Elite Eats 2017 Restaurant Guide Compiled and Written by Mike Oetting

Elite Eats 2017 Restaurant Guide Compiled and Written by Mike Oetting,

Adult Services Librarian

Nabuki Maki Roll. Image © 2017 Mike Oetting. All Rights Reserved Table of Contents Notes for the 2017 Edition...... 2 Chinese ...... 3 Thai...... 4 Sushi and Poke ...... 5 Vietnamese (New for 2017) ...... 6 Indian (New for 2017) ...... 7 Ramen (New for 2017) ...... 8 Asian – Other ...... 9 Cuban / Puerto Rican (New for 2017) ...... 10 Middle Eastern and Mediterranean ...... 11 Mexican ...... 12 Cajun / Creole ...... 14 Italian ...... 15 Bohemian ...... 17 Ethnic—Other (new for 2017) ...... 18 Small Plates (New for 2017) ...... 19 BBQ ...... 20 Breakfast / Diners ...... 21 Sandwiches ...... 22 Steak ...... 23 Italian Beef ...... 24 Fried Chicken ...... 25 Seafood ...... 26 Burgers ...... 27 Pizza ...... 29 Locally Sourced ...... 31 Food Courts (New for 2017) ...... 32 Gluten Free / GF Friendly ...... 33 Delicatessens (New for 2017) ...... 34 Bakeries and Specialty Stores ...... 36

Notes for the 2017 Edition

Restaurants listed in green are new to the 2017 Elite Eats Restaurant Guide.

Mike’s Value Picks( ), are those restaurants which provide a surprisingly good dining experience for the money.

Notes on the Guide:

 The restaurants mentioned in the guide are sourced from personal dining experiences, research, and recommendations from friends, patrons, and Elite Eats program attendees. I have not been to every restaurant in the guide, though I have been to many, including each of the Mike’s Value Picks recipients.

 Source Used: This column in the following tables shows how the restaurant first came to my attention.

One source commonly mentioned is the “LTH Forum,” which refers to the website lthforum.com. This site has lively discussions of dining in the Chicago area, as well as being the home of the annual GNR (Great Neighborhood Restaurants) Awards (lthforum.com/bb/viewforum.php?f=28).

 Distance from Hinsdale Public Library: Typical driving distance from the Library.

Contact Information: Mike Oetting Adult Services Librarian Hinsdale Public Library 630.570.4211 [email protected]

Chinese

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Hua Ting Gateway Square Chinese eatery. Elite 1 mile 777 N York Rd Eats Hinsdale, IL 60521 Guest (630) 789-0505 Yu’s Mandarin Chinese cuisine in a nice Elite 2 miles 665 Pasquinelli Dr environment. Eats Westmont, IL 60559 Guest (630) 325-7800 Katy’s Dumpling House Authentic Chinese noodle dishes… LTH 3 miles 665 North Cass Avenue Try the shredded pork stir-fried with Forum Westmont, IL 60559 pancake. (630) 323-9393 Moy Goy Inn No-frills take out in La Grange. Yelp 3 miles 719 W Hillgrove Ave Delicious and prepared while you La Grange, IL 60525 wait. Don’t forget your cash. (708) 354-5992 Chinese Kitchen Tasty and authentic Chinese food. Yelp 5 miles 6551 S Cass Ave Some excellent values in lunch Westmont, IL 60559 specials. (630) 968-3828 Lao Sze Chuan House Some of the best Chinese in the LTH 5 miles 1331 Ogden Avenue, suburbs. If you like it hot, try Tony’s Forum Downers Grove, IL Three Chili Chicken. (630) 663-0303 Taste Indian Chinese Chinese food made with Indian Yelp 7 miles 2117 63rd St spices--that’s how our server Downers Grove, IL 60516 described the dishes the last time I (630) 541-9872 ate there. Interesting food… Won Kow Restaurant Youth Services librarian Alice’s pick Library 18 miles 2237 S. Wentworth Ave. for Dim Sum in Chinatown. Staff Chicago, IL 60616 (312) 842-7500 Chi Café This hip and funky Hong Kong Library 18 miles 2160 S Archer Ave Chinese eatery is on the lower level Staff Chicago, IL 60616 of the Chinatown mall. The sizzling (312) 842-9993 beef tenderloin is a good bet. Sze Chuan Cuisine This Chinatown restaurant has Library 18 miles 2414 S Wentworth Ave caught the eye of LTH forum users, Staff Chicago, IL 60616 who enjoy seek out the fish fillet in (312) 791-1882 red oil and brisket in dry pot. Sun Wah Uptown Chinese eatery featuring LTH 27 miles 5041 N Broadway amazing Peking Duck. Forum Chicago, IL 60640 (773) 769-1254

Thai

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Mai Thai Good lunch specials in this modest Elite 3 miles 697 N Cass Ave strip mall Thai restaurant. Eats Westmont, IL 60559 Guest (630) 455-4299 Thipi Thai Thai restaurant tucked away in Elite 4 miles 25 W Calendar Ct, downtown La Grange. Eats La Grange, IL Guest (708) 588-1002 Cida Thai Delicious Thai food in a strip mall. Yelp 4 miles 5435 S La Grange Rd Good value. Countryside, IL 60525 (708) 482-0706 Thai Café Small carry-out restaurant a couple Yelp 5 miles 4950 Main St of blocks north of the tracks on Main Downers Grove, IL 60515 Street. Very tasty. (630) 515-1471 Thai First Excellent Thai food in a small strip Yelp 8 miles 2249 Maple Ave mall. The décor is a bit eccentric, Downers Grove, IL 60515 but the food is not. (630) 737-0671 Thai Happiness Neither the exterior nor interior are Yelp 8 miles 1202 75th St much to look at, but the dishes are Downers Grove, IL 60516 fantastic. (630) 241-1914 Mama Thai Thai curries are especially solid at Library 12 miles 1112 Madison St this Forest Park restaurant. Staff Oak Park, IL 60302 (708) 386-0100 Opart Thai House Thai cuisine a few blocks from Word of 23 miles 1906 S State St McCormick place, so a good choice Mouth Chicago, IL 60606 for conventioneers. (312) 567-9898 Rainbow Cuisine Darling of the LTH forum. Their Gai LTH 25 miles 4825 Western Ave. Tod (fried chicken) is excellent, as is Forum Chicago, IL 60625 their Isaan sausage. (773) 754-7660 Andy’s Thai Kitchen Former Tac Quick chef opened his LTH 25 miles 946 W Wellington Ave own restaurant in Lakeview. Forum Chicago, IL 60657 (773) 549-7821 IMMM Rice and Beyond Argyle St. restaurant featuring LTH 27 miles 4949 N Broadway St authentic Thai street food. From a Forum Chicago, IL 60640 co-owner of Spoon Thai. (773) 293-7378

Sushi and Poke

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Nabuki High quality sushi in downtown Word of 1 mile 18 E 1st St Hinsdale, though you’ll pay for the Mouth Hinsdale, IL 60521 privilege. Many creative Maki rolls. (630) 654-8880 Sushi House Best sushi in the western suburbs? Library 2 miles 830 E Ogden Ave West Suburban Life thinks so. Staff Westmont, IL 60559 (630) 920-8948 Standard Market Sushi station at the back of the store Elite 3 miles 333 E Ogden Ave offers respectable quality for the Eats Westmont, IL 60559 price. Guest (630) 366-7030 Woow Sushi Japanese restaurant featuring sushi Elite 4 miles 35 S La Grange Rd and items from the hibachi. Eats La Grange, IL 60525 Guest (708) 588-8888 Chiba Japanese Blink-and-you’ll-miss-it sushi Yelp 5 miles 801 Plainfield Rd restaurant garnering great reviews Darien, IL 60561 on Yelp. Small dining room. (630) 850-7848 Dao Sushi and Thai Specials and Groupons available for Elite 5 miles 17W512 22nd St this nicely decorated restaurant. Eats Oakbrook Terr, IL 60181 Guest (630) 279-2888 Aodake Sushi & Steak Nice lunch deals here. Library 7 miles 2129 75th St Staff Darien, IL 60561 (630) 719-9888 Kai Sushi Conveyor belt sushi. Plates are Yelp 9 miles 2820 S Highland Ave priced by color (~$2–$7), and you Lombard, IL 60148 grab them as they pass your table. (630) 376-6260 Menu ordering also available. Sushi City AYCE sushi plus appetizers at Elite 10 miles 1510A 75th St dinnertime for $20, including house Eats Downers Grove, IL 60516 specialty rolls. Guest (630) 852-6388 Aloha Poke Enjoy poke bowls in the lovely Elite 21 miles 131 N Clinton St Revival Food Hall adjacent to the Eats Chicago, IL 60661 Marquette Building in the loop. Guest (312) 877-5336 Pokiology Build your own poke bowls in the Yelp 27 miles 4600 N Magnolia Ave manner of Chipotle here. Entrance Chicago, IL 60640 on Wilson… (773) 961-7624

