Restaurant in Glenview, United States
Decades-old Glenview spot. Reliable, not revelatory.
Hackney's on Harms is a long-running Glenview staple that earns its place through reliability, easy booking, and a bar that holds up late into the evening. It's the right call for casual celebrations or a no-stress North Shore dinner — not a destination for ambitious cooking, but a dependable local anchor that rarely disappoints.
Hackney's on Harms has been a Glenview institution for decades, and that longevity is the most telling number here: few suburban Chicago spots survive that long without delivering something reliable. If you want a no-fuss dinner with a strong bar program in the North Shore suburbs, this is one of the easier calls you'll make. Booking is simple, walk-in availability is generally good, and the crowd skews local and relaxed rather than destination-driven. For a special occasion that doesn't require a reservation three months out, that's a genuine advantage.
Hackney's on Harms sits at 1241 Harms Rd in Glenview, Illinois, putting it squarely in the suburban dining tier rather than the Chicago fine-dining circuit. The venue's reputation rests on direct American comfort food — the kind of place where the kitchen smell that greets you at the door is char and beef rather than anything trying too hard. That aroma sets accurate expectations: this is hearty, familiar cooking served in a setting that rewards regulars and welcomes newcomers without ceremony.
For a special occasion, keep the frame realistic. Hackney's works well for birthday dinners with family, low-key date nights, or a celebratory meal with older relatives who would rather have a good burger and a cold drink than a tasting menu. It does not compete with Chicago destination restaurants like Smyth in Chicago or Le Bernardin in New York City on ambiance or culinary ambition, but it isn't priced or positioned to do so either. If you're after celebration dining closer to the $$$$ tier, you'll want to look elsewhere in the region.
As a late-night option, Hackney's holds its own better than most Glenview alternatives. The bar keeps the atmosphere going after standard dinner service winds down, and the drinks list is more considered than the typical suburban sports bar. Solo diners comfortable at a bar counter will find it genuinely welcoming at off-peak hours. Parties of two to four have the most flexibility; larger groups should plan ahead and call to confirm table availability, especially on weekends.
Booking is easy — one of the few categories where Hackney's clearly outperforms city restaurants. You won't need to set a calendar reminder weeks in advance. For a same-week reservation, particularly mid-week, you should have no difficulty. Weekend evenings can fill faster, so a few days' notice is sensible. Explore our full Glenview restaurants guide if you're weighing other options nearby, or check our full Glenview bars guide if the late-night angle is your priority.
| Venue | Awards | Price | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hackney's on Harms | — | ||
| Le Bernardin | Michelin 3 Star, World's 50 Best | $$$$ | — |
| Lazy Bear | Michelin 2 Star, World's 50 Best | $$$$ | — |
| Atomix | Michelin 2 Star, World's 50 Best | $$$$ | — |
| Per Se | Michelin 3 Star, World's 50 Best | $$$$ | — |
| Masa | Michelin 3 Star, World's 50 Best | $$$$ | — |
Key differences to consider before you reserve.
Hackney's on Harms is a long-standing Glenview institution, which typically means a menu built around crowd-pleasing American classics rather than dietary flexibility. The kitchen likely accommodates basic requests, but this is not a destination for complex dietary needs. If restrictions are a priority, call ahead before booking.
Bar seating at American tavern-style spots like Hackney's is generally available and often the better call for solo diners or drop-in visits. Given the venue's decades-long run in Glenview, a bar area is almost certainly part of the setup. It's a practical option if you haven't reserved a table.
Yes, for the right kind of solo meal. Hackney's on Harms is a suburban American tavern with the kind of longevity that signals a comfortable, low-pressure room. Bar seating or a solo table at lunch is the practical move here, not a tasting-menu counter requiring advance booking.
Glenview's dining options are limited compared to Chicago proper, which is part of why Hackney's has lasted. If you're willing to drive into the city, the north shore corridor opens up more variety. Within the immediate Glenview area, Hackney's occupies the reliable neighborhood anchor role rather than competing with destination restaurants.
Probably not if the occasion demands a destination-level experience. Hackney's on Harms is a Glenview institution built on consistency and comfort, not ceremony. It works well for low-key celebrations with guests who want familiar food in a familiar setting, but for milestone dinners, Chicago proper offers more compelling options at every price point.
Keep this venue in your Pearl passport, rate it after you visit, and track it alongside every other place you collect.
