Lake County Restaurant Week 2018

Put down the hot mitts and put away the pots and pans. There’s no need to dirty the dishes during the first week in March in Lake County. Grab a pen and mark your calendars for Lake County Restaurant Week 2018. From March 2 through March 11, delight in a one-week dining odyssey like no other. And it only happens once a year, so you don’t want to miss it. 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.

Date Night Recommended:

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.

• 545 North Bar & Grill, Libertyville
  While this gastropub technically does have a kids’ menu, we think it has a more grown-up vibe and is better suited for date night. With seasonal menus, small plates, big plates and plenty of wine, beer and other libations, you’ll love this place.
• Beelow’s North Shore, Highland Park
  Little Lake County writer Cheryl reviewed (and raved about) Beelow’s Steakhouse in Lake Zurich, but we know the food and service at this location will be just as good. With locally-raised cuts of beef and pork, this farm to table restaurant rocks!
• Cadwell’s Grille at Embassy Suites Chicago North-Shore/Deerfield, Deerfield
  Don’t let the fact that it is located in hotel keep you from putting this restaurant on your dining list. Explore a three-course prix fixe menu here and special wine pairings during restaurant week.
• Cafe Pyrennes, Libertyville
  This is truly a gem of an honest-to-goodness French restaurant tucked away in the corner of a strip mall, but it has been operating in Lake County for over 27 years. Do yourself a favor and go there. And you will be delighted by the three-course, prix fixe menu during restaurant week.
• 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. This chocolatorium is also recommended as a Fan Favorite for Hot Chocolate, and rounds out the list of Lake County Chocolate, Candy and Sweet Shops.

  

• 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 it’s homemade goodness and contemporary atmosphere.
• Eddie Merlot’s, Lincolnshire
  Whether you enjoy steak or seafood, the sides here often take center stage. And good luck choosing just one! Enjoy dinner from a special three-course menu here during restaurant week.
• Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Lincolnshire
  Little Lake County lists Fleming’s as a go-to for Easter brunch, but you won’t want to miss trying this steakhouse during restaurant week with the special three-course menu that it will offer.
• Francesca’s Intimo, Lake Forest
  Simple, homemade Italian food is served here with white tablecloth service. We think it rocks in the category of unique desserts and Little Lake County fans rate it high for outdoor dining in the warmer months.
• Franco’s Pescheria, Lake Zurich
  This place is a fish market, restaurant and raw bar all rolled into one!
• 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? There are some great choices on the restaurant week prix fixe menu.
• Karma Pub, Mundelein
  Karma Pub is a staple on the Little Lake County list of Easter brunch venues in Lake County. Why not make it a date night during restaurant week?
• Lakeside Restaurant, Illinois Beach Resort, Zion
  Known for a prime rib special on Saturday night, a Friday night fish fry and filet mignon on Wednesday nights, give in to your surf or turf cravings here.
• Main Street Social, Libertyville
  Little Lake County featured a sneak peek of Main Street Social last May. We’ve also heard it’s only grown better with time. What better time than restaurant week to see for yourself? Try something from a three-course dinner or brunch menu during restaurant week.

• Milwalky Trace, Libertyville
  Little Lake County named Milwalky Trace in several articles including Date Night Delights, Best Unique Desserts, Happy Hour Heaven: Where to Go Out with the Girls, Fan Favorites: Best Brunch and Best Steaks in Lake County. That ought to be enough incentive to try this place.
• Shakou, Libertyville
  Enjoy the contemporary decor at this restaurant featuring modern Asian cuisine. Shakou makes Little Lake County’s list of Amazing Gluten-free Dining, Favorite Romantic Spots and Date Night Adventures. During restaurant week, there is a featured three-course, prix fixe lunch and dinner menu.
• Stevens’ Steakhouse, Gurnee
  Stevens’ Steakhouse is a standout on Little Lake County’s list of Best Steaks in Lake County.
• Sullivan’s Steakhouse, Lincolnshire
  Leave the kids at home and do not tell them that Sullivan’s serves some of the best macaroni and cheese in Lake County, either. Sullivan’s steaks make our list of best steaks, and also serves a great Mother’s Day brunch.
• The Vine, Grayslake
  The Vine graced Little Lake County’s list of Indie Eats: Grayslake and is listed among the Most Romantic Dining Spots in Lake County.
• 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. Emjoy a special three-course menu during restaurant week.
• Wildfire, Lincolnshire
  This classic steakhouse is family friendly, but we think the white tablecloths here signal a great choice for date night. Enjoy special three-course menus during lunch and dinner to celebrate restaurant week.

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.