Vietnamese (New for 2017)

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Noodles Pho U A good spot to get pho, the Elite 8 miles 1239 S Main St Vietnamese noodle soup. Not life- Eats Lombard, IL 60148 changingly good, but will hit the spot Guest (630) 620-5878 on a cold day. Saigon Pho & Café Yelp Four star Vietnamese food in Yelp 13 miles 726 Lake St Oak Park. Oak Park, IL 60130 (708) 689-0389 Luong-Loi Your pho awaits in downtown Library 17 miles 111 N Main St Wheaton. Or Chinese dishes if you Staff Wheaton, IL 60187 want something a little more (630) 653-8250 mainstream. Saigon Sisters A banh mi (Vietnamese submarine) LTH 21 miles 131 N Clinton Ave sandwich spot located in the Forum Chicago, IL 60661 Chicago French Market below the (312) 496-0094 tracks at Ogilvie Transpt. Center. Nhu Lan Bakery My favorite banh mi in Chicago. LTH 24 miles 2612 West Lawrence Ave. Delicious and inexpensive. Forum Chicago, IL 60625 (773) 878-9898 Tank Noodle Argyle Street Vietnamese spot LTH 27 miles 4953 N Broadway serving authentic fare & bubble tea. Forum Chicago, IL 60640 (708) 675-7954 Ba Le Sandwich Arguably brought the first banh mi Library 27 miles 5014 N Broadway St sandwiches to Chicago. Even if that Staff Chicago, IL 60640 isn’t true, they produce a really great (773) 561-4424 product (and cheap too). Little Vietnam Great value Vietnamese restaurant Elite 28 miles 1132 W Bryn Mawr Ave in the Edgewater neighborhood. Eats Chicago, IL 60640 Guest (773) 944-0999

Indian (New for 2017)

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Shree Indian Vegetarian Indian food in a strip Elite 3 miles 655 N Cass Ave mall off of Ogden. Lunch buffet Eats Westmont, IL 60559 available during the week. Guest (630) 655-1021 Bollywood Café Indian Snacks (Chaat) in the back of Yelp 3 miles 669 N Cass Ave Big Suchir market in the northeast Westmont, IL 60559 quadrant of the Ogden and Cass (630) 920-0115 intersection. Kama Bistro Elevated Indian food with many Friend 4 miles 9 S La Grange Rd gluten free options. La Grange, IL 60525 (708) 352-3300 Taste of India Large restaurant offering lunch and Library 5 miles 7243 Kingery Hwy dinner buffet options. Staff Willowbrook, IL 60527 (630) 323-1333 Khyber Pass Centrally located Indian spot in Friend 13 miles 1031 Lake St downtown Oak Park. Lunch buffet Oak Park, IL 60301 offers a good value. (708) 445-9032 Ghareeb Nawaz This cash-only Devon street LTH 25 miles 2032 W Devon Ave Indian/Pakistani counter service Forum Chicago, IL 60659 restaurant offers remarkably good (773) 761-5300 food for a pittance.

Ramen (New for 2017)

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Oiistar Wicker park ramen restaurant with Library 23 miles 1385 N Milwaukee Ave classic as well as interesting fusion Staff Chicago, IL 60622 variants like those based on pozole (773) 360-8791 (pozolman). Large portions. Strings If you’re south of the Loop, you’re Library 23 miles 2141 S Archer Ave not out of options. This Chinatown Staff Chicago, IL 60616 ramen spot has you covered. (312) 374-3450 Hokkaido Ramen For years, this was THE place to get LTH 23 miles Santouka authentic ramen in Chicago, and it’s Forum 100 E Algonquin Rd still an excellent choice. Located in Arlington Heights, IL the Mitsuwa Marketplace food court, 60005 this cash-only stall can get pretty (847) 357-0286 busy on the weekends. Ramen Misoya Another solid choice in Arlington LTH 24 miles 1584 S Busse Rd Heights for traditional ramen. Forum Mount Prospect, IL 60056 (847) 437-4590 Wasabi Diners will find a modern space with LTH 26 miles 2101 N Milwaukee Ave plenty of wood in this Logan Square Forum Chicago, IL 60647 ramen shop. (773) 227-8180

Asian – Other

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Wild Ginger Pan-Asian in downtown Hinsdale Word of <1 mile 44 S. Washington St. focuses on sushi, Japanese, and Mouth Hinsdale, IL 60521 Thai, with a smattering of Chinese (630) 323-1888 items. Hanbun Korean restaurant opened in the Elite 2 miles 665 Pasquinelli Dr International Mall food court in Eats Unit 108 Westmont by a Chef with strong Guest Westmont, IL 60559 credentials. Excellent value. (630) 948-3383 Evening tasting menu booked well into 2018. New Korea Garden This modest Korean BBQ restaurant Library 3 miles 204 N Cass Ave offers the real deal for a fair price. Staff Westmont, IL 60559 Grilling your own thinly-sliced meat (630) 852-1900 at the table is a fun experience. Urbanbelly Rice, dumplings and noodles of all LTH 20 miles 1400 W Randolph St varieties at this Randolph Street Forum Chicago, IL 60607 (and Ogden) Asian fusion restaurant (773) 583-0500 opened by Bill Kim. Tamarind Pan Asian restaurant conveniently HPL 21 miles 614 S Wabash Ave located at the south end of the Staff Chicago, IL 60605 Loop. Sushi, Vietnamese, Thai, and (312) 379-0970 Korean are all represented on the extensive menu.

Cuban / Puerto Rican (New for 2017)

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Caribbean Corner Everything I’ve eaten at this Cuban Yelp 5 miles 970 Warren Ave restaurant has been great. They Downers Grove, IL 60515 catered a Cuban-themed After Dark (630) 541-8641 event for the Library in 2016. El Bistro Latino The menu offers both Mexican and Yelp 19 miles 1261 E Algonquin Rd Cuban dishes. Their Jibarito Des Plaines, IL 60016 sandwich (which uses fried (224) 422-2206 plantains instead of bread), is fantastic. Café Caribe Great place to grab a Cubano, Yelp 10 miles 6138 W 26th St jibarito, or lechon sandwich. Cicero, IL 60804 (708) 548-8025 Cafecito Bustling café near Michigan Avenue LTH 21 miles 26 E Congress Pkwy and Congress. Serve fabulous Forum Chicago, IL 60605 Cubano sandwiches as well as (312) 922-2233 other exotic choices. 90 Miles Cuban Café This BYOB spot in Logan Square Library 27 miles 2540 W Armitage Ave offers a fun/divey vibe. Tip: they Patron Chicago, IL 60647 offer sangria service using your (773) 227-2822 wine. Outdoor seating. La Unica Food Mart Cuban market with an attached café LTH 28 miles 1515 W Devon Ave serving Cuban and Puerto Rican Forum Chicago, IL 60660 food. Has developed a cult following (773) 274-7788 for its fair prices and authentic offerings.

