Lake Forest ideas

Well, I am going to head out this Saturday to Lake Forest. I haven't been into Lake Co. for months.

I am looking for suggestions for some place near Lake Forest in the $10-15 range. No particular cuisines although I want something other than Italian Beef or pizza.

Thanks in advance.

Might be slightly beyond the price range, but I've had great meals at South Gate and Bank Lane Bistro (usually after bicycling up there). I think they share the same kitchen. Both are right downtown Lake Forest.

Hi,

If you are interested in eating in Lake Forest, then there are several options in your price category:

Egg Harbor Cafe
512 North Western Avenue
Lake Forest, IL 60045
847-295-3449
Breakfast-lunch place

Lantern of Lake Forest
768 North Western Avenue
Lake Forest, IL 60045
847-234-9844
A very local favorite amongst Lake Forest people. It is situated just below street level, you have to walk down steps. It is usually filled with families with lots of sarcastic signage suggesting negative consequences to parents who don't mind their kids. Their specialty is hamburgers and other casual food. Chicago Bears were frequent customers when they practiced nearby.

South Gate Cafe
655 Forest Ave
Lake Forest, IL 60045
847-234-8800
There are two entrances to this place. If you walk in through the formal doors, then it is a sit-down restaurant. In the 'rear' or just across from the Lake Forest Hospital Resale Shop, there is an informal entrance. There you can order at the counter salads, soups, sandwiches and a drink for eating at small tables scattered about. You also may just find yourself eating standing up, if it is crowded. This is a very local find populated by well heeled locals who just want something to eat on the quick.
[I may be confusing this with Bank Lane Bistro --- this place exists, I go there, I eat, I pay, but I may be very fuzzy on the name --- but across from the resale shop helps --- if you find it is another name, then post a correction and I will update this post, also]

Lake Forest Hospital Resale Shop
653 North Bank Lane
Lake Forest, IL 60045
847-234-5093

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West of Lake Forest is Burt's Deli. If you are approaching Lake Forest via Route 60, then it is less than 2 miles north on Milwaukee Avenue.

You are probably taking 176 --- Rockland Cafe, just before 41, is just ok. If you go north on 41 from there, you can go to the Full Moon Restaurant, which is family style Greek.

If you continue north on Sheridan Road from Lake Forest, then you are in North Chicago, which has a J&J Catfish in a former Kentucky Fried Chicken. This is a chain in Chicago, which makes a rather good catfish, which is cooked AFTER you order. Sit down isn't exactly what's happening here. They have a few folding chairs to sit and eat from.

If you head south of Lake Forest in to Highwood, then there is Tacos el Norte, which I frequent for lunch for cheap and reliable Mexican.

Taco's El Norte
118 Washington Avenue
Highwood, IL 60040
847-432-1730

I'll second Cathy2's suggestion of Tacos El Norte athough you'll have a tough time spending $10-15 a person. I really like their horchata and tamarind drinks out of the fountains in the rear.
I thought I saw an ad in the Pioneer Press for a place called the Curry House in Highwood as well, but haven't had a chance to try it.

Hi,

What was Jade Sushi now Shanghai Bistro is still in operation at the old Shrimp Walk location. Curry Hut is where Two Guys from Italy used to be, though the sign is still there for the moment.

Just stopped by to pick up Curry Hut's take-out menu, which states "Curry Hut ... an indian dining concept." Amongst the major categories listed on their take-out menue, they offer Royal Curries (chicken), Tandoori Specialties (Indian Clay oven), Thalan Napali Kharga and Nepali entrees.

Everyday Lunch Buffet $8.95, which is rather pricey by Devon Ave standards, though it doesn't have the Devon Ave competition.

I'll give it shot soon, if not tomorrow.

Curry Hut
410 Sheridan Avenue
Highwood, IL 60040
Tel: 847/432-2889

Lunch: Mon-Fri: 11:30 AM - 3 PM, Weekends: 12 PM - 3 PM
Dinner: Sun-Thurs: 4:30 PM - 9:30 PM, Fri & Sat: 4:30 PM - 10 PM

Also in lake forest, on Waukeegan rd is Sushi Kushi Toyo, which has a lot of non-sushi japanese food too. It may be a bit more than you want to spend, but some of the noodle dishes are under 10.
In downtown Lake Forest, next to Deerpath Inn, is Francesco's Intimo, one of the Francesco's chain. It is very good, and can be done in your price range if you are careful.
Bank Lane Bistro, which I like alot, and Southgate are probably going to be more than you want to spend.
I have had the lunch buffet at Curry Hut twice, and it has been good both times. I am no expert on Indian cuisine, but it all seems very fresh. the Daal and the tandori chicken are brought fresh to your table, and are not on the steam tables like some other places.
-Will

WillG wrote:Also in lake forest, on Waukeegan rd is Sushi Kushi Toyo, which has a lot of non-sushi japanese food too. It may be a bit more than you want to spend, but some of the noodle dishes are under 10.

I must second the Sushi Kushi Toyo recommendation. This is, in my family's opinion, hands down the best sushi on the north shore. It's in west lake forest (ie west of 41).

The Lantern is a really fun place for kids, as was mentioned. They have two trains that run on tracks suspended from the ceiling. They also serve a mean cocoa with whipped cream and chocolate sauce on it.