Niko's Red Mill Tavern

Love this place. Been coming to this place for 50 yrs. Back when it was called The Red Mill and it had the horseshoe game in the back of it. With a wheelbarrel table. 3 stars on food pizza lacked flavor. I think it was more the sauce. But I have been there other times and sandwiches are good. You still rate in the top 3 with me in McHenry County.

This is a tavern and restaurant that has standard items on their menu. Burgers, wraps, salads, and pizza. Appetizers and a handful of dinner entrees and pasta dishes. I ordered the nachos and wasn’t super impressed. The cheese sauce was not good. Partner ordered the meatloaf and sent it back for a turkey BLT. He wasn’t completely satisfied with his second meal either. They have a large bar area. The bar menu even included THC/CBD drinks. The restaurant is covered in wood paneling which gives it a cozy feel. Our server was fantastic! I feel like there is a lot of seating here. It looked like they have outdoor when the weather allows. I know this is a popular stop for motorcycles in the summer.

We stopped in and shared a mushroom Swiss burger and got the Reuben eggrolls as an appetizer. The Reuben eggrolls weren’t that good, and the dipping sauce wasn’t great either. We were also charged for tater tots instead of fries, which we weren’t told about, and then hit with a fee for splitting the burger. The server was decent, but I was shocked when we got the bill. Felt like a few surprise charges that should have been mentioned upfront.

Such a great place to visit, the band, amazing! Staff was very friendly and super helpful, and the food was awesome! If your anywhere here nikos, stop in a have cold one. I can't recommend this place enough!

Food was quite good. Atmosphere was great. Service was top notch. The appetizers came out quickly, although we we slightly disappointed that the nacho chips were obviously store bought and not fresh, they were still decent enough. Cheese curds were decent enough, but not a "Wow". Both of our burgers were cooked perfectly (medium and well done) and the fries were nice and crispy, the way we like them. The restaurant is a little out of the way for us, but if we're in the area, we would definitely stop in.

Went there last night with a group of 7 to watch some cover bands and have dinner. What an awesome venue. Niko did a fantastic job with the outdoor set up. The food was top notch as it always is. The true stars of the night was our waitress Alana who was superb. She was funny, attentive, fast and just perfect!!! Miguel was the other star. He was moving and constantly working from setting up umbrellas when it started to sprinkle to taking them down and helping all the wait staff!!!

The food was good. The restaurant looks nice and was updated since we were last there. The atmosphere is mixed. There is a bar big area which has that feel to it and there's a medium-sized sit down area which is very nice. There's also an outdoor music venue, which is cool, but between the 3, it gives the place an odd vibe. Nothing bad, just hard to categorize.

Our server was busy but also provided great service. She was bubbly, sweet, and despite being busy, made time to make friendly small talk. The food was delicious, and they had awesome outdoor seating as well. Multiple bars, ice cold beer, and stages with live music on the weekends as far as I know. It's definitely worth a visit!

Got some great drinks and pretty tasty food at this biker friendly bar. It has some normal looking people too. Niko's Red Mill Tavern is one of the favorite local hangouts in Woodstock. A lot of beers and burgers on the menu. There's also some other stuff. Came here looking for some food and fun. It's got plenty of both along with some other things about it. This can get pretty crowded especially weekends. Come and hear live music. Has a big ass stage outside. A lot of beers on tap, and plenty more in bottles and cans. It's about $12 for a basic cocktail, whiskey with whatever. Could be cheaper. The same thing for the food. It's about $16 for a burger. You can substitute a black bean patty. A lot more things on the menu. There's also the seafood and steaks among other things. Has some pretty generous hours. It's located on the southeast part of town on Lake Avenue at Martha. This place gets packed on weekends.