Middle Eastern and Mediterranean

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Maura’s Mediterranean Super friendly service at this Library 3 miles 31 N Cass Ave downtown Westmont restaurant. It’s Staff Westmont, IL 60559 not fancy, but the food is fresh and (630) 512-0010 tasty. Damascus Falafel Remarkably good Mediterranean Yelp 7 miles 10S410 Kingery Hwy fast casual in a tiny strip mall at 91st Willowbrook, IL 60527 St. and Kingery Highway. (630) 481-4197 Pinched Med. Grill Tasty middle eastern food in an Elite 8 miles 2770 S Highland Ave ultra-clean and friendly Lombard Eats Lombard, IL 60148 restaurant. If you like spicy food, Guest (630) 889-9200 make sure to try the schug sauce. Fattoush If you’re willing to give a Middle Yelp 13.5 miles 10700 S Harlem Ave Eastern breakfast a try, Fattoush is Worth, IL 60482 a good place to do it. The fettet (708) 671-9999 hummus with meat is superb. The Nile Restaurant The Nile is a great casual middle Library 14 miles 7333 W 87th St eastern eatery with fair prices. Patron Bridgeview, IL 60455 (708) 237-0767 Al Bawadhi Grill Across the street from The Nile, Chicago 14 miles 7216 West 87th Street you’ll find some of the best middle- Reader Bridgeview, IL 60455 eastern cuisine in the metro area. (708) 599-1999 Nice, private booths. Mediterranean Oasis The hot food area in the back of this Library 15 miles 357 E Bailey Rd Mediterranean grocery store offers Patron Naperville, IL 60565 shawarma, kabobs, and other (630) 420-9507 reasonably priced regional dishes. NOK This casual Persian restaurant Yelp 20 miles 6075 N Milwaukee Ave offers delicious kabobs, wraps, and Chicago, IL 60646 other dishes. Lunch specials. (773) 647-1988 Afghan Kabob Beef, chicken, and Lamb kabobs Yelp 23 miles 4040 W Montrose Ave are served here, along with other Chicago, IL 60641 Afghani specialties. (773) 427-5041 Noon O Kabab NOK’s older, more formal, sibling. A Friend 24 miles 4661 N Kedzie Ave Persian friend heartily recommends Chicago, IL 60625 this Albany Park restaurant. (800) 506-4397 Pita Inn Pita Inn has been creating satisfied LTH 25 miles 4710 Dempster St customers in Skokie for decades Forum Skokie, IL 60076 with their great lunch specials and (847) 677-0211 pillowy house-made pita.

Mexican

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Casa Margarita The latest restaurant in the Hinsdale Print <1 mile 25 East Hinsdale Ave train station space offers tasty Media Hinsdale, IL 60521 Mexican dishes. Currently, no lunch- (630) 455-9000 priced menu though they are open. CiNe Mexican food right around the Print <1 mile 29 E 1st St corner. Phil Vettel of the Tribune Media Hinsdale, IL 60521 gave it two stars. (630) 590-5655 Taco Grill and Salsa Bar Delicious Mexican food with an Word of 3 miles 111 W Ogden Ave amazing variety of house-prepared Mouth Westmont, IL 60559 fresh salsas. (630) 353-0964 Quesabroso My pick for the best authentic Yelp 5 miles 1805 S Wolf Rd taqueria in the western suburbs. Hillside, IL 60162 Really excellent food for very little (708) 236-0346 money. Los Dos Great regional Mexican restaurant. LTH 6 miles 2251 Maple Ave Warm and inviting space with Forum Downers Grove, IL 60515 friendly staff. Try the salbute – (630) 297-8337 chicken taco in a puffy shell. Yerbabuena Extensive menu, colorful decor and Elite 8 miles 4734 Main St outdoor seating mark this Lisle Eats Lisle, IL 60532 Mexican eatery. Guest (630) 852-8040 MonteCasino Cafe Grill Friendly service and excellent food Yelp 9 miles 401 N Ardmore Ave help this Villa Park sit-down Villa Park, IL 60181 Mexican restaurant stand out from (630) 359-3525 the pack. Macho Taco Surprisingly elevated tacos in a HPL 11.5 miles 8350 S Roberts Rd modest strip mall. The Korean BBQ Staff Justice, IL 60458 taco would feel right at home in (708) 907-5890 Wicker Park. Antojitos Dona Maria Authentic and inexpensive Mexican Yelp 12 miles 6121 S Archer Rd fare near I-55 and Archer Avenue. Summit, IL 60501 (708) 924-5167 La Palapa Mexican seafood in the Garfield Library 15 miles 2000 West 34th Street Park neighborhood. Get your Staff Chicago, IL 60608 shrimp, langoustines and octopus (773) 376-9620 here, along with ceviche. A Toda Madre Sister restaurant to Bien Trucha in HPL 16 miles 499 N Main St Geneva, A Toda Madre serves Staff Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 upscale Mexican food (630) 474-0969

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library La Rosita (taqueria Best bang-for-your-buck tacos I’ve Yelp 18 miles inside market) found in the Chicago metro. 500 North Ave Amazingly large for the price. Glendale Hgts, IL 60139 (630) 534-6890 Birrieria Zaragoza Surprisingly non-gamey goat tacos LTH 18 miles 4852 S Pulaski Rd are featured here. Great stop if Forum Chicago, IL 60632 you’re flying in to Midway (or picking (773) 523-3700 up an out-of-town guest). Carnitas Uruapan This staple of the Pilsen LTH 20 miles 1725 W 18th St neighborhood has been serving Forum Chicago, IL 60608 delicious pork for over four decades. (312) 226-2654 Chicharrones are available too. Carnitas Don Pedro A half portion of carnitas (pork The 21 miles 1113 W 18th St tacos) is more than enough for one Infat- Chicago, IL 60608 person. It’s all about the food here. uation (312) 829-4757 Blog 5 Rabanitos Restaurante Authentic Mexican a cut above most LTH 22 miles & Taqueria spots in Pilsen from a former Xoco Forum 1758 W 18th Street chef. Chicago, IL 60608 (312) 285-2710 XOCO Grab an inexpensive breakfast or Serious 22 miles 449 North Clark Street, lunch from Rick Bayless. The Eats Chicago, IL 60654 churros with thick dipping chocolate (312) 334-3688 are really something. Topolobampo and Rick Bayless’ flagship restaurant, LTH 22 miles Frontera Grill Topolobampo and less formal Forum 445 N Clark Street, Frontera Grill have enchanted Chicago, IL 60654 diners for years. (312) 661-1434 Big and Little’s Childhood friends skip culinary Serious 22 miles 860 North Orleans Street school and open a restaurant. Not Eats Chicago, IL 60610 really Mexican, but the seafood Blog (312) 943-0000 fusion tacos here are great. La Tapatia Restaurante Modest and authentic taqueria in Elite 24 miles 5 North Root Street Aurora. Eats Aurora, IL Guest (630) 701-6391 Bien Trucha Upscale delicious Mexican food. Elite 25 miles 410 W State St Truly a destination restaurant. Eats Geneva, IL 60134 Guest (630) 232-2665 Cemitas Poblanas Replenish your energy after outlet Yelp 26 miles 715 High St shopping at this authentic Mexican Aurora, IL 60505 spot. Try a cemita, a torta-like (630) 801-8012 sandwich on a sesame seed bun.

Cajun / Creole

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Pappadeux Seafood You’ll not find alligator on a menu Word of 2 miles Kitchen closer to Hinsdale. Mouth 921 Pasquinelli Dr Westmont, IL 60559 (630) 455-9846 Chuck’s Southern Chuck’s offers a number of Cajun LTH (see entry on Comforts Café dishes on the menu including Forum BBQ page) (see entry on BBQ page) etouffee and jambalaya. Locations in Burbank and Darien, IL Heaven on Seven Located on the seventh floor of an Word of 22 miles Wabash office building, heaven on seven Mouth 111 N Wabash Ave offers delicious Cajun food to Chicago, IL 60602 hungry Loopers. Another location on (312) 263-6443 Michigan avenue north of the river and one in Naperville. The Cajun Connection Perhaps the best Cajun food you’ll LTH 75 miles 897 E US Highway 6 find in the Midwest. A good dining Forum North Utica, IL 61373 option close to Starved Rock State (815) 667-9855 Park.

