Fox River bar makes a splash with tropical drinks, tasty fare
You don't have to be named Gilligan or Mary Ann to enjoy the tropical drinks and homestyle grub at Port Barrington's No Wake Bar & Grill, situated on a serene slice of the lower Fox River.
<b>Motif:</b> As the name implies, the beach-themed bar and grill hugs a calm, no wake channel of the Fox River. Owners Dave Wescott and Ty and Lori Quaderer aim to stretch the joie de vivre of summer year round with tropical drinks and affordable tasty fare amid casual, friendly confines.
<b>Food: </b>The compact menu was devised to offer a dozen or so great options instead of pages of pedestrian bar food available at any watering hole. The kitchen turns out some impressive handmade appetizers. If you've enjoyed smoked whitefish dip on a Michigan or Florida vacation, you'll appreciate No Wake's sizable version served with a pile of pita points and a smattering of chopped lettuce. Hushpuppy breaded shrimp features a batter/shrimp ratio that's pretty perfect (You can get it as a po-boy sandwich, too). And the beer cheese dip with pretzel bread and house made tortilla chips, the eatery's most popular starter, should satisfy your tavern food cravings.
Chef Ed Montes' soup of the day may not appeal on a sweaty summer day, but regulars apparently endure the heat for his chicken tortilla, lobster bisque, French onion, clam chowder and the new Caribbean gumbo made with mahi mahi, shrimp and chicken.
Since 80 percent of summer traffic at the bar comes from boaters, Ty Quaderer wanted warm weather options to be heavy on quick appetizers and sandwiches. There are requisite burgers and wraps, as well as an array of seafood sammies apt for a nautical-themed eatery adjacent to a full-service marina. Fish tacos, mahi mahi (prepared grilled, blackened or fried) and a clam boat (breaded clam strips capped with homemade Cajun tartar sauce) are among the picks. There's also a grilled bologna served with lettuce, tomato and mayo that's a favorite of ice fishermen. Other options aiming to make a splash are seared ahi tuna, mussels bathed in Corona beer (one pound for 10 bucks) and Chilean sea bass, as well as steaks for those who prefer turf to surf. Look for more comfort-style options when the weather cools. And save space for the White Chocolate Orange Creamsicle Cake, a dessert that demands to be eaten to the very last crumb.
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Liquid consumption:</b>If you're on one of the 40 bar stools, order your adult beverage and check out the seashells, starfish and sand dollars frozen under the varnish. Tropical drinks such as margaritas, daiquiris and mai tais are winners, and each of No Wake's three bartenders claims a signature specialty - so ask. Drink specials include $3.50 Captain Morgan Mixers on Mondays and $12 buckets of Miller Beer products on Thursdays.
<b>Service:</b> On our visit, we found service immediate and attentive.
<b>Entertainment: </b>Live music kicks in on Friday nights from 7 to 10 p.m. featuring beachy tunes that add to the laid-back ambience.
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Crowd:</b> Bar patrons included couples and groups of friends in their 30s and older both inside and out on the patio, where the family dog is also welcome. Inside, parents appreciate the colossal chalkboard that kids can draw on while adults relax.
<b>Overall:</b> You'll find No Wake at mile marker 91.5 on the lower Fox River. With hearty portions of casual fare in a super chill atmosphere, the bar's a nice spot for dedicated boaters and landlubbers alike.
No Wake Bar & Grill
99 Kazimour Drive, Port Barrington, (847) 382-8866,
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday