The best restaurants in Elgin
267 restaurants we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.
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Pinned in Elgin today
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Two pinned places a day in Elgin — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. List your business →Paid placements are always marked.
La 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
RestaurantsSoulé
RestaurantsCozy option for modernized soul & Creole cooking with BYOB (with a fee) beverages in a casual space.
Soulé
RestaurantsLa Chaparrita Taqueria
RestaurantsBasic Mexican grocery store on a corner with an eatery serving tacos, fresh juices & aguas frescas.
La Chaparrita Taqueria
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
RestaurantsVasco's Peri Peri ARLINGTON HEIGHTS
RestaurantsVasco's Peri Peri Arlington Heights delivers the craveable, peppery fix your week needs, from peri peri classics to legit vegan picks. Grab…
Vasco's Peri Peri ARLINGTON HEIGHTS
RestaurantsEmpire Burgers + Brew
RestaurantsEmpire Burgers + Brew nails the elevated comfort thing with certified Angus burgers on pretzel buns, crispy fries, salads and a strong…
Empire Burgers + Brew
RestaurantsAgio Italian Bistro
RestaurantsAgio Italian Bistro brings authentic Italian flavors in a cozy, polished setting that works as well for a low-key date as it does a…
Agio Italian Bistro
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
RestaurantsCrosstown Pub & Grill Naperville
RestaurantsHit up Crosstown Pub & Grill Naperville for their famous wings, a lineup of craft beers, and the signature 3 Corner Pretzel you swear…
Crosstown Pub & Grill Naperville
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
RestaurantsWild Rice Sushi and Grill
RestaurantsCraving variety that actually delivers? Wild Rice Sushi and Grill lines up hot and cold appetizers, bright salads, classic sushi and…
Wild Rice Sushi and Grill
RestaurantsPhoenix Flame
RestaurantsMake this week easier and tastier with Phoenix Flame, a Latin and Mediterranean spot turning out award-nominated stacks, including the…
Phoenix Flame
RestaurantsCatering Made Simple
RestaurantsGot a meeting or backyard bash this week? From quick drop-offs to fully staffed shindigs, Catering Made Simple keeps things delicious,…
Catering Made Simple
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
RestaurantsUDON NOMI IZAKAYA
RestaurantsNoodle shop serving Japanese, Korean, and Thai-inspired dishes in a casual space.
UDON NOMI IZAKAYA
RestaurantsRoka Akor
RestaurantsUpscale Japanese restaurant & bar supplying steak, seafood & sushi in a contemporary setting.
Roka Akor
RestaurantsSullivan's Steakhouse
RestaurantsSteakhouse chain serving beef, seafood & cocktails in swanky surrounds with live music.
Sullivan's Steakhouse
RestaurantsFogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
RestaurantsUpscale Brazilian chain for all-you-can-eat meat carved tableside plus an extensive salad bar.
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
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
RestaurantsThe Tiki Terrace
RestaurantsFestive Hawaiian destination with traditional food & drinks, hand-carved decor & daily stage shows.
The Tiki Terrace
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
RestaurantsPeggy Kinnane's Irish Restaurant & Pub
RestaurantsWood-&-stone-trimmed taproom featuring Irish small plates & comfort-food classics plus live music.
Peggy Kinnane's Irish Restaurant & Pub
RestaurantsSushi Station
RestaurantsCasual Japanese restaurant featuring sushi served from a conveyor belt plus sake & beer.
Sushi Station
RestaurantsKura Revolving Sushi Bar
RestaurantsRevolving-sushi chain serving Japanese fare such as sea urchin gunkan on a conveyor belt.
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar
RestaurantsTokio Pub
RestaurantsLatin-tinged Japanese haunt featuring small plates, tacos, sushi, creative cocktails & a patio.
Tokio Pub
RestaurantsCooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant
RestaurantsUpscale chain serving New American fare paired with house-label wines in a contemporary setting.
Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant
RestaurantsSushi Naper
RestaurantsAll-you-can-eat sushi meals, signature rolls & Japanese plates are the draw at this informal eatery.
Sushi Naper
RestaurantsDaNang kitchen
RestaurantsStraightforward Vietnamese storefront cafe with traditional fare including pho with coffee.
DaNang kitchen
RestaurantsFontinas Italian Kitchen
RestaurantsStrip-mall chain trattoria featuring hearty subs, familiar Italian fare & a casual vibe.
Fontinas Italian 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
RestaurantsAlchemist
RestaurantsStylish bar whipping up craft cocktails and small plates with an emphasis on seafood like oysters and octopus dishes.
Alchemist
RestaurantsBar Salotto
RestaurantsSnug, upscale place doling out pizza from a wood-fired oven as well as handmade pasta dishes, meatballs and desserts.
Bar Salotto
RestaurantsFive Guys
RestaurantsFast-food chain with made-to-order burgers, fries & hot dogs, plus free peanuts while you wait.
Five Guys
RestaurantsSmashburger
RestaurantsCounter-serve chain featuring signature smashed burgers, plus sides & shakes.
Smashburger
RestaurantsAllegory
RestaurantsCasual, brick-lined eatery serving farm-to-fork dishes with a Southern twist, plus craft cocktails.
Allegory
RestaurantsCafe Roma
RestaurantsWood-trimmed Italian trattoria with stone-oven pizzas, pasta & sandwiches plus daily soups.
