the top! I started taking my kids there for breakfast years ago, and I've always been amazed at how patient and helpful everyone was while I tried to single-handedly wrangle two energetic toddlers. As we got to know everyone we felt like part of an extended family there, which is all you could ask of a neighborhood restaurant. My kids wouldn't dream of walking out the door without a big hug for our regular waitress! The place is a local treasure, the kind of friendly, family run place the big chains try so hard to emulate.
(5)
Dimitri V.
If you're ever in Libertyville stop by for a breakfast made of art that tastes as good as it looks. This isn't some typical profit focused food factory. This is a place that focuses on generous high-quality food, made and served by generous high-quality people who care and make you feel like family. This is the best of what American culture always was and hopefully always will be.
(5)
Paul D.
Met with a new potential client that suggested that we meet at this place. I grew up in Libertyville and had never been here before in my life. The service was fantastic and the club sandwich was amazing, it had thick slices of ham and was served with fries that had a very delicious coating.
(5)
Rina R.
I just love this place... The food is good... People over there makes you feel like home!!!! Is my favorite restaurant and I always bring my kids here they love the Mickey Mouse rainbow pancake
(5)
Michael N.
I like "Town Square," or is it "Towny Square?" Who cares, this is a great place to get breakfast. Ashley and I came here on almost the mother of all rush hours: Saturday morning 10am. The line was almost out the door, but we walked in and found two nice seats at the counter. The waitresses and kitchen staff were so busy, but our waitress managed to greet us and take our orders in a relatively timely fashion. We noticed there were a couple screw ups in other orders around us, but ours were perfect. I forgot to order crispy potatoes, but they came out crispy anyway...gotta love that. Ashley's spinach veggie omelet was delicious and piping hot. Thanks Town-eeeee!!!
(4)
Wilson S.
Townee square met my expectations. The only thing that annoyed me a little bit is they kept on asking if I want more coffee too soon. I rather them wait till I ask them for coffe after saying "I'm good for now" when they ask me the first time. I'm sure they meant good intentions that is why I don't count this aspect as part of my rating.
(4)
Eric G.
I've eaten breakfast here a few times. As far as I can tell, it's a family-owned, Greek breakfast place. They have breakfast all day 'til they close (which I think is at 3), and here's why I love it: the double the eggs (order 2, and you get 4), which I think the people who make Lipitor will also love. But instead of the traditional steak and eggs, I've always gotten the Gyro, aka Schwarma, and eggs. How could this not be great? And it is. Place gets crowded on weekends, but it's still a lot quicker and easier to get a table for breakfast on the weekend than at that other place down the street (I can never remember the name, it's like Wildberry, or Blueberry, or Wildflower or something). Plus the people working here have always been nice. Always a plus.
(4)
Kevin S.
One of the breakfast diners around. Good food, great service and a Sun-Times while you wait for your food to arrive. Would give it five stars if they would upgrade the coffe
(4)
Rainey S.
Their Greek yogurt parfait is one of the best things I've ever eaten. We used to live here, and now we come in from out of town for this parfait. This is a family business that very clearly wants you to have a great experience - and they'll make it happen! Local gem.
(5)
Ashley S.
Typical ma and pa diner. The food was really good, the service was mediocre and the price was fair. There was a little wait, because we went at 10:30 on a Sunday, so we stooled up at the breakfast bar. We had front row seats to the new reality show Townee Square Restaurant. It was entertaining, but got old real quick. The food hit the spot, but if I go back, I'd want to wait for a table.
(3)
Bob C.
A local landmark. If you are searching for haute cuisine, 5 star service or the chance to run into a movie star, this is not the place for you. A great LOCAL diner, with a predictable breakfast/lunch menu, fair prices, generous portions and pretty good service if there is not a giant crowd. Started taking my kids here for a breakfast treat (highly recommend the Mickey Pancakes, just for the look on the face of the little ones when they arrive) a couple of decades ago. Hope to soon have the pleasure of taking my grand kids here as well. A warm, friendly local restaurant that will bring you back.