Red Mill is always a fun, happening joint to hang out in. It's loud with bustling people drinking, eating, socializing, playing video gambling games and much more. There's a stage area in back that holds concerts and events. On this particular night, we found a bingo game brewing, so we decided to jump in and play. For dinner, we ordered a pepperoni pizza (night special), house salads and my son got the Ruben Egg Rolls. All the food was tasty. Our waiter, Brian was very kind and attentive. He was totally on the ball, hustling through his tables with finesse. What a nice guy!! Overall, we have been going to the Red Mill for years and now I decided to write a review. This place is fun for all ages, families, bar hoppers, bike groups and more. There's fun for everyone. Give it a try, you will thank me later. See pics

First time at Niko's Red Mill Tavern. Stopped in for the first time, looks like a fun place to listen to music and just hang out this summer. We went on a Tuesday night and they offered a hamburger special which was a decent burger. They have tons of specials and lots of upcoming entertainment this summer. Looking forward to hanging out there this summer and enjoying their fun establishment.

I'm feeling a 3.5 for this one but I'll round up because the service was good and the space is cool. First of all, they're offering a free saganaki appetizer if you check in, a happy surprise for me! They actually light it up in front of you which is always nice and fun, but someone get them a longer lighter for the job! The Bic lighter requires the server to risk a burn, and no one wants that. This was actually my favorite bite here, I'd definitely recommend it. I ordered the bacon burger with fries for my main, but it came out overdone. I asked for medium, it was definitely well done. My friend asked for medium rare and got exactly that, so it's a shame they couldn't get the cook right on mine. Besides the doneness, it fell flat on flavor. It tasted completely bland, I couldn't taste any seasoning or even salt. The fries needed some love too, again no flavor, though at least they had a good texture. It also comes with coleslaw and a pickle which is always nice to cut the fat from a heavy meal. I DO like the vibes here. There's plenty of sections so if your not looking to mingle at the bar you can sit in a section more designed for dining. They have a massive outdoor section which features a stage for live music, an outdoor bar, and a giant screen for watching sports. I can see this place getting super busy when the weather gets nicer, not that it didn't fill up quickly while I was there. I'd come back and try some other food options, the menu was promising. The drinks and food were reasonably priced as well.

came here on a Sunday mid afternoon for a lunch had fried pickles with Chipotle ranch was delicious i enjoyed it. the burger also was freshly made and delicious. service was fast considering how busy it was and we were able to get a nice cozy booth. they clean up fast once you are finished with your plate. the portions for the fries though was on the low side but the sweet potato fries were delicious. I'm sure during the summer this place is hopping with outdoor music and ice cold . Def I'll be back again

Wound up here by mistake and it was pretty decent. Really busy but the got us seated relatively quickly. Service was good and the food was reasonably priced. Big portions as well. Would go back if we are in the area.

I hope this evaluation of your operation gets to every level of management in the NIKO business. Last evening my wife AND I VISITED THE EXCEPTIONAL WOODSTOCK LOCATION. We do this frequently as the location is convenient, very clean, good parking. The staff on the other hand is a FENOMINAL unit of people. They team to see you get detailed service spot on to any request you wish. Last evening, my wife and I went to Woodstock to celebrate our wrap up of our 57th year of marriage. Space is too small here to allow me explain the way the staff shined right from the moment where a greater put a wrist band on me to the moment he served us a fabulous flame throwing hot lava cake. Well it is my hope I may have the pleasure to further elabotate to you beyond the on sight management. About the special skill set that was lavished on us by these professionals at this location. 203-521-6891

We ordered take out from here, which you have to order from the Local by Toast app which will make you open an account. The food portions were great for the price. There are however additional "container fees" of 6% for take out orders and the 3% credit card surcharge. The food we got was delicious including - the baby back ribs, fish filet sandwich, mile high meatloaf and fried pickles.

