Milwalky Trace

This place is a hidden gem! The atmosphere is cozy and stylish, perfect for a date night or just a night out with friends. The food is seriously good — everything we tried was fresh and flavorful, especially the burgers and seasonal dishes. The drinks are great too, and the staff is friendly and really knows their menu. It fills up fast, so definitely make a reservation, but it’s worth it. Can’t wait to come back!

No other place like it in Libertyville. Same owners of Milwalky Taco and the famous Oscar Lee's BBQ. Gourmet experience every single time. Great place for lunch, excellent place for a great dinner to impress. Update 2/26 still and outstanding destination in downtown Libertyville, consistent greatness, service is always excellent, food is topnotch with good vibes and bright atmosphere. Also they have the best Turkey Sandwich on earth. Change my mind...RAMEN NIGHT !! Don't be that person who hasn't had it.

We heard this place had one of the best burgers and it did NOT disappoint!! We both ordered the brisket short rib burger. The bacon jam in the burger was unbelievable!!! We also had the brussel sprouts that were drenched in maple syrup and bacon bits. This place was amazing. 10/10 in all ways.

The ambiance is dark. Really dark. The cocktail list was a little short. The appetizers were great but I was very disappointed with the entree. I was very excited for the rigatoni but it was so salty I could barely eat it. I was at a business dinner so I didn't want to make a deal about it. On top of that, there was a white hair in my water glass. I just expected more.

Most of the food was delicious, I was not a huge fan of braised pork belly though. The brisket short rib burger and creme brulee were absolutely perfect. The waitress was alright but not great. Seating way too tight, I could touch elbows with the couple at the next table.

MT burger, medium rare, 86 the mustard aioli, grilled instead of raw onions The patty itself was bonkers good, perfectly cooked. Bacon jam is the jam. Brioche needed a harder char on the inside. A wee short on the wonderful Gouda. Gochujang aioli on the side to dip the fries was amazing. Overall, one of the best upscale burger plates in the area.

Average experience. We were seated on the back patio near the fireplace. It was still kinda chilly but comfortable. We ordered appetizers to begin with, the goat cheese and the steak tartare. Both were outstanding! For dinner, we ordered the halibut which was good but came out on the cooler side and also the Amish chicken which was lacking any flavor. I wish they expanded their menu because they only have 4 main courses. They should also hire more servers because waiting on drinks took forever and our waitress looked overwhelmed and tired.

I was recommended to visit here during a conversation about cheeseburgers. On a whim we decided to take up the recommendation and we were not disappointed. The burger was incredible and unlike any I've had before. The meat was incredibly flavorful, and it was assembled perfectly. Each ingredient stood on its own and came together for a wonderful overall flavor. Was it the best burger I have ever had? Probably. The rest of the menu looked excellent, my wife had Salmon Tartare and said it was great. But I will never know. I will never veer from that burger.

Nice place for lunch during holiday season. Small but creative and tasty menu, friendly service, and lovely ambiance.

I was looking forward to coming back to Milwalky Trace for the smoky old fashioned. Unfortunately, to get the full effect you had to sit at the bar. We ordered dinner and I had the salmon which was prepared perfectly and tasted delicious. The winter kale salad was awesome and well dressed Our waiter was the best part of the experience as he was able to let us know everything about the menu and was patient as we made selections. Once we finished dinner we wanted to move to the bar for after dinner drinks. We were informed we could have beer and wine but no cocktails. Seems like a miss to me but their loss as we decided to leave.

The food is very good and Milwalky Trace offers shareable plates with seasonal dishes. We especially enjoyed the baby roasted carrots with feta, steak tartare, beet and citrus burrata and the New York strip. The butternut squash gnocchi was good but a little mushy and overly sweet. The prices are on the higher side, but the service and food quality make it worth an occasional visit. The ambiance was cozy and inviting and the restaurant played old school 70's and 80's R&B which created an upbeat vibe. There is a small bar with an attentive bartender and our server was helpful friendly. Street parking and the Libertyville garage make it easy to get in and out. The restaurant is located in the heart of downtown Libertyville which has a vibrant restaurant and boutique vibe.

Service, food and drinks all A+! Best dinning experience in Libertyville! At the bar, patio or table, it won't disappoint!