(5)
A. L.
We went here to grab a quick breakfast on a Sunday and there was no wait for an open table, which we thought was great since it was Sunday afternoon. Well, we sat down and waited 15 minutes for a waitress. Then when they did show up, they were frazzled and incompetent. Definitely did seem, as others have noted, that certain people/tables get better treatment. The menu was a standard diner style fare, with no out of the ordinary offerings, like Red Velvet French Toast or Apple Caramel Crepes that I saw at some other breakfast places. We ordered our food and it took over 30 minutes to get. The food itself was mediocre and uninspired. My potato pancakes were 3 sad little potato tarts with a little scoop of cheap applesauce from a jar. Overall the food was passable, but not great by any stretch. The service was downright terrible, and then kind of rude at the end when we asked for the bill. The waitress just said "ok then" and dropped it on the table. Super slow service, mildly surly and mediocre food made this a no return.
(2)
Omegahelix X.
I want to like this place but I think 2.50 for a kids milk and 2.00 for a bad coffee is excessive (that's more than Starbucks). I would expect better value in a place like this. The food is OK but nothing noteworthy. The kids chocolate chip pancake was cute.
(3)
Kari M.
Everything here is so yummy and fresh! The owners and employees alike make your visit very friendly and warm... Today I tried the lentil soup, OMG! If you like lentil soup you will love theirs. The homemade Greek yogurt is so smooth and creamy, try it with a touch of honey. The omelette are delicious, I try to have one at least once a month. Oh yeah, your coffee cup never gets empty:)
(5)
Robert E.
This restaurant is your basic, in-town, non-chain restaurant. Food is good and prices are fair. Booths, tables, and snack bar. I think they have a full bar, but that's not why I'm there. Located in the downtown business district of Libertyville. About a block south of the train tracks. Been there on a Sunday and Thursday for breakfast. No complaints. Serving sizes are generous. Want to try them for lunch and dinner some time soon.
(4)
Catherine S.
Vegetarians: ask for the "Lent Menu" - whittles down their formidable regular menu to just the meat-free items.
(4)
George S.
Went here for breakfast this morning and was really disappointed. No one to greet me at the door, a young lacadaisical uninspired manager, mildly surly busybody waitress who would ask me a question, then walk away before I could answer. The omelette was awful! It had that yucky overly cooked eggy taste. The silverware was the cheap tinny kind that would barely cut though the omelette. I wanted to like this place as it has a great downtown Libertyville location. Sorry, probably won't go back.
(2)
Tim J.
A good Greek-American diner, Townee Square is the best value for a sit-down hot meal in downtown Libertyville. They have all the regular items that you would expect, plus many, many special egg dishes, which I usually get. Service is fast and friendly, but coffee is weak. They close at 2pm, and have a room in the back for groups. Otherwise, I always try to sit in the front.
(4)
Cheryl V.
I would rate them 4-5 stars on food but their service is lacking unless you are a local/regular. We liked going after church on Sunday's (early morning so no crowd) but the service wasn't great. We saw how well the regulars were treated which is great. Don't get me wrong, they were nice but either forgetful or SLOW. My cousin, on the other hand, is one of the regulars so he is treated very well.
(3)
Sue K.
A great local diner. Menu is huge of course, breakfast is good.
(5)
Ed M.
Breakfast couldn't be a better experience. Service was exceptional and the food was second to none. The restaurant was spotless. the food was cooked to perfection. The kids had pancakes and grilled cheese which they fully enjoyed and my wife and I had special request. the server didn't bat an eye and the order was perfect. Townee has great food and service.
(5)
Manda H.
came here on a Sunday. My party of 3 was seated right away and at a booth! I think this is more of a breakfast place than lunch-food type. I ordered the Malibu Chicken Breast Sandwich, eh, it was ok...I think I needed some ranch to dip it into. Fries were AWESOME!! I think I will go back just to have some fries. One friend ordered the french toast, they looked good and he ate them so fast I didn't even get to try them :( my other friend ordered a patty melt. Hot Chocolate was great on a cold wintry day and the staff was very friendly and chatty. A fun place to go to in downtown Libertyville if you are hungry.
