The best restaurants in Crystal Lake
195 restaurants we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.
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Pinned in Crystal Lake today
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Two pinned places a day in Crystal Lake — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. List your business →Paid placements are always marked.
De Arcos Pizza
RestaurantsConverted house offering custom pizza pies & slices, plus salads, sandwiches & sides.
De Arcos Pizza
RestaurantsStix n Brix Pizza Cafe
RestaurantsWood-fired pies & sandwiches, plus draft beer & wine, served in an industrial, brick-lined space.
Stix n Brix Pizza Cafe
RestaurantsGiordano's
RestaurantsKnown for deep-dish pizza, this casual chain serves other classic Italian food, plus beer & wine.
Giordano's
RestaurantsNaples Pizza
RestaurantsCasual restaurant offering pizza, Italian beef sandwiches, and other comfort food, plus a slot machine.
Naples Pizza
RestaurantsGianna's Pizza
RestaurantsThis snug pizzeria specializing in NYC-style pies also offers pasta, wings, sandwiches & salad.
Gianna's Pizza
RestaurantsCocula Restaurant Commercial
RestaurantsRelaxed joint offering traditional Mexican fare & margaritas in a standard setting.
Cocula Restaurant Commercial
RestaurantsPalermo's of 63rd Pizza and Restaurant
RestaurantsFamily-friendly spot serving pizza & Italian-American dishes in old-school digs for 50+ years.
Palermo's of 63rd Pizza and Restaurant
RestaurantsNella Pizza e Pasta
RestaurantsNeapolitan pies from a special oven, pasta, antipasti & salads pair with cocktails & Cal-Ital wines.
Nella Pizza e Pasta
RestaurantsAlynia zushi & karaoke lounge
RestaurantsLow-key locale putting out sushi, oysters and other Japanese eats, plus karaoke.
Alynia zushi & karaoke lounge
RestaurantsAscione Bistro Hyde Park
RestaurantsTraditional & updated Italian fare is served in a relaxed dining room with full bar & a patio.
Ascione Bistro Hyde Park
RestaurantsCarmelo's Taco Place
RestaurantsComfortable, family-friendly restaurant with a kids' menu and playground, serving tacos and other Mexican dishes.
Carmelo's Taco Place
RestaurantsSit Down Cafe & Sushi Bar
RestaurantsSleek, stylish cafe featuring pizza, sushi & sandwiches plus a full bar, smoothies & coffee drinks.
Sit Down Cafe & Sushi Bar
RestaurantsKyoto Japanese Restaurant
RestaurantsJapanese grill for sushi and Hibachi classics, plus cocktails and beer.
Kyoto Japanese Restaurant
RestaurantsFox's Restaurant & Pub
RestaurantsComfortable corner restaurant & bar serving thin-crust pizzas & American pub grub.
Fox's Restaurant & Pub
RestaurantsS & T Provisions
RestaurantsNeighborhood deli noted for its pizza sets (including thin-crust), plus a wide array of frozen pasta dishes.
S & T Provisions
RestaurantsTaqueria El Taquin
RestaurantsAuthentic Mexican staples like enchiladas and tacos served in casual surroundings.
Taqueria El Taquin
RestaurantsTacos Don "Memo"
RestaurantsRelaxed eatery offering familiar Mexican dishes such as tacos, tortas, and tamales.
Tacos Don "Memo"
RestaurantsOld Chicago Pizza Company
RestaurantsFamily-friendly chain restaurant featuring Italian entrees along with a wide beer selection.
Old Chicago Pizza Company
RestaurantsMr. Taco Mex
RestaurantsFriendly taco joint featuring crispy tortillas, steak and carnitas, among other staples.
Mr. Taco Mex
RestaurantsDanny's Pizza Place
RestaurantsBare-bones pizzeria with checkered tablecloths serving extra-large pies & classic Italian eats.
Danny's Pizza Place
RestaurantsChant Restaurant In Hyde Park
RestaurantsTrendy late-night eatery featuring creative, Asian-inspired global cuisine & a full bar.
Chant Restaurant In Hyde Park
RestaurantsBirrieria Ocotlan
RestaurantsCasual eatery popular for goat-meat birria and other Mexican comfort fare, plus consomé.
Birrieria Ocotlan
RestaurantsRoute 66 Pizza
RestaurantsLow-key Italian-American eatery turning out hand-tossed pizzas, pasta, burgers & more.
