Outdoor Dining Opens At Tacos El Norte, Mickey Finns, More

LAKE COUNTY, IL — It's been more than three months since bars and restaurants across Libertyville and the Lake County area have been allowed to seat guests for dine-in and drinks due to the coronavirus pandemic, but this changed as the state moved into Phase 3 of Gov. J.B. Pritzker's Restore Illinois plan. The governor announced last week he was easing the restrictions he imposed back in March that forced all bars and sit-down restaurants to close their doors to guests amid the coronavirus health crisis. As part of Phase 3, Pritzker said restaurants and bars will be allowed to offer outdoor seating in patios, in streets and parking lots, while still strictly following the state's social distancing, health and safety guidelines.

Here are some of those spots across Lake County offering outdoor seating as of Friday, May 29:

Tacos El Norte — 1590 S. Milwaukee Avenue (Libertyville) and 305 S. Waukegan Road (Lake Bluff): Tacos El Norte in Libertyville is now offering outdoor seating. While both places are currently only offering takeout options, both will transition back to full service soon, Patch was told in an email from the business.

Mickey Finn's Brewery — 345 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Libertyville: Downtown Libertyville hot spot Mickey Finn's Brewery announced this week that their beer garden is back open weekend, and that staff will be taking reservations for outdoor seating for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Those wanting to sit outside starting this weekend will need to make a reservation, and can do so by calling after 847-362-6688, according to a post by owners Brian and Jetta Grano on the brewery's Facebook page. In addition, the owners said guests can spend up to 75 minutes per table, and food order(s) are required during lunch and dinner hours.

"Beering and boozing ok before, in between and after," the owners added. "Please be patient with us as we are in unchartered waters."

Illinois Coronavirus Update May 27: 113,195 Cases, 4,923 Deaths; Don't miss updates about precautions in the Libertyville area as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.

The owners also asked that you try to be flexible with your preferred times and days as seating is extremely limited, and added that Mickey Finn's will be open for brunch Saturday and Sunday, but there will not be any live music "yet."

Mickey Finn's is also offering curbside pick up or local delivery for food and beer orders, and reminds customers that 100 percent of tips go to their out-of-work staff.

Fresh Stack Burger Co — 20413 N. Rand Road in Kildeer Village Square: If you're wanting a burger, the bar and expanded patio at Fresh Stack Burger Co opened at 11 a.m. Friday. According to a news release sent to Patch, the “better burger” concept developed by Sean Thomas, Grandson of Wendy’s Founder Dave Thomas, Fabio Viviani Hospitality Group and other industry veterans, are working with the Village of Kildeer to help the community safely enjoy outdoor dining as Illinois enters Phase 3 of its reopening plan. The restaurant officially opened to the public on May 11 for carry-out, curbside and delivery services.

According to the news release, the restaurant will be serving domestic and craft beers, wine, barrel-aged cocktails and a few craft-made ultra-refreshing summer drinks upon opening, and plans to expand to full bar service soon. The bar, which has indoor and outdoor access, allows guests to safely place their bar orders from the patio.

According to the news release, guests will be able to enjoy restaurant’s food and drink offerings via a walk-up menu board and will be greeted by a “Covid Concierge” during peak hours who will take their orders and direct them to the socially distanced outdoor dining tables. Guests will be notified when their food orders are ready to be picked up at the carry-out counter inside the restaurant, with the concierge ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Restaurant hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and closed Sunday.

If your restaurant or bar plans to offer outdoor dining, please fill out the online questionnaire here or below. Libertyville Patch will be updating this article in the days ahead.

Related:

• Restore Illinois: Restaurants, Bars Can Reopen Under These Guidelines
• Lake County Health Officials: Case Updates, Phase 3 Guidelines
• Hawthorn Mall Reopening Date Announced

Looking for other services in the area? We asked local businesses in and around Libertyville to update their status during the coronavirus pandemic and created a handy guide from their responses.