Chicago is known for some amazing food that people will travel miles for. But the big city to the south of us isn’t the only place to get your eat on. We polled our readers (and friends) to see what they think you must not leave Lake County before eating. Here is a list of 15 foods you have to try in Lake County.
- Wings from Frank’s for the Memories – Kari H. and Robin C.
The best wings I have ever had, hands down, has a huge fan base locally and around the globe.You can also check out my list of favorite wing places in Lake County here. But for real, GO TO FRANK’S FIRST.
Franks for the Memories
645 E. Hawley St. Mundelein | (847) 949-9464 Photo credit Frank’s for the Memories on Facebook[spacer height=”20px”]
Tacos and Margarita’s from Milwalky Taco – Andrea C.
Read Loralie’s taco showdown article.* Will Milwalky Taco win? Guess you’ll have to read to find out. *And apparently they have amazing hot chocolate too.
Milwalky Taco
605 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville | (847) 513-5766
[spacer height=”20px”] - Chicken Kabob Salad from Nino’s Gyros – Linda N.
There are more than just gyros here. We also recommended Nino’s for their Greek Fries here.
Nino’s Gyros
2134 E. Grand Ave., Lindenhurst | (224) 444-8056 Photo credit Lovin Oven Cakery on Facebook[spacer height=”20px”]
- Cake from Lovin’ Oven Cakery – Dawn C., Cupcakes from Lovin’ Oven Cakery – Shari B.
I am going to make a big statement here: Lovin’ Oven is the best bakery I have ever been to. I know I will get a lot of heat for this but it is my favorite along with thousands of Lake County residents as well. Adding a second location in 2009 to downtown Libertyville proves my point. Psst–the chocolate chip coffee cake is the bomb. Lovin’ Oven also made our list for best cupcakes in Lake County.
Lovin’ Oven Cakery
2207 N. Illinois 83, Round Lake Beach | (847) 231-4700
355 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville | (847) 207-4500
[spacer height=”20px”] - Pizza from Ron’s Italian Ovens – Melissa B.
All I know is that they serve this pizza at our local high school concession stands and thousands of hungry teenagers can’t be wrong. Oh and this is right next door to Lovin’ Oven, so pick up some cupcakes for dessert.Ron’s also made our list for Best Party Catering in Lake County.
Ron’s Italian Oven’s
2195 N. Illinois 83, Round Lake Beach | (847) 231-6269
[spacer height=”20px”] - Chicken Parmesan from Ristorante Bottaio- Lisa M.
Ristorante Bottaio also made our Fan Favorites list for Best Italian Restaurants in Lake County. Read Jessica’s article here.
Ristorante Bottaio
946 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville | (847) 573-1800
[spacer height=”20px”] - Gyros from Mama K’s- Rebecca B.
I know the source of this tip and he is a good one. Go for the pizza too.
Mama K’s Pizza Grille
5250 Grand Ave. Suite 4, Gurnee | (847) 249-8229
[spacer height=”20px”] - Tacos from Lewis Fresh Market – Felita S.
According to my friend Felita, you can get delicious one dollar tacos here. Check it out because this store looks amazing.
Lewis Fresh Market
2727 W. Grand Ave., Waukegan | (847) 693-3100
1600 Lewis Ave., Waukegan | (847) 249-3445
[spacer height=”20px”] Photo credit Bill’s Pizza & Pub on Facebook[spacer height=”20px”]
- Double-decker pizza from Bill’s Pub – Jennifer J.
So many delicious pizza choices in Lake County but if you’ve never had a Bill’s Pizza, you haven’t really eaten in Lake County. Bill’s also made our Fan Favorites list of Best Pizza in Lake County.
Bill’s Pizza and Pub
624 S. Lake St., Mundelein | (847) 566-5380
Bill’s Pub North
18945 W. Washington St., Third Lake | (847) 548-9900
[spacer height=”20px”] - Duck fat fries from Bulldog’s Grill – Melissa H.
Bulldog’s also made our Fan Favorites list of the Best Cheeseburgers in Lake County.
Bulldog’s Grill
122 S. Main St., Wauconda | (847) 526-8234
[spacer height=”20px”] - Garlic rolls from Bob Chinn’s Crab House – Jennifer J.
Just over the Lake County border in Cook County, but it is worth the trip.FOR THE MAI TAI’S ALONE. Did I yell that?
Bob Chinn’s Crab House
393 S. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling | (847) 520-3633
[spacer height=”20px”] - Italian Beef from Portillo’s – Rosemary B.
I think this is a given. We talked about Portillo’s cake shake in our 100 things to do in Winter article.
Portillo’s
Gurnee Mills – 6102 W. Grand Ave., Gurnee | (847) 264-5060
Portillo’s w/ Barnelli’s
221 E. Townline Rd., Vernon Hills | (847) 367-7290 - Pupusa’s from Pupusita Express in Lake Zurich – Michelle P.
I have been meaning to go here with my friend Shannon for forever but we never got around to it. We will after Michelle’s raving review of their pupusa’s. What is a pupusa? It’s fun to say isn’t it? It is a Salvadorean dish sandwich made with tortillas, meat, cheese and refried beans. I just want to go so I can say ONE PUPUSA PLEASE! It’s fun to say.
Pupusita Express
69 S. Rand Rd., Lake Zurich| (847) 550-5325Now in Round Lake Beach at 1114 N. Cedar Lake Road
[spacer height=”20px”] - Chocolate dipped strawberries from Long Grove Confectionery – Jennifer J.
Worth every penny. Treat yourself today because you deserve it. Yeah you do!
Long Grove Confectionery
220 Robert Parker Coffin Rd., Long Grove | (847) 634-0080
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Wayne’s Breakfast Pizza | Photo Source Wayne’s Facebook Page - Breakfast Pizza from Wayne’s
Who says you can’t have pizza for breakfast? I’m not talking day old cold pizza either. Wayne’s makes a thick and fluffy (it’s been described as yeasty and yummy) crust and tops it with scrambled eggs and cheese, you can also add bacon and veggies. It’s basically an omelet on top of a pizza crust and Melissa’s husband says it’s the best breakfast around
Wayne’s Pizza
34197 N. US Highway 45, Third Lake | (847) 223-2441
What are your can’t-miss items to eat in Lake County?
The Kurtos (spring donuts) at Heart of Europe in downtown Barrington! There’s nothing like them anywhere. They are incredible.
I will have to check that out! Thanks for the tip, Liz!