The environment in there was really nice, decorated a nice for the holidays. The place seemed very clean. The wait staff are all very young and are as accommodating as they can be. My friend and I both ordered nachos. One chicken, one ground beef. The menu described the nachos is having a blend of cheeses. When it arrived, it was just lousy cheese sauce and a smashed up hamburger patty as the ground beef. The lettuce was a little on the wilted side. It wasn't good nachos at all. Very bland. All this for $17 a plate which was not worth it. The most disappointing thing is what these restaurants are now doing to make more money. They're adding a 3% charge if you're paying with a credit card. I called this the Covid excuse. Prior to Covid restaurants never charged this fee. When I do see this 3% charge, I typically stop going to the restaurant. I'm a bit disappointed because years ago when this place opened up, I felt the food to be much better. There were other meals that I had there in the past couple of years which were subpar and not what they used to be. Hopefully management or a new head chef will turn things around. But until then I'm not going back to this location or probably not their other ones because I'm going to make the assumption they'll be the same as this Woodstock location.

2.5 overall Breakdown: Drinks and overall ambience: good Food: App decent Patty melt: disgusting Service: Immature.

I gotta say- this was my first time at Niko's and I completely loved it ! There was amazing music! The vibe with the sports on and the fire pits was so fun! But the food.... Wow! We had cheese curds- yummy - burgers- Reuben egg rolls and Italian beef egg rolls (my fave) - Saganaki (epic!) - buffalo chicken and the boom boom shrimp! And it was all amazing (came out fast too)! Just as the service ! We spent the whole day here and both waiters we had for lunch and dinner were phenomenal! We also got to meet the owner Niko and he was as nice as can be! We can't wait to go back! They do things right here and I love that! Oh and don't sleep on the pizza !!!! I recommend any one that has the sausage on it!! 100% !!

Food was good. The wraps at this place are to die for. Server unfortunately took SO long to bring drinks & was often talking on the side. I Do not recommend Becca as your server.

Great place for food, drinks and music if you come on the right night! Rueben and the hamburger were very good. Pickles - not so much but I still ate as I wanted to save the other half of my Reuben for lunch tomorrow!

Fun place, they have a stage where bands play mostly on weekends. They have a nice outside area with heaters if it gets cold. We were there before any band came out but the food was good, the service was good, and the beer was cold. What else do you need? I had the chicken wings, the Nashville hot and they were nicely spicy, my wife had fettuccine alfredo which most restaurants cannot make good, but this wasn't bad. Will definitely go back.

This place has a ton of outdoor seating and live music often. The servers are all super cute and sweet. There's a good variety of options on the menu from bar food to pasta. Perfect for large groups or families. They also have delicious Saganaki and a bunch of other apps, salads, and bowls.

Slipping in a 3% credit card charge food was average. Service OK. Surroundings were nice because there was outdoor seating. Prices were high for the quality of food. Adding a credit card surcharge to my bill when there's plenty of opportunity to notify customers for example, the front door, the menu the server could've said something. I hope the 3% was worth leaving a negative feeling.

Some menu items can be a little hit or miss at times, but we always enjoy Niko's pizza! Great crispy crust with a generous amount of cheese. The sauce is right up the middle, not too spicy and not too sweet. Service is friendly and attentive. The place is on the rustic side and has a good vibe. It can get a bit loud so don't plan on a quiet conversation over dinner. Prices are reasonable.

Great food. Service is lacking. Bartender forgot my drink order, had to flag her down after food came to remind her of my drink. Liked the first beer I picked but not the second. Bartender was so busy talking about her personal busy that I didn't bother getting something else.

Good haf GOOD BEER!!111 wood remend too all my frends I ATE THE MAKM CHHESE. 11/10 eat

Went after a play in Woodstock. I had a chicken wrap it was ginormous. Tried the cream of chicken soup how delicious. I did take more than half my wrap home. I also did order a bowl of soup to take home. All of it was good except the fries. They are the battered ones. Next time would get the sweet potato fries they were delicious. There's a lot I would like to try. At the table somebody had a bowl that looked good. It was like a macaron cheese bowl. There was a Reuben and chicken sandwich and a barbecue chicken wrap and everybody's food looked delicious. The server was super nice and friendly, easy-going and laid-back. Would definitely try this business again the prices do seem a little high but then when you realize what you get, it's worth it like my chicken wrap. It was full of chicken. It was not like ones you get else where there is three pieces of chicken and they call it a chicken wrap. Was a nice time and good food the. Interior was a nice and fun place. They were setting up lights when we were there it's festive now

Kee politics out of your business. You post a celebratory post on FB after the election, but deleted all respectfully negative comments (censorship) and kept only the positive ones. You should not be mixing politics with your business.

