CaraWays Bar Grill | Your New Favorite Spot for Burgers and Great Vibes in Countryside, IL

Overview

CaraWay's Bar & Grill, nestled in the heart of Countryside, IL, offers a compelling blend of comfort and sophistication in a neighborhood setting. This bar & grill stands out not just for its carefully crafted menu but for the welcoming, genuine atmosphere that truly makes you feel at home the moment you step inside.

The space carries a distinct charm, combining cozy, lived-in warmth with nods to local history—vintage basketball jerseys adorn the walls, connecting visitors to the family legacy behind the establishment. Owner Derek’s personal touch is evident everywhere, from his warm greetings to the spotless, inviting environment that balances a vibrant bar scene with family-friendly comfort.

At the core of CaraWay's dining experience is a menu designed to satisfy diverse palates without overwhelming. The appetizers set the tone—items like Anna’s Italian-style meatballs smothered in rich marinara and the Northwoods poutine, topped with white cheddar curds and savory beef gravy, exemplify hearty American classics with a refined twist. The rotating monthly eggroll offers a creative exploration for returning guests, keeping the menu fresh and engaging.

Salads such as the Chicken Bacon Ranch and the Cowboy Steak salad provide hearty yet balanced options, loaded with fresh greens and bold, satisfying protein choices. Soups and chili bring warmth and comfort—house-made chili crowned with cheddar and sour cream, alongside a classic French onion soup served with a baked cheese crust, showcase the kitchen’s commitment to crafting thoughtful, robust flavors.

CaraWay’s truly shines as a destination that appeals to a broad audience. Families appreciate the homestyle touches and the kid-friendly fare served alongside adult favorites, while local regulars and newcomers alike enjoy the vibrant bar atmosphere and attentive service. The mix of upscale, neighborhood bar vibes with family-friendly amenities makes it ideal for any occasion—from casual lunches to lively evening gatherings.

Repeatedly praised for exemplary service, CaraWay’s delivers consistently outstanding hospitality. The staff responds attentively, ensuring any small hiccups are addressed immediately. Their ongoing efforts to build a genuine connection with guests elevate the experience beyond mere dining, transforming visits into memorable social moments.

In sum, CaraWay's Bar & Grill is a modern neighborhood gem that balances quality food, a warm atmosphere, and a unique local story. Its strategic location on Joliet Rd makes it accessible for both locals and visitors seeking a familiar yet elevated bar and grill experience. Whether you come for the exceptional burgers, inventive appetizers, or the genuine sense of community, CaraWay’s leaves a lasting impression that invites return visits.

Amenities & Services

Offerings

Alcohol

Food

What Customers Say

Asher Cousin

Dec 3,2025

5/5

Caraway’s is the kind of place that makes you feel like a regular the moment you walk in. The staff is warm and attentive, the space has a cozy, lived-in charm, and the food and drinks were top notch. I loved discovering all the personal touches throughout the restaurant—especially the vintage basketball jerseys on the wall, which I later found out belonged to the owners’ father, who ran Moe’s bars. There’s a great story behind this place, and you can taste it in every bite. A new favorite!

Kate Zernzach

Dec 3,2025

5/5

We loved the cheese curds! Such a great place for lunch, dinner or a night out! Can’t wait to visit again!

Michael Henehan

Dec 3,2025

5/5

Amazing spot! Derek, the owner, greeted us right when we walked in and we were not the exception. I watched him greet, shake hands with, or hug everyone that stopped in. The food is exceptional, my group had burgers, soups, sandwiches, appetizers, and some specials and everything was delicious. The service was top notch, it was very clean, and the vibe was incredible. A great spot to meet for lunch, and I can’t wait to be back at night. I’ve heard from many people it’s even better energy.

Mike Lechtenberg

Dec 3,2025

5/5

I've been keeping an eye on this place as it moved through its various phases of construction so I was excited to learn that they had opened their doors to the public. As with any new restaurant, I was expecting some glitches as the place and staff got trained up and broken in. I've been back multiple times... With friends or with my younger daughters (9 & 10) I will say, any glitches were minimal and handled perfectly by the staff and the owners each time. It's the perfect blend of upscale neighborhood bar and family friendly restaurant.... There is one problem with the food, that being, each time I've gone there, I've tried something new and each time I think I found my new favorite thing. Their specialty burgers are as good as their smash burger. Their pizza bread (ok, this for sure is my favorite appetizer) is so good. Their mashed potatoes are homemade. I didn't have to fight with my kids about eating their food (homemade chicken fingers and 1/4 lb cheeseburger). The Ruben, Italian Beef, amazing. Next up for me is the meatball sandwich. Needless to say if you come in... There's a good chance I'll be there. It's my new favorite bar.

Kari Henehan

Dec 3,2025

5/5

On a recent trip back home we had the pleasure of dining at Caraways. We had a large party and were taken care of flawlessly. Service, food and ambiance were impeccable. The bar had a “Cheers” like feel to it with Derek, the owner not only personally greeting everyone that came in but also thanking them for their patronage when they left. I also want to point out that the bathrooms were pristine!! Will definitely make this a stop when we come back to town!

Madeline Wappelhorst

Dec 3,2025

5/5

100% recommend Caraway’s! From the food to the service to the atmosphere it is a gem in this neighborhood. We were in the area from out of town for a wedding and looking for a relax places to watch the game and grab a drink/lunch. Boy, did Caraway deliver. The food was excellent and the service even better. The Philly Cheesesteak was 10/10 and the bang bang shrimp were a fun way to the meal. Drink menu had a tone of variety and staff was knowledgeable about it all! One of the owners, Derek, came out and introduced himself and the story behind the restaurant. You can tell the amount of pride and love he has for his work and new restaurant. Countryside is lucky to have this for their locals! I would happily return here time and time again if I was local!

John Supple

Dec 3,2025

5/5

After seeing this under construction for awhile and wondering what it was like or even open, we went in today. First impression was very stylish with a large bar inside. Lots of seating inside and on the outside is a small ( 2000 sqft) building with four walls of windows to open up to outside or close down to elements. All is very tastefully decorated with very comfortable stools and high tops tables. Service staff and owners are all very nice. It’s nice to finally have an upper end restaurant in the area, one that will probably draw people from LaGrange and Western Springs But like any restaurant it all depends on the food, do let me say I think this place is going to do very well! The menu is extensive, not everything is available right now but it’s only been open 3 days. We came with a small appetite so we ordered the pepperoni hot honey flatbread and chicken strips. The flatbread was so good very nice puffy crust, with the right amount of hot honey drizzled over the pepperoni nicely done will have that again, the chicken strips crispy with a nice taste to the breading and they come with your choice of various sauces. The strips were actually chicken breasts cut up not the normal fare found most places. As a local who could actually walk here from home and someone who usually only posts when things are bad but I felt it was important to praise a place that is new, noteworthy and offers good healthy food Good job Derek

Susan Badger

Dec 3,2025

5/5

This place is much needed in our area! The food the service - AMAZING! THE VIBE IS FRIENDLY AND THE FOOD IS OUT OF THIS WORLD! We met the owner and he's the nicest guy ever! Chef Jonny has come up with some incredible dishes and we cant wait to get back there!