Here are some of my favorite local restaurants in my hometown area! These are great ideas for the whole family or if you are looking for a place for date night.
Atlas Chicken Shack - Geneva, IL
Step aside, Chick-fil-a! Atlas Chicken Shack offers high-quality chicken and wings that are made to order. This is the ultimate comfort food that is guaranteed to be an awesome meal! Located on Third street in downtown Geneva, this is the perfect place to pick up a meal after shopping or hanging out in the area. They have a quaint, little pick-up window on the side of the building that allows for social distancing while waiting for your meal. Pick it up to go or find a lovely bench to sit on and enjoy!
Atlas Chicken Shack has something for every chicken lover! If you are wanting a chicken sandwich, their Atlas Chicken Sandwich is delicious and has just the right amount of house-made dill pickles. You can opt to get one of their sauces on any of the chicken which amplifies the flavor. My personal favorite is the Citrus Paprika Mayo. This sauce is refreshing and not too hot; it goes well on the chicken sandwich or on the side with the tenders. The chicken tenders are equally delicious and juicy. Their chicken is cooked perfectly so that it does not come out dry or soggy. They also offer salads with their chicken and sauces if you are not feeling tenders or a sandwich. The portions for everything are pretty large which is great when you are hungry. My go-to order here is the Atlas Chicken Sandwich with Citrus Paprika Mayo and fries on the side. Their fries are sea salt brined which will make you want to eat the whole package. Any item from here is worth trying, you cannot go wrong. If you end up wanting to try this place - do yourself a favor and order ahead on their website for fast pickup.
Chiantis - Geneva, IL
Another excellent Italian restaurant option is located on Third street in the heart of downtown Geneva. With a relaxing, delightful atmosphere, Chiantis puts forth a homey ambience complete with a running train along the walls. This is a great place for an elegant date night away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. Chiantis has a detailed menu complete with traditional Italian cuisine as well as creations that are unique to the restaurant. If you prefer a lighter meal, you can opt for the half size which is perfect for lunch portions or if you are not that hungry.
Chiantis puts forth a good amount of dishes that are traditionally Italian such as the Lasagna, Chicken Parmesan, Ravioli, and Manicotti. Their unique flair offers up a few of their own creations such as the Cajun Chicken Tortellini, Garlic Crab, and their own Chiantis Sauce featuring lemon, garlic, and oil. If you are meeting here for lunch or want a light option, The Godfather sandwich is a good choice since it is lighter than pasta but still delicious and appetizing. If you are looking for a good pasta dish, the 5-Cheese Lasagna is a classic and never disappoints. Any dish here is worth trying and is sure to fulfill your Italian food craving. Along with the food, they have a long drink list complete with wine, beer, specialty martinis, and after dinner drinks complete with Irish Coffee and Cafe Amaretto. To wrap it up, Chiantis is a good option for date night and can be elevated by sitting on their cute patio while enjoying the weather. If you are looking to visit, I recommend making reservations in order to guarantee a spot!
Cotto A Legna - Geneva, IL
Cotto A Legna is an Italian restaurant situated at the beginning of Third street in the downtown area of Geneva. They have a beautiful patio that gives ample privacy and allows you to enjoy the weather during the summer. This place is perfect for date night because of the nice setting and extensive drink list. Their food menu is impressive as well and will suit any appetite. They are most known for their wood fired pizzas and fresh, top-quality ingredients used in their food. The food comes out fast so that you can enjoy it while hot and fresh.
First, the food menu is full of delicious options to meet anyone's needs. There are so many options to choose from whether you are feeling pasta, pizza, a sandwich, or a night of appetizers. If you are wanting something on the lighter side, my recommendation is the Chicken Pesto sandwich. The chicken is good quality and the sun dried tomato pesto brings in a punch of flavor. Everything is cooked to crispy perfection and will not leave you hungry. If you are looking for pizza or pasta, that depends on your flavor preference. The Margherita Pizza is a basic option but created with fresh ingredients that make it worth ordering. The Meat Lovers is also a great option because the hot soppressata adds a spicy kick to the traditional Meat Lovers pizza flavors. They have an extensive drink list with wine, beer, and craft cocktails. My favorite cocktail is the peach bellini with a lovely, fresh and fruity taste accompanied by your own little bottle of Prosecco. If whiskey is your thing, the whiskey smash is another great cocktail option made with local Whiskey Acres rye. Overall, Cotto A Legna should be on your date night list. Make reservations for the patio to enjoy the gorgeous weather before it disappears!
