Need some place near Fox Valley Mall

A group of my former classmates and spouses is trying to find a location to meet that is somewhat central. One lives in St Charles, two live in/near Oswego and I live near North Ave and Harlem in the city. I've suggested something near Fox Valley Mall, another suggested maybe something along Butterfield Rd. I am not very familiar with the area, nor with their tastes in food. Something on the nice end of casual, good for conversation, and not Asian (my preference). There may be kids in tow for one family as well. 6-8 adults. Any suggestions? I tried to search, but didn't come up with anything.

The Fox Valley Mall sits pretty much in a sea of every chain you can think of. There are a few places nearby I can suggest. Meson Sabika is Spanish tapas but they also have a regular menu. They have a really pleasant patio area but the place is an old mansion in a neat setting. Also, just a little north of the mall is Key Wester, it is part of the Portillo group but by no means a Portillo's. The menu is Key West oriented with a lot of seafood but a good variety of other things. The have giant fish tanks, ponds, waterfalls and out door seating. Not in the Fox Valley area but off of Butterfield is Reza's which offers Mediterranean food, a wide menu of vegetarian, seafood, lamb and steaks.

Meson Sabika
1025 N. Aurora Ave.
Naperville
630-983-3000

Key Wester
1975 Glacier Park (faces Rte. 59)
Naperville
630-778-8700

Reza's
40 North Tower Road (faces Butterfield)
Oak Brook
630-424-9900

Luigi's House is another in the Portillo's chain, and is across the street from the previously mentioned Key Wester. I like the chicen limone, and if the kids don't come, the group could relax in the piano bar. http://www.portillos.com/luigis/look/

Carrabba Grill recently opened across Rte 59 from the mall. It's smaller than its sister in Woodridge and its menu is a little smaller (no eggplant parm, unfortunately). http://www.carrabbas.com/

Traverso's in Naperville might work. It's an old family-style Italian restaurant with good thin crust pizza, pastas, chops, etc. People like their fried chicken. http://www.traversosrestaurant.com/7.html?sm=12351

Haven't been there yet, but an outpost of Riva recently opened in Naperville, and its location of route 59 and I-88 would be perfect.

With all due respect, IMHO the Fox Valley Mall/Route 59 area is an area to avoid. It is comprised of strip malls and has absolutely no character whatsoever. Even places such as Luigi's, Key Wester, and Carrabba -- which may actually have adequate/decent food -- seem as though they're not much more than a step above your typical chain restaurant with their contrived concepts and faux decor.

Meson Sabika is a good recommendation, but it is an upscale tapas restaurant and is not especially kid-friendly. You may be better off venturing into Naperville, where there are more options, or even heading farther east. Alternatively, downtown Geneva almost would be worth the extra drive, as opposed to settling for something around Rt. 59.

, I didn't see your post (prior to my previous post), but Riva is a good suggestion. I haven't been there, though, and my sense is that it may be a bit fancy.

Also, I just remembered that there is an Italian steakhouse/restaurant right near the Fox Valley mall. I haven't been there, but it actually is supposed to be pretty good...Here is a link to their website:


http://lorenzos-steakhouse.com/

Luigi's House just showed up in Wine Spectator's restaurant issue as having an excellent wine cellar, which shocked me. My one meal there was mediocre. My two meals at Key Wester were worse than mediocre.

There are a lot of better options if you go a short distance away from Fox Valley.

My first choice these days would be Pasta Amore, which is at 87th and route 59 behind Walgreen's. The food is good, the selection is wide, and they have lots of space for you and the families.

Meson Sabika is another good choice. Neither of these places are particularly close to the highway, though Pasta Amore would be great for the folks from Oswego.

There also is a new outpost of the Francesca chain at 95th and route 59, but I cannot think of any reason to choose it ahead of Pasta Amore - higher priced, food not as good, slighlty less convenient for you...

I have not heard anything from anyone about Riva, though it would also be convenient. It is likely to be the most pricey of the group, though, and I doubt it would be so kid-friendly. The Country House at Fabyan Parkway and Kirk Road. Very convenient for the St. Charles folks, not bad for Oswego, but a little far west for you. Burgers and American food in a casual atmosphere.

How about Greek Islands in Oakbrook Terrace? It could easily take your group, the food is good, and it is a bit closer to a geographic center for everyone (as is Reza's, but I am less of a fan of their food).

You said no to Asian, so I assume that rules out Indian, but there is a pretty good place near route 59 and I 88 that would be pretty convenient to all, as well, Sizzle India.

Hopefully there is a good option in all that.

Pasta Amore
2112 Winding River Dr
Naperville, IL 60564
(630) 904-7500

Country House
2095 S. Kirk Rd.
Geneva

Greek Islands (okay the address is Lombard, but the place is in Oakbrook Terrace, believe me)
300 E. 22nd St.
Lombard, IL
(630) 932-4545

Sizzle India
1904 Brookdale Rd # 152
Naperville, IL 60563
(630) 305-9800

Actually the Country House on College Rd in Lisle would be more centrally located than the one in Geneva, and the food is much better there as well.

Hmm...haven't been there in more than a year, but Raffi's in 5th Ave Station in Naperville would also fit the bill...

Ron A. wrote:Also, I just remembered that there is an Italian steakhouse/restaurant right near the Fox Valley mall. I haven't been there, but it actually is supposed to be pretty good...Here is a link to their website:


http://lorenzos-steakhouse.com/

Ron A. beat me to it, but I would second Lorenzo's.

Other than that, the immediate mall area is in deed chain hell.

We go there for anniversaries and special occasions. My wife has not been let down by any of the pasta dishes, and I get the 28oz steak almost every time.

The tirmasu (sp) is pretty good after the meal as well.

Payton's in downtown Aurora. Good on all counts for you.

Wow. Thanks for all the responses! More than I anticipated. I'll run them by the group and see what they think and report back to this thread.

Kind of a fun place to go would be Al Capone's Hideaway just north of St. Charles...I think, just off of Rt. 25. It sits right on the Fox River. You almost think you're going to go into the river as you get there.
http://www.al-capone.com/steakhouse/index.html