The Toadstool Pub

Highwood, United States

3.8

20 reviews

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Telephone:
+1 847-748-8658
Website:
www.toadstoolpub.com
Address:
327 Waukegan Ave, Highwood, IL, 60040
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
570 ftHighwood
1.2 miFort Sheridan
1.5 miHighland Park
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Today

Today –
Local time (Highwood) 03:59 Thursday, 12 June 2025

Business hours

Monday –
Tuesday –
Wednesday –
Thursday –
Friday –
Saturday –
Sunday –

Description

Specialties

With a wide variety of beer, wine and cocktail selections, a knowledgeable staff waiting to fill your glass, and a 21st century environment with «Old World» undertones, you will want to reserve your seat daily!

History

Established in 2011.

After more than 20 years in the entertainment industry on the north shore, and a lifetime of residency in Highwood, Tom decided to branch out on his own. The Toadstool Pub has certainly brought a new hospitality experience to Highwood, one that is firmly rooted in values of a time long past: honesty, integrity, hard work and family. We invite you to be part of our future!

Meet the Business Owner

Tom G.

Business Owner

Born in Highwood a few dozen years ago, Tom («Toad» to his friends) has remained connected to the Highwood community. As a member of the Highwood Recreation Center Board, executive board member of the Highwood Chamber of Commerce (including a stint as president), business manager, and now as owner, Tom continues to keep his hometown community at the forefront of his business decisions!

The Toadstool Pub also recommends

The Bent Fork Bakery

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Pekárny

Tom G. says,

«Amazing sweets and awesome staff!»

Nearby

Near this location:
1
ft
Gallery 57
327 Waukegan Ave Ste 2
1
ft
Wooden Nickel
327 Waukegan Ave Ste 1 Ste 1
50
ft
Highwood Quick Shoe Repair
323 Waukegan Ave
110
ft
Stylish Ten
325 Waukegan Ave
130
ft
Sugar River Collection
325 Waukegan Ave
150
ft
Good Impressions
315 Waukegan Ave

