Lake County Restaurant Week

Put down the hot mitts and put away the pots and pans. There’s no need to dirty this week. Lake County Restaurant Week starts February 29 through March 8. Restaurants across Lake County will offer prix fixe menus and special dining deals — many of which are yet to be announced. But heed our advice and make your reservations early! Schedule in a date night, find a new family dinner favorite or try a new-to-you cuisine from the following list of participating restaurants.

Lake County Restaurant Week Family-Friendly and Casual Dining

Take the whole family out to dinner in honor of Lake County Restaurant Week. But we think many restaurants listed below are also perfect for a casual date night, too.

• Big Bowl Chinese and Thai, Lincolnshire
  Enjoy Chinese and Thai cuisine in a casual, playful setting. You will also find a dedicated gluten-free menu, and daily drink, appetizer, and main dish specials.
• Bill’s Pizza and Pub, Mundelein, and Bill’s Pub North, Third Lake
  Bill’s double-decker pizza is one of the 15 Foods You HAVE to Try in Lake County. For restaurant week they are offering a free appetizer with the purchase of a large pizza.
• Chessie’s, Barrington
  Chessie’s earned a spot on Little Lake County’s list of Best Cheeseburgers and Train-themed Restaurants.
• Dover Straits, Mundelein
  Dover Straits was mentioned in Kari’s list of Tried and True Favorite Restaurants, where staff has been serving Lake County residents for 39 years!
• El Puerto, Fox Lake
  We know our readers (as well as our staff) love Mexican food. And what’s better than great Mexican food overlooking beautiful Nippersink Lake?
• Giordano’s, Gurnee
  Another local pizzeria that supplies heart-shaped pizzas in February. In case you missed out, why not try a traditional-shaped pizza in March?
• Half-Day Brewing Company, Lincolnshire
  Find out more about this great place in our Guide to Lake County Breweries, as well as our list of restaurants that serve brick oven pizza.
• Lambs Farm Magnolia Cafe & Bakery, Libertyville
  The Magnolia Cafe & Bakery hosts events for families all year round. Little Lake County especially loves Easter brunch here.
• Lindy’s Landing Restaurant and Marina, Wauconda
  Lindy’s Landing has been pleasing crowds in Lake County for more than 50 years! Check out the special restaurant week menu and try some of the chef’s favorite fixings.
• The Lodge of Antioch, Antioch
  This Northwoods pub and eatery serves up just about anything you are hungry for, from sandwiches to prime rib.
• Mickey Finn’s Brewery, Libertyville
  Mickey Finn’s has been charming Lake County Families for over 20 years. Kids eat for free on Tuesdays while adults receive half-price growler refills. If you haven’t been there, there’s really no excuse not to go now.
• The Shanty, Wadsworth
  Featured on Diner, Drive-Ins & Dives, this restaurant just finished a large expansion to allow more of Lake County to enjoy what it does best: serving hungry people great food for lunch, dinner and Sunday breakfast.
• Slyce Coal Fired Pizza Company, Highwood and Wauconda
  Neapolitan pizza fans rejoice over Slyce’s fresh from the oven pies.
• Spice, at the Holiday Inn Gurnee Convention Center, Gurnee
  Whether you enjoy contemporary American classic dishes or entrees with an international flair, you’ll enjoy this hidden gem of a restaurant.
• Timothy O’Toole’s Pub, Gurnee and Lake Villa, and O’Toole’s Libertyville, Libertyville
  These fan favorites are serving up a special menu including their award-winning chicken wings.
• Townee Square Restaurant, Libertyville
  Yet another restaurant on our list of Tried and True Favorite Restaurants. What do you mean you’ve never been here? It’s been here for you since 1986!
• Toni Cannoli, Mundelein
  Cheryl introduced us to Toni and his completely unique cannoli shop. Try a sampler box during restaurant week for only $10.
• Wildberry Restaurant and Cafe, Libertyville
  Wildberry is recognized as a fan favorites in both best brunch and best pancakes, and also appears on our list of best places for waffles. Give this restaurant a try — you will understand why everyone raves about it.
• WhirlyBall, Vernon Hills
  Going here for dinner will win you all the parenting awards, especially if you have teens. We have had events there and the food rivals the fun you will have in the laser tag - which is also having a restaurant week special.

Lake County Restaurant Week Date Night Picks:

If you are are in the mood for a more upscale night out, why not add one of these featured Lake County Restaurant Week venues to your evening agenda.

• 129 Center Cut Downtown Grayslake
  This is my go-to date night location. This modern steakhouse has a cool vibe and an innovative menu that goes beyond the typical surf and turf.
• Beelow’s Steakhouse, Lake Zurich
  Cheryl gives you the details in our review of Beelow’s Steakhouse. restaurant week specials are a $10 lunch and a $29.99 dinner.
• Cadwell’s Grille at Embassy Suites Chicago North-Shore/Deerfield, Deerfield
  Don’t let the fact that it is located in a hotel keep you from putting this restaurant on your dining list.
• Café Pomigliano, Libertyville
  Personally, we love taking the family to Cafe Pomigliano but the location is more upscale and perfect for a romantic date night. This restaurant gained notoriety by our readers in Fan Favorites: Local Italian Restaurants.
• The Chocolate Sanctuary, Gurnee
  Little Lake County previewed The Chocolate Sanctuary, sampled winter menus and introduced you to weekend brunch here. It’s all good — no, wait, it’s more than good. Trust us on this one.
• Disotto, Highwood
  Make time in your life for this restaurant and you will feel as if you are dining in a wine cellar of a dear friend, only better. With from-scratch Italian food, this place is the talk of the town with its homemade goodness and contemporary atmosphere.
• Francesca’s Intimo, Lake Forest
  Simple, homemade Italian food is served here with white tablecloth service.
• Jaxx Bistro and Lounge, Deerfield
  We found many amazing reviews of this hidden-in-a-hotel treasure. Why not try it and let US know what you think?
• Karma Pub, Mundelein
  We frequently feature Karma’s holiday brunches, but if you are looking for a less fancy but equally delicious date night check out their upscale pub.
• Main Street Social, Libertyville
  Little Lake County featured a sneak peek of Main Street Social before it opened. We’ve also heard it’s only grown better with time. What better time than restaurant week to see for yourself?
• The Vine, Grayslake
  The Vine is a personal favorite for a girls night out. They are featuring a $10 lunch special making it a perfect time to call your best pal and catch up.
• Three Embers, Lincolnshire
  The Lincolnshire Marriot Resort’s signature restaurant features an impressive wood-burning store and serves a variety of dishes using locally-sourced ingredients.
• Wildfire, Lincolnshire
  This classic steakhouse is family-friendly, but we think the white tablecloths here signal a great choice for date night.

Strictly for Age 21 and Over:

Reserve the babysitter NOW if you want to take advantage of Lake County Restaurant Week specials at these local watering-holes.

• 28 Mile Vodka & Distillery
  Enjoy Avocado bruschetta and your choice of a craft cocktail as their restaurant week special.
• Lynfred Winery, Wheeling
  Visit Lynfred Winery during restaurant week and enjoy a special wine pricing and a cheeseboard discount.
• North Shore Distillery, Green Oaks
  Surround yourself with world-class artisan spirits made in a beautiful, handmade still named “Ethel.”

What restaurant are you going to try during Lake County Restaurant Week? Let us know in the comments section.