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Suburban Chicagoland Local Eats
22
items This list features my favorite local spots that serve up amazing food and unforgettable vibes. From cozy cafes to hidden gems and family-owned favorites, each restaurant on this list represents the heart and flavor of different communities. I love su...
Map
Sections
9
African
Asian
Brazilian
Breakfast
Chicago Style Joint
Desserts
African
Bisi is one of the few Nigerian restaurants in the area. The food tastes like love. My favorite is the jallof rice, African honey beans and spinach stew. The plantains are a must. The owners are friendly and welcoming.
Bisi Restaurant - Nigerian cuisine
It is not as easy to find food from the African continent in the suburbs. However, this is a hidden gem in Carol Stream. The restaurant is cozy, welcoming, and the food is delicious. End your meal with popcorn and Ethiopian coffee. Shop the attached ...
Ethio Beans Ethiopian Restaurant and Cafe
Asian
Family owned Korean restaurant. Good customer service, cute and clean. My favorite is the J-Bap. It gives a good sampling of the food. I also like the Bibim Bap.
Bibim Town
All you can eat Japanese Hot Pot. Good quality meat, fresh veggies and many other options. Wear loose pants. 😁
Shabu-You Japanese Wagyu Hot Pot
Very reasonable AYCE Korean BBQ in an area where there isn't as many Korean food options (Algonquin). The service was great, the vibe was immaculent and the food was delicious.
Mr. Kimchi Korean BBQ Restaurant
Brazilian
More intimate and less costly than the large chains. The service is excellent and the food is amazing. I’ve spent many celebratory evenings with friends here.
Brazil Express Grill
Breakfast
The Mexican breakfast items are so delicious. Please order a side of ranchero sauce it is next level.
Carlos Pancake House
Everything I've tried has been spectacular. My go to is the Cajun Shrimp and Jalapeno Cheddar Grits. I get the eggs scrambled on the side. The portions are HUGE. Menu items with an S next to them are their signature items. Try those first.
The Southern Cafe – Home of the Nasty Bisquit
Very underrated breakfast/brunch spot.
Buttered Toast
Walker Bros. is a series of Chicago-area pancake houses. They are well known for their apple pancakes, waffles and omlettes. My favorite is their spinach and cheese crepes with their thick cut bacon.
Walker Bros. The Original Pancake House
Chicago Style Joint
Mean Weiner has a ridiculously huge menu. And I mean that in the best way. There is truly something for everyone. Hotdogs, burgers, tacos, gyros, burgers, wings, with generous servings of fries, ice cream, etc infinity. Good eating.
Mean Wiener
Desserts
They have fresh delicious donuts 24 hours a day.
Country Donuts
Located in Historic Long Grove, it is summertime must. They serve tea, coffee and best of all ice cream. Their supplier is Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream in Madison, Wisconsin.
Covered Bridge Creamery
A very charming shop that sells tons of chocolate and ice cream. It is worth the trip.
Riverside Chocolate Factory
Italian
Pizanoz NEVER misses. The entire menu is fire, from sandwiches , tacos, to dinners, and of course the pizza. Best of all they sell huge slices for a great price.
Pizanoz Pizza
Moretti's has some of the most underrated pizza in Chicagoland. Their food is really amazing. Good for a date night or a group hang out. They have really good daily specials too.
Moretti's Ristorante & Pizzeria LITH
South American
South American dishes in a beautiful setting.
Rio's Addison
Honduran restaurant in McHenry. Great services amazing food. If you aren't familiar with Honduran food go with group and try different options to share.
Restaurante Hondureño Bustillo Matute
Sports Bars
Sports bars are great for American standard fare or suprising fusions.
Sports bar atmosphere with really good food. The wings and pizza are great. Check out their daily specials.
Rookies Sports Bar & Grill - Crystal Lake
Another sports bar with exceptionally good food.
Goal Line Sports Bar & Grill
The Junction is has something for everyone, from burgers, to tacos, kebabs and bowls. They start you with chips and an incredible corn salsa. Their drink menu includes, shakes, cocktails, and beer.
Crystal Lake Junction
The Village Squire Restaurants are a local chain that specializes in delicious comfort food. They have burgers, prime rib, ribs, gyros, and schnizel. You get free popcorn, bread for the table and sometimes there is live music. There are daily special...
The Village Squire (Crystal Lake)