I've eaten here about a 1/2 dozen times over the past couple of years. Appetizers are good, but not fantastic. I've typically always ordered a salad and the baked potato soup (86ing the bacon because I'm a vegetarian) as my main course. However, I'm glad I changed up my routine... Last time we dined here I had the black bean sliders and they were tasty. Tasty, but not outstanding (slightly soggy). The Fried that accompanied the sliders were good. 4/5 because the staff is always friendly, food arrives within an adequate amount of time and the restaurant takes reservations. Wish they had more vegetarian entree options.
(4)
Leo P.
This place was good. I ate here for lunch and ordered the so cal fish taco. I asked for the sauce on the side but it was served in the taco. It was still good. The server got us our food on time-as advertised. Nothing wrong with the food or atmosphere. But nothing spectacular either. I wish I could give this place a 3.5 because it was clean and the environment was quite relaxing. Unfortunately I still have to go with 3 stars over 4 because honestly it was just Good, but not great.
(3)
Mike P.
Everytime sub Par service! Whoever hires staff here needs to be fired from corporate. The staff all needs to be drug tested. They are always in LA LA land and have to always repeat my order. I waited 45 min for a soup and salad. Rude bartenders and depressing atmosphere. No more $$$ from my Family and I. Close down for a couple weeks . Make a plan and recycle the current staff . And reopen for a possible turn around.
(1)
Shawn B.
Went for the first time since moving to Park Ridge. We visited last Friday with a group of 4 people to celebrate an anniversary...Burgers were way over cooked to well instead of medium, when asking waiter what could be done he acted like management was busy. My gf ordered dessert and it was totally overly covered in chocolate syrup..... Like drenched. Again told waiter and he just stood there and said nothing could be done. Just overall not a good experience
(1)
Ashley G.
We use to love coming here!! My husband went in last night and picked up an order for dinner. I had ordered Thai Chicken, and when I opened the box I was totally in shock! There was one small piece of chicken a couple of pieces of asparagus and maybe 4 bites of Rice!! It looked like a kid plate! It seems that their portions have severely diminished! I called and the woman who I spoke with said, "That's how it comes" if you dine in with us you get a bigger portion! What!!! Then, I should have received a smaller bill! So rude, and will not be coming back here for awhile.
(1)
Lana R.
I came here for my birthday and the service was okay. The food was very good. I love the ambiance there!
(4)
A. T. T.
My best friend and I go to this restaurant at least once a month and it is almost always a great experience I highly recommend the Italian sausage flatbread, pot roast, fish & chips, and any of the chicken dishes. The ribs are great,too. Experimenting with new items on the menu sometimes can be a haphazard experience, for example, they had a beer mac and cheese that was absolutely one of nastiest things I have ever eaten but my meal was comped and they gave me another entree to take home. That's my idea of real cusomer service! That weird dish was an anomaly because normally the food is fabulous, we keep going back and will continue to go back. A great place to eat in Park Ridge.
(4)
robert r.
Safe go to spot in park ridge. Food is always good and a great variety of drinks. One of the few places for outdoor dining in town. Great bar for nightly boys or girls night out
(4)
Jenni S.
The food is just okay. I hadn't been here in a while and I remember it being a lot better. I had the chicken ranch southwest wrap. It was decent but nothing I'll be craving. I just feel like the menu lacks something.
(3)
Frank S.
Food is very bland and dry while customer service is not great. I don't really recommend the place because McDonald's has better tasting food ( that's saying a lot). My burger was Blue when I asked for medium well. Fries were dry and mushy. There are many other places in park ridge to get a good meal at such as Blu fish and jersey mikes
(1)
Howard L.
We had an OK weekend lunch stop here. Wife had a salmon BLT ($13.45, and it was a bit fishy), and I had their three slider combo - pot roast, burger, and BBQ pulled pork for $11.00. The slider combo was good, and mini pretzel rolls fresh. They have an all day menu on weekends, and not separate lunch and dinner menus. Can't beat the convenience factor with it's Uptown location and nearby parking. This location is also newish and clean.
(3)
Mala G.
I came here with my friends birthday two months ago for the first time for me Our waitress mary was amazing young lady. She was sweet kind and just very helpful. She bought a bday cake out for my friend . Because of her I return 4 more times with my boyfriend and his mom for her bday. Mary was there. We spoke and I told her and the manager she was great. The food was amazing. Fish tacos ' mushroom appetizer , chicken wrap. The drinks were good. Yesterday we came back for another friends bday The waiter yest was okay. I felt he was a little cold I think i will make sure mary is there the next time I go. The manager is very nice too. Mary you are so good at what you do. Good job
(5)
Jackie O.
The bar happy hour here can't be beat! Tuesday 1/2 price bottles of wine and small plate apps makes for good after-work munchies. It's a bummer here that the servers really seem indifferent about service or speed. I would skip a regular, full-price dinner here. So many better options in the neighborhood.
(3)
Gerard G.
Came here with a party of 6 on a Sunday. I understand that the place was packed but the service overall is horrible. The servers stand around and talk while the managers probably micromanage and don't do any busy work. We weren't offered any refills for our beverages and we received our food later than expected; I want to say that we were waiting on 2 people to show but we knew what they wanted and ordered for them. But the server misunderstood when to bring out the food and we didn't receive it until about 2 hours later. Side note, my mom accidentally lost her phone and we searched everywhere and we thought that she might have misplaced it in the menu by accident. So we asked the manager if he might check in the menus? He rudely (without checking) responded, "No. We would have noticed it." Later to find out that it was in one of the menus. (Probably feels like a dick lol) Going back to the servers, they need training in organizing their time between tables. I understand that during busy days it's difficult (I worked as a server, I understand) but when you have a large party that tipped 20% regardless of the unmistakable horrific service. I at least expect an overall apology about the experience... As we sat next to the booth of servers and managers, they noticed that we were getting irritated and still did nothing. Please don't bother in a response because I'm not changing my review nor am I trying to look for any compensation. This was my first time here and my last. My family didn't want me to tip the waiter anything but I understand how hard it is. But if you run a business in Park Ridge, I expect the overall service to be 5 stars.
(1)
Deborah R.
I was so hopeful when Houlihan's came to Park Ridge. They have such a nice bar area. However, every time I go to have a cocktail there it takes forever to be served by the bartender. Not their fault, but I want to order my drink and there's one bartender serving the restaurant and three people waiting for a drink at the bar....while the other servers stand around doing nothing. Yes, I understand they are not bartenders. I ducked in there about one week ago to get a drink, waiting 5 minutes as more and more people came to the bar and finally left. Too bad, but I for one will never go back. I mentioned it to the hostess and she asked if I wanted to speak to the manager but I didn't want to go that far. Nice that the hostess knew what to say when I mentioned I was disgruntled. Part II of review...after I made the comment above I was immediately contacted by Houlihan's management. I was pleased with the quick response. They offered to send me a gift certificate but I really didn't want it because I don't want folks to think I'm just our there hunting for freebies. They did send a $25 gc so I will try to go back in there again. Management seems to want to make it work but whether or not there's follow through is the question. Look for Part III in the near future!!
(1)
Maddie M.
Great Sunday brunch! Be sure to ask for Felicie. She's the best. Energetic and fun! Ask for the check, not to settle the tab!!! Hahahaba
(5)
Sanford R.
I have visited this location a couple of times in the past few months and can now say that I am a fan. I have tried the salmon, their steaks and the scallops, and have really enjoyed everything. The service was OK on the first visit and much better the second time around. I really like the lighting in the restaurant and the atmosphere in general. I definitely will be back.
(4)
George O.
Four of us were there in Wednesday evening arrived at 7:15 did not get served until 8:15. Server stopped by on own twice in that time to let us know they were running behind. Had to ask for another beverage. Manager came by once. Not good for business. Second time this has happened in last 3 weeks. Manager did handle the bill but that can't be done all the time. It is not like the food is spectacular so service should be a premium. One more time and we will not frequent the establishment. George O
(1)
John G.
Had the artichoke white bean hummus appetizer is was fresh & creamy. Chicken tortilla soup had just the right amount of spices. Service was surprising pleasant.
(4)
Cheryl B.
Free birthday coupon--ordered the Thai Chicken. It was very small but good, not great. Not worth $14.99 though if I was paying. Over priced menu. Not much to choose from. Back side of menu is all drinks. Wish they made fresh cut french fries instead of frozen ones.
(3)
D.j. B.
Food was awesome. Managers and waitress were chat friendly. Kept checking back on us. Couldn't have asked for a semi-cheap Friday night date
(5)
Christina G.
I've been here a few times with friends after work. First piece of advice: sign up for the emails. I just delete most of them, but sometimes you get coupons for $10 off your bill, and in your birthday month, you get a free entree (up to $15). Worth it, I think. We go earlier in the evening and get the happy hour specials. I usually get a peach long island, and the table shares an order of chicken nachos. After a bowl of tortilla soup, I'm already stuffed. I will say that I'm always a little surprised at the bill when it comes, as it always seems a little high for what we've ordered. Maybe it's just me. Aside from the nachos and tortilla soup, both of which I really like, the food isn't the best I've had. Everything seems just a tad underseasoned, and no dish is truly an exceptional, "I have to come back for this meal" dish. Do watch out for your specials though. If you have a coupon, you can't use it for any type of special, like half bottle wine night, or happy hour drinks. I'm sure we'll be back again, but with so many other restaurants in the uptown area, we'll be sure to give other restaurants a try.
(3)
Crystal K.
The Nachos were great. The drinks were watered down. Unfortunately the waitress was very rude. It was almost as if she wanted us to hurry up and leave. We got there around 1030 and I know that they close at midnight so we were confused as to why she was rushing us.
(2)
Adam L.
You've hooked me with your Serious Brownie Sundae. For that, I'll see you in Hell you Irish bastards! Bring brownies.
(5)
Craig Y.
Serve was great, food was good but there was an over gratuitous use of tile in the loo
(4)
Ruth S.
Houlihan's is close to my work and in theory it is a great place to do a happy hour but this place sucks. I have given Houlihan's SO many chances and they continuously let me do. Their food is simply not good. I have complained to managers, they have compensated me with a free meal, and still it is not enough to get me to go back. I have tried a number of different dishes, and they are all bad. I have come for lunch and in the evening. The drinks are not strong, even when you splurge for the premium liquor. I have to give up on this place. Don't waste your money!
(1)
Louie K.
Nice place, consistent, the food is always good so is the service, my family and I visit frequently especially in the summer time! The patio seating with a glass of wine is very calming and the kids have enough space to play instead of plying with tablets by the table! Definitely one my favorite in park ridge.
(5)
Nick N.
The food here was pretty good. Friendly waitress and an interesting menu that I've been told changes frequently. A bit pricey, but an overall good experience.
(4)
Oliver Y.
Went with the meatloaf, great portion had enough for breakfast the next day. Visited here on a Wednesday during dinner, dinning area was a little empty, a few people at the bar and on the patio. Staff was on top of things, water was never half empty. I must re-visit on Friday or Sataurday, great neighborhood (downtown Park Ridge)
(4)
Greg F.
me and my party received great service here this past saturday and every last morsel disappeared off the plates. you bet we're fans!
(4)
Larissa A.
This place is nice, it looks nice the staff is nice, it is in a nice place. It just all seems a little... forced and fake. I am not from the area so I don't know if that just has to do with the location but it was very noticeable here. Parking was a PIA and a little confusing... I just parked on the street somewhere. The food is good, that is the thing about chain restaurants they are safe. The food is consistant. Lucky for Houlihan's it is a step above most chains in this department. They also have a great and inventive cocktail menu. Like I mentioned I do not live in this area so I can't say I will come back, even if visiting.
(3)
M. O.
I went to Houlihan's today (Sunday) and I've got to say I was totally impressed with this place. The service was great, the food was pretty tasty, and the drinks were refreshing! I came with a couple friends looking for some light food and drinks. We ended up finding out they had a special...$3.95 appetizers and $5 long island iced teas. This was an unexpected surprise. Our server made some great recommendations, as they have multiple flavors of Long Islands. I recommend trying the Georgia Peach and the Angry Orchard Long Islands. As far as appetizers, I'd say their spicy chicken avocado egg rolls and lettuce wrap appetizers are their best. Try the pretzel sticks with beer cheese and the wings as well. You won't regret stopping by Houlihan's, especially on a Sunday!!!
(4)
Marie C.
Been coming here for years. They used to have one by my house and I was so sad when it got closed down. Their potato soup is the best potato soup I have ever had. Even better than corner bakery's! Love their chicken tenders. Their sliders are amazing and so juicy I love it. Service is good and I love to sit on the patio when it's nice out
(5)
Kim L.
So, we've been here a couple times. The first two times were alright, decent food and decent service. The last time I was there, just a few days ago, the food runner spilled salsa and sour cream on me. I was really nice about it because I didn't want him to feel bad, and he was really nice about it and apologized more than enough. The waitress had to have seen me cleaning myself off when she brought more food, however she didn't say anything. Nor did I get a replacement salsa and sour cream, even though the majority of it had fallen in my lap. I feel like there should have been further communication between the food runner, waitress and management. Just for hospitality purposes. That's really one of the only faults I've seen at this place. The food is decent and they have nice happy hour specials.
(3)
Lauren K.
Went here with my dad for lunch. We each got a combo. Both had the French onion soup (very good, with baked cheese on top). My dad had an ahi tuna salad which he ate up and enjoyed. I liked my fish taco, but the salsa for the salsa and chips it came with was rather forgettable. Our waitress made poor change when we paid (the only option would have been to leave a disproportionately enormous tip) so we had to ask her to break the bill further, which was a little annoying. The restaurant is very clean and attractive. The prices are reasonable, too. I'd like to go again for dinner some time.
(3)
Yanyao N.
This place screams suburban chain, only the decor has been updated a little and the dark wood interior is actually quite relaxing to hang out in. We sat at the bar and ordered some small plates to share. There was "fancy" pasta - wide noodles with a meat sauce, served warm (and not hot). There was bruschetta, which should be so simple to make, yet the bread were thin pieces of crostini that snapped when you tried to spread goat cheese on it. Yup, the majority of the bruschetta was goat cheese, formed into a circle with a ring mold, the bottom being a tomato mix. There are some redeeming qualities though. Houlihan's was open on Easter Sunday (when Jason's Deli was closed). The mini hot dogs are decent. The service started out good, but was non-existent near the end of our meal. Waters were not refilled, and the worst part? I had my credit card in the little shot glass the bill was in for SO long. It was ignored. (Don't people want to get paid?) In the end, I got so frustrated with waiting, that I spent my cash (reserved for my birthday casino trip) and left. No plans to return - next Easter Sunday, I'll plan better.
(2)
Carla G.
My expectations for food chains are never really high. The food selection at Houlihans is pretty typical- burgers, fries, steak, pasta, etc. Some of the items have a nice twist such as a variety of fries or calamari served in a Chinese take out box. Also, the big small plates are great to share. I have noticed the food service is very slow no matter what I order- even if it's just fries! Houlihan's offers drink deals in the middle of the week which is a great way to try something new without fear of wasting money. I return here because it is a nice place to come for drinks & appetizers- highly recommend their long islands!
Meh! We stopped in here because it was nearby after we'd spent a little time walking around in Park Ridge and hopping into Starbucks. On the surface, it looks like my kind of place, but it turns out, it is pretty lackluster. The food we ordered was less than stellar, and the service was HORRIBLE. We were greeted and seated by one person, then our drinks were taken by another person, then we waited about 15 minutes before yet another person came and re-took our drink orders, explained that our server was being "relieved" and that he would now be taking care of us. Meanwhile, we saw our original server waiting other tables the whole time we were there. As it turns out, we wished he'd stayed with us - it looked like he was taking care of his tables a lot better than our server was taking care of us. There was a LOT of waiting... for EVERYTHING. And patience is not my strong suit. It might have made a little difference if the server had been friendly, but he wasn't. He was pretty smug and short the whole visit. Finally, what in HELL happened in the bathroom with those tiles? I thought I was going to pass out it was so busy in there. Eesh, this ain't Jersey!
(2)
Craig T.
Just went back to Houlihan's with my wife and son for part of my wife's birthday celebration week. She had received a free entree email that we took advantage of. Great location for us with sophisticated ambiance for a chain restaurant. Server was courteous and the food was pretty good. I frequent this more often with just my son, when my wife travels. It's a kid-friendly environment and the kids menu seems to be a great deal. When the weather is inviting, there is plenty of outdoor seating that we try and take advantage of. Bar area is one of the nicer ones in Park Ridge.
(4)
Jennifer I.
Chain restaurants leave me feeling a little underwhelmed. I don't hate them, can eat there when the situation calls for it, but they are never destination spots for me. However, I have eaten at the Park Ridge Houlihan's twice in the past six months, and have been very pleasantly surprised with the food, the service, and the non-chain feeling. My grade school gal pals and I have picked this place as it is relatively centrally located, they have pretty ample parking (underground), they have a big menu, and it's quiet enough so we can talk about important things, like which guy from our class recently posted about his vasectomy on Facebook. The atmosphere is actually pretty cozy....when I think "chain restaurant" I somehow always picture bright lights/bright colors (cough cough Fridays), faux-Irish (cough Bennigan's cough cough) or faux-owl (cough cough Hooters cough). Houlihan's has lots of dark wood and big booths...almost too classy for my gang and our talk of gossipy smut. They haven't asked us to leave yet, soo.... But most importantly...the food. This is why Houlihan's really gets my snaps. In addition to the wide variety (sandwiches, salads, entrees, flatbreads, etc.), they offer some food in different sizes. So let's say you really really like red meat (that would be me) but you don't have room or a doctor's permission to eat a big steak. You can get a 4 oz. filet as a mini entree. How cool is that? AND the food is pretty darn tasty, too. While I won't be a regular Houlihanian, I know I could always find something to suit my appetite, and I wouldn't ever object to going here, even if no one else from my class undergoes some sort of sterilization procedure.
(4)
Karla L.
"How many bad experiences do we need to have until we stop coming here?!?!" This is what I said the last time (and I do mean the LAST TIME) I had dinner at Houlihan's in Park Ridge, IL. There are so many good restaurants in the neighborhood - Blu Fish, Affresco, Maki Sushi, even Chipotle - that there is no reason to spend my money at this chain restaurant joke! From the super slow wait staff, (one reviewer mentioned having to hunt down her server for the paycheck only to find that server chit-chatting in the bar area... SAME HERE!) to the mediocre food - I'm over it! I do not appreciate being served warm beer with a side of attitude. I can not stand having over eager servers vacuum around my table so that they can leave the restaurant as soon as it closes! The icing on the cake (literally) was finding a piece of PLASTIC in the frosting of the piece of carrot cake that I was having for dessert! GROSS! Also, if you were considering going to this place for Mother's Day brunch.... DON'T! I made reservations weeks in advance only to have my family WAIT AN HOUR for a table. Isn't a reservation made TO RESERVE A TABLE? This restaurant is a joke. I will not being coming back, ever.
(1)
Jimbo B.
I usually avoid chains but this Houlihan's is nice. The service has always been great and there's always something on the menu for everyone. I like how they wrap your food up for you instead of just bring you a box. The menu is delicious and they have a good wine and decent beer selection. Fair prices, too.
(4)
Kkk K.
The worst service I ever received....Good luck goiing there.....I finally got out after being sick for 6 months. I was treated like I was a toddler. Thank you Houlihan's never again,
(1)
Joe G.
HEY Yelp, you need to give us half stars. This place is a 2.5er. First thank goodness for alcohol because there really is no atmosphere here. Sitting outside is much much better than inside and the bar area is better than the restaurant. Sit in the restaurant if you don't want to be seen or want to nap before dinner. Second too bad alcohol is so expensive here. I have been here several times because believe it or not, I have a couple friends and they seem to want to go here. It is really kind of a bland place and I forget about it once I leave. I've had items from fish to meatloaf not bad just forgettable So my last trip I found something yummy and it goes with beer. Pot Roast sliders. Its a small plate so there are only 3 but it mixes perfectly with a Stella. The meet is tender and the gravy compliments it perfectly. In addition, the texture of the gravy is perfect, not over thickened where you get a coating of flour or corn starch on your tongue. What would have made a trifecta of flavor would have been an order of pickle fries but alas they were off the menu. To reviewer Ed K, I was here in April and they were still gossiping about you
(2)
Jen C.
The French onion soup was great! I went for lunch and service was slower than I expected. I only had soup (very filling) and a drink so was shocked I had to stand up to get the attention of my waitress for my bill. Hostess was very attentive when I came in. I would give it a second chance.
(3)
Susan P.
food and drinks tasty, nice week day specials. A bit pricey.
(4)
Shereene M.
Average chain restaurant. The weekly drink specials were good. The food was just whatever. I'd much rather go to a random small restaurant in the area.
(2)
Kristine M.
I went here on a Friday night a few weeks ago at 8:30 and there was a wait. I didn't expect it, but this location is a bit smaller than the other locations. We sat at the bar and were greeted promptly. We ordered drinks and probably wait 25 mins for a table. Once we were sat, we were greeted by our servers who seemed pretty attentive at first. We ordered our food and she checked up on us every once in a while. This was fine except she was not attentive when it came down to our drinks being refilled. The food itself was good as usual. I ordered the fish tacos and the Tuscan salad and was not disappointed. Towards the end of the night, is when I started to feel like our waitress was not around as much. We sat with plates on our table that were finished for sometime. We ordered the s'mores dessert which was delicious as usual. Overall, the food was good and the service was okay. Would I go back? Absolutely. Houlihans has always been a favorite restaurant of mine to eat at.
(4)
Marcee W.
Not much to say about a chain restaurant that hasn't been said, but Houlihan's is pretty consistent. Service at this location is good and the ambiance is very pleasant. I noticed they've jumped on the small plates trend which they group in with their appetizers. Baked potato soup is always delish and is a nice complement to any of their salads.
(3)
Nina I.
I love this place, their food isn't expensive and they're not a fine dining restaurant by any means but they seem to care about their food. And I'm talking only about the one in Park Ridge because I've never been to any of the other ones. Also the decor is up to date and so cozy. I can sit there all day. And they're also sooo savvy that they have wi-fi! how cool huh? You can have a meal aaannddd surf the internet without the necessity to pirate from other people. :} Although it IS a corporate owned store it definitely has the feeling of a cute mom and pop modern restaurant and also since it's right under an apartment building Uptown Park Ridge the regulars have an even better bonding experience with the place. All in all this is the best place to go if you're looking to go somewhere inexpensive but with quality. I would recommend this place any day. Just avoid the usual busy days (that goes for every restaurant though).
(5)
Maggie W.
Came here for lunch a few times during the workday. Your pretty standard casual sit-down chain restaurant in the vein of Bennigans, Chilis, Applebees, TGIFridays, etc. Service was fast and friendly and food was good. I appreciated that they had lunch options so I didn't have to pay for a ton of food that I didn't eat.
(3)
Jacob J.
There's a new tapas place in town (Park Ridge) and it's called Houlihans! Who knew they went small plates and when? I like this new menu which offers many more kinds of sizing options of appetizers, small plates, large plates, small entrees and then normal size as well. So many more offerings and price groups to please your appetite and wallet. Added in the nick of time to save them from restaurant downfall; during this economy. Precisely something I pondered about, a year back when I saw the dwindling business at a newer location just like this one, except located way deep out there in the sticks of IL aka Elgin. Stop into the PR location on any night and business is hoppin'. Hit up the bar and find some of Park Ridge's most eligible, mature bachelorettes, it can be a scene in here at times. Trendy location, good food for the price however the service is lagging far behind. Good door crew which is always able to enter and exit greet, but of the few times I've been back I haven't been able to find the right waitress. I've sat both in the bar and dining areas and I don't get what makes the service so different. I have had the best service while seated at the bar being served by the bartender. This last time, the waitress was so cold without a hint of personality. It could've been due to the weather since at the time it was snowing and there was talk of the expected slow drive home. Surrounded by smiling people all having a good time eating and enjoying the time, you hope that your first point of contact, i.e. the wait staff would be more inviting. OH well. For the occasional drink and meal, it's okay. On your next trip, you must have the Italian donuts with dip. It should definitely be shared and devoured in one sitting. Peep my last review for more details. Now, I teeter from 3 to 4 stars. The food is good, it's just the staff which is NOT attentive.
(3)
Cristie F.
Generally, I'm not a fan of major chain restaurants with gigantic menus, and average, unhealthy, bland food. However, Houlihan's takes it up a notch from "Meh" to "A-OK". Apparently Houlihan's revamped their menu a couple years back, adding a variety of small plates, large plates, smaller sized entrees, lunch specials, and your normal sized plate. I'm glad they caught on to the trend. Some people don't like to gorge into a massive 2,000+ calorie dish, or pay a fortune for it. Many of us do have smaller appetites, so kudos to Houlihans for providing options. Everyone likes options. Anyhow, seven of us left the prison walls of the office to head out for lunch. We decided to start out with a few appetizers - battered and fried Jumbo Stuffed Shrooms, Spinach Dip with massive cheesy pita wedges, Calamari, and the fancy pants Bruschetta. Aside from trying the calamari, all the apps were delish and had great presentation. As a note - the dishes aren't that small, so go easy on them. I'd also recommend the Goat Cheese & Artichoke Poppers - those little balls are warm, gooey, and beyond ridiculously addicting. On to the entrees. We all had something different ranging from fish tacos, salads, flatbreads, grilled salmon, and veggie burgers. Having a few vegetarians in the group, it was helpful that the menu identified which items were vegetarian. They also have a gluten free and vegan menu if your diet requires so. I went with the wild mushroom and arugula flatbread with the side spinach salad. The flatbread was okay. I was hoping for more of a cracker-like crust, as opposed to a mushy dough, but to each their own. The flavor itself was good. I loved the spinach salad with the poppy dressing. However, the plate came out with ring of ice under the plate that fell off all over me, leaving a cold wet mess. The answer I got from the waiter - "Oh, I'm so sorry. The salads are pre-made and kept in the cooler". Umm, ok. I hate the word pre-made. And how long was that baby in the cooler to get an entire ring of ice under the plate?? Aside from that incident, service was great. The waiter was attentive, and apologetic when he wasn't. He was friendly, fun, and provided a few jokes to lighten up the workday. He was helpful in explaining the menus and the lunch specials, since they are somewhat confusing. The food came out fast, and during a lunch break - I can't complain about that. Overall - Great spot for a quick, inexpensive lunch or a killer happy hour.
(3)
Lainie P.
Like the other raters, I'm surprised that I'm writing this review: I'm not one for chain restaurants. Still, I'm impressed by this place. While the atmosphere is a bit noisy (it's crowded with Park Ridge families), it's friendly, as is the service. If you are trying to lose weight, or you just like to try a bunch of different dishes, the small plates are awesome. I very much enjoyed the grilled asparagus salad (grilled asparagus, greens, candied walnuts, blue cheese, and balsamic dressing) and the tiny salmon entree (a small portion of fish, mashed potatoes and some tasty carrots). I also like the chocolate chip cookie that they gave me at the end of the meal. Yum.
(4)
Jessica S.
I would like to meet this Houlihan fellow. This is the second establishment of his that I have had the pleasure to frequent. Ever had a small plate? Well the plates aren't necessarily small but the food on it has been shrunk down to oompa loompa size and I am a fan. Try the Slider Pit 3 Pack... mini Chicago Style Hot Dog was awesome! Check out the photo... the dog was about the size of my iPhone. Also hit up the mini Veggie Burger and mini Pot Roast sandwich. Perfect amount of food, flavor and variety for $9.50. I only wish I could have had some french fries :-( So I took some from my mom (hehe) Ooh check out the Mash Up desserts! Apparently I have a thing for itty bitty food because this is the slider version of sugary goodness. Tried out the Smore's Ice Cream, Dark Chocolate Raspberry Brownie Lollie, and the Junior Mint Brownie Lollie. If I could do it all over again I'd order the Rasperry Ice Cream with 2 Raspberry Brownie Lollies for an explosion of berryawesomeness. Atmosphere was a little too dark for my tastes... my whatever I'll get over it. Awesome options to eat in the bar so you're not waiting until the next solar eclipse to get a table. Just bring a headlamp (it'll be a trend you watch) so you can read the menu and make sure your steak comes out the way you asked. Bartenders were a little agitated that I didn't order a beer (gasp, i know!) but I'd already had two somewhere else... this girl needed some food first! Everyone at our table enjoyed their meal, and the quality is pretty comparable to the Oakbrook location, though this one was a lot busier. The burgers looked fantastic, esp. the Burger72 with this stuffed mushroom on it... i do love fungus. Overall, I would definitely go back, but make reservations!
