The Toadstool Pub

This establishment consistently features live music and great atmosphere that you will likely enjoy. However, I had a negative experience a couple of years ago, which made it challenging for me to appreciate the venue. The owner is a close by neighbor of mine, and seem like a good person with a wonderful family; I wish them all the best. Unfortunately, one of the owner's friends fabricated a story claiming that I was coming back with weapon and shoot out the place due to a hand gesture I made. I attended the event with my wife, intending to enjoy the music with our new neighbors. However, something felt off, as approximately lot attendees appeared to be on edge, keeping their distance and whispering among themselves. The atmosphere was indeed bizarre and scary after I found out. Interestingly, there were police officers present acting undercover, but no one had a conversation with me. No incidents occurred of course and interestingly enough nobody talked me about it and when I mention it now days people act like it was nothing, just bizarre. I would most likely give this place a 5 star if situation didn’t happen to me.

Toad Stool is a good pub, not my favorite, but it has to compete with so many Highwood establishments I’m sure it’s difficult to stand out. They have a nice long bar and a huge outdoor area / lot, with live music from time to time. Never had the food, service is friendly. Would recommend as a good starter bar.

We had a deeply upsetting experience at this pub. Two Asian members of our group were refused service and we were told the bar was “closing” — despite the fact that others were still being served around us. We didn’t argue, just started ordering Ubers to leave. While we were quietly waiting, more white patrons arrived and were served without issue. To make things worse, the manager came up again and told us we had to wait for our ride outside. There was no cause for this treatment other than the way we look. This kind of discriminatory behavior has no place in any establishment. Absolutely unacceptable, and we won’t be returning. If you’re a person of color or care about basic decency, avoid this place.

Nice joint. Good selection, good bartenders, though you may not see Toad around as much, lately. They get some live acts through occasionally, as well.

What a fun, casual and classic pub! Heard music and walked right in. Friendly staff. First ordered a couple brews at the bar then found a seat outside. Tip: Left side seating is if you are ordering food/dining. Right side seating are drinks only. Wall of Denial (A Stevie Ray Vaughan tribute band) were the performers this Sunday and totally digged the music! Check out the photos in this review and videos as well as on my Google Maps profile page or The Toadstool Pub's Google Maps page!

Love this place!!! 11 stars if I could!

Friendly locals bar. The bartenders were great! Definitely heading there again. $3.50 drafts the day we were there!

I like this place! They did not serve food, but the environment and facilities were awesome. I loved the Irish flair of the place. The Guiness beer is some cold. Perfect.

As the theme song from Cheers says "Where Everyone Knows Your Name", Toadstool Pub fits that description 100% and is a staple in Highwood. Tommy and his entire bartender staff are great. And they were one of the first bars in Illinois to serve Yuengling Beer once it was released. The live music and the outdoor venue during the summertime is a great atmosphere. If you are looking for an evening in Highwood stop by, have a drink, and say hi to Tommy.

We had a deeply upsetting experience at this pub. Two Asian members of our group were refused service and we were told the bar was "closing" -- despite the fact that others were still being served around us. We didn't argue, just started ordering Ubers to leave. While we were quietly waiting, more white patrons arrived and were served without issue. To make things worse, the manager came up again and told us we had to wait for our ride outside. There was no cause for this treatment other than the way we look. This kind of discriminatory behavior has no place in any establishment. Absolutely unacceptable, and we won't be returning. If you're a person of color or care about basic decency, avoid this place.

Spent most of our weekend at this amazing bar. Such great supportive members of our community. From hosting a fun, informational and emotional pride event on Friday. To the usual Sunday Funday. This place is so amazing and welcoming

TSP is a Highwood gem! The vibe is always welcoming and their live music is awesome. Tommy is one of a kind in his support of the entire Highwood community.

Toadstool is fantastic. Everyone there from the owners to the bartenders and the regulars and everybody in between make you feel special and part of the family. Love this place.

I love this place. Have been here at least 4-5 times. Loud, unpretentious, regular Irish bar. Good whiskey selection traditional beers What I really like about this spot is the owners intelligence I'm not putting a kitchen in. They are CONNECTED to a restaurant next door if you want food or order from anywhere along the street for delivery or pick up! Note this is only a challenge on Monday's (Hospitality day) when many of our hard working service industry pros take a day off!

The drinks are reasonable, and they often manage to have live-music, so I appreciate them for that. However, I'm not sure if the bartenders are unfriendly in general, or if they personally don't like me, but I feel like I'm often burdening them by giving them my business.

This place is a Highwood gem. Usually has good live music inside the atrium portion or out back in the huge lot. Always Great quick service at the bar & a great selection of drinks from ciders, booze and beers. Eat before ya go at one of the many delicious restaurants nearby.

They have live music often and at least every weekend. There is no food, eat next door. Go early if you are over 45. This becomes packed with 20 something's at 9pm. I don't go here often but everyone I know seems to go weekly.

Really enjoy this bar. Tommy and Sean are fantastic bartenders and they really enjoying making speciality drinks too. Tommy is all about a good Mai Tai and he enjoys spending time to make the complicated ones. Don't forget to ask for a Green Tea shot while your there - they're the best in town!

Great, friendly place with a delicious bloody mary. The bacon is the best! We'll be back and highly encourage others !

Great Local Pub! Never been to Highwood and was visiting some friends - their favorite place in town - Owners were wonderful and very nice - Casual atmosphere with great drinks!

Best staff!!! Come for the Bloody Marys, stay for the atmosphere. Feels like home. We love the Toadstool!

your piece of shit bar tender, kept turning down our music but playing shit music at full volume on the touch tunes juke box

So, my sister's making out with a random guy, but the music variation really hits me deep. It's a vibe. Drinks are good. BUT, St. Patrick's Day was SO last March. The bartender...she was HOT. Anyways, this was a great bar to meet some peeps of all ages. WAIT...where am I? Kitty cocktails got me f*cked up.

Best bar in Highwood by far. No food really. But service is excellent, the place is clean. And old school look inside.

Best Bloody Mary!! There is no debate about it. Toadstool has mastered the art of a delicious well balanced Bloody Mary, without 10 feet of snacks added to it. If you haven't tried it, you need to!

This is a great down and dirty bar. No frills, just some good ol' fashioned drinking going on here. This is a great place to come for a drink on a week night or weekend night. Good place to meet up with friends and watch da Bears. Even a fun place to come during a Celebrate Highwood event. It's always happening here.

I came here eagerly anticipating a friend's new adventure in opening his own pub. The place is beautiful inside and a well deserved crown on the night I went. Toad did a great job with the help of many friends and turned the old "Nickel" into what will be a new hangout for me. The beer selections are awesome. The custom bar and hutch are awesome! The staff is friendly and attentive. While I only had time for 1 beer the night I went, Highwood is in for a treat with Toad's gift.

Cute atmosphere, worst tequila sunrise I've ever had. Seems a hard drink to mess up. My partner ordered a whiskey with ginger ale that was also incredibly weak. 3 stars because we visited on St Patrick's Day and I want to be charitable. Might come back and try again on a less busy day.

Really like the Toadstool. Gets better every time I go there. A restaurant has just opened next door. Marco's Northside Grill. It is connected to The Toadstool Pub. So while there's a front entrance to Marco's with plenty of tables and good service, one can also go to the Toadstool and enter Marco's through a connecting door. If you wish to eat your food in the Pub, just order and pay at the bar in Marco's, and they will serve it to you at the Toadstool (which is my personal preference). Great concept for two outstanding establishments.

I drink here from time to time. I have never once seen a toad or a frog in this location. I do know a guy named Tommy who works there but he is a straight up homosapien and if I would bet not even a great swimmer. The beer is cold and the place is clean. I wouldn't eat off the floor but I would use the bathroom even for a #2 but I never do that in bars so not likely. My house is only a bit away and I would just go there. I don't let strangers in to #2 at my house but your safe to go here

Great atmosphere and always a couple good beers. Get a burger next door and they bring it to you.

