Introducing Indie Eats! An insider’s guide to the best in Local, Independent, Dining.
Where to go and what to eat in Lake County is the question everyone wants to be answered. With so many towns and so many establishments, there are a lot of choices. Little Lake County has compiled a ‘sampler platter’ of independently owned, family-friendly restaurants in select Lake County towns as suggestions for your own family dining experience to make your dining decisions just a little bit easier. We might even toss in a suggestion for a date night, too. And feel free to recommend additions to our lists–we love reader suggestions.
This week we’re heading to Deerfield!
We love finding family-friendly places to eat, especially when it’s coupled with exploring locally-owned restaurants around Lake County. One of our favorite stops is Deerfield because it’s a sweet little town right on the train line. There have been a few times when we’ve taken the Milwaukee District North line from Prairie Crossing to Deerfield to spend the day playing at the parks, browsing for new books at the bookstore, and eating at our favorite local spots.
Where to Eat in Deerfield
Tony’s Subs
1480 Waukegan Road, Deerfield | (847) 680-8900
If you want to know where the locals go, this is it. While it’s not walking distance from the train station, it’s absolutely worth the short drive north of town. Tony’s uses the freshest ingredients and isn’t afraid to pile the meats and veggies up high. The subs are made with Gonella bread, which is based out of Schaumburg. If that isn’t enough, the hot-air fries are amazing! From Tony’s Subs, you’re only a short drive to Jewett Park, a great place for a picnic and play.
Il Forno
750 Osterman Street, Deerfield | (847) 680-8900
Looking for a great thin-slice pizza in Deerfield? Head over to Il Forno! Il Forno has great thin crust pizza and is nestled behind the shopping area near Barnes, and Noble so don’t miss it!
Deerfield Italian Kitchen
648 Deerfield Road, Deerfield | (847) 945-2727
For more of a family-style, sit-down Italian restaurant, try The Italian Kitchen. It’s a family-owned and family-run business. If you visit for lunch, enjoy the all-you-can-eat lunch buffet.
Kevin’s Place
808 Waukegan Road, Deerfield | (847) 945-4577
Kevin’s Place has a diner feel with quirky decorations, family photographs, and children’s artwork on the walls. This eatery has a great kids’ menu, super fresh fruit, and even a no-egg skillet for the vegetarian or vegan in your family. Be sure you have time to enjoy the funky ambiance and great food. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to meet Kevin himself, who enjoys visiting with the kids.
Deerfield’s Bakery
813 Waukegan Road, Deerfield | (847) 945-0068
What’s a great restaurant list without dessert? I started playing the violin in fourth grade, and growing up in Lake Forest, we always went to Deerfield Music for my instrument, replacement strings, and sheet music. Every trip to the music store also meant stopping for a treat at Deerfield’s Bakery. From cookies to cake to even gluten-free options, Deerfield Bakery has you covered!
Did we miss your favorite Deerfield Restaurant? Share it with us in the comments!
Jen
Mundelein
Jen Vincent is a Technology Integration Specialist for Mundelein School District 75 who loves to stay busy and go on adventures with her two monsters, Jordan and Danny, and her sports-loving husband, Chad. As a writer, blogger and educator, she strives to model and inspire others to live a growth mindset in everything she does — be it staying in a yurt on a yoga retreat, writing a novel, or ordering a drink at Starbucks. While she loves a good Kombucha and a fresh salad, she can tell you where to get the best vegan chocolate cake and non-meat “bacon” burger in Chicagoland. Jen blogs can be found on Twitter at @mentortexts as well as jenvincentwrites.com.
Kevin’s Place closed. There’s another restaurant there called The Cherry Pit.