(4)
Matt C.
Lousy chain restaurant with completely mediocre food. Sure some things are passable and it is decorated nice but there is nothing there that is really good. Had the spring rolls the other day and it looked like something my dog puked up. Any local thai restaurant can do better. They try to be all things and end up not really succeeding at anything. go to your local mexican, thai, or italian restaurant for better food and most likely a better price.
(2)
Julia P.
I'm in love with Houlihan's and I especially love this location. I've always had great quality service and a friendly wait staff who are attentive and know the menu. The menu is a nice mix of variety and I love the portion size options. I love the Veggie Burger and the Southwest Wrap! You also need to try the mashed potatoes and the Fondue dessert..mmmm. The drinks are also awesome..get the Long Island pitcher deal! ;) One time our waiter let my friend and I (who I hadn't seen in awhile) talk and visit until after they even closed. He also gave us free warm cookies. :) P.S. The Women's bathroom sinks are amazing....whoever decided on that...brilliant lol.
(5)
Chris S.
I was disappointed. The food was fair, albeit pricey. The beer selection needs serious work.
(3)
Dominick C.
Hi Houlihans, it's me, Dominick. I just wanted to call and leave a message about the great time I had tonight. You're so funny, easy to talk to, and had me seated quickly. You looked gorgeous in the bar-lighting and your happy-hour pricing really knew how to make my wallet smile. Those lettuce wraps and Whiskey pitchers were exotic and delicious. Mmm. And--I'll just come out and say it: your bartenders and staff were so cool and outgoing. I think we really have something special going on here. Anyway, I'm home-- trying to Pandora some of that cool lounge music you had playing. Gimme a ring sometime, will you? I just had a great dinner date at this beautiful bar-restaurant-- call me and I'll tell you about it. ;-) P.S. Please stop seeing those 1-4 star reviewers who don't understand you like I do.
(5)
Linda N.
Thanksgiving buffet was better than I expected. Andrew is the best server there- proactive!
(5)
Michael M.
Salads here are good but they are MUCH better at Eggsperience - a brunch/lunch place a few steps away. I hope Houlihan's reads this, visits Eggsperience and tries out the Greek salad. They'll see that I'm right.
(3)
Sarah C.
I have the sickest, creepiest crush on Holihans. For starters, the music selection played is better than a jukebox. A nice mix of rock and alternative- but by far the best loungey-like music for grabbing drinks and grub! So 5 stars on the vibe. The food gets 4 stars. I LOVE tge frites bar and small plates that this location is testing. The slider bar is superb (especially the pot roast) and the key lime martini makes any meal complete. The Fajitas are packed full of flavor and the Rosemary chicken is simple yet perfect. Def worth checking out. Sign up for their emails too- I get a ton of deals weekly. And they have some pretty sweet drink specials too.
(4)
Em P.
I've been eyeballing this place FOREVER. Man, was I disappointed. Our table ordered the stuffed mushrooms and I'm not crazy about mushrooms at all but man were they good! That was pretty much the best part of the meal. I ordered the slider trio (pulled pork, pot roast and a burger) none of which had any flavor but salt. Lots and lots of salt. It would take a lot for me to go back. Just too many other good places in the area that are worth spending money at.
(1)
Clifford K.
Went back the other day to have lunch outside. It was beautiful outside so I had a quick lunch. Ordered the Hummus which was just delicious and the green olive oil was good! Then something new to me....Pickle Fries.. No not fried pickles. They were pickle fries. I really enjoyed them! So Houlihans keeps getting better and better when I go back apparently because from the start I didn't care to much for their menu. Keep it up.
(4)
Nina G.
This is only the second time that I've been to Houlihan's and I remember the food being pretty good when I went to the Naperville location. As far as this location, I enjoyed the food here and I thought the small plates were a pretty decent size and the pricing was great! I ordered the small chopped salad and the small scallop plate. The scallops were a bit greasy, but I guess that's what I get for ordering seafood at a place like this. This is basically an upscale version of Chili's so you should just stick to typically bar food. Although, the stuffed mushroom appetizer was very tasty, I recommend you try it! I think it's worth mentioning that the service was pretty good. Rehearsed...but good. The waiter did take a long time to get our check, but we went during dinner rush so it's understandable to an extent. Eventhough this is a chain, this could be a nice place for a date given the modern decor and dim lighting. They also have lots of alcoholic drinks to choose from, which I liked and hopefully your date might too. ;)
(4)
Mike O.
Across the street from the library and in the new Uptown Park Ridge development, Houlihan's opened recently. It's a rather unknown franchise around these parts, so I was interested in checking it out. I took my 6 year old son for lunch here on a Monday. It was about 11:30 and not crowded at all. We were seated immediately in a booth. Inside, there's an upscale decor, more elegant than Friday's but no kitschy stuff like you'd see at Chili's or Famous Dave's. There's shades of orange and light green throughout the place, right down to the light fixtures. It gives the place a stylish look though it's really a casual restaurant. We focused on their Nooner menu, since all items are guaranteed to be ready in 15 minutes or it's free. I picked a black angus burger and my son chose the mac and cheese. The waitress took our order, then left us a timer set to 15 minutes and turned it on. We got our order in 10 minutes exactly and we got any extras like napkins and ketchup without a hassle. The burger had a great flavor to it that I expect from premium beef . And needless to say, my son gobbled up his mac and cheese very quickly. Best of all, we both got chocolate chip cookies included at the end of our meal. Along with Jason's Deli and Noodles, Houlihan's is yet another nice addition to the Uptown dining options, and not too pricy either.
(4)
Beebe G.
for a franchise restaurant i have enjoyed the meals i've had there so far. i was there for the second time last friday and had the ahi tuna salad. it was outstanding! the tuna was fresh and the salad with the greens, bananas, all its textures were amazing! the first time i ate here i had the risotto with scallops and i was surprised how well made the risotto was with an ample amount of scallops. very impressive! i would recommend the bartender learn to make old fashions the right way. mine was weak in flavor and had to send it back for just bourbon and diet coke to play it safe. i look forward to coming back.
(4)
Laura N.
Arrived here on a Friday night and was told there would be an hour wait for a table for two (it was CROWDED). To kill time, my date and I wandered to the Starbucks across the street and had a drink there. When we walked back to Houlihan's 40 minutes later, our buzzer went off. Good timing! We were glad we didn't really have to wait too long. The decor is very modern and appealing, but it also fools you - I thought Houlihan's was a 'fancy' restaurant but it's actually pretty casual. Many families and groups of friends were dining there together. Our waiter, Jay, was very friendly and helpful, as was the rest of the staff. Major plus to be in a place that makes us feel welcome! We started off with drinks. He ordered a lemonade (which was very strong but delicious!) and I had a frozen strawberry margarita. It was pretty good but occasionally there was a very sour taste in the drink that turned me off. Whenever I see bruschetta on an appetizer menu, I order it. It's my one of my favorites. Houlihan's bruschetta is very low on my list of places with good bruschetta. It arrived on a long, thin plate with six pieces of long thin bread on one end. The tomatoes were clumped together under a thick layer of creamy goat cheese in the middle of the plate. The other end of the plate was covered with large pieces of lettuce. The bread and tomatoes were good, but the goat cheese didn't please me. It wasn't the fact that it was goat cheese, but it was too creamy for my taste. I also didn't like that I had to put the toppings on myself, using my steak knife since the plate didn't arrive with a butter knife. Maybe some people will like this style of bruschetta, but I don't. Our Caesar side salads were HUGE! I can't imagine what the dinner portion must be like. The greens were fresh and delicious, and the dressing was pretty good too, although a bit too much at times. I ordered the herb grilled chicken. It was dry and overcooked. I was bummed because I was looking forward to a nice, juicy chicken. The asparagus was good, though. My date's chicken was also dry, but his was mixed with a delicious Alfredo sauce over noodles so it helped cover up the taste a bit. We decided to skip desert since, by the time our meal was over, the food didn't seem worth the bill we would get. I walked out of this place feeling a little bit disappointed that it didn't meet my expectations based on previous reviews. The look and feel of the place was great, but the food just wasn't. Maybe I'll have to go again and order something different and hopefully get a better opinion. If I go again...
(3)
Matt S.
$3.75 for huge pitchers of Long Islands Sun-Thu are great, especially when they don't have tons of sour mix in it (which occasionally happens). Most of the other cocktails, and there are many, are quite delicious and worth trying. Wednesdays have the What-What food deals which can certainly be the best thing ever... most entrees are around $15.00. The Small Plate menu is a nice option if you just want to whet your appetite and enjoy your drinks. The staff is fun and helpful. Not once have I felt sad, depressed, alone, and/or neglected. Numerous staff, from servers to managers, shoot the breeze with the customers which is quite nice IMO.
(4)
Nicole L.
I loved this location the best and had a great time with our server and my family while dining here. I didn't like their meatloaf since I'm ridiculously picky about the way it's made and our server took the extra step to notify her manager and automatically take it off my bill. Most places offer a gift card to get you back and spend more or a desert that is usually cheaper than the dinner. I was pleased with how she handled the problem. They have good deals on certain nights and had tasty long island ice tea which was my first time trying one. The atmosphere is great and I liked the decor. I was bummed out that they were out of Creme Brulee when I was there but I will come back. The salad was amazing and worth having by itself.
(4)
Kellie M.
Okay. I'm done with Houlihan's in Park Ridge, IL --throwing my hands in the air--. Went YET AGAIN for Sunday brunch after visiting the cemetery with my mom and husband. #1) We were seated in the bar which was 9,000 degrees. Even the child-hostesses were fanning themselves with menus and glowing with sweat. #2) Mom got a shard of GLASS IN HER ICED TEA that she unknowingly sucked up through the straw!! #3) Manager's reaction to the glass: "Wow, that's scary. Are you okay?" and -that's it. I didn't expect a full meal comp but seriously? I will say that, once again, the food and the actual waitstaff were still really great. I'm beginning to think it's management issues but whatever the problem is, I'm glad that other people have had a good experience here but I'm done.
(1)
Jen P.
This place has the best service and the best bartenders ever. The bruschetta is orgasmic as are the lettuce chicken wraps. Any fry concoction here is fab and the brunch is completely outstanding. You can eat as much as you would like and it is totally worth the $16... Fried chicken, bacon, biscuits, salads, an omelet station, roast beef station, all the bread you care to eat, several desserts, mashed potatoes, and an array of salads await you... The staff is super friendly and helpful and the food is great.
(5)
Lynn R.
Food and ambiance is 5* but they messed up my reservation and said they did not get in time which I placed on opentable 3 hours ahead of time. It was a Thursday night so I did not think it would be such a big deal. They put me at the back of the line and the two girls who stand up front just gossiped with there backs to the customers the whole time we waited which was 40 minutes. That is a terrible business model to have the first employees you see stand with there backs to you. Anyways food made up for it all so we will give them another try.
(4)
Suzie D.
BEST french onion soup everrrr, and Wildfire's soup takes second place. This is the only Houlihan's within a 20 mile radius since sadly there are barely any Houlihan's restaurants around the Chicagoland area. I'm going back really soon for my comfort food fix.
(4)
Bernard B.
Very happy with this place. My diet Coke was never empty, the meal was very good and not very expensive. Decor was upscale and modern (especially for Park Ridge.) Our server, Jessica, was perfect. Had the goat cheese and artichoke poppers as an app. I like the twist on the pub grub concept. Also had the "72 burger" which was very good. It comes with a great big fried mushroom cap. Instead of fries I went for the peanut and ginger slaw. Awesome, and highly recommended. Very good experience. Lunch/dinner for 2 for around $30. I also checked the beer list, even though I wasn't drinking - this could use some work. The boldest selection on draft was Sam Adam's seasonal. OK, but you can do better. Would definitely benefit from adding some local craft beers. (Three Floyds, Metropolitan, Half Acre etc.)
(4)
Philip K.
I love this restaurant. It has a wonderful look and ambiance and most importantly, a GREAT staff. I would recommend the Thursday nite steak special. If you order a steak, you get either lobster or shrimp...FREE! Last but not least, is the manager, WENDY, who is in constant motion, checking that all customers have an excellent dining experience.
(5)
Michelle K.
This is a review for the Sunday "Bedhead Brunch" buffet, since that's the only time I've been to this location. Overall, I was impressed! Houlihan's may be a chain restaurant (and we all know how much Yelpers disdain chains), but they had quite a spread. There were all the usual suspects: bacon, sausage, biscuits and gravy, a design-your-own-omelette station, flapjacks, bagels, etc. However, I was drawn to the more unusual brunch items: roast beef served with a spicy horseradish sauce, pita triangles with white bean hummus, shrimp with cocktail sauce and remoulade, and steamed green beans that hadn't lost their crispness. I saw (but did not try) several different salads, chicken tenders, meatloaf, and a design-your-own-pasta-bowl station. Fun! Two negatives here: the layout was a little confusing (food was placed everywhere and no one seemed to know where the line began or ended), and the shrimp were served shell-on and weren't deveined. Call me a wimp, but I'm just not a big fan of eating shrimp poop. For dessert, I was entranced by the Italian donuts with chocolate sauce and white chocolate Bailey's sauce. The donuts were crispy on the outside and warm and cakey on the inside, with a hint of cinnamon. And the chocolate sauces were to die for (especially when eaten with strawberries). ::drool:: For $13.95 a person, you get a lot of food, and not just the same old brunch items! Pretty sweet, even if it's from a soulless chain restaurant, eh?
(4)
K H.
It's actually a nice place to go for a drink later at night with a girlfriend. The 1/2 price long islands and mixed drinks sun-thurs are a big plus. The service was great, the drinks were good, and I loved the parmesan frites we shared. All told it was a good place to chill on a Wednesday night :)
(4)
Tina A.
Nothing is better than the half off Long Island iced teas on Sun-Thurs. Georgia peach is my favorite. You can't go wrong with a glass or pitcher of this drink for less than 4 bucks. Great service and appetizers.
(5)
Janice O.
This is one of my favorite places to eat in Park Ridge. I love their hearty salads and flat bread.
(4)
Rob L.
I came here to meet a friend I haven't seen in about 12 or 13 years for a catch up drink. Yes. Really. I have friends. The place is trendy and lively. Plenty of staff, plenty of space, (outdoor area, like many have said, should be hopping and great once the warm weather finally arrives). There is a menu where there are plenty of items where some fine feastin' can commence. The wine list was good, nothing outrageous, but enough to keep most oenophiles fairly happy and content. I will say though, just like Park Ridge, this is a family place. Plenty of kids, plenty of families having dinner and parents sharing a drink and I am sure some stories about what trouble their kids are in now. I should know, I used to be one of those kids. Not a bad place, not a bad option. Not too chain like, good service, decent prices. Nice addition for Uptown Park Ridge. But not the best place for a quiet get together.
(3)
Ms G.
This is a review for Houlihan's bedhead brunch. My family and I went here for Father's Day, and while the rest of them had come before for brunch, it was my first time. They only serve brunch at this time, you can' t order off the menu, so make sure you like what they have to offer. There is plenty. They have the standard scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage, fruit, pancakes, biscuits and sausage gravy, carving station (roast beef and meatloaf), omelet station and dessert table, along with some interesting additions like Mediterranean orzo salad, caesar salad, chicken tenders, mashed potatoes, herbed potato wedges, and sliders. They also had a pasta station. Coffee is included with the brunch price. I enjoyed most of the food. My only complaints were that the sliders were very pink in the middle (I prefer well done burgers), and the bacon was not at all crispy, but barely cooked. The best items were their homemade chicken tenders, caesar salad, and mashed potatoes. They also had really great pecan pie. It was a nice brunch, at a decent price ($15.95), and will keep you full all day!
(4)
Carl S.
I went in with a predisposed idea as to what this place was all about, was I wrong. The Menu is HUGE with Small plates, Larger small plates, and the food was really great! We had the Frites, (free with a check in on foursquare) we had the Disco version. The Flatbread was excellent, Goat Cheese, Balsamic Tomatoes, and Kalamata Olives! The small Ceasar salad was very tasty, the croutons (Made from Polenta) were crunchy not soggy.
(4)
Ben H.
Although located on one of the busier streets in Park Ridge, the outside seating is still a nice option during the summer months. With both an outdoor "cocktail" area & a seperate outdoor dining area, you have the choice to sit and chat over drinks or dine off the menu. Monday-Thursday drink specials are great (1/2 off long islands & domestic beers) & because they're offered all day, you don't have to worry about arriving at any specific time. The food is slightly above average, though nothing to rave about. Prices are appropriate for the majority of the menu, though the steaks were overpriced (~$10 for a burger or wrap, but ~$25 for a steak). I've been here three or four times, & every time the service has been above average. All in all, definitely worth checking out, though more for a drink with friends than a sit-down dinner.
(4)
Real D.
Have been to this location twice already and both times the experience was very good. Ambiance - hip, club-like with Trance (yes - when I went recently) music, staff in black and decor post modern hotel chic. Food - We've ordered the following and all were extremely delicious: Asian Chicken Wings, Bruschetta, Salmon Salad, Chicken Salad. Sweet complex sauces. Fresh tasting. Adequate portions. Can't wait to try more items on the menu. Service - Exceptional. From entrance to egress, staff are alert and courteous. Waitstaff very accomodating and professional. We split a salad, and staff served salad on two plates. Nice touch. Floor managers check in with guests regularly; lets you know that customer service is high priority. Overall: Will be coming here often. Great food & service. Easy parking. Can't wait to avail of the outdoor dining next year when weather permits.
(5)
Katherine R.
Well I'm glad the neighborhoods surrounding me are starting to open up some new places, thank God. I went here with my Mom one Sunday night expecting it to be like most restaurants on Sunday night, slow. Well, it was packed. We didn't have to wait for a table since there was just two of us, but the place was slamming. Our server was really nice and attentive, definitely had a personality and was enthusiastic about his job. So that was nice, always scores points. I ordered the potato soup to start which was great. Definitely would get that again. I had the veggie sandwich which sounded really good, but was not. Not even close. The bread was super dry, so the sandwich became really messy since I couldn't even eat the bread. There was basically bruschetta tomatoes on there, which did not complement the sandwich at all. It's kind of hard to eat a sandwich with small, chopped tomatoes on it anyways. I basically just ate the fries, which were very good and called it a day. The menu is extensive, but not a whole lot of options for non-meat eaters. I will go back because the service was good and I'm sure people don't go there for the veggie sandwich. Just keep in mind Houlihan's there are people that don't eat meat- so a bean patty or veggie patty would be awesome.
Perfect place for girls to hang out! Top shelf ice tee with Bacardi U have to try!!!
(4)
Patty V.
Wow..could I love a salad any more than I love the Seared Ahi Tuna Salad?? I dunno....but,if it's wrong to love a salad this much,slap the cuffs on me and haul me away! Came here for a late lunch and left with a blissfully satisfied tummy.The service was wonderful. It was as if our server read our minds,but wasn't the least bit obtrusive. We started with the White Bean and Artichoke Hummus.Fresh, smooth and perfectly seasoned. Hubby had the Fettuccini Alfredo with Grilled Chicken. He loved it ..and he is picky about his Alfredo.Said it was almost as good as mine! High praise,indeed! I had the Seared Ahi Tuna Salad again. This is one of my very favorite salads-ever! It has generous slices of perfectly seared Ahi, mixed greens, cashews,cilantro and dried banana chips(sounds weird,I know,but...trust me,it all works great together)with some strips of fried wonton.all gently and lovingly tossed in a soy,ginger wasabi dressing-yummy!
(5)
Marco C.
This was my first visit to this particular location, however I was very pleased with the service, the girl who waited on us her name was Jenine I believe, she had been working there a few years and you can tell she was very much on top of her game. The food was really good, the service was excellent, and the overall setting was good, not what I am used to visiting the one in Oakbrook, but it did the trick. The reason I only gave this great restaurant 1 star is because of parking, we had to walk quite far as they are in a strip mall, now I know they do not have a parking lot, but maybe they do have closer parking, and my coworker didn't know since he drove. However all in all it was a great experience, and the guys left her a $20 dollar tip and on my way out i gave her an additional $5 tip so I am sure she was a happy camper , would definitely go back, but only if I could get the same server, she was funny and very attentive. :)
(4)
Susie R.
Not a fan at all but it was my first time there to eat (I went there for drinks before and it was fine) and I was starving, not to mention my boyfriend and I were crunch in time. From the moment we walked in I wasn't impressed, don't take me wrong the place is nice all tho a but dim, it all started with the hostess, God only knows what she was wearing, some sort of black washed out spandex with a tight black shirt and some sort of flats, didn't really fit in with the place (or any other restaurant for all I know). Then, we ordered appetizers, the chicken and avocado rolls (the only good thing we ate), the disco fries... lets just say that my boyfriend hates mushrooms and I will never know if he is allergic to them! the mushrooms were all over our food but not in the description of the plate in the menu! The mushrooms were on HIS meatloaf and that wasn't a good thing at all. Moreover, did I mentioned my "enchiladas" yet? nope! lets just leave them out of the picture because they were a complete turn off :( we ended up taking most of our food home and the waitress didn't even bother to ask why! So if you don't like mushrooms and want to try Houlihan's make sure you ask and don't say I didn't tell you about it!
(1)
Katherine E.
I am so thrilled to finally have a cool place to go for a drink in Park Ridge. The decor here is very modern but cozy. The black bar top is amazingly smooth and very deep so you can eat there and be totally comfy. I haven't had a lot of food there yet but what I did order was great. My only tiny complaint would be the appetizer plates. They are triangle shaped and thick so they are awkward to use. Otherwise I love this place. Nice looking crowd too.
(4)
Chris D.
Very veg friendly. Had a selection of dishes. I enjoyed the veggie burger, which was excellent, and we had the hummus as an appetizer. Good service, too
(4)
Sam S.
Used to be a 5 star but service is always slow lately.
(4)
Denise M.
Went here for the first time and i must admit the food was great! I ordered the so cal fish tacos and the mashed potatoes and both were delish! The only reason I didn't give this place 5 stars is cause the service was a tad bit "confusing." We had 3 different waiters/servers coming out with glasses cause they didn't communicate with each other that they already brought out the glasses and cause our main waiter kept having to go back and fourth to our table cause he would notice that stuff was missing (glasses, plates, etc.) Overall, I would say that I had a good experience and i would definitely come back again!
(4)
Kryste N.
3.5 stars!! Saturday friends and I did a DIY Park Ridge "pub crawl", ok I know that sounds crazy cause there are no pubs in Park Ridge, but there are places with a fun bar and Houlihan's definitely qualifies. Best of all their bar "small plates" menu was extensive, the variety was unbelievable and they even had mini entrees. Really, one of the most brilliant bar menus I have ever seen, and they have a whole variety of Skinny Girl cocktails to choose from. We had some better than normal bar food munchies, a variety of drinks, I selected the Skinny Girl cucumber martini and WHOA! All in all a good time, I'll be back!
(3)
Eleni L.
First time going to the Sunday Brunch. Well let's put it this way my family said Old Country Buffet's breakfast selections are a ton better and a whole lot cheaper. This brunch is not worth the money. We had to ask for drink refills and they weren't busy. We will think twice before going back to this brunch.
(1)
Charlie G.
Well, I've always sat in the bar so this is a review of that experience. The service can be hit or miss...the bartenders are sometimes too cool for school...also, I frequent the place (almost every two weeks) and they rarely even remember me so that's a bit of a downer...but sometimes it's due to the fact that there are always new faces when I go in there....that said, I do get the free birthday dinner from them and they are always good at their marketing.
(4)
Ted W.
Greta atmosphere and good quality food. Interesting selection.
(4)
Joanne L.
I come here regularly with the husband, but prior to that, I hadn't been to a Houlihans in about a decade. The service here is always spot-on and the food always comes out hot, nicely prepared, and usually faster than expected. The caveat about that is that our entrees will come out just after having our first bites of our appetizers. Drinks are usually the slowest to arrive. Sometimes coming in mid-meal. Other than that, there isn't a whole lot I don't like about this place.
(4)
Mel L.
If you like a Sunday brunch only menu and service for 8 squeezed into a table for 6, then this is the place for you!
(2)
Gray G.
Wow! Brunch buffet was great. Tasty mushroom brie omelet. Italian donuts were fantastic. Good coffee. Bacon was alright. Very accommodating staff. Nice atmosphere. Music selection was good - Mary J. Blige and Cibo Matto. Surprisingly cool for a suburban chain restaurant.
(4)
JUDITH W.
Houlihan's is a welcome addition to Park Ridge. It's a good place for lunch, cocktails or a dinner. Service is good. It is nice to have the bar menu and a place where one can dine alone or with a friend without having to go to a table. The decor is more sophisticated that I remember any Houlihans ever being, and that's a plus.
(4)
Tom C.
I ate here last night and had a wonderful time. The service was good and so was the food. Good drink specials. The Club sandwich and fish tacos were given thumbs up reviews from my party. I had the southwest chicken wrap and was pleased with it. a unique combination of flavors. The pecan pie was excellent and the deserts are well worth the low price. I have never been let down by any Houlihan's.
Simple review....how can a place serve lukewarm to cold food? I ordered the Atlantic Salmon, fire grilled. I should have known the food would not be satisfying b/c the plate was not warm. The asparagus was cold. The mashed potatos were warm. Thank goodness the salmon was warmer. Service was blah...she seemed like she didn't want to be there. She practically threw our plates down and took off....no enjoy or anything... The decor is nice. It's going to be interesting to see what happens when the outside dining is available since they are already receiving complaints from the neighbors about the noise. The staff in general didn't seem friendly. The prices are what you would expect from a chain and being in Park Ridge.
(1)
Regina D.
The last time I was at this restaurant was in February and I wrote a very negative review which has been filtered. At that time I pretty much said it wasn't worth my time to go there any more. I went again on October 19th since I had neglected to take my name off of their birthday list and got a coupon for a free entree. I ordered the petite filet mignon and a diet coke with tortilla soup. The waitress took my order promptly and served my soup which was nice and hot with crispy tortilla strips and sloshed all over the plate under the bowl. She then brought me my steak which I had ordered medium well. When I cut into it it looked fine. When I tasted it I was appalled. The cook had killed the cow a second time. The steak was dry and tough and not seasoned, nor were the broccolini on the plate. There was absolutely no juice from the steak whatsoever. The fries were, fortunately, hot and not soggy. I would have spoken to the waitress about it but she completely ignored me until she brought me my bill, never even asking if I wanted my Diet Coke refilled - I did. So, at the risk of being filtered again, I must again say thumbs down. And look, I am filtered - again.
(2)
Jak K.
i have to say for a "chain" we had an excellent experience. i had never actually been to a houlihan's before this. we went on day 4 of opening. i have to say excellent service! every staff member that walked by asked if we needed something or offered to refill our drinks. beer was icey cold in a frosty mug. food very good! i will definitely go back. it's great to have a good place just down the road.
(5)
Lana R.
I came here for my birthday and the service was okay. The food was very good. I love the ambiance there!
(4)
robert r.
Safe go to spot in park ridge. Food is always good and a great variety of drinks. One of the few places for outdoor dining in town. Great bar for nightly boys or girls night out
(4)
Jenni S.
The food is just okay. I hadn't been here in a while and I remember it being a lot better. I had the chicken ranch southwest wrap. It was decent but nothing I'll be craving. I just feel like the menu lacks something.
(3)
Frank S.
Food is very bland and dry while customer service is not great. I don't really recommend the place because McDonald's has better tasting food ( that's saying a lot). My burger was Blue when I asked for medium well. Fries were dry and mushy. There are many other places in park ridge to get a good meal at such as Blu fish and jersey mikes
(1)
A. T. T.
My best friend and I go to this restaurant at least once a month and it is almost always a great experience I highly recommend the Italian sausage flatbread, pot roast, fish & chips, and any of the chicken dishes. The ribs are great,too. Experimenting with new items on the menu sometimes can be a haphazard experience, for example, they had a beer mac and cheese that was absolutely one of nastiest things I have ever eaten but my meal was comped and they gave me another entree to take home. That's my idea of real cusomer service! That weird dish was an anomaly because normally the food is fabulous, we keep going back and will continue to go back. A great place to eat in Park Ridge.
