Need a Waukegan-area rec

I've got my CEO coming in from out of town to entertain local clients, and I'm being asked to find something not too far from the client's offices in McGaw Park (Waukegan). Nice, but not 4-star.

I can't think of anything offhand that might fit the bill, except perhaps Lovell's in Lake Forest. Any other suggestions?

I've done some searching here, and what I've found so far includes plenty of taquerias (too casual), this thread which might work at the Yacht Club or perhaps Madison Avenue (still not sure they're nice enough).

Now I'd be happy leading these folks up to the counter at Captain Porky's and finding a picnic table at Illinois Beach State Park (hmm... how's the lodge's food these days?), but that may not fly with my CEO.

Hi,

The restaurant getting all the buzz in Waukegan at the moment is:

Bacci's
30 N Genesee St
Waukegan, IL 60085
(847) 623-3121

It is not related to any restaurant in the Chicago area. The owners are neighbors of a friend who lives in Waukegan. I went to an event at the Waukegan Yacht Club about two weeks ago where several people I asked for recommendations all suggested Bacci's. They serve Italian food. Unfortunately when I tried to go there on Sunday, I learned they are closed Sundays.

If you are willing to drive up Sheridan Road, past (sniff) Captain Porky's, there is a very nice old-fashioned restaurant just over the Wisconsin-Illinois border named Ray Radigan's. I hope later this evening to write a report about Ray's on the Beyond Chicagoland Board. I really was impressed with this place.

Ray Radigan's
11712 S. Sheridan Rd.
Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158
Phone: (262) 694-0455
Fax: (262) 694-0798

The menu on the website is a few years old, so the prices have been adjusted up a bit.

Regards,

How about the Tavern in Libertyville? That's fairly close. It's been a long time since I have eaten there. Back then it was called Tavern in the Town (or was it on the Town?). The food wasn't very imaginative, but the steaks were good, and the room was elegant in an old school steakhouse way, but still very comfortable (I know they have redecorated since then). Maybe someone who has been there more recently, can give an opinion.
http://www.tavernlibertyville.com/

Tavern
519 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Libertyville
Tel: (847) 367-5755

If you're willing to go to Lake Forest, as you indicated, I would recommend the English Room at the Deerpath Inn. Really beautiful enclosed porch looking out on a lovely garden. The food is pretty good too.

The English Room
Deerpath Inn
255 E. Illinois Road
Lake Forest
1-800-788-9480

Hi,

As promised, I have posted on Ray Radigan's just over the Illinois-Wisconsin border.

Regards,

Head north on Sheridan Road into Kenosha to Mangia Trattoria for a nice southeastern Wisconsin dining experience that will score you some points with your CEO and not cost a fortune. A great place for a business lunch or dinner.

Mangia Trattoria
5717 Sheridan Road
Kenosha, WI
(262)652-4285

I would second the recommendation of the Tavern in libertyville. Also in Lake Forest is Bank Lane Bistro, which is pretty much my favorite place anywhere.

-Will

If you head south on Waukegan Road, past Abbott Labs, you'll hit Rte 176/Rockland Road. At that intersection, turn left.. and about 1/4 on your left is The Silo.

It's a great restaurant for pizza, sandwiches, chicken, ribs and steaks... a whole lot to choose from.

The location is close (about 10-15 min drive), the food quality is great, and atmostphere is business casual/casual.

The Silo
625 Rockland Road (Rte 176)
Lake Bluff, IL 60044
847.234.6660
http://www.silopizza.com/index.html

Here are another suggestion which is relatively close:

Jimmy's Char House
1413 Peterson Rd
Libertyville, IL 60048
http://www.jimmyscharhouselibertyville.com/
- They have really good steaks and ribs...
To get here, head south on Waukegan Rd and turn left on Rte 137/Peterson Rd. Pass Milwaukee Ave and it will be on your left side before hitting Butterfield Rd.

foodie1 wrote:The Silo

Foodie1,

I've only been to the The Silo once, not had the pizza, we were on an Iowa style pork tenderloin sandwich hunt, and overall liked the place.

I'd agree with your casual/casual description, though wonder if The Silo is a reasonable choice if Joel's comparative is Lovell's in Lake Forest.

The Silo's Ginormous Pork Tenderloin


Enjoy,
Gary

wow... that tenderloin is calling my name! Thanks for the visuals Gary! You're right - The Silo definitely isn't the same caliber as Lovell's.... but it sure is good.

The CEO isn't coming, and neither is the client now. It'll just be a two-company consulting team, so we've turned down the chow level a couple of notches. Based on other recommendations I'm pushing for El Ranchito Michoacano, but the Silo could work too. I'll be bringing it up at the team meeting on Monday.