A few of us were out and checked to see if they had any last minute reservations. We were lucky because they accommodated us and made sure to keep us in the know before we got there. We love coming here because the drinks and food are always amazing! I had the salted Icelandic cod, my husband had the short rib gnocchi, and my friend had the salmon. We had the tuna tartare for an app and it's like crack. We also ordered the lobster Mac and cheese for a side. We thought it needed more salt but that's the only bad thing I have to say about this place. The inside is super cute, but very small. They have a full bar and love the drinks and wine options they have. Be sure to come on Wednesday so that you can try their speciality burgers!

Delicious food, great service and wonderful ambience on the patio! I had dinner here with a large group. We went all out, sharing various appetizers, followed by dinner and then sharing all of the desserts. The salmon entree was delicious, and my favorite dessert was the crème brûlée. Two thumbs up for Milwalky Trace!

I was here probably last year. This time I tried the salmon. It was amazing. Brandon, our server, was amazing. He was always checking on us and when not available, someone was right there to assist. My favorite restaurant in Libertyville.

I heard good things about this restaurant and the restaurant did not disappoint. The braised ribs were very good and same with the cauliflower casserole but on the smaller side. The ambience is very nice, and the bartender was very attentive. The pomegranate martini was very good. Just be prepared to spend quite a bit with smaller portions.

Pork chops were perfect and my date loved the rib tips. Excellent flavor combinations. Outdoor patio was pleasant. The price you can assume is about 80/person with cocktails.

Fantastic restaurant in downtown Libertyville. Loved almost everything we ordered except for the tuna which was a bit on the salty side. Great service too.

We've been here twice for lunch and it's been amazing both times. The menu is small but the food is absolutely delicious and the service is great! Hubby highly recommends the half and half burger and I've loved the lobster roll and steak tartare--and we both love the spicy slaw! Lunch time is also great if you don't want a crowd--there's been less than five people here both times. Music is great as well.

Fantastic meal last night with friends, on a lovely and peaceful patio. The server described all offerings with incredible accuracy. I had a perfect meal of protein and vegetables- my preference always. The special gazpacho was outstanding and unique. I had the cod which had the perfect amount of beans and asparagus so that I didn't need a carb to accompany it. My friends ate gnocchi and scallops, others had chicken. Everyone loved their meals including the unusual chocolate cheesecake for dessert. We weren't rushed even though it was realized we were the last to leave. Best meal out in a long time - can't wait to return.

Definitely one of the nicest restaurant in Libertyville. Upscale food selection and amazing craft cocktails. Interior and lighting are great and service was outstanding. Ramen night was fantastic oysters were amazing as well.

Date night and a very nice venue for it. Our service was very good but were seated near the very loud bar. It certainly did not ruin anything, just made conversation a bit harder. Cocktails were very good and wine selection in small but very well curated. Our entrees were very good and the menu offers a nice selection for just about any appetite. Ambiance is hip and enjoyed the vibe despite the noise level. Recommended.

One of our absolute favorite restaurants in Lake County. Wonderful service, great dishes and drinks, perfect ambience.

Unforgettably delicious! We've been here a number of times and have absolutely loved everything we've tried. The hanger steak, pork schnitzel and gnocchi are some of my favorites from this most recent menu. The seafood tower is always an impressive appetizer and the steak tartar consistently hits the spot. If you can go on a ramen night I highly recommend you give it a shot! They typically sell out as they only make a small batch just for Wednesday nights but I have LOVED it every time we've gone. Follow their Instagram and look out for stories if you want the updated weekly flavors. The staff is friendly and the ambiance is cozy and classy! Couldn't recommend this place more.

Service: dedicated Ambience: sophisticated Food: sublime Cocktails: liberating Could not recommend this place enough Get the hangar steak with bone marrow and you will evolve into a new and better person The atmosphere is elevated without being in your face about it. Perfect date night or wholesome family dinner. 10/10

A friend and I've been visiting restaurants in a bit of a tour while making a a semi-regular stop at a doctors nearby. The last time MT was our chosen stop . Two orders placed. Two pleased customers. My friend ordered the grilled cheese and tomato soup. I ordered the turkey sandwich (adding the tomato soup). So down-to-basics dishes that were delectable. Basic dishes reaching the level of classic tastiness. Encore!