Crandall's Chicken - Hebron, IL
Crandall's Chicken is not in the neighborhood, but is worth the drive if you are wanting to get out of town for a bit. We discovered this place while heading to Lake Geneva and decided to stop in one day. Thank goodness we did, because now it is a family favorite thanks to the all- you-can-eat Broasted Chicken. Crandall's has a mom-and-pop charm that is welcoming and warm which makes it the perfect place to settle in and stay awhile. The staff is friendly, efficient, and eager to help you choose what to eat from their detailed menu.
What puts Crandall's on the map is their world famous Broasted Chicken. As an all-you-can-eat option, they keep this delicious chicken coming as long as you can continue to eat it. The dish is served with a side of rolls, coleslaw, and your choice of mashed potatoes or fries. The chicken is broasted which means it is fried while under pressure to ensure the chicken comes out juicy and tender. I am telling you, the chicken makes the drive worth it! Aside from the chicken, they have fried fish as well as chicken pot pie, steaks, and gluten-free coconut shrimp (this is a really great opton, the coconut flakes are delicious). When you are done with your meal, if you can even think about dessert, I recommend the homemade specialty pies. They offer to serve the slice with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream to top it all off. Pies of all kinds exist here making your choice even harder. The blueberry or cherry pie is my favorite with cinnamon ice cream on top. To wrap it up, Crandall's is far from town but the drive is worth it for amazing all-you-can-eat chicken. Bring the whole family because of their large restaurant and extensive seating options.
Crusade Burger Bar - Yorkville, IL
Crusade Burger Bar has been all the rage lately with their insane dessert milkshakes and crazy burger concoctions. Located in downtown Yorkville, the restaurant has a cool, edgy feel inside with a full bar and zombie inspired murals on the walls. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable on all things food and drink and will help you pick what to eat with all the overwhelming options of burgers. In fact, they can help you with dietary needs that you may have such as gluten and dairy allergies as well as veganism and vegetarian options.
Crusade is a great location to bring the whole family because of the astonishing dessert milkshakes. If you think you know milkshakes....think again! These milkshakes tower with croissants, muffins, brownies, ice cream sandwiches, and sometimes a piece of cake. They rotate a new flavor weekly or have choices that stay around awhile and can be taken to go. Check their Facebook or Instagram to view their new weekly flavors. Moving on, the burgers are possibly the best part about the restaurant. Crusade offers weekly burger flavors that rotate along with pre-made burger concoctions or you can choose to build your own. My favorite burger that I order each time I visit is the Phony Tough, Crazy Brave burger that includes house bbq sauce, aged white cheddar, maple bacon spread, and an onion ring to complete it. Everything works so well together to create a perfectly flavorful burger. For the sides, I am more of a fry person but there is something about the green beans with heirloom tomatoes that tastes so delicious. Dusted with parmesan cheese and garlic, this is a great option if you are looking to add some veggies into your meal. In short, Crusade Burger Bar always exceeds my expectations and keeps me wanting to plan another visit back. If you go, make reservations first in order to get a spot, it gets very busy for a good reason!
El Molcajete - Geneva, IL
El Molcajete is also located on Third street in downtown Geneva and stands as one of my favorite Mexican restaurants. They have a festive patio that overlooks the heart of downtown Geneva and is perfect for sipping margaritas with friends and family. The atmosphere of El Molcajete is cozy yet vibrant with the colorful food and drinks being served. It can get busy here so if you are wanting to visit, make sure to make reservations. Also, due to Covid rules, they are only seating parties of five at this time.