Route 66 Pizza
RestaurantsMaya's Pizza
RestaurantsCasual, family-owned restaurant offering homemade Chicago-style pizza and other comfort food until late.
Maya's Pizza
RestaurantsNaples Pizza
RestaurantsCounter-serve eatery serving Italian & American staples from deep-dish pizzas to burgers.
Naples Pizza
RestaurantsL & L Pizzeria
RestaurantsNeighborhood eatery for pizza and other comfort foods, plus friendly service.
L & L Pizzeria
RestaurantsThe Oven
RestaurantsCasual Italian eatery dishing up pizza and pasta, along with comfort staples.
The Oven
RestaurantsMedici On 57th
RestaurantsU of Chicago BYO hangout where pizza, burgers & sandwiches figure among the American eats.
Medici On 57th
RestaurantsSora Temakeria
RestaurantsLaid-back eatery serving straightforward Japanese dishes such as sushi and maki rolls, along with Latin-inspired fillings.
Sora Temakeria
RestaurantsPrime Sushi and Ramen
RestaurantsCasual sushi restaurant in a strip mall offering quick bites and small plates in comfortable surrounds.
Prime Sushi and Ramen
RestaurantsJet's Pizza
RestaurantsCounter-serve chain offering Detroit-style pizza with flavored crusts, plus wings & subs.
Jet's Pizza
RestaurantsFranconello
RestaurantsWhite-tablecloth Italian eatery serving stalwart classics like veal piccata & pasta Bolognese.
Franconello
RestaurantsPaisans Pizzeria - West Lawn
RestaurantsPizza & pasta, plus gourmet burgers, offered in a casual space that's part of a small local chain.
Paisans Pizzeria - West Lawn
RestaurantsSouth Kawa Japanese Restaurant
RestaurantsA variety of sushi & other Japanese eats served in a stylish, modern space with a big-screen TV.
South Kawa Japanese Restaurant
RestaurantsShinya Ramen House - Midnight Diner
RestaurantsJapanese noodle soups & skewered snacks in a classic izakaya with a chill vibe & outdoor seating.
Shinya Ramen House - Midnight Diner
RestaurantsWise Guy's Pizza
RestaurantsPopular pizzeria, with thin-crusted pies and slices.
Wise Guy's Pizza
RestaurantsConte's Pizza
RestaurantsLongtime pizzeria serving crispy-crusted pies, burgers and wings.
Conte's Pizza
RestaurantsCiao Ragazzi Restaurant & Bar
RestaurantsVibrant restaurant serving traditional Italian cuisine, including wood-fired pizzas, plus beer and wine.
Ciao Ragazzi Restaurant & Bar
RestaurantsWaffle Pancake House
RestaurantsFamily-run breakfast spot specializing in traditional food staples, omelets, waffles and pancakes.
Waffle Pancake House
RestaurantsAsia Buffet & Grill
RestaurantsLarge, unfussy restaurant featuring unlimited portions of Asian & American comfort foods.
Asia Buffet & Grill
RestaurantsVito & Nick's Pizzeria
RestaurantsFamily-owned, South Side institution serving up thin-crust pizza & Italian favorites since 1932.
Vito & Nick's Pizzeria
RestaurantsLa Catedral Cafe Little Village
RestaurantsEasygoing eatery offering brunch & European-inspired Mexican dishes in a snug, colorful dining area.
La Catedral Cafe Little Village
RestaurantsThe Soul Food Lounge
RestaurantsAiry eatery serving soul food staples in a vibrant tavern setting.
The Soul Food Lounge
RestaurantsRed Barrel Restaurant
RestaurantsFamily-friendly restaurant serving familiar American fare in a casual space with a bar and karaoke.
Red Barrel Restaurant
RestaurantsHome Run Inn Pizza
RestaurantsOld-school local chain serving an assortment of pizzas, pastas & burgers in casual environs.
Home Run Inn Pizza
RestaurantsUncle Remus Saucy Fried Chicken
RestaurantsLongtime, casual spot serving soul food including signature sauce-laden fried chicken.
Uncle Remus Saucy Fried Chicken
RestaurantsLacoco's Pizza & Wings
RestaurantsLocal joint serving a menu of pizza, pasta, American fare & homemade Italian ice, plus a full bar.
