Hello dear
Welcome To Canteen Restaurant
Canteen Restaurant, located at 214 S Hough St, Barrington, IL, is a cozy dining spot reminiscent of the 1940s, featuring vintage decor and a relaxed atmosphere. Renowned for its exceptional smoked meats, the menu offers flavorful options such as the brisket skillet and pulled chicken that leave diners raving. Guests enjoy generous portions at fair prices, with highlights including the delectable Rueben and the comforting old-fashioned oatmeal. With a passionate team dedicated to crafting unpretentious, delicious fare, Canteen Restaurant is the perfect destination for a memorable meal in a charming setting. Don’t forget to bring cash, as they don’t accept cards!
Today's Suggestions
Explore the featured selections!
Homemade Carned Beef Hash & Eggs
Mayan Benedict
Banana Foster Crepes
Sour Cherry Crepes
About
Canteen Restaurant
If you find yourself wandering the charming streets of Barrington, Illinois, make sure to stop by Canteen Restaurant. This hidden gem has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike, known for its mouthwatering smoked meats and a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere that transports you back to the charming vibe of the 1940s.
Upon entering Canteen, you’re greeted by an inviting setting adorned with model fighter planes and vintage movie posters, creating an ambiance that feels both warm and unique. The restaurant captures a sense of old-world charm while serving up contemporary comfort food that hits all the right notes. As customer reviews indicate, the experience is thoughtfully curated, with a level of care evident in every dish they serve.
The menu features a delightful array of options, perfect for any meal of the day. Start your morning right with the Homemade Corned Beef Hash & Eggs, a hearty dish piled high with flavors for just $9.95. Or indulge in the rich and flavorful Eggs Florentine for a lighter yet delectable choice at $8.95. For those who love a little bit of everything, dishes like the Smokehouse Bebedict combine the best of Canteen’s smoked offerings with the elegance of traditional benedicts.
The accolades don’t stop at breakfast; lunch and dinner offer equally compelling choices. Many patrons rave about the brisket melt, paired with tangy spicy BBQ sauce that elevates each bite, and the famed ribs that promise to melt in your mouth. As Mark Combs and Patryk Slomczynski both attest, each bite is perfectly seasoned, allowing the robust flavors of the meat to shine through without being overshadowed by sauces or spices.
Amongst the beloved dishes, the brisket skillet and pulled chicken sandwich command their fair share of attention. As noted by impressed customers, the generous portions ensure that you’ll leave satisfied while enjoying the comfort of friendly service that makes you feel right at home.
Of course, wink at the cash-only policy as a charming quirk of this family-run establishment; it only adds to the quaint experience Canteen offers. From the supportive and personable staff, like the enthusiastic recommendations from your server, to the markedly quick service, Canteen is an embodiment of excellence in both food and customer experience.
Canteen Restaurant is more than just a place to grab a meal; it’s an experience that leaves you craving your next visit. Don’t miss out on this culinary haven—stop by for a meal, and you might just find yourself returning again and again.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ Canteen is a hidden gem tucked away in Barrington. They serve some of the best smoked meats in the area , seriously top-notch. The restaurant oozes old-world charm, with a cozy 1940s vibe, model fighter planes hanging from the ceiling, and vintage movie posters lining the walls. The food is unpretentious, delicately crafted, and full of flavor. I tried the brisket skillet it was absolutely fantastic. The pulled chicken practically melted in my mouth. Portions are generous, prices are fair, and the whole experience feels thoughtfully curated. This place is a must-visit if you’re anywhere near the area. ”
“ The food was absolutely delicious! The best Ruben around!! The smoked chicken sandwich was so so good! The amount of meat .. you won't go away hungry i promise! If your in town, you need to stop in and enjoy a great meal! ”
“ I have always wanted to try this place. So glad we did. Food was delicious! Friendly service and food came out very quick! Super impressed. Not afraid to overload on the whipped cream! I can’t wait to go back for lunch! Menu was mouth watering! Bring cash! They only take cash! ”
“ Really happy I stopped in here today. The food was outstanding and definitely will be back. Had the 2 meat- brisket and burnt ends, with cole slaw and beans and the pork belly. Also added a jalapeno and cheddar hot link. While waiting for the order to be prepared, had a great conversation with Sam. What I took away from that conversation was that he loves what he does and is passionate about the food they serve. All of the food was terrific. The seasoning is solid and does not overpower the flavor of the meat. This place is a solid spot, serving great food in a neat restaurant. It is easy to see why they have been successful, and I would expect that success to continue. ”
“ Stopped in at Canteen Restaurant and had a great experience. Our waitress was super friendly and gave us excellent recommendations. I got the brisket melt which was amazing, especially with the spicy BBQ sauce she brought over. My wife ordered the ribs with sauce on the side, they were perfectly cooked and she was thrilled. We’ll definitely be back! ”
“ This is a really great place for BBQ and breakfast food! There are unique breakfast meals that incorporate pulled chicken, pulled pork, brisket, eggs, etc. The meals are always great and the portions are plenty! The restaurant is also clean with a friendly atmosphere. My son ordered a twist on chicken and waffles, and they hit a homerun . I highly recommend checking out the Canteen! ”
“ Been going to the canteen for years. They’ve remodeled a bit and the parking lot is much better than it used to be before. Delicious food with very generous portions. The service was very good but not great... A little slow. No problem though... You’ll enjoy dining with model airplanes flying over your head! ”
“ The brisket here is a religious experience. I don’t think you could eat it frequently. Because everything else you ate would be a disappointment. Usually enough meat on the bun to make two sandwiches. The sauces are excellent. I am lucky to have such a great little joint close to home. ”