Frequently Asked Questions

What is the dress code at 1776 Restaurant?

There isn't one. Come as you are — genuinely. We mean that. Whether you're dressed up for a big celebration or you came straight from the school pickup line, you belong here. 1776 is fine dining that doesn't take itself too seriously. The food is exceptional and the atmosphere is elevated, but the welcome is the same for everyone. Bring your appetite and good company. That's all we ask.

Is 1776 Restaurant gluten-free?

Completely. Every single thing that comes out of our kitchen is gluten-free — not as an afterthought or a modification, but by design. This one is personal. Our owner Rhienna has Celiac Disease herself, along with many other food allergies. She built this kitchen knowing exactly what it feels like to need a place you can actually trust. You can eat here without the mental gymnastics. We get it, and we've got you.

That said — our kitchen does work with other common allergens including tree nuts, peanuts, shellfish, fish, dairy, eggs, soy, and sesame. Please always let your server know about any allergies when you arrive. We want your evening to be worry-free, and that starts with an honest conversation.

Does 1776 Restaurant take reservations?

Yes, and we genuinely recommend them — especially on weekends. You can book online through OpenTable at 1776restaurant.com/reservations or give us a call at 815.356.1776 during business hours. Walk-ins are always welcome on a first-come, first-served basis.

Planning something for a larger group? For parties of five or more, please reach out to us directly at rhienna@1776restaurant.com or call us. We want to make sure we're ready for you.

What are the hours at 1776 Restaurant?

We're open Wednesday and Thursday from 4:00 to 10:00 PM, and Friday and Saturday from 4:00 to 10:30 PM. Closed Sunday through Tuesday.

Betsy's Garden and our Outdoor Dining Patio are both open daily, weather permitting — because some evenings just call for being outside. Hours may vary seasonally, so check our website or social media for the latest.

How much does dinner cost at 1776 Restaurant?

Most guests spend somewhere in the $50–$100 per person range including food and drinks. Nosh and starters typically run $12–$18, entrées $28–$48, and desserts around $10–$14. Our wine list covers a wide range — from approachable everyday bottles to something really special for the occasion.

And if you're joining us on a Wednesday — every bottle under $76 on our list is half price through our Winesday program. It's one of our favorite things we do, and it makes a Wednesday feel like a Saturday.

Where is 1776 Restaurant located and is there parking?

We're at 397 West Virginia Street in downtown Crystal Lake, right on Route 14. Parking is easy — there's a lot directly in front of the restaurant and an additional lot just across Washington Street. If you're coming by train, we're a short walk from the Crystal Lake Metra station, which we love.

Is 1776 Restaurant good for a special occasion or date night?

It really is — and we take that seriously. There is nothing better than being the place where someone's anniversary is celebrated, where a birthday dinner becomes a memory, where a first date turns into a story worth telling. If you're celebrating something, mention it in your reservation notes and we'll do everything we can to make the evening feel like it.

We love a reason to celebrate, and honestly, you don't even need one.

Does 1776 Restaurant have outdoor seating?

Yes — and we're pretty proud of our outdoor options. We have two distinct experiences, both open daily weather permitting.

Betsy's Garden is our casual outdoor escape featuring the Airstream bar. No reservations, no formality — just cozy cocktails, delicious nosh, and desserts in a space that feels like a little world of its own. Come as you are, stay as long as you like. First-come, first-served.

Our Outdoor Dining Patio is a covered, full-service experience with the complete 1776 menu and reservations recommended. Same great food and hospitality, open air.

Two very different vibes. Both very us.

Can I buy gift cards for 1776 Restaurant?

You can, and they make genuinely good gifts — the kind people actually get excited about. Gift cards start at $25 and can be purchased online or in person during business hours. Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, Mother's Day, Father's Day, or any moment when you want to give someone an evening they'll actually look forward to.

Does 1776 Restaurant have A GOOD WINE SELECTION?

