Lunch near Marmion Abbey

Every year for 13 years now, our family tradition has been to drive an hour-plus to Aurora with axes, saws, and ropes in the car and cut our own Christmas Tree at Marmion Abbey, usually accompanied by friends whose cars are equally bristling with sharp implements. We then eat cookies and hot chocolate in the car and the kids go through 3-4 pairs of gloves and very nice total strangers take our picture for us. It's a wonderful tradition to which we look forward every year - this year we're going early on the 13th (feel free to PM me for more info; you're more than welcome to meet us there!)

Afterward, we usually take our tree-topped cars to the Papa Bear restaurant, an average-type Greek diner that's of course swamped beyond all reason because it's right around the corner from the farm. Now, nothing is wrong with this tradition, but I was wondering what other options might be available in the near vicinity of the Abbey that are quick, family-friendly, and inexpensive?


Marmion Abbey Tree Farm
850 Butterfield Road
Aurora, IL 60504
Phone: (630) 897-7215, ext. 339

Papa Bear Family Restaurant
2340 N Farnsworth Ave
Aurora, Kane County, IL 60504-9730
Phone: 630-851-1055

Thats a tough one Michele, lots of chains out there.

The one place I thought of is Country House in Geneva(other locations in Clarendon Hills, and Lisle). It is about 5 miles from there( orht of Butterfield road on Kirk Road(the four way stop light just east of the tree farm.

Pretty good burgers, and Ruebens, & typical pub type food.

Country House
2095 S. Kirk Road
Geneva, IL.

http://www.burgerone.com

Have fun.

Bonito Mexico is about 5 minutes west on Butterfield Rd. It's on the south side of the street in a strip mall. They have cemitas, taco arabes and other standard Mexican fare. I thought it was pretty good, not having another basis for comparison when it comes to cemitas or taco arabes.

viewtopic.php?f=14&t=17776&p=227317&hilit=bonito#p227317

Bonito Mexico
200 E. Butterfield
North Aurora, IL
630-301-7430

Harner's is also further west on Butterfield, about 10 minutes right on the west side of the Fox River. They have excellent danishes and other pastries. As well as pretty good breakfast food.

viewtopic.php?f=14&t=9403&hilit=harner%27s

Harner's Bakery Restaurant & Catering
10 W State, North Aurora, IL
630-892-4400

Another option that is about 10-15 minutes away is El Pollo Giro. Take Butterfield west to Rt. 25, then south on Rt. 25 for about 10 minutes. It's on the east side of the road.

El Pollo Giro
991 N Aurora Ave (rte 25)
Aurora
630-896-0755

viewtopic.php?p=195711#p195711

If you are up for Mexican food there are a few solid choices nearby.

El Pollo Giro for great charcoal grilled chicken (carry out only)
Taqueria Los Cabritos is quite good if you have a hankerin for some goat. They also have decent al pastor. It's located in a cool mid-century A-frame diner.

El Pollo Giro
991 N Aurora Ave (rte 25)
Aurora
630-896-0755

Taqueria Los Cabritos
733 Aurora Ave
Aurora, IL 60505-2126
(630) 859-8815

Here is a link to previous discussions about Aurora Taquerias viewtopic.php?p=80226#p80226

I'll also second the recommendation for Harners. Great biscuits and gravy, home made corned beef hash and most all of the beef and pork used in the restaurant comes from the local family farm. The attached bakery produces some very good sweets and breads.

Good lord, I had no idea El Pollo Giro was so close - I'll have to see if I can talk the rest of the group into going (I will be sure to get complaints about "weird" food if we go ethnic, but a GNR nominee might at least get the family on my side) Thanks for the info, everyone - this broadens my options a great deal!

There is always The Sonic which is in front of the Super Walmart on the east end of Marmion's property