Italian

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Il Poggiolo Upscale Italian in a beautiful space. Print <1 mile 8 E 1st St Media Hinsdale, IL 60521 (630) 734-9400 ZaZa’s Yelpers praise their appetizers here. Elite 2 miles 441 West Ogden Avenue Eats Clarendon Hills, IL 60514 Guest (630) 920-0500 Vincitori On Cass just north of the Burlington Elite 3 miles 14 N Cass Ave Northern tracks. Eats Westmont, IL 60559 Guest (630) 663-9467 Bernard’s Café and Deli Informal Italian restaurant in a strip Yelp 3 miles 14 W 63rd Street mall. Fantastic salad bar and good Willowbrook, IL 60527 deli sandwiches in addition to (630) 850-7510 standard Italian fare. Dolce’s Restaurant and Casual Italian eatery with a nice by- Yelp 3 miles Wine Bar the-glass wine selection. Modest- 15 W Quincy St sized menu. Meat and Cheese tray Westmont, IL 60559 appetizer gets thumbs up at this (630) 663-0401 cozy downtown Westmont spot. Tuscany Upscale northern Italian food in Oak Elite 4 miles 1425 W 22nd St Brook. Eats Oak Brook, IL 60523 Guest (630) 990-1993 Francesca’s Bellezza Part of a chain of area Italian Library 4 miles 75 S La Grange Rd restaurants serving reliable fare. Staff La Grange, IL 60525 Each restaurant has a twist. (708) 579-3500 Antico Posto Was featured on Check Please. Library 5 miles 118 Oakbrook Ctr Good option for tired and hungry Staff Oak Brook, IL 60523 mall shoppers. (630) 586-9200

La Buona Vita Grilled calamari appetizer gets a lot Yelp 4 miles 15 W Calendar Ave of praise at this “northern Italian” La Grange, IL 60525 restaurant. Lovely dining room. (708) 352-1621

Roberto’s Ristorante White tablecloth Italian. Library 8 miles and Pizzeria Patron 483 S Spring Rd Elmhurst, IL 60126 (630) 412-0597

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library La Notte Café Excellent service and great made- Library 9 miles 6822 Windsor Avenue from-scratch food. Try the veal Staff Berwyn, IL 60402 Marsala. (708) 749-1800

Gaetano’s Fabulous Italian in Forest Park. Elite 11 miles 7636 Madison Street Eats Forest Park, IL 60130 Guest (708) 366-4010

Freddy’s Pizza Legendary cash-only eatery in LTH 14 miles 1600 South 61st Avenue Cicero. There’s a whole lot more Forum Cicero, IL 60804 than pizza going on at Freddy’s, (708) 863-9289 including fantastic gelato, Italian sandwiches and lots of pasta. Bruna’s Ristorante Mostly northern Italian food served Elite 16 miles 2424 South Oakley Ave. in this traditional family-run eatery. Eats Chicago, IL 60608 Guest (773) 254-5550 Tufano’s Vernon Park Old-school neighborhood Italian LTH 19 miles Tap restaurant near UIC. Get your Forum 1073 W Vernon Park Pl southern Italian classics here. Chicago, IL 60607 (312) 733-3393 The Rosebud Another long-standing Italian eatery LTH 19 miles 1500 W Taylor St in Little Italy. Forum Chicago, IL 60607 (312) 942-1117

Bohemian

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Bohemian Crystal One of the better-known Bohemian Library 3 miles 639 Blackhawk Dr restaurants in the western suburbs. Staff Westmont, IL 60559 (630) 789-1981 Westchester Inn Roast duckling, breaded pork 2014 3.5 miles 3069 Wolf Rd, tenderloin, roast loin of pork and Elite Westchester, IL 60154 other hearty fare fill the menu of this Eats (708) 409-1313 Bohemian restaurant. Guest Riverside Family Hearty fare near the Riverside train Library 8 miles Restaurant station. Patron 3422 S Harlem Ave Riverside, IL 60546 (708) 442-0434 Czech Plaza Restaurant Bohemian comfort food served in Elite 9.5 miles 7016 Cermak Road this decades-old restaurant. Prices Eats Berwyn, IL 60402 are low and the portions huge. The Guest (708) 795-6555 breaded pork tenderloin is popular. Praga Restaurant A more upscale take on Eastern Library 10 miles 229 W St Charles Rd European cuisine. Staff Lombard, IL 60148 (630) 495-0470

Ethnic—Other (New for 2017)

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Nando’s Peri-Peri South African flame-roasted chicken LTH 5 miles 527 Oakbrook Ctr chain. On the higher end of fast Forum Oakbrook, IL 60523 casual. Nice décor. A variety of (630) 230-4348 spice levels available. Dunav Serbian fare served up in large Yelp 5 miles 8801 W Ogden Ave portions in a rustic, unpretentious Brookfield, IL 60513 setting. Carnivores will rejoice. (708) 255-5218 Greek Islands Suburban location of the famous Yelp 7 miles 300 E 22nd St Chicago Greek restaurant. Lombard, IL 60148 (630) 932-4545 Apolis Greek Street Food This new fast-casual Greek Hungry 10 miles 1109 Maple Ave restaurant offers fantastic gyros Hound Lisle, IL 60532 house-made, not Kronos. Really (331) 775-2135 delicious. Tropical Time This humble and brightly colored Yelp 10 miles 1117 S 1st Ave restaurant serves fantastic jerk Maywood, IL 60153 chicken and other Caribbean (708) 338-2003 favorites. Uncle Mike’s Place Filipino food is trending, and this LTH 19 miles 1700 W Grand Ave breakfast and lunch restaurant is a Forum Chicago, IL 60622 good place to get the real deal. (312) 226-5318 Olde Salem Café German food without breaking the Yelp 21 miles 7213 Olde Salem Cir bank in Hanover Park. Hanover Park, IL 60133 (630) 855-3596 SanguChe Fast casual Peruvian sandwiches Yelp 22 miles 535 Fairway Dr like Lomo Saltado, Also ceviche, Naperville, IL 60563 while supplies last. (331) 701-7175 Laschett’s Inn Authentic German food served in a LTH 25 miles 2119 W Irving Park Rd festive environment. Forum Chicago, IL 60618 (773) 478-7915 Staropolska Restaurant A little slice of Krakow in Avondale. Elite 25 miles 3030 North Milwaukee Ave Huge portions and Polish beers on Eats Chicago, IL 60618 tap. Guest (773) 342-0779 Ras Dashen Ethiopian Delicious Ethiopian restaurant with a Friend 29 miles 5846 N Broadway St laid-back vibe. The sega wat entrée Chicago, IL 60660 will satisfy those who like their beef (773) 506-9601 more than a little spicy.

Small Plates (New for 2017)

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Davanti Enoteca Italian small plates and wine are the Elite 2 miles 800 Hillgrove Ave focus of this hip rustic eatery. Eats W. Springs, IL 60558 Guest (708) 783-1060 El Tapeo Spanish Tapas restaurant on the 9th Yelp 5 miles 2100 Spring Rd Floor of the Hotel Le Meridien. Oak Brook, IL 60523 (630) 828-2044 Emilio’s Tapas Get a small-plates flavor of Spain Library 7 miles 4100 Roosevelt Rd here. Famous for its patatas con Staff Hillside, IL 60162 alioli (garlic potato salad). (708) 547-7177 Autre Monde Café Upscale Mediterranean restaurant in Elite 13 miles 6727 W Roosevelt Rd Berwyn serving small plates and Eats Berwyn, IL 60402 other dishes. Outside seating Guest (708) 775-8122 available. Café Ba-Ba-Reeba! Lincoln park tapas restaurant also Friend 22 miles 2024 N Halsted St makes great paella. Bacon-wrapped Chicago, IL 60614 dates are great. (773) 935-5000 Ada Street Hip upscale restaurant featuring Four- 23 miles 1664 N Ada St small plates and well-crafted square Chicago, IL 60642 cocktails. Interesting small plates (773) 697-7069 like fried black-eyed peas.