Lacoco's Pizza & Wings
RestaurantsTequila CS Cantina Grill
RestaurantsTacos, fajitas & Mexican seafood, plus tequila drinks, in lively digs with colorful arched walls.
Tequila CS Cantina Grill
RestaurantsThat's Amore Pizza
RestaurantsWhen the New York style craving hits, That's Amore Pizza turns out hand-tossed, thin crust pies with dough made fresh daily, signature…
That's Amore Pizza
RestaurantsEden
RestaurantsEden is all about seasonal, local flavors, with an on-site greenhouse feeding a menu of simple, clean dishes that actually taste like the…
Eden
RestaurantsBenedict's La Strata
RestaurantsBenedict's La Strata nails the breakfast-brunch-lunch trifecta with award-winning omelets and pancakes, cheeky rooster vibes, and a Bloody…
Benedict's La Strata
RestaurantsBaker Hill Pancake House
RestaurantsBaker Hill Pancake House keeps it simple and satisfying with fluffy buttermilk pancakes, a legit signature breakfast sandwich, fresh…
Baker Hill Pancake House
RestaurantsPasta Palazzo
RestaurantsMake it your move this week with Pasta Palazzo, the cozy Italian spot with handmade pastas, jalapeno gnocchi, and daily specials like…
Pasta Palazzo
RestaurantsSapori Trattoria
RestaurantsSmall, cozy, and all about housemade pasta, Sapori Trattoria nails the classics with comforting sauces and the kind of plates that make you…
Sapori Trattoria
RestaurantsRoka Akor
RestaurantsUpscale Japanese restaurant & bar supplying steak, seafood & sushi in a contemporary setting.
Roka Akor
RestaurantsLittle Goat Diner
RestaurantsStephanie Izard's diner serving a huge menu of creative, gourmet takes on comfort food classics.
Little Goat Diner
RestaurantsLe Colonial Chicago
RestaurantsUpscale French-Vietnamese fare in a Gold Coast row house with balcony seating & an outdoor patio.
Le Colonial Chicago
RestaurantsThe Cottage Pub
RestaurantsModest, wood-paneled hangout with outdoor seats offering American grub, draft beer & cocktails.
The Cottage Pub
RestaurantsDave's Hot Chicken
RestaurantsCasual, Nashville-style, chicken-focused chain serving tenders, sliders, fries, and crispy wings in a laid-back spot.
Dave's Hot Chicken
RestaurantsLongman & Eagle
RestaurantsHipster spot with modern farm-to-table fare & nose-to-tail eats plus whiskey & craft cocktails.
Longman & Eagle
RestaurantsSushi Station
RestaurantsCasual Japanese restaurant featuring sushi served from a conveyor belt plus sake & beer.
Sushi Station
RestaurantsDaNang kitchen
RestaurantsStraightforward Vietnamese storefront cafe with traditional fare including pho with coffee.
DaNang kitchen
RestaurantsBoulevard Bistro
RestaurantsCasual place serving American breakfast standards, eggs and steaks amid a friendly atmosphere.
Boulevard Bistro
RestaurantsFioretta
RestaurantsItalian American steakhouse with world-class cocktails, a glamorous vibe, and live entertainment.
Fioretta
RestaurantsFive Guys
RestaurantsFast-food chain with made-to-order burgers, fries & hot dogs, plus free peanuts while you wait.
Five Guys
RestaurantsCafe Roma
RestaurantsWood-trimmed Italian trattoria with stone-oven pizzas, pasta & sandwiches plus daily soups.
Cafe Roma
RestaurantsSaigon Sisters
RestaurantsRelaxed Vietnamese mini-chain outpost serving a menu of banh mi sandwiches, bao buns & soups.
Saigon Sisters
RestaurantsSummer House Santa Monica
RestaurantsCalifornia fare & wines, plus homemade breads, served in a breezy, beach house-inspired space.
Summer House Santa Monica
RestaurantsCafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!
RestaurantsSpanish tapas, paella & pitchers of sangria fuel a lively scene at this classic Chicago restaurant.
Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!
RestaurantsChubby Cattle BBQ | Chicago
RestaurantsCasual all-you-can-eat eatery featuring premium Japanese and Australian Wagyu beef, plus sushi.
Chubby Cattle BBQ | Chicago
RestaurantsSmyth
RestaurantsRustic-chic venue offering tasting menus of inventive, high-end New American fare & wine pairings.
