Hello dear
Welcome To The Wooden Nickel
Located in Highwood, IL, The Wooden Nickel is a lively dive bar with a strong focus on music and community. With a full bar, live music, and happy hour specials, it's a perfect spot to unwind with friends. Customers praise the generous pours, friendly staff, and cozy atmosphere. The bar hosts a variety of music nights showcasing talented musicians, from jazz to contemporary rock. Whether you're looking for a casual drink or a fun night out, The Wooden Nickel offers a laid-back vibe and welcoming environment. So why not stop by, grab a drink, and enjoy the music at this hidden gem in Highwood.
About
The Wooden Nickel
The Wooden Nickel, located in Highwood, IL, is a hidden gem for those looking to unwind and enjoy good company. With a range of utilities such as outdoor seating, pool table, live music, and happy hour specials, this bar caters to a diverse crowd. The venue is known for its welcoming atmosphere and excellent service, with customers praising the attentive staff and refreshing drinks.
One standout feature of The Wooden Nickel is its live music offerings. From jazz to contemporary tunes, the rotating bands and musicians provide top-tier entertainment that keeps patrons coming back for more. The acoustics in the room are exceptional, making for an immersive music experience.
Dive into the laid-back vibe of The Wooden Nickel and indulge in their affordable food options. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a full meal, the menu offers something for everyone. Bartender and owner Howard ensures that guests have a great time, creating a friendly and inclusive atmosphere.
Overall, The Wooden Nickel is a cozy spot off-the-beaten-path, perfect for a night out with friends or a relaxing evening solo. With its diverse entertainment options, welcoming staff, and laid-back atmosphere, this bar is a must-visit for those seeking a memorable experience.
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“ Amazing Drinks and Service always!! Great place to meet friends, relax and have a good time ”
“ Well... Food is OK when they decide to serve it. Drinks are cheap and pours are generous. The servers are great. This is a dive bar in a good neighborhood. If you don't want your hubcaps stolen while you enjoy your evening, this is a great spot. The reason I travel 55 miles each way to come here?....The music. This room is great acoustically and there are some exceptional bands playing for donations only. 1st Tuesday of the month is Ari Mintz and his "Vat of Chocolate" band. They are pro level musicians with day-jobs. Really top-shelf players who don't want the life of being in a traveling band. Music is jazz oriented but not strictly that. Rotating female vocalists, a horn section, a pedal steel in a jazz group? Yup!..and he's a monster. Keyboard and guitarist are both absolutely as good as they come. Ari has quite a few albums released online. Special guests abound and are all 100% worthy. 3rd Thursday is "Black Diamond Sessions". A group playing contemporary music along with some favorites. Vocalist who can sing like Janis and 2 ace guitar slingers and an other-worldly keyboardist are stellar with a very solid rhythm section keeping them honest. I've seen them a dozen or more times and never ever got the least bit tired of them or thought I could have done something better with my evening. I predict at least some of these players, if not the whole band, will become household names in the future. They're doing more and more original tunes too...and they're crazy good. Other Tuesdays? Traditional blues. You can sign the list and play. Some nights, the music is far above its pay grade. I always enjoy the Nickel. ”
“ Great dive bar steps off-the-strip in highwood. Fun place to have a few with friends without worries or cares. Bartender /owner Howard will watch out for you. ”
“ Hey, what a great place if you like laid back atmosphere and a good time. The bartender was welcoming and friendly and there was a rotating music jamb happening with really good musicians. I was impressed and definitely go back and bring more friends to join me. Dancing, vibe, music, drinks and affordable food too. ”
“ Popped in for a nightcap with a friend. Peter, our bartender was AWESOME!!! He genuinely cared that we were there, and no matter what drink we had in mind; Peter described something even better and delivered!!!! We Loved That! I shorted this review one star for the only reason of the dude that was sitting beside me at the bar. Apparently he also works there,(was not on shift) and was a TOTAL JACKASS! Besides that dude's boorish behavior, Peter is the reason we will come back. Thank you for the drinks, fun, smiles, and conversation Peter! YOU ROCK!!! We will be back. ”
“ Last time I was here I was 18 (shhhhhhh) The location changed but the vibe didn't. Classic dive bar. Complete with several dogs running throughout. Great selection of drinks...I ask for a cider and they had 4. Fully stocked bar and even a few $5 food items. Pool table, darts, you just can't go wrong. Always loved and will love the nickel ”
“ A favorite place to meet freinds and "where everone knows your name". A real neighborhood watering hole. With great musical jams on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Howard is a great host! ”
“ Howard is making this place happen!!! after getting thrown out of his previous location where the nickel had been for 110 years, howard got things back together and is making the nickel a destination again but the place that took over his old space is fun too!!! they do like a blues jam on tuesday and thursday nights this guy named Moe is bartending on wednesdays haven't tried the food but the drinks are cheap and served fast and good sized portions lots of Navy guys go here from the base ”
