Business With Market, Cafe, Bar Gets Liquor License Approval

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL — A combination cafe, market and bar will be opening soon in Crystal Lake.

The Crystal Lake City Council approved a liquor license this past week for Lake Roots, which will allow the business to serve alcohol once it opens inside and outside on its patio.

Lake Roots is planning to open this summer or fall at 475 W. Virginia Street in Crystal Lake, according to the business's website.

"Thank you for your business, I think a lot of us are really much looking forward to this. So, thank you for your investment in the community," Mayor Haig Halebian said during Monday's council meeting.

The approved license will allow for retail sale of alcoholic liquor as well as the sale of liquor for consumption on the premises and the outdoor patio, according to the city council agenda packet.

The Class 29 liquor license was amended in November 2024 in preparation for the opening of Lake Roots to allow for the operation of the outdoor patio, according to city documents. The Class 29 license was amended to allow the liquor commissioner to approve where alcoholic beverages are served in open unroofed areas within 100 feet of land zoned for residential purposes.

Lake Roots will combine "a cozy cafe, curated market, and lively bar all under one roof," according to the business's website.