I've eaten here about a 1/2 dozen times over the past couple of years. Appetizers are good, but not fantastic. I've typically always ordered a salad and the baked potato soup (86ing the bacon because I'm a vegetarian) as my main course. However, I'm glad I changed up my routine... Last time we dined here I had the black bean sliders and they were tasty. Tasty, but not outstanding (slightly soggy). The Fried that accompanied the sliders were good. 4/5 because the staff is always friendly, food arrives within an adequate amount of time and the restaurant takes reservations. Wish they had more vegetarian entree options.
(4)
Leo P.
This place was good. I ate here for lunch and ordered the so cal fish taco. I asked for the sauce on the side but it was served in the taco. It was still good. The server got us our food on time-as advertised. Nothing wrong with the food or atmosphere. But nothing spectacular either. I wish I could give this place a 3.5 because it was clean and the environment was quite relaxing. Unfortunately I still have to go with 3 stars over 4 because honestly it was just Good, but not great.
(3)
Mike P.
Everytime sub Par service! Whoever hires staff here needs to be fired from corporate. The staff all needs to be drug tested. They are always in LA LA land and have to always repeat my order. I waited 45 min for a soup and salad. Rude bartenders and depressing atmosphere. No more $$$ from my Family and I. Close down for a couple weeks . Make a plan and recycle the current staff . And reopen for a possible turn around.
(1)
Ashley G.
We use to love coming here!! My husband went in last night and picked up an order for dinner. I had ordered Thai Chicken, and when I opened the box I was totally in shock! There was one small piece of chicken a couple of pieces of asparagus and maybe 4 bites of Rice!! It looked like a kid plate! It seems that their portions have severely diminished! I called and the woman who I spoke with said, "That's how it comes" if you dine in with us you get a bigger portion! What!!! Then, I should have received a smaller bill! So rude, and will not be coming back here for awhile.
(1)
Shawn B.
Went for the first time since moving to Park Ridge. We visited last Friday with a group of 4 people to celebrate an anniversary...Burgers were way over cooked to well instead of medium, when asking waiter what could be done he acted like management was busy. My gf ordered dessert and it was totally overly covered in chocolate syrup..... Like drenched. Again told waiter and he just stood there and said nothing could be done. Just overall not a good experience
(1)
Howard L.
We had an OK weekend lunch stop here. Wife had a salmon BLT ($13.45, and it was a bit fishy), and I had their three slider combo - pot roast, burger, and BBQ pulled pork for $11.00. The slider combo was good, and mini pretzel rolls fresh. They have an all day menu on weekends, and not separate lunch and dinner menus. Can't beat the convenience factor with it's Uptown location and nearby parking. This location is also newish and clean.
(3)
Gerard G.
Came here with a party of 6 on a Sunday. I understand that the place was packed but the service overall is horrible. The servers stand around and talk while the managers probably micromanage and don't do any busy work. We weren't offered any refills for our beverages and we received our food later than expected; I want to say that we were waiting on 2 people to show but we knew what they wanted and ordered for them. But the server misunderstood when to bring out the food and we didn't receive it until about 2 hours later. Side note, my mom accidentally lost her phone and we searched everywhere and we thought that she might have misplaced it in the menu by accident. So we asked the manager if he might check in the menus? He rudely (without checking) responded, "No. We would have noticed it." Later to find out that it was in one of the menus. (Probably feels like a dick lol) Going back to the servers, they need training in organizing their time between tables. I understand that during busy days it's difficult (I worked as a server, I understand) but when you have a large party that tipped 20% regardless of the unmistakable horrific service. I at least expect an overall apology about the experience... As we sat next to the booth of servers and managers, they noticed that we were getting irritated and still did nothing. Please don't bother in a response because I'm not changing my review nor am I trying to look for any compensation. This was my first time here and my last. My family didn't want me to tip the waiter anything but I understand how hard it is. But if you run a business in Park Ridge, I expect the overall service to be 5 stars.
(1)
Deborah R.
I was so hopeful when Houlihan's came to Park Ridge. They have such a nice bar area. However, every time I go to have a cocktail there it takes forever to be served by the bartender. Not their fault, but I want to order my drink and there's one bartender serving the restaurant and three people waiting for a drink at the bar....while the other servers stand around doing nothing. Yes, I understand they are not bartenders. I ducked in there about one week ago to get a drink, waiting 5 minutes as more and more people came to the bar and finally left. Too bad, but I for one will never go back. I mentioned it to the hostess and she asked if I wanted to speak to the manager but I didn't want to go that far. Nice that the hostess knew what to say when I mentioned I was disgruntled. Part II of review...after I made the comment above I was immediately contacted by Houlihan's management. I was pleased with the quick response. They offered to send me a gift certificate but I really didn't want it because I don't want folks to think I'm just our there hunting for freebies. They did send a $25 gc so I will try to go back in there again. Management seems to want to make it work but whether or not there's follow through is the question. Look for Part III in the near future!!
(1)
Maddie M.
Great Sunday brunch! Be sure to ask for Felicie. She's the best. Energetic and fun! Ask for the check, not to settle the tab!!! Hahahaba
(5)
Sanford R.
I have visited this location a couple of times in the past few months and can now say that I am a fan. I have tried the salmon, their steaks and the scallops, and have really enjoyed everything. The service was OK on the first visit and much better the second time around. I really like the lighting in the restaurant and the atmosphere in general. I definitely will be back.
(4)
Mala G.
I came here with my friends birthday two months ago for the first time for me Our waitress mary was amazing young lady. She was sweet kind and just very helpful. She bought a bday cake out for my friend . Because of her I return 4 more times with my boyfriend and his mom for her bday. Mary was there. We spoke and I told her and the manager she was great. The food was amazing. Fish tacos ' mushroom appetizer , chicken wrap. The drinks were good. Yesterday we came back for another friends bday The waiter yest was okay. I felt he was a little cold I think i will make sure mary is there the next time I go. The manager is very nice too. Mary you are so good at what you do. Good job
(5)
Jackie O.
The bar happy hour here can't be beat! Tuesday 1/2 price bottles of wine and small plate apps makes for good after-work munchies. It's a bummer here that the servers really seem indifferent about service or speed. I would skip a regular, full-price dinner here. So many better options in the neighborhood.
(3)
George O.
Four of us were there in Wednesday evening arrived at 7:15 did not get served until 8:15. Server stopped by on own twice in that time to let us know they were running behind. Had to ask for another beverage. Manager came by once. Not good for business. Second time this has happened in last 3 weeks. Manager did handle the bill but that can't be done all the time. It is not like the food is spectacular so service should be a premium. One more time and we will not frequent the establishment. George O
(1)
John G.
Had the artichoke white bean hummus appetizer is was fresh & creamy. Chicken tortilla soup had just the right amount of spices. Service was surprising pleasant.
(4)
Cheryl B.
Free birthday coupon--ordered the Thai Chicken. It was very small but good, not great. Not worth $14.99 though if I was paying. Over priced menu. Not much to choose from. Back side of menu is all drinks. Wish they made fresh cut french fries instead of frozen ones.
(3)
D.j. B.
Food was awesome. Managers and waitress were chat friendly. Kept checking back on us. Couldn't have asked for a semi-cheap Friday night date
(5)
Christina G.
I've been here a few times with friends after work. First piece of advice: sign up for the emails. I just delete most of them, but sometimes you get coupons for $10 off your bill, and in your birthday month, you get a free entree (up to $15). Worth it, I think. We go earlier in the evening and get the happy hour specials. I usually get a peach long island, and the table shares an order of chicken nachos. After a bowl of tortilla soup, I'm already stuffed. I will say that I'm always a little surprised at the bill when it comes, as it always seems a little high for what we've ordered. Maybe it's just me. Aside from the nachos and tortilla soup, both of which I really like, the food isn't the best I've had. Everything seems just a tad underseasoned, and no dish is truly an exceptional, "I have to come back for this meal" dish. Do watch out for your specials though. If you have a coupon, you can't use it for any type of special, like half bottle wine night, or happy hour drinks. I'm sure we'll be back again, but with so many other restaurants in the uptown area, we'll be sure to give other restaurants a try.
(3)
Crystal K.
The Nachos were great. The drinks were watered down. Unfortunately the waitress was very rude. It was almost as if she wanted us to hurry up and leave. We got there around 1030 and I know that they close at midnight so we were confused as to why she was rushing us.
(2)
Adam L.
You've hooked me with your Serious Brownie Sundae. For that, I'll see you in Hell you Irish bastards! Bring brownies.
(5)
Craig Y.
Serve was great, food was good but there was an over gratuitous use of tile in the loo
(4)
Ruth S.
Houlihan's is close to my work and in theory it is a great place to do a happy hour but this place sucks. I have given Houlihan's SO many chances and they continuously let me do. Their food is simply not good. I have complained to managers, they have compensated me with a free meal, and still it is not enough to get me to go back. I have tried a number of different dishes, and they are all bad. I have come for lunch and in the evening. The drinks are not strong, even when you splurge for the premium liquor. I have to give up on this place. Don't waste your money!
(1)
Louie K.
Nice place, consistent, the food is always good so is the service, my family and I visit frequently especially in the summer time! The patio seating with a glass of wine is very calming and the kids have enough space to play instead of plying with tablets by the table! Definitely one my favorite in park ridge.
(5)
Nick N.
The food here was pretty good. Friendly waitress and an interesting menu that I've been told changes frequently. A bit pricey, but an overall good experience.
(4)
Oliver Y.
Went with the meatloaf, great portion had enough for breakfast the next day. Visited here on a Wednesday during dinner, dinning area was a little empty, a few people at the bar and on the patio. Staff was on top of things, water was never half empty. I must re-visit on Friday or Sataurday, great neighborhood (downtown Park Ridge)
(4)
Larissa A.
This place is nice, it looks nice the staff is nice, it is in a nice place. It just all seems a little... forced and fake. I am not from the area so I don't know if that just has to do with the location but it was very noticeable here. Parking was a PIA and a little confusing... I just parked on the street somewhere. The food is good, that is the thing about chain restaurants they are safe. The food is consistant. Lucky for Houlihan's it is a step above most chains in this department. They also have a great and inventive cocktail menu. Like I mentioned I do not live in this area so I can't say I will come back, even if visiting.
(3)
Greg F.
me and my party received great service here this past saturday and every last morsel disappeared off the plates. you bet we're fans!
(4)
M. O.
I went to Houlihan's today (Sunday) and I've got to say I was totally impressed with this place. The service was great, the food was pretty tasty, and the drinks were refreshing! I came with a couple friends looking for some light food and drinks. We ended up finding out they had a special...$3.95 appetizers and $5 long island iced teas. This was an unexpected surprise. Our server made some great recommendations, as they have multiple flavors of Long Islands. I recommend trying the Georgia Peach and the Angry Orchard Long Islands. As far as appetizers, I'd say their spicy chicken avocado egg rolls and lettuce wrap appetizers are their best. Try the pretzel sticks with beer cheese and the wings as well. You won't regret stopping by Houlihan's, especially on a Sunday!!!
(4)
Kim L.
So, we've been here a couple times. The first two times were alright, decent food and decent service. The last time I was there, just a few days ago, the food runner spilled salsa and sour cream on me. I was really nice about it because I didn't want him to feel bad, and he was really nice about it and apologized more than enough. The waitress had to have seen me cleaning myself off when she brought more food, however she didn't say anything. Nor did I get a replacement salsa and sour cream, even though the majority of it had fallen in my lap. I feel like there should have been further communication between the food runner, waitress and management. Just for hospitality purposes. That's really one of the only faults I've seen at this place. The food is decent and they have nice happy hour specials.
(3)
Marie C.
Been coming here for years. They used to have one by my house and I was so sad when it got closed down. Their potato soup is the best potato soup I have ever had. Even better than corner bakery's! Love their chicken tenders. Their sliders are amazing and so juicy I love it. Service is good and I love to sit on the patio when it's nice out
(5)
Lauren K.
Went here with my dad for lunch. We each got a combo. Both had the French onion soup (very good, with baked cheese on top). My dad had an ahi tuna salad which he ate up and enjoyed. I liked my fish taco, but the salsa for the salsa and chips it came with was rather forgettable. Our waitress made poor change when we paid (the only option would have been to leave a disproportionately enormous tip) so we had to ask her to break the bill further, which was a little annoying. The restaurant is very clean and attractive. The prices are reasonable, too. I'd like to go again for dinner some time.
(3)
Yanyao N.
This place screams suburban chain, only the decor has been updated a little and the dark wood interior is actually quite relaxing to hang out in. We sat at the bar and ordered some small plates to share. There was "fancy" pasta - wide noodles with a meat sauce, served warm (and not hot). There was bruschetta, which should be so simple to make, yet the bread were thin pieces of crostini that snapped when you tried to spread goat cheese on it. Yup, the majority of the bruschetta was goat cheese, formed into a circle with a ring mold, the bottom being a tomato mix. There are some redeeming qualities though. Houlihan's was open on Easter Sunday (when Jason's Deli was closed). The mini hot dogs are decent. The service started out good, but was non-existent near the end of our meal. Waters were not refilled, and the worst part? I had my credit card in the little shot glass the bill was in for SO long. It was ignored. (Don't people want to get paid?) In the end, I got so frustrated with waiting, that I spent my cash (reserved for my birthday casino trip) and left. No plans to return - next Easter Sunday, I'll plan better.
(2)
Carla G.
My expectations for food chains are never really high. The food selection at Houlihans is pretty typical- burgers, fries, steak, pasta, etc. Some of the items have a nice twist such as a variety of fries or calamari served in a Chinese take out box. Also, the big small plates are great to share. I have noticed the food service is very slow no matter what I order- even if it's just fries! Houlihan's offers drink deals in the middle of the week which is a great way to try something new without fear of wasting money. I return here because it is a nice place to come for drinks & appetizers- highly recommend their long islands!
The French onion soup was great! I went for lunch and service was slower than I expected. I only had soup (very filling) and a drink so was shocked I had to stand up to get the attention of my waitress for my bill. Hostess was very attentive when I came in. I would give it a second chance.
(3)
Shereene M.
Average chain restaurant. The weekly drink specials were good. The food was just whatever. I'd much rather go to a random small restaurant in the area.
(2)
Susan P.
food and drinks tasty, nice week day specials. A bit pricey.
(4)
Brandon V.
Meh! We stopped in here because it was nearby after we'd spent a little time walking around in Park Ridge and hopping into Starbucks. On the surface, it looks like my kind of place, but it turns out, it is pretty lackluster. The food we ordered was less than stellar, and the service was HORRIBLE. We were greeted and seated by one person, then our drinks were taken by another person, then we waited about 15 minutes before yet another person came and re-took our drink orders, explained that our server was being "relieved" and that he would now be taking care of us. Meanwhile, we saw our original server waiting other tables the whole time we were there. As it turns out, we wished he'd stayed with us - it looked like he was taking care of his tables a lot better than our server was taking care of us. There was a LOT of waiting... for EVERYTHING. And patience is not my strong suit. It might have made a little difference if the server had been friendly, but he wasn't. He was pretty smug and short the whole visit. Finally, what in HELL happened in the bathroom with those tiles? I thought I was going to pass out it was so busy in there. Eesh, this ain't Jersey!
(2)
Jennifer I.
Chain restaurants leave me feeling a little underwhelmed. I don't hate them, can eat there when the situation calls for it, but they are never destination spots for me. However, I have eaten at the Park Ridge Houlihan's twice in the past six months, and have been very pleasantly surprised with the food, the service, and the non-chain feeling. My grade school gal pals and I have picked this place as it is relatively centrally located, they have pretty ample parking (underground), they have a big menu, and it's quiet enough so we can talk about important things, like which guy from our class recently posted about his vasectomy on Facebook. The atmosphere is actually pretty cozy....when I think "chain restaurant" I somehow always picture bright lights/bright colors (cough cough Fridays), faux-Irish (cough Bennigan's cough cough) or faux-owl (cough cough Hooters cough). Houlihan's has lots of dark wood and big booths...almost too classy for my gang and our talk of gossipy smut. They haven't asked us to leave yet, soo.... But most importantly...the food. This is why Houlihan's really gets my snaps. In addition to the wide variety (sandwiches, salads, entrees, flatbreads, etc.), they offer some food in different sizes. So let's say you really really like red meat (that would be me) but you don't have room or a doctor's permission to eat a big steak. You can get a 4 oz. filet as a mini entree. How cool is that? AND the food is pretty darn tasty, too. While I won't be a regular Houlihanian, I know I could always find something to suit my appetite, and I wouldn't ever object to going here, even if no one else from my class undergoes some sort of sterilization procedure.
(4)
Mel L.
If you like a Sunday brunch only menu and service for 8 squeezed into a table for 6, then this is the place for you!
(2)
Gray G.
Wow! Brunch buffet was great. Tasty mushroom brie omelet. Italian donuts were fantastic. Good coffee. Bacon was alright. Very accommodating staff. Nice atmosphere. Music selection was good - Mary J. Blige and Cibo Matto. Surprisingly cool for a suburban chain restaurant.
(4)
Karla L.
"How many bad experiences do we need to have until we stop coming here?!?!" This is what I said the last time (and I do mean the LAST TIME) I had dinner at Houlihan's in Park Ridge, IL. There are so many good restaurants in the neighborhood - Blu Fish, Affresco, Maki Sushi, even Chipotle - that there is no reason to spend my money at this chain restaurant joke! From the super slow wait staff, (one reviewer mentioned having to hunt down her server for the paycheck only to find that server chit-chatting in the bar area... SAME HERE!) to the mediocre food - I'm over it! I do not appreciate being served warm beer with a side of attitude. I can not stand having over eager servers vacuum around my table so that they can leave the restaurant as soon as it closes! The icing on the cake (literally) was finding a piece of PLASTIC in the frosting of the piece of carrot cake that I was having for dessert! GROSS! Also, if you were considering going to this place for Mother's Day brunch.... DON'T! I made reservations weeks in advance only to have my family WAIT AN HOUR for a table. Isn't a reservation made TO RESERVE A TABLE? This restaurant is a joke. I will not being coming back, ever.
(1)
Jimbo B.
I usually avoid chains but this Houlihan's is nice. The service has always been great and there's always something on the menu for everyone. I like how they wrap your food up for you instead of just bring you a box. The menu is delicious and they have a good wine and decent beer selection. Fair prices, too.
(4)
Kkk K.
The worst service I ever received....Good luck goiing there.....I finally got out after being sick for 6 months. I was treated like I was a toddler. Thank you Houlihan's never again,
(1)
Joe G.
HEY Yelp, you need to give us half stars. This place is a 2.5er. First thank goodness for alcohol because there really is no atmosphere here. Sitting outside is much much better than inside and the bar area is better than the restaurant. Sit in the restaurant if you don't want to be seen or want to nap before dinner. Second too bad alcohol is so expensive here. I have been here several times because believe it or not, I have a couple friends and they seem to want to go here. It is really kind of a bland place and I forget about it once I leave. I've had items from fish to meatloaf not bad just forgettable So my last trip I found something yummy and it goes with beer. Pot Roast sliders. Its a small plate so there are only 3 but it mixes perfectly with a Stella. The meet is tender and the gravy compliments it perfectly. In addition, the texture of the gravy is perfect, not over thickened where you get a coating of flour or corn starch on your tongue. What would have made a trifecta of flavor would have been an order of pickle fries but alas they were off the menu. To reviewer Ed K, I was here in April and they were still gossiping about you
(2)
Craig T.
Just went back to Houlihan's with my wife and son for part of my wife's birthday celebration week. She had received a free entree email that we took advantage of. Great location for us with sophisticated ambiance for a chain restaurant. Server was courteous and the food was pretty good. I frequent this more often with just my son, when my wife travels. It's a kid-friendly environment and the kids menu seems to be a great deal. When the weather is inviting, there is plenty of outdoor seating that we try and take advantage of. Bar area is one of the nicer ones in Park Ridge.
(4)
Kristine M.
I went here on a Friday night a few weeks ago at 8:30 and there was a wait. I didn't expect it, but this location is a bit smaller than the other locations. We sat at the bar and were greeted promptly. We ordered drinks and probably wait 25 mins for a table. Once we were sat, we were greeted by our servers who seemed pretty attentive at first. We ordered our food and she checked up on us every once in a while. This was fine except she was not attentive when it came down to our drinks being refilled. The food itself was good as usual. I ordered the fish tacos and the Tuscan salad and was not disappointed. Towards the end of the night, is when I started to feel like our waitress was not around as much. We sat with plates on our table that were finished for sometime. We ordered the s'mores dessert which was delicious as usual. Overall, the food was good and the service was okay. Would I go back? Absolutely. Houlihans has always been a favorite restaurant of mine to eat at.
(4)
Marcee W.
Not much to say about a chain restaurant that hasn't been said, but Houlihan's is pretty consistent. Service at this location is good and the ambiance is very pleasant. I noticed they've jumped on the small plates trend which they group in with their appetizers. Baked potato soup is always delish and is a nice complement to any of their salads.
(3)
Nina I.
I love this place, their food isn't expensive and they're not a fine dining restaurant by any means but they seem to care about their food. And I'm talking only about the one in Park Ridge because I've never been to any of the other ones. Also the decor is up to date and so cozy. I can sit there all day. And they're also sooo savvy that they have wi-fi! how cool huh? You can have a meal aaannddd surf the internet without the necessity to pirate from other people. :} Although it IS a corporate owned store it definitely has the feeling of a cute mom and pop modern restaurant and also since it's right under an apartment building Uptown Park Ridge the regulars have an even better bonding experience with the place. All in all this is the best place to go if you're looking to go somewhere inexpensive but with quality. I would recommend this place any day. Just avoid the usual busy days (that goes for every restaurant though).
(5)
Charlie G.
Well, I've always sat in the bar so this is a review of that experience. The service can be hit or miss...the bartenders are sometimes too cool for school...also, I frequent the place (almost every two weeks) and they rarely even remember me so that's a bit of a downer...but sometimes it's due to the fact that there are always new faces when I go in there....that said, I do get the free birthday dinner from them and they are always good at their marketing.
(4)
Ted W.
Greta atmosphere and good quality food. Interesting selection.
(4)
Joanne L.
I come here regularly with the husband, but prior to that, I hadn't been to a Houlihans in about a decade. The service here is always spot-on and the food always comes out hot, nicely prepared, and usually faster than expected. The caveat about that is that our entrees will come out just after having our first bites of our appetizers. Drinks are usually the slowest to arrive. Sometimes coming in mid-meal. Other than that, there isn't a whole lot I don't like about this place.
(4)
Jacob J.
There's a new tapas place in town (Park Ridge) and it's called Houlihans! Who knew they went small plates and when? I like this new menu which offers many more kinds of sizing options of appetizers, small plates, large plates, small entrees and then normal size as well. So many more offerings and price groups to please your appetite and wallet. Added in the nick of time to save them from restaurant downfall; during this economy. Precisely something I pondered about, a year back when I saw the dwindling business at a newer location just like this one, except located way deep out there in the sticks of IL aka Elgin. Stop into the PR location on any night and business is hoppin'. Hit up the bar and find some of Park Ridge's most eligible, mature bachelorettes, it can be a scene in here at times. Trendy location, good food for the price however the service is lagging far behind. Good door crew which is always able to enter and exit greet, but of the few times I've been back I haven't been able to find the right waitress. I've sat both in the bar and dining areas and I don't get what makes the service so different. I have had the best service while seated at the bar being served by the bartender. This last time, the waitress was so cold without a hint of personality. It could've been due to the weather since at the time it was snowing and there was talk of the expected slow drive home. Surrounded by smiling people all having a good time eating and enjoying the time, you hope that your first point of contact, i.e. the wait staff would be more inviting. OH well. For the occasional drink and meal, it's okay. On your next trip, you must have the Italian donuts with dip. It should definitely be shared and devoured in one sitting. Peep my last review for more details. Now, I teeter from 3 to 4 stars. The food is good, it's just the staff which is NOT attentive.
(3)
Maggie W.
Came here for lunch a few times during the workday. Your pretty standard casual sit-down chain restaurant in the vein of Bennigans, Chilis, Applebees, TGIFridays, etc. Service was fast and friendly and food was good. I appreciated that they had lunch options so I didn't have to pay for a ton of food that I didn't eat.
(3)
Kryste N.
3.5 stars!! Saturday friends and I did a DIY Park Ridge "pub crawl", ok I know that sounds crazy cause there are no pubs in Park Ridge, but there are places with a fun bar and Houlihan's definitely qualifies. Best of all their bar "small plates" menu was extensive, the variety was unbelievable and they even had mini entrees. Really, one of the most brilliant bar menus I have ever seen, and they have a whole variety of Skinny Girl cocktails to choose from. We had some better than normal bar food munchies, a variety of drinks, I selected the Skinny Girl cucumber martini and WHOA! All in all a good time, I'll be back!
(3)
Eleni L.
First time going to the Sunday Brunch. Well let's put it this way my family said Old Country Buffet's breakfast selections are a ton better and a whole lot cheaper. This brunch is not worth the money. We had to ask for drink refills and they weren't busy. We will think twice before going back to this brunch.
(1)
Cristie F.
Generally, I'm not a fan of major chain restaurants with gigantic menus, and average, unhealthy, bland food. However, Houlihan's takes it up a notch from "Meh" to "A-OK". Apparently Houlihan's revamped their menu a couple years back, adding a variety of small plates, large plates, smaller sized entrees, lunch specials, and your normal sized plate. I'm glad they caught on to the trend. Some people don't like to gorge into a massive 2,000+ calorie dish, or pay a fortune for it. Many of us do have smaller appetites, so kudos to Houlihans for providing options. Everyone likes options. Anyhow, seven of us left the prison walls of the office to head out for lunch. We decided to start out with a few appetizers - battered and fried Jumbo Stuffed Shrooms, Spinach Dip with massive cheesy pita wedges, Calamari, and the fancy pants Bruschetta. Aside from trying the calamari, all the apps were delish and had great presentation. As a note - the dishes aren't that small, so go easy on them. I'd also recommend the Goat Cheese & Artichoke Poppers - those little balls are warm, gooey, and beyond ridiculously addicting. On to the entrees. We all had something different ranging from fish tacos, salads, flatbreads, grilled salmon, and veggie burgers. Having a few vegetarians in the group, it was helpful that the menu identified which items were vegetarian. They also have a gluten free and vegan menu if your diet requires so. I went with the wild mushroom and arugula flatbread with the side spinach salad. The flatbread was okay. I was hoping for more of a cracker-like crust, as opposed to a mushy dough, but to each their own. The flavor itself was good. I loved the spinach salad with the poppy dressing. However, the plate came out with ring of ice under the plate that fell off all over me, leaving a cold wet mess. The answer I got from the waiter - "Oh, I'm so sorry. The salads are pre-made and kept in the cooler". Umm, ok. I hate the word pre-made. And how long was that baby in the cooler to get an entire ring of ice under the plate?? Aside from that incident, service was great. The waiter was attentive, and apologetic when he wasn't. He was friendly, fun, and provided a few jokes to lighten up the workday. He was helpful in explaining the menus and the lunch specials, since they are somewhat confusing. The food came out fast, and during a lunch break - I can't complain about that. Overall - Great spot for a quick, inexpensive lunch or a killer happy hour.
(3)
Chris D.
Very veg friendly. Had a selection of dishes. I enjoyed the veggie burger, which was excellent, and we had the hummus as an appetizer. Good service, too
(4)
Sam S.
Used to be a 5 star but service is always slow lately.
(4)
Denise M.
Went here for the first time and i must admit the food was great! I ordered the so cal fish tacos and the mashed potatoes and both were delish! The only reason I didn't give this place 5 stars is cause the service was a tad bit "confusing." We had 3 different waiters/servers coming out with glasses cause they didn't communicate with each other that they already brought out the glasses and cause our main waiter kept having to go back and fourth to our table cause he would notice that stuff was missing (glasses, plates, etc.) Overall, I would say that I had a good experience and i would definitely come back again!
(4)
Jessica S.