Never had an issue here. Food is good and they do a huge business. Yes, lots of bikers but so what. Nikko and father are usually around to greet you and thank you for the business. Everyone is welcome and from all ages and walks of life. The comments about masks and MAGA establishment, please move on to somewhere else. Im sure this place does not need your business.

This is a great place to eat that has a party vibe and good quality food. We have had various items from the menu and found them all to be really good. Niko's also has live entertainment and a HUGE outside TV screen. It is also a busy place. The servers have always been pleasant and provide great service.

Came here with my friends this summer to see Cory Farley, and I really loved the food, drinks, and experience here. When my friends and I first arrived, we had to pay a cheap cover and they checked our IDs before they gave us wristbands. I liked that they seemed to have a very organized system for all of this because everything happened outside, and they had a couple bouncers checking IDs, and a couple hostesses ready for your cover payment. Everything was handled very quickly and then you can walk through the back patio area. It was PACKED and it all felt very normal during COVID which I liked. It was nearing the end of the mask mandate anyway, but all of the waitresses were wearing them. We got seated inside fairly quickly, but we were a little bummed there were no tables available outside. It was understandable because of how busy it was, though. We had quick, friendly service from our waitress, and my friends and I all loved our food. They have a large menu, and everything was fresh and flavorful. I ordered the corned beef sandwich with tots, and for my drink, I ordered a pina colada. It was so nice to see the drink on the menu since I feel that not many restaurants sell frozen drinks. Everything was amazing and I'd definitely order it all again! Once the band started and we finished our food, we went outside and stood by the stage. The stage area is pretty and large, and the stage is also raised so even if people are sitting down at tables outside, they could see the band on stage. I did feel bad that there was a huge crowd (including us) blocking view for some tables, but no one said anything and most people ended up standing up and dancing anyway. There was such a fun vibe outside. Service was great at the bar outside, and we kept getting our drinks at the bar next to the stage. They do have minimums if you want to close your tab right away, but even after telling me that, the bar tenders ended up closing mine for me every time, which was so nice and helpful. I dont know, I just hate keeping a tab open. Overall, this place has such fun nightlife and I'd come here again to see a band. Honestly, I'd come here again even if a band wasn't playing. The food really was amazing and so was our service. We traveled here from Chicago, and the drive was worth the fun experience!

Our group of 10 had a great time at Niko's. We made reservations for a Saturday night so we can see the band afterwards. It was raining when we arrived, they accommodated us inside to start. Food was great. Started with a variety of appetizers: cheese curds, saganaki, buffalo and Nashville hot wings. Good beer and cocktail selection to go with. Sandwiches were excellent, and HUGE - you could easily share. Loved the tator tots too. After dinner the rain stopped and we went outside, they had a large table waiting. There was a $10 cover for the band. It's not huge outside, you are pretty close to the stage, its easy to see the band. Full drink and food menu was available. If you ask they do have a small dessert menu - we got the chocolate lava cake with 2 scoops of ice cream, it was very tasty. Service inside and out was excellent. Very helpful, quick, attentive. Overall great evening out.

Came here after a round of golf, my partner had been at Niko's before, I had not. Arriving before noon the restaurant was fairly busy, three to four waitress's were milling about, seemed that staffing wasn't a problem here. Ordered the Red Mill burger, it is a decent size burger but lacked any flavor. I liked the shredded lettuce but the slab way under ripe tomato went into the garbage. A thin slice of raw onion would have been good but none was offered. Niko's serves a type of battered french fry to get them crispy, didn't much care for them. There is nothing special about Niko's, if you're in the area you might try but not worth going out of the way for.

