OT: Attention Chicagoans! I need SUBURBAN restaurant recommendations!

[mommy_grrl]

This thread is killing me....I've been living in the UK for the past 2 years, and the only thing I miss more than family is food!

For that Banana Bread French Toast: Egg Harbor Cafe in Barrington. Everything on the breakfast menu is great, as is the Door County Melt (my favorite). Yum.

I lived in Woodridge right out of college, and I will second Clara's. Great italian food, and inexpensive.

I will also second Hackney's in Lake Zurich. And, while you are in Lake Zurich, I also like Julio's Cochina Latina (try the carne asada. Worth it alone for the blue cheese chicken enchiladas!)

If you like tapas, I love La Tasca in Arlington Heights, and Meson Sabika in Naperville.

Woo Lae Oak in Rolling Meadows. My favorite Korean place outside of Chicago.

Now my mouth is watering, and I don't know when I'll be back next.

 

[imsayin]

My faves:

Pine Yard (Chinese) in Evanston

Dave's Italian Kitchen in Evanston

Walker Brothers in Wilmette, Lincolnshire, Highland Park, a few other locations - best breakfast food ever!

Las Palmas in Evanston, Mundelein, Highland Park, more locations

DenGeos in Skokie or Buffalo Grove - burgers, dogs, best gyros!

Herm's Palace in Skokie - burgers, dogs, etc.

 

[CuteAndFluffy]

My in laws are in Grayslake and just took us to Rudy's Mexican Grill in Grayslake. I was blown away by how good the food was! My 2 year old at TWO plates of fried octopus!

On the weekends he cooks up all sorts of specialty items--goat, rabbit, lamb--all were great. I had mussels in chili sauce that were only mildly hot, but super flavorful. The menudo was great. Really good quality, cooked with care. I had a great time.

**

I agree about Firkin--great place for a beer, but I wasn't in love with the menu. My husband is a big fan, though. And sad to hear about Rhapsody. I loved that place. My inlaws like a place called The Shanty in Wadsworth, but I was underwhelmed.

If you're feeling road trippy, go to Utica/Starved Rock and eat at Ron's Cajun Connection. Best Cajun in the world. Kicks Heaven on 7 to the curb.

 

[Lucille1963]

I don't eat in the suburbs too often, but I was surprised that none of my favorites have been listed.

Maple Tree Inn, Blue Island - Fabulous Cajun Food
Gene and Judes, River Grove - Hot Dogs and hand cut fries
Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket, Willowbrook - Best fried chicken
Mitsuwa Market Place, Arlington Heights - A fantastic Japanese grocery store with a food court.

 

[fairyprincess1]

Is this by the Rosati's?

That's the place... sorry for the delayed response - didn't subscribe but I am now!!!

 

[singastory]

If you want to check out a 'greek family' restaurant, maybe check out Avalon in Gurnee... I have had many people say they love the place, and I never had bad food here.. I just never had anything that made my taste buds go either. still if you are in the area, doesn't hurt to see how it fares to someone else's taste buds.

I'm trying to think of some other smaller 'hole in the wall' but great eats in the area.... but my dad wasn't big on going out to eat, and when we did we often went to Avalon or a chain near the mall.

The Avalon is one of approximately 3 places that stays open super late in Gurnee so when I was in high school it was a place for kids to chill (along with Denny's, watch me hold back my excitement ). I never once had a meal that I enjoyed, but it was cheap

I'm not a "foodie" but my favorites are:

- Salutos (Gurnee), I've heard the pasta is really starchy but I wouldn't be able to tell you because I LIVE off of their refillable salad/rolls... Their dressing is my favorite ever!!!
- Cafe Pyrenees (Libertyville) is a really cool fusion type of place, it's a fancy French restaurant, but also has a bar I wouldn't have said it would work but it does!
- Trattoria Pomigliano (Libertyville) is a regular for me and my DBf
- South Gate Cafe (Lake Forest) is on the fancier side but when I was in college my roommates and I ate there frequently
- The Lantern (Lake Forest) is great for burgers and other bar food, I like their onion straws
- Egg Harbor (Lake Forest) is a chain but it's my favorite breakfast-y place!!
- The Point Restaurant (Gurnee) also has great breakfast fare