I would like to meet this Houlihan fellow. This is the second establishment of his that I have had the pleasure to frequent. Ever had a small plate? Well the plates aren't necessarily small but the food on it has been shrunk down to oompa loompa size and I am a fan. Try the Slider Pit 3 Pack... mini Chicago Style Hot Dog was awesome! Check out the photo... the dog was about the size of my iPhone. Also hit up the mini Veggie Burger and mini Pot Roast sandwich. Perfect amount of food, flavor and variety for $9.50. I only wish I could have had some french fries :-( So I took some from my mom (hehe) Ooh check out the Mash Up desserts! Apparently I have a thing for itty bitty food because this is the slider version of sugary goodness. Tried out the Smore's Ice Cream, Dark Chocolate Raspberry Brownie Lollie, and the Junior Mint Brownie Lollie. If I could do it all over again I'd order the Rasperry Ice Cream with 2 Raspberry Brownie Lollies for an explosion of berryawesomeness. Atmosphere was a little too dark for my tastes... my whatever I'll get over it. Awesome options to eat in the bar so you're not waiting until the next solar eclipse to get a table. Just bring a headlamp (it'll be a trend you watch) so you can read the menu and make sure your steak comes out the way you asked. Bartenders were a little agitated that I didn't order a beer (gasp, i know!) but I'd already had two somewhere else... this girl needed some food first! Everyone at our table enjoyed their meal, and the quality is pretty comparable to the Oakbrook location, though this one was a lot busier. The burgers looked fantastic, esp. the Burger72 with this stuffed mushroom on it... i do love fungus. Overall, I would definitely go back, but make reservations!
(4)
Matt C.
Lousy chain restaurant with completely mediocre food. Sure some things are passable and it is decorated nice but there is nothing there that is really good. Had the spring rolls the other day and it looked like something my dog puked up. Any local thai restaurant can do better. They try to be all things and end up not really succeeding at anything. go to your local mexican, thai, or italian restaurant for better food and most likely a better price.
(2)
Julia P.
I'm in love with Houlihan's and I especially love this location. I've always had great quality service and a friendly wait staff who are attentive and know the menu. The menu is a nice mix of variety and I love the portion size options. I love the Veggie Burger and the Southwest Wrap! You also need to try the mashed potatoes and the Fondue dessert..mmmm. The drinks are also awesome..get the Long Island pitcher deal! ;) One time our waiter let my friend and I (who I hadn't seen in awhile) talk and visit until after they even closed. He also gave us free warm cookies. :) P.S. The Women's bathroom sinks are amazing....whoever decided on that...brilliant lol.
(5)
Chris S.
I was disappointed. The food was fair, albeit pricey. The beer selection needs serious work.
(3)
Linda N.
Thanksgiving buffet was better than I expected. Andrew is the best server there- proactive!
(5)
Dominick C.
Hi Houlihans, it's me, Dominick. I just wanted to call and leave a message about the great time I had tonight. You're so funny, easy to talk to, and had me seated quickly. You looked gorgeous in the bar-lighting and your happy-hour pricing really knew how to make my wallet smile. Those lettuce wraps and Whiskey pitchers were exotic and delicious. Mmm. And--I'll just come out and say it: your bartenders and staff were so cool and outgoing. I think we really have something special going on here. Anyway, I'm home-- trying to Pandora some of that cool lounge music you had playing. Gimme a ring sometime, will you? I just had a great dinner date at this beautiful bar-restaurant-- call me and I'll tell you about it. ;-) P.S. Please stop seeing those 1-4 star reviewers who don't understand you like I do.
(5)
Michael M.
Salads here are good but they are MUCH better at Eggsperience - a brunch/lunch place a few steps away. I hope Houlihan's reads this, visits Eggsperience and tries out the Greek salad. They'll see that I'm right.
(3)
Sarah C.
I have the sickest, creepiest crush on Holihans. For starters, the music selection played is better than a jukebox. A nice mix of rock and alternative- but by far the best loungey-like music for grabbing drinks and grub! So 5 stars on the vibe. The food gets 4 stars. I LOVE tge frites bar and small plates that this location is testing. The slider bar is superb (especially the pot roast) and the key lime martini makes any meal complete. The Fajitas are packed full of flavor and the Rosemary chicken is simple yet perfect. Def worth checking out. Sign up for their emails too- I get a ton of deals weekly. And they have some pretty sweet drink specials too.
(4)
Clifford K.
Went back the other day to have lunch outside. It was beautiful outside so I had a quick lunch. Ordered the Hummus which was just delicious and the green olive oil was good! Then something new to me....Pickle Fries.. No not fried pickles. They were pickle fries. I really enjoyed them! So Houlihans keeps getting better and better when I go back apparently because from the start I didn't care to much for their menu. Keep it up.
(4)
Em P.
I've been eyeballing this place FOREVER. Man, was I disappointed. Our table ordered the stuffed mushrooms and I'm not crazy about mushrooms at all but man were they good! That was pretty much the best part of the meal. I ordered the slider trio (pulled pork, pot roast and a burger) none of which had any flavor but salt. Lots and lots of salt. It would take a lot for me to go back. Just too many other good places in the area that are worth spending money at.
(1)
Tina A.
Nothing is better than the half off Long Island iced teas on Sun-Thurs. Georgia peach is my favorite. You can't go wrong with a glass or pitcher of this drink for less than 4 bucks. Great service and appetizers.
(5)
Nina G.
This is only the second time that I've been to Houlihan's and I remember the food being pretty good when I went to the Naperville location. As far as this location, I enjoyed the food here and I thought the small plates were a pretty decent size and the pricing was great! I ordered the small chopped salad and the small scallop plate. The scallops were a bit greasy, but I guess that's what I get for ordering seafood at a place like this. This is basically an upscale version of Chili's so you should just stick to typically bar food. Although, the stuffed mushroom appetizer was very tasty, I recommend you try it! I think it's worth mentioning that the service was pretty good. Rehearsed...but good. The waiter did take a long time to get our check, but we went during dinner rush so it's understandable to an extent. Eventhough this is a chain, this could be a nice place for a date given the modern decor and dim lighting. They also have lots of alcoholic drinks to choose from, which I liked and hopefully your date might too. ;)
(4)
Mike O.
Across the street from the library and in the new Uptown Park Ridge development, Houlihan's opened recently. It's a rather unknown franchise around these parts, so I was interested in checking it out. I took my 6 year old son for lunch here on a Monday. It was about 11:30 and not crowded at all. We were seated immediately in a booth. Inside, there's an upscale decor, more elegant than Friday's but no kitschy stuff like you'd see at Chili's or Famous Dave's. There's shades of orange and light green throughout the place, right down to the light fixtures. It gives the place a stylish look though it's really a casual restaurant. We focused on their Nooner menu, since all items are guaranteed to be ready in 15 minutes or it's free. I picked a black angus burger and my son chose the mac and cheese. The waitress took our order, then left us a timer set to 15 minutes and turned it on. We got our order in 10 minutes exactly and we got any extras like napkins and ketchup without a hassle. The burger had a great flavor to it that I expect from premium beef . And needless to say, my son gobbled up his mac and cheese very quickly. Best of all, we both got chocolate chip cookies included at the end of our meal. Along with Jason's Deli and Noodles, Houlihan's is yet another nice addition to the Uptown dining options, and not too pricy either.
(4)
K H.
It's actually a nice place to go for a drink later at night with a girlfriend. The 1/2 price long islands and mixed drinks sun-thurs are a big plus. The service was great, the drinks were good, and I loved the parmesan frites we shared. All told it was a good place to chill on a Wednesday night :)
(4)
Janice O.
This is one of my favorite places to eat in Park Ridge. I love their hearty salads and flat bread.
(4)
Lainie P.
Like the other raters, I'm surprised that I'm writing this review: I'm not one for chain restaurants. Still, I'm impressed by this place. While the atmosphere is a bit noisy (it's crowded with Park Ridge families), it's friendly, as is the service. If you are trying to lose weight, or you just like to try a bunch of different dishes, the small plates are awesome. I very much enjoyed the grilled asparagus salad (grilled asparagus, greens, candied walnuts, blue cheese, and balsamic dressing) and the tiny salmon entree (a small portion of fish, mashed potatoes and some tasty carrots). I also like the chocolate chip cookie that they gave me at the end of the meal. Yum.
(4)
Laura N.
Arrived here on a Friday night and was told there would be an hour wait for a table for two (it was CROWDED). To kill time, my date and I wandered to the Starbucks across the street and had a drink there. When we walked back to Houlihan's 40 minutes later, our buzzer went off. Good timing! We were glad we didn't really have to wait too long. The decor is very modern and appealing, but it also fools you - I thought Houlihan's was a 'fancy' restaurant but it's actually pretty casual. Many families and groups of friends were dining there together. Our waiter, Jay, was very friendly and helpful, as was the rest of the staff. Major plus to be in a place that makes us feel welcome! We started off with drinks. He ordered a lemonade (which was very strong but delicious!) and I had a frozen strawberry margarita. It was pretty good but occasionally there was a very sour taste in the drink that turned me off. Whenever I see bruschetta on an appetizer menu, I order it. It's my one of my favorites. Houlihan's bruschetta is very low on my list of places with good bruschetta. It arrived on a long, thin plate with six pieces of long thin bread on one end. The tomatoes were clumped together under a thick layer of creamy goat cheese in the middle of the plate. The other end of the plate was covered with large pieces of lettuce. The bread and tomatoes were good, but the goat cheese didn't please me. It wasn't the fact that it was goat cheese, but it was too creamy for my taste. I also didn't like that I had to put the toppings on myself, using my steak knife since the plate didn't arrive with a butter knife. Maybe some people will like this style of bruschetta, but I don't. Our Caesar side salads were HUGE! I can't imagine what the dinner portion must be like. The greens were fresh and delicious, and the dressing was pretty good too, although a bit too much at times. I ordered the herb grilled chicken. It was dry and overcooked. I was bummed because I was looking forward to a nice, juicy chicken. The asparagus was good, though. My date's chicken was also dry, but his was mixed with a delicious Alfredo sauce over noodles so it helped cover up the taste a bit. We decided to skip desert since, by the time our meal was over, the food didn't seem worth the bill we would get. I walked out of this place feeling a little bit disappointed that it didn't meet my expectations based on previous reviews. The look and feel of the place was great, but the food just wasn't. Maybe I'll have to go again and order something different and hopefully get a better opinion. If I go again...
(3)
Matt S.
$3.75 for huge pitchers of Long Islands Sun-Thu are great, especially when they don't have tons of sour mix in it (which occasionally happens). Most of the other cocktails, and there are many, are quite delicious and worth trying. Wednesdays have the What-What food deals which can certainly be the best thing ever... most entrees are around $15.00. The Small Plate menu is a nice option if you just want to whet your appetite and enjoy your drinks. The staff is fun and helpful. Not once have I felt sad, depressed, alone, and/or neglected. Numerous staff, from servers to managers, shoot the breeze with the customers which is quite nice IMO.
(4)
Nicole L.
I loved this location the best and had a great time with our server and my family while dining here. I didn't like their meatloaf since I'm ridiculously picky about the way it's made and our server took the extra step to notify her manager and automatically take it off my bill. Most places offer a gift card to get you back and spend more or a desert that is usually cheaper than the dinner. I was pleased with how she handled the problem. They have good deals on certain nights and had tasty long island ice tea which was my first time trying one. The atmosphere is great and I liked the decor. I was bummed out that they were out of Creme Brulee when I was there but I will come back. The salad was amazing and worth having by itself.
(4)
Kellie M.
Okay. I'm done with Houlihan's in Park Ridge, IL --throwing my hands in the air--. Went YET AGAIN for Sunday brunch after visiting the cemetery with my mom and husband. #1) We were seated in the bar which was 9,000 degrees. Even the child-hostesses were fanning themselves with menus and glowing with sweat. #2) Mom got a shard of GLASS IN HER ICED TEA that she unknowingly sucked up through the straw!! #3) Manager's reaction to the glass: "Wow, that's scary. Are you okay?" and -that's it. I didn't expect a full meal comp but seriously? I will say that, once again, the food and the actual waitstaff were still really great. I'm beginning to think it's management issues but whatever the problem is, I'm glad that other people have had a good experience here but I'm done.
(1)
Lynn R.
Food and ambiance is 5* but they messed up my reservation and said they did not get in time which I placed on opentable 3 hours ahead of time. It was a Thursday night so I did not think it would be such a big deal. They put me at the back of the line and the two girls who stand up front just gossiped with there backs to the customers the whole time we waited which was 40 minutes. That is a terrible business model to have the first employees you see stand with there backs to you. Anyways food made up for it all so we will give them another try.
(4)
Jen P.
This place has the best service and the best bartenders ever. The bruschetta is orgasmic as are the lettuce chicken wraps. Any fry concoction here is fab and the brunch is completely outstanding. You can eat as much as you would like and it is totally worth the $16... Fried chicken, bacon, biscuits, salads, an omelet station, roast beef station, all the bread you care to eat, several desserts, mashed potatoes, and an array of salads await you... The staff is super friendly and helpful and the food is great.
(5)
Suzie D.
BEST french onion soup everrrr, and Wildfire's soup takes second place. This is the only Houlihan's within a 20 mile radius since sadly there are barely any Houlihan's restaurants around the Chicagoland area. I'm going back really soon for my comfort food fix.
(4)
Bernard B.
Very happy with this place. My diet Coke was never empty, the meal was very good and not very expensive. Decor was upscale and modern (especially for Park Ridge.) Our server, Jessica, was perfect. Had the goat cheese and artichoke poppers as an app. I like the twist on the pub grub concept. Also had the "72 burger" which was very good. It comes with a great big fried mushroom cap. Instead of fries I went for the peanut and ginger slaw. Awesome, and highly recommended. Very good experience. Lunch/dinner for 2 for around $30. I also checked the beer list, even though I wasn't drinking - this could use some work. The boldest selection on draft was Sam Adam's seasonal. OK, but you can do better. Would definitely benefit from adding some local craft beers. (Three Floyds, Metropolitan, Half Acre etc.)
(4)
Beebe G.
for a franchise restaurant i have enjoyed the meals i've had there so far. i was there for the second time last friday and had the ahi tuna salad. it was outstanding! the tuna was fresh and the salad with the greens, bananas, all its textures were amazing! the first time i ate here i had the risotto with scallops and i was surprised how well made the risotto was with an ample amount of scallops. very impressive! i would recommend the bartender learn to make old fashions the right way. mine was weak in flavor and had to send it back for just bourbon and diet coke to play it safe. i look forward to coming back.
(4)
Philip K.
I love this restaurant. It has a wonderful look and ambiance and most importantly, a GREAT staff. I would recommend the Thursday nite steak special. If you order a steak, you get either lobster or shrimp...FREE! Last but not least, is the manager, WENDY, who is in constant motion, checking that all customers have an excellent dining experience.
(5)
Michelle K.
This is a review for the Sunday "Bedhead Brunch" buffet, since that's the only time I've been to this location. Overall, I was impressed! Houlihan's may be a chain restaurant (and we all know how much Yelpers disdain chains), but they had quite a spread. There were all the usual suspects: bacon, sausage, biscuits and gravy, a design-your-own-omelette station, flapjacks, bagels, etc. However, I was drawn to the more unusual brunch items: roast beef served with a spicy horseradish sauce, pita triangles with white bean hummus, shrimp with cocktail sauce and remoulade, and steamed green beans that hadn't lost their crispness. I saw (but did not try) several different salads, chicken tenders, meatloaf, and a design-your-own-pasta-bowl station. Fun! Two negatives here: the layout was a little confusing (food was placed everywhere and no one seemed to know where the line began or ended), and the shrimp were served shell-on and weren't deveined. Call me a wimp, but I'm just not a big fan of eating shrimp poop. For dessert, I was entranced by the Italian donuts with chocolate sauce and white chocolate Bailey's sauce. The donuts were crispy on the outside and warm and cakey on the inside, with a hint of cinnamon. And the chocolate sauces were to die for (especially when eaten with strawberries). ::drool:: For $13.95 a person, you get a lot of food, and not just the same old brunch items! Pretty sweet, even if it's from a soulless chain restaurant, eh?
(4)
Rob L.
I came here to meet a friend I haven't seen in about 12 or 13 years for a catch up drink. Yes. Really. I have friends. The place is trendy and lively. Plenty of staff, plenty of space, (outdoor area, like many have said, should be hopping and great once the warm weather finally arrives). There is a menu where there are plenty of items where some fine feastin' can commence. The wine list was good, nothing outrageous, but enough to keep most oenophiles fairly happy and content. I will say though, just like Park Ridge, this is a family place. Plenty of kids, plenty of families having dinner and parents sharing a drink and I am sure some stories about what trouble their kids are in now. I should know, I used to be one of those kids. Not a bad place, not a bad option. Not too chain like, good service, decent prices. Nice addition for Uptown Park Ridge. But not the best place for a quiet get together.
(3)
Ms G.
This is a review for Houlihan's bedhead brunch. My family and I went here for Father's Day, and while the rest of them had come before for brunch, it was my first time. They only serve brunch at this time, you can' t order off the menu, so make sure you like what they have to offer. There is plenty. They have the standard scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage, fruit, pancakes, biscuits and sausage gravy, carving station (roast beef and meatloaf), omelet station and dessert table, along with some interesting additions like Mediterranean orzo salad, caesar salad, chicken tenders, mashed potatoes, herbed potato wedges, and sliders. They also had a pasta station. Coffee is included with the brunch price. I enjoyed most of the food. My only complaints were that the sliders were very pink in the middle (I prefer well done burgers), and the bacon was not at all crispy, but barely cooked. The best items were their homemade chicken tenders, caesar salad, and mashed potatoes. They also had really great pecan pie. It was a nice brunch, at a decent price ($15.95), and will keep you full all day!
(4)
Carl S.
I went in with a predisposed idea as to what this place was all about, was I wrong. The Menu is HUGE with Small plates, Larger small plates, and the food was really great! We had the Frites, (free with a check in on foursquare) we had the Disco version. The Flatbread was excellent, Goat Cheese, Balsamic Tomatoes, and Kalamata Olives! The small Ceasar salad was very tasty, the croutons (Made from Polenta) were crunchy not soggy.
(4)
Ben H.
Although located on one of the busier streets in Park Ridge, the outside seating is still a nice option during the summer months. With both an outdoor "cocktail" area & a seperate outdoor dining area, you have the choice to sit and chat over drinks or dine off the menu. Monday-Thursday drink specials are great (1/2 off long islands & domestic beers) & because they're offered all day, you don't have to worry about arriving at any specific time. The food is slightly above average, though nothing to rave about. Prices are appropriate for the majority of the menu, though the steaks were overpriced (~$10 for a burger or wrap, but ~$25 for a steak). I've been here three or four times, & every time the service has been above average. All in all, definitely worth checking out, though more for a drink with friends than a sit-down dinner.
(4)
Real D.
Have been to this location twice already and both times the experience was very good. Ambiance - hip, club-like with Trance (yes - when I went recently) music, staff in black and decor post modern hotel chic. Food - We've ordered the following and all were extremely delicious: Asian Chicken Wings, Bruschetta, Salmon Salad, Chicken Salad. Sweet complex sauces. Fresh tasting. Adequate portions. Can't wait to try more items on the menu. Service - Exceptional. From entrance to egress, staff are alert and courteous. Waitstaff very accomodating and professional. We split a salad, and staff served salad on two plates. Nice touch. Floor managers check in with guests regularly; lets you know that customer service is high priority. Overall: Will be coming here often. Great food & service. Easy parking. Can't wait to avail of the outdoor dining next year when weather permits.
(5)
Katherine R.
Well I'm glad the neighborhoods surrounding me are starting to open up some new places, thank God. I went here with my Mom one Sunday night expecting it to be like most restaurants on Sunday night, slow. Well, it was packed. We didn't have to wait for a table since there was just two of us, but the place was slamming. Our server was really nice and attentive, definitely had a personality and was enthusiastic about his job. So that was nice, always scores points. I ordered the potato soup to start which was great. Definitely would get that again. I had the veggie sandwich which sounded really good, but was not. Not even close. The bread was super dry, so the sandwich became really messy since I couldn't even eat the bread. There was basically bruschetta tomatoes on there, which did not complement the sandwich at all. It's kind of hard to eat a sandwich with small, chopped tomatoes on it anyways. I basically just ate the fries, which were very good and called it a day. The menu is extensive, but not a whole lot of options for non-meat eaters. I will go back because the service was good and I'm sure people don't go there for the veggie sandwich. Just keep in mind Houlihan's there are people that don't eat meat- so a bean patty or veggie patty would be awesome.
Perfect place for girls to hang out! Top shelf ice tee with Bacardi U have to try!!!
(4)
Patty V.
Wow..could I love a salad any more than I love the Seared Ahi Tuna Salad?? I dunno....but,if it's wrong to love a salad this much,slap the cuffs on me and haul me away! Came here for a late lunch and left with a blissfully satisfied tummy.The service was wonderful. It was as if our server read our minds,but wasn't the least bit obtrusive. We started with the White Bean and Artichoke Hummus.Fresh, smooth and perfectly seasoned. Hubby had the Fettuccini Alfredo with Grilled Chicken. He loved it ..and he is picky about his Alfredo.Said it was almost as good as mine! High praise,indeed! I had the Seared Ahi Tuna Salad again. This is one of my very favorite salads-ever! It has generous slices of perfectly seared Ahi, mixed greens, cashews,cilantro and dried banana chips(sounds weird,I know,but...trust me,it all works great together)with some strips of fried wonton.all gently and lovingly tossed in a soy,ginger wasabi dressing-yummy!
(5)
Marco C.
This was my first visit to this particular location, however I was very pleased with the service, the girl who waited on us her name was Jenine I believe, she had been working there a few years and you can tell she was very much on top of her game. The food was really good, the service was excellent, and the overall setting was good, not what I am used to visiting the one in Oakbrook, but it did the trick. The reason I only gave this great restaurant 1 star is because of parking, we had to walk quite far as they are in a strip mall, now I know they do not have a parking lot, but maybe they do have closer parking, and my coworker didn't know since he drove. However all in all it was a great experience, and the guys left her a $20 dollar tip and on my way out i gave her an additional $5 tip so I am sure she was a happy camper , would definitely go back, but only if I could get the same server, she was funny and very attentive. :)
(4)
Susie R.
Not a fan at all but it was my first time there to eat (I went there for drinks before and it was fine) and I was starving, not to mention my boyfriend and I were crunch in time. From the moment we walked in I wasn't impressed, don't take me wrong the place is nice all tho a but dim, it all started with the hostess, God only knows what she was wearing, some sort of black washed out spandex with a tight black shirt and some sort of flats, didn't really fit in with the place (or any other restaurant for all I know). Then, we ordered appetizers, the chicken and avocado rolls (the only good thing we ate), the disco fries... lets just say that my boyfriend hates mushrooms and I will never know if he is allergic to them! the mushrooms were all over our food but not in the description of the plate in the menu! The mushrooms were on HIS meatloaf and that wasn't a good thing at all. Moreover, did I mentioned my "enchiladas" yet? nope! lets just leave them out of the picture because they were a complete turn off :( we ended up taking most of our food home and the waitress didn't even bother to ask why! So if you don't like mushrooms and want to try Houlihan's make sure you ask and don't say I didn't tell you about it!
(1)
Katherine E.
I am so thrilled to finally have a cool place to go for a drink in Park Ridge. The decor here is very modern but cozy. The black bar top is amazingly smooth and very deep so you can eat there and be totally comfy. I haven't had a lot of food there yet but what I did order was great. My only tiny complaint would be the appetizer plates. They are triangle shaped and thick so they are awkward to use. Otherwise I love this place. Nice looking crowd too.
(4)
JUDITH W.
Houlihan's is a welcome addition to Park Ridge. It's a good place for lunch, cocktails or a dinner. Service is good. It is nice to have the bar menu and a place where one can dine alone or with a friend without having to go to a table. The decor is more sophisticated that I remember any Houlihans ever being, and that's a plus.
(4)
Tom C.
I ate here last night and had a wonderful time. The service was good and so was the food. Good drink specials. The Club sandwich and fish tacos were given thumbs up reviews from my party. I had the southwest chicken wrap and was pleased with it. a unique combination of flavors. The pecan pie was excellent and the deserts are well worth the low price. I have never been let down by any Houlihan's.
Simple review....how can a place serve lukewarm to cold food? I ordered the Atlantic Salmon, fire grilled. I should have known the food would not be satisfying b/c the plate was not warm. The asparagus was cold. The mashed potatos were warm. Thank goodness the salmon was warmer. Service was blah...she seemed like she didn't want to be there. She practically threw our plates down and took off....no enjoy or anything... The decor is nice. It's going to be interesting to see what happens when the outside dining is available since they are already receiving complaints from the neighbors about the noise. The staff in general didn't seem friendly. The prices are what you would expect from a chain and being in Park Ridge.
(1)
Regina D.
The last time I was at this restaurant was in February and I wrote a very negative review which has been filtered. At that time I pretty much said it wasn't worth my time to go there any more. I went again on October 19th since I had neglected to take my name off of their birthday list and got a coupon for a free entree. I ordered the petite filet mignon and a diet coke with tortilla soup. The waitress took my order promptly and served my soup which was nice and hot with crispy tortilla strips and sloshed all over the plate under the bowl. She then brought me my steak which I had ordered medium well. When I cut into it it looked fine. When I tasted it I was appalled. The cook had killed the cow a second time. The steak was dry and tough and not seasoned, nor were the broccolini on the plate. There was absolutely no juice from the steak whatsoever. The fries were, fortunately, hot and not soggy. I would have spoken to the waitress about it but she completely ignored me until she brought me my bill, never even asking if I wanted my Diet Coke refilled - I did. So, at the risk of being filtered again, I must again say thumbs down. And look, I am filtered - again.
(2)
Jak K.
i have to say for a "chain" we had an excellent experience. i had never actually been to a houlihan's before this. we went on day 4 of opening. i have to say excellent service! every staff member that walked by asked if we needed something or offered to refill our drinks. beer was icey cold in a frosty mug. food very good! i will definitely go back. it's great to have a good place just down the road.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Garage Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Music : Background Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Mon, Wed, Fri Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Norajean N.
Houlihan's sent me a voucher for an entrée up to $15 as a birthday celebration gift. It was great as my husband and I split the strip steak dinner and had an amazing appetizer. They also were nice enough to provide a delicious dessert complementary. The experience was great, the food was delicious and the service was top notch! Happy patron in Park Ridge
(4)Rick K.
Visited Houlihan's to celebrate our 21st wedding anniversary. Unfortunately, this was the worst dining experience. On the holiday weekend and a sparse dinner crowd, you would think service would be good. Wrong. Not only was my steak selection not available, but our order took approximately 20+ minutes to arrive. When it finally appeared, my wife's quiche was cold to the touch. The server took it back with an apology and it returned about 5-7 minutes later. Lukewarm, at best, which is not something you want with an egg-based entrée like quiche. Long story short..they apologized a second time for the quiche, removed it from our bill, and gave us two coupons for $10 off our next visit. Unfortunately, based on today's experience I doubt we'll ever use them.
(1)Rachel W.
I've eaten here about a 1/2 dozen times over the past couple of years. Appetizers are good, but not fantastic. I've typically always ordered a salad and the baked potato soup (86ing the bacon because I'm a vegetarian) as my main course. However, I'm glad I changed up my routine... Last time we dined here I had the black bean sliders and they were tasty. Tasty, but not outstanding (slightly soggy). The Fried that accompanied the sliders were good. 4/5 because the staff is always friendly, food arrives within an adequate amount of time and the restaurant takes reservations. Wish they had more vegetarian entree options.
(4)Leo P.
This place was good. I ate here for lunch and ordered the so cal fish taco. I asked for the sauce on the side but it was served in the taco. It was still good. The server got us our food on time-as advertised. Nothing wrong with the food or atmosphere. But nothing spectacular either. I wish I could give this place a 3.5 because it was clean and the environment was quite relaxing. Unfortunately I still have to go with 3 stars over 4 because honestly it was just Good, but not great.
(3)Mike P.
Everytime sub Par service! Whoever hires staff here needs to be fired from corporate. The staff all needs to be drug tested. They are always in LA LA land and have to always repeat my order. I waited 45 min for a soup and salad. Rude bartenders and depressing atmosphere. No more $$$ from my Family and I. Close down for a couple weeks . Make a plan and recycle the current staff . And reopen for a possible turn around.
(1)Shawn B.
Went for the first time since moving to Park Ridge. We visited last Friday with a group of 4 people to celebrate an anniversary...Burgers were way over cooked to well instead of medium, when asking waiter what could be done he acted like management was busy. My gf ordered dessert and it was totally overly covered in chocolate syrup..... Like drenched. Again told waiter and he just stood there and said nothing could be done. Just overall not a good experience
(1)Ashley G.
We use to love coming here!! My husband went in last night and picked up an order for dinner. I had ordered Thai Chicken, and when I opened the box I was totally in shock! There was one small piece of chicken a couple of pieces of asparagus and maybe 4 bites of Rice!! It looked like a kid plate! It seems that their portions have severely diminished! I called and the woman who I spoke with said, "That's how it comes" if you dine in with us you get a bigger portion! What!!! Then, I should have received a smaller bill! So rude, and will not be coming back here for awhile.