(3)
Doug L.
A family favorite. Hits the "breakfast" spot at 9am on a Sunday morning. Friendly staff. Plenty of options.
(5)
M P.
If you are looking for a yummy place to have breakfast that uses fresh and natural ingredients this is not it. At least based on our sampling of two dishes on the menu. In this case two was enough to never go back. The corn beef hash was definitively from a can with fake little potatoes in it. If you must order the Belgian waffle pick the bananas unless you actually enjoy the frozen kind of strawberries on your waffle. The waffle was fluffy but reeked of box flavor.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Breakfast, Brunch Parking : Garage, Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Helena D.
The Townee is your local mom-and-pop diner. It's located smack dab in the middle of historic/downtown Libertyville and offers a bright sunny spot - albeit no frills - environment to eat, catch-up over the paper, or meet with friends. So this review is based solely for what it is, its food, and service -- you cannot compare it to a gourmet city restaurant, because that'd be useless and like comparing apples to oranges. So moving forward: the highlights. My skillet was enormous and fresh - I'm the meat-and-potatoes kinda gal that prefers salty over sweet. With my fried egg over the fried potatoes, mushrooms, cheese, and ham, it was a beautiful symphony of carbs, meat, and ooey gooeyness that reminded me, I need to go run 2 miles afterwards to work off the calories. My dining companion went for pancakes with applesauce and bacon. I think I did better, when it comes to the presentation aspect and they didn't care for the overall blandness. The waitress that took care of us did not rush us or hover over us -- which is a bonus, consider we scored a booth seat and were in the midst of catching up. The girl with the coffee pot did her thing and made sure our mugs were full at all times, which we appreciate. It's kind of neat sitting and seeing the older guys come in and talk politics, news, or whatever it is that tickles their fancy. It's very much a place engrained to the local community and where you cna go to get a reliable meal at a fair price. I'll be back for lunch/breakfast again. If there is one area to improve upon, it's when you first arrive - we weren't greeted and there were about 5 of their servers/kitchen staff just standing and they looked at us as if we should know what to do. (In our mind, it seemed appropriate to wait and be seated, rather than to help ourselves.) A simple nod, hello, or a hand gesture to go ahead and seat ourselves would have been sufficient.
(4)Douglas S.
My favorite place to take the kids for breakfast- it's one of those classic neighborhood diners that seem increasingly hard to come by. It has that great small-town atmosphere, friendly, genuine and hard-working. On the weekends it can get understandably hectic, but it's worth the wait. Food-wise, the cinnamon roll french toast is fantastic, and their Bavarian Benedict is one of my all-time faves. Always check the specials- there's usually something amazing to be had. I can't really comment on the lunch menu, since I almost always get breakfast no matter what time of day I'm there. For an added treat, on the first Sunday of every month an incredibly talented balloon artist visits every table with kids to offer custom creations (plan ahead and have some cash for tips handy), usually starting around 9:30 or so. We're not talking balloon poodles here- one time my son walked out with a balloon palm tree almost as tall as he was, complete with a monkey at the top! I started taking my kids there for breakfast years ago, and I've always been amazed at how patient and helpful everyone was while I tried to single-handedly wrangle two energetic toddlers. As we got to know everyone we felt like part of an extended family there, which is all you could ask of a neighborhood restaurant. My kids wouldn't dream of walking out the door without a big hug for our regular waitress! The place is a local treasure, the kind of friendly, family run place the big chains try so hard to emulate.
(5)Dimitri V.
If you're ever in Libertyville stop by for a breakfast made of art that tastes as good as it looks. This isn't some typical profit focused food factory. This is a place that focuses on generous high-quality food, made and served by generous high-quality people who care and make you feel like family. This is the best of what American culture always was and hopefully always will be.
(5)Paul D.
Met with a new potential client that suggested that we meet at this place. I grew up in Libertyville and had never been here before in my life. The service was fantastic and the club sandwich was amazing, it had thick slices of ham and was served with fries that had a very delicious coating.
(5)Rina R.
I just love this place... The food is good... People over there makes you feel like home!!!! Is my favorite restaurant and I always bring my kids here they love the Mickey Mouse rainbow pancake
(5)Michael N.
I like "Town Square," or is it "Towny Square?" Who cares, this is a great place to get breakfast. Ashley and I came here on almost the mother of all rush hours: Saturday morning 10am. The line was almost out the door, but we walked in and found two nice seats at the counter. The waitresses and kitchen staff were so busy, but our waitress managed to greet us and take our orders in a relatively timely fashion. We noticed there were a couple screw ups in other orders around us, but ours were perfect. I forgot to order crispy potatoes, but they came out crispy anyway...gotta love that. Ashley's spinach veggie omelet was delicious and piping hot. Thanks Town-eeeee!!!
(4)Wilson S.
Townee square met my expectations. The only thing that annoyed me a little bit is they kept on asking if I want more coffee too soon. I rather them wait till I ask them for coffe after saying "I'm good for now" when they ask me the first time. I'm sure they meant good intentions that is why I don't count this aspect as part of my rating.
(4)Eric G.
I've eaten breakfast here a few times. As far as I can tell, it's a family-owned, Greek breakfast place. They have breakfast all day 'til they close (which I think is at 3), and here's why I love it: the double the eggs (order 2, and you get 4), which I think the people who make Lipitor will also love. But instead of the traditional steak and eggs, I've always gotten the Gyro, aka Schwarma, and eggs. How could this not be great? And it is. Place gets crowded on weekends, but it's still a lot quicker and easier to get a table for breakfast on the weekend than at that other place down the street (I can never remember the name, it's like Wildberry, or Blueberry, or Wildflower or something). Plus the people working here have always been nice. Always a plus.
(4)Kevin S.
One of the breakfast diners around. Good food, great service and a Sun-Times while you wait for your food to arrive. Would give it five stars if they would upgrade the coffe
(4)Rainey S.
Their Greek yogurt parfait is one of the best things I've ever eaten. We used to live here, and now we come in from out of town for this parfait. This is a family business that very clearly wants you to have a great experience - and they'll make it happen! Local gem.
(5)Ashley S.
Typical ma and pa diner. The food was really good, the service was mediocre and the price was fair. There was a little wait, because we went at 10:30 on a Sunday, so we stooled up at the breakfast bar. We had front row seats to the new reality show Townee Square Restaurant. It was entertaining, but got old real quick. The food hit the spot, but if I go back, I'd want to wait for a table.
(3)Bob C.
A local landmark. If you are searching for haute cuisine, 5 star service or the chance to run into a movie star, this is not the place for you. A great LOCAL diner, with a predictable breakfast/lunch menu, fair prices, generous portions and pretty good service if there is not a giant crowd. Started taking my kids here for a breakfast treat (highly recommend the Mickey Pancakes, just for the look on the face of the little ones when they arrive) a couple of decades ago. Hope to soon have the pleasure of taking my grand kids here as well. A warm, friendly local restaurant that will bring you back.
(5)A. L.
We went here to grab a quick breakfast on a Sunday and there was no wait for an open table, which we thought was great since it was Sunday afternoon. Well, we sat down and waited 15 minutes for a waitress. Then when they did show up, they were frazzled and incompetent. Definitely did seem, as others have noted, that certain people/tables get better treatment. The menu was a standard diner style fare, with no out of the ordinary offerings, like Red Velvet French Toast or Apple Caramel Crepes that I saw at some other breakfast places. We ordered our food and it took over 30 minutes to get. The food itself was mediocre and uninspired. My potato pancakes were 3 sad little potato tarts with a little scoop of cheap applesauce from a jar. Overall the food was passable, but not great by any stretch. The service was downright terrible, and then kind of rude at the end when we asked for the bill. The waitress just said "ok then" and dropped it on the table. Super slow service, mildly surly and mediocre food made this a no return.