Super fun place to eat outside and enjoy live music. Love the food! Gluten free friendly. Great service.

Food was very good, had some different types of appetizers which were very good, and service was great. Definitely will come back.

I've been to Niko's a few times now. I went there last night to see Bella Cain in concert and they were excellent! Niko's food is always very good and particular I love their saganaki. Their drink prices are reasonable and it's always a good time here. I highly recommend if you are ever in the area to come visit on a Friday or Saturday night. I give this place 4.5 stars.

Came here again after a few years and this time I was disappointed in the food. The food was not as great as I remembered last time. Also, we sat outside and the table next to us was smoking. It was not very pleasant when you're trying to eat. Eventually that group left, so it was better.

Food is pretty good and price is reasonable for food and beer. I would give it 4 stars but beer glasses tend to be warm for some reason

this place always seems so crowded. today we took a chance and got seated right away. our server (didn't get her name) was lovely lovely lovely! she had us laughing and was so attentive. food was good and atmosphere was welcoming! the outdoor area looks fun but it was way too cold today to check it out! what a fun experience! did i mention our server was spectacular???

This is by far the nicest bar in town. Just a newly renovated bar with an amazing deck area! Food is great too. Only problem is it's too good. As in it's usually busy. Get here before peek hour or it could be a wait, but worth it. Niko, the owner, is friendly as well, usually trys to talk to the customers. My only issue is it usually plays county music, not my cup of tea. But they do of a TouchTunes machine!

Had lunch on a Monday here. Service was great, very friendly. I ordered the bacon cheddar burger and OMG it was excellent!! It was a huge juicy burger with a nice size order of fries and little cup of slaw. We also ordered the green bean fries, which were yummy! I would definitely eat here again.

Food is great! Good music and had a great time with friends. Staff was nice and helpful.

Food and atmosphere are good. The 2 star rating is for our server Christy R. Unfortunately service is mostly non existent and rude when it is offered. Our server has been MIA for most of our time here outside of our initial drink and food order. Drinks were never re-filled, no plates were provided for appetizers, and I had to track down silverware for the table myself. We were not checked on in anyway throughout our time here. When our food did come, it came out at different times and also only after tracking it down. Tables around us were served and got the check before we even received and finished our appetizers. After some persistence we were able to finish our meal and request our check. The waitress seemed to avoid us intentionally, unsure why. Still waiting to finish checking out. Disappointing considering this place has a ton of potential.

Food has always been pretty decent, but the one time I sent my wife in once, the staff was offensive, and their bingo host was just way too personal.

An acquaintance and I visited this place under the suggestion of someone else. It was Memorial Day and abuzz with activity from eager pre-summer patrons. I ordered the southwest chicken wrap. It came fresh and abundant, so big that I could really only finish one cut half of it. The chucks of chicken were moist and slightly seasoned. Jack cheese and fresh veggies were sprinkled throughout making the warm sandwich a delicious delight. We shared a batch of seasoned fries and one order provided plenty to go around. The sides were of good proportion, with the temperature piping hot. A live band played popular rockabilly, and country tunes.

This place is always worth the 75 mile drive to visit with one of the world's most loved bartenders, Christine. During the summer Nikos Red Mill Tavern is the best concert venue in Illinois. Always well managed and a staff that loves being there as much as us customers do.

Very good food and service. The clam chowder was delicious as were the ribs and Ruben sandwich.