(1)Lana R.
I came here for my birthday and the service was okay. The food was very good. I love the ambiance there!
(4)A. T. T.
My best friend and I go to this restaurant at least once a month and it is almost always a great experience I highly recommend the Italian sausage flatbread, pot roast, fish & chips, and any of the chicken dishes. The ribs are great,too. Experimenting with new items on the menu sometimes can be a haphazard experience, for example, they had a beer mac and cheese that was absolutely one of nastiest things I have ever eaten but my meal was comped and they gave me another entree to take home. That's my idea of real cusomer service! That weird dish was an anomaly because normally the food is fabulous, we keep going back and will continue to go back. A great place to eat in Park Ridge.
(4)robert r.
Safe go to spot in park ridge. Food is always good and a great variety of drinks. One of the few places for outdoor dining in town. Great bar for nightly boys or girls night out
(4)Jenni S.
The food is just okay. I hadn't been here in a while and I remember it being a lot better. I had the chicken ranch southwest wrap. It was decent but nothing I'll be craving. I just feel like the menu lacks something.
(3)Frank S.
Food is very bland and dry while customer service is not great. I don't really recommend the place because McDonald's has better tasting food ( that's saying a lot). My burger was Blue when I asked for medium well. Fries were dry and mushy. There are many other places in park ridge to get a good meal at such as Blu fish and jersey mikes
(1)Howard L.
We had an OK weekend lunch stop here. Wife had a salmon BLT ($13.45, and it was a bit fishy), and I had their three slider combo - pot roast, burger, and BBQ pulled pork for $11.00. The slider combo was good, and mini pretzel rolls fresh. They have an all day menu on weekends, and not separate lunch and dinner menus. Can't beat the convenience factor with it's Uptown location and nearby parking. This location is also newish and clean.
(3)Mala G.
I came here with my friends birthday two months ago for the first time for me Our waitress mary was amazing young lady. She was sweet kind and just very helpful. She bought a bday cake out for my friend . Because of her I return 4 more times with my boyfriend and his mom for her bday. Mary was there. We spoke and I told her and the manager she was great. The food was amazing. Fish tacos ' mushroom appetizer , chicken wrap. The drinks were good. Yesterday we came back for another friends bday The waiter yest was okay. I felt he was a little cold I think i will make sure mary is there the next time I go. The manager is very nice too. Mary you are so good at what you do. Good job
(5)Jackie O.
The bar happy hour here can't be beat! Tuesday 1/2 price bottles of wine and small plate apps makes for good after-work munchies. It's a bummer here that the servers really seem indifferent about service or speed. I would skip a regular, full-price dinner here. So many better options in the neighborhood.
(3)Gerard G.
Came here with a party of 6 on a Sunday. I understand that the place was packed but the service overall is horrible. The servers stand around and talk while the managers probably micromanage and don't do any busy work. We weren't offered any refills for our beverages and we received our food later than expected; I want to say that we were waiting on 2 people to show but we knew what they wanted and ordered for them. But the server misunderstood when to bring out the food and we didn't receive it until about 2 hours later. Side note, my mom accidentally lost her phone and we searched everywhere and we thought that she might have misplaced it in the menu by accident. So we asked the manager if he might check in the menus? He rudely (without checking) responded, "No. We would have noticed it." Later to find out that it was in one of the menus. (Probably feels like a dick lol) Going back to the servers, they need training in organizing their time between tables. I understand that during busy days it's difficult (I worked as a server, I understand) but when you have a large party that tipped 20% regardless of the unmistakable horrific service. I at least expect an overall apology about the experience... As we sat next to the booth of servers and managers, they noticed that we were getting irritated and still did nothing. Please don't bother in a response because I'm not changing my review nor am I trying to look for any compensation. This was my first time here and my last. My family didn't want me to tip the waiter anything but I understand how hard it is. But if you run a business in Park Ridge, I expect the overall service to be 5 stars.
(1)Deborah R.
I was so hopeful when Houlihan's came to Park Ridge. They have such a nice bar area. However, every time I go to have a cocktail there it takes forever to be served by the bartender. Not their fault, but I want to order my drink and there's one bartender serving the restaurant and three people waiting for a drink at the bar....while the other servers stand around doing nothing. Yes, I understand they are not bartenders. I ducked in there about one week ago to get a drink, waiting 5 minutes as more and more people came to the bar and finally left. Too bad, but I for one will never go back. I mentioned it to the hostess and she asked if I wanted to speak to the manager but I didn't want to go that far. Nice that the hostess knew what to say when I mentioned I was disgruntled. Part II of review...after I made the comment above I was immediately contacted by Houlihan's management. I was pleased with the quick response. They offered to send me a gift certificate but I really didn't want it because I don't want folks to think I'm just our there hunting for freebies. They did send a $25 gc so I will try to go back in there again. Management seems to want to make it work but whether or not there's follow through is the question. Look for Part III in the near future!!
(1)Maddie M.
Great Sunday brunch! Be sure to ask for Felicie. She's the best. Energetic and fun! Ask for the check, not to settle the tab!!! Hahahaba
(5)Sanford R.
I have visited this location a couple of times in the past few months and can now say that I am a fan. I have tried the salmon, their steaks and the scallops, and have really enjoyed everything. The service was OK on the first visit and much better the second time around. I really like the lighting in the restaurant and the atmosphere in general. I definitely will be back.
(4)George O.
Four of us were there in Wednesday evening arrived at 7:15 did not get served until 8:15. Server stopped by on own twice in that time to let us know they were running behind. Had to ask for another beverage. Manager came by once. Not good for business. Second time this has happened in last 3 weeks. Manager did handle the bill but that can't be done all the time. It is not like the food is spectacular so service should be a premium. One more time and we will not frequent the establishment. George O
(1)John G.
Had the artichoke white bean hummus appetizer is was fresh & creamy. Chicken tortilla soup had just the right amount of spices. Service was surprising pleasant.
(4)Cheryl B.
Free birthday coupon--ordered the Thai Chicken. It was very small but good, not great. Not worth $14.99 though if I was paying. Over priced menu. Not much to choose from. Back side of menu is all drinks. Wish they made fresh cut french fries instead of frozen ones.
(3)D.j. B.
Food was awesome. Managers and waitress were chat friendly. Kept checking back on us. Couldn't have asked for a semi-cheap Friday night date
(5)Christina G.
I've been here a few times with friends after work. First piece of advice: sign up for the emails. I just delete most of them, but sometimes you get coupons for $10 off your bill, and in your birthday month, you get a free entree (up to $15). Worth it, I think. We go earlier in the evening and get the happy hour specials. I usually get a peach long island, and the table shares an order of chicken nachos. After a bowl of tortilla soup, I'm already stuffed. I will say that I'm always a little surprised at the bill when it comes, as it always seems a little high for what we've ordered. Maybe it's just me. Aside from the nachos and tortilla soup, both of which I really like, the food isn't the best I've had. Everything seems just a tad underseasoned, and no dish is truly an exceptional, "I have to come back for this meal" dish. Do watch out for your specials though. If you have a coupon, you can't use it for any type of special, like half bottle wine night, or happy hour drinks. I'm sure we'll be back again, but with so many other restaurants in the uptown area, we'll be sure to give other restaurants a try.
(3)Crystal K.
The Nachos were great. The drinks were watered down. Unfortunately the waitress was very rude. It was almost as if she wanted us to hurry up and leave. We got there around 1030 and I know that they close at midnight so we were confused as to why she was rushing us.
(2)Adam L.
You've hooked me with your Serious Brownie Sundae. For that, I'll see you in Hell you Irish bastards! Bring brownies.
(5)Craig Y.
Serve was great, food was good but there was an over gratuitous use of tile in the loo
(4)Ruth S.
Houlihan's is close to my work and in theory it is a great place to do a happy hour but this place sucks. I have given Houlihan's SO many chances and they continuously let me do. Their food is simply not good. I have complained to managers, they have compensated me with a free meal, and still it is not enough to get me to go back. I have tried a number of different dishes, and they are all bad. I have come for lunch and in the evening. The drinks are not strong, even when you splurge for the premium liquor. I have to give up on this place. Don't waste your money!
(1)Louie K.
Nice place, consistent, the food is always good so is the service, my family and I visit frequently especially in the summer time! The patio seating with a glass of wine is very calming and the kids have enough space to play instead of plying with tablets by the table! Definitely one my favorite in park ridge.
(5)Nick N.
The food here was pretty good. Friendly waitress and an interesting menu that I've been told changes frequently. A bit pricey, but an overall good experience.
(4)Oliver Y.
Went with the meatloaf, great portion had enough for breakfast the next day. Visited here on a Wednesday during dinner, dinning area was a little empty, a few people at the bar and on the patio. Staff was on top of things, water was never half empty. I must re-visit on Friday or Sataurday, great neighborhood (downtown Park Ridge)
(4)Greg F.
me and my party received great service here this past saturday and every last morsel disappeared off the plates. you bet we're fans!
(4)Larissa A.
This place is nice, it looks nice the staff is nice, it is in a nice place. It just all seems a little... forced and fake. I am not from the area so I don't know if that just has to do with the location but it was very noticeable here. Parking was a PIA and a little confusing... I just parked on the street somewhere. The food is good, that is the thing about chain restaurants they are safe. The food is consistant. Lucky for Houlihan's it is a step above most chains in this department. They also have a great and inventive cocktail menu. Like I mentioned I do not live in this area so I can't say I will come back, even if visiting.
(3)M. O.
I went to Houlihan's today (Sunday) and I've got to say I was totally impressed with this place. The service was great, the food was pretty tasty, and the drinks were refreshing! I came with a couple friends looking for some light food and drinks. We ended up finding out they had a special...$3.95 appetizers and $5 long island iced teas. This was an unexpected surprise. Our server made some great recommendations, as they have multiple flavors of Long Islands. I recommend trying the Georgia Peach and the Angry Orchard Long Islands. As far as appetizers, I'd say their spicy chicken avocado egg rolls and lettuce wrap appetizers are their best. Try the pretzel sticks with beer cheese and the wings as well. You won't regret stopping by Houlihan's, especially on a Sunday!!!
(4)Marie C.
Been coming here for years. They used to have one by my house and I was so sad when it got closed down. Their potato soup is the best potato soup I have ever had. Even better than corner bakery's! Love their chicken tenders. Their sliders are amazing and so juicy I love it. Service is good and I love to sit on the patio when it's nice out
(5)Kim L.
So, we've been here a couple times. The first two times were alright, decent food and decent service. The last time I was there, just a few days ago, the food runner spilled salsa and sour cream on me. I was really nice about it because I didn't want him to feel bad, and he was really nice about it and apologized more than enough. The waitress had to have seen me cleaning myself off when she brought more food, however she didn't say anything. Nor did I get a replacement salsa and sour cream, even though the majority of it had fallen in my lap. I feel like there should have been further communication between the food runner, waitress and management. Just for hospitality purposes. That's really one of the only faults I've seen at this place. The food is decent and they have nice happy hour specials.
(3)Lauren K.
Went here with my dad for lunch. We each got a combo. Both had the French onion soup (very good, with baked cheese on top). My dad had an ahi tuna salad which he ate up and enjoyed. I liked my fish taco, but the salsa for the salsa and chips it came with was rather forgettable. Our waitress made poor change when we paid (the only option would have been to leave a disproportionately enormous tip) so we had to ask her to break the bill further, which was a little annoying. The restaurant is very clean and attractive. The prices are reasonable, too. I'd like to go again for dinner some time.
(3)Yanyao N.
This place screams suburban chain, only the decor has been updated a little and the dark wood interior is actually quite relaxing to hang out in. We sat at the bar and ordered some small plates to share. There was "fancy" pasta - wide noodles with a meat sauce, served warm (and not hot). There was bruschetta, which should be so simple to make, yet the bread were thin pieces of crostini that snapped when you tried to spread goat cheese on it. Yup, the majority of the bruschetta was goat cheese, formed into a circle with a ring mold, the bottom being a tomato mix. There are some redeeming qualities though. Houlihan's was open on Easter Sunday (when Jason's Deli was closed). The mini hot dogs are decent. The service started out good, but was non-existent near the end of our meal. Waters were not refilled, and the worst part? I had my credit card in the little shot glass the bill was in for SO long. It was ignored. (Don't people want to get paid?) In the end, I got so frustrated with waiting, that I spent my cash (reserved for my birthday casino trip) and left. No plans to return - next Easter Sunday, I'll plan better.
(2)Carla G.
My expectations for food chains are never really high. The food selection at Houlihans is pretty typical- burgers, fries, steak, pasta, etc. Some of the items have a nice twist such as a variety of fries or calamari served in a Chinese take out box. Also, the big small plates are great to share. I have noticed the food service is very slow no matter what I order- even if it's just fries! Houlihan's offers drink deals in the middle of the week which is a great way to try something new without fear of wasting money. I return here because it is a nice place to come for drinks & appetizers- highly recommend their long islands!
(3)Dave F.
I like Houlihans. The décor of this place is a bit dark but not drab. They have a nice and comfortable dining section and also a nice bar with comfortable seating. The bar makes a great date night during the week. The bar has great food and drink specials throughout the week. I have tried many of the Long Islands and like most of them. For the special price during the week you cant beat them. The food has always been good; I have been all over the menu and tried everything from the wings to the steaks. I have never been disappointed but I have also never been blown away. The food is always consistent and price well. The Thai Chile and Sesame Ginger wings are both good and worth a try. The service at both the bar and the tables has always been good. The parking is easy within the two available lots and the bathrooms are clean. All in all I will continue to go to Houlighans.
(4)Brandon V.
Meh! We stopped in here because it was nearby after we'd spent a little time walking around in Park Ridge and hopping into Starbucks. On the surface, it looks like my kind of place, but it turns out, it is pretty lackluster. The food we ordered was less than stellar, and the service was HORRIBLE. We were greeted and seated by one person, then our drinks were taken by another person, then we waited about 15 minutes before yet another person came and re-took our drink orders, explained that our server was being "relieved" and that he would now be taking care of us. Meanwhile, we saw our original server waiting other tables the whole time we were there. As it turns out, we wished he'd stayed with us - it looked like he was taking care of his tables a lot better than our server was taking care of us. There was a LOT of waiting... for EVERYTHING. And patience is not my strong suit. It might have made a little difference if the server had been friendly, but he wasn't. He was pretty smug and short the whole visit. Finally, what in HELL happened in the bathroom with those tiles? I thought I was going to pass out it was so busy in there. Eesh, this ain't Jersey!
(2)Craig T.
Just went back to Houlihan's with my wife and son for part of my wife's birthday celebration week. She had received a free entree email that we took advantage of. Great location for us with sophisticated ambiance for a chain restaurant. Server was courteous and the food was pretty good. I frequent this more often with just my son, when my wife travels. It's a kid-friendly environment and the kids menu seems to be a great deal. When the weather is inviting, there is plenty of outdoor seating that we try and take advantage of. Bar area is one of the nicer ones in Park Ridge.
(4)Jennifer I.
Chain restaurants leave me feeling a little underwhelmed. I don't hate them, can eat there when the situation calls for it, but they are never destination spots for me. However, I have eaten at the Park Ridge Houlihan's twice in the past six months, and have been very pleasantly surprised with the food, the service, and the non-chain feeling. My grade school gal pals and I have picked this place as it is relatively centrally located, they have pretty ample parking (underground), they have a big menu, and it's quiet enough so we can talk about important things, like which guy from our class recently posted about his vasectomy on Facebook. The atmosphere is actually pretty cozy....when I think "chain restaurant" I somehow always picture bright lights/bright colors (cough cough Fridays), faux-Irish (cough Bennigan's cough cough) or faux-owl (cough cough Hooters cough). Houlihan's has lots of dark wood and big booths...almost too classy for my gang and our talk of gossipy smut. They haven't asked us to leave yet, soo.... But most importantly...the food. This is why Houlihan's really gets my snaps. In addition to the wide variety (sandwiches, salads, entrees, flatbreads, etc.), they offer some food in different sizes. So let's say you really really like red meat (that would be me) but you don't have room or a doctor's permission to eat a big steak. You can get a 4 oz. filet as a mini entree. How cool is that? AND the food is pretty darn tasty, too. While I won't be a regular Houlihanian, I know I could always find something to suit my appetite, and I wouldn't ever object to going here, even if no one else from my class undergoes some sort of sterilization procedure.
(4)Karla L.
"How many bad experiences do we need to have until we stop coming here?!?!" This is what I said the last time (and I do mean the LAST TIME) I had dinner at Houlihan's in Park Ridge, IL. There are so many good restaurants in the neighborhood - Blu Fish, Affresco, Maki Sushi, even Chipotle - that there is no reason to spend my money at this chain restaurant joke! From the super slow wait staff, (one reviewer mentioned having to hunt down her server for the paycheck only to find that server chit-chatting in the bar area... SAME HERE!) to the mediocre food - I'm over it! I do not appreciate being served warm beer with a side of attitude. I can not stand having over eager servers vacuum around my table so that they can leave the restaurant as soon as it closes! The icing on the cake (literally) was finding a piece of PLASTIC in the frosting of the piece of carrot cake that I was having for dessert! GROSS! Also, if you were considering going to this place for Mother's Day brunch.... DON'T! I made reservations weeks in advance only to have my family WAIT AN HOUR for a table. Isn't a reservation made TO RESERVE A TABLE? This restaurant is a joke. I will not being coming back, ever.
(1)Jimbo B.
I usually avoid chains but this Houlihan's is nice. The service has always been great and there's always something on the menu for everyone. I like how they wrap your food up for you instead of just bring you a box. The menu is delicious and they have a good wine and decent beer selection. Fair prices, too.
(4)Kkk K.
The worst service I ever received....Good luck goiing there.....I finally got out after being sick for 6 months. I was treated like I was a toddler. Thank you Houlihan's never again,
(1)Joe G.
HEY Yelp, you need to give us half stars. This place is a 2.5er. First thank goodness for alcohol because there really is no atmosphere here. Sitting outside is much much better than inside and the bar area is better than the restaurant. Sit in the restaurant if you don't want to be seen or want to nap before dinner. Second too bad alcohol is so expensive here. I have been here several times because believe it or not, I have a couple friends and they seem to want to go here. It is really kind of a bland place and I forget about it once I leave. I've had items from fish to meatloaf not bad just forgettable So my last trip I found something yummy and it goes with beer. Pot Roast sliders. Its a small plate so there are only 3 but it mixes perfectly with a Stella. The meet is tender and the gravy compliments it perfectly. In addition, the texture of the gravy is perfect, not over thickened where you get a coating of flour or corn starch on your tongue. What would have made a trifecta of flavor would have been an order of pickle fries but alas they were off the menu. To reviewer Ed K, I was here in April and they were still gossiping about you
(2)Jen C.
The French onion soup was great! I went for lunch and service was slower than I expected. I only had soup (very filling) and a drink so was shocked I had to stand up to get the attention of my waitress for my bill. Hostess was very attentive when I came in. I would give it a second chance.
(3)Susan P.
food and drinks tasty, nice week day specials. A bit pricey.
(4)Shereene M.
Average chain restaurant. The weekly drink specials were good. The food was just whatever. I'd much rather go to a random small restaurant in the area.
(2)Kristine M.
I went here on a Friday night a few weeks ago at 8:30 and there was a wait. I didn't expect it, but this location is a bit smaller than the other locations. We sat at the bar and were greeted promptly. We ordered drinks and probably wait 25 mins for a table. Once we were sat, we were greeted by our servers who seemed pretty attentive at first. We ordered our food and she checked up on us every once in a while. This was fine except she was not attentive when it came down to our drinks being refilled. The food itself was good as usual. I ordered the fish tacos and the Tuscan salad and was not disappointed. Towards the end of the night, is when I started to feel like our waitress was not around as much. We sat with plates on our table that were finished for sometime. We ordered the s'mores dessert which was delicious as usual. Overall, the food was good and the service was okay. Would I go back? Absolutely. Houlihans has always been a favorite restaurant of mine to eat at.
(4)Marcee W.
Not much to say about a chain restaurant that hasn't been said, but Houlihan's is pretty consistent. Service at this location is good and the ambiance is very pleasant. I noticed they've jumped on the small plates trend which they group in with their appetizers. Baked potato soup is always delish and is a nice complement to any of their salads.
(3)Nina I.
I love this place, their food isn't expensive and they're not a fine dining restaurant by any means but they seem to care about their food. And I'm talking only about the one in Park Ridge because I've never been to any of the other ones. Also the decor is up to date and so cozy. I can sit there all day. And they're also sooo savvy that they have wi-fi! how cool huh? You can have a meal aaannddd surf the internet without the necessity to pirate from other people. :} Although it IS a corporate owned store it definitely has the feeling of a cute mom and pop modern restaurant and also since it's right under an apartment building Uptown Park Ridge the regulars have an even better bonding experience with the place. All in all this is the best place to go if you're looking to go somewhere inexpensive but with quality. I would recommend this place any day. Just avoid the usual busy days (that goes for every restaurant though).
(5)Maggie W.
Came here for lunch a few times during the workday. Your pretty standard casual sit-down chain restaurant in the vein of Bennigans, Chilis, Applebees, TGIFridays, etc. Service was fast and friendly and food was good. I appreciated that they had lunch options so I didn't have to pay for a ton of food that I didn't eat.
(3)Jacob J.
There's a new tapas place in town (Park Ridge) and it's called Houlihans! Who knew they went small plates and when? I like this new menu which offers many more kinds of sizing options of appetizers, small plates, large plates, small entrees and then normal size as well. So many more offerings and price groups to please your appetite and wallet. Added in the nick of time to save them from restaurant downfall; during this economy. Precisely something I pondered about, a year back when I saw the dwindling business at a newer location just like this one, except located way deep out there in the sticks of IL aka Elgin. Stop into the PR location on any night and business is hoppin'. Hit up the bar and find some of Park Ridge's most eligible, mature bachelorettes, it can be a scene in here at times. Trendy location, good food for the price however the service is lagging far behind. Good door crew which is always able to enter and exit greet, but of the few times I've been back I haven't been able to find the right waitress. I've sat both in the bar and dining areas and I don't get what makes the service so different. I have had the best service while seated at the bar being served by the bartender. This last time, the waitress was so cold without a hint of personality. It could've been due to the weather since at the time it was snowing and there was talk of the expected slow drive home. Surrounded by smiling people all having a good time eating and enjoying the time, you hope that your first point of contact, i.e. the wait staff would be more inviting. OH well. For the occasional drink and meal, it's okay. On your next trip, you must have the Italian donuts with dip. It should definitely be shared and devoured in one sitting. Peep my last review for more details. Now, I teeter from 3 to 4 stars. The food is good, it's just the staff which is NOT attentive.
(3)Cristie F.
Generally, I'm not a fan of major chain restaurants with gigantic menus, and average, unhealthy, bland food. However, Houlihan's takes it up a notch from "Meh" to "A-OK". Apparently Houlihan's revamped their menu a couple years back, adding a variety of small plates, large plates, smaller sized entrees, lunch specials, and your normal sized plate. I'm glad they caught on to the trend. Some people don't like to gorge into a massive 2,000+ calorie dish, or pay a fortune for it. Many of us do have smaller appetites, so kudos to Houlihans for providing options. Everyone likes options. Anyhow, seven of us left the prison walls of the office to head out for lunch. We decided to start out with a few appetizers - battered and fried Jumbo Stuffed Shrooms, Spinach Dip with massive cheesy pita wedges, Calamari, and the fancy pants Bruschetta. Aside from trying the calamari, all the apps were delish and had great presentation. As a note - the dishes aren't that small, so go easy on them. I'd also recommend the Goat Cheese & Artichoke Poppers - those little balls are warm, gooey, and beyond ridiculously addicting. On to the entrees. We all had something different ranging from fish tacos, salads, flatbreads, grilled salmon, and veggie burgers. Having a few vegetarians in the group, it was helpful that the menu identified which items were vegetarian. They also have a gluten free and vegan menu if your diet requires so. I went with the wild mushroom and arugula flatbread with the side spinach salad. The flatbread was okay. I was hoping for more of a cracker-like crust, as opposed to a mushy dough, but to each their own. The flavor itself was good. I loved the spinach salad with the poppy dressing. However, the plate came out with ring of ice under the plate that fell off all over me, leaving a cold wet mess. The answer I got from the waiter - "Oh, I'm so sorry. The salads are pre-made and kept in the cooler". Umm, ok. I hate the word pre-made. And how long was that baby in the cooler to get an entire ring of ice under the plate?? Aside from that incident, service was great. The waiter was attentive, and apologetic when he wasn't. He was friendly, fun, and provided a few jokes to lighten up the workday. He was helpful in explaining the menus and the lunch specials, since they are somewhat confusing. The food came out fast, and during a lunch break - I can't complain about that. Overall - Great spot for a quick, inexpensive lunch or a killer happy hour.
(3)Lainie P.
Like the other raters, I'm surprised that I'm writing this review: I'm not one for chain restaurants. Still, I'm impressed by this place. While the atmosphere is a bit noisy (it's crowded with Park Ridge families), it's friendly, as is the service. If you are trying to lose weight, or you just like to try a bunch of different dishes, the small plates are awesome. I very much enjoyed the grilled asparagus salad (grilled asparagus, greens, candied walnuts, blue cheese, and balsamic dressing) and the tiny salmon entree (a small portion of fish, mashed potatoes and some tasty carrots). I also like the chocolate chip cookie that they gave me at the end of the meal. Yum.
(4)Jessica S.
I would like to meet this Houlihan fellow. This is the second establishment of his that I have had the pleasure to frequent. Ever had a small plate? Well the plates aren't necessarily small but the food on it has been shrunk down to oompa loompa size and I am a fan. Try the Slider Pit 3 Pack... mini Chicago Style Hot Dog was awesome! Check out the photo... the dog was about the size of my iPhone. Also hit up the mini Veggie Burger and mini Pot Roast sandwich. Perfect amount of food, flavor and variety for $9.50. I only wish I could have had some french fries :-( So I took some from my mom (hehe) Ooh check out the Mash Up desserts! Apparently I have a thing for itty bitty food because this is the slider version of sugary goodness. Tried out the Smore's Ice Cream, Dark Chocolate Raspberry Brownie Lollie, and the Junior Mint Brownie Lollie. If I could do it all over again I'd order the Rasperry Ice Cream with 2 Raspberry Brownie Lollies for an explosion of berryawesomeness. Atmosphere was a little too dark for my tastes... my whatever I'll get over it. Awesome options to eat in the bar so you're not waiting until the next solar eclipse to get a table. Just bring a headlamp (it'll be a trend you watch) so you can read the menu and make sure your steak comes out the way you asked. Bartenders were a little agitated that I didn't order a beer (gasp, i know!) but I'd already had two somewhere else... this girl needed some food first! Everyone at our table enjoyed their meal, and the quality is pretty comparable to the Oakbrook location, though this one was a lot busier. The burgers looked fantastic, esp. the Burger72 with this stuffed mushroom on it... i do love fungus. Overall, I would definitely go back, but make reservations!
(4)Matt C.
Lousy chain restaurant with completely mediocre food. Sure some things are passable and it is decorated nice but there is nothing there that is really good. Had the spring rolls the other day and it looked like something my dog puked up. Any local thai restaurant can do better. They try to be all things and end up not really succeeding at anything. go to your local mexican, thai, or italian restaurant for better food and most likely a better price.
(2)Julia P.
I'm in love with Houlihan's and I especially love this location. I've always had great quality service and a friendly wait staff who are attentive and know the menu. The menu is a nice mix of variety and I love the portion size options. I love the Veggie Burger and the Southwest Wrap! You also need to try the mashed potatoes and the Fondue dessert..mmmm. The drinks are also awesome..get the Long Island pitcher deal! ;) One time our waiter let my friend and I (who I hadn't seen in awhile) talk and visit until after they even closed. He also gave us free warm cookies. :) P.S. The Women's bathroom sinks are amazing....whoever decided on that...brilliant lol.
(5)Chris S.
I was disappointed. The food was fair, albeit pricey. The beer selection needs serious work.
(3)Dominick C.
Hi Houlihans, it's me, Dominick. I just wanted to call and leave a message about the great time I had tonight. You're so funny, easy to talk to, and had me seated quickly. You looked gorgeous in the bar-lighting and your happy-hour pricing really knew how to make my wallet smile. Those lettuce wraps and Whiskey pitchers were exotic and delicious. Mmm. And--I'll just come out and say it: your bartenders and staff were so cool and outgoing. I think we really have something special going on here. Anyway, I'm home-- trying to Pandora some of that cool lounge music you had playing. Gimme a ring sometime, will you? I just had a great dinner date at this beautiful bar-restaurant-- call me and I'll tell you about it. ;-) P.S. Please stop seeing those 1-4 star reviewers who don't understand you like I do.