Smyth
RestaurantsCrisp
RestaurantsCounter-service eatery serving Korean fried chicken, burritos, and veggie bowls with a delivery option.
Crisp
RestaurantsSushi-san
RestaurantsStylish spot with a long sushi bar specializing in sashimi, plus cocktails served in soda cans.
Sushi-san
RestaurantsDave’s Hot Chicken
RestaurantsFast-casual chain featuring fried-chicken items such as tenders, sliders and sandwiches.
Dave’s Hot Chicken
RestaurantsSticky Fingers Kitchen
RestaurantsUnpretentious eatery offering chicken meals along with seafood, shrimp and fries.
Sticky Fingers Kitchen
RestaurantsAround the Clock Restaurant
RestaurantsLocal diner serving breakfast & classic American eats plus cookies & pies in retro surroundings.
Around the Clock Restaurant
RestaurantsBlue Door Kitchen & Garden
RestaurantsAmerican restaurant serving seasonal food & cocktails in an elegant, intimate setting with a patio.
Blue Door Kitchen & Garden
RestaurantsHawaiian Bros Island Grill
RestaurantsChain eatery whipping up Hawaiian plates, including chicken and pork, rice, macaroni salad and pineapple.
Hawaiian Bros Island Grill
RestaurantsShake Shack West Loop
RestaurantsHip, counter-serve chain for gourmet takes on fast-food classics like burgers & frozen custard.
Shake Shack West Loop
RestaurantsRobert's Pizza and Dough Company
RestaurantsBi-level pizzeria and bar with a waterfront patio, offering thin-crust pies with creative toppings and global flavors.
Robert's Pizza and Dough Company
RestaurantsThe Izakaya
RestaurantsJapanese eatery specializing in burgers, pizza, sushi, sashimi and wings, as well as sake and cocktails.
The Izakaya
RestaurantsSomerset
RestaurantsSwanky restaurant in the Viceroy Hotel with a yacht-club feel, seasonal fare & cocktails.
Somerset
RestaurantsPHO SAIGON
RestaurantsElegant eatery for Vietnamese dishes such as pho plus Thai options along with sushi.
PHO SAIGON
RestaurantsEarly Morning Delight
RestaurantsCasual restaurant dishing up generous portions of breakfast and lunch offerings, including Mexican specialties.
Early Morning Delight
RestaurantsGiordano's
RestaurantsKnown for deep-dish pizza, this casual chain serves other classic Italian food, plus beer & wine.
Giordano's
RestaurantsGino's East
RestaurantsEnduring chain for Chicago-style deep-dish & thin-crust pizzas, plus Italian sandwiches & salads.
Gino's East
RestaurantsSPACE 519 (Gold Coast)
RestaurantsRefined boutique for women's & men's clothing, beauty & grooming, with home decor & accessories.
SPACE 519 (Gold Coast)
RestaurantsProsecco
RestaurantsClassic, high-end Italian dishes in a romantic, art-filled dining room that reminds of Venice.
Prosecco
RestaurantsLittle Bad Wolf
Restaurants100+ beers, tons of whiskey & specialty cocktails are paired with comfort food at this relaxed bar.
Little Bad Wolf
RestaurantsNonnina
RestaurantsUpscale destination offering classic Italian specialties, small plates, pizza, and takeaway options.
Nonnina
RestaurantsPerfect Brunch Bros
RestaurantsCozy, casual restaurant serving a wide variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner favorites.
Perfect Brunch Bros
RestaurantsHonky Tonk BBQ / The Tonk
RestaurantsPlates of apple-and-oak-smoked pork & beef brisket plus sides flavor the menu at this rustic eatery.
Honky Tonk BBQ / The Tonk
RestaurantsBuffalo Wild Wings
RestaurantsChain dishing up wings, tenders & burgers, plus sauces ranging from sweet to very spicy.
Buffalo Wild Wings
RestaurantsThe Oakville Grill & Cellar
RestaurantsNapa Valley-inspired spot serving upscale Californian fare such as grilled avocado, and deviled eggs, plus wine.
The Oakville Grill & Cellar
RestaurantsProvare Chicago
RestaurantsBlack-owned eatery offering a menu of pasta and seafood dishes with Cajun and Creole influences in a stylish setting.
