Downers Grove, IL Food & Drink and More

Seven Illinois Pizza Taverns Have Been Cutting Squares For Regulars Since The 7s

Ask anyone who grew up around Chicago how pizza should be sliced, and there is a good chance they will say squares, not triangles. Tavern-style pizza, with its cracker-thin crust and party-cut pieces, has been a neighborhood staple across Illinois for generations, and a handful of family-run spots have been serving it to the same loyal crowds for decades.

Chicago, IL · 3d

everafterinthewoods.com

publisher · 601.2K followers

This Illinois All-You-Can-Eat Sushi Restaurant Has A Conveyor Belt And Unlimited Rolls

Real truffle on all-you-can-eat sushi sounds like a menu typo. At one new spot in Illinois, it’s the whole point. Plates glide past your table on a moving belt. Special orders zip over on a tiny bullet train, and robot servers roll in to help. I like how this...

Lombard, IL · 1d

People

From Live Roaches to ‘Mold-Like’ Substance, the 10 Worst Restaurant Health Code Violations of the Week

Restaurants across the country have failed health inspections conducted by state or local departments over the past week

Chicago, IL · 15h

everafterinthewoods.com

Inside A Retro Illinois Pie Shop, Cream Pies And Savory Slices Never Went Out Of Style

A pie called the Fat Elvis sits on the menu at a cheerful little shop in Illinois. Right next to it, you might spot a lamb and apricot hand pie. That combo alone tells you this place plays by its own rules. The chocolate cream pie is considered a house...

publisher · 7.1K followers

Secret Chicago

Chicago’s crown jewel of pan pizza just earned another national nod—thanks to its legendary caramelized crust

Chicago hardly needs another reason to defend its pizza credentials. But we’ll happily take this one. Pequod’s Pizza—the local favorite known for that exquisite ring of caramelized cheese —has been named Illinois’ pick in Food & Wine’s “50 States of Award-Winning Pizza.” And while the national recognition is nice, the real draw is waiting around the edge of the pan. What makes Pequod’s crust so special? At Pequod’s, you don’t leave the crust behind. As Food & Wine explains, t he pizzeria places a ring of mozzarella around the inside edge of the pan. As the pizza bakes, that cheese caramelizes, creating the signature rim that sets these pies apart . A deeply browned cheese surrounds a generously topped Chicago-style pizza. The menu starts with a cheese pizza, with toppings available so you can build your own order. Sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, giardiniera, and more are among the options—but that caramelized edge is something you’ll be thinking about long after you’ve finished the meal. Why Food & Wine picked Pequod’s Food & Wine assembled its state-by-state guide using existing accolades, including international pizza competitions, restaurant rankings, local journalism, and readers’ choice awards. For Pequod’s, the magazine points to two major wins:

Chicago, IL · 7d

Secret Chicago

publisher · 7.1K followers

Bears star D’Andre Swift names his 3 favorite Chicago restaurants—and launches a limited-time Philly-meets-Chicago menu

Caleb Williams has already made it known that his favorite restaurant is Zarella Pizzeria & Taverna, calling his love for it “ the best pizza I’ve ever had in my life. “ Now, fellow Bears star D’Andre Swift is sharing his own go-to Chicago restaurants —and his list offers plenty of inspiration for your next dinner out. D’Andre Swift shares his favorite Chicago restaurants While Williams’ pick might settle your next pizza order, Swift’s shortlist gives you a few more options for a night out: West Loop steakhouse Adalina Prime, Lincoln Park steakhouse & cocktail lounge The Bull Moose , and Asian bistro & nightclub TAO . For something a little more game-day-ready, though, you can try a menu the running back helped create himself. What’s on D’Andre Swift’s menu at Jake Melnick’s? Swift has teamed up with Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap on “Da Swift Picks,” a limited-time lineup that mixes Philadelphia-inspired flavors with Chicago favorites. Here’s what’s on the menu: High Step Hoagie Dip ($12.95): Salami, prosciutto, hot peppers, provolone, and cream cheese, served with fresh Sidewinder Fries. Swift City Wings ($19.95): Long hot pepper-garlic butter, giardiniera rub, parmesan, and a Cooper’s Wiz sidecar. Hometown Fries ($9.95): House-cut fries,

publisher · 67.1K followers

Fox 32 Chicago

List of holiday themed bars and restaurants in Chicago

CHICAGO - It's just about time for holiday cheer to spread across the Chicago area. There are plenty of ways to celebrate the holiday season in the area with several festive bars and restaurants popping up. Chicago holiday bars and restaurants. Local perspective:. All throughout the Chicago region there are...

NBC Chicago

One of Chicago's best fried chicken sandwiches is French

A few weeks ago, I got a DM on Instagram from a new restaurant. I get about a dozen of those every week, but this one intrigued me. The sender had trained at the Culinary Institute of America and apprenticed at The Inn at Little Washington, one of the country’s great restaurants. He’d spent five years in France (he fell in love with a girl there) before moving back to Chicago.

oakpark.com

publisher · 6.0K followers

The heart of Hemmingway will take its final beats this month

After 25 years, Hemmingway’s Bistro is saying its final “Au Revoir” to Oak Park. The French restaurant at 211 N. Oak Park Ave., is owned and operated by Chef Christopher Ala and his wife Lucia Ala. For over two decades it has been a testament to resilience...

