**** Abouth a year ago, as Jane and I were coming back from Kenosha, we decided to take the scenic route using Sheridan Road. I remembered that they were building a restaurant along Lake Michigan near Skipper Bud’s back in my yellow pages day, working the Winthrop harbor area, so on a clear day, driving a convertible with the top down, I said “let’s do it”! And we did! We found the restaurant at the North Point Marina, found a parking sapce, ventured onto the huge patio/deck overlooking Lake Michigan and enjoyed a cocktail and a light dinner. It was fun to watch boaters pull in, come up to The Tropics ( their name), order and take back to their boats ( a few were more like yachts) while others sat at tables overlooking the scenic skyline of Lake Michigan. The memory was something that we spoke to others about, and over the last several months, many of you readers as well as listeners on WCPT on Sundays, asked why we did not do a feature on this place so they could learn more? You asked! We deliver!

With our Florida friends up for a week, we decided, tonight’s the night. They picked us up and after fighting the Ravinia traffic and the rush hour flow of cars leaving somewhere headed north, we made our way to Winthrop harbor, a small little village, just north of Zion and just south of Kenosha, Wisconsin. When one parks and looks to the East, one sees the beauty of Lake Michigan and a wide selection of boats of all types and sizes. The Tropics is a huge restaurant with plenty of seating inside, but on an 80 degree day, with a breeze off the lake, the outdoor patio is perfect.

Our server, Trista, brought us water and our drinks. They make a great martini ( I prefer stuffed olives with bleau cheese, but maybe Winthrop Harbor is not ready for that yet). The ladies had Tito’s on the beach ( a frilly vodka drink) and Barry had water. For our appetizers we decided to order Calamari ( tubes & tentacles lightly breaded and fried to perfection), along with one of the specials they are noted for “Peel ‘n’ Eat Shrimp”  ( served hot in their delicious Cajun seasoning). We did 1/2 pound and that was just right, and some boneless wings ( 1 pound of wings with sauces that can please every diner: Bourbon, Teryaki, Boom Boom, Garlic Parm, Gochujang or tangy Ghost Pepper, and last , but not least, Hot Honey! Like I said, something for everyone.

The portions were quite large, but we wanted to sample some of their other menu items ( the menu is incredible), so we did their Mussels in a white wine garlic sauce. They were quite tasty and meaty and the sauce added a special zing. We also enjoyed their Broasted Chicken and as our side, did the Broasted potatoes- this was chicken the way it is meant to be eaten. Seems fried, tastes fried, but not fried, so much healthier. We truly wanted to try their BBQ Ribs, but that seems to be a week-end menu item, so we will make a return visit in the near future ( before Labor Day if possible). The last item that we dined on is a unique Sandwhich: Crab Grilled Cheese- 1/3 pound of sweet and tender wild caught crab claw meat loaded on a panini bread and topped with Thousand Island Dressing and cheese ( we opted American, but they have other choices). The side for this- homemade chips ( to die for!)

We were pretty well filled up, so we didn’t ask about dessert ( I doubt that any of us could manage another biteful of anything). They have a huge menu so I don’t think you could possibly have anyone say there is nothing for them on the menu. The burgers look terrific as did the thin pizza that went by to the next table. They have salads, mac n’ cheese, lots of sandwhiches, seafood ( let”s face it, we were on the lake) amd a kids menu that will keep any kid happy.

If you are looking for a fun place to go that will take you away from the busy, noisy city, but can’t affor a trip, take a day trip. Get in your car and head norht to The Tropics at North Point Marina in Winthrop Harbor. You will feel as if you are on vacation and guess what the gas prices up there are far better than you will get in Chicago ( or even Cook County)

Enjoy the drive! Enjoy the ambiance! Enjoy the dining experience!

Hours

Monday: Closed                                                                       entertainment in the bar- see website/ catering/private parties- you bet!
Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday: 11:30am – 8:00pm    Thursday: 11:30am – 9:00pm    Friday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM       Saturday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM            Sunday: 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM

                                                                  The Tropics

                                                                                                                                Your Lakeside Escape with a Taste of Paradise!

 

We are currently open for the season. Planning a party? Contact us to book today!   847-746-0600    www.thetropicsonline.com