Provare Chicago
RestaurantsKIRIN KING
RestaurantsSushi and other Asian eateries, some with rotary-belt service, plus all-you-can-eat options.
KIRIN KING
RestaurantsCandlelite Chicago
RestaurantsCasual, spacious sports bar & restaurant serving thin-crust pizzas, burgers & pub fare.
Candlelite Chicago
RestaurantsCountry Donuts
RestaurantsBustling, family-owned shop selling coffee & old-fashioned donuts round-the-clock since 1976.
Country Donuts
RestaurantsSALT burgers + fries
RestaurantsCasual burger joint with a menu focused on classic American fare and fries; burger fans say it’s similar to In-N-Out.
SALT burgers + fries
RestaurantsAliano's Ristorante
RestaurantsPopular, family-run mainstay offering pasta & other traditional Italian dishes in a warm atmosphere.
Aliano's Ristorante
RestaurantsTriple Berry Café
RestaurantsCasual eatery dishing up familiar breakfast classics, such as pancakes and omelets.
Triple Berry Café
RestaurantsWill's Northwoods Inn
RestaurantsBar, patio & haven for Wisconsinites with cheese curds & other pub grub plus TVs tuned to the game.
Will's Northwoods Inn
RestaurantsPho 777
RestaurantsHot noodle soups, clay pots & other Vietnamese classics served in easygoing surrounds.
Pho 777
RestaurantsQuartino Ristorante
RestaurantsBustling, bi-level space where groups go for small & large plates plus cocktails & carafes of wine.
Quartino Ristorante
RestaurantsBriny Swine Smokehouse & Oyster Bar
RestaurantsSeaside-themed smokehouse and oyster bar featuring Carolina-style BBQ, seafood dishes and cocktails.
Briny Swine Smokehouse & Oyster Bar
RestaurantsBennigan's
RestaurantsChain eatery serving burgers & other classic American pub fare in a low-key setting.
Bennigan's
RestaurantsLittle Rice
RestaurantsCozy eatery offering a menu of Chinese dishes, sushi and poke bowls.
Little Rice
RestaurantsZarella Pizzeria & Taverna
RestaurantsCasual pizzeria serving traditional tavern-style pies, alongside Italian entrees and cocktails.
Zarella Pizzeria & Taverna
RestaurantsLos Comales Elgin
RestaurantsCasual restaurant serving Mexican food, including tacos, burritos, and tortas.
Los Comales Elgin
RestaurantsBeatrix
RestaurantsModern, all-day venue combining an American eatery, wine & cocktail bar & a bakery/cafe.
Beatrix
RestaurantsJake Melnick's Corner Tap
RestaurantsBBQ & bar fare plus lots of brews & keg cocktails in a laid-back, sports-pub setting with a patio.
Jake Melnick's Corner Tap
RestaurantsAndy's Restaurant
RestaurantsOld-school destination serving basic American fare such as chicken fried steak & classic breakfasts.
Andy's Restaurant
RestaurantsCrystal Lake Buffet
RestaurantsAll-you-can-eat Chinese buffet featuring a large selection of items, including sushi.
Crystal Lake Buffet
RestaurantsButcher & The Burger
RestaurantsUpscale customizable burgers & breakfast too in a retro counter-service BYOB with a butcher shop.
Butcher & The Burger
RestaurantsNancy's Pizza Crystal Lake
RestaurantsChicago-style stuffed pizza is the draw at this restaurant also offering thin-crust pies & pastas.
Nancy's Pizza Crystal Lake
RestaurantsDanny's Pizza
RestaurantsLively pizzeria & sports bar providing thin-crust & pan pies as well as BBQ ribs & fried chicken.
Danny's Pizza
RestaurantsUmai
RestaurantsSushi bar & Japanese standards, plus a full bar, in an airy, loftlike room. Delivery available.
Umai
RestaurantsDuke's Alehouse and Kitchen
RestaurantsEco-conscious gastropub with locally sourced American fare & 150-plus beers by tap, draft & can.
Duke's Alehouse and Kitchen
RestaurantsOsteria Via Stato
RestaurantsClassic Italian dining in archway-enhanced environs with adjacent pizzeria offering thin-crust pies.
Osteria Via Stato
RestaurantsFILL N' FLY BURGERS & BOBA
RestaurantsJuicy burgers (including halal options) served alongside seasoned, crispy fries and other casual eats.
FILL N' FLY BURGERS & BOBA
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