Kenilworth & Wilmette are neighboring villages along the lake that make up Chicago’s North Shore.
Kenilworth is located approximately 17 miles north of downtown Chicago, Kenilworth is a quaint village with less than 1,000 homes within its .6-mile radius. The village was designed around its town assembly hall, the Kenilworth Club, to make the most of its natural beauty. Residents enjoy beautiful public beach, historical architecture, cozy parks, and annual traditions that preserve the community’s charm.
Wilmette is a vibrant community comprised of many neighborhoods. The village extends approximately five miles west from Lake Michigan and is approximately one mile wide. At the heart of town you’ll find specialty stores, restaurants, and the Wilmette Theatre. Along Sheridan Road there is Plaza del Lago, providing more shops and services to locals. Meanwhile, ample recreational activities are available at Gillson Park and beach, Wilmette Harbor, and the Centennial Recreation Complex, which includes swimming, tennis, and ice skating.
Here are some of my favorite places eat/drink, play & shop in both neighborhoods!
eats
Sophia Steak – The neighborhood steakhouse with delicious food and sophisticated interiors. The perfect spot for celebrations, date night or a GNO! Sophia Steak also has a great kid’s menu.
Buck Russell’s – A new spot that is half bakery, half sandwich shop – what more could one ask for? Serving breakfast & lunch and sweet treats in a nostalgic, diner like atmosphere.
Homer’s Ice Cream – An institution that is home to the best ice cream along with easy eats like bugers, hotdogs, sandwiches etc.
Great Coast Commons – A neighborhood spot with something for everyone! I love their southern fried chicken sandwich.
Depot Nuevo – My favorite margarita on the NS! Yummy, modern Mexican food with arguably the best outdoor seating in Wilmette for summer nights. P.s. Ask for Reed, he’s the best server!
Napolita – A cozy restaurant with authentic wood burning pizzas and delicious pastas made with fresh ingredients from Italy.
Hot Cakes – Breakfast favorites in a homey atmosphere. Just a reminder this spot is cash only.
Valley Lodge Tavern – Elevated bar food that always hits the spot. Another restaurant with a great kid’s menu.
Pescadero – A nautical seafood & oyster bar with wine on tap They also have a new outpost in the city!
Walker Brother’s – Another NS institution for a delicious breakfast with the best buttermilk pancakes!
Fuel – Farm-to-table cuisine with an ever changing menu serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. P.s. it’s BYOB!
AO sushi – Fresh selection of sushi rolls to-go along with a small Japanese grocery store and fish market.
Lefty’s Pizza Kitchen – This pizza spot refers to itself as the home of the caramelized crust. You can’t go wrong with their deep dish or thin crust. (I have whole blog post about my favorite NS pizza places)
Alchemy – Known for their bold coffee & tasty scones!
Lou Malnati’s – Synonymous with Chicago pizza, Lou’s is always a fan favorite!
Torino Ramen – Known as the ramen spot in town, but they also have delicious sushi.
Central Station Coffee – Wilmette’s local coffee shop where you can sip on a latte, enjoy pastries from Hewn bakery and admire local artwork.
Cocomero – Self serve frozen yogurt with toppings galore!
Pit & Tap – Texas style BBQ with chic interiors. Pit & Tap’s service is fast, which makes it great for dining with kids.
Chuck Wagon – Home to the cheeseburger with gyro meat on top and other fast food favorites.
Cluckers– The best neighborhood chicken spot with great combo meals to feed your whole family.
Convito Cafe & Market – A cafe with nods to both Italian and French cuisine. There’s also a food and wine market for to-go items!
Koya – Fresh make-your-own sushi bowls and bento boxes along with Boba tea.
St. Roger Abbey – A French patisserie run by nuns known for their delicious baked goods.
Irvings – Fast food favorites like char dogs, burgers, fries etc!
shop
Chantilly Lace – The best spot for undergarments, pajamas and swimwear!
Chalet – You will find something for every season for your garden & home. Chalet also has landscaping services along with classes & events for the community. A must visit during the holidays too!
The Wild Child – Gifts galore for your little ones and they do a wonderful job wrapping.
Giggles & Giraffes – Some of my favorite brands for kids – kissy kissy, Ralph Lauren & hand knit items!
Yellow Bird – Custom invites, stationery and gifts!
Wilmette Bicycle & Sports Shop – One stop shop for your bicycle and sporting good needs.
Backyard Barbeque Store – This store is BBQ heaven complete with grills, accessories, sauces & rubs. Backyard BBQ hosts summer grilling classes, wine dinners and private parties. They also have fun beers on tap and a select food menu on weekends.
The Bottle Shop – Sip on over 400 bottles of wine and a huge selection of craft beer. Plus they offer free delivery. There is also a lounge where you can sip with friends or sit al fresco!
things to do
Play at the park – Vattaman, Langdon, Townley, Forest, Maple & Thornwood
Go bowling at the Wilmette Bowl
Soak up the sunshine at Gillson Beach, Kenilworth Beach or Elmwood Dunes
Visit the Baha’i House of Worship
Stroll the Wilmette French Market – every Saturday April through October.
See a movie, live music or comedy show at The Wilmette Theater
The Wilmette Park District & Kenilworth Park District are great resources to stay in the know for what’s happening in the community!
You can read my Glencoe guide here!
