Rock Island Public House - Blue Island, Illinois

Notary C. L.

The atmosphere here is cozy and inviting for nice evening out. I spent a date night here with hubby. The drink menu was impressive and the fries l, let me tell you those fries rock - never had better. We had a wonderful time and will definitely be returning.

Justin L. A.

What. A. Draft. Beer. Selection. ✊🏽 Great vibes !!! And the pinball machines, killing it !!! We will be back !!!

Jason S.

This place has a great vibe. Definitely worth checking out.

Alyssa C.

My friends and I have been going here for a while now, so here’s a summary of what you’ll get.

First, the positives:

The food is phenomenal. The menu rotates based on the day and I believe they rotate between different kitchens/people. The Detroit style pizza is awesome. The birria egg rolls are awesome. No matter what day you go you’re getting great food.

The atmosphere is what drew my friends and I here. I love the pinball machines, the ambiance, and decor. The music is great and they have an old jukebox with all the classics. They’ve got a nice selection of games both indoor and outdoor (when whether permits). They often have community events and fun opportunities, like the bouquet making event a few months ago. I love all that they have to offer and really enjoy these kinds of things.

The drinks are great, but they’re more local brews and cocktails. Which is fine with me because I’m not big on beer, but if you’re looking for the bigger brands, they won’t have them. They also have a rotating monthly menu with seasonal drinks if you’re interested in that as well.

Now, the negative:

There isn’t too much to say, because I really do love this place, but I had to write this review because of how my friends and I have been received the last few visits of ours. I will start by saying that we’re in the 23-25 range, so maybe that’s why, but despite our age we’re never super rowdy or disrespectful.

The last handful of visits we’ve been there, I’ve noticed that the bartenders have been kind of rude to us. They’ll give us a hard time, be slow to serve us, and in the same breath smile and talk nice with a regular. My friend asked for a round of Vegas bombs and the bartender caught an attitude and said that they don’t serve “none of that fancy shit…” which is fine (you can also just say “sorry we don’t have __”) except that they do serve espresso martinis, aperol spritz, and other specialty “trendy” cocktails…not to mention we were standing in front of the station where they keep all the actual “fancy shit” (lemon peels, dried citruses and other garnishes).

I’ve been to dive bars before, I understand that bars can sometimes be protective of their atmosphere, and whatever, we’re young so we probably seem annoying, but it’s not like we’re getting hammered and kicked out the bar. I just don’t think we deserve to be treated that way when we give our business, have been loyal to the bar, and have been nothing but respectful.

Again, cool place, but not as warm and inviting as you’d like if you’re under 25.

Jay G.

Great place to hang out. Love Red’s pizza!

Michelle A.

Came to try Red’s the People’s Pie and the skinny guy with tattoos was super friendly and patient explaining the menu options. The pizza was top tier. 10/10

Michael C.

Drive-In movie nights are a blast there is room for up to 12 vehicles to watch your favorite cult classic type movies on the big screen.
The bar area is decorated with Holiday lights and is open for takeout of your favorite drinks to enjoy while watching the movies. There is a walk up window for delicious food that is prepared fresh daily buy the caterer Butter upon Bacon my girlfriend and I thoroughly enjoyed the Chicken Gumbo and the Espresso Hot Coco cake !!
Mike the host was very friendly and accommodating with help parking and setting up the outdoor movies.
The Covid practices are much appreciated social distancing and sanitizing along with plenty of sanitizer available.
My girlfriend and I much needed this evening to deal with the winter blues and the Rock Island Public House definitely helped us with that.
If you are looking for a good evening get away definitely check this place out...!

Thomas K.

The best kept secret of Blue Island. Owners are amazing, food vendors are killing it in the kitchen, and Ashley makes the best Old Fashioned. Don’t miss this!