Absolutely love this place! The owner and staff are great! Best bloody I've ever had. My wife says their dirty martini is spectacular. Good beer selection and updated taps seasonally. No food is served, but you can order from Marco's or bring food there. Dog friendly

For those of you who know me, it's not often that you'll find me at a bar, especially in the middle of the day. Especially with a beer in hand. I had a business meetup here with a couple of people today, and it was the best experience! I read from another Yelp review that they have Internet here, so I came with computer in hand. Free Internet and outlets under the bar make it really convenient for an afternoon meeting. Funny, I'm sure on St. Paddy's Day the last thing they expected was to see three ladies at the bar with a beer and laptops during the day - ha! Honestly, I would come here any day of the week for a work meetup. During the lunch hour it's pretty quiet, so for anyone looking for an off-the-beaten-path place to get some work done, here's your secret stop. They do serve bar food, but since I only had a beer I can't speak for the amazing looking chicken that one of my meeting partners had. Next time I'm coming back for that. The Toadstool Pub will be seeing me again. I'm not a big drinker, but today I gave my cheers to the Irish.

I really enjoy going out in Highwood, so I was super excited when my coworker's wife decided to throw his retirement party here! I had been wanting to try out Toadstool Pub since before they even opened. I showed up during a blizzard on a Friday at about 4 pm. The staff was super accommodating to our large group and were able to keep up with all of our requests. Toadstool has a great selection of liquor and makes a great mixed drink. They also had a nice selection of beer for the hops folks out there. I loved the atmosphere of Toadstool. The new owners did a great job of remodeling the old "Wooden Nickel". It is a very welcoming environment and I look forward to returning with my coworkers in the future!

Great atmosphere in here. The bartenders are phenomenal and are a treat to talk with. The drink prices are very reasonable as well. I will definitely be back again soon!

I have been to Toad Stool's several times because they sponsor my bf's softball team. The place is very laid back and they even have cool little outdoor area that allows dogs and has music. Although they do not serve food, they have no issue with you bringing in your own which works out just fine with all the other places around.

Stopped in for a quick beer. Disappointed in the beer selection -- nothing special or outstanding on their beer list. Service was good. I'd probably try a cocktail if I came back instead of a pint. DJ was good on the night we were there and the crowd was jovial.

Go for the bloody Mary and stay for the tommy. Great place to drink and hang out with friends.

I think I could fit right in this joint :-). I stepped in and sat with a few local fellows. Conversations were lively and I was able to join in the conversation a bit. I wish I had more time to spend there. I will be back.

This place gets tight when it's full. Stopped in on a Saturday night and the Wads were playing. Good band that does a good job of keeping the set list upbeat and rolling. The place was elbow and arsehole, so if you don't like getting cozy with your neighbor, you might want to stop in less prime time. The tap handles currently feature a line up of duck, duck, goose.

Quaint Irish pub in a lovely neighborhood. Proprietor makes a kick ass Bloody Mary. Friendly welcoming crowd. Official bar of the Blackhawks.

Definitely my favorite place in town to get a drink. Tommy is the best bartender/owner. He knows everyone and makes you feel at home. It's affordable, the decor is perfect for an unassuming neighborhood pub and there is even an outdoor area. I can watch the news or a game show of choice if it's not busy. My absolute favorite thing about The Toadstool is the wifi and the plugs in front of the bar seats. I love I can bring my computer and have a beer and get some work done. I feel a little more productive!

Always looking for the best bloody been all over 3 states and it was right in my back yard High Wood IL The bloody stands on its own but the bacon and cheese filled pepper is a knockout The bartenders are the best a true Irishman with a sidekick teacher with the best too's They totally get it you will feel like your the only ones there but trust me they have a huge following Get ready for the surprise the side kitchen rocks out the best burgers been all over put the fixings aside the meat climbed to number one in my book look out Charlie's they've been at my top for 30yrs The Irish run the bar and the Italian the kitchen Give this one a visit

Hubby and I went here for a drink before we hit Longitud315 for dinner. I think if I already had a few in me, I would say this place is a-ok. This is not the place to get the next best craft cocktail. It's a pull up a bar stool, hand me a beer, and shut up and let me watch the game kinda place. Now, I'm not sayin' that ain't fun/cool sometimes, but it wouldn't be the kind of place I give more stars... but others might. And... they don't have much in the way of food. Hubby knows.... unless I have something to munch on, I'm not happy! So if that sounds like your cup 'o tea... or pint 'o beer, as the case may be, then stop by. It served it's purpose for us... a quick cocktail/beer before dinner.

