Local favorites I actually go back to—restaurants, shops, and spots I recommend to friends when they’re visiting the North Suburbs.
Map
Sections
3
Restaurants
Beauty and Self Care
Shopping
Restaurants
Cozy, wonderful drinks, delicious food.
Tavern - Libertyville, IL
Delicious wood fired pizza
Bontà Pizzeria & Restaurant
The best beer garden in the area - both summer and winter!
Buffalo Creek Brewing
A wonderful wine selection. This is the coziest spot inside, and the summer is amazing with a huge lawn, live music often. Delicious small plates as well.
Corked Restaurant and Wine Bar
Quintessential hibachi experience! Don’t skip the golden sauce. There is another location in Deer Park as well.
Tsukasa of Tokyo
Great spot for a drink and a game. Food menu is excellent and always has a few new things. Wide beer selection including local brews.
O'Toole's Libertyville
Really unique wines, delicious food. Their new location in Hawthorn Row is beautiful and features 2 private rooms as well.
Nirvana Kitchen & Wine Bar
The Board Room is the quintessential Girls Night Out spot, great vibes, cocktails and charcuterie.
Dinner Menu
Beauty and Self Care
Chloe does an immaculate Russian manicure. These are my nails in the photos!
eclore Nail Lounge
Unique relaxation experience. Enjoy quiet time in the salt cave or add a massage for even deeper relaxation!
Salt of the Earth
Shopping
A lovely boutique for gifts - for yourself or others. Great jewelry and unique accessories, clothing.
Singalila Gallery
Sure we all know Home Goods - but the one in Mundelein specifically is the best one I’ve ever been to. Helped by the fact that it’s attached to a great TJ Maxx!
HomeGoods
If you are walking by this alley in Lake Forest, looking at your phone you may miss it. This absolutely charming alleyway transports you to the streets of Italy. The most beautiful produce, flowers, specialty foods - and managed by a lovely family.
Amidei Mercatino
Sure, this is “just” a liquor store, but they’ve got EVERYTHING and a cute little bar inside to try before you buy!
Gold Eagle Wine and Spirits
High quality butcher. The have wonderful prime cuts, their marinated skirt steak is awesome. Great prepackaged sides too.