• Copper Fiddle Distillery, Lake Zurich
  This local distillery features whiskey, gin and rum that are all handmade in an artisan copper pot and bottled in Lake Zurich. Enjoy the Copper Crisp, a specialty cocktail crafted especially for restaurant week.
• Lynfred Winery, Wheeling
  Visit Lynfred Winery during restaurant week and enjoy a special wine and chocolate pairing.
• North Shore Distillery, Green Oaks
  Surround yourself with world-class artisan spirits made in a beautiful, handmade still named “Ethel.” Little Lake County has long thought North Shore Distillery is great for Date Night Ideas as well as Date Night Adventures. Don’t miss the flatbread and cocktail flight here prepared just for 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, 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
  Little Lake County loves that Bill’s makes heart-shaped pizza for Valentine’s Day, but also recognizes that Bill’s double-decker pizza is one of the 15 Foods You HAVE to Try in Lake County.
• Café Pomigliano, Libertyville
  This restaurant gained notoriety by our readers in Fan Favorites: Local Italian Restaurants.
• Casa Bonita, Libertyville
  This restaurant earned a spot in Fan Favorites in the following THREE categories: Cinco de Mayo, Best Authentic Mexican Restaurants and Best Outdoor Dining. Needless to say, our readers think it’s one great place.
• Chessie’s, Barrington
  Chessie’s earned a spot on Little Lake County’s list of Best Cheeseburgers and Train-themed Restaurants, as well as places for Easter brunch and Mother’s Day brunch.
• Dover Straits, Mundelein
  Dover Straits was recently mentioned in Kari’s list of Tried and True Favorite Restaurants, where staff has been serving Lake County residents for 39 years! And you’ll find a coupon for discounted dining during restaurant week.
• 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? You’ll find that El Puerto graces many of our lists, including: Best Authentic Mexican Restaurants, Cinco de Mayo Fan Favorites, Top 20 Taco Eateries, Dock-and-Dine Restaurants, Fan Favorites: Best Outdoor Dining, Where to Eat Outdoors and Family-friendly Beer Gardens. Be sure to print out a special coupon for ten percent off of your dining experience during restaurant week.
• Giordano’s, Buffalo Grove and 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.

  

• Judy’s Pizzeria, Highland Park
  Made from scratch since 1979, this place might be older than our average reader! Enjoy pizza, salads, sandwiches and pasta here. If you havent’ tried it, now’s the time to spread your pizza-loving wings and fly!
• La Casa de Isaac & Moishe, Highland Park
  This interestingly named Mexican restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and is noted on Little Lake County’s Top 20 Taco Eateries. With a menu that ranges from breakfast omelettes and skillets to red snapper and steaks and everything in between, no diners will ever go hungry here.
• 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. Check out the Magnolia Cafe & Bakery Restaurant Week menu here.
• Lindy’s Landing Restaurant and Marina, Wauconda
  Lindy’s Landing has been pleasing crowds in Lake County for more than 50 years! This place also makes our fan favorites list for best fish frys. We also think it’s a great place to take kids that doesn’t suck for grown-ups! 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. Listed in our Guide to Lake County Breweries, family-friendly beer gardens, and a place to partake in happy hour with the kids in tow, Mickey Finns is also a fan favorite for fish frys, reuben sandwich, and brunch. This restaurant also makes our list of best Irish restaurants in Lake County. If you haven’t been there, there’s really no excuse not to go now.
• Milwalky Taco, Libertyville
  To say that the writers at Little Lake County like tacos is an understatement. And Milwalky Taco shines in the spotlight in our gourmet taco showdown, our list of Top 20 Taco Eateries and as a place to enjoy happy hour with the kids in tow. Tacos from this joint also made our list of 15 Foods You HAVE to Try in Lake County. Bonus points here for a newly-released children’s menu, and kids eat for free on Sundays. If tacos aren’t your thing (Is this even possible?) then pop in for the hot chocolate.

• Noodles & Company, Gurnee and Vernon Hills
  This restaurant woos children and adults alike with its simple and classic Wisconsin Mac & Cheese; we always recommend it for National Macaroni and Cheese Day.
• Pizzeria DeVille, Libertyville
  Pizza is a staple topic in Little Lake County’s food archives, and this place is known for its tantalizing brick oven pizza, pizza by the slice, gluten-free pizza and Neopolitan-style pizza. Whew! And, Pizeria DeVille even has a traveling mobile brick pizza oven. We’ll take a pie or slice anywhere that is it being served. During Lake County Restaurant Week, enjoy this special, prix fixe menu.
• Rainforest Cafe, Gurnee
  Kids eat for free on Wednesdays at this playful tropical paradise.
• Salutos, Gurnee
  With Salutos making our list of Fan Favorites: Best Party Catering, there’s no better reason to actually go INTO the restaurant and be served a fine Italian-style meal. Grab a coupon for a dining discount during restaurant week.
• The Shanty, Wadsworth
  Featured on Diner, Drive-Ins & Dives, this restaurant is currently being expanded to allow more of Lake County to enjoy what it does best: serving hungry people great food for lunch, dinner and Sunday breakfast. Little Lake County writers enjoy this place for a fish fry, dining with children, brunching, eating soup and enjoying gluten-free food.
• Something’s Brewing, Grayslake
  Little Lake County loves this darling cafe, and has listed it’s delectable desserts in many articles such as Indie Eats Grayslake, where to find caramel apples, best hot chocolate in Lake County, chocolate, candy and sweet shops, and best birthday cakes in Lake County. But this place is more that just hot drinks and desserts; at it’s two locations in Grayslake, this cafe is offering up a special, three-course menu for lunch and dinner during Lake County Restaurant Week.
• Slyce Coal Fired Pizza Company, Highwood and Wauconda
  Neapolitan pizza fans rejoice over Slyce’s fresh from the oven pies. Check out this special four-course menu during restaurant week.
• 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 that is also featured on Little Lake County’s list of Easter brunches. Spice is offering special three-course lunch and dinner menus during restaurant week.
• Tacos El Norte, Libertyville
  A fixture in Lake County for more than 20 years, enjoy a wide variety of delicious Mexican plates here.
• Timothy O’Toole’s Pub, Gurnee, and O’Toole’s Libertyville, Libertyville
  Both locations made our list of best Irish restaurants and places to enjoy happy hour with the kids in tow. Timothy O’Toole’s Pub is offering a special, three-course menu and O’Toole’s Libertyville is offering a special prix fixe menu.

• 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!
• 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 and amazing gluten-free dining in Lake County. Give this restaurant a try — you will understand why everyone raves about it.

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