Cafe Roma
RestaurantsThe Village Squire (South Elgin)
RestaurantsRustic English tavern-inspired bar & grill serving hearty pub fare, plus beer, wine & cocktails.
The Village Squire (South Elgin)
RestaurantsLazy Dog Restaurant & Bar
RestaurantsRelaxed, lodge-chic chain serving global comfort fare, including stir-fries, pot roast & pastas.
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar
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
RestaurantsRosati’s Pizza
RestaurantsItalian chain eatery featuring Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, plus pasta & sandwiches.
Rosati’s Pizza
RestaurantsCrisp
RestaurantsCounter-service eatery serving Korean fried chicken, burritos, and veggie bowls with a delivery option.
Crisp
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
RestaurantsThe Patten House Restaurant & Bar
RestaurantsCajun fare served in a historic red-brick 1857 building with a spacious outdoor seating area.
The Patten House Restaurant & Bar
RestaurantsTwin Peaks
RestaurantsSports-bar chain known for its waitresses, serving American comfort food in lodgelike surroundings.
Twin Peaks
RestaurantsBlue Door Kitchen & Garden
RestaurantsAmerican restaurant serving seasonal food & cocktails in an elegant, intimate setting with a patio.
Blue Door Kitchen & Garden
RestaurantsEgg Harbor Cafe
RestaurantsCasual daytime dining chain serving American comfort food in family-friendly surroundings.
Egg Harbor Cafe
RestaurantsFausto's Italian Kitchen
RestaurantsItalian eats (including pizza and pasta), plus sandwiches and cookies, are served at this casual eatery.
Fausto's Italian Kitchen
RestaurantsMr. Kimchi ALL YOU CAN EAT Korean BBQ
RestaurantsBBQ meat dishes & other Korean food favorites served in a warm, traditional atmosphere.
Mr. Kimchi ALL YOU CAN EAT Korean BBQ
RestaurantsButtermilk
RestaurantsCasual breakfast & lunch option featuring omelets, pancakes & skillets in a contemporary interior.
Buttermilk
RestaurantsHawaiian Bros Island Grill
RestaurantsChain eatery whipping up Hawaiian plates, including chicken and pork, rice, macaroni salad and pineapple.
Hawaiian Bros Island Grill
RestaurantsOutback Steakhouse
RestaurantsBoisterous Australian-themed chain serving steaks, seafood & other hearty steakhouse fare.
Outback Steakhouse
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
RestaurantsLively hub for wood-fired pizza, Italian sharing plates & full bar, plus seasonal outdoor seating.
Somerset
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
RestaurantsGrumpy Goat Tavern
RestaurantsComfy haunt at the Highlands Golf Course with Cajun & Creole-inspired dishes & an ample whisky list.
Grumpy Goat Tavern
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
RestaurantsLa Zingara Trattoria
RestaurantsFamily-owned Italian restaurant serving traditional meat, pasta & seafood dishes in a cozy ambiance.
La Zingara Trattoria
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
RestaurantsGiordano's
RestaurantsKnown for deep-dish pizza, this casual chain serves other classic Italian food, plus beer & wine.
Giordano's
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
RestaurantsBlue Sushi Sake Grill
RestaurantsModern, clubby restaurant featuring sushi & Japanese tapas, plus fancy mixed drinks.
Blue Sushi Sake Grill
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
RestaurantsHokkaido Ramen House
RestaurantsJapanese chain eatery specializing in ramen and sushi, plus appetizers and bubble teas.
Hokkaido Ramen House
RestaurantsLotus Banh Mi - Naperville
RestaurantsVietnamese eatery with sandwiches and noodle bowls, plus pho.
Lotus Banh Mi - Naperville
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
RestaurantsPassero
RestaurantsCasual, modern spot featuring a creative Italian-American menu of seasonal dishes & craft cocktails.
Passero
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
RestaurantsWhite Pearl Restaurant
RestaurantsDown-to-eatery eatery serving familiar Thai, Vietnamese & Laotian eats such as pho & Laos sausages.
White Pearl Restaurant
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
RestaurantsBirch River Grill-An American Kitchen
RestaurantsRustic-contemporary eatery serving innovative American cuisine in the Doubletree Hotel.
Birch River Grill-An American Kitchen
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
RestaurantsSweet Baby Ray's Catering
RestaurantsCounter-service barbecue joint with New Orleans-inspired offerings & a signature sauce.
Sweet Baby Ray's Catering
Restaurantsmoto imōto
RestaurantsCasual eatery offering Pan-Asian fare, plus happy-hour specials, and half-price sushi rolls on Tuesdays.
moto imōto
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
RestaurantsElgin Public House
RestaurantsUpscale, brick-walled pub serving hand-cut steaks, seafood, pasta & burgers in a relaxed setting.
Elgin Public House
RestaurantsBeatrix
RestaurantsModern, all-day venue combining an American eatery, wine & cocktail bar & a bakery/cafe.
Beatrix
RestaurantsMaciano's Pizza & Pastaria
RestaurantsItalian restaurant serving pizza, pasta & panini in relaxed, modern surroundings.
Maciano's Pizza & Pastaria
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
RestaurantsBig Ange's Eatery
RestaurantsLaid-back, quick-serve outlet doling out a range of burgers, smoked BBQ sandwiches & platters.
Big Ange's Eatery
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