The best restaurants in Gurnee

“Retro-style counter-serve chain known for made-to-order toasted sandwiches, salads & baked goods.”

“Italian chain eatery featuring Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, plus pasta & sandwiches.”

“New Jersey–based counter-serve sandwich chain serving jumbo subs filled with cold cuts & toppings.”

“Fast-food chain with made-to-order burgers, fries & hot dogs, plus free peanuts while you wait.”

“Easygoing counter-service chain known for its sandwiches, stuffed baked potatoes & sweet tea.”

“Straightforward strip mall counter serve offering pizza, burgers, sandwiches & frozen yogurt.”

“Started by 2 brothers & their nephew, this Mexican restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere.”

“Casual, around-the-clock American option for all-day breakfasts, salads, sandwiches & desserts.”

“Known for deep-dish pizza, this casual chain serves other classic Italian food, plus beer & wine.”

“Counter-serve, industrial-chic chain restaurant known for build-your-own pizzas.”

“Family-friendly chain serving classic Tex-Mex & American fare in a Southwestern-style setting.”

“Family-owned chain selling ready-to-serve smoked hams, plus turkeys, roasts, side dishes & desserts.”

“Family-friendly diner serving all-day breakfast plus American, Greek & Italian entrees.”

“Homey chain restaurant serving American comfort food, with an on-site general store.”

“Long-standing local chain eatery known for Italian beef sandwiches, plus pizza, burgers & salads.”

“Kid-friendly chain known for its arcade games, pizza parties & play zones.”

“Health-conscious cafe chain featuring a menu of custom smoothies, sandwiches & wraps.”

“Family-style Italian restaurant offering familiar dishes in airy surrounds with a loft.”

“Casual diner chain dishing up classic American comfort fare, including all-day breakfast favorites.”

“Celebrated roadside-inspired barbecue pit & seafood market serving a comfort-food menu.”

“Casual diner chain dishing up classic American comfort fare, including all-day breakfast favorites.”

“Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.”

“Counter-service chain offering a range of Philly-style cheesesteaks, loaded fries & lemonades.”

“Regional counter-serve chain featuring ice cream & a market with dairy products such as fresh milk.”

“Eatery with a wide-ranging comfort-food menu, thin-crust pizza & a full bar in tavern surrounds.”

“Rainforest-themed chain for updated classic fare amid jungle flora & animatronic animals.”

“Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.”

“Long-standing chain serving a wide variety of pancakes & other American breakfast & diner fare.”

“Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.”

“Fast-food chain serving signature beef, chicken & fish sliders, plus extras such as onion rings.”

“New Jersey–based counter-serve sandwich chain serving jumbo subs filled with cold cuts & toppings.”

“Bar with numerous TVs showing sports plus diverse events & American-Mexican pub grub.”

“American grill & sports bar featuring a list of craft beers & sand volleyball league play in summer.”

“Straightforward chain pizzeria dispensing deep-dish & thin-crust pies, plus pasta & sandwiches.”

“Counter-serve, industrial-chic chain restaurant known for build-your-own pizzas.”

“Lively chain steakhouse serving American fare with a Southwestern spin amid Texas-themed decor.”

“Retro-style counter-serve chain known for made-to-order toasted sandwiches, salads & baked goods.”

“Casual chain featuring BBQ & classic sides, plus memorabilia honoring soldiers & first responders.”

“Cozy restaurant dishing up Mexican dishes such as tacos and burritos, plus specials.”

“Quaint trattoria serving classic Italian fare & a full bar in brick-lined rooms with tin ceilings.”

“At Westso Mexican Steakhouse, steaks get the star treatment, with chefs dialing in big flavor and that just right char, then pairing it all with Mexican wines, mezcal, and cocktails that actually complement your plate. Bookmark it for this week’s date night or friend catch up, you deserve something exceptional.”

From the Tinley Park newsletter, August 26, 2026

“Country-western saloon in a lofty, warehouse-like space offering Southern food & regular live music.”

“American comfort food, craft beer, and cocktails offered in a contemporary space with a rooftop patio.”

“Small, fast-food eatery dishing up Chicago-style hot dogs (some featuring cheesy sauce) alongside fries and mozzarella sticks.”

“Old-school, no-frills pit stop for thin-crust pies, BBQ ribs & chicken, open till the wee hours.”

“Skip the same-old and hit Qsazón Mexican Restaurant for Guerrero-style picaditas, Tacos Campechanos bursting with flavor, and a soul-warming Mole de Olla. They also sling breakfast burritos, sopes and huaraches, plus ceviche if you want something bright... add it to this week’s rotation.”

From the Oak Lawn newsletter, August 29, 2026

“Casual eatery dishing up Mexican standards, such as quesadillas, burritos, enchiladas and tacos, plus beer and cocktails.”

“Craving a no-fuss slice this week that actually tastes like someone cared? Celis Pizzeria has been a Little Village staple since 1999, turning out pies with their own sauce and cheese made fresh daily, the kind of dependable, family-pleasing pizza move you’ll be glad you remembered.”

