The Crystal Pistol, 1312 W. Lincoln Hwy., recently won three awards from DeKalb County Magazine for the best steak, best seafood and most romantic atmosphere for a restaurant in DeKalb County.

“I’m very pleased with these awards,” said Crystal Pistol owner Mike Muzzarelli. “I think these three things are what people come out for.”

The Crystal Pistol is always coming up with new ideas to please their customers. Their newest idea is Late Night Happy Hour and Menu. From 9 p.m. to midnight Tuesday through Saturday, patrons can enjoy a 16-ounce draft beer or well drink for $1. The late night menu features hot and cold shrimp appetizers, 10-ounce Crystal Pistol hamburgers, corned beef sandwiches, creole onion rings and cajun clam strips and calamari, Crystal Pistol’s most popular appetizer.

“One of the reasons behind starting this special menu and happy hour is so students can come here after a show or university function and not have to spend a lot of money and still be in a nice atmosphere,” Muzzarelli said.

“Crystal Pistol is an alternative to going to jammed, dancing bars,” he added. “Our drink specials don’t end at 9 p.m. like most bars—that’s when they begin.”

“I think NIU is a good school. I’ve never had any problems with the school or the students and I’m pleased with that,” he said.

Muzzarelli takes pride in the fact that students can come to the Crystal Pistol for dinner and not have to be in an alcohol environment. Crystal Pistol doesn’t have a formal dress code; casual, but neat, attire is fine.

Tuesday through Saturday, Crystal Pistol serves lunch from 11:15 a.m to 2:15 p.m. and dinner is served from 5 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. On Sunday, lunch is served from 11:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner is served from 2:30 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.