There's nothing bad about this place. EVERY bartender is amazing. Every drink is perfect. The OWNER!! Toad! Big love. Never a bad time. Run.....and stay.

We drove here after a concert at the Ravinia Festival. It had a really nice awning and the lighting seemed a bit dark from the outside. We had a great music experience on the way there.

Our favorite bar in town! The owner and staff are amazing and their Bloody Mary and dirty martini are a must have!

I would give this bar a zero if not for the great band playing. We were there for 10 minutes, having a good time, and were told we need to stop yelling. Apparently we were offending people with our good time and fun (we were not using any profanity nor discussing any sensitive topics.) it would have been just as easy to politely ask us to keep it down a little, rather than shouting at us from being the bar super rudely. Worst customer service I've ever experienced at a bar. If you want to go somewhere with friends and enjoy yourself, this is NOT the place for you. Will never be coming here again. Patrons of Highwood, you need to CHILL out.

Great vibe and atmosphere! Tommy (and Marco from next door) are hospitable and kind. The food is good, the music is just right - the right volume and the best sound! Best part, the seats at the bar are comfortable and Tommy makes light shift of keeping the glasses filled! Live music on Saturdays ... what could be better? Tonight I tried the Southern Styled Sweet Potato Tots to go with my cider, and they were served with spicy hot honey that hit the spot on a cold Halloween night!

Friendly cheerful place with prices you can't beat! Tommy and his family have a great establishment here that provides locals and newcomers a place to go where you can get great conversation and feel like you're at your own local! The second place I walked into when I moved here, will be the last when I leave. There are bands and events regularly. The place does get loud and crowded but I can understand why! Who would not want to come in and enjoy this phenomenal atmosphere and experience the best people that Highwood has to offer. A wide selection of everything in a bar you could ask for! The only downside is they don't sell food. There is not a kitchen or area for it. What they do encourage is to bring in your own food from home or the many places in Highwood to eat and drink to your hearts content. I would recommend this pub to everyone and anyone!!! I will be back many times in my time here!

Only been here once since they took over the old bar. It's clean and chill. The prices were basically what you'd expect in highwood. The people seem cool though i cant say much on the atmosphere as we went in during the blizzard so were the only ones. I would definitely be back some time if for no other reason than to update my review

Wonderful place with awesome service. I came to visit my aunt who lives in highland park and this was one of our first stops. It did not disappoint. And huge perk - the cleanest bathroom in a pub we've ever seen!

The Bloody Mary is to die for!!! Great bar with laid back atmosphere. The service is excellent!

This was a great pub! My boyfriend is from Highwood, and when he found out that the bartender who previously worked at The Silver Dollar had opened up his own place, we knew we'd have to stop by at least once. I loved it! The bar looked great, and I enjoyed the "brighter" atmosphere. The bartender (who was introduced to me by the nickname "Toad" - the owner) was friendly and made one hell of a good drink. The people at the bar were all very friendly as well, and there was a sense of comraderie and odd-ball friendship that permeated throughout the place. We came here twice during our stay in Illinois (both times during the day) and had a blast. The drinks were extremely reasonably priced, and the space felt open enough that you could wander around without bumping into people constantly.

Shared a drink with my old college roommate and there is no kitchen so items had to be ordered in, no problem. Bartender was excellent and environment was perfect with a few televisions filling the background. I have no knowledge of the nightlife in this area, but for a no-frills early evening drink paired with some conversation, spot on.

The BF has been wanting to try the toadstool since it opened... We stopped in last Saturday briefly. The decor and atmosphere falls a little short for me. To me, it's lacking. It looks like a college frat guy's apartment, with the least amount of furniture possible, a bunch of beer signs, a dartboard, and a lot of negative space. It needs to be warmed up some. The music was really loud for the number of people in the bar. That being said, the selection of tunes was outstanding, and I felt like I was listening to my own iPod. We only stayed long enough for one drink, between almost getting a whole beer spilled on us (just missed and onto the floor) and running into the BF's high school PE teacher, it was time to move along.

The bartender with a beard was extremely rude and lacked ANY customer service skills. We spent over $150 on several rounds and he was just rude. It was like we were bothering him asking for drinks. Will not be back again because of his poor customer service. BTW, female bartender was much better but would not recommend this place based on the poor experience !