From the Cicero newsletter, August 25, 2026

“Mexican restaurant with a menu focusing on seafood dishes, including mojarra.”

“Mexican-style eatery dishing up tortilla chips and other traditional dishes in a casual ambiance.”

“Mexican classics, including breakfast & daily specials, served in a cheerful, booth-lined space.”

“Casual, cash-only joint specializing in a variety of tacos, as well as carne asada.”

“Unassuming eatery featuring tacos & other Mexican staples in a casual environment.”

“Casual Mexican eatery specializing in seafood, including ceviche and oysters, plus cocktails.”

“Casual spot serving up standard Mexican fare alongside exotic meats such as rattlesnake & alligator.”

“Relaxed joint offering traditional Mexican fare & margaritas in a standard setting.”

“When the milanesa craving hits and only a mountain of crispy, tender goodness will do, El Nuevo Colima delivers with generous plates of sopes, gorditas, pambazos, tacos, tamales, and fresh agua fresca. Zero frills, all flavor. Make it your comfort-food mission this week.”

From the DeKalb newsletter, August 23, 2026

“When the week gets busy and hunger hits, Don Pepe in Little Village delivers Mexican favorites with easy online ordering, plus you can book their taco cart for backyard hangs. Zero fuss, all flavor... a no-brainer backup plan for dinner or your next get-together.”

From the Cicero newsletter, August 28, 2026

“Compact eatery offering pizza, pasta & sandwiches for delivery or dine-in in no-frills digs.”

“Neighborhood joint offering an eclectic menu ranging from pizza to hot dogs and Mexican fare.”

“Converted house offering custom pizza pies & slices, plus salads, sandwiches & sides.”

“Wood-fired pies & sandwiches, plus draft beer & wine, served in an industrial, brick-lined space.”

“Known for deep-dish pizza, this casual chain serves other classic Italian food, plus beer & wine.”

“Casual restaurant offering pizza, Italian beef sandwiches, and other comfort food, plus a slot machine.”

“This snug pizzeria specializing in NYC-style pies also offers pasta, wings, sandwiches & salad.”

“Relaxed joint offering traditional Mexican fare & margaritas in a standard setting.”

“Family-friendly spot serving pizza & Italian-American dishes in old-school digs for 50+ years.”

“Neapolitan pies from a special oven, pasta, antipasti & salads pair with cocktails & Cal-Ital wines.”

“Low-key locale putting out sushi, oysters and other Japanese eats, plus karaoke.”

“Traditional & updated Italian fare is served in a relaxed dining room with full bar & a patio.”

“Comfortable, family-friendly restaurant with a kids' menu and playground, serving tacos and other Mexican dishes.”

“Sleek, stylish cafe featuring pizza, sushi & sandwiches plus a full bar, smoothies & coffee drinks.”

“Comfortable corner restaurant & bar serving thin-crust pizzas & American pub grub.”

“S & T Provisions is the Mt. Greenwood Italian deli locals lean on since 1960, with its Original Pizza Setup kits, thin or thick crusts, and legit toppings, plus homemade Italian sausage, roast beef, and world-famous meatball mix... perfect for an easy, actually-great weeknight.”

From the Oak Lawn newsletter, August 22, 2026

“Authentic Mexican staples like enchiladas and tacos served in casual surroundings.”

“Relaxed eatery offering familiar Mexican dishes such as tacos, tortas, and tamales.”

“Family-friendly chain restaurant featuring Italian entrees along with a wide beer selection.”

“Friendly taco joint featuring crispy tortillas, steak and carnitas, among other staples.”

“Bare-bones pizzeria with checkered tablecloths serving extra-large pies & classic Italian eats.”

“Trendy late-night eatery featuring creative, Asian-inspired global cuisine & a full bar.”

“Casual eatery popular for goat-meat birria and other Mexican comfort fare, plus consomé.”

“Low-key Italian-American eatery turning out hand-tossed pizzas, pasta, burgers & more.”

“Casual, family-owned restaurant offering homemade Chicago-style pizza and other comfort food until late.”

“Counter-serve eatery serving Italian & American staples from deep-dish pizzas to burgers.”

“Neighborhood eatery for pizza and other comfort foods, plus friendly service.”

“Casual Italian eatery dishing up pizza and pasta, along with comfort staples.”

“U of Chicago BYO hangout where pizza, burgers & sandwiches figure among the American eats.”

“Laid-back eatery serving straightforward Japanese dishes such as sushi and maki rolls, along with Latin-inspired fillings.”

“Counter-serve chain offering Detroit-style pizza with flavored crusts, plus wings & subs.”

“White-tablecloth Italian eatery serving stalwart classics like veal piccata & pasta Bolognese.”

“Pizza & pasta, plus gourmet burgers, offered in a casual space that's part of a small local chain.”

“A variety of sushi & other Japanese eats served in a stylish, modern space with a big-screen TV.”

“Japanese noodle soups & skewered snacks in a classic izakaya with a chill vibe & outdoor seating.”