20 reviews of The Toadstool Pub

No registration required
Place rating: 5
Redding, CA
Toms bar is a class act all the way! Laid back, comfortable, friendly atmosphere and encompasses all the good things I remember about growing up on the north shore. It’s a must stop on your way through Highwood! Thanks for a great time!
Place rating: 5
Highwood, IL
Best bar in Highwood. What going to Cheers would have been like I imagine. Great owner and staff.
Place rating: 4
Chicago, IL
Our High School Reunion was supposed to be at a large, impersonal place with a high cover charge and at the last minute, it was moved to The Toadstool Pub which had no cover charge, no pretension, and just nice people. The Toadstool totally accommodated our very, very large party and even stored our commuter bags in the backroom. It’s steps away from the Highwood Metra stop so bonus: we didn’t have to worry about drinking and driving after a long night of catching up. Toadstool makes a fabulous drink and had plenty of people on staff. My favorite was the side patio. We hope to make it back there soon!
Place rating: 1
Chicago, IL
Not fond of the staff at all, especially the owner who thinks he runs Highwood and that everything in Highwood should center around his establishment. I’ve heard from many others that they avoid this place for some of the same reasons and that they’ve had issues with the staff. If you want friendlier staff, head to other bars in Highwood.
Place rating: 4
Chicago, IL
I have been to Toad Stool’s several times because they sponsor my bf’s softball team. The place is very laid back and they even have cool little outdoor area that allows dogs and has music. Although they do not serve food, they have no issue with you bringing in your own which works out just fine with all the other places around.
Place rating: 4
Highland Park, IL
For those of you who know me, it’s not often that you’ll find me at a bar, especially in the middle of the day. Especially with a beer in hand.
I had a business meetup here with a couple of people today, and it was the best experience! I read from another Unilocal review that they have Internet here, so I came with computer in hand. Free Internet and outlets under the bar make it really convenient for an afternoon meeting. Funny, I’m sure on St. Paddy’s Day the last thing they expected was to see three ladies at the bar with a beer and laptops during the day — ha!
Honestly, I would come here any day of the week for a work meetup. During the lunch hour it’s pretty quiet, so for anyone looking for an off-​the-​beaten-​path place to get some work done, here’s your secret stop. They do serve bar food, but since I only had a beer I can’t speak for the amazing looking chicken that one of my meeting partners had. Next time I’m coming back for that.
The Toadstool Pub will be seeing me again. I’m not a big drinker, but today I gave my cheers to the Irish.
Place rating: 1
Highwood, IL
Beer selection isn’t good
Place rating: 3
Wheeling, IL
Only been here once since they took over the old bar. It’s clean and chill. The prices were basically what you’d expect in highwood.
The people seem cool though i cant say much on the atmosphere as we went in during the blizzard so were the only ones. I would definitely be back some time if for no other reason than to update my review
Place rating: 5
Long Grove, IL
Tom has done a great job adding to the Highwood scene. Very enjoyable to hang out there on a Sunday afternoon and catch up with the Highwoodians.
Place rating: 3
Gurnee, IL
Stopped in for a quick beer. Disappointed in the beer selection — nothing special or outstanding on their beer list. Service was good. I’d probably try a cocktail if I came back instead of a pint.
DJ was good on the night we were there and the crowd was jovial.
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
The Bloody Mary is to die for!!! Great bar with laid back atmosphere. The service is excellent!
Place rating: 2
Highland Park, IL
Hubby and I went here for a drink before we hit Longitud315 for dinner. I think if I already had a few in me, I would say this place is a-​ok.
This is not the place to get the next best craft cocktail. It’s a pull up a bar stool, hand me a beer, and shut up and let me watch the game kinda place.
Now, I’m not sayin’ that ain’t fun/​cool sometimes, but it wouldn’t be the kind of place I give more stars… but others might. And… they don’t have much in the way of food. Hubby knows… unless I have something to munch on, I’m not happy!
So if that sounds like your cup ‘o tea… or pint ‘o beer, as the case may be, then stop by.
It served it’s purpose for us… a quick cocktail/​beer before dinner.
Place rating: 5
Pismo Beach, CA
Friendly cheerful place with prices you can’t beat! Tommy and his family have a great establishment here that provides locals and newcomers a place to go where you can get great conversation and feel like you’re at your own local! The second place I walked into when I moved here, will be the last when I leave. There are bands and events regularly. The place does get loud and crowded but I can understand why! Who would not want to come in and enjoy this phenomenal atmosphere and experience the best people that Highwood has to offer. A wide selection of everything in a bar you could ask for! The only downside is they don’t sell food. There is not a kitchen or area for it. What they do encourage is to bring in your own food from home or the many places in Highwood to eat and drink to your hearts content. I would recommend this pub to everyone and anyone!!! I will be back many times in my time here!
Place rating: 1
Chicago, IL
This place is awful.
Place rating: 4
Chicago, IL
I think I could fit right in this joint :-).
I stepped in and sat with a few local fellows. Conversations were lively and I was able to join in the conversation a bit. I wish I had more time to spend there. I will be back.
Place rating: 5
Highwood, IL
Definitely my favorite place in town to get a drink. Tommy is the best bartender/​owner. He knows everyone and makes you feel at home. It’s affordable, the décor is perfect for an unassuming neighborhood pub and there is even an outdoor area. I can watch the news or a game show of choice if it’s not busy.
My absolute favorite thing about The Toadstool is the wifi and the plugs in front of the bar seats. I love I can bring my computer and have a beer and get some work done. I feel a little more productive!
Place rating: 5
Seattle, WA
This was a great pub! My boyfriend is from Highwood, and when he found out that the bartender who previously worked at The Silver Dollar had opened up his own place, we knew we’d have to stop by at least once.
I loved it! The bar looked great, and I enjoyed the «brighter» atmosphere. The bartender (who was introduced to me by the nickname «Toad» — the owner) was friendly and made one hell of a good drink. The people at the bar were all very friendly as well, and there was a sense of comraderie and odd-​ball friendship that permeated throughout the place. We came here twice during our stay in Illinois (both times during the day) and had a blast. The drinks were extremely reasonably priced, and the space felt open enough that you could wander around without bumping into people constantly.
Place rating: 3
Chicago, IL
The BF has been wanting to try the toadstool since it opened… We stopped in last Saturday briefly.
The décor and atmosphere falls a little short for me. To me, it’s lacking. It looks like a college frat guy’s apartment, with the least amount of furniture possible, a bunch of beer signs, a dartboard, and a lot of negative space. It needs to be warmed up some.
The music was really loud for the number of people in the bar. That being said, the selection of tunes was outstanding, and I felt like I was listening to my own iPod.
We only stayed long enough for one drink, between almost getting a whole beer spilled on us (just missed and onto the floor) and running into the BF’s high school PE teacher, it was time to move along.
Place rating: 5
Long Grove, IL
I really enjoy going out in Highwood, so I was super excited when my coworker’s wife decided to throw his retirement party here! I had been wanting to try out Toadstool Pub since before they even opened.
I showed up during a blizzard on a Friday at about 4 pm. The staff was super accommodating to our large group and were able to keep up with all of our requests. Toadstool has a great selection of liquor and makes a great mixed drink. They also had a nice selection of beer for the hops folks out there.
I loved the atmosphere of Toadstool. The new owners did a great job of remodeling the old «Wooden Nickel». It is a very welcoming environment and I look forward to returning with my coworkers in the future!
Place rating: 5
Highland Park, IL
I came here eagerly anticipating a friend’s new adventure in opening his own pub.
The place is beautiful inside and a well deserved crown on the night I went. Toad did a great job with the help of many friends and turned the old «Nickel» into what will be a new hangout for me. The beer selections are awesome. The custom bar and hutch are awesome! The staff is friendly and attentive.
While I only had time for 1 beer the night I went, Highwood is in for a treat with Toad’s gift.