LAZ wrote:

jleblanc05 wrote:I LOVE THIS POST!!!! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU ! ! !

You are most welcome. You can help by starting some threads about restaurants near where you live.

I'd guess that half the people on this board have no clue as to where Lake in the Hills is.

Bistro Wasabi on Algonquin Rd. just west of Randall (I think it's L.I.T.H. but it might be Algonquin) apparently has great sushi. I don't dig on sushi, so I couldn't tell you for sure.

Here's a few of my favorites in the far NW Burbs, I don't know how many of these places are already discussed on the board:
Mexican: Las Cumbres on Grant St. Downtown Crystal Lake
La Rosita on Main St. Downtown Crystal Lake
El Zarrape on NW Highway in Fox River Grove
Acapulco Taqueria on Skyline Dr. and Lake Marian Rd. in Carpentersville

Pizza: Georgio's Pizza on Woodstock St. Downtown Crystal Lake

Italian: Cucina Bella - Main St. Downtown Algonquin and Cucina Bella Due on Main St. Downtown Crystal Lake

Burgers: The Tracks - Downtown Cary, next to the train station and The Cottage on Crystal Lake Ave and Grant St. in Downtown Crystal Lake

Breakfast: Reese's -Main St. Downtown Algonquin (across from Cucina Bella).

A place that hasn't had much love here and probably needs it:
Campannari's Ice Cream
10 S Pine
Mt Prospect IL 60056
847-392-2277

Great creamy ice cream, with a raft of standard flavors and rotating specials, which last night included Frangomint (a dark chocolate mint ice cream with soft chunks of frangomint), and cake batter (a very vanilla ice cream with a lot of yolk flavor).

Great work but I must add Schoop's Hamburgers to the list for south and NWI. It is mentioned every time burgers are a topic on LTH. I go to the Hammond location on Indianapolis Blvd by Cabela's. Schoop's started in Hammond 60 years ago but not at this location, however many people think the Munster location is the original. The Mickey with bacon is fantastic.

Sadly La Dolce Vita has closed in Miller Beach, the inconsistent service got the best of it.

Slim wrote:Here's a few of my favorites in the far NW Burbs, I don't know how many of these places are already discussed on the board

This thread isn't intended for listing your favorites but for links to discussions elsewhere on the board. Why not start some threads about your favorite places and tell us what you like about them?

Links to previous discussions:
Las Cumbres
La Rosita
Reese's

I couldn't find anything about the others.

jones-n wrote:Great work but I must add Schoop's Hamburgers to the list for south and NWI. It is mentioned every time burgers are a topic on LTH. I go to the Hammond location on Indianapolis Blvd by Cabela's. Schoop's started in Hammond 60 years ago but not at this location, however many people think the Munster location is the original. The Mickey with bacon is fantastic.

Sadly La Dolce Vita has closed in Miller Beach, the inconsistent service got the best of it.

Here's a link to your post about Schoop's. Searching will find many more mentions, but it doesn't look like there's a thread about it, and if it's that's good, it deserves one.

Thanks for the note about La Dolce Vita. I'll edit.

We really need more posts about the south suburbs and NWI, but here's one more to try:

Exsenator's BBQ, barbecue, Markham

JoelF wrote:A place that hasn't had much love here and probably needs it:
Campannari's Ice Cream.

It has more love when correctly spelled: Capannari's. There are quite a few posts about it scattered around.

Would love to see this sticky'd. Thanks for the idea and fine work, LAZ.

Awesome post LAZ!!! I have copied it and placed it in our car for ready reference!

Oh my goodness, I'm SO happy I came across this! I live in the suburbs and have trouble thinking of good places to eat sometimes. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I'll add what I can in a bit after I read through.

You're welcome. Here are a few more north-suburban recs.

North suburbs
Boston Blackie's, American, Deerfield, Glencoe and Skokie
The Butt'ry/153 Akira, American and Japanese, Wilmette
China Town, Chinese/Filipino, Morton Grove
Golden Chopstick/Chun Ju, Korean, Morton Grove
Ira's, hot dogs, Northbrook
Irving's for Red Hot Lovers, hot dogs, Wilmette
Italian Kitchen, Italian, Deerfield
L. Woods, steak, Lincolnwood
Little Louie's Red Hots, hot dogs, Northbrook
Mac's, diner, Park Ridge
Mustard's Last Stand, hot dogs, Evanston
Nano's, pizza and fast food, Morton Grove
Stash's, hot dogs, Highland Park
Thai Pavilion, Thai, Skokie
Tommy Nevin's, tavern, Evanston
Tsang, Chinese take-out, Lincolnwood closed
Yu's Szechwan, Chinese, Highland Park