Oak Park, IL · 10h

Chicago Food King

user · 11.2K followers

Overpriced Shawarma in Buffalo Grove

When you move to a new neighborhood, one of the most exciting things is discovering the local restaurant scene. My wife and I recently relocated to Chicago’s northern suburbs, and we’ve been eager to explore the dining options around our new home.

Buffalo Grove, IL · 2d

WBEZ

How a retired Chicago Army veteran found peace and purpose through baking

At 4:30 a.m. Tuesday, with most of Chicago still asleep, Quinton McNair already was in the kitchen. By 9 a.m., the 49-year-old had baked enough cookies, muffins and other treats to fill the display cases at his Hyde Park bakery. And McNair still had the rest of another long day ahead of him.

partner publisher · 11.9K followers

Timeless Dishes

8 Regional Hot Dog Styles and Stands, From Chicago to Seattle

From Chicago's garden of toppings to Seattle's cream cheese, eight regional hot dog styles and stands, each with its own bun, sauce and story. The post 8 Regional Hot Dog Styles and Stands, From Chicago to Seattle appeared first on Timeless Dishes .

publisher · 7.1K followers

Secret Chicago

Free turkeys at 5 Chicago-area McDonald’s are here: 3,000 up for grabs, one location per day through Saturday from 8 a.m.

A Thanksgiving turkey giveaway is making five stops across the Chicago area this week. The Black McDonald’s Operators Association of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana plans to distribute 3,000 turkeys , along with gift cards to help families buy additional holiday groceries. The 26th annual Food for the Body & Spirit giveaway runs November 10–14, with a different McDonald’s hosting each morning. Distributions begin at 8 a.m. and continue while supplies last, so organizers recommend arriving early. The first stop took place in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood on Tuesday morning. The remaining giveaways are scheduled for Maywood, Grand Boulevard, Auburn Gresham, and Chicago Heights through Saturday. Where and when to get a free turkey Each restaurant hosts the giveaway on one scheduled day—not throughout the week. Here’s the full lineup: Tuesday, November 10: 5015 W. Madison St., Chicago Wednesday, November 11: 11 N. 1st Ave., Maywood Thursday, November 12: 740 E. 47th St., Chicago Friday, November 13: 8321 S. Ashland Ave., Chicago Saturday, November 14: 19767 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights All five distributions begin at 8 a.m. and continue until supplies run out. Veterans can use a priority line Veterans can receive VIP line entry by showing proof of military service.

Chicago, IL · 3d

travelmag.com

This Illinois Drive-In Is Topped With Giant Hot Dog Statues And Has Served Carhop Burgers And Dogs Since 1948

Two giant hot dogs are hanging out on an Illinois rooftop, and one is wearing a leopard-print leotard. The other rocks a blue skirt and a bow. Fashion week could never. Meet the rooftop duo named after the couple who started this quirky hot dog joint. And trust me, the experience only gets better at ground level.

Chicago, IL · 4d

everafterinthewoods.com

This Old-Fashioned Illinois Candy Shop Still Makes Its Own Fudge And Caramel Apples In A Nostalgic Little Shop

Caramel apples come with a choice of fruit at one little Illinois candy counter: tart Granny Smith or sweet Honeycrisp. That decision alone could stall a family for ten minutes. Then you spot the bear claws, the cheese popcorn, and the chocolate-dipped apricots. The fudge is made in house, the...

Riverside, IL · 10d

takemetotn.com

This Nostalgic Illinois Diner Serves Chicago Deli Classics With A Side Of Old-School Charm

The house potatoes here get cooked in beef tallow. That one detail alone made me sit up and pay attention. Then there’s the homemade root beer, poured at a spot that also serves matzo ball soup, lox, and a Reuben with a name you won’t forget. Breakfast runs all day, so pancakes at dinnertime are completely fair game.

blockclubchicago.org

Trader Joe’s Uptown Store Opens Monday

UPTOWN — A Trader Joe’s is opening on the Far North Side sooner than expected. The popular grocery store chain is opening 9 a.m. Monday at 804 W. Montrose Ave. in Uptown, a company spokesperson said. Last month, the company said the store wouldn’t open until next year.

Chicago, IL · 12h

BevNET.com

Kava Haven Launches at Binny’s Beverage Depot

CHICAGO, IL — November 2026 — Kava Haven, the kava-infused non-alcoholic spirit redefining how people relax and socialize without alcohol, is now available at Binny’s Beverage Depot. The launch marks a meaningful milestone for the Chicago-based brand, expanding its Midwest presence through one of the region’s best-known...

takingthekids.com

Customers Swear The Deli Meats At These 10 Illinois Sandwich Shops Are A Cut Above The Rest

One Illinois deli has been slicing corned beef cafeteria-style since 1942, and it still hands you a tray. Another shop has been building Italian subs since 1937. That’s older than sliced bread’s big boom in most kitchens. I love that these counters didn’t chase trends. They stuck with...

chicagocrusader.com