(5)Linda N.
Thanksgiving buffet was better than I expected. Andrew is the best server there- proactive!
(5)Michael M.
Salads here are good but they are MUCH better at Eggsperience - a brunch/lunch place a few steps away. I hope Houlihan's reads this, visits Eggsperience and tries out the Greek salad. They'll see that I'm right.
(3)Sarah C.
I have the sickest, creepiest crush on Holihans. For starters, the music selection played is better than a jukebox. A nice mix of rock and alternative- but by far the best loungey-like music for grabbing drinks and grub! So 5 stars on the vibe. The food gets 4 stars. I LOVE tge frites bar and small plates that this location is testing. The slider bar is superb (especially the pot roast) and the key lime martini makes any meal complete. The Fajitas are packed full of flavor and the Rosemary chicken is simple yet perfect. Def worth checking out. Sign up for their emails too- I get a ton of deals weekly. And they have some pretty sweet drink specials too.
(4)Em P.
I've been eyeballing this place FOREVER. Man, was I disappointed. Our table ordered the stuffed mushrooms and I'm not crazy about mushrooms at all but man were they good! That was pretty much the best part of the meal. I ordered the slider trio (pulled pork, pot roast and a burger) none of which had any flavor but salt. Lots and lots of salt. It would take a lot for me to go back. Just too many other good places in the area that are worth spending money at.
(1)Clifford K.
Went back the other day to have lunch outside. It was beautiful outside so I had a quick lunch. Ordered the Hummus which was just delicious and the green olive oil was good! Then something new to me....Pickle Fries.. No not fried pickles. They were pickle fries. I really enjoyed them! So Houlihans keeps getting better and better when I go back apparently because from the start I didn't care to much for their menu. Keep it up.
(4)Nina G.
This is only the second time that I've been to Houlihan's and I remember the food being pretty good when I went to the Naperville location. As far as this location, I enjoyed the food here and I thought the small plates were a pretty decent size and the pricing was great! I ordered the small chopped salad and the small scallop plate. The scallops were a bit greasy, but I guess that's what I get for ordering seafood at a place like this. This is basically an upscale version of Chili's so you should just stick to typically bar food. Although, the stuffed mushroom appetizer was very tasty, I recommend you try it! I think it's worth mentioning that the service was pretty good. Rehearsed...but good. The waiter did take a long time to get our check, but we went during dinner rush so it's understandable to an extent. Eventhough this is a chain, this could be a nice place for a date given the modern decor and dim lighting. They also have lots of alcoholic drinks to choose from, which I liked and hopefully your date might too. ;)
(4)Mike O.
Across the street from the library and in the new Uptown Park Ridge development, Houlihan's opened recently. It's a rather unknown franchise around these parts, so I was interested in checking it out. I took my 6 year old son for lunch here on a Monday. It was about 11:30 and not crowded at all. We were seated immediately in a booth. Inside, there's an upscale decor, more elegant than Friday's but no kitschy stuff like you'd see at Chili's or Famous Dave's. There's shades of orange and light green throughout the place, right down to the light fixtures. It gives the place a stylish look though it's really a casual restaurant. We focused on their Nooner menu, since all items are guaranteed to be ready in 15 minutes or it's free. I picked a black angus burger and my son chose the mac and cheese. The waitress took our order, then left us a timer set to 15 minutes and turned it on. We got our order in 10 minutes exactly and we got any extras like napkins and ketchup without a hassle. The burger had a great flavor to it that I expect from premium beef . And needless to say, my son gobbled up his mac and cheese very quickly. Best of all, we both got chocolate chip cookies included at the end of our meal. Along with Jason's Deli and Noodles, Houlihan's is yet another nice addition to the Uptown dining options, and not too pricy either.
(4)Beebe G.
for a franchise restaurant i have enjoyed the meals i've had there so far. i was there for the second time last friday and had the ahi tuna salad. it was outstanding! the tuna was fresh and the salad with the greens, bananas, all its textures were amazing! the first time i ate here i had the risotto with scallops and i was surprised how well made the risotto was with an ample amount of scallops. very impressive! i would recommend the bartender learn to make old fashions the right way. mine was weak in flavor and had to send it back for just bourbon and diet coke to play it safe. i look forward to coming back.
(4)Laura N.
Arrived here on a Friday night and was told there would be an hour wait for a table for two (it was CROWDED). To kill time, my date and I wandered to the Starbucks across the street and had a drink there. When we walked back to Houlihan's 40 minutes later, our buzzer went off. Good timing! We were glad we didn't really have to wait too long. The decor is very modern and appealing, but it also fools you - I thought Houlihan's was a 'fancy' restaurant but it's actually pretty casual. Many families and groups of friends were dining there together. Our waiter, Jay, was very friendly and helpful, as was the rest of the staff. Major plus to be in a place that makes us feel welcome! We started off with drinks. He ordered a lemonade (which was very strong but delicious!) and I had a frozen strawberry margarita. It was pretty good but occasionally there was a very sour taste in the drink that turned me off. Whenever I see bruschetta on an appetizer menu, I order it. It's my one of my favorites. Houlihan's bruschetta is very low on my list of places with good bruschetta. It arrived on a long, thin plate with six pieces of long thin bread on one end. The tomatoes were clumped together under a thick layer of creamy goat cheese in the middle of the plate. The other end of the plate was covered with large pieces of lettuce. The bread and tomatoes were good, but the goat cheese didn't please me. It wasn't the fact that it was goat cheese, but it was too creamy for my taste. I also didn't like that I had to put the toppings on myself, using my steak knife since the plate didn't arrive with a butter knife. Maybe some people will like this style of bruschetta, but I don't. Our Caesar side salads were HUGE! I can't imagine what the dinner portion must be like. The greens were fresh and delicious, and the dressing was pretty good too, although a bit too much at times. I ordered the herb grilled chicken. It was dry and overcooked. I was bummed because I was looking forward to a nice, juicy chicken. The asparagus was good, though. My date's chicken was also dry, but his was mixed with a delicious Alfredo sauce over noodles so it helped cover up the taste a bit. We decided to skip desert since, by the time our meal was over, the food didn't seem worth the bill we would get. I walked out of this place feeling a little bit disappointed that it didn't meet my expectations based on previous reviews. The look and feel of the place was great, but the food just wasn't. Maybe I'll have to go again and order something different and hopefully get a better opinion. If I go again...
(3)Matt S.
$3.75 for huge pitchers of Long Islands Sun-Thu are great, especially when they don't have tons of sour mix in it (which occasionally happens). Most of the other cocktails, and there are many, are quite delicious and worth trying. Wednesdays have the What-What food deals which can certainly be the best thing ever... most entrees are around $15.00. The Small Plate menu is a nice option if you just want to whet your appetite and enjoy your drinks. The staff is fun and helpful. Not once have I felt sad, depressed, alone, and/or neglected. Numerous staff, from servers to managers, shoot the breeze with the customers which is quite nice IMO.
(4)Nicole L.
I loved this location the best and had a great time with our server and my family while dining here. I didn't like their meatloaf since I'm ridiculously picky about the way it's made and our server took the extra step to notify her manager and automatically take it off my bill. Most places offer a gift card to get you back and spend more or a desert that is usually cheaper than the dinner. I was pleased with how she handled the problem. They have good deals on certain nights and had tasty long island ice tea which was my first time trying one. The atmosphere is great and I liked the decor. I was bummed out that they were out of Creme Brulee when I was there but I will come back. The salad was amazing and worth having by itself.
(4)Kellie M.
Okay. I'm done with Houlihan's in Park Ridge, IL --throwing my hands in the air--. Went YET AGAIN for Sunday brunch after visiting the cemetery with my mom and husband. #1) We were seated in the bar which was 9,000 degrees. Even the child-hostesses were fanning themselves with menus and glowing with sweat. #2) Mom got a shard of GLASS IN HER ICED TEA that she unknowingly sucked up through the straw!! #3) Manager's reaction to the glass: "Wow, that's scary. Are you okay?" and -that's it. I didn't expect a full meal comp but seriously? I will say that, once again, the food and the actual waitstaff were still really great. I'm beginning to think it's management issues but whatever the problem is, I'm glad that other people have had a good experience here but I'm done.
(1)Jen P.
This place has the best service and the best bartenders ever. The bruschetta is orgasmic as are the lettuce chicken wraps. Any fry concoction here is fab and the brunch is completely outstanding. You can eat as much as you would like and it is totally worth the $16... Fried chicken, bacon, biscuits, salads, an omelet station, roast beef station, all the bread you care to eat, several desserts, mashed potatoes, and an array of salads await you... The staff is super friendly and helpful and the food is great.
(5)Lynn R.
Food and ambiance is 5* but they messed up my reservation and said they did not get in time which I placed on opentable 3 hours ahead of time. It was a Thursday night so I did not think it would be such a big deal. They put me at the back of the line and the two girls who stand up front just gossiped with there backs to the customers the whole time we waited which was 40 minutes. That is a terrible business model to have the first employees you see stand with there backs to you. Anyways food made up for it all so we will give them another try.
(4)Suzie D.
BEST french onion soup everrrr, and Wildfire's soup takes second place. This is the only Houlihan's within a 20 mile radius since sadly there are barely any Houlihan's restaurants around the Chicagoland area. I'm going back really soon for my comfort food fix.
(4)Bernard B.
Very happy with this place. My diet Coke was never empty, the meal was very good and not very expensive. Decor was upscale and modern (especially for Park Ridge.) Our server, Jessica, was perfect. Had the goat cheese and artichoke poppers as an app. I like the twist on the pub grub concept. Also had the "72 burger" which was very good. It comes with a great big fried mushroom cap. Instead of fries I went for the peanut and ginger slaw. Awesome, and highly recommended. Very good experience. Lunch/dinner for 2 for around $30. I also checked the beer list, even though I wasn't drinking - this could use some work. The boldest selection on draft was Sam Adam's seasonal. OK, but you can do better. Would definitely benefit from adding some local craft beers. (Three Floyds, Metropolitan, Half Acre etc.)
(4)Philip K.
I love this restaurant. It has a wonderful look and ambiance and most importantly, a GREAT staff. I would recommend the Thursday nite steak special. If you order a steak, you get either lobster or shrimp...FREE! Last but not least, is the manager, WENDY, who is in constant motion, checking that all customers have an excellent dining experience.
(5)Michelle K.
This is a review for the Sunday "Bedhead Brunch" buffet, since that's the only time I've been to this location. Overall, I was impressed! Houlihan's may be a chain restaurant (and we all know how much Yelpers disdain chains), but they had quite a spread. There were all the usual suspects: bacon, sausage, biscuits and gravy, a design-your-own-omelette station, flapjacks, bagels, etc. However, I was drawn to the more unusual brunch items: roast beef served with a spicy horseradish sauce, pita triangles with white bean hummus, shrimp with cocktail sauce and remoulade, and steamed green beans that hadn't lost their crispness. I saw (but did not try) several different salads, chicken tenders, meatloaf, and a design-your-own-pasta-bowl station. Fun! Two negatives here: the layout was a little confusing (food was placed everywhere and no one seemed to know where the line began or ended), and the shrimp were served shell-on and weren't deveined. Call me a wimp, but I'm just not a big fan of eating shrimp poop. For dessert, I was entranced by the Italian donuts with chocolate sauce and white chocolate Bailey's sauce. The donuts were crispy on the outside and warm and cakey on the inside, with a hint of cinnamon. And the chocolate sauces were to die for (especially when eaten with strawberries). ::drool:: For $13.95 a person, you get a lot of food, and not just the same old brunch items! Pretty sweet, even if it's from a soulless chain restaurant, eh?
(4)K H.
It's actually a nice place to go for a drink later at night with a girlfriend. The 1/2 price long islands and mixed drinks sun-thurs are a big plus. The service was great, the drinks were good, and I loved the parmesan frites we shared. All told it was a good place to chill on a Wednesday night :)
(4)Tina A.
Nothing is better than the half off Long Island iced teas on Sun-Thurs. Georgia peach is my favorite. You can't go wrong with a glass or pitcher of this drink for less than 4 bucks. Great service and appetizers.
(5)Janice O.
This is one of my favorite places to eat in Park Ridge. I love their hearty salads and flat bread.
(4)Rob L.
I came here to meet a friend I haven't seen in about 12 or 13 years for a catch up drink. Yes. Really. I have friends. The place is trendy and lively. Plenty of staff, plenty of space, (outdoor area, like many have said, should be hopping and great once the warm weather finally arrives). There is a menu where there are plenty of items where some fine feastin' can commence. The wine list was good, nothing outrageous, but enough to keep most oenophiles fairly happy and content. I will say though, just like Park Ridge, this is a family place. Plenty of kids, plenty of families having dinner and parents sharing a drink and I am sure some stories about what trouble their kids are in now. I should know, I used to be one of those kids. Not a bad place, not a bad option. Not too chain like, good service, decent prices. Nice addition for Uptown Park Ridge. But not the best place for a quiet get together.
(3)Ms G.
This is a review for Houlihan's bedhead brunch. My family and I went here for Father's Day, and while the rest of them had come before for brunch, it was my first time. They only serve brunch at this time, you can' t order off the menu, so make sure you like what they have to offer. There is plenty. They have the standard scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage, fruit, pancakes, biscuits and sausage gravy, carving station (roast beef and meatloaf), omelet station and dessert table, along with some interesting additions like Mediterranean orzo salad, caesar salad, chicken tenders, mashed potatoes, herbed potato wedges, and sliders. They also had a pasta station. Coffee is included with the brunch price. I enjoyed most of the food. My only complaints were that the sliders were very pink in the middle (I prefer well done burgers), and the bacon was not at all crispy, but barely cooked. The best items were their homemade chicken tenders, caesar salad, and mashed potatoes. They also had really great pecan pie. It was a nice brunch, at a decent price ($15.95), and will keep you full all day!
(4)Carl S.
I went in with a predisposed idea as to what this place was all about, was I wrong. The Menu is HUGE with Small plates, Larger small plates, and the food was really great! We had the Frites, (free with a check in on foursquare) we had the Disco version. The Flatbread was excellent, Goat Cheese, Balsamic Tomatoes, and Kalamata Olives! The small Ceasar salad was very tasty, the croutons (Made from Polenta) were crunchy not soggy.
(4)Ben H.
Although located on one of the busier streets in Park Ridge, the outside seating is still a nice option during the summer months. With both an outdoor "cocktail" area & a seperate outdoor dining area, you have the choice to sit and chat over drinks or dine off the menu. Monday-Thursday drink specials are great (1/2 off long islands & domestic beers) & because they're offered all day, you don't have to worry about arriving at any specific time. The food is slightly above average, though nothing to rave about. Prices are appropriate for the majority of the menu, though the steaks were overpriced (~$10 for a burger or wrap, but ~$25 for a steak). I've been here three or four times, & every time the service has been above average. All in all, definitely worth checking out, though more for a drink with friends than a sit-down dinner.
(4)Real D.
Have been to this location twice already and both times the experience was very good. Ambiance - hip, club-like with Trance (yes - when I went recently) music, staff in black and decor post modern hotel chic. Food - We've ordered the following and all were extremely delicious: Asian Chicken Wings, Bruschetta, Salmon Salad, Chicken Salad. Sweet complex sauces. Fresh tasting. Adequate portions. Can't wait to try more items on the menu. Service - Exceptional. From entrance to egress, staff are alert and courteous. Waitstaff very accomodating and professional. We split a salad, and staff served salad on two plates. Nice touch. Floor managers check in with guests regularly; lets you know that customer service is high priority. Overall: Will be coming here often. Great food & service. Easy parking. Can't wait to avail of the outdoor dining next year when weather permits.
(5)Katherine R.
Well I'm glad the neighborhoods surrounding me are starting to open up some new places, thank God. I went here with my Mom one Sunday night expecting it to be like most restaurants on Sunday night, slow. Well, it was packed. We didn't have to wait for a table since there was just two of us, but the place was slamming. Our server was really nice and attentive, definitely had a personality and was enthusiastic about his job. So that was nice, always scores points. I ordered the potato soup to start which was great. Definitely would get that again. I had the veggie sandwich which sounded really good, but was not. Not even close. The bread was super dry, so the sandwich became really messy since I couldn't even eat the bread. There was basically bruschetta tomatoes on there, which did not complement the sandwich at all. It's kind of hard to eat a sandwich with small, chopped tomatoes on it anyways. I basically just ate the fries, which were very good and called it a day. The menu is extensive, but not a whole lot of options for non-meat eaters. I will go back because the service was good and I'm sure people don't go there for the veggie sandwich. Just keep in mind Houlihan's there are people that don't eat meat- so a bean patty or veggie patty would be awesome.
(3)Kim S.
Time for an upgraded review!! Chris and I went here last night again because Chris' birthday is next week and we got an offer for a free entrée. This FREE ENTRÉE was amazing because there is no cap on the entrée price. Who does that in this day and age? All you need to do is sign up for their restaurant club and you get the coupon via email once your birthday comes around. Great deal! Chris ordered the Filet Mignon and he loved it. He felt great afterwards as well...NO GLUTEN ISSUES. I had my usual Farmhouse Club and enjoyed it. Service was MUCH better this time around too. Waitress was knowledgeable about Gluten Free and if she didn't know something, she willingly found out for us. Regardless, this place continues to be pricey for the available options it has with someone with a gluten allergy. If someone else is buying, we will go back (filet on them!! ha!), which is an improvement from my last review, but the best things on the menu, like the filet, are the priciest, so we probably won't be visiting the restaurant too often.
(3)Bernadette C.
Perfect place for girls to hang out! Top shelf ice tee with Bacardi U have to try!!!
(4)Patty V.
Wow..could I love a salad any more than I love the Seared Ahi Tuna Salad?? I dunno....but,if it's wrong to love a salad this much,slap the cuffs on me and haul me away! Came here for a late lunch and left with a blissfully satisfied tummy.The service was wonderful. It was as if our server read our minds,but wasn't the least bit obtrusive. We started with the White Bean and Artichoke Hummus.Fresh, smooth and perfectly seasoned. Hubby had the Fettuccini Alfredo with Grilled Chicken. He loved it ..and he is picky about his Alfredo.Said it was almost as good as mine! High praise,indeed! I had the Seared Ahi Tuna Salad again. This is one of my very favorite salads-ever! It has generous slices of perfectly seared Ahi, mixed greens, cashews,cilantro and dried banana chips(sounds weird,I know,but...trust me,it all works great together)with some strips of fried wonton.all gently and lovingly tossed in a soy,ginger wasabi dressing-yummy!
(5)Marco C.
This was my first visit to this particular location, however I was very pleased with the service, the girl who waited on us her name was Jenine I believe, she had been working there a few years and you can tell she was very much on top of her game. The food was really good, the service was excellent, and the overall setting was good, not what I am used to visiting the one in Oakbrook, but it did the trick. The reason I only gave this great restaurant 1 star is because of parking, we had to walk quite far as they are in a strip mall, now I know they do not have a parking lot, but maybe they do have closer parking, and my coworker didn't know since he drove. However all in all it was a great experience, and the guys left her a $20 dollar tip and on my way out i gave her an additional $5 tip so I am sure she was a happy camper , would definitely go back, but only if I could get the same server, she was funny and very attentive. :)
(4)Susie R.
Not a fan at all but it was my first time there to eat (I went there for drinks before and it was fine) and I was starving, not to mention my boyfriend and I were crunch in time. From the moment we walked in I wasn't impressed, don't take me wrong the place is nice all tho a but dim, it all started with the hostess, God only knows what she was wearing, some sort of black washed out spandex with a tight black shirt and some sort of flats, didn't really fit in with the place (or any other restaurant for all I know). Then, we ordered appetizers, the chicken and avocado rolls (the only good thing we ate), the disco fries... lets just say that my boyfriend hates mushrooms and I will never know if he is allergic to them! the mushrooms were all over our food but not in the description of the plate in the menu! The mushrooms were on HIS meatloaf and that wasn't a good thing at all. Moreover, did I mentioned my "enchiladas" yet? nope! lets just leave them out of the picture because they were a complete turn off :( we ended up taking most of our food home and the waitress didn't even bother to ask why! So if you don't like mushrooms and want to try Houlihan's make sure you ask and don't say I didn't tell you about it!
(1)Katherine E.
I am so thrilled to finally have a cool place to go for a drink in Park Ridge. The decor here is very modern but cozy. The black bar top is amazingly smooth and very deep so you can eat there and be totally comfy. I haven't had a lot of food there yet but what I did order was great. My only tiny complaint would be the appetizer plates. They are triangle shaped and thick so they are awkward to use. Otherwise I love this place. Nice looking crowd too.
(4)Chris D.
Very veg friendly. Had a selection of dishes. I enjoyed the veggie burger, which was excellent, and we had the hummus as an appetizer. Good service, too
(4)Sam S.
Used to be a 5 star but service is always slow lately.
(4)Denise M.
Went here for the first time and i must admit the food was great! I ordered the so cal fish tacos and the mashed potatoes and both were delish! The only reason I didn't give this place 5 stars is cause the service was a tad bit "confusing." We had 3 different waiters/servers coming out with glasses cause they didn't communicate with each other that they already brought out the glasses and cause our main waiter kept having to go back and fourth to our table cause he would notice that stuff was missing (glasses, plates, etc.) Overall, I would say that I had a good experience and i would definitely come back again!
(4)Kryste N.
3.5 stars!! Saturday friends and I did a DIY Park Ridge "pub crawl", ok I know that sounds crazy cause there are no pubs in Park Ridge, but there are places with a fun bar and Houlihan's definitely qualifies. Best of all their bar "small plates" menu was extensive, the variety was unbelievable and they even had mini entrees. Really, one of the most brilliant bar menus I have ever seen, and they have a whole variety of Skinny Girl cocktails to choose from. We had some better than normal bar food munchies, a variety of drinks, I selected the Skinny Girl cucumber martini and WHOA! All in all a good time, I'll be back!
(3)Eleni L.
First time going to the Sunday Brunch. Well let's put it this way my family said Old Country Buffet's breakfast selections are a ton better and a whole lot cheaper. This brunch is not worth the money. We had to ask for drink refills and they weren't busy. We will think twice before going back to this brunch.
(1)Charlie G.
Well, I've always sat in the bar so this is a review of that experience. The service can be hit or miss...the bartenders are sometimes too cool for school...also, I frequent the place (almost every two weeks) and they rarely even remember me so that's a bit of a downer...but sometimes it's due to the fact that there are always new faces when I go in there....that said, I do get the free birthday dinner from them and they are always good at their marketing.
(4)Ted W.
Greta atmosphere and good quality food. Interesting selection.
(4)Joanne L.
I come here regularly with the husband, but prior to that, I hadn't been to a Houlihans in about a decade. The service here is always spot-on and the food always comes out hot, nicely prepared, and usually faster than expected. The caveat about that is that our entrees will come out just after having our first bites of our appetizers. Drinks are usually the slowest to arrive. Sometimes coming in mid-meal. Other than that, there isn't a whole lot I don't like about this place.
(4)Mel L.
If you like a Sunday brunch only menu and service for 8 squeezed into a table for 6, then this is the place for you!
(2)Gray G.
Wow! Brunch buffet was great. Tasty mushroom brie omelet. Italian donuts were fantastic. Good coffee. Bacon was alright. Very accommodating staff. Nice atmosphere. Music selection was good - Mary J. Blige and Cibo Matto. Surprisingly cool for a suburban chain restaurant.
(4)JUDITH W.
Houlihan's is a welcome addition to Park Ridge. It's a good place for lunch, cocktails or a dinner. Service is good. It is nice to have the bar menu and a place where one can dine alone or with a friend without having to go to a table. The decor is more sophisticated that I remember any Houlihans ever being, and that's a plus.
(4)Tom C.
I ate here last night and had a wonderful time. The service was good and so was the food. Good drink specials. The Club sandwich and fish tacos were given thumbs up reviews from my party. I had the southwest chicken wrap and was pleased with it. a unique combination of flavors. The pecan pie was excellent and the deserts are well worth the low price. I have never been let down by any Houlihan's.
(4)Gregory H.
I can't decide if I walked into this place expecting it to be a soul-sucking chain suburban experience. Didn't really get that. Came by on a Monday night before the baby's induction, and last night with only one kid, and it was pretty happening. Bar area is spacious and table and booths are lit by downlighting. Pretty contemporary décor, done well. Service was slow and inattentive but polite. Didn't know squat about beer (my fault, should have ordered a light beer). Multi-colored martini flights for people who are into that kind of thing (women under 20 or over 50?). I pictured some kind of Polynesian theme with the name but it was standard bar fair. Prices we're a little higher than I expected but the food was also pretty good. I got fish tacos and tortilla soup, the wife got some Asian leaf-warp thing that was tasty. Draft beers were $5. I'd go back again in the summer to sit outside but otherwise probably try for Edison Park.
(2)Darla M.
Simple review....how can a place serve lukewarm to cold food? I ordered the Atlantic Salmon, fire grilled. I should have known the food would not be satisfying b/c the plate was not warm. The asparagus was cold. The mashed potatos were warm. Thank goodness the salmon was warmer. Service was blah...she seemed like she didn't want to be there. She practically threw our plates down and took off....no enjoy or anything... The decor is nice. It's going to be interesting to see what happens when the outside dining is available since they are already receiving complaints from the neighbors about the noise. The staff in general didn't seem friendly. The prices are what you would expect from a chain and being in Park Ridge.
(1)Regina D.
The last time I was at this restaurant was in February and I wrote a very negative review which has been filtered. At that time I pretty much said it wasn't worth my time to go there any more. I went again on October 19th since I had neglected to take my name off of their birthday list and got a coupon for a free entree. I ordered the petite filet mignon and a diet coke with tortilla soup. The waitress took my order promptly and served my soup which was nice and hot with crispy tortilla strips and sloshed all over the plate under the bowl. She then brought me my steak which I had ordered medium well. When I cut into it it looked fine. When I tasted it I was appalled. The cook had killed the cow a second time. The steak was dry and tough and not seasoned, nor were the broccolini on the plate. There was absolutely no juice from the steak whatsoever. The fries were, fortunately, hot and not soggy. I would have spoken to the waitress about it but she completely ignored me until she brought me my bill, never even asking if I wanted my Diet Coke refilled - I did. So, at the risk of being filtered again, I must again say thumbs down. And look, I am filtered - again.
(2)Jak K.
i have to say for a "chain" we had an excellent experience. i had never actually been to a houlihan's before this. we went on day 4 of opening. i have to say excellent service! every staff member that walked by asked if we needed something or offered to refill our drinks. beer was icey cold in a frosty mug. food very good! i will definitely go back. it's great to have a good place just down the road.
(5)Lana R.
I came here for my birthday and the service was okay. The food was very good. I love the ambiance there!
(4)robert r.
Safe go to spot in park ridge. Food is always good and a great variety of drinks. One of the few places for outdoor dining in town. Great bar for nightly boys or girls night out
(4)Jenni S.
The food is just okay. I hadn't been here in a while and I remember it being a lot better. I had the chicken ranch southwest wrap. It was decent but nothing I'll be craving. I just feel like the menu lacks something.
(3)Frank S.
Food is very bland and dry while customer service is not great. I don't really recommend the place because McDonald's has better tasting food ( that's saying a lot). My burger was Blue when I asked for medium well. Fries were dry and mushy. There are many other places in park ridge to get a good meal at such as Blu fish and jersey mikes
(1)A. T. T.
My best friend and I go to this restaurant at least once a month and it is almost always a great experience I highly recommend the Italian sausage flatbread, pot roast, fish & chips, and any of the chicken dishes. The ribs are great,too. Experimenting with new items on the menu sometimes can be a haphazard experience, for example, they had a beer mac and cheese that was absolutely one of nastiest things I have ever eaten but my meal was comped and they gave me another entree to take home. That's my idea of real cusomer service! That weird dish was an anomaly because normally the food is fabulous, we keep going back and will continue to go back. A great place to eat in Park Ridge.
(4)Norajean N.
Houlihan's sent me a voucher for an entrée up to $15 as a birthday celebration gift. It was great as my husband and I split the strip steak dinner and had an amazing appetizer. They also were nice enough to provide a delicious dessert complementary. The experience was great, the food was delicious and the service was top notch! Happy patron in Park Ridge
(4)Rick K.