The food options here are all enjoyable and the portions are quite large. To start, I recommend the guacamole trio appetizer. This comes with traditional, habanero, and pineapple guacamole with all three tasting fresh and unique. The guacamole of the day can also be switched out for any of the guacamole in the trio at no extra charge which is a great deal, especially if the guacamole of the day is the bacon guacamole! Moving on, El Molcajete has a number of good menu items including savory and spicy tacos, burritos, tortas, and fajitas. Though, perhaps the best thing on the menu is the enchilada dinner. I love enchiladas and these hit the spot every time! My favorite menu item is the beef enchiladas with the roja salsa because it always tastes so fresh, zesty, and flavorful. Lastly, you cannot forget the drinks, of course! The margaritas here are made with fresh fruit and organic agave nectar to provide maximum flavor and sweetness. The strawberry margarita is a classic but they also offer other tasty options. I recommend El Molcajete for a weeknight visit or a weekend date night out on the patio.
Firewater Barbeque - Geneva, IL
As an avid supporter of barbeque, Firewater is an obvious choice when it comes to high quality barbeque in this area. Located around the corner from downtown Geneva, this place is a great restaurant to stop at after shopping around the area or when you are hungry for some tasty hand rubbed and slow smoked meat. Firewater has an outdoor patio for when you want to enjoy the weather or a plethora of indoor seating options that make this place perfect for larger parties. Another benefit to ordering Firewater is the efficiency of their pickup option. If you want to pick up Firewater and enjoy it in the comfort of your own home, fear not because their food comes hot and fresh even when picking it up. The meat is still steaming hot and the sides are not soggy and cold.
Firewater has incredible choices when it comes to barbequed meat. The pulled pork is a family favorite and works well on and off the bun. Their barbeque sauce amplifies the meat and intensifies the flavor but does not take away from the original taste of the pulled pork. The beef brisket is another tasty option for meat lovers because of the thick cut and tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. If you cannot decide what meat to choose from, do yourself a favor and order the two meat combo that comes with a side and a drink, that way you will not miss out on the best items here. The side options are extensive which will make your choice even harder. I highly recommend the sweet potato fries; these are some of the best I have had thanks to their cinnamon rub providing the perfect mix of sweet and savory. You cannot go wrong with their bbq brisket beans or bacon and chive potato salad either. Lastly, If you are in need of a family-friendly restaurant that boasts tasty food, this is the place! Anything off the menu tastes great and is sure to leave you happy.
Gia Mia - Geneva, St Charles, Wheaton IL
Gia Mia is one of my favorite places on this list. The modern, bright space makes this feel like an elegant and polished dining experience and is perfect for a food-filled date night, a girls night out, or a nice dinner with family. Thanks to their creative chefs, Gia Mia includes farm-to-fork concepts, Neapolitan style wood-fired pizzas, and craft cocktails to enjoy. Seating options include their indoor space or the large outdoor space in the back complete with tented seating to shield from the summer heat. The staff really makes the experience that much better because of their willingness to help you find the perfect dish. They are also incredibly knowledgeable about the menu and will answer any questions you may have.
I could talk all day long about how delicious their food is, but I will keep it short. For appetizers, the zucchini fries take the cake. These fries are so crispy and flavorful that you will not be able to put them down. The dish comes with a sauce and lemon on the side that complete the fries to make them amazing. Another good appetizer option is the eggplant parmigiano. Their roasted tomato sauce is excellent and features notes of fresh fennel and lemon. The eggplant is breaded just enough to be crispy and crunchy but not too much that it becomes overpowering. Moving on to the pizza, you cannot go wrong with any of their pizza options. My personal favorite is the Bruno Pie which includes pepperoni, italian sausage, soppressata, and mozzarella. The meat gives this pie a great juicy flavor while the soppressata adds a kick of spice that you would not expect. Incase you need other ideas, more pie favorites include the Hammaker's Pie and the Prosciutto Pie, both of which have their own personal set of creative flavors. If you are looking for a cocktail, there are many tasty options here. The blackberry mojito is my favorite drink on their menu thanks to the fruity and crisp flavors, not to mention the beautiful look of it in the glass. More favorites include the lemon travolta, paloma, and modern old fashioned all of which have great flavors and are light enough to eat before or with dinner. Lastly, do yourself a favor and get the tiramisu for dessert. This dessert is so good that it speaks for itself and my explanation would not do it any justice. Just know, it will be one of the best tiramisus that you will come across. In short, Gia Mia is an amazing dining option that you have to experience at least once. Make reservations to claim your seat in or outside!