Hey, I'm new to the board and thought I'd throw in a couple of suggestions. Aromas Tapas is in Algonquin (west of Randall Road, on the south side of Algonquin Road). Very reasonably priced Spanish style tapas. To be honest, the inventiveness of the specials has gone down dramatically since they first opened (part of me wonders if it's due to what the local clientele is willing to eat--for instance, they used to make a killer rabbit dish, which is now MIA). But, the prices are the cheapest I've ever seen at a Tapas place, and the usual suspects (patatas bravas, patatas ali oli, etc.) are really well done...
Secondly, and brand new, is Taste of Himalayas in St. Charles. This place is pretty phenomenal if you take into account the complete lack of truly ethnic eateries in the area (for example, the closest other Indian restaurants are up in Algonquin or in Schaumburg). Another bonus point--they feature quite a few Nepalese dishes that you won't find at other Indian restaurants (one of them contains bamboo shoots--definitely a first for me at an Indian joint!). Anyways, very classy interior and a great lunch buffet. The chef is totally willing to accomodate whatever the customer wants, too, even if it's not on the menu.
Finally, I was surprised to see that Montarra in Algonquin hadn't been mentioned yet. Yeah, it's not a cheap night out, but from my experience, the food is well worth it. They offer "small plates" as well, if you're more inclined to sample a few different items and save some $$$ while you're at it. I've had 3 different preparations of Scottish salmon there, and each one has been excellent. The chef has come out to check on our meals a couple of times now, as well, which is always a good thing (well, unless the food sucks; then it's just ackward!).

cgs027, thank you for bringing up Taste of Himalaya, I have not tried but it is on my radar to do so soon. But TofH is not the only ethnic place around in the area, I won't go in to all of the Chinese and Mexican but almost across the street from Tof H is Thai Zie in the Filling Station PLaza. Vino Thai is at 3825 East Main, and at 1554 East Main, in the old Tin Cup complex is Taj of India. There are 2 Thai restos in Geneva, 1 in Batavia. Naperville, Wheaton, Westmont all have a number of Indian restraurants that have been discussed here previously and within this thread.

Welcome to the board and continue to post on what you find! Posts on the far west are always welcome!

Just a reminder, folks, this thread is meant to be for quick reference only. Please put your restaurant recommendations in other threads. Then put links to those posts or threads here.

cgs027 wrote:Finally, I was surprised to see that Montarra in Algonquin hadn't been mentioned yet.

Here are some recs from the northwest suburbs, including Montarra.

Northwest suburbs
The Assembly, tavern, Hoffman Estates
Boardwalk Bob's, ice cream, Cary
Boston Blackie's, American, Arlington Heights
Cabela's Fox River Grill, game sandwiches, Hoffman Estates
Chandler's Chophouse, steak, Schaumburg
The Cottage, tavern, Crystal Lake
Cucina Bella, Italian, Algonquin and Crystal Lake
Del Toros Mexican Grill, Tex-Mex, Huntley
Duke O'Brien's, tavern, Crystal Lake
Egg'lectic Cafe, breakfast, Rolling Meadows More info
El Faro, Mexican, Algonquin
El Molino, Mexican, Carpentersville
Finn McCool's, tavern, Crystal Lake More info
Georgio's Pizza, pizza, Crystal Lake More info
Gourmet House, Chinese, Algonquin
Govnor's Public House, brewpub, Lake in the Hills
Ikea Cafe, Swedish (in a furniture store), Schaumburg
Jameson's Charhouse, value steak, Arlington Heights and Mount Prospect
Kaminari, Japanese, Lake in the Hills
Kampai, Japanese (sushi), Mount Prospect
Kampai, Japanese (teppanyaki), Mount Prospect
Karma, Asian-American, Mundelein
Ken's Schaumburg Restaurant, diner, Schaumburg
La Rosita taqueria, Mexican, Carpentersville, Crystal Lake, Harvard, Lake Zurich, McHenry, Mount Prospect, Palatine, Wauconda, Wheeling
Las Cumbres, Mexican, Crystal Lake More info
Melt Gelato & Crepe Cafe, crepes and ice cream, Vernon Hills
Mimi's Cafe, American, Algonquin
Montarra, contemporary American, Algonquin more info
Niko's Grill & Pub, American, Huntley
Park Street, American, Mundelein
Port Edwards, seafood, Algonquin
Richard Walker's Pancake House, breakfast, Crystal Lake and Schaumburg
Ron's Italian Ovens, Italian beef, Round Lake Beach
Sushi Station, Japanese, Elgin and Rolling Meadows
Taqueria Arandas, Mexican, Des Plaines
The Tracks, tavern, Cary
Walleye Grill, seafood, Huntley
WoodFire Gourmet Pizza, pizza, Algonquin

