Downers Grove

I will be in Downers today around dinnertime, and wanted to see if there are any worthy places for me to try. I will be dining alone, and do not feel like anything upscale.

Thanks,

Glenn

Chinese: Lao Sze Chuan, Triple Crown (better than the Chinatown branch for dimsum), or Katy's (NB, very, very spare little takeout place that appears mostly to make noodles for others), all on Ogden.

Mexican, Taco Grill, Ogden; el Pulpo, 63rd

BBQ, Uncle Bub's, Cass in Westmont

Bohemian, Golden Duck, Ogden

Chicken, fritters, fish, White Fence Farm takeout (downtown DG)

Nostalgic roadhouse chili parlour, Bishops, Cass in Westmont

Indian, Shree Cass and Ogden, Indian Garden/Mysore Woodlands, Cass and 63rdish.

Beef, dogs, duelling Portillos/Buona Butterfield near 355; Johnny's (same mall as Shree & Katy's, Cass & Ogden); Teddy's 63rd and Main.

Burgers/fresh cut fries, Charky's Cass & 63rd

Burgers, Steak n Shake, Ogden, Downers; Culver's, 75th Darien

There's more, but that's a start.

If atmosphere is unimportant and all you're looking for is good food, try Zander's Cafe, in the strip mall on the corner of Belmont and Maple. From the outside you'll wonder if I'm nuts, but after one meal you'll understand why I consider the place to be a hidden gem in DuPage County.

I'd also recommend Cebu, a Filipino restaurant buried in one of the strip malls at 75th and Lemont -- it's the strip mall on the NE corner, in the row of stores facing north.

Any place in the International Mall on Pasquinelli Drive off of Ogden (right next to Rte. 83). One of the booths has excellent steamed/boiled dumplings; the other one has good Vietnamese-stylie porkchops. Yum. Perfect place/atmosphere for single-dining.

(I wish I was still dating that jerk who lived out there just for those dumplings alone. What am i saying, I have a car, don't I?!)

Any place in the International Mall on Pasquinelli Drive off of Ogden (right next to Rte. 83).

Hi,

How is this place on weeknights? I have been there on weekdays when a few vendors were open and rather quiet. I've been there on weekends when all vendors were open, high traffic and not so easy to find a seat.

I've only gone a few times, though I still dream of getting back there some weekend.

Regards,

Cathy2 wrote:

Any place in the International Mall on Pasquinelli Drive off of Ogden (right next to Rte. 83).

Hi,

How is this place on weeknights? I have been there on weekdays when a few vendors were open and rather quiet. I've been there on weekends when all vendors were open, high traffic and not so easy to find a seat.

I've only gone a few times, though I still dream of getting back there some weekend.

It's not too bad on weeknights. Most of the places were open (i think there may be a booth or two that aren't open on Tuesdays or something like that), and not as many people milling about. Good place to pick up dinner on the fly.

Here are some previous posts about what we in Oak Park call the "far west" burbs.
Oakbrook suggestions

Carol Stream area
and, what I'd do in your situation
Fabulous Noodles in Lisle

Curious - for Bohemian do you prefer Golden Duck to Bohemian Crystal? I've been visiting the former forever, but we're always looking for good Bohemian food.

Didn't start reading Serious Eats until recently, this write up by Molly Durham about Berto's Deli & Pasta Shoppe caught my eye, a tip of the hat from the GrubSeeker for the heads up:

http://chicago.seriouseats.com/2013/09/ ... grove.html

I try to not go into downtown Downers Grove much, the trains can make getting south to north, or the other way around, a pain. Next time I go to Berto's I will come from the north, via Ogden Ave. to Main street.

Never noticed Berto's:




Menu:
http://www.bertosdeli.com/uploads/2/8/0 ... r_menu.pdf

went with a Berto's Sub(ham, salami,cappocollo, provolone, lettuce, tomato, oil):



Good sandwich, and the closest to my work of the ones ive sampled lately, could have used a little more oil, something easily remedied next visit.

Berto's Deli & Pasta Shoppe
5004 Main Street
Downers Grove, IL.

A possible double-down for your next excursion: Los Dos. Simple food done right.

Similar to Berto's, which I've not had in a while, is (Frankie's) Yorktown Deli. Downright crotchety proprietors, good sandwich and salads, homemade giard'.

http://frankiesdeliyorktown.com/
4 Yorktown Shopping Center, Lombard, IL 60148

Santander wrote:A possible double-down for your next excursion: Los Dos. Simple food done right.

Los Dos is definitely on my list. I think I have been to the deli you mentioned near Yorktown - ill double check - thanks

I would second the recommendation for Zander's but thought they had closed.

Zander's and Cebu have both been closed for awhile.

I would definitely give Los Dos a try. The salas are just ok but the steak and homemade tortillas are legit.

Berto's looks like the real deal. I've been going to Amici at 63rd and Fairview and having the deli make to order when I want an Italian sub. They're decent but nothing to go out of your way for.

Big Willi wrote:
Berto's looks like the real deal. I've been going to Amici at 63rd and Fairview and having the deli make to order when I want an Italian sub. They're decent but nothing to go out of your way for.

I liked Berto's, family run spot, a few sparsley filled grocery shelves. I had been to Amici,& thought it was ok, so I was looking for a sandwich spot close to my work in Burr Ridge for the days I dont have time to get down to Palos, Homer, Orlands. I think Berto's will do the job.

edit: been back a couple times and the sandwiched compared to Italia, Frangellas, Stefanellis just do not stack up size or flavor wise, cant really recommend this place.

[quote="Grub1"]I would second the recommendation for Zander's but thought they had closed.[/quote]
This is what happens when 8-year-old threads are resurrected. On other boards I frequent, the practice is called dumpster diving.

Anyway, Zander's has been closed for at least three years. Too bad...when it was open, it was the best lunch option in that part of DG.