Northbrook/Northfield Dinner Options on Saturday

My daughter's dance recital is on Saturday in Northfield and 8 members of my family will be attending. We wanted to get a bit to eat afterwards, which means that the recital will end btw 3 and 3:30 pm. Most of us will not have had lunch, so looking for a bit more than just a sandwich and soup place.

I am having a problem trying to find a place in the area that is open at this time, since some places aren't open that early for dinner. What can you suggest for a party of 8, with 2 children? No chinese or thai as my son as a peanut allergy. Also, will head south as we all live in Chicago, but would prefer not to head any further North of Northfield.

Help?

Seuls Tavern in Northfield, Carlie Beinlich's in Northbrook and Meyers Tavern in Wilmette are all low key, kid friendly places with a lot of charm. Meyers has fallen off big time in my opinion but it has been several years since I have been back. Seuls has great sandwiches and Pizza. I think they are all open Sundays

Barnabys in Northbrook is another family favorite and they have lots of big round tables so that you can all eat together. Barnaby's is a recession friendly restaurant.

You can always hit Max and Bennys or the Bagel in Old Orchard at that time of day.

The Happ Inn in Northfield is perfect for what you're seeking. It's primarily a restaurant rather than a bar, and you can get burgers, sandwiches, salads, individual pizzas, or Mexican dishes. It's from Carlos Nieto of Carlos Restaurant. And it's open all afternoon every day including Saturdays. I enjoyed it a lot when I had lunch there recently; it was a big improvement from the places that formerly occupied that same location.

http://www.happinn.com

Northfield itself doesn't have a lot other than the strip mall where the Happ Inn is. Northbrook is going further north; if you're going as far as Max & Benny's, I'd also suggest George's What's Cooking on the "Deerfield" side of Waukegan Rd.

George's What's Cooking - Greek/Jewish diner/deli. Large portions, friendly service, decent if not inspired food, great for all ages
350 South Waukegan Road
Deerfield, IL

Or, you can head a little bit west, to Glenview:

Sweet Tomatoes - great family place - salad bar, pasta bar, potato bar, etc. It's a chain but I always find something to like there.
2351 Willow Rd
Glenview, IL‎

Walker Brothers - pancakes and brunchy food all day - but this location doesn't serve sandwiches or non-breakfast food
1615 Waukegan Rd.
Glenview, IL

If you head a little bit east and south, Wilmette has options such as:

Akai Hana - standard Japanese sushi place, very family friendly (close to the highway at Lake St and Skokie Blvd.)
3223 Lake Avenue
Wilmette, IL

Olive Oil - I have several friends who swear by this place - haven't eaten there myself but worth a try. Mediterranean cooking, soups, salads, sandwiches. It's in downtown Wilmette very close to the train station.
1154 Central Ave
Wilmette IL, 60091

Ridgeview Grill - a step above a standard diner; overall decent, fresh, breakfast until 4 pm plus soup, sandwiches, etc. Location on Lake St. and Ridge Rd. intersection.
827 Ridge Rd.
Wilmette, IL

Walker Brothers, same menu as mentioned above. This location is in southern Wilmette on Green Bay.
153 Green Bay Rd.
Wilmette, IL

Charlie Beinlich's is the best burger i've ever had in my life. But I really wouldn't call the place kid friendly. It's crowded, there is a wait, and there are literally five things on their menu. But, I will still echo the statement -- It is the best burger in the Chicagoland area. PERIOD.


There is a place in the Northbrook Mall called Claim Company that is extremely kid friendly.

http://theclaimcompany.com/

soltro79 wrote:Charlie Beinlich's is the best burger i've ever had in my life. But I really wouldn't call the place kid friendly.

I grew up eating Beinlich's as a kid and now i bring my young kids to eat there all the time. I cant think of many foods that are more kid friendly then a cheeseburger and fries. That having been said the place is technically a bar so i can see why you would think that it is not a good environment for kids, however, my experience has been that kids of all ages are welcomed enthusiastically especially on the weekends.

Beinlich's is fine for families. I just think the watch outs are -- it's crowded, limited menu, no children menu, large portions.

But, that being said, it's the best burger that I've had for my money.

We just ate at the Claim Company this week, and I have to say the burger was outstanding!
They also serve it with homemade "chips" which are like those thick cut potato deep fried things you get at the renaissance fair- crispy, crispy, and crunchy. yum!
It was as good as I remember it being when the claim company was originally there when NB Ct first opened-
They also offer an appetizer of 3 mini (2oz ) burgers which would be great for kids or a kid sized burger,
plus their salad bar is very extensive.
Their menu overall has a nice selection of other items, chicken, salmon, steaks, etc.
You could do alot worse,
it is not quiet-however-there is a certain base level of noise, but maybe mid-afternoon it will be less so.

irisarbor wrote:We just ate at the Claim Company this week, and I have to say the burger was outstanding!

truth.