We do — and we're pretty proud of it. 1776 has earned Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence three years running — 2023, 2024, and 2025 — which makes us the only restaurant in McHenry County to hold that distinction. Our list features over 400 selections, curated by our Wine & Spirits Director Erik Nordstrom, who genuinely loves helping guests find something they'll love.

Whether you know exactly what you want or you're open to something new, we'll find the right bottle. That's what we're here for.

Does 1776 Restaurant HAVE A CORKAGE FEE?

Yes. We love great wine - and we completely understand having a special bottle in your cellar that you’ve been waiting for the right occasion to open.

Guests are welcome to bring their own bottle of wine to enjoy with dinner. Our corkage fee is $20 per bottle.

That said, with hundreds of thoughtfully curated selections on our wine list, we’d also love the opportunity to help you discover something new. Our team is always happy to recommend a bottle that fits your palate, your dinner and your budget.

Bring something special or let us find something special for you. Either way, we’ll provide the glasses.

What is Winesday at 1776 Restaurant?

Winesday is exactly what it sounds like — our way of turning Wednesday into something to look forward to. Every bottle on our wine list priced under $76 is available at half price, every single Wednesday. No hoops, no gimmicks. Just great wine at a price that lets you be a little more adventurous.

It's become one of our favorite nights of the week, and honestly? Wednesday has never been better. Reservations recommended because people have figured out how good it is.

What is The patriot wine program at 1776 Restaurant?

Our wine locker program is one of those little things that makes dining at 1776 feel a bit more like home. Members keep a personal selection stored right here at the restaurant, ready and waiting whenever they join us. It’s a lovely way to make 1776 part of your regular life—and to always have a great bottle waiting for you.

Created for wine lovers and enthusiasts alike, the Patriot Wine Program gives members access to bottles you simply won’t find everywhere. Our Wine & Spirits Director, Erik Nordstrom, thoughtfully hand-selects hard-to-find, winery-direct wines—limited releases, unique varietals, small producers and special bottles you typically won’t have access to through traditional retail.

Each month’s offering brings an opportunity to discover something new, explore a producer or region, and build a personal collection of exceptional wines in your locker at 1776.

A few things to know:

• Annual wine locker membership is $125, billed each January.

• Members commit to purchasing a minimum of one bottle per month from the Patriot Wine selection.

• Your locker is yours to store your Patriot selections and other wines purchased through 1776.

• As your collection grows, we encourage you to take bottles home and enjoy them.

• If your collection exceeds the capacity of your locker and you’d like us to continue storing additional bottles, a $25 monthly overflow storage fee will apply.

It’s more than a wine locker. It’s access to interesting wines, exceptional producers and bottles worth discovering—and a place at 1776 that feels a little more like your own.

For availability and information on joining the Patriot Wine Program, email erik@1776restaurant.com or simply ask your server the next time you’re in.

We’d love to welcome you to the locker family.

Is 1776 Restaurant KID-friendly?

Absolutely — bring the whole family. Kids are always welcome here, and we have a dedicated kids' menu so the little ones have something to be excited about too. Our 100% gluten-free kitchen means families dealing with food allergies or Celiac Disease can breathe easy — everyone gets to eat well. We believe good food is for everyone, and we mean everyone.

Is 1776 Restaurant PET-friendly?

While we love our four-legged friends, pets and emotional support animals are not permitted inside 1776 or in any of our outdoor dining areas.

Trust us, this isn't because we're anti-dog — most of our team has a four-legged family member waiting at home, too. But as a restaurant that serves many guests with food allergies, Celiac Disease, and other sensitivities, maintaining a safe and comfortable dining environment for everyone has to come first.

We also follow the food-safety guidelines of the McHenry County Department of Health. Under FDA Food Code § 6-501.115 (Prohibiting Animals), live animals are generally prohibited on the premises of a food establishment, with specific exceptions provided by law.