Harners Bakery and Restaurant - North Aurora, IL
Harners is quite possibly the pride and joy of North Aurora. If you live here or around the area and have had their donuts or pastries, you know exactly what I am talking about! If you do not know what I am talking about, please do yourself a favor and get to Harners as fast as you can. I was going to feature Harners when talking about desserts, but their restaurant has some amazing food that needs to be shared. Harners is perfect for families and was one of my favorite restaurants to go to when my grandparents would take me out to eat. The staff is so welcoming and make it feel like you are family. There is a big sense of community within Harners because so many groups meet here to eat on a weekly basis and the food has created a huge following (yes, it is that good).
Yes, Harners donuts and pastries are worth talking about, but that will come at a later time. It is time to showcase the goodness that comes from their restaurant menu. To start, you will be greeted with good old fashioned home cooking. Their fried chicken is one of the most well-known menu items and for a good reason! The chicken is hand-dipped into a special batter and then broasted, which means it fries while under pressure to ensure juicy, tender chicken. They are also known for their homemade chicken pot pie, pot roast, and corned beef and cabbage. All these meals are made with love and passion that will win over your heart causing you to have no other option than to visit more often! Another favorite on their menu that you may not suspect is the biscuits and gravy. The biscuits are thick and fluffy which makes for the perfect pile of gravy on top, and you can eat them at any time of day you want. As you finish your dinner, consider leaving on a high note by ordering a piece of their pie for dessert. Any pie will suffice, there is no bad choice here. My pick would be a slice of the cherry pie or french silk pie if you enjoy chocolate. A step into Harners feels like a step into a family kitchen full of love and good food. I highly suggest giving this place a try especially for lunch or dinner.
Juquilita Tacos - North Aurora, IL
Juquilita is one of the best places I have ever been for tacos. They are a local place in North Aurora that puts forth high quality food with authentic flavors from Oaxaca, Mexico. The welcoming atmosphere is something that keeps me coming back here time and time again; the owners and staff are so friendly and kind and go out of their way to have conversations with you especially if you dine in. Also important, I have had their catering before and it was such a huge hit, the tacos were gone so fast because people could not stop eating them. If you are in need of catering for a large party or gathering, I highly recommend Juquilita Tacos. The service is efficient and they are very personable; they will sit down with you and discuss your needs and what you are looking to have.
Continuing on with the food, their menu is extensive and they have a large variety of options for anyone. The food portions are large and the pricing is great, especially if you are ordering for the whole family. If it is your first time here, my recommendation is to go for the tacos because frankly, any taco here is worth trying. My favorite taco is the Picadillo (ground beef) with cilantro and onion and a squeeze of lime. You can tell the tacos are made to order because they come out piping hot and taste great thanks to their natural ingredient selection. If you are looking for something different to try, my next recommendation would be the enchiladas. Whether you are an enchiladas rojas or verdes fan, both are sure to keep you full and happy. I order the enchiladas rojas with ground beef which also comes with rice and refried beans on the side and usually eat the whole meal because it is just that good! If you are feeling super hungry, order their burrito. The burritos are huge and are some of the best I have tasted. Everything is very crunchy and keeps the burrito from getting soggy. On another note, do not miss out on their guacamole and chips. The guacamole is some of the freshest guacamole I have ever had and is made right when you order it. The vegetables and avocado used in the guacamole are always crisp and tasty which make it worth it to include this in your meal. In my experience with Juquilita, I never have had a bad meal from them. I highly recommend you try their food the next time you crave Mexican food, you will not be dissapointed! Call ahead to order because it makes it easier.