LikestoEatout wrote:cgs027, thank you for bringing up Taste of Himalaya, I have not tried but it is on my radar to do so soon. But TofH is not the only ethnic place around in the area, I won't go in to all of the Chinese and Mexican but almost across the street from Tof H is Thai Zie in the Filling Station PLaza. Vino Thai is at 3825 East Main, and at 1554 East Main, in the old Tin Cup complex is Taj of India. There are 2 Thai restos in Geneva, 1 in Batavia. Naperville, Wheaton, Westmont all have a number of Indian restraurants that have been discussed here previously and within this thread.

Welcome to the board and continue to post on what you find! Posts on the far west are always welcome!

Sorry, I should have qualified that further--I meant it's one of the only non-big 3 (Mexican/Chinese/Thai) ethnic eateries in that area. As far as Taj Majal in St. Charles--I've heard very bad things about that place, but I haven't had a chance to try it myself.
One more place in the Western burbs that I totally forgot to add: Turf Room. Right off of Randall and Mooseheart Roads, hidden back a bit. Really cool interior with a massive stone wood burning fireplace (great in the fall/winter). Really good range of entrees and prices. At the cheaper end, you can get huge wood fired flatbreads with a variety of non-standard toppings (one flatbread is called Lobster Chowda). The specials tend to be pretty nice, too. I've had rabbit in coriander cream, as well as a great simply prepared skatewing. A pretty good (and decently priced) wine and bottled beer list, too. Oh, and one of the cooler aspects for any hummus lovers--they have an appetizer with 3 daily changing hummus flavors. We've tried all sorts of strange sounding, but really good hummus there (grapefruit, goat cheese, dill pickle, etc.).

As another newbie to this forum that has lived in the Lake in the Hills / Algonquin / Dundee area for 2 decades, I'm glad to see some mention of things out my way; and disappointed that this NW Suburbs list seems to stop at Schaumburg, with just a couple of places really local to me.

I'll see what I can do about that. I intend to resurrect many reviews I wrote that were all deleted from another food site, unless there is some policy here that prohibits reposting.

Meanwhile, if you're out in my area, drop me a PM and say hello.

j r wrote:I'll see what I can do about that. I intend to resurrect many reviews I wrote that were all deleted from another food site, unless there is some policy here that prohibits reposting.

Hi,

Happy to have the additional information!

Regards,

For the NW Burbs, I'd like to add Chiggy's on Northwest Highway at Smith.

Here's a link to my albeit brief comment about it.

viewtopic.php?f=14&t=18799&p=228783&hilit=chiggy%27s#p228783

Other than The Works in Niles, it's one of my favorites.

Thanks,

John

cgs027 wrote:Secondly, and brand new, is Taste of Himalayas in St. Charles. This place is pretty phenomenal if you take into account the complete lack of truly ethnic eateries in the area (for example, the closest other Indian restaurants are up in Algonquin or in Schaumburg). Another bonus point--they feature quite a few Nepalese dishes that you won't find at other Indian restaurants (one of them contains bamboo shoots--definitely a first for me at an Indian joint!). Anyways, very classy interior and a great lunch buffet. The chef is totally willing to accomodate whatever the customer wants, too, even if it's not on the menu.

We got a chance to eat at Taste of the Himalayas yesterday (jan. 4) and were really pleased with the food! We were there during the lunch buffet which gave us a great sample of what TofH can do. On the buffet was Aloo Gobbi which is potato and cauliflower mixture in a cilanto, ginger and a sauce much lighter in taste from what I have had in other Indian places around the suburbs. Among other things was Mixed vegetable Pakora (deep fried veggies), Khasi Ko Masu (goat stew that was very tasty), Chicken Korma (chicken in a cream sauce), Palak Paneer (cottage cheese with spinach) a few dishes with lentils, some salads and for dessert Nepali style basamati rice pudding which I kept seeing kids going back for several bowls of. A chicken from the Tandoori oven was brought to the table with a basket of naan without asking. Next time we must remember to have them not bring it as my partner is vegetarian and I could only eat a little of it. Everything was well managed and kept fresh on the buffet and the manager (owner?) stood nearby to explain what was what. The service was excellant, almost unnoticed as they filled water glasses, took away plates or answered questions. I love the space! I used to get lunch there 20 years ago when it was the first Colonial Ice Cream place and it had a train running around the ceiling! The space has been a number of other restaurants over the years but based on how crowded TofH was for a Sunday lunch, I think they will be around for quite a while. My new favorite place for Indian and the only one I know of for Nepalese!