Situated down a quaint side street off Milwaukee Avenue in downtown Libertyville, Milwalky boasts a charming decor, nice people and hearty American fare. While we enjoyed our food, be forewarned that this menu wasn't inspired by Dean Ornish: almost every entree is high in saturated fat and the vegetable and legume choices were completely lacking or smothered in cheese or lard. Notwithstanding, the kitchen accommodated our request to prepare the Amish chicken in olive oil instead of butter. It was delicious. The Brussels sprouts were acceptable, but not the best preparation I've had. The simple greens salad was fresh and the dressing delicious.

The food was excellent. Amazing service. Top notch!!!! I would suggest the pesto chicken. Perfectly crafted.

Sadly, I don't think we will be returning to Milwalky Trace. While our waiter was very nice and apologetic, the kitchen / bar was so slow. It took over 30 minutes to get a drink and then over an hour before we received our food. The food here is good, but not good enough to make up for a frustrating experience.

Eh...I wanted to like this place. It's so cute but I really wish they had more vegetarian options instead of just pasta with red sauce.

Went here for a 1-1 work dinner and was happy overall. Started out with Oysters and Tuna Tartar, oysters were AMAZING and very fresh. Tuna tartar was pretty good. Had an old fashioned to start and it was good, but seemed like the ice took up most of the space in the glass leaving little for the actual cocktail which we ultimately finished quicker than others. For main course I had the strip steak and fries. The fries were awesome and I received a huge portion. The steak was tasty, but was definitely over cooked compared to my ask. Good atmosphere overall.

Cute and cozy, with a palate pleasing menu is how I would describe this restaurant. The oysters tasted fresh, the pork belly and clam appetizer is a MUST try. The gnocchi and grilled vegetable dish was light and very tasty. Enjoyed my experience here and will definitely return.

We went here for lunch. I had the turkey sandwich that had a really nice avocado spread and fresh made chips. Lovely interiors. Exceptional service.

Outstanding experience! The food and cocktails are 10/10. I love the creativity and quality across both menus. Brandon created the newest drinks that I added a picture of and I was blown away with both. Can't wait to come back!

First time in, had a reservation and after 20/25 minutes no one had approached our table, just ignored by several servers helping other tables. No greeting , nothing. Restaurant was semi busy but still a few empty tables. We are patient people. All I need is a greeting and an "I'll be with you shortly", or a cocktail and I'll be happy. Very disappointed. Live in Libertyville and will not be back. Unimpressed.

Been here a few times and finally getting to writing a review. Everything I have eaten here was outstanding-- bone in pork chop-- licked the plate clean. I will say the grilled octopus still has me dreaming of when I can have it again-- delicious! Service was on point, very nice place for a date and intimate conversation.

Attentive and personable service, delicious food the entire meal (burrata app was a bite of summer heaven!) and the best outdoor patio around!

Best restaurant in Libertyville. Hands down!! On top of having delicious food for all types of dietary restrictions and needs, they have an amazing staff that makes you feel like family. They seasonally change their menu and always have specials. My favorite special is the Ramen which is better than a lot of Asian cuisine restaurants. And I'm a ramen connoisseur, so take it from me!!

This was an interesting restaurant to visit while I was dining out of town during a business trip. It has a nice vibe when you walk in the door so I immediately felt right at home and ready to settle in for dinner. We all enjoyed pre-dinner cocktails as soon as we got seated. I enjoyed mine as did my colleagues. We dove into appetizers and then our main entrées. I ordered the chicken and it was delicious. It was very similar to a chicken Milanese even though that's not what it was called. It was a very generous portion, very tender chicken on the inside and a crispy coating on the outside. I enjoyed it so much that if I ever find my way back again I would happily order it. After enjoying our entrées, we ordered several desserts to split. They were tasty except for one of them. I just didn't really understand the chocolate served with bread and olive oil. Not only is this a strange combination but if you look at my photograph of the desert itself you can see why it looks like, um, well i'll let you decide. It was so visually unappealing that it was difficult to want to taste it but taste I did. It tasted like a chewy chocolate frosting. Not particularly delicious but sort of fudgy. Of everything we ordered that evening I would most definitely pass on this dessert. Our server was great. Our food came out hot and fairly quickly, and generous portions and overall very good quality. I really enjoyed my experience here. A solid four star rating from me.

