Hoffman Estates bar boasts bounty of bargains
Open since 1977, Neighborhood Inn Bar & Grill in Hoffman Estates is exactly what its name would have you believe. With the same ownership for the last 12 years, the low-key bar draws in locals who often come several times a week for the highly affordable food and drinks.
Motif: A large wooden bar serves as the focal point of the spot, currently decorated by Christmas lights hanging from the ceiling. Couples like to grab seats at the small tables with high-top plush stools. Walls are decorated with mirrored beer signs. Neighborhood Inn has eight flat screen TVs typically tuned to sports. The bar has the full NFL package and the sound isn't reserved for big games. If you want to test your skills, there are bags and a golf video game you can play for free from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday and Thursday.
Crowd: Neighborhood Inn primarily draws a late-night crowd and is at its busiest after 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Dress is casual, with most people sporting jeans and sweatshirts or jerseys.
Service: Staff members sometimes greet regulars with hugs, but first-timers receive friendly service as well. Our bartender was quick to acknowledge us and bring over menus. She remained very attentive throughout our visit.
Liquid consumption: The primary draw to Neighborhood Inn may be the cheap booze. Along with daily drink and shot specials, the bar offers $2.50 draft pints Monday through Thursday and $3 20-ounce Miller drafts Friday through Sunday. The great prices don't just apply to the standard drinks. On Fridays, seasonal Leinenkugel beer is $3.75 and tropical Long Island iced teas are $4. The cocktail was great, fruity and light, making it all too easy to order up another one.
Music: A DJ sets up in the corner for karaoke from 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays and 10 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Saturdays. You can choose your own tunes from the jukebox, which is free from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday and Thursday.
Food: The bar's award-winning wings are the most popular item on the menu. You can get six for $4.25, 12 for $7.95 or 10 for $12.95. Flavors include Buffalo, honey barbecue and garlic Parmesan. The fresh charbroiled patties also make the burgers a hit. You can get a 5-ounce burger for $5.95 or an extra 3 ounces of beef for just a dollar more. Variations include the California burger with pepper jack cheese and avocado and the pizza burger topped with sauteed onions, mushrooms, mozzarella cheese and garlic marinara sauce. Other dishes include $5.95 quesadillas, $5.25 mozzarella sticks and $6.25 potato skins.
Parking: There are plenty of free spots in the strip mall lot.
Overall: Neighborhood Inn Bar & Grill doesn't do gimmicks or frills. But it's that simplicity that's made it a go-to bar for locals for more than 30 years. It's worth a visit if you're in the neighborhood.
<p><b>Neighborhood Inn Bar & Grill</p></b>
<p>2322 Hassell Road, Hoffman Estates, (847) 843-8048, neighborhoodinn.com
<p><b>Hours:</b> 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. daily</p>