BBQ

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Uncle Bub’s BBQ and Family-friendly BBQ restaurant in Elite 3 miles Catering Westmont. Good pulled pork. Patron Eats 132 S Cass Ave raved about their catering. Guest Westmont, IL 60559 (630) 493-9000 Q-BBQ Can approximate regional styles Yelp 4 miles 70 S La Grange Rd with their variety of sauces (e.g., La Grange, IL 60525 South Carolina mustard sauce, (708) 482-8700 Carolina vinegar sauce, etc.) Real Urban BBQ Order your barbeque at the counter Elite 4 miles 2119 Clearwater Dr at this casual dining spot. Choose Eats Oak Brook, IL 60523 from a plethora of side dishes. Guest (630) 908-4380 Chuck’s Southern BBQ, Cajun and southern comfort LTH 6 miles Comforts Café dishes. Good breakfast too. Rick Forum 8025 S Cass Ave Bayless protégé in the kitchen. Darien, IL 60561 (331) 431-4000 Joe’s BBQ & Fish Aquarium smoker BBQ joint Library 7 miles 350 N. Wolf Road recommended by fellow librarian Staff Hillside, IL 60162 Alice. (708) 449-9999 Green Street Smoked Warehouse-chic ambiance with Library 21 miles Meats picnic tables and a hip vibe. You Staff 112 N Green St might want to get spicy pickles or Chicago, IL 60607 Frito pie to accompany your brisket (312) 754-0431 at this West Loop restaurant. Honkey Tonk BBQ Memphis style BBQ joint in the Eater 22 miles 1800 S Racine Ave Pilsen neighborhood. They have Blog Chicago, IL 60608 bacon candy. Isn’t that reason (312) 226-7427 enough? Smoque BBQ Some say this is the best BBQ spot LTH 23 miles 3800 N Pulaski Rd in Chicago. Forum Chicago, IL 60641 (773) 545-7427 Honey 1 BBQ Specializes in pork. LTH 26 miles 746 E 43rd St Forum Chicago, IL 60653 (773) 285-9455 Bombers BBQ By many accounts, some of the best Friend 34 miles 439 Ridge Rd BBQ in the entire metro area. Worth Munster, IN 46321 the trek to “The Region” (Northwest (219) 836-2662 Indiana.)

Breakfast / Diners

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Golden Basket Another nearby spot with reliable Yelp 3 miles 2 W Naperville Rd diner fare. Westmont, IL 60559 (630) 960-0626 Baked Apple Brkfst. Co. Delicious breakfast spot in Downers Yelp 5 miles 1224 Ogden Ave Grove. The Company French Toast Downers Grove, IL 60515 is remarkably good. (630) 515-9000 Country Cup Restaurant This downscale diner is attached to Yelp 8 miles 6301 Joliet Road, a bowling alley and offers an Countryside, IL incredibly cheap and tasty (708) 354-5282 breakfast. Open 24-hours. Butterfields Large breakfast menu in a large and HPL 5 miles 1 S 616 Midwest Rd attractive space. Orange juice is Staff Oak Brook, IL 60181 freshly squeezed. (630) 495-2291 Les Brothers Great for breakfast (Dutch baby Elite 11 miles 7730 W 95th St pancakes) and lunch. Inexpensive, Eats Hickory Hills, IL 60457 but there can be a wait at peak Guest (708) 233-0333 times. Blue Max Coffee Cool little coffee shop in a converted Yelp 12 miles 26 Lathrop Ave home. A small menu, but there are Forest Park, IL 60130 delicious items on it. (708) 366-9224 Lou Mitchells Legendary diner a few blocks from Word of 17 miles 565 W Jackson Blvd Union Station. Lots of seating Mouth Chicago, IL 60661 inside, though tightly packed. (312) 939-3111 Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits Logan Square bakery offering a LTH 20 miles 2051 N California Ave number of savory breakfast biscuits. Forum Chicago, IL 60647 Get a slice of pie to go for later in (773) 276-8888 the day. Victory’s Banner Roscoe village vegetarian eatery HPL 25 miles 2100 W Roscoe St has some of the best French toast Staff Chicago, IL 60618 I’ve ever eaten. (773) 665-0227 Café Vienna Cozy café and breakfast spot in Yelp 25 miles 2523 N Clark St Lincoln park offering delicious Chicago, IL 60614 pastries and hot chocolate to die for. (773) 244-9922 A good value for the neighborhood. Sauce & Bread Kitchen This small restaurant serves a small Yelp 28 miles 6338-40 N Clark St breakfast menu all day long, as well Chicago, IL 60660 as a variety of sandwiches made (773) 942-6384 with care.

Sandwiches

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Fontano Subs Good spot for classic Italian Library <1 mile 9 S Lincoln St submarine sandwiches. Staff Hinsdale, IL 60521 (630) 789-0891 Mojo’s East Coast Eats Seriously good Philly cheesesteak Yelp 8 miles 2758 Maple Ave sandwich spot near I-355 on Maple. Downers Grove, IL 60515 (630) 796-2832 Mr. Broast If you like your sandwiches to have Yelp 8 miles 833 E Roosevelt Rd a little kick, try the peri peri chicken Lombard, IL 60148 sandwich here. It’s delicious. Also (630) 889-1188 try the “zinger burger.” Zenwich Delicious sandwiches with an Asian LTH 10 miles 416 N York St flair can be found in this small strip Forum Elmhurst, IL 60126 mall eatery on the north side of (630) 359-5234 Elmhurst. Big Guys Sausage Exceptionally good house-made LTH 12 miles Stand sausage sandwiches here. Live a Forum 7021 Roosevelt Road little and pair one with BG (butter Berwyn, IL 60402 and garlic) fries. (708) 317-5213 The Best Shawerma A tiny and unpretentious carry out LTH 12 miles 6934 W 79th St spot in Burbank with a great chicken Forum Burbank, IL 60459 shawerma sandwich for a low price. (708) 233-9220 Cash only. A Steve Dolinsky pick. Gene & Jude’s Serves the best hot dog in the LTH 14 miles 2720 River Road country, per Every Day with Rachel Forum River Grove, IL 60171 Ray and Serious Eats (topped with (708) 452-7634 fresh-cut fries). Cellar’s Market Enormous fried fish sandwich LTH 21 miles 141 W Jackson Blvd offered on Wednesday and Friday. Forum Chicago, IL 60604 Found in the basement of the (312) 427-3444 Chicago Board of Trade. Pastoral Pack gourmet sandwiches from LTH 22 miles 53 E Lake St Pastoral for your picnic in Forum Chicago, IL 60601 Millennium Park. Fine wines and (312) 658-1250 cheeses available as well. Hot “G” Dog The heir apparent to Hot Doug’s. Yelp 27 miles 5009 N Clark St House made specialty sausages Chicago, IL 60640 abound here. Duck fat fries on the (773) 209-3360 weekends.

Steak

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Amber Café The few steaks on the menu here Library 3 miles 13 N Cass Ave are well-prepared. Patron Westmont, IL 60559 (630) 515-8080 Ditka’s Steakhouse recommended by Elite 4 miles 2 Mid America Plz #100 program Attendee. Available for Eats Oakbrook Terrace, IL special events (baby showers, Guest 60181 baptism parties, etc.). (630) 572-2200 Swift & Sons The second-highest rated Chicago 21 miles 1000 W Fulton Market steakhouse in Chicago Magazines Mag. Chicago, IL 60607 November, 2017 issue, Swift & 11/2017 (312) 733-9420 Sons gets high marks for attentiveness and personalization. Bavette’s Bar and Boeuf Top-rated steakhouse in Chicago Chicago 21 miles 218 W Kinzie St Magazine’s recent list. Bone-in 42 Mag. Chicago, IL 60654 day dry-aged Ribeye is specifically 11/2017 (312) 624-8154 identified for praise. David Burke’s A 75 day dry-aged ribeye is LTH 22 miles Primehouse available. More of a hip feel than Forum 616 N Rush St that of a traditionally conservative Chicago, IL 60611 steakhouse (312) 660-6000 Erie Café Delicious steaks served near the LTH 22 miles 536 W Erie St riverfront. Forum Chicago, IL 60686 (312) 266-2300 Chicago Chop House Has that classic Chicago LTH 22 miles 60 W Ontario St steakhouse feeling. Forum Chicago, IL 60610 (312) 787-7100 Maple & Ash Wood-fired steaks and a playful Chicago 23 miles 8 W Maple St attitude are the calling cards of this Mag. Chicago, IL 60610 Gold Coast steak house, ranked 11/2017 (312) 944-8888 third in Chicago Magazine’s top steakhouses article.