I have been always happy with the food, drinks, service, and atmosphere at Milwalky Trace. My latest visit, however, went above and beyond. That's when I realized I have not yet written a review for MT. So here it is. What impressed me the most: Celebrating my friend's birthday, I happened to be on Whole30 program, which eliminates a lot of food groups for one month. Bad timing to be in a place full of great food, but such is life. MT came through for me and my dining experience was just as perfect as any other times. With no judgment and hesitation, they easily adjusted to my needs and I love them for it that much more. The highlight was the drink that Nicki made custom for me - lovely concoction of muddled lemon and raspberries, it rivaled their crafty cocktails menu. (yes, Whole30 also means no alcohol for a month) Location: right on the main strip of lovely Libertyville, surrounded by fierce competition, MT shines brightly. Lots of parking in the back, as well as a covered parking garage nearby. Food: many items are meant to be shared and we sure do. My friend and I always split the plate of oysters as a starter. Every single item on the menu is delicious, creative and special. Make sure to save space for dessert, those are truly phenomenal. Service: Always personable and knowledgeable, I feel that they care about our dining experience. It's not just a matter of taking your order, it's a conversation. Cocktails: even the classic cocktails are made to perfection. The bartenders are more like mixologists and you can taste their craft in the glass. Outdoor seating: cute and spacious seating area, with the efficient heat lamps for chilly evenings. Covid safety: I have not noticed any issues here; the staff wears masks and they require the guests to wear them while not seated. Creativity: during the Covid closures and limitations, MT launched a curbside Carryout Menu, featuring a different masterpiece every day (Tue-Sat). Mostly comfort food that traveled well and hit the spot. I make the 30 minute drive to eat here every now and then and it is 100% worth it. Check out their Instagram to see what they are up to and I am sure you will become a happy customer as well.

Milwalky Trace does it right. Very friendly staff, great layout and comfortable decor. Most importantly, the food is top notch. Look for the entrance from the side of the building when you arrive. I don't believe it is a great location for large groups but for 2-4 people it is just right. My burger was the best I have had in a long time. Thanks MT!

Fantastic on every level...we celebrated our anniversary with dinner here. The food is incredible, the cocktails were creative and well executed, and the service was as good as you can get. Not just our waiter (who was the bar tender too) but the entire staff. Even as we left another waiter wished a Happy Anniversary. We can't wait to go back... Hopefully a few more Italian wines on the list would be my only improvement wish.

Best cocktails! Food is always top notch and the service is fabulous. Staff are friendly and attentive. Highly recommend.

If you are looking to be underwhelmed go here. The dishes are average and although you can share them, they do not go very far. I have experienced the most overpriced drinks in Libertyville here. A "shot' shared amongst friends was $18.... it was seriously nothing special. We did not request a premium alcohol either. I met a few moms here for dinner once and we sat outside which is very nicely decorated and quaint, but the food just does not do it. Also, had an appetizer that reminded me of what my dog food likes like out of the can. Gross in taste and appearance.

Great ambiance and food selection but prices have gotten out of control. Won't be going back on a regular basis unfortunately

We quad a great experience here and would recommend this place to anyone. It is casual and a little high end at the same time. They had gluten free options and my whole family got something they liked.

We've been here twice and both times have been a great experience. The first time we sat on the patio on a cool October evening. We kept warm by the fireplace and the heaters. Our drinks were perfect. We had the burger and carrots for a side. Excellent! I tried to recreate the roasted carrots at home, but it didn't work... so we just had to go back! The second time we sat inside. The wait staff is knowledgeable and friendly. Again, our drinks were excellent... so we ordered the same ones (Manhattan & Aviation). I got the short ribs which were AMAZING! It sits one this corn risotto bed that has tarragon in it. I have some leftover I plan to savor for lunch. Hubby had the halibut special. Take a look at that photo I took. It was delicious. And of course, we ordered the carrots again. We will be back!

Had turkey sandwich for lunch with chips. Sandwich was very good, chips were hard and tasteless. One drink. Spent $50 for this. Way over priced for what it is. Service was great as we were the only people there. Not overly impressed.

