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A Trip to (the) Chicago (Suburbs)
22
items My biggest piece of advice for a trip to Chicago: go to the NorthWest suburbs for the good stuff!
Here's a list of things to do, places to see, and food to eat!
Sections
3
Restaurants
Sweet Treats
Fun Activities
Restaurants
Every Chicago native exfoliates in the beef au jus and cheese sauce from Portillos. This place is exquisite Chicago styled food. Each restaurant is a different decade theme, which makes them fun to visit! Their Italian beef, wet, with sweet and hot p...
Portillo's
I love the pizza here! There is also seating outside right along the river for dinner with a view!
Pal Joey's Restaurant & Bar
The best dinner spot in Geneva, I'd argue! We always get the meat sampler plate as a shareable when we go with a group! Their pulled pork sandwich is my favorite entree. They have the best homemade BBQ sauces to choose from and their beer list is bro...
Nobel House
Love a family style meal? Bucca's is the place to go! Fantastic Italian food just outside of the city.
Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant
Great spot to eat if you like pub food! Excellent beer list- full of local breweries. Their wagyu smash burgers are thin and crispy! If youre feeling like branching out, their bison burgers are great too!
The Burger Social
A pub that gives a real Irish feel. They have a fantastic menu for both food and drinks! I am a huge fan of the Ruben sandwich- give it a try!
McNally's Irish Pub
Love going here with family and friends! Perfect for sharing plates and sipping on fantastic drinks!!
Tapa La Luna
The thinner crust of Chicago style 🍕
Grab some grub from Barnaby's! They have great pies to choose from, or build your own!
Barnaby's of Northbrook | Home
A great place for breakfast, brunch, or lunch! I love their eggs benedict, but their chicken and waffles and Mexican styled breakfast skillet are go-tos for my family!
SYRUP - St Charles
Go try out Egg Harbor for breakfast, then enjoy the rest of your morning perusing the adorable downtown Geneva!
Egg Harbor Cafe
Sweet Treats
This is the best place for a sweet treat! I love their ice cream, and I never had a bad flavor. Their chocolates are phenomenal - time it right, and you can see them being made in the window! No room? Take a box home!
In general, walking through dow...
Graham's Fine Chocolates & Ice Cream - Geneva
There are multiple locations you can visit for Oberweis! So pick the one closet to you! They have fabulous ice cream and dairy products. You can even take home some of their chocolate milk in a glass bottle. Come back for a visit? They can refill you...
Oberweis Ice Cream and Dairy Store
Check out some classic Chicago mix popcorn and other assorted candies at Kernels! Located in Geneva and Naperville - so there will be one located close to where you stay!
Kernel's Gourmet Popcorn & More | Geneva, IL & Naperville, IL
Andy's in St. Charles is a great stop to make for a sweet treat! Their frozen custard is THE BEST! I love their Nutty Waffle Crunch Concrete, but I like to add some caramel swirl in mine for some flair!!
Andy's Frozen Custard
Fun Activities
This is so fun and interesting no matter your age! Check their website for interactive activities or to see which traveling exhibits are in.
I have seen the Mickey Mouse animation traveling exhibit and James Bond. Very cool!
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
Are you a bit of a physics enthusiast? Interested in science? Go check out Fermilab! Fermilab is roughly 45 minutes outside of Chicago. They offer public tours and self guided tours. Don't forget to stop and see the Bison !
Fermilab
The Field Museum is a great spot to go if you're interested in history! They have anything from dinosaur bones to ancient Egyptian tombs!
Field Museum
Such a fun place to visit any time of year! If you come around Christmas, you must see their Christmas lights!
The Morton Arboretum
Craving an island experience while you're in the Midwest? Check out the Tiki Terrace for some hula and fire shows while enjoying some traditional Hawaiian cuisine!
Best Hawaiian Restaurant & Tiki Bar In Chicago l Dinner and Show l Luau Catering
*In the city*
Check out the Centennial Wheel and Botanical Garden at Navy Pier! If you go at the right time, you might score a margarita to-go!
Navy Pier
*In the City*
Are you a crime junkie? Well, there's a tour for you! Book a bus ride to tour all the infamous locations in the crime world! You will see crime scenes and infamous land marks for mobsters around the city!
Chicago Crime Tours and Experiences - Official Site
Go try some flights at Penrose! Not a beer fan? Not to worry! They have seltzers and malt beverages, too!
Penrose Brewing Company