Maple Tree Inn

Bar, Eatery

18849 S. Dixie Highway
Homewood, Illinois, 60430
United States

(708) 388-3461 | map
mapletreeinnrestaurant.com

Closed Mondays & Tuesdays
Wed - Fri: 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Sat - Sun: 2:00 pm - 9:00 pm
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.4
Reviews:
12
Ratings:
22
pDev:
7.73%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by kballer:
Photo of kballer
Reviewed by kballer from Illinois

4.25/5  rDev -3.4%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
This was my first real beer bar and I was very impressed. The owner was there and chatted with us for a while. Our waitress was helpful and gave me a sample of the dogfish IPA which was my first pale ale. This place has a great selection and I will update the beer list because I took it home with me. Goose Island is well-represented here.

The food is delicious but it was pretty expensive. I can't wait to go again.

The beer is also a bit expensive but what do I know, I'm used to buying a 30 case of PBR for 14 dollars.
Nov 30, 2008
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 4.36 by DotDrinks from Illinois

May 19, 2018
Photo of GrumpyGas
Reviewed by GrumpyGas from Illinois

4.46/5  rDev +1.4%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.25 | food: 5
Definitely go for the food, and the beer is no slouch.
Maple Tree has been here forever so expect some eccentricities regarding the building itself, but they really have put some money into her now and she looks great.
Several rooms for dining including the second floor. But my favorite is still the, now expanded, bar area on the main floor.
The decor is New Orleans centric, which they bead-up around fat Tuesday, but the rest if the year it is a touch more subtle. The food, drinks, beer, and music all center around NOLA.
Abita beer is available, but also several local craft beers like 3Floyds and their neighbor Blue Island Brewing, along with Deschutes, Noon Whistle, Destihl, 4-Hands, B. Nektar....and Triple Karmeliet and Old Rasputin on tap was a pleasant surprise.
Service is always well considered and we'll trained. They operate like a well oiled machine, a pit crew, a team, but not that tired, cheap chain-type "team". Everyone has a job to do and they execute the dining experience to a 'T'.

Really good after dinner beer options in the immediate area as well.
Oct 10, 2017
 
Rated: 4.4 by BeerOps from Illinois

May 13, 2016
 
Rated: 4.91 by cducap from Indiana

Jul 18, 2015
 
Rated: 4.75 by JVan from Illinois

Jun 29, 2015
 
Rated: 4.95 by Technohead from Illinois

Jan 28, 2015
 
Rated: 4.09 by Irishace9 from Illinois

Jan 26, 2015
 
Rated: 4.5 by spointon from Illinois

Nov 24, 2014
 
Rated: 4.2 by Beerpiggie from Illinois

Sep 17, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by Inglewood from Illinois

Sep 08, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by Sparky44 from Illinois

Dec 15, 2013
Photo of Skater_Rich
Reviewed by Skater_Rich from Illinois

5/5  rDev +13.6%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
This is the best spot for craft beer period. The staff is knowledgeable of everything that is beer (and liquor). I am not a foodie so I will leave that to the food pros, but the fried pickles go really well with beer!

All I know is this place gets what others can't, and every 6th beer is free (with a punch card). If you like 3 Floyds and don't want to take the drive, MTI almost always has Zombie Dust, Gumballhead and a Seasonal FFF on tap. They also have brands like Founders, Southern Tier, Ballast Point, Greenbush, Revolution, The Bruery, Omnipollo, Alagash, Firestone Walker, Left Hand, Stone, Evil Twin and a ton more.

If you want to drink beer but your significant other or friends do not, they make the absolute best cocktails in the city or suburbs! Try a Moscow Mule, best I ever had!

The only thing I don't like is how early they close, but you can always cross the street and go to Rock Island for a night cap. Rock Island has some solid brews on tap as well, but your best bet is to hit MTI early and enjoy all the great beers they have on tap.