Visited Houlihan's to celebrate our 21st wedding anniversary. Unfortunately, this was the worst dining experience. On the holiday weekend and a sparse dinner crowd, you would think service would be good. Wrong. Not only was my steak selection not available, but our order took approximately 20+ minutes to arrive. When it finally appeared, my wife's quiche was cold to the touch. The server took it back with an apology and it returned about 5-7 minutes later. Lukewarm, at best, which is not something you want with an egg-based entrée like quiche. Long story short..they apologized a second time for the quiche, removed it from our bill, and gave us two coupons for $10 off our next visit. Unfortunately, based on today's experience I doubt we'll ever use them.
(1)Rachel W.
I've eaten here about a 1/2 dozen times over the past couple of years. Appetizers are good, but not fantastic. I've typically always ordered a salad and the baked potato soup (86ing the bacon because I'm a vegetarian) as my main course. However, I'm glad I changed up my routine... Last time we dined here I had the black bean sliders and they were tasty. Tasty, but not outstanding (slightly soggy). The Fried that accompanied the sliders were good. 4/5 because the staff is always friendly, food arrives within an adequate amount of time and the restaurant takes reservations. Wish they had more vegetarian entree options.
(4)Leo P.
This place was good. I ate here for lunch and ordered the so cal fish taco. I asked for the sauce on the side but it was served in the taco. It was still good. The server got us our food on time-as advertised. Nothing wrong with the food or atmosphere. But nothing spectacular either. I wish I could give this place a 3.5 because it was clean and the environment was quite relaxing. Unfortunately I still have to go with 3 stars over 4 because honestly it was just Good, but not great.
(3)Mike P.
Everytime sub Par service! Whoever hires staff here needs to be fired from corporate. The staff all needs to be drug tested. They are always in LA LA land and have to always repeat my order. I waited 45 min for a soup and salad. Rude bartenders and depressing atmosphere. No more $$$ from my Family and I. Close down for a couple weeks . Make a plan and recycle the current staff . And reopen for a possible turn around.
(1)Ashley G.
We use to love coming here!! My husband went in last night and picked up an order for dinner. I had ordered Thai Chicken, and when I opened the box I was totally in shock! There was one small piece of chicken a couple of pieces of asparagus and maybe 4 bites of Rice!! It looked like a kid plate! It seems that their portions have severely diminished! I called and the woman who I spoke with said, "That's how it comes" if you dine in with us you get a bigger portion! What!!! Then, I should have received a smaller bill! So rude, and will not be coming back here for awhile.
(1)Shawn B.
Went for the first time since moving to Park Ridge. We visited last Friday with a group of 4 people to celebrate an anniversary...Burgers were way over cooked to well instead of medium, when asking waiter what could be done he acted like management was busy. My gf ordered dessert and it was totally overly covered in chocolate syrup..... Like drenched. Again told waiter and he just stood there and said nothing could be done. Just overall not a good experience
(1)Howard L.
We had an OK weekend lunch stop here. Wife had a salmon BLT ($13.45, and it was a bit fishy), and I had their three slider combo - pot roast, burger, and BBQ pulled pork for $11.00. The slider combo was good, and mini pretzel rolls fresh. They have an all day menu on weekends, and not separate lunch and dinner menus. Can't beat the convenience factor with it's Uptown location and nearby parking. This location is also newish and clean.
(3)Gerard G.
Came here with a party of 6 on a Sunday. I understand that the place was packed but the service overall is horrible. The servers stand around and talk while the managers probably micromanage and don't do any busy work. We weren't offered any refills for our beverages and we received our food later than expected; I want to say that we were waiting on 2 people to show but we knew what they wanted and ordered for them. But the server misunderstood when to bring out the food and we didn't receive it until about 2 hours later. Side note, my mom accidentally lost her phone and we searched everywhere and we thought that she might have misplaced it in the menu by accident. So we asked the manager if he might check in the menus? He rudely (without checking) responded, "No. We would have noticed it." Later to find out that it was in one of the menus. (Probably feels like a dick lol) Going back to the servers, they need training in organizing their time between tables. I understand that during busy days it's difficult (I worked as a server, I understand) but when you have a large party that tipped 20% regardless of the unmistakable horrific service. I at least expect an overall apology about the experience... As we sat next to the booth of servers and managers, they noticed that we were getting irritated and still did nothing. Please don't bother in a response because I'm not changing my review nor am I trying to look for any compensation. This was my first time here and my last. My family didn't want me to tip the waiter anything but I understand how hard it is. But if you run a business in Park Ridge, I expect the overall service to be 5 stars.
(1)Deborah R.
I was so hopeful when Houlihan's came to Park Ridge. They have such a nice bar area. However, every time I go to have a cocktail there it takes forever to be served by the bartender. Not their fault, but I want to order my drink and there's one bartender serving the restaurant and three people waiting for a drink at the bar....while the other servers stand around doing nothing. Yes, I understand they are not bartenders. I ducked in there about one week ago to get a drink, waiting 5 minutes as more and more people came to the bar and finally left. Too bad, but I for one will never go back. I mentioned it to the hostess and she asked if I wanted to speak to the manager but I didn't want to go that far. Nice that the hostess knew what to say when I mentioned I was disgruntled. Part II of review...after I made the comment above I was immediately contacted by Houlihan's management. I was pleased with the quick response. They offered to send me a gift certificate but I really didn't want it because I don't want folks to think I'm just our there hunting for freebies. They did send a $25 gc so I will try to go back in there again. Management seems to want to make it work but whether or not there's follow through is the question. Look for Part III in the near future!!
(1)Maddie M.
Great Sunday brunch! Be sure to ask for Felicie. She's the best. Energetic and fun! Ask for the check, not to settle the tab!!! Hahahaba
(5)Sanford R.
I have visited this location a couple of times in the past few months and can now say that I am a fan. I have tried the salmon, their steaks and the scallops, and have really enjoyed everything. The service was OK on the first visit and much better the second time around. I really like the lighting in the restaurant and the atmosphere in general. I definitely will be back.
(4)Mala G.
I came here with my friends birthday two months ago for the first time for me Our waitress mary was amazing young lady. She was sweet kind and just very helpful. She bought a bday cake out for my friend . Because of her I return 4 more times with my boyfriend and his mom for her bday. Mary was there. We spoke and I told her and the manager she was great. The food was amazing. Fish tacos ' mushroom appetizer , chicken wrap. The drinks were good. Yesterday we came back for another friends bday The waiter yest was okay. I felt he was a little cold I think i will make sure mary is there the next time I go. The manager is very nice too. Mary you are so good at what you do. Good job
(5)Jackie O.
The bar happy hour here can't be beat! Tuesday 1/2 price bottles of wine and small plate apps makes for good after-work munchies. It's a bummer here that the servers really seem indifferent about service or speed. I would skip a regular, full-price dinner here. So many better options in the neighborhood.
(3)George O.
Four of us were there in Wednesday evening arrived at 7:15 did not get served until 8:15. Server stopped by on own twice in that time to let us know they were running behind. Had to ask for another beverage. Manager came by once. Not good for business. Second time this has happened in last 3 weeks. Manager did handle the bill but that can't be done all the time. It is not like the food is spectacular so service should be a premium. One more time and we will not frequent the establishment. George O
(1)John G.
Had the artichoke white bean hummus appetizer is was fresh & creamy. Chicken tortilla soup had just the right amount of spices. Service was surprising pleasant.
(4)Cheryl B.
Free birthday coupon--ordered the Thai Chicken. It was very small but good, not great. Not worth $14.99 though if I was paying. Over priced menu. Not much to choose from. Back side of menu is all drinks. Wish they made fresh cut french fries instead of frozen ones.
(3)D.j. B.
Food was awesome. Managers and waitress were chat friendly. Kept checking back on us. Couldn't have asked for a semi-cheap Friday night date
(5)Christina G.
I've been here a few times with friends after work. First piece of advice: sign up for the emails. I just delete most of them, but sometimes you get coupons for $10 off your bill, and in your birthday month, you get a free entree (up to $15). Worth it, I think. We go earlier in the evening and get the happy hour specials. I usually get a peach long island, and the table shares an order of chicken nachos. After a bowl of tortilla soup, I'm already stuffed. I will say that I'm always a little surprised at the bill when it comes, as it always seems a little high for what we've ordered. Maybe it's just me. Aside from the nachos and tortilla soup, both of which I really like, the food isn't the best I've had. Everything seems just a tad underseasoned, and no dish is truly an exceptional, "I have to come back for this meal" dish. Do watch out for your specials though. If you have a coupon, you can't use it for any type of special, like half bottle wine night, or happy hour drinks. I'm sure we'll be back again, but with so many other restaurants in the uptown area, we'll be sure to give other restaurants a try.
(3)Crystal K.
The Nachos were great. The drinks were watered down. Unfortunately the waitress was very rude. It was almost as if she wanted us to hurry up and leave. We got there around 1030 and I know that they close at midnight so we were confused as to why she was rushing us.
(2)Adam L.
You've hooked me with your Serious Brownie Sundae. For that, I'll see you in Hell you Irish bastards! Bring brownies.
(5)Craig Y.
Serve was great, food was good but there was an over gratuitous use of tile in the loo
(4)Ruth S.
Houlihan's is close to my work and in theory it is a great place to do a happy hour but this place sucks. I have given Houlihan's SO many chances and they continuously let me do. Their food is simply not good. I have complained to managers, they have compensated me with a free meal, and still it is not enough to get me to go back. I have tried a number of different dishes, and they are all bad. I have come for lunch and in the evening. The drinks are not strong, even when you splurge for the premium liquor. I have to give up on this place. Don't waste your money!
(1)Louie K.
Nice place, consistent, the food is always good so is the service, my family and I visit frequently especially in the summer time! The patio seating with a glass of wine is very calming and the kids have enough space to play instead of plying with tablets by the table! Definitely one my favorite in park ridge.
(5)Nick N.
The food here was pretty good. Friendly waitress and an interesting menu that I've been told changes frequently. A bit pricey, but an overall good experience.
(4)Oliver Y.
Went with the meatloaf, great portion had enough for breakfast the next day. Visited here on a Wednesday during dinner, dinning area was a little empty, a few people at the bar and on the patio. Staff was on top of things, water was never half empty. I must re-visit on Friday or Sataurday, great neighborhood (downtown Park Ridge)
(4)Larissa A.
This place is nice, it looks nice the staff is nice, it is in a nice place. It just all seems a little... forced and fake. I am not from the area so I don't know if that just has to do with the location but it was very noticeable here. Parking was a PIA and a little confusing... I just parked on the street somewhere. The food is good, that is the thing about chain restaurants they are safe. The food is consistant. Lucky for Houlihan's it is a step above most chains in this department. They also have a great and inventive cocktail menu. Like I mentioned I do not live in this area so I can't say I will come back, even if visiting.
(3)Greg F.
me and my party received great service here this past saturday and every last morsel disappeared off the plates. you bet we're fans!
(4)M. O.
I went to Houlihan's today (Sunday) and I've got to say I was totally impressed with this place. The service was great, the food was pretty tasty, and the drinks were refreshing! I came with a couple friends looking for some light food and drinks. We ended up finding out they had a special...$3.95 appetizers and $5 long island iced teas. This was an unexpected surprise. Our server made some great recommendations, as they have multiple flavors of Long Islands. I recommend trying the Georgia Peach and the Angry Orchard Long Islands. As far as appetizers, I'd say their spicy chicken avocado egg rolls and lettuce wrap appetizers are their best. Try the pretzel sticks with beer cheese and the wings as well. You won't regret stopping by Houlihan's, especially on a Sunday!!!
(4)Kim L.
So, we've been here a couple times. The first two times were alright, decent food and decent service. The last time I was there, just a few days ago, the food runner spilled salsa and sour cream on me. I was really nice about it because I didn't want him to feel bad, and he was really nice about it and apologized more than enough. The waitress had to have seen me cleaning myself off when she brought more food, however she didn't say anything. Nor did I get a replacement salsa and sour cream, even though the majority of it had fallen in my lap. I feel like there should have been further communication between the food runner, waitress and management. Just for hospitality purposes. That's really one of the only faults I've seen at this place. The food is decent and they have nice happy hour specials.
(3)Marie C.
Been coming here for years. They used to have one by my house and I was so sad when it got closed down. Their potato soup is the best potato soup I have ever had. Even better than corner bakery's! Love their chicken tenders. Their sliders are amazing and so juicy I love it. Service is good and I love to sit on the patio when it's nice out
(5)Lauren K.
Went here with my dad for lunch. We each got a combo. Both had the French onion soup (very good, with baked cheese on top). My dad had an ahi tuna salad which he ate up and enjoyed. I liked my fish taco, but the salsa for the salsa and chips it came with was rather forgettable. Our waitress made poor change when we paid (the only option would have been to leave a disproportionately enormous tip) so we had to ask her to break the bill further, which was a little annoying. The restaurant is very clean and attractive. The prices are reasonable, too. I'd like to go again for dinner some time.
(3)Yanyao N.
This place screams suburban chain, only the decor has been updated a little and the dark wood interior is actually quite relaxing to hang out in. We sat at the bar and ordered some small plates to share. There was "fancy" pasta - wide noodles with a meat sauce, served warm (and not hot). There was bruschetta, which should be so simple to make, yet the bread were thin pieces of crostini that snapped when you tried to spread goat cheese on it. Yup, the majority of the bruschetta was goat cheese, formed into a circle with a ring mold, the bottom being a tomato mix. There are some redeeming qualities though. Houlihan's was open on Easter Sunday (when Jason's Deli was closed). The mini hot dogs are decent. The service started out good, but was non-existent near the end of our meal. Waters were not refilled, and the worst part? I had my credit card in the little shot glass the bill was in for SO long. It was ignored. (Don't people want to get paid?) In the end, I got so frustrated with waiting, that I spent my cash (reserved for my birthday casino trip) and left. No plans to return - next Easter Sunday, I'll plan better.
(2)Carla G.
My expectations for food chains are never really high. The food selection at Houlihans is pretty typical- burgers, fries, steak, pasta, etc. Some of the items have a nice twist such as a variety of fries or calamari served in a Chinese take out box. Also, the big small plates are great to share. I have noticed the food service is very slow no matter what I order- even if it's just fries! Houlihan's offers drink deals in the middle of the week which is a great way to try something new without fear of wasting money. I return here because it is a nice place to come for drinks & appetizers- highly recommend their long islands!
(3)Dave F.
I like Houlihans. The décor of this place is a bit dark but not drab. They have a nice and comfortable dining section and also a nice bar with comfortable seating. The bar makes a great date night during the week. The bar has great food and drink specials throughout the week. I have tried many of the Long Islands and like most of them. For the special price during the week you cant beat them. The food has always been good; I have been all over the menu and tried everything from the wings to the steaks. I have never been disappointed but I have also never been blown away. The food is always consistent and price well. The Thai Chile and Sesame Ginger wings are both good and worth a try. The service at both the bar and the tables has always been good. The parking is easy within the two available lots and the bathrooms are clean. All in all I will continue to go to Houlighans.
(4)Jen C.
The French onion soup was great! I went for lunch and service was slower than I expected. I only had soup (very filling) and a drink so was shocked I had to stand up to get the attention of my waitress for my bill. Hostess was very attentive when I came in. I would give it a second chance.
(3)Shereene M.
Average chain restaurant. The weekly drink specials were good. The food was just whatever. I'd much rather go to a random small restaurant in the area.
(2)Susan P.
food and drinks tasty, nice week day specials. A bit pricey.
(4)Brandon V.
Meh! We stopped in here because it was nearby after we'd spent a little time walking around in Park Ridge and hopping into Starbucks. On the surface, it looks like my kind of place, but it turns out, it is pretty lackluster. The food we ordered was less than stellar, and the service was HORRIBLE. We were greeted and seated by one person, then our drinks were taken by another person, then we waited about 15 minutes before yet another person came and re-took our drink orders, explained that our server was being "relieved" and that he would now be taking care of us. Meanwhile, we saw our original server waiting other tables the whole time we were there. As it turns out, we wished he'd stayed with us - it looked like he was taking care of his tables a lot better than our server was taking care of us. There was a LOT of waiting... for EVERYTHING. And patience is not my strong suit. It might have made a little difference if the server had been friendly, but he wasn't. He was pretty smug and short the whole visit. Finally, what in HELL happened in the bathroom with those tiles? I thought I was going to pass out it was so busy in there. Eesh, this ain't Jersey!
(2)Jennifer I.
Chain restaurants leave me feeling a little underwhelmed. I don't hate them, can eat there when the situation calls for it, but they are never destination spots for me. However, I have eaten at the Park Ridge Houlihan's twice in the past six months, and have been very pleasantly surprised with the food, the service, and the non-chain feeling. My grade school gal pals and I have picked this place as it is relatively centrally located, they have pretty ample parking (underground), they have a big menu, and it's quiet enough so we can talk about important things, like which guy from our class recently posted about his vasectomy on Facebook. The atmosphere is actually pretty cozy....when I think "chain restaurant" I somehow always picture bright lights/bright colors (cough cough Fridays), faux-Irish (cough Bennigan's cough cough) or faux-owl (cough cough Hooters cough). Houlihan's has lots of dark wood and big booths...almost too classy for my gang and our talk of gossipy smut. They haven't asked us to leave yet, soo.... But most importantly...the food. This is why Houlihan's really gets my snaps. In addition to the wide variety (sandwiches, salads, entrees, flatbreads, etc.), they offer some food in different sizes. So let's say you really really like red meat (that would be me) but you don't have room or a doctor's permission to eat a big steak. You can get a 4 oz. filet as a mini entree. How cool is that? AND the food is pretty darn tasty, too. While I won't be a regular Houlihanian, I know I could always find something to suit my appetite, and I wouldn't ever object to going here, even if no one else from my class undergoes some sort of sterilization procedure.
(4)Mel L.
If you like a Sunday brunch only menu and service for 8 squeezed into a table for 6, then this is the place for you!
(2)Gray G.
Wow! Brunch buffet was great. Tasty mushroom brie omelet. Italian donuts were fantastic. Good coffee. Bacon was alright. Very accommodating staff. Nice atmosphere. Music selection was good - Mary J. Blige and Cibo Matto. Surprisingly cool for a suburban chain restaurant.
(4)Karla L.
"How many bad experiences do we need to have until we stop coming here?!?!" This is what I said the last time (and I do mean the LAST TIME) I had dinner at Houlihan's in Park Ridge, IL. There are so many good restaurants in the neighborhood - Blu Fish, Affresco, Maki Sushi, even Chipotle - that there is no reason to spend my money at this chain restaurant joke! From the super slow wait staff, (one reviewer mentioned having to hunt down her server for the paycheck only to find that server chit-chatting in the bar area... SAME HERE!) to the mediocre food - I'm over it! I do not appreciate being served warm beer with a side of attitude. I can not stand having over eager servers vacuum around my table so that they can leave the restaurant as soon as it closes! The icing on the cake (literally) was finding a piece of PLASTIC in the frosting of the piece of carrot cake that I was having for dessert! GROSS! Also, if you were considering going to this place for Mother's Day brunch.... DON'T! I made reservations weeks in advance only to have my family WAIT AN HOUR for a table. Isn't a reservation made TO RESERVE A TABLE? This restaurant is a joke. I will not being coming back, ever.
(1)Jimbo B.
I usually avoid chains but this Houlihan's is nice. The service has always been great and there's always something on the menu for everyone. I like how they wrap your food up for you instead of just bring you a box. The menu is delicious and they have a good wine and decent beer selection. Fair prices, too.
(4)Kkk K.
The worst service I ever received....Good luck goiing there.....I finally got out after being sick for 6 months. I was treated like I was a toddler. Thank you Houlihan's never again,
(1)Joe G.
HEY Yelp, you need to give us half stars. This place is a 2.5er. First thank goodness for alcohol because there really is no atmosphere here. Sitting outside is much much better than inside and the bar area is better than the restaurant. Sit in the restaurant if you don't want to be seen or want to nap before dinner. Second too bad alcohol is so expensive here. I have been here several times because believe it or not, I have a couple friends and they seem to want to go here. It is really kind of a bland place and I forget about it once I leave. I've had items from fish to meatloaf not bad just forgettable So my last trip I found something yummy and it goes with beer. Pot Roast sliders. Its a small plate so there are only 3 but it mixes perfectly with a Stella. The meet is tender and the gravy compliments it perfectly. In addition, the texture of the gravy is perfect, not over thickened where you get a coating of flour or corn starch on your tongue. What would have made a trifecta of flavor would have been an order of pickle fries but alas they were off the menu. To reviewer Ed K, I was here in April and they were still gossiping about you
(2)Craig T.
Just went back to Houlihan's with my wife and son for part of my wife's birthday celebration week. She had received a free entree email that we took advantage of. Great location for us with sophisticated ambiance for a chain restaurant. Server was courteous and the food was pretty good. I frequent this more often with just my son, when my wife travels. It's a kid-friendly environment and the kids menu seems to be a great deal. When the weather is inviting, there is plenty of outdoor seating that we try and take advantage of. Bar area is one of the nicer ones in Park Ridge.
(4)Kristine M.
I went here on a Friday night a few weeks ago at 8:30 and there was a wait. I didn't expect it, but this location is a bit smaller than the other locations. We sat at the bar and were greeted promptly. We ordered drinks and probably wait 25 mins for a table. Once we were sat, we were greeted by our servers who seemed pretty attentive at first. We ordered our food and she checked up on us every once in a while. This was fine except she was not attentive when it came down to our drinks being refilled. The food itself was good as usual. I ordered the fish tacos and the Tuscan salad and was not disappointed. Towards the end of the night, is when I started to feel like our waitress was not around as much. We sat with plates on our table that were finished for sometime. We ordered the s'mores dessert which was delicious as usual. Overall, the food was good and the service was okay. Would I go back? Absolutely. Houlihans has always been a favorite restaurant of mine to eat at.
(4)Marcee W.
Not much to say about a chain restaurant that hasn't been said, but Houlihan's is pretty consistent. Service at this location is good and the ambiance is very pleasant. I noticed they've jumped on the small plates trend which they group in with their appetizers. Baked potato soup is always delish and is a nice complement to any of their salads.
(3)Nina I.
I love this place, their food isn't expensive and they're not a fine dining restaurant by any means but they seem to care about their food. And I'm talking only about the one in Park Ridge because I've never been to any of the other ones. Also the decor is up to date and so cozy. I can sit there all day. And they're also sooo savvy that they have wi-fi! how cool huh? You can have a meal aaannddd surf the internet without the necessity to pirate from other people. :} Although it IS a corporate owned store it definitely has the feeling of a cute mom and pop modern restaurant and also since it's right under an apartment building Uptown Park Ridge the regulars have an even better bonding experience with the place. All in all this is the best place to go if you're looking to go somewhere inexpensive but with quality. I would recommend this place any day. Just avoid the usual busy days (that goes for every restaurant though).
(5)Charlie G.
Well, I've always sat in the bar so this is a review of that experience. The service can be hit or miss...the bartenders are sometimes too cool for school...also, I frequent the place (almost every two weeks) and they rarely even remember me so that's a bit of a downer...but sometimes it's due to the fact that there are always new faces when I go in there....that said, I do get the free birthday dinner from them and they are always good at their marketing.
(4)Ted W.
Greta atmosphere and good quality food. Interesting selection.
(4)Joanne L.
I come here regularly with the husband, but prior to that, I hadn't been to a Houlihans in about a decade. The service here is always spot-on and the food always comes out hot, nicely prepared, and usually faster than expected. The caveat about that is that our entrees will come out just after having our first bites of our appetizers. Drinks are usually the slowest to arrive. Sometimes coming in mid-meal. Other than that, there isn't a whole lot I don't like about this place.
(4)Jacob J.
There's a new tapas place in town (Park Ridge) and it's called Houlihans! Who knew they went small plates and when? I like this new menu which offers many more kinds of sizing options of appetizers, small plates, large plates, small entrees and then normal size as well. So many more offerings and price groups to please your appetite and wallet. Added in the nick of time to save them from restaurant downfall; during this economy. Precisely something I pondered about, a year back when I saw the dwindling business at a newer location just like this one, except located way deep out there in the sticks of IL aka Elgin. Stop into the PR location on any night and business is hoppin'. Hit up the bar and find some of Park Ridge's most eligible, mature bachelorettes, it can be a scene in here at times. Trendy location, good food for the price however the service is lagging far behind. Good door crew which is always able to enter and exit greet, but of the few times I've been back I haven't been able to find the right waitress. I've sat both in the bar and dining areas and I don't get what makes the service so different. I have had the best service while seated at the bar being served by the bartender. This last time, the waitress was so cold without a hint of personality. It could've been due to the weather since at the time it was snowing and there was talk of the expected slow drive home. Surrounded by smiling people all having a good time eating and enjoying the time, you hope that your first point of contact, i.e. the wait staff would be more inviting. OH well. For the occasional drink and meal, it's okay. On your next trip, you must have the Italian donuts with dip. It should definitely be shared and devoured in one sitting. Peep my last review for more details. Now, I teeter from 3 to 4 stars. The food is good, it's just the staff which is NOT attentive.
(3)Maggie W.
Came here for lunch a few times during the workday. Your pretty standard casual sit-down chain restaurant in the vein of Bennigans, Chilis, Applebees, TGIFridays, etc. Service was fast and friendly and food was good. I appreciated that they had lunch options so I didn't have to pay for a ton of food that I didn't eat.
(3)Kryste N.
3.5 stars!! Saturday friends and I did a DIY Park Ridge "pub crawl", ok I know that sounds crazy cause there are no pubs in Park Ridge, but there are places with a fun bar and Houlihan's definitely qualifies. Best of all their bar "small plates" menu was extensive, the variety was unbelievable and they even had mini entrees. Really, one of the most brilliant bar menus I have ever seen, and they have a whole variety of Skinny Girl cocktails to choose from. We had some better than normal bar food munchies, a variety of drinks, I selected the Skinny Girl cucumber martini and WHOA! All in all a good time, I'll be back!
(3)Eleni L.
First time going to the Sunday Brunch. Well let's put it this way my family said Old Country Buffet's breakfast selections are a ton better and a whole lot cheaper. This brunch is not worth the money. We had to ask for drink refills and they weren't busy. We will think twice before going back to this brunch.
(1)Cristie F.
Generally, I'm not a fan of major chain restaurants with gigantic menus, and average, unhealthy, bland food. However, Houlihan's takes it up a notch from "Meh" to "A-OK". Apparently Houlihan's revamped their menu a couple years back, adding a variety of small plates, large plates, smaller sized entrees, lunch specials, and your normal sized plate. I'm glad they caught on to the trend. Some people don't like to gorge into a massive 2,000+ calorie dish, or pay a fortune for it. Many of us do have smaller appetites, so kudos to Houlihans for providing options. Everyone likes options. Anyhow, seven of us left the prison walls of the office to head out for lunch. We decided to start out with a few appetizers - battered and fried Jumbo Stuffed Shrooms, Spinach Dip with massive cheesy pita wedges, Calamari, and the fancy pants Bruschetta. Aside from trying the calamari, all the apps were delish and had great presentation. As a note - the dishes aren't that small, so go easy on them. I'd also recommend the Goat Cheese & Artichoke Poppers - those little balls are warm, gooey, and beyond ridiculously addicting. On to the entrees. We all had something different ranging from fish tacos, salads, flatbreads, grilled salmon, and veggie burgers. Having a few vegetarians in the group, it was helpful that the menu identified which items were vegetarian. They also have a gluten free and vegan menu if your diet requires so. I went with the wild mushroom and arugula flatbread with the side spinach salad. The flatbread was okay. I was hoping for more of a cracker-like crust, as opposed to a mushy dough, but to each their own. The flavor itself was good. I loved the spinach salad with the poppy dressing. However, the plate came out with ring of ice under the plate that fell off all over me, leaving a cold wet mess. The answer I got from the waiter - "Oh, I'm so sorry. The salads are pre-made and kept in the cooler". Umm, ok. I hate the word pre-made. And how long was that baby in the cooler to get an entire ring of ice under the plate?? Aside from that incident, service was great. The waiter was attentive, and apologetic when he wasn't. He was friendly, fun, and provided a few jokes to lighten up the workday. He was helpful in explaining the menus and the lunch specials, since they are somewhat confusing. The food came out fast, and during a lunch break - I can't complain about that. Overall - Great spot for a quick, inexpensive lunch or a killer happy hour.