“Popular pizzeria, with thin-crusted pies and slices.”

“Conte's Pizza delivers the Chicago tavern-style vibe with square-sliced pies, plus legit local staples like Italian beef, burgers, wings, mostaccioli, and loaded fries with cheese and bacon. A reliable weeknight play when you want classic flavors from a real neighborhood joint.”

From the Chicago newsletter, August 21, 2026

“Craving variety without decision fatigue? Hacienda Los Peña blends Mexican zest, Italian comfort, and ocean-fresh seafood into one menu, so you can chase chilaquiles, share a pizza, then tackle grilled shrimp or a piña rellena with a cocktail... make it your dinner move this week.”

From the Oak Lawn newsletter, August 21, 2026

“Vibrant restaurant serving traditional Italian cuisine, including wood-fired pizzas, plus beer and wine.”

“Whether your sweet tooth or savory side is steering, Waffle Pancake House plates berry-kiwi waffles, red velvet pancakes, Poblano Benedicts, chilaquiles, and hearty skillets with a warm neighborhood vibe. Perfect for a midweek pick-me-up when coffee needs backup.”

From the Waukegan newsletter, August 26, 2026

“When the fridge looks bleak, Asia Buffet & Grill is the painless way to get variety without decision fatigue. Build a plate of Chinese comfort favorites, go back for what you loved, and let someone else handle dinner this week.”

From the Oak Lawn newsletter, August 28, 2026

“Vito & Nick's Pizzeria is the South Side institution for thin crust and old-school Italian comfort, still family run and featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Make it your midweek move, Oak Lawn, and taste why locals swear by it.”

From the Oak Lawn newsletter, August 18, 2026

“Easygoing eatery offering brunch & European-inspired Mexican dishes in a snug, colorful dining area.”

“From Italian and Mexican to American and Asian twists, The Soul Food Lounge brings legit global soul food from Chef Quentin Love. Two locations mean two menus, same fresh-obsessed approach and big flavors... ideal for a quick midweek win or a slow, satisfied weekend.”

From the Cicero newsletter, August 29, 2026

“Family-friendly restaurant serving familiar American fare in a casual space with a bar and karaoke.”

“Old-school local chain serving an assortment of pizzas, pastas & burgers in casual environs.”

“Longtime, casual spot serving soul food including signature sauce-laden fried chicken.”

“Local joint serving a menu of pizza, pasta, American fare & homemade Italian ice, plus a full bar.”

“Tacos, fajitas & Mexican seafood, plus tequila drinks, in lively digs with colorful arched walls.”

“Whether you’re plotting an easy weeknight sushi fix or a treat yourself dinner, AHA Sushi brings a creative, innovative Japanese cuisine experience to the table, freshly renovated and ready for your cravings. Bonus, they do catering too, so the next backyard hang can be powered by legit rolls instead of sad chips.”

From the Kenosha newsletter, August 8, 2026

“Eden is all about seasonal, local flavors, with an on-site greenhouse feeding a menu of simple, clean dishes that actually taste like the ingredients.”

From the Chicago newsletter, August 3, 2026

“From finely aged steaks and chops to super fresh seafood, Stevens' is the family owned staple since 2004 that nails the classic steakhouse feel, with a deep wine list, craft beer, and martinis plus the kind of service that makes you feel like a regular. Treat yourself this week.”

From the Waukegan newsletter, August 8, 2026

“Potestas Pizza nails both thin crust and stuffed deep dish, plus fun specialties like BLT and Meat Lovers when you want a little extra. Pair it with the Waukegan Combo or a cozy Wisconsin Cheese Soup, call it dinner this week and thank yourself tomorrow.”

From the Waukegan newsletter, August 3, 2026

“Make it your move this week with Pasta Palazzo, the cozy Italian spot with handmade pastas, jalapeno gnocchi, and daily specials like sausage risotto or cavatelli with shrimp. Customize to your cravings, start with baked goat cheese, then seal the deal with tiramisu and a glass of sangria.”

From the Chicago newsletter, August 8, 2026

“Small, cozy, and all about housemade pasta, Sapori Trattoria nails the classics with comforting sauces and the kind of plates that make you forget meal prep existed. Make it your date-night or family catch-up spot this week, especially if you believe parmesan counts as a love language.”

From the DeKalb newsletter, August 6, 2026

“Upscale Japanese restaurant & bar supplying steak, seafood & sushi in a contemporary setting.”

“Stephanie Izard's diner serving a huge menu of creative, gourmet takes on comfort food classics.”

“Upscale French-Vietnamese fare in a Gold Coast row house with balcony seating & an outdoor patio.”

“Casual, Nashville-style, chicken-focused chain serving tenders, sliders, fries, and crispy wings in a laid-back spot.”

“Hipster spot with modern farm-to-table fare & nose-to-tail eats plus whiskey & craft cocktails.”

“Straightforward Vietnamese storefront cafe with traditional fare including pho with coffee.”

“Casual place serving American breakfast standards, eggs and steaks amid a friendly atmosphere.”