You wont regret it!
Oct 24, 2013
Photo of mkennedy119
Reviewed by mkennedy119 from Illinois

4.45/5  rDev +1.1%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4 | service: 4.75 | selection: 4.75 | food: 4.5
One of my favorite beer stops in the south suburbs. The restaurant is New Orleans focused so if you like crawfish, jumbalya, etc... you're going to love it here as everything is fresh and masterfully prepared. I usually just come and cozy up to the bar personally where the selection is absolutely awesome. Tons of taps and some bottles to choose from.

Service is usually very good even when the place gets crowded.

Side story: I recently stopped in for a Bourbon County tap takeover. I came right after work though found out I had arrived too late to sample Bourbon County Cherry Rye, as all the tickets for samples had been claimed. That being the beer I was most looking forward to, I was bummed. As me and my buddy sipped our Baudonias in the back lounge, we were approached by the owners who introduced themselves and inquired how we were enjoying our time. We said we were having fun, and without any mention of Cherry Rye, we were offered two half pours to sample for free. I was blown away by their generosity and how they are really personable with customers.

Needless to say, I am pretty loyal to this place and will continue to stop in when I can. If you're in the area, definitely check this place out!
May 30, 2013
Photo of stouts4me
Reviewed by stouts4me from Illinois

3.8/5  rDev -13.6%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
A: good atmosphere in the bar area, the rest is a little dated.

Q: overall the score is high.

S: good service, I think my bartender was Amber(?) pleasant and attentive.

Sel: very good beer bar, and likewise on the food selection, there is definitely something to eat and drink for anyone here.

F: wow ! the crab bisque - awesome ! The bourbon bread pudding - delicious !

V: prices seem in line for the quantity and quality offered, the special tapping of BCVBS was a tad high at $15, but you have to weigh that there are not to many barrels left.
May 22, 2012
Photo of Shibbykaiyai
Reviewed by Shibbykaiyai from Michigan

4.58/5  rDev +4.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5 | food: 4.5
I love the near southern burbs and all, but most people just go there for the Irish-y places on Western a couple times a year.

Maple Tree Inn, kinda on Western but not, is a whole different animal. Instead of a bare bones bar with a couple tv's and the usual St. Patty's Day brews, you find a beautiful bar with a bloody good, and ever changing, beer selection. The food is amazing, service is good. Too bad the location does leave a lot to be desired...a bit of a trek to the Vermont St. Metra for those coming from out of the area.

But if you make the trek, you'll leave happy. And pissed and with a belly full of good food.
Nov 05, 2011
Photo of timmx
Reviewed by timmx from Illinois

4.18/5  rDev -5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
There is absolutely no bar within the near south suburbs of Chicago with the quality draft selection of the Maple Tree Inn. 26 taps, all craft, with no space wasted on BMC.

The staff is friendly and most are knowledgable about the beer being served and the bar itself has charming look inside and out.

There are always beers available beyond the standard offerings and lately they have been having a special tapping every Tuesday, you can check gotwalrus.com for details.

The food is also good. The cajun offerings seem authentic (to my knowledge)and have alwyas been tasty though I've had better meals ordering specials than off of the prix fixe menu.
Jun 20, 2011
Photo of dcsoke
Reviewed by dcsoke from Arkansas

4.5/5  rDev +2.3%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 5
A: When first walking in the red velvet curtain is a bit odd, but after walking through that the room is a pleasant sight to see. The inside is cozy and has an old vintage bar look and feel. Intimate dining atmosphere with candle lights.

Q: Unfortunately, I didn't stay to eat dinner but only had an appetizer. But in terms of the quality of craft beers they had then this can be a high rating indeed. Everything drank was superb with glassware to match the beer style.

S: Great service, very attentive staff. Their on-hand knowledge of the beers in stock was a great surprise since most places don't always have staff that know details about the craft beers they sell.

S: Selection was outstanding! When I saw the craft beer list I thought I won the lottery. This place is a hidden treasure in Blue Island, who knew a place like this would exist in this area.

F: The appetizer we had was good, but unfortunately I can't comment on it. Maybe next time I'll stay for food, but fair warning to all the prices are a bit high.

