The Breakers Restaurant - Crystal Lake, Illinois

Nicole B.

Went 2x in the past month after living in crystal lake for 6 years and never trying Breakers! Food portions are extremely generous and delicious. The beef chop suey and Mongolian beef were fantastic. Cocktails are a great value and very good. The fruity drinks help me forget we are in the dead of winter. All of the wait staff have been great and extremely friendly. Nate was our waiter tonight and he brought us extra chili sauce and recommended drinks. only qualms would be the canned mushrooms and the water that comes from a well but definitely not a deal breaker for us.
We will be back!!

Taly G.

The restaurant itself looks cozy—not modern, but warm and inviting. It smelled amazing, and we were so excited to try the food. However, the waitress assigned to our table seemed like she wasn’t suited for customer service. When we arrived, we told her it was our first time there and that we were excited to try the menu. She didn’t seem interested at all, which we let slide since we’re not picky about those things.

We ordered drinks: a Tropical Itch and the famous Mai Tai. Both tasted more like whiskey than rum, which was odd and not what we expected. They weren’t very impressive, but we didn’t want to let that ruin our experience. Then we ordered appetizers. We asked to switch the egg rolls for crab rangoons because we don’t eat pork, and another waitress kindly helped us make the change.

Later, when our original waitress came back to take our main order, I asked if they had spicy Japanese peppers. With an unnecessarily rude tone, she said, “This is a Chinese restaurant, not a Japanese restaurant.” I clarified by asking if they had any Chinese spicy peppers instead, and she responded, “What you see is what we have,” with the same attitude. At that point, we canceled our order. Her rude demeanor from the moment we walked in was already bad, but that response was the final straw.

I work in customer service, and this is not how customers should be treated—especially when it’s their first time visiting and they’re unfamiliar with the menu. It was disappointing because we were genuinely excited to try the place, but this experience left a bad taste in our mouths.

Brian G.

Everything was fine until the bartender started wiping down the edge of the bar with Extra Strength Industrial cleaner.. we were still drinking after our food. It made us sick and we had to leave immediately..

Tom K.

I have tried this restaurant several times over the years but am never impressed with the food or drinks. It has a huge local following that must not leave Crystal lake. My wife had a Mai Tia which seems to change every time we go there. The egg rolls had the strangest crust I ever had on one. My wife had Hong Sue Har Pea pod and it was just marginal. I had the Beef Mushroom Kew and the gravy or sauce was like paste. I will wait 6 months and review it again.

Laura ?.

Another landmark restaurant in Crystal Lake. Built in 1949, it still exudes the vibes. (Except for the glow of the gambling machines, but anyway) The entire place has fantastically gaudy, tiki-bar-type accents that set tone. Especially the grass skirt type fringe around the edge of the bar. One is immediately transported to some forgotten high-school/college memory that may or may not be a fond one... but I digress. Egg rolls are really good. Not greasy. Our visiting friends were craving the rolls they remembered, and they didn't disappoint. Also, the Mai Tais and whatever unique juice they put in them work well as potent counterbalance! They are red, clear, and addictive. This is one of those spots that pack out on weekends with the locals. If you aren't into the kitsch, you probably might want to skip it, but that and the food is PRECISELY what keeps all the other people coming back!

Bryan B.

The Breakers has been in business for over 80 years and the delicious food, unique atmosphere and tasty mai tai's are three reasons it will be in business for another 80 years. Our group of 4 ordered 2 appitizers and 4 main dishes we easily shared and had food left over. It was all fantastic. Will be back. Loved it!

Joyce S.

Came here to see Jason Nelson perform and had some good food, 2 great long Island ice teas, some orange chicken with rice, and shrimp in lobster sauce so good with pan fried noodles 🍜 we will be back
When is Jason playing again?

Megan V.

Awesome ambiance! The food was incredible. Our server was wonderful, despite being incredibly busy. Prices were less than anticipated. Entertainment was truly enjoyable.
I'll definitely be back.
BTW, the drink menu is awesome as well.