Hello dear
Welcome to Matt's Tavern
**About Matt's Tavern**Located in the heart of Crystal Lake, Illinois, Matt's Tavern is a beloved neighborhood bar that captures the charm of traditional pubs. With a welcoming atmosphere, it's the perfect spot to unwind with friends over a cold beer or catch a game. Patrons rave about the friendly staff and the bar's commitment to both quality and affordability. Recently revitalized under new ownership, Matt's Tavern honors its rich history while enhancing its offerings, including an impressive selection of drinks and delectable food. Whether you're throwing darts or enjoying live music, this local gem feels like home, often likened to the iconic “Cheers” of the community.
Today's Suggestions
Explore the featured selections!
Thin Crust All Cheese Pizza
Gluten Free All Cheese Pizza
Thin Crust Moretti's Chicago Classic Favorite Pizza
Thin Crust Moretti's Barbecue Pizza
About
Matt's Tavern
Welcome to Matt's Tavern, a cherished gem nestled in the heart of Crystal Lake, Illinois. Located at 92 Railroad St, this inviting establishment has earned its reputation as a go-to spot for both locals and visitors alike. With the close proximity to the train station, it serves as a convenient pit stop for those seeking a refreshing drink before their journey.
Step inside, and you’re welcomed by a warm atmosphere where friendly faces—both behind the bar and among fellow patrons—create a vibrant community space. Customer reviews speak highly of the affordable drink prices and the enticing conversion buzz that makes it a prime location for catching the big game or just enjoying a chill conversation with friends.
Gary, the bartender, reportedly has a charm that keeps customers coming back. Alongside a sweet bar staff, you’re likely to encounter familiar faces and friendly vibes, making it a great venue to hang out with both old friends and new acquaintances. Customer 'cathy davey' even fondly describes Matt’s as a place where you might stumble upon your “STP twinsy” — an indication of the camaraderie that fills the air.
For sports enthusiasts, Matt's Tavern scores high with a lineup of reasonably priced beers and plenty of screens for viewing your favorite teams in action. And if you’re feeling competitive, whether it’s darts or simply sharing a laugh, the ambiance encourages a lively spirit without overwhelming noise—perfect for that bad joke moment!
One enthusiastic reviewer, Cris Challender, highlights the tavern’s transformation under new ownership, who have successfully revitalized its charm while keeping the essence of the traditional neighborhood pub intact. This blend of comfort and nostalgia makes it feel a bit like Cheers, where everyone knows your name. It's clean, well-managed, and continues to be a staple in the community.
As a food reviewer, while many patrons rave about the drinks and atmosphere, there’s a buzz about the food that’s worth exploring. I’m excited to see how the new ownership has taken the culinary offerings to new heights. Imagine the handmade snacks that pair perfectly with your beer—perhaps classic pub fare with a twist to satisfy your cravings.
In summary, Matt's Tavern is not just a bar—it's a community hub where memories are made, laughter is shared, and good food meets great company. Whether you're waiting for a train, catching a game, or just unwinding with friends, this humble tavern has something to offer everyone. Be sure to check it out and perhaps find your new go-to spot in Crystal Lake.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ I've stopped in here several times this year and found the staff and patron's to be friendly. It's a great place to stop in for a couple of beers while waiting for the train or to watch the game. Reasonable prices too! ”
“ Have not been to Matt's in years. Love it and Gary is fabulous - bartender girl is a sweetheart, sorry I don't know her name. Found my STP twinsy - never know who you will run into. Great place to hang with friends or family. I hear the food is good too. ”
“ Matt's is my go to bar in CL to meet for a drink. All the beers are fairly priced and the music is always good. Its quiet enough that you can hear your friends, but loud enough to tell a bad joke without the worry of the next table hearing. They also have darts, which is fun. Matt's is a simple, cozy spot for a drink and conversation. ”
“ Awesome drinks and atmosphere ”
“ Matt's is a pleasant little tavern that's much like the old style neighborhood pubs of the past. It's clean, well managed, extremely good prices when compared to surrounding establishments, and I always find the atmosphere to be welcoming. Bartenders are always helpful and friendly. Matt's has been around for a long time, and is a staple of the Crystal Lake community, but new ownership took-over a couple years ago and has done a great job at revitalizing it without losing the integrity of the bar history. I visited a couple years ago, prior to new ownership, and decided it wasn't the place for me. Went back again after new ownership, and it is now one of my favorites. Any comments in Yelp or Google that are 2 years old or more would not apply to Matt's today. I highly recommend it if you are looking for a comfortable, quaint bar to have a few drinks, watch a game, and socialize with friends. It is the "Cheers" of Crystal Lake, in my opinion. ”
“ Walked in and sat down in a cool, dim, quiet bar on a hot, sunny day after work. That super friendly, super handsome bartender Jack took my order immediately and served me even faster. The atmosphere was exactly what I was looking for and their prices were so much better than the bars I typically frequent. Matt's Tavern is definitely my new shot and two beers after work bar. The patrons were friendly and there were two beautiful women in there too. Which in my experience, is unusual for the after work crowd, but appreciated in this case. ”
“ Good and bad things to cover, so why five stars - rated for what it is and how they perform to those standards. Easy to find and close to other bars for some fun bar hopping! Parking can be a bit tough if you are not familiar with the area. Matt’s is a dive bar vibe with enough TV’s to keep you entertained by the game. Worn but kept pretty clean!! No kitchen . Only a couple of gambling machines. The patrons were mixed between locals and people waiting for the train across the street- everyone was friendly. Kelly O the bartender did a fantastic job. The big win that impressed me was a big crowd came in and the owner jumped in and helped unlike most places where they let the bartender drown and the customers suffer. Great job Matt’s and Kelly O ”
“ The perfect after work place to grab a beer and a shot, as well as watching our Chicago sports. No need for food ( although they do have frozen pizza) because it’s surrounded by restaurants that do. Also is a great pit stop before and after a train ride into the city. ”