ADA-qualified service animals are always permitted as required by law. All other animals — including pets and emotional support animals — will have to sit this reservation out.

We know, they're a very good boy. Ours are too. 🐾

Is 1776 Restaurant ALLOW OUTSIDE FOOD and beverage?

No, we do not allow outside food or beverages.

At 1776, all of the food prepared in our kitchen is gluten-free. We serve many guests with Celiac Disease, food allergies and dietary sensitivities who trust us to take their safety seriously. To help protect that environment, we do not permit non-certified gluten-free food to be brought into the restaurant. This includes birthday cakes, cupcakes, cookies and other outside treats for celebrations.

That doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate with something sweet! With at least 48 hours’ notice, our team would be happy to help coordinate a special dessert for your table.

Email Rhienna at rhienna@1776restaurant.com to make arrangements. You can also coordinate with our friends at Rosie’s Gluten Free Bakery for a safe celebration option.

Please note that while all food prepared at 1776 is gluten-free, our bar is not an exclusively gluten-free environment. Thank you for helping us protect the dining environment our guests have come to know and trust, while still leaving plenty of room to celebrate.

Does 1776 Restaurant offer carryout or delivery?

Carryout — yes / Delivery — no. We made the decision not to participate in third-party delivery services, and we stand by it. When you get 1776 food, we want it to be exactly as it was intended. For carryout, call 815.356.1776 and dial #5 during regular business hours. Everything on our menu is available to go, made fresh from scratch, 100% gluten-free, the same as if you were sitting right here with us.

What is the cancellation policy for reservations at 1776 Restaurant?

Stuff happens — we get it, truly. Life is unpredictable and we are understanding people. All we ask is a 24-hour heads-up if you need to cancel or make changes to your reservation. You can call us at 815.356.1776, use the link in your confirmation email, or text us through the OpenTable app. Easy.

Out of respect for our team and the other guests who wanted your table, any no-shows or cancellations after noon on the day of your reservation are subject to a $25 per person fee through our third-party reservation system. We really don't want to charge it — a quick call or text is all it takes.

Who owns 1776 Restaurant?

1776 is locally owned and operated by Rhienna McClain, a Crystal Lake native who spent years working in the local television and the nonprofit world before taking over the restaurant. She built 1776 around a belief that has never wavered — that fine dining belongs to everyone, that good food is a right and not a privilege, and that a restaurant can be a genuine force for good in the community it calls home.

Her own experience with Celiac Disease and multiple food allergies shaped the kitchen from day one. She knows what it feels like to walk into a restaurant and not be sure if you can eat safely. That's never how you'll feel at 1776.

She's here most nights. Feel free to say hello.

Who IS THE CHEF at 1776 Restaurant?

Chef Jill Vedaa is the culinary talent behind the menu at 1776 — and she's also a dear friend of owners Rhienna and Erik.

A three-time James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef: Great Lakes, Jill has spent decades making her mark on Cleveland's culinary scene. She's also no stranger to a little friendly competition: Jill won Food Network's Guy's Grocery Games and later competed on Season 53 of Chopped as part of the All-American Showdown: North.

Today, Jill serves as VP of Culinary for Buildings & Food, a Cleveland-based hospitality group, overseeing the culinary programs across its family of restaurants.

Jill isn't in our kitchen every night — she travels to Crystal Lake several times throughout the year for menu development, seasonal changes and special events. When she's here, she works side-by-side with our kitchen team, dreaming up new dishes, refining flavors and creating a little culinary magic. Our talented 1776 kitchen team then brings those dishes to life night after night.

Her food is creative without being fussy, thoughtful without taking itself too seriously, and skillfully curated so that every ingredient, every flavor, and every bite has a purpose.

We're incredibly lucky to call Jill our chef, collaborator and, most importantly, our friend. Her fingerprints are all over the 1776 menu — but it's the collaboration between Jill and our incredible kitchen team that makes the magic happen.