Taste of Himalayas
110 North 3rd Street
St. Charles, Il
630-444-1575

This location is one block north of Rte. 64 and a half block off of Rte. 31.

Now if you can get RheS to generate a GPX file of these restaurants... That would be awesome!

Just for all of us GPS and Car Nav users out there.

Thanks for the great lists!

Panther in the Den wrote:Now if you can get RheS to generate a GPX file of these restaurants... That would be awesome!

Just for all of us GPS and Car Nav users out there.

Oh, oh, oh, oh! I am so happy! Because I googled "GPX file," and found this:
http://www.obviously.com/gis/gpx_loader.html
and I have a Blackberry, and Google Maps, and a Deluo keychain GPS, and a Microsoft Streets&Trips map full of pushpins for LTH-noted places in the Chicago area. Oh, sweet mystery of life, at last I've found you!

Thanks, panther.

I'd like to add

Mickey Finn's and The Firkin in Libertyville both are casual contemporary pub fare but done pretty well. Finn's is a brew pub as well

Tribella Grill in Batavia

Tonight I had dinner at Tribella Grill, starting with broccoli cheese soup. The soup was not too thick, but had a nice creamy broth and excellent flavor. Above average, but not transcendent.

Which takes me to the entree. It was a light, cheese-filled ravioli in a champagne cream sauce, with sauteed spinach and diced tomatoes sprinkled on top as a nod to nutrition. The whole thing was then topped with bread crumbs and cheese, then baked. It was transcendent. The sauce smelled like the garlic sauce you get with escargot, and was good for bread dipping. The bread crumbs and cheese made a nice crunchy, brown contrast to the creaminess of the ravioli. All in all, excellent.

Tribella has been excellant for their seasonal pastas, a pumpkin ravioli comes to mind from last year that was wonderful. We just don't get there enough even though it's about 6 blocks from my house.

Another place out that way (West/Batavia) I am a big fan of is Salerno's Pizza (Salerno's on the Fox) in St. Charles. Great thin crust pizza and a cool 70s lounge. I have never been to Vito & Nick's, Marie's etc. (plan to very soon, V&N's looks AMAZING!) but Salerno's is some of the best thin crust I've had for sure. Never had any of the actual food only the pizza. Would like to find out if it is related to the one on Grand here in the city, although I'm sure it's not. BTW this is my first post. Woo hoo!


Salerno's (on the Fox)
320 N. 2nd St.
St. Charles, IL 60174

thepld wrote:Another place out that way (West/Batavia) I am a big fan of is Salerno's Pizza (Salerno's on the Fox) in St. Charles. Great thin crust pizza and a cool 70s lounge. I have never been to Vito & Nick's, Marie's etc. (plan to very soon, V&N's looks AMAZING!) but Salerno's is some of the best thin crust I've had for sure. Never had any of the actual food only the pizza. Would like to find out if it is related to the one on Grand here in the city, although I'm sure it's not. BTW this is my first post. Woo hoo!


Salerno's (on the Fox)
320 N. 2nd St.
St. Charles, IL 60174

Doesn't appear to be related to the Salerno's located in Oak Park.

Looks like a great location! With a patio right on the river.

It is a great local. And the lounge is really cool. Has the old 70s red booths. The waitresses are great too. They'll make you a Brandy Alexander or Grasshopper after dinner. Read some bad reviews on the actual food. But can vouch for the pizza. I always have a blast with friends when we go.

thepld wrote:Another place out that way (West/Batavia) I am a big fan of is Salerno's Pizza (Salerno's on the Fox) in St. Charles. Great thin crust pizza and a cool 70s lounge. I have never been to Vito & Nick's, Marie's etc. (plan to very soon, V&N's looks AMAZING!) but Salerno's is some of the best thin crust I've had for sure.

I live around 5 minutes from there and wasn't even aware that they served pizza, let alone good pizza. As soon as the temperature gets back up into the single digit negatives I'll have to give it a shot.

LAZ wrote:North suburbs
98. The Yumbus Station, sandwiches, Skokie

Sadly, the Yumbus is now closed and sorely missed.

Just want to note that i LOVE this topic and have used it extensively for reference!

Bistro 22 is closed. You might want to update the list to reflect this.

Tribella Grill in Batavia

Went tonight to Tribella Grill, and once again had the Ravioli Florentine, which is cheese ravs in a champagne cream sauce with tomatoes and fresh spinach. Bread crumbs on top, and then under the broiler for browning. Really really good dish.

This restaurant really does many things right, and on a cold Monday night in January, was pretty busy.