Italian Beef

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Paul’s Pizza & Hot Dogs Italian beef is one of the popular Library 3.5 miles 3044 Wolf Road menu items in this strip mall casual Staff Westchester, IL 60154 restaurant. “Paul” is a former mayor (708) 531-9080 of Westchester. Italian beef on garlic bread is an option here. Little Joe’s Restaurant Quintessential burger and beef joint Yelp 4 miles 20 E Plainfield Rd with a blue-collar vibe. The beef Countryside, IL 60525 sandwich is tasty, though. (708) 352-9696 Portillos You can get a reliable Italian beef Word of 4.5 miles 7195 Kingery Hwy sandwich here. Multiple locations in Mouth Willowbrook, IL 60527 the metro area. The drive-through is (630) 789-0909 a model of efficiency. The Original Chickie’s Occupying a corner spot in a strip LTH 5 miles 1801 S Wolf Rd mall formerly occupied by Carm’s. Forum Hillside, IL 60162 The staff is friendly; the food is (708) 449-1000 good, though the giardiniera is unusual. Bill’s Place A solid beef sandwich for a fair Library 6 miles 1146 N Maple Ave price. Also burgers, hot dogs, ice Staff La Grange Park, IL 60526 cream etc. They’ve catered a few (708) 352-6730 Library staff events. Duke’s Drive In Come for the beef, stay for the LTH 14 miles 8115 S Harlem Ave classic cars which congregate in the Forum Bridgeview, IL 60455 large parking lot on summer (708) 599-0576 weekend nights. Johnnie’s Beef My choice for the best of the best. LTH 14 miles 7500 W North Ave As good as the beef is, the combo Forum Elmwood Park, IL 60707 (Italian beef with a sausage link) is (708) 452-6000 even better. Don’t miss the lemon ice on a hot day. Al’s No. 1 Italian Beef Al’s on Taylor street is an iconic LTH 20 miles 1079 W Taylor St Chicago institution. The atmosphere Forum Chicago, IL 60607 is fantastic and old school. Check (312) 226-4017 out the celebrity photos on the wall while you eat. During the summer, Mario’s Italian Ice is open across the street.

Fried Chicken

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Dell Rhea’s Chicken Famous stop on Route 66 for great LTH 5 miles Basket fried chicken. Forum 645 Joliet Rd Willowbrook, IL 60527 (630) 325-0780 Mini Hut The chicken here is amazing, but LTH 8 miles 6659 W Archer Ave the atmosphere less stellar. If you’re Forum Chicago, IL 60638 not carrying out, those in the know (773) 586-2115 suggest having it delivered to a bar (Tom’s Tap) a few doors down. White Fence Farm Sprawling, quaint, old-fashioned Word of 13.5 miles 1376 Joliet Rd restaurant serving fried chicken and Mouth Romeoville, IL 60446 other classic dishes. (630) 739-1720 The Budlong If you’ve been waiting for Nashville- Time 21 miles Revival Food Hall style hot fried chicken, it’s arrived. Out 125 South Clark St The Budlong has a stand in this Chicago Chicago, IL 60603 popular weekday Loop food court (773) 999-9411 location in the National Building. Harold’s Chicken Shack Local chain of fried chicken Library 21 miles 612 S Wabash Ave restaurants—mostly in Chicago. If Staff Chicago, IL 60605 you like it spicy, ask for hot sauce. (312) 362-0442 Honey Butter Fried Heavily breaded and deboned fried LTH 24 miles Chicken chicken served with honey butter on Forum 3361 North Elston Avenue the side. Chicago, IL 60618 (773) 478-4000 Crisp Tasty Korean-inspired chicken LTH 26 miles 2940 N Broadway Ave wings in this small Lakeview Forum Chicago, IL 60657 restaurant. (773) 697-7610 Big Jones Delicious southern style fried LTH 26 miles 5347 N Clark St chicken. Forum Chicago, IL 60640 (773) 275-5725 Chicken Shack Named one of the 21 best fried Eater 29 miles 1925 Ridge Ave chicken restaurants in the country Blog Evanston, IL 60201 by the Thrillist blog. (847) 328-9360

Rip’s Tavern Is it worth a two-hour drive for fried LTH 87 miles(!) 311 N Main Ave chicken? Many devotees of this Forum Ladd, IL 61329 inexpensive casual joint think so. (815) 894-3051

Seafood

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Reel Club A Lettuce Entertain You restaurant Library 5 miles 272 Oakbrook Center in Oakbrook. Features a ½ price Staff Oak Brook, IL 60523 sushi happy hour. (630) 368-9400 Parker’s Restaurant & Excellent happy hour deals to be Friend 6 miles Bar had here (half-off items, including 1000 31st St oysters). Downers Grove, IL 60515 (630) 960-5700 Johnson’s Door County Tasty fried shrimp and fish. The Yelp 7 miles Fish “thor” sauce is a nice upgrade from 908 E Roosevelt Rd basic cocktail sauce. Lombard, IL 60148 (630) 629-6520 Shrimp Shack Good spot for fried shrimp and other Elite 8 miles 6601 West Archer Avenue seafood choices. Also notably good Eats Chicago, IL 60638 fried chicken. Guest (773) 229-0700 Troha’s Chicken & Best fried shrimp in Chicago? Taste LTH 11 miles Shrimp House for yourself at this legendary shrimp Forum 4151 West 26th Street shack. Chicago, IL 60623 (773) 521-7847 Catch 35 Multi-level narrow seafood eatery Elite 21 miles 35 West Upper Wacker overlooking the Chicago River. Eats Chicago, IL 60601 Quality food with prices to match. Guest (312) 346-3500 Also a Naperville location. Hagen’s Fish Market Another shrimp shack-style market. Library 22 miles 5635 West Montrose Ave. Fresh, smoked and fried seafood on Staff Chicago, IL 60634 offer. The fish sandwich gets good (773) 283-1944 reviews and they will fry freshly shucked oysters on demand. Calumet Fisheries Winner of a James Beard American LTH 28 miles 3259 East 95th Street Classic’s award, Calumet Fisheries Forum Chicago, IL 60617 smoke fish like nobody’s business. (773) 933-9855 Carry-out only.

Burgers

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library York Tavern A local institution featuring standard Library 1 mile 3702 York Rd pub fare. Patron Oak Brook, IL 60523 (630) 323-5090 Country House Come for the burger, stay for the Word of 2 miles 241 55th St haunted 2nd floor. mouth Clarendon Hills, IL 60514 (630) 325-1444 Standard Market Grill Prepared using quality ingredients Library 3 miles 333 E Ogden Ave sold in the store. Patron Westmont, IL 60559 (630) 366-7040 Bakersfield This restaurant is owned and Elite 3 miles 330 East Ogden Avenue operated by the Standard Eats Westmont, IL 60559 Market/Grill people. Guest (630) 568-3615 Labriola Bakery & Café The Richie burger is served on a Library 6 miles 3021 Butterfield Rd delicious pretzel bun. Staff Oak Brook, IL 60523 (630) 574-2008 Burger Antics Stop here to get your energy back Word of 6 miles 3740 Grand Blvd after a trip to the zoo with these Mouth Brookfield, IL 60513 creative burgers. The brave may (708) 255-5182 risk the “hotter than hell” burger. Brauer House Burgers with interesting toppings Library 12 miles 1000 N Rohlwing Rd served in a punk-rock atmosphere. Staff Lombard, IL 60148 Maybe better for lunch than dinner (630) 495-2141 unless you want to hear live music. Duseks Board & Beer They serve a $15 Slagel Farms Thrillist 17 miles 1227 W 18th St Juicy Lucy burger (cheese melted blog Chicago, IL 60608 on the inside of the patty). Offer (312) 526-3851 beef fat fries. Paradise Pup Serve their burgers and dogs LTH 18 miles 1724 S River Rd backyard style-with some tasty char. Forum Des Plaines, IL 60018 Merkt’s cheese fries offered. Good (847) 699-8590 post-flight hunger buster. Top Notch Beefburgers Old-timey burger joint in the Beverly LTH 19 miles 2116 W 95th St neighborhood. No fancy burgers Forum Chicago, IL 60643 here, but the ones they serve are (773) 445-7218 delicious. Don’t skip the fries (unless you’re a vegetarian). Redhot Ranch No frills burger spot serving them LTH 21 miles 3057 N Ashland Ave “smashed” style. Some see Forum Chicago, IL 60657 similarities to In-N-Out burger here. (773) 661-9377