(3)Chris D.
Very veg friendly. Had a selection of dishes. I enjoyed the veggie burger, which was excellent, and we had the hummus as an appetizer. Good service, too
(4)Sam S.
Used to be a 5 star but service is always slow lately.
(4)Denise M.
Went here for the first time and i must admit the food was great! I ordered the so cal fish tacos and the mashed potatoes and both were delish! The only reason I didn't give this place 5 stars is cause the service was a tad bit "confusing." We had 3 different waiters/servers coming out with glasses cause they didn't communicate with each other that they already brought out the glasses and cause our main waiter kept having to go back and fourth to our table cause he would notice that stuff was missing (glasses, plates, etc.) Overall, I would say that I had a good experience and i would definitely come back again!
(4)Jessica S.
I would like to meet this Houlihan fellow. This is the second establishment of his that I have had the pleasure to frequent. Ever had a small plate? Well the plates aren't necessarily small but the food on it has been shrunk down to oompa loompa size and I am a fan. Try the Slider Pit 3 Pack... mini Chicago Style Hot Dog was awesome! Check out the photo... the dog was about the size of my iPhone. Also hit up the mini Veggie Burger and mini Pot Roast sandwich. Perfect amount of food, flavor and variety for $9.50. I only wish I could have had some french fries :-( So I took some from my mom (hehe) Ooh check out the Mash Up desserts! Apparently I have a thing for itty bitty food because this is the slider version of sugary goodness. Tried out the Smore's Ice Cream, Dark Chocolate Raspberry Brownie Lollie, and the Junior Mint Brownie Lollie. If I could do it all over again I'd order the Rasperry Ice Cream with 2 Raspberry Brownie Lollies for an explosion of berryawesomeness. Atmosphere was a little too dark for my tastes... my whatever I'll get over it. Awesome options to eat in the bar so you're not waiting until the next solar eclipse to get a table. Just bring a headlamp (it'll be a trend you watch) so you can read the menu and make sure your steak comes out the way you asked. Bartenders were a little agitated that I didn't order a beer (gasp, i know!) but I'd already had two somewhere else... this girl needed some food first! Everyone at our table enjoyed their meal, and the quality is pretty comparable to the Oakbrook location, though this one was a lot busier. The burgers looked fantastic, esp. the Burger72 with this stuffed mushroom on it... i do love fungus. Overall, I would definitely go back, but make reservations!
(4)Matt C.
Lousy chain restaurant with completely mediocre food. Sure some things are passable and it is decorated nice but there is nothing there that is really good. Had the spring rolls the other day and it looked like something my dog puked up. Any local thai restaurant can do better. They try to be all things and end up not really succeeding at anything. go to your local mexican, thai, or italian restaurant for better food and most likely a better price.
(2)Julia P.
I'm in love with Houlihan's and I especially love this location. I've always had great quality service and a friendly wait staff who are attentive and know the menu. The menu is a nice mix of variety and I love the portion size options. I love the Veggie Burger and the Southwest Wrap! You also need to try the mashed potatoes and the Fondue dessert..mmmm. The drinks are also awesome..get the Long Island pitcher deal! ;) One time our waiter let my friend and I (who I hadn't seen in awhile) talk and visit until after they even closed. He also gave us free warm cookies. :) P.S. The Women's bathroom sinks are amazing....whoever decided on that...brilliant lol.
(5)Chris S.
I was disappointed. The food was fair, albeit pricey. The beer selection needs serious work.
(3)Linda N.
Thanksgiving buffet was better than I expected. Andrew is the best server there- proactive!
(5)Dominick C.
Hi Houlihans, it's me, Dominick. I just wanted to call and leave a message about the great time I had tonight. You're so funny, easy to talk to, and had me seated quickly. You looked gorgeous in the bar-lighting and your happy-hour pricing really knew how to make my wallet smile. Those lettuce wraps and Whiskey pitchers were exotic and delicious. Mmm. And--I'll just come out and say it: your bartenders and staff were so cool and outgoing. I think we really have something special going on here. Anyway, I'm home-- trying to Pandora some of that cool lounge music you had playing. Gimme a ring sometime, will you? I just had a great dinner date at this beautiful bar-restaurant-- call me and I'll tell you about it. ;-) P.S. Please stop seeing those 1-4 star reviewers who don't understand you like I do.
(5)Michael M.
Salads here are good but they are MUCH better at Eggsperience - a brunch/lunch place a few steps away. I hope Houlihan's reads this, visits Eggsperience and tries out the Greek salad. They'll see that I'm right.
(3)Sarah C.
I have the sickest, creepiest crush on Holihans. For starters, the music selection played is better than a jukebox. A nice mix of rock and alternative- but by far the best loungey-like music for grabbing drinks and grub! So 5 stars on the vibe. The food gets 4 stars. I LOVE tge frites bar and small plates that this location is testing. The slider bar is superb (especially the pot roast) and the key lime martini makes any meal complete. The Fajitas are packed full of flavor and the Rosemary chicken is simple yet perfect. Def worth checking out. Sign up for their emails too- I get a ton of deals weekly. And they have some pretty sweet drink specials too.
(4)Clifford K.
Went back the other day to have lunch outside. It was beautiful outside so I had a quick lunch. Ordered the Hummus which was just delicious and the green olive oil was good! Then something new to me....Pickle Fries.. No not fried pickles. They were pickle fries. I really enjoyed them! So Houlihans keeps getting better and better when I go back apparently because from the start I didn't care to much for their menu. Keep it up.
(4)Em P.
I've been eyeballing this place FOREVER. Man, was I disappointed. Our table ordered the stuffed mushrooms and I'm not crazy about mushrooms at all but man were they good! That was pretty much the best part of the meal. I ordered the slider trio (pulled pork, pot roast and a burger) none of which had any flavor but salt. Lots and lots of salt. It would take a lot for me to go back. Just too many other good places in the area that are worth spending money at.
(1)Tina A.
Nothing is better than the half off Long Island iced teas on Sun-Thurs. Georgia peach is my favorite. You can't go wrong with a glass or pitcher of this drink for less than 4 bucks. Great service and appetizers.
(5)Nina G.
This is only the second time that I've been to Houlihan's and I remember the food being pretty good when I went to the Naperville location. As far as this location, I enjoyed the food here and I thought the small plates were a pretty decent size and the pricing was great! I ordered the small chopped salad and the small scallop plate. The scallops were a bit greasy, but I guess that's what I get for ordering seafood at a place like this. This is basically an upscale version of Chili's so you should just stick to typically bar food. Although, the stuffed mushroom appetizer was very tasty, I recommend you try it! I think it's worth mentioning that the service was pretty good. Rehearsed...but good. The waiter did take a long time to get our check, but we went during dinner rush so it's understandable to an extent. Eventhough this is a chain, this could be a nice place for a date given the modern decor and dim lighting. They also have lots of alcoholic drinks to choose from, which I liked and hopefully your date might too. ;)
(4)Mike O.
Across the street from the library and in the new Uptown Park Ridge development, Houlihan's opened recently. It's a rather unknown franchise around these parts, so I was interested in checking it out. I took my 6 year old son for lunch here on a Monday. It was about 11:30 and not crowded at all. We were seated immediately in a booth. Inside, there's an upscale decor, more elegant than Friday's but no kitschy stuff like you'd see at Chili's or Famous Dave's. There's shades of orange and light green throughout the place, right down to the light fixtures. It gives the place a stylish look though it's really a casual restaurant. We focused on their Nooner menu, since all items are guaranteed to be ready in 15 minutes or it's free. I picked a black angus burger and my son chose the mac and cheese. The waitress took our order, then left us a timer set to 15 minutes and turned it on. We got our order in 10 minutes exactly and we got any extras like napkins and ketchup without a hassle. The burger had a great flavor to it that I expect from premium beef . And needless to say, my son gobbled up his mac and cheese very quickly. Best of all, we both got chocolate chip cookies included at the end of our meal. Along with Jason's Deli and Noodles, Houlihan's is yet another nice addition to the Uptown dining options, and not too pricy either.
(4)K H.
It's actually a nice place to go for a drink later at night with a girlfriend. The 1/2 price long islands and mixed drinks sun-thurs are a big plus. The service was great, the drinks were good, and I loved the parmesan frites we shared. All told it was a good place to chill on a Wednesday night :)
(4)Janice O.
This is one of my favorite places to eat in Park Ridge. I love their hearty salads and flat bread.
(4)Lainie P.
Like the other raters, I'm surprised that I'm writing this review: I'm not one for chain restaurants. Still, I'm impressed by this place. While the atmosphere is a bit noisy (it's crowded with Park Ridge families), it's friendly, as is the service. If you are trying to lose weight, or you just like to try a bunch of different dishes, the small plates are awesome. I very much enjoyed the grilled asparagus salad (grilled asparagus, greens, candied walnuts, blue cheese, and balsamic dressing) and the tiny salmon entree (a small portion of fish, mashed potatoes and some tasty carrots). I also like the chocolate chip cookie that they gave me at the end of the meal. Yum.
(4)Laura N.
Arrived here on a Friday night and was told there would be an hour wait for a table for two (it was CROWDED). To kill time, my date and I wandered to the Starbucks across the street and had a drink there. When we walked back to Houlihan's 40 minutes later, our buzzer went off. Good timing! We were glad we didn't really have to wait too long. The decor is very modern and appealing, but it also fools you - I thought Houlihan's was a 'fancy' restaurant but it's actually pretty casual. Many families and groups of friends were dining there together. Our waiter, Jay, was very friendly and helpful, as was the rest of the staff. Major plus to be in a place that makes us feel welcome! We started off with drinks. He ordered a lemonade (which was very strong but delicious!) and I had a frozen strawberry margarita. It was pretty good but occasionally there was a very sour taste in the drink that turned me off. Whenever I see bruschetta on an appetizer menu, I order it. It's my one of my favorites. Houlihan's bruschetta is very low on my list of places with good bruschetta. It arrived on a long, thin plate with six pieces of long thin bread on one end. The tomatoes were clumped together under a thick layer of creamy goat cheese in the middle of the plate. The other end of the plate was covered with large pieces of lettuce. The bread and tomatoes were good, but the goat cheese didn't please me. It wasn't the fact that it was goat cheese, but it was too creamy for my taste. I also didn't like that I had to put the toppings on myself, using my steak knife since the plate didn't arrive with a butter knife. Maybe some people will like this style of bruschetta, but I don't. Our Caesar side salads were HUGE! I can't imagine what the dinner portion must be like. The greens were fresh and delicious, and the dressing was pretty good too, although a bit too much at times. I ordered the herb grilled chicken. It was dry and overcooked. I was bummed because I was looking forward to a nice, juicy chicken. The asparagus was good, though. My date's chicken was also dry, but his was mixed with a delicious Alfredo sauce over noodles so it helped cover up the taste a bit. We decided to skip desert since, by the time our meal was over, the food didn't seem worth the bill we would get. I walked out of this place feeling a little bit disappointed that it didn't meet my expectations based on previous reviews. The look and feel of the place was great, but the food just wasn't. Maybe I'll have to go again and order something different and hopefully get a better opinion. If I go again...
(3)Matt S.
$3.75 for huge pitchers of Long Islands Sun-Thu are great, especially when they don't have tons of sour mix in it (which occasionally happens). Most of the other cocktails, and there are many, are quite delicious and worth trying. Wednesdays have the What-What food deals which can certainly be the best thing ever... most entrees are around $15.00. The Small Plate menu is a nice option if you just want to whet your appetite and enjoy your drinks. The staff is fun and helpful. Not once have I felt sad, depressed, alone, and/or neglected. Numerous staff, from servers to managers, shoot the breeze with the customers which is quite nice IMO.
(4)Nicole L.
I loved this location the best and had a great time with our server and my family while dining here. I didn't like their meatloaf since I'm ridiculously picky about the way it's made and our server took the extra step to notify her manager and automatically take it off my bill. Most places offer a gift card to get you back and spend more or a desert that is usually cheaper than the dinner. I was pleased with how she handled the problem. They have good deals on certain nights and had tasty long island ice tea which was my first time trying one. The atmosphere is great and I liked the decor. I was bummed out that they were out of Creme Brulee when I was there but I will come back. The salad was amazing and worth having by itself.
(4)Kellie M.
Okay. I'm done with Houlihan's in Park Ridge, IL --throwing my hands in the air--. Went YET AGAIN for Sunday brunch after visiting the cemetery with my mom and husband. #1) We were seated in the bar which was 9,000 degrees. Even the child-hostesses were fanning themselves with menus and glowing with sweat. #2) Mom got a shard of GLASS IN HER ICED TEA that she unknowingly sucked up through the straw!! #3) Manager's reaction to the glass: "Wow, that's scary. Are you okay?" and -that's it. I didn't expect a full meal comp but seriously? I will say that, once again, the food and the actual waitstaff were still really great. I'm beginning to think it's management issues but whatever the problem is, I'm glad that other people have had a good experience here but I'm done.
(1)Lynn R.
Food and ambiance is 5* but they messed up my reservation and said they did not get in time which I placed on opentable 3 hours ahead of time. It was a Thursday night so I did not think it would be such a big deal. They put me at the back of the line and the two girls who stand up front just gossiped with there backs to the customers the whole time we waited which was 40 minutes. That is a terrible business model to have the first employees you see stand with there backs to you. Anyways food made up for it all so we will give them another try.
(4)Jen P.
This place has the best service and the best bartenders ever. The bruschetta is orgasmic as are the lettuce chicken wraps. Any fry concoction here is fab and the brunch is completely outstanding. You can eat as much as you would like and it is totally worth the $16... Fried chicken, bacon, biscuits, salads, an omelet station, roast beef station, all the bread you care to eat, several desserts, mashed potatoes, and an array of salads await you... The staff is super friendly and helpful and the food is great.
(5)Suzie D.
BEST french onion soup everrrr, and Wildfire's soup takes second place. This is the only Houlihan's within a 20 mile radius since sadly there are barely any Houlihan's restaurants around the Chicagoland area. I'm going back really soon for my comfort food fix.
(4)Bernard B.
Very happy with this place. My diet Coke was never empty, the meal was very good and not very expensive. Decor was upscale and modern (especially for Park Ridge.) Our server, Jessica, was perfect. Had the goat cheese and artichoke poppers as an app. I like the twist on the pub grub concept. Also had the "72 burger" which was very good. It comes with a great big fried mushroom cap. Instead of fries I went for the peanut and ginger slaw. Awesome, and highly recommended. Very good experience. Lunch/dinner for 2 for around $30. I also checked the beer list, even though I wasn't drinking - this could use some work. The boldest selection on draft was Sam Adam's seasonal. OK, but you can do better. Would definitely benefit from adding some local craft beers. (Three Floyds, Metropolitan, Half Acre etc.)
(4)Beebe G.
for a franchise restaurant i have enjoyed the meals i've had there so far. i was there for the second time last friday and had the ahi tuna salad. it was outstanding! the tuna was fresh and the salad with the greens, bananas, all its textures were amazing! the first time i ate here i had the risotto with scallops and i was surprised how well made the risotto was with an ample amount of scallops. very impressive! i would recommend the bartender learn to make old fashions the right way. mine was weak in flavor and had to send it back for just bourbon and diet coke to play it safe. i look forward to coming back.
(4)Philip K.
I love this restaurant. It has a wonderful look and ambiance and most importantly, a GREAT staff. I would recommend the Thursday nite steak special. If you order a steak, you get either lobster or shrimp...FREE! Last but not least, is the manager, WENDY, who is in constant motion, checking that all customers have an excellent dining experience.
(5)Michelle K.
This is a review for the Sunday "Bedhead Brunch" buffet, since that's the only time I've been to this location. Overall, I was impressed! Houlihan's may be a chain restaurant (and we all know how much Yelpers disdain chains), but they had quite a spread. There were all the usual suspects: bacon, sausage, biscuits and gravy, a design-your-own-omelette station, flapjacks, bagels, etc. However, I was drawn to the more unusual brunch items: roast beef served with a spicy horseradish sauce, pita triangles with white bean hummus, shrimp with cocktail sauce and remoulade, and steamed green beans that hadn't lost their crispness. I saw (but did not try) several different salads, chicken tenders, meatloaf, and a design-your-own-pasta-bowl station. Fun! Two negatives here: the layout was a little confusing (food was placed everywhere and no one seemed to know where the line began or ended), and the shrimp were served shell-on and weren't deveined. Call me a wimp, but I'm just not a big fan of eating shrimp poop. For dessert, I was entranced by the Italian donuts with chocolate sauce and white chocolate Bailey's sauce. The donuts were crispy on the outside and warm and cakey on the inside, with a hint of cinnamon. And the chocolate sauces were to die for (especially when eaten with strawberries). ::drool:: For $13.95 a person, you get a lot of food, and not just the same old brunch items! Pretty sweet, even if it's from a soulless chain restaurant, eh?
(4)Rob L.
I came here to meet a friend I haven't seen in about 12 or 13 years for a catch up drink. Yes. Really. I have friends. The place is trendy and lively. Plenty of staff, plenty of space, (outdoor area, like many have said, should be hopping and great once the warm weather finally arrives). There is a menu where there are plenty of items where some fine feastin' can commence. The wine list was good, nothing outrageous, but enough to keep most oenophiles fairly happy and content. I will say though, just like Park Ridge, this is a family place. Plenty of kids, plenty of families having dinner and parents sharing a drink and I am sure some stories about what trouble their kids are in now. I should know, I used to be one of those kids. Not a bad place, not a bad option. Not too chain like, good service, decent prices. Nice addition for Uptown Park Ridge. But not the best place for a quiet get together.
(3)Ms G.
This is a review for Houlihan's bedhead brunch. My family and I went here for Father's Day, and while the rest of them had come before for brunch, it was my first time. They only serve brunch at this time, you can' t order off the menu, so make sure you like what they have to offer. There is plenty. They have the standard scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage, fruit, pancakes, biscuits and sausage gravy, carving station (roast beef and meatloaf), omelet station and dessert table, along with some interesting additions like Mediterranean orzo salad, caesar salad, chicken tenders, mashed potatoes, herbed potato wedges, and sliders. They also had a pasta station. Coffee is included with the brunch price. I enjoyed most of the food. My only complaints were that the sliders were very pink in the middle (I prefer well done burgers), and the bacon was not at all crispy, but barely cooked. The best items were their homemade chicken tenders, caesar salad, and mashed potatoes. They also had really great pecan pie. It was a nice brunch, at a decent price ($15.95), and will keep you full all day!
(4)Carl S.
I went in with a predisposed idea as to what this place was all about, was I wrong. The Menu is HUGE with Small plates, Larger small plates, and the food was really great! We had the Frites, (free with a check in on foursquare) we had the Disco version. The Flatbread was excellent, Goat Cheese, Balsamic Tomatoes, and Kalamata Olives! The small Ceasar salad was very tasty, the croutons (Made from Polenta) were crunchy not soggy.
(4)Ben H.
Although located on one of the busier streets in Park Ridge, the outside seating is still a nice option during the summer months. With both an outdoor "cocktail" area & a seperate outdoor dining area, you have the choice to sit and chat over drinks or dine off the menu. Monday-Thursday drink specials are great (1/2 off long islands & domestic beers) & because they're offered all day, you don't have to worry about arriving at any specific time. The food is slightly above average, though nothing to rave about. Prices are appropriate for the majority of the menu, though the steaks were overpriced (~$10 for a burger or wrap, but ~$25 for a steak). I've been here three or four times, & every time the service has been above average. All in all, definitely worth checking out, though more for a drink with friends than a sit-down dinner.
(4)Real D.
Have been to this location twice already and both times the experience was very good. Ambiance - hip, club-like with Trance (yes - when I went recently) music, staff in black and decor post modern hotel chic. Food - We've ordered the following and all were extremely delicious: Asian Chicken Wings, Bruschetta, Salmon Salad, Chicken Salad. Sweet complex sauces. Fresh tasting. Adequate portions. Can't wait to try more items on the menu. Service - Exceptional. From entrance to egress, staff are alert and courteous. Waitstaff very accomodating and professional. We split a salad, and staff served salad on two plates. Nice touch. Floor managers check in with guests regularly; lets you know that customer service is high priority. Overall: Will be coming here often. Great food & service. Easy parking. Can't wait to avail of the outdoor dining next year when weather permits.
(5)Katherine R.
Well I'm glad the neighborhoods surrounding me are starting to open up some new places, thank God. I went here with my Mom one Sunday night expecting it to be like most restaurants on Sunday night, slow. Well, it was packed. We didn't have to wait for a table since there was just two of us, but the place was slamming. Our server was really nice and attentive, definitely had a personality and was enthusiastic about his job. So that was nice, always scores points. I ordered the potato soup to start which was great. Definitely would get that again. I had the veggie sandwich which sounded really good, but was not. Not even close. The bread was super dry, so the sandwich became really messy since I couldn't even eat the bread. There was basically bruschetta tomatoes on there, which did not complement the sandwich at all. It's kind of hard to eat a sandwich with small, chopped tomatoes on it anyways. I basically just ate the fries, which were very good and called it a day. The menu is extensive, but not a whole lot of options for non-meat eaters. I will go back because the service was good and I'm sure people don't go there for the veggie sandwich. Just keep in mind Houlihan's there are people that don't eat meat- so a bean patty or veggie patty would be awesome.
(3)Kim S.
Time for an upgraded review!! Chris and I went here last night again because Chris' birthday is next week and we got an offer for a free entrée. This FREE ENTRÉE was amazing because there is no cap on the entrée price. Who does that in this day and age? All you need to do is sign up for their restaurant club and you get the coupon via email once your birthday comes around. Great deal! Chris ordered the Filet Mignon and he loved it. He felt great afterwards as well...NO GLUTEN ISSUES. I had my usual Farmhouse Club and enjoyed it. Service was MUCH better this time around too. Waitress was knowledgeable about Gluten Free and if she didn't know something, she willingly found out for us. Regardless, this place continues to be pricey for the available options it has with someone with a gluten allergy. If someone else is buying, we will go back (filet on them!! ha!), which is an improvement from my last review, but the best things on the menu, like the filet, are the priciest, so we probably won't be visiting the restaurant too often.
(3)Bernadette C.
Perfect place for girls to hang out! Top shelf ice tee with Bacardi U have to try!!!
(4)Patty V.
Wow..could I love a salad any more than I love the Seared Ahi Tuna Salad?? I dunno....but,if it's wrong to love a salad this much,slap the cuffs on me and haul me away! Came here for a late lunch and left with a blissfully satisfied tummy.The service was wonderful. It was as if our server read our minds,but wasn't the least bit obtrusive. We started with the White Bean and Artichoke Hummus.Fresh, smooth and perfectly seasoned. Hubby had the Fettuccini Alfredo with Grilled Chicken. He loved it ..and he is picky about his Alfredo.Said it was almost as good as mine! High praise,indeed! I had the Seared Ahi Tuna Salad again. This is one of my very favorite salads-ever! It has generous slices of perfectly seared Ahi, mixed greens, cashews,cilantro and dried banana chips(sounds weird,I know,but...trust me,it all works great together)with some strips of fried wonton.all gently and lovingly tossed in a soy,ginger wasabi dressing-yummy!
(5)Marco C.
This was my first visit to this particular location, however I was very pleased with the service, the girl who waited on us her name was Jenine I believe, she had been working there a few years and you can tell she was very much on top of her game. The food was really good, the service was excellent, and the overall setting was good, not what I am used to visiting the one in Oakbrook, but it did the trick. The reason I only gave this great restaurant 1 star is because of parking, we had to walk quite far as they are in a strip mall, now I know they do not have a parking lot, but maybe they do have closer parking, and my coworker didn't know since he drove. However all in all it was a great experience, and the guys left her a $20 dollar tip and on my way out i gave her an additional $5 tip so I am sure she was a happy camper , would definitely go back, but only if I could get the same server, she was funny and very attentive. :)
(4)Susie R.
Not a fan at all but it was my first time there to eat (I went there for drinks before and it was fine) and I was starving, not to mention my boyfriend and I were crunch in time. From the moment we walked in I wasn't impressed, don't take me wrong the place is nice all tho a but dim, it all started with the hostess, God only knows what she was wearing, some sort of black washed out spandex with a tight black shirt and some sort of flats, didn't really fit in with the place (or any other restaurant for all I know). Then, we ordered appetizers, the chicken and avocado rolls (the only good thing we ate), the disco fries... lets just say that my boyfriend hates mushrooms and I will never know if he is allergic to them! the mushrooms were all over our food but not in the description of the plate in the menu! The mushrooms were on HIS meatloaf and that wasn't a good thing at all. Moreover, did I mentioned my "enchiladas" yet? nope! lets just leave them out of the picture because they were a complete turn off :( we ended up taking most of our food home and the waitress didn't even bother to ask why! So if you don't like mushrooms and want to try Houlihan's make sure you ask and don't say I didn't tell you about it!
(1)Katherine E.
I am so thrilled to finally have a cool place to go for a drink in Park Ridge. The decor here is very modern but cozy. The black bar top is amazingly smooth and very deep so you can eat there and be totally comfy. I haven't had a lot of food there yet but what I did order was great. My only tiny complaint would be the appetizer plates. They are triangle shaped and thick so they are awkward to use. Otherwise I love this place. Nice looking crowd too.
(4)JUDITH W.
Houlihan's is a welcome addition to Park Ridge. It's a good place for lunch, cocktails or a dinner. Service is good. It is nice to have the bar menu and a place where one can dine alone or with a friend without having to go to a table. The decor is more sophisticated that I remember any Houlihans ever being, and that's a plus.
(4)Tom C.
I ate here last night and had a wonderful time. The service was good and so was the food. Good drink specials. The Club sandwich and fish tacos were given thumbs up reviews from my party. I had the southwest chicken wrap and was pleased with it. a unique combination of flavors. The pecan pie was excellent and the deserts are well worth the low price. I have never been let down by any Houlihan's.
(4)Gregory H.
I can't decide if I walked into this place expecting it to be a soul-sucking chain suburban experience. Didn't really get that. Came by on a Monday night before the baby's induction, and last night with only one kid, and it was pretty happening. Bar area is spacious and table and booths are lit by downlighting. Pretty contemporary décor, done well. Service was slow and inattentive but polite. Didn't know squat about beer (my fault, should have ordered a light beer). Multi-colored martini flights for people who are into that kind of thing (women under 20 or over 50?). I pictured some kind of Polynesian theme with the name but it was standard bar fair. Prices we're a little higher than I expected but the food was also pretty good. I got fish tacos and tortilla soup, the wife got some Asian leaf-warp thing that was tasty. Draft beers were $5. I'd go back again in the summer to sit outside but otherwise probably try for Edison Park.
(2)Darla M.
Simple review....how can a place serve lukewarm to cold food? I ordered the Atlantic Salmon, fire grilled. I should have known the food would not be satisfying b/c the plate was not warm. The asparagus was cold. The mashed potatos were warm. Thank goodness the salmon was warmer. Service was blah...she seemed like she didn't want to be there. She practically threw our plates down and took off....no enjoy or anything... The decor is nice. It's going to be interesting to see what happens when the outside dining is available since they are already receiving complaints from the neighbors about the noise. The staff in general didn't seem friendly. The prices are what you would expect from a chain and being in Park Ridge.
(1)Regina D.
The last time I was at this restaurant was in February and I wrote a very negative review which has been filtered. At that time I pretty much said it wasn't worth my time to go there any more. I went again on October 19th since I had neglected to take my name off of their birthday list and got a coupon for a free entree. I ordered the petite filet mignon and a diet coke with tortilla soup. The waitress took my order promptly and served my soup which was nice and hot with crispy tortilla strips and sloshed all over the plate under the bowl. She then brought me my steak which I had ordered medium well. When I cut into it it looked fine. When I tasted it I was appalled. The cook had killed the cow a second time. The steak was dry and tough and not seasoned, nor were the broccolini on the plate. There was absolutely no juice from the steak whatsoever. The fries were, fortunately, hot and not soggy. I would have spoken to the waitress about it but she completely ignored me until she brought me my bill, never even asking if I wanted my Diet Coke refilled - I did. So, at the risk of being filtered again, I must again say thumbs down. And look, I am filtered - again.
(2)Jak K.
i have to say for a "chain" we had an excellent experience. i had never actually been to a houlihan's before this. we went on day 4 of opening. i have to say excellent service! every staff member that walked by asked if we needed something or offered to refill our drinks. beer was icey cold in a frosty mug. food very good! i will definitely go back. it's great to have a good place just down the road.
(5)