4 of us were refused service because we had our American legion riders vests on 7-6-24 we took our money elsewhere. bummer I never had that happen before anywhere including here. must have changed dress code. I will try a suit & tie next time

Red Mill was a bustling place when we arrived. Reading reviews we were encouraged of a nice dining experience. Upon arriving the outside bar area was full and people were sitting fairly close to each other. It looked like bar only. No other tables we offered in the fairly large area outside. It was colder out for sure but with covid cases climbing in Chicago area we thought they would accommodate. Woodstock being a smaller town the people seemed more concerned about gathering but being an exception. I get we all want to socially gather again. We sat at the bar inside since all the tables were full or extremely crowded. It seemed the safest place at the time. We wore masks but most of the staff didn't wear them, had them down below nose or down around the neck. As we continued to wear our masks only to do them between sips of our drink, the staff seemed to start using theirs more. When they talked most would pull them down. We ordered a salad and Hamburg to go! Suddenly from a table behind us a few people got up a came to the bar near us to get a speciality shot; I forget the name; something like campfire. The bartender made one which includes a couple different liquors and cinnamon spelled on top as it was light giving off an aroma. Suddenly many others from table came to see it and order more. Our social distance was invaded and people weren't wearing masks at the bar as they moved to it. We took our orders ate a bite and took rest to go and quickly departed after that. By the way the food was good but overcrowded for sure. The next day mayor of Chicago closed all restaurants to in house dining do to rampant increase of Covid19 I'm sure this location is an extremely popular location in the area; just didn't follow in place covid measures very well. I realize it a tough year, but we all have to do our part to protect other and be as safe as possible

It was extremely busy and with a band playing here tonight, they are are all wonderful staff and making sure that everyone is ready to have a good time and services is very good... never been in there before a band was playing and it was really something to experience

Very good bar/restaurant and a sense of normalcy for dining in which I like. I wish some ethnic resturants (AKA Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, indian etc) would do this. Despite that Chicago does not have anything going on for dining in. The Swiss and mushroom burgers were fresh and umm umm delicious. Can taste the beef since it did not have that from the freezer aftertaste. The fries were great too. Not too grease and the right size in regards to comparing it to McDonalds. The green bean fries as well as the onion rings were delicious compared to other big franchises burger place like Culver's or another place (Sadly now closed and out of business) called Between the Lakes I went to Wisconsin this past spring. That is where I had green bean fries. They had other dishes that sound yummy beyond bar food on the menu and if this keeps up of defying lock downs I will come back. Especially since I keep my motorcycle here. Do ask for a waitress Jourden R. She was very friendly and knowledgeable.

Came here with 5 family members looking forward to the great food Nico's is known for. We ordered appetizers which were really good, tho the waitress only brought 3 clear plastic "plates". We had to ask for silverware and then we only got 3 settings. We got the other two ourselves. Dinner ordered. 3 arrived. Server didn't say anything. After 10 minutes I got up and asked another server to get ours and that we hadn't received the 2 other entrees. She appeared and looked puzzled. It took so long, we just had her make them to go. Needless to say service sucks!

My husband and I used to love going here with our kids. The food was great and well priced. Now it is nothing more than a loud biker bar. It is not a place you want to take children or go if you want to have any kind of conversation. We are also very disappointed that the quality of the food has gone so downhill. We've tried to get carry out a couple of times and it just was not like it has been in the past. Unless you are a biker looking for frozen, recooked food and to get drunk on cheap beer, pass on Niko's.

Only been here one time but I am a fan. The food wasn't your traditional tavern food. This place has some skills in their kitchen. The place is clean, decor is very nice and comfortable and I just missed the live music. Very trendy place with the locals and there was a steady move of customers in and out of this place. Very lively. Staff was very friendly and they honored our free appetizer on our Yelp checkin....

The old bimbo with the fake lips wearing the old ass PINK pants is rude as hell ! We ordered take out because of what's going on. The service was horrible, she didn't greet us, just rudely asked what food we ordered upon picking up, tosses the server book to sign our receipt and Snatched it back after. Didn't say one word after that. Just walked away with the big wedgie riding her butt. I can say the Ruben egg rolls were good. That is all .

When they first opened they were great but now not so much. Bar is good and brought live music to town but not good for dining anymore. Music is always too loud, service isn't great and they were pricey before Bidenflation so I can't imagine the prices now. On Fridays and Saturdays I don't even have to go see the bands I can hear them from my house 3 miles away.