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Au Cheval Best burger in America per bon Eater 21 miles 800 W Randolph St appétit. Hipster hangout in West Blog Chicago, IL 60607 Loop. (312) 929-4580 Grange Hall Burger Bar Homey feel, high quality burgers Eater 21 miles 844 West Randolph Street and long communal tables Blog Chicago, IL 60607 distinguish this West Loop spot. (312) 491-0844 Max’s Take Out A good spot for Loop fast food 1.5 Serious 21 miles 20 E Adams St blocks from the Art Institute. Try the Eats Chicago, IL 60603 gyro cheeseburger for a change of Blog (312) 553-0170 pace. Counter seating only. Owen & Engine English-style pub which serves an LTH 21 miles 2700 N Western Ave excellent burger. Forum Chicago, IL 60647 (773) 235-2930 Small Cheval The burgers are slightly smaller, Eater 22 miles 1732 N Milwaukee Ave less costly, and use thinner-cut Blog Chicago, IL 60647 bacon, but the overall effect is still delicious. Benny’s Chop House A fantastic and huge $10 burger. LTH 22 miles 444 N Wabash Ave What a bargain at that price— Forum Chicago, IL 60611 includes fries. (312) 626-2444 Shake Shack NYC import. Thin burgers, crinkle LTH 23 miles 12 S Michigan Ave fries, and amazing shakes. Try the Forum Chicago, IL 60603 Bang Bang Pie concrete (made from (312) 646-6005 local pie product). Kuma’s Corner Heavy metal burger bar often cited LTH 25 miles 2900 W Belmont Ave on best burgers in Chicago lists. Forum Chicago, IL 60618 (773) 604-8769 The Bad Apple Huge variety of themed burgers, LTH 26 miles 4300 North Lincoln Ave. including Elvis’ Last Supper (topped Forum Chicago, IL 60618 with peanut butter and bacon). (773) 360-8406 Edzo’s Burger Shop Legendary Evanston burger shack Eater 29 miles 1571 Sherman Ave is the only location after their Blog Evanston, IL 60201 Chicago location closed. (847) 864-3396

Pizza

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Baldinelli Pizza It’s hard to go wrong with Word of <1 mile 114 S Washington St Baldinelli’s. The Library has used Mouth Hinsdale, IL 60521 them numerous times for staff (630) 654-4600 events with great feedback. Giuliano’s Pizza Tasty pizza in downtown Hinsdale. Library <1 mile 40 Village Pl Not open for lunch, though. Staff Hinsdale, IL 60521 (630) 734-1500 York Tavern Good thin crust pizza. Offer Library 1 mile 3702 York Rd carryout. Patron Oak Brook, IL 60523 (630) 323-5090 Lou Malnati’s Good deep dish pizza with a Library 2 miles 4700 Gilbert Ave cornmeal crust. This location is Staff Western Spr., IL 60558 carry out/delivery. Several other (708) 246-3400 locations both in and out of Chicago. Brama La Pizza Pizza by the slice here is a really Library 2 miles 34 S Prospect Ave good value ($5 with a drink). Staff Clarendon Hills, IL 60514 Popular with kids and families. (630) 320-2222 Woodgrain Neapolitan Design your own individual pizza, Library 3 miles Pizzeria they fire it for 90 seconds, and Event 19 W Ogden Ave you’re ready to eat. Donor Westmont, IL 60559 (630) 541-9249 Giordano’s Another trustworthy small chain. Library 3 miles 641 Plainfield Rd This one features stuffed pizza. Staff Willowbrook, IL 60527 (630) 325-6710 Lucca’s Pizzeria Friendly staff and solid food in this Library 4 miles 108 W Burlington Ave cozy and charming La Grange Staff La Grange, IL 60525 eatery. (708) 354-9990 Ledo’s Pizza Good pizza by most accounts. Dine- Elite 4 miles 5525 S La Grange Rd in ordering system is a bit confusing. Eats Countryside, IL 60525 Order first, and then seat yourself. Guest (708) 573-0471 Zazzo’s Pizza and Bar Specializes in thin crust pizza. Elite 4 miles 7360 Rt 83 Lunch buffet on weekdays. Half Eats Darien, IL 60561 priced appetizers 4-6 P.M. Guest (630) 655-4788 Angelo’s Pizza Delicious pizza a block of Main Yelp 5 miles 1001 Curtiss St Street in Downers Grove. My Downers Grove, IL 60515 current pizza of choice in the area. (630) 969-4394

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Gulliver’s Pizza & Pub Serve both thin crust and pan, but Library 6 miles 17 W 517 Roosevelt Rd the pan is said to be better (eat on- Staff Oakbrook Terrace, IL site for best results). (630) 691-1888 Home Run Inn Reliable Chicago chain of pizzerias. Word of 7 miles 7521 Lemont Rd. Mouth Darien, IL 60561 (630) 739-9696 Pazzi Di Pizza Wood fired pizza and Italian Elite 7 Miles 105 South York Street favorites. Eats Elmhurst, IL 60126 Guest (630) 279-2323 Armand’s Pizzeria Pizzeria specializing in thin crust. Library 7.5 miles Victory Tap Sizeable bar space for beer lovers. Staff 346 Yorktown Center Lombard, IL 60148 (630) 785-3155 Olive Theory Pizzeria Build your own pizza with unlimited Yelp 7.5 miles 1400 Butterfield Rd toppings (or select a house- Downers Grove, IL 60515 specialty). Cracker-thin crust and (815) 575-8192 made-to-order for $8. Villa Nova Pizzeria A great rendition of cracker-thin LTH 8 miles 6821 Pershing Rd sausage pizza can be found here. Forum Stickney, IL 60402 (708) 996-0387 Piece Brewery & Best thin crust in Chicago? Library 23 miles Pizzeria Staff 1927 W North Ave Chicago, IL 60622 (773) 772-4422 Spacca Napoli Pizza the way they make it in LTH 26 miles 1769 W Sunnyside Ave Naples, Italy. Simple, high-quality Forum Chicago, IL 60640 ingredients make for a good pie. (773) 878-2420

Locally Sourced

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Vie Hinsdale’s resident Paul Virant’s LTH 2 miles 4471 Lawn Ave use of local and seasonal Forum Western Spr, IL 60558 ingredients has led to a near rock- (708) 246-2082 star chef status. Solstice Breakfast, weekday lunch, and Yelp 2 miles 800 Hillgrove Ave dinner (Friday and Saturday only) Western Spr, IL 60558 get a fresh and local spin at (708) 505-4684 Solstice. Farmhouse Small but popular farm to table Yelp 22 miles 228 West Chicago Ave. restaurant. Opened a second Chicago, IL 60654 location in Evanston. (312) 280-4960 North Pond Upscale Lincoln Park (literally) Library 24 miles 2610 North Cannon Drive eatery with many ingredients Staff Chicago, IL 60614 sourced from area farmers. (773) 477-5845 Arbor Offer a Midwestern omakase tasting Yelp 25 miles 2545 W Diversey Ave menu on Thursday-Saturday nights. Chicago, IL 60647 (312) 866-0795 Longman & Eagle Trendy Logan square restaurant Zagat 25 miles 2657 North Kedzie Ave. featuring a nose-to-tail concept. Guide Chicago, IL 60647 (773) 276-7110

Food Courts (New for 2017)