South Moon Barbeque - Hinckley, IL
South Moon Barbeque is located in Hinckley, which is a small town west of North Aurora and rocks a vintage, charming feel thanks to the collectables along the walls and the arcade in the back space. This space is a great place to take the whole family if you are looking for awesome food and a fun atmosphere. They slow cook their meat to supply you with smoked true southern barbeque and all of their sauces and sides are homemade. The food does sell out here sometimes, but if you call ahead they can reserve food for you. Gluten-free options can be provided and the meat is gluten-free as well, if you need vegetarian options, all you have to do is ask!
As a rib enthusiast, I can confidently say South Moon has some of my favorite ribs. I once finished an entire slab of ribs here (yes, that's about 11 ribs) and not once did I regret it. The rub and sauce come together to give you a sweet yet smokey flavor that works wonders on the tender rib meat. You know ribs are cooked right when the meat just falls off the bone without having to try very hard - and that is exactly how these ribs are! Other than the ribs, the pulled pork is another hit here that is slow cooked to just the right consistency. Whether you enjoy pulled pork as a sandwich or by itself, there is no wrong way here because both methods will ensure that you get the best taste of the meat. Homemade sauce will complete your meal and lucky for you, they have a lot of options! The Sweet St. Louis is a sweeter sauce with no spice that pairs great with any of the meats they offer, and the Sweet Heat is my personal favorite because while it does have a sweet taste, the spice gives it a nice kick. When you go to choose your side, consider the fries with their delicious seasoning, the baked beans, or the southern fried potato salad. If you bring the kids along, they have a kids menu for when pulled pork is not their favorite thing. Overall, come to South Moon for the barbeque, but stay for the nostalgia of older times and arcade games. Head to the arcade in the back when you are done with your meal and try to beat the high score on Pacman.
Spartan House - Aurora, IL
Spartan House is located in Aurora near Aurora University and is a favorite among the college students that attend. It may look like a typical bar and grill, but their burger is what makes them stand out to me. Obviously, they have a great menu for families especially with young children. This is a good place to bring your family for drinks, appetizers, or a whole meal and know that everyone will find something that suits their appetite. The staff are friendly and will help you if you have any dietary needs or restrictions.
As mentioned above, the burger is what impresses me the most about this place. I love a good, simple burger that does not need a lot of fanciness to make it tasty. The Spartan House burger is exactly that, a simple burger that is done well without having to get too fancy with the toppings. My pick when I visit is the build your own burger with provolone cheese, lettuce, onion, pickles, ketchup and mustard, and a fried egg, of course! The toasted brioche bun ties it all together and keeps the burger crisp without getting soggy or messy. If you are not in the mood for a burger, you are in luck! They have a huge menu that offers a variety of comfort foods sure to peak your interest. Their chicken wings are plentiful and good quality plus there are quite a few sauce options for the spicy lovers and non-spicy fans. All things considered, if you are a fan of burgers, this is the place to go for a simple, high quality burger that will leave you full but not uncomfortable. Spartan House is a solid place to entertain the family with their array of food and drinks. If you are coming here with friends, check out their full-service bar as well.
The Turf Room - North Aurora, IL
The Turf Room is located in North Aurora off of Randall Road. The restaurant is great for fate night since it has a romantic, mysterious feel inside because of the darker ambiance and fire place in the middle of the space. They also have a large outdoor patio complete with two wood burning fireplaces and flowers that align the outside fence area to ensure privacy while dining. Because the menu is quite large, the staff are professional and are always willing to discuss the options that allow you to find the best meal. The Turf Room does get busy especially around dinner time, so make reservations a few days before to ensure a spot.
What makes The Turf Room special is their steaks. Of course, anything on their menu is worth trying especially the brick oven pizza and their appetizer list. However, their steaks and chops are of the utmost quality. They switch their menu around each season to bring you a taste of what each time of year has to offer and provide new, fresh creations that will keep you coming back for more. The Filet is a great choice because it is classic, simple, yet melts in your mouth and is aged for 45 days then cooked to whichever standard you prefer. Their Bone In New York Strip is another good option that features a tender texture and juicy flavor. You can expect smashed honey gold potatoes on the side along with foie gras butter on top of the steak. Overall, their steak and chop options are all high quality which makes trying something new that much easier! If you are looking for a new date night spot with superior food and strong drinks, this is the place to come.