Matt’s Tavern

Matts has that nice neighbor hood feel that is casual and you can just pop in and grab a nice priced cocktail. .friendly bartenders and owners. As far as the teacher reviews I personally know alot of local teachers and business owners that love matts tavern. Anyway. Though I would share my experiences as great and is is also a nice location if popping on the train.

Absolute worst place I have ever been. It was our first time here and the owner was so rude. He is running a scam with his juke box as well. We put over 30.00 in the machine to hear songs and they never play any of them. They have a guy sitting at the bar with a remote who over rides anything you play. When we approached the owner about this he told us if we don’t like it talk to that guy. Not once did he try and satisfy a customer or even care. I have never seen such a complete ignorant jerk in my life. Will never go back. There were two other tables of nice people in there who left as well because of the rip off scam he is running there. He should be ashamed of himself. Place needs to be shut down.

I was going to suggest to have our PTA have some after meeting drinks here but since the owner calls teachers maggots, and teachers are a big part of our group, I guess we will find another place to have drinks. Oh and I’ll make sure to let others know too.

I would never set foot in an establishment that the owner would refer to teachers as «maggots». Maybe someone should’ve taught YOU to think before you speak. Good luck to your business.

Somewhat okay atmosphere. The owner wasnt the friendliest person though. The music is the same old country songs they have had on the jukebox forever. The owner recently went on a facebook rant bashing teachers. That wasnt too good for the business as it caused quite a bit of backlash. Overall i would defintely choose any other bar/​grill in crystal lake. There a plenty to choose from, and quite frankly, they all have left a better impression with me.

BOYCOTT:
I’ll start this by being honest/​fair. I’ve never been here and likely never will, so take this as you will. This is not a review of a singular experience at the Matt’s Tavern itself.
I would also like to say that I left a similar review on Facebook and they promptly took all reviews down instead of addressing the issue, and to my knowledge have made no public statement. OK.
So I learned that the owner of this establishment posted some very disparaging remarks about teachers in my area, many of whom I consider friends and all of whom I consider colleagues. I won’t comment on the current climate in Crystal Lake/​McHenry/​anywhere else because yes I am a teacher (in a different area) and yes I’m biased… but when someone who allegedly owns a local establishment gets on Facebook and calls teachers «maggots» and implies they do not work, or says «congrats you suck as educators» because they are on strike… well I want as many people to know so they know who they are choosing to support financially.
So in short, sounds like a horrible place, run by a very close-​minded, ignorant person. My personal advice would be to spend your money at Duke’s if you’re going out in downtown Crystal lake.
And like I said, if any of what I have said is false I will take down my review. Hopefully this one won’t just «disappear» like their Facebook reviews though.

Always loved this place. The bartenders are friendly, drinks are cold and there’s always someone to talk to. If you’re waiting for a train the station is literally 100 ft from the front door. Can’t beat that. I’ll be back!

A bad small bar that plays bad country music and the locals act like they are in Arkansas more than Illinois. This place was one of the worse bars I have been too

This place is great! I feel like I’m in Canada and there’s bears walking around everywhere. Cheap drinks and great atmosphere, will definitely come back next time I’m up north!

Great little bar! wouln’t say a dive but nothing super fancy. they poor a good drink… and like previous review says it still is cash only. Worth a trip if your bar hoping downtown CL.

Old fashioned in that it’s all about the drinks here, and cash only (at least it was at the time when I visited). Perfect kind of place to just relax with a drink or two and watch a game, or talk with the people around you. One of the few bars I’ve ever been to where the patrons all seemed to know each other, and were pretty friendly.
It’s right next door to Duke’s, which probably sways a lot of people who are looking for beer, but Matt’s has a good offering, and it’s smaller and quieter. Definitely check it out.