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library International Mall Modest Asian mall primarily known LTH 2 miles 665 Pasquinelli Dr for current star tenant Han Bun. Form Westmont, IL 60559 Latinicity You’ll find this nice Latin-flavored Elite 21 miles 108 N State St food court in the Block 37 mall Eats Chicago, IL 60602 development. Several options Guest (312) 795-4444 available. Revival Food Hall Impressive array of upscale food Eater 21 miles 125 S Clark St vendors in this beautiful space. Find Blog Chicago, IL 60603 everything from Nashville hot fried (773) 999-9411 chicken to poke here. Eataly Italian food Disneyland. Enormous Eater 22 miles 43 East Ohio Street space with numerous drinking and Blog Chicago, IL 60611 dining stations. (312) 521-8700 Mitsuwa Marketplace Massive Asian market with notable LTH 23 miles 100 East Algonquin Road food court serving authentic cuisine. Forum Arlington Heights, IL 60005 (847) 956-6699

Gluten Free / GF Friendly

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Sweet Ali’s Gluten Free Great local gluten free bakery with Library < 1 mile Bakery friendly staff. Famous for their Staff 13 West 1st Street cupcakes, but you can even get Hinsdale, IL 60521 gluten free trail mix. (630) 908-7175 WoodGrain Neapolitan (See Pizza Section). Offers a gluten Library 3 miles Pizzeria free crust option. Event 19 W Ogden Ave Donor Westmont, IL 60559 (630) 541-9249 Protein Bar Numerous GF options at this Library 3.5 miles 2040 York Rd healthy-eating chain. Vegan choices Staff Oak Brook, IL 60523 too. The smoothies are reportedly (630) 990-7350 fantastic. Prasino A number of gluten free items Library 4 miles 93 South La Grange Rd. available at this contemporary Staff La Grange, IL 60525 American restaurant. Use locally (708) 469-7058 sourced ingredients where possible. Wildfire Large gluten free section on the Library 5 miles 232 Oakbrook Center menu. They will even provide Staff Oak Brook, IL 60523 gluten-free rolls. (630) 586-9000 Wok ‘N Fire Offers a special gluten free menu. Library 5 miles 590 Village Center Dr Staff Burr Ridge, IL 60527 (630) 323-5100 LYFE Kitchen Gluten free menu makes for a good Yelp 22 miles 413 North Clark St lunch option in this chic River North Chicago, IL 60654 space. (312) 836-5933

Delicatessens (New for 2017)

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Shell Food Mart Who would ever have guessed that Library 1 mile 210 E Ogden Ave you could get a great deli sandwich Staff Hinsdale, IL 60521 in a gas station? Not me. At the SE (630) 323-2477 corner of Ogden and York. Kramer Foods (Deli) While grocery store delis are a bit Library <1 mile 16 Grant Sq out-of-bounds, Kramer’s deserves Staff Hinsdale, IL 60521 an exception. Their customer (630) 323-0135 service and quality are top notch. Solty’s Deli and Meats Good neighborhood Polish deli with Elite 3.5 miles 305 W Ogden Ave a number of hot items, including Eats Westmont, IL 60559 pork cutlets and potato pancakes. Guest (630) 434-9129 Schmaltz Delicatessen Jewish delicatessen in Naperville. Elite 11 miles 1512 N Naper Blvd Portions are hefty, but so are the Eats Naperville, IL 60563 prices. Guest (630) 245-7595 Al & Joe’s Deli This Italian deli also has some of the Yelp 14 miles 10348 Addison Avenue best sub sandwiches you’ll ever eat. Franklin Park, IL 60131 (847) 678-6788 Alpine Food Shop Legendarily good deli sandwiches LTH 14 miles 7538 W North Ave can be found here. Forum Elmwood Park, IL 60707 (708) 453-3505 Sweetwater Deli You won’t be disappointed in the Yelp 16 miles 316 Canal St quality of the sandwiches in this Lemont, IL 60439 downtown eatery. Great New (630) 243-7210 Orleans style muffaletta. Conti di Savoia Great Taylor Street market and deli LTH 19 miles 1438 W Taylor St with made to order sandwiches. Forum Chicago, IL 60607 (815) 900-9744 Bari Foods Neighborhood Italian deli with LTH 20 miles 1120 W Grand Ave #1 excellent sub sandwiches. House- Forum Chicago, IL 60642 made giardiniera is superb. (312) 666-0730 Fumare Meats & Deli A Chicago French Market offering. Food 21 miles 131 N Clinton St Famous for their Montreal smoked Blog Chicago, IL 60661 meat sandwich (similar to pastrami) (312) 930-4220 which sells out every day. J.P. Graziano Grocery A classic Italian market with a great LTH 21 miles 901 West Randolph Street deli counter. Forum Chicago, IL 60607 (312) 666-4587

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Manny’s This Chicago institution serves LTH 23 miles 1141 S Jefferson St famous corned beef and pastrami Forum Chicago, IL 60607 sandwiches cafeteria style. Good for (312) 939-2855 breakfast as well. Steingold’s of Chicago New artisanal Jewish deli not far LTH 26 miles 1840 W Irving Park Rd. From Graceland Cemetery. They Forum Chicago IL 60613 use the highest quality ingredients. (773) 661-2469 Limited hours.

Bakeries and Specialty Stores

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Hinsdale Fruit Store Excellent quality fresh produce here. Word of <1 mile 26 W 1st St You can also get smoothies, soups, mouth Hinsdale, IL 60521 and salad. Bring cash. (630) 655-1893 Burhop’s Seafood Known primarily for their high-quality Word of <1 mile Market fresh fish, Burhop’s also has some Mouth 12 Grant Square made-to-order items available for Hinsdale, IL 60521 carry out, including lobster rolls. (630) 887-4700 Prime ‘N Tender Meats Gateway Square high-end butcher Yelp 1 mile 777 N York Rd shop where only the best proteins Hinsdale, IL 60521 can be found. (630) 887-0088 Whole Grain Fresh Good source for hard-to-find Asian Word of 2 miles Market ingredients (Thai chilies, palm mouth 665 Pasquinelli Drive sugar, etc.) They are not putting Westmont, IL 60559 profits into interior design, however. (630) 323-8180 Kirsten’s Danish Bakery This bakery offers everything from Elite 5 miles 94 Burr Ridge Pkwy pastries to wedding cakes. And Eats Burr Ridge, IL 60527 kringles! Guest (630) 655-2066 Pticek’s & Son Bakery Old-world bakery near Midway Elite 8 miles 5523 S Narragansett Ave Airport offering kolacky, sour cream Eats Chicago, IL 60638 cheesecake and other delicacies. Guest (773) 585-5500 Caputo Cheese Market Excellent selection of cheeses, LTH 14 miles 1931 N 15th Ave especially those imported from Forum Melrose Park, IL 60160 Europe. Pair this with a trip to (708) 450-0469 Johnnie’s Beef and you are a boss. The Nut House Top-notch nuts and confections in Yelp 14 miles 7281 West 87th Street this Bridgeview strip mall. They Bridgeview, IL 60455 roast all of their nuts on site. (708) 233-6887 Particularly good pistachios.

Gaelic Imports Great variety of Irish and Scottish Yelp 20 miles 6346 W Gunnison St goods on sale here, including meat Chicago, IL 60630 pies, candy, and snacks. (773) 792-1905

Winston’s Market An Irish market, bakery and deli. Library 21 miles 7961 W. 159th St You’ll find everything from black and Patron Tinley Park, IL 60477 white pudding to rashers and soda (708) 633-7500 bread. They offer catering as well.

Distance from Restaurant Name, Source Notes Hinsdale Address and Phone Used Public Library Seafood City Huge Filipino market. Native Filipino Elite 22 miles 5033 N Elston Ave Jollibee fast food outlet located at Eats Chicago, IL 60630 front of building. Guest (773) 555-1234 Patel Brothers A remarkable array of Indian LTH 25 miles 2610 W Devon Ave groceries and imported goods at this Forum Chicago, IL 60659 Devon-street institution. (773) 262-7777 Middle East Bakery and If you’re in Andersonville, make a LTH 26 miles Grocery stop at this neighborhood bakery Forum 1512 W Foster Ave and grocery to pick up delicious pita, Chicago, IL 60640 hummus and baba ghannouj. (773) 561-2224