(2)Omegahelix X.
I want to like this place but I think 2.50 for a kids milk and 2.00 for a bad coffee is excessive (that's more than Starbucks). I would expect better value in a place like this. The food is OK but nothing noteworthy. The kids chocolate chip pancake was cute.
(3)Kari M.
Everything here is so yummy and fresh! The owners and employees alike make your visit very friendly and warm... Today I tried the lentil soup, OMG! If you like lentil soup you will love theirs. The homemade Greek yogurt is so smooth and creamy, try it with a touch of honey. The omelette are delicious, I try to have one at least once a month. Oh yeah, your coffee cup never gets empty:)
(5)Robert E.
This restaurant is your basic, in-town, non-chain restaurant. Food is good and prices are fair. Booths, tables, and snack bar. I think they have a full bar, but that's not why I'm there. Located in the downtown business district of Libertyville. About a block south of the train tracks. Been there on a Sunday and Thursday for breakfast. No complaints. Serving sizes are generous. Want to try them for lunch and dinner some time soon.
(4)Catherine S.
Vegetarians: ask for the "Lent Menu" - whittles down their formidable regular menu to just the meat-free items.
(4)George S.
Went here for breakfast this morning and was really disappointed. No one to greet me at the door, a young lacadaisical uninspired manager, mildly surly busybody waitress who would ask me a question, then walk away before I could answer. The omelette was awful! It had that yucky overly cooked eggy taste. The silverware was the cheap tinny kind that would barely cut though the omelette. I wanted to like this place as it has a great downtown Libertyville location. Sorry, probably won't go back.
(2)Tim J.
A good Greek-American diner, Townee Square is the best value for a sit-down hot meal in downtown Libertyville. They have all the regular items that you would expect, plus many, many special egg dishes, which I usually get. Service is fast and friendly, but coffee is weak. They close at 2pm, and have a room in the back for groups. Otherwise, I always try to sit in the front.
(4)Cheryl V.
I would rate them 4-5 stars on food but their service is lacking unless you are a local/regular. We liked going after church on Sunday's (early morning so no crowd) but the service wasn't great. We saw how well the regulars were treated which is great. Don't get me wrong, they were nice but either forgetful or SLOW. My cousin, on the other hand, is one of the regulars so he is treated very well.
(3)Sue K.
A great local diner. Menu is huge of course, breakfast is good.
(5)Ed M.
Breakfast couldn't be a better experience. Service was exceptional and the food was second to none. The restaurant was spotless. the food was cooked to perfection. The kids had pancakes and grilled cheese which they fully enjoyed and my wife and I had special request. the server didn't bat an eye and the order was perfect. Townee has great food and service.
(5)Manda H.
came here on a Sunday. My party of 3 was seated right away and at a booth! I think this is more of a breakfast place than lunch-food type. I ordered the Malibu Chicken Breast Sandwich, eh, it was ok...I think I needed some ranch to dip it into. Fries were AWESOME!! I think I will go back just to have some fries. One friend ordered the french toast, they looked good and he ate them so fast I didn't even get to try them :( my other friend ordered a patty melt. Hot Chocolate was great on a cold wintry day and the staff was very friendly and chatty. A fun place to go to in downtown Libertyville if you are hungry.
(3)Doug L.
A family favorite. Hits the "breakfast" spot at 9am on a Sunday morning. Friendly staff. Plenty of options.
(5)M P.
If you are looking for a yummy place to have breakfast that uses fresh and natural ingredients this is not it. At least based on our sampling of two dishes on the menu. In this case two was enough to never go back. The corn beef hash was definitively from a can with fake little potatoes in it. If you must order the Belgian waffle pick the bananas unless you actually enjoy the frozen kind of strawberries on your waffle. The waffle was fluffy but reeked of box flavor.
(1)