They’re classics for a reason and they’ve stood the test of time.
Tried & true restaurants with deep traditions in the North Shore. You’ve got to put these on your list…
Homer’s | Wilmette
Home to the best ice cream along with easy eats like burgers, hotdogs, fries etc.
Green Bay Cafe | Winnetka
Cozy and intimate with only about 10 tables serving delicious breakfast and lunch comfort foods made from scratch daily. p.s. This restaurant is cash only.
Chuck Wagon | Wilmette
An old-fashioned fast-food eatery serving burgers, hot dogs, gyros, cheesy fries and milkshakes since 1974. A great grab & go spot!
Northfield Restaurant | Northfield
Since 1976 Northfield Restaurant has been owned by the same family and is known as the local diner in Northfield with a devoted following. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with something for everyone on the menu.
Michael’s | Highland Park
A staple of the downtown Highland Park community with yummy hot dogs, burgers, wraps, cheesy fries and a delicious salad bar. Michael’s also has a private event space and catering.
Little Red Hen | Glencoe
Pizza, ribs, fried chicken among other things at this joint with limited seating.
Hackney’s | Glenview
With two locations in Glenview Hackney’s is home to the famous Hackney burger served on rye bread and the french fried onion brick (pictured above) I love the patio at the Harms Rd location in the summer and the coziness of the Lake Ave outpost for winter months.
Sarkis Cafe | Evanston
All you need to know about Sarkis is it’s home to the Loretta and Disaster breakfast sandwiches and hashbrowns!
Walker Bros Pancake House | Wilmette, Glenview & Highland Park
Best known for their signature buttermilk pancakes and fluffy omelettes. They also have a mickey mouse shaped pancake that are so fun for kids!
Meier’s Tavern | Wilmette
A farmhouse turned speakeasy purchased by the Meiers family in 1933, this tavern still has that dive bar feel. My order is always a DAB beer, patty melt and their tots, yum!
The Lantern | Lake Forest
The Lantern was established the year after prohibition and earned its name from the train-car lanterns across the street. The large menu caters to all palates and they have a great list of draft beers. With sports memorabilia adorning the walls and a little choo choo train that runs along th upper perimeter of the restaurant, it’s an easy family spot!
Three Tarts | Northfield
One of my favorite eateries with delicious sandwiches, quiches, soups, salads and sweet treats!
Country Kitchen | Highland Park
Hearty and comforting breakfast and lunch options are served at this cozy NS staple.
Barnaby’s Pizza | Northbrook
Best known for their thin and crispy cornmeal crust pizzas with fresh homemade dough and pizza sauce.
Ron of Japan | Northbrook
You get dinner and a show at this teppanyaki spot that is an experience to say the least. You must get the egg sauce! You will require a change of clothes after because you leave smelling like cooking oil.
Charlie Beinlich’s | Northbrook
A petite menu, but really you go for the burger which has been served the same way since 1950.
Foodstuffs | Glencoe
With an ever changing weekly menu for in-store Foodstuffs provides prepared foods; including homemade appetizers, soups, entrees, salads, sauces, breads and pastries. They also have fine cheeses, fresh seafood, custom made sandwiches, build your own salads and unique shelf products. Fan favorites are their red pepper dip, Courtney’s tuna salad, monster bites and buttercream sandwich cookies.
Once Upon a Bagel | Winnetka, Highland Park & Northbrook
Deli comfort food at it’s best. While the menu can be very overwhelming, I always stick to the classics like matzah ball soup, a corned beef sandwich or grandma’s tuna salad.