Good tacos and cocktails. Nice spot in the middle of downtown. T. Gfffddsdfggfss

This storefront has changed ownership several times. This is by far the best one yet - and I hope it stays! The inside is bright, open, and modern, with a still homey feel. While their menus are somewhat limited/small, everything is done well and continues to get better each time I come. Their wine and cocktail list is nice and different than many other places in the area. For lunch I really enjoyed the tomato and shrimp ceviche soup. You can taste the charred and smokiness put into the tomatoes. They said they grill them and then make them in the soup. It has a bit of jalapeño too which adds a nice balance to the smoke in the bisque and freshness of the shrimp. The Turkey sandwich doesn't seem like much, but it's also wonderful with the homemade chips. For dinner I've tried the steak tartare, which is just okay. I prefer my tartare more cubed, where this was more of a ground steak. Flavors were still nice however. Ive also had their caviar service - pricey, but such a nice treat. Regardless, give them a try and I'd bet you'll find something you like and will crave again!

So the food was exceptional but a very limited menu. I had the white fish which was the special of the night with spaghetti squash. The white fish was cooked perfectly and had great flavor. We had the oysters for an appetizer and they were also delicious. I saved room for the creamed brûlée and it was amazing. The restaurant has fairly limited seating so reservations are a must. Service was very good but not exceptional. Plenty of parking was available in the dining district.

My daughter and I found this gem while in town for my hospital visit. It was a quick trip from Zion and well worth the drive. The food was amazing and the staff couldn't be better. The mixologist Brandon (hopefully spelled right) is a genius at his craft and so kind and thoughtful. We had the short rib and branzino with summer squash and puréed potatoes. The short rib was so tender and tasty and the fish was cooked to perfection and the veggies were a perfect complement. We will be back every time we are in Zion!! Thank you Brandon for wonderful service and conversation!!!!

Fantastic options. Great service on Saturday night. Outdoor patio with heaters. Duck confit was salty but delicious. Burrata over heirloom tomatoes was not my favorite. Basic tomatoes were an unexpected choice for this place. Spicy brussels sprouts tossed in sweet syrup were fine. The octopus appetizer was small and filled with potatoes, sausage, etc, but the blackened pieces were delicious. NY strip was perfectly made and sliced. Definitely will be back.

Was looking for something new and I found it. As soon as I walked in, greeted with a smile from Ryan. He was incredibly knowledgeable about the menu and shared with me the upcoming seasonal changes. I came for an early lunch with a time crunch but will totally be back to try for dinner. Grilled octopus caught my eye

A good but not great spot for a Fancy Dinner - it's expensive, but if you're looking to impress someone it's a solid choice. First off: There isn't an entrance on the street, you have to go down an alley and enter from the side of the restaurant. The ambiance was classy and intimate, definitely dress up a bit for this place. I would have felt out of place in denim shorts. We snagged what looked like the last available table for 2 at about 7:15 on a Tuesday, I imagine the place is packed on the weekends. The food was solid! The old fashioned was a bit heavy on the alcohol (but smelled like an orange tootsie pop!). The halibut special was cooked well and nicely flaky, no complaints there. The burger was massive and juicy with a giant pile of soft herbed shoestring fries - actually, the fries kind of stole the show. I'm a steak fries gal, but I couldn't stop grabbing these. So, I knocked a star off because these two entrees and a cocktail came out to about $100, which honestly kind of shocked me. That's what I would expect to pay in Manhattan. While the food wasn't bad, to me it wasn't good enough to justify that price tag. So just, be aware of that - this will likely be an expensive meal.

Disappointed. The food has declined since last visit. Patio was gorgeous but empty for a Saturday night... Service very good. Burger was excellent. Endive salad was flavorless and drowned in dressing. The smoked fish appetizer had no texture. Looked and tasted like fishy cream cheese with a few radishes sliced on top. Definitely over processed. Anyway/ may try again in the fall, but until a new menu is introduced I'm staying away.

Check out this hidden gem. I highly recommend their custom cocktails. Their menu is a bit small but all of the highest quality. Their outdoor patio was very quaint and allowed our small dog. Our server was exceptional and very knowledgeable. Highly recommend!