Beer prices seem to be a bit high, but they do have selections that can't be found elsewhere so the surcharge is understandable. One thing to note: be aware of where you are driving as the surrounding suburbs aren't the safest neighborhoods.
Apr 01, 2011
Photo of reallyhoppie
Reviewed by reallyhoppie from Illinois

4.55/5  rDev +3.4%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 5
This restaurant is so much more than a beer bar. With 20+ taps, a great staff, a wonderful atmosphere, and ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE food, the Maple Tree Inn is a must experience for anyone in the Chicago area. I cannot truly convey how great this Cajun style food is. Every member of this small staff, from the bus boys to the owner, are very friendly and willing to chat about beer, food, sports, and anything else. The tap list changes frequently and always has some interesting selections. I love how most beers can be purchased by small glass, large glass, or pitcher. I wouldn't say the food is expensive, but I do rack up a large bill because I order so much. The beer, however, is very moderately priced. This bar is definitely one of my favorites.
Aug 14, 2009
Photo of emerge077
Reviewed by emerge077 from Illinois

4.25/5  rDev -3.4%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
Maple Tree Inn was a fun place to visit...it's located on a corner of a quaint little street that looked like a small town 100 years ago. You walk in through red curtains, and there's an old oak bar right in front of you. The dining area occupies most of the house, the bar seats maybe 12. The atmosphere was very cozy with low lighting and Mardi Gras decorations. There were quite a few tap handles, including 2 from Flossmoor, 4 Goose Island (Pere Jacques & IIPA), 5 Rogue, a few more crafts and several imports, leaning towards German & Euro stuff. Prices were listed for 1/2 pours, pints, and pitchers (excluding high abv brews). Oddly enough there were only 2 bottled beers, though they were decent options (Palone & Kalnapilis).

On a friday night the place was packed, and after trying the cajun food, I could see the draw. I had the Crawfish Cardinale, and Cochon de Lait small plates. These were each under $8 and generous portions. Entrees were in the $12-18 range. There was a $22 prix fixe option to choose one app, salad, entree, and dessert. This was some of the tastiest and most authentic Cajun i've ever had...Sauces were rich, and the pork was smoked to perfection, retaining it's tenderness and moisture. Service was quick, and they refilled the bread basket and water 3 times for our table. The chef/owner came over and asked us how we liked the beer and food, which was a sincere touch. Worth going out of your way for the excellent Cajun & beer options!
Mar 15, 2009
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Reviewed by MillySox from Illinois

4.33/5  rDev -1.6%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 5
A little hard to find and out of the way but worth the trip. Accessable by Metras Rock Island line via a short walk over a bridge and through a few blocks.

Freindly knowledgeable barmaids. About twenty brews on tap. Lots of local Flossmoor Station and Goose Island. A couple of each;Bells, Great Lakes and Dog Fish Head. A very good selection of Euro Lagers on tap. Spaten, Paulaner, Okicim. Most beer available small, large, or pitcher.

A well reviewed restaurant on its own with unique Cajun cuisine and all of the New Orleans pageantry to go with it. Lots of little appetizers to munch on while tasting beers.
Feb 01, 2009
Photo of rhoadsrage
Reviewed by rhoadsrage from Illinois

3.5/5  rDev -20.5%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.5 | food: 3.5
Review round 1:

I will definitely go back and actually get in this time but I wanted to give you primary source information.

Some internet sites say it is open at 3:00 daily but the sign on the door says "Open 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday". I didn't feel like waiting 2 hours and then sitting in traffic on the way home.

It is a nice little building that is not easy to find. On Western Ave. if you take the bridge over the river going south turn right as soon as possible. Then head back toward the river and you will go past an interesting mix of Mexican, Mediterranean, and pub places. At the end of the road is Maple Tree Inn. The sign in front has Abita but I know they have a great set of taps and bottles (at least they did last year). The have a bar and tables with more tables on the patio that they open in the summer.

They are very good at changing the menu based on what is in season, and they usually have good representation from three Floyds on tap.

I will make it a point to call next time to make sure they are open and get a better, more detailed review.
Feb 09, 2006
Maple Tree Inn in Homewood, IL
Place rating: 4.4 out of 5 with 22 ratings