Best Restaurants, Must Try Places in Carol Stream

"Alinea is Chicago’s only three-star Michelin restaurant, but sister restaurants Next and Roister each have a star of their own (and offer takeout); the Alinea Group is the most decorated restaurant group in the city. Founded in 2005 by Chef Grant Achatz and Tock creator Nick Kokonas, Alinea is more of an immersive flavor experience than a conventional restaurant. Which makes it all the more impressive that they have translated their food-art into a take out format."

"Experimental , Molecular Gastronomy"

"Restaurants Contemporary American West Loop. After more than 20 years in the West Loop, this iconic kitchen is still one of the city's best. In 2019, chef-partner Paul Kahan handed over the keys to the kitchen to executive chef Ryan Pfeiffer, who aims to revive the restaurant's rock 'n' roll soul."

"End your evening with dinner at Avec, an adorable, modern and warm spot where you can dine tapas-style. You absolutely must order the chorizo-stuffed dates. Holy moly, they are incredible!!!. You can thank me later."

"Go to this Euro-style wine bar when you're feeling gregarious; the rather stark space has seating for only 48 people, and it's a tight fit....Read More"

"This new kid on the South Side block has officially stepped into recently-departed neighborhood institution Monnie Burke’s shoes as Pilsen’s latest Latin-inspired charmer. The patio is even more welcoming this time, a mass of exposed brick, soft lighting, and rustic exposed beams setting the tone while the poured cement floor radiates heat beneath diners’ feet. Food-wise, you’re looking at equally warm and cozy options like concha toast jazzed up with tres leches cream and strawberry-mezcal compote, nachos laced with cheddar and mango-braised beef, and steak and eggs topped with snappy chimichurri.How to order: Head to OpenTable for patio and indoor dining reservations or grab pick-up via Toast."

"Restaurants Mexican Lower West Side. Named after a bygone lumberyard in the area, Pilsen Yards replaces Monnie Burke's with a casual, music-fueled concept that specializes in tacos and other Mexican eats plus a long list of cocktails and beer. Guests can plan their visit around a jam-packed calendar of live DJs and art shows that promise to grace the space all year."

"What:An airy neighborhood hangout with a Mexican-ish menu and plenty of drinksWhy:Think piña colada ceviche, asada and frites, and $8 house margs.Where:1163 W. 18th St., Pilsen Website"

"My family loves this place because the food is amazing, the staff is great, and the owners make it extremely welcoming for families with young children (... More reviews"

"Restaurants Cafés Wicker Park. This sunny joint helps kick-start the day with baked goods and specialty coffees, but it’s the basic sandwiches gussied up with impeccable ingredients that get us in the afternoon. Our favorites: the BLT made with extra-thick bacon and the juicy, rosemary-and-thyme–encrusted roast beef."

"The lines haven’t subsided in Chatham where Oooh Wee It Is opened in late February. A reluctant restaurant owner has turned to tasty soul food items like shrimp and grits and pot roast cupcakes. This is a fun space filled with cereal boxes and decorated with Marvel Comics props."

"Restaurants Contemporary American River North. True to its name, you can expect a bevy of roasted meat and veggie options on the menu of this riverside American restaurant, which offers pork loin, whole fish, sweet onion and more, all carved up tableside. Snag a reservation on its scenic patio area and enjoy dinner or a weekend brunch."

"If you’re looking for a colorful, whimsical, super unique birthday cake in Chicago, look no further than Bon Vivant Cakes. If NYC is famous for putting explosion cakes on the map, this bakery is responsible for answering with an endearingly cheeky concept: shag cakes. Inspired by “fuzzy textiles and funky wallhangings”, Bon Vivant’s playful concept makes for one of the most unique birthday cakes in Chicago."

"River Roast is cooking up family dinners for $45 including options such as a whole roast chicken or fried chicken Fridays (beer included). Cocktail kits are also on the menu for $4..."

"Washington Blvd., Chicago (312) 563-9990www.lepeepchicago.com. Le Peep specializes in down home breakfast comfort food. Their pancakes are fresh and made from scratch."

"The Crepe Shop has the best crepes in the city, but did you know that their coffee is equally impressive?. They have a handful of flavored lattes on the menu, and they all taste excellent. It’s a one-stop-shop for breakfast/brunch, and they have the cutest space."

"At Demera, no one will scold you for eating with your hands. That’s because Ethiopian cuisine is typically eaten by using your hands to scoop up vegetables and lentils with a spongy and porous flatbread called injera. Get a sampling of the bright, colorful dishes, which include split red lentils, slow-cooked collard greens, split yellow peas and sautéed garden beets."

"Rated as the best Ethiopian food in the Windy City, this is a gem among the best places to eat in Chicago. This Michelin Guide recommended restaurant is a great place to take a group of friends for a family-style night out. The interior is bright, friendly, and easy to plop down in a seat and get your eat on."

"Demera has some of the best messobs and injera in the city, and luckily, this Ethiopian spot also serves them to-go. This means you can order the messob dinner for four, and make it a dinner for one. Take it home, lay it out, and enjoy your giant meal all by yourself."

"Originally a 22-seat stand, this hot dog and chili spot launched in 1924 has expanded significantly and now operates several locations around Chicagoland. The signature dish can be served with or without beans and elbow macaroni at the customer’s discretion. The business changed hands in 1974 and owner Joseph Yesutis brought Gertie’s Ice Cream into the fold."

"Restaurants Ice cream parlors East Village. After peddling her gelato all over town to the city's best chefs and markets, Jessica Oloroso found a fitting home for her first storefront in Ukrainian Village. There, she lures folks with boundary-pushing scoops of gelato such as avocado-cinnamon and sesame-fig-chocolate chip."

"Must Try: Mexican Hot Chocolate Black Dog Gelato has some of the most inventive and interesting ice cream flavors in Chicago. They make their gelato fresh every day in small batches with simple ingredients. They love to create new flavor combinations to keep up with the modern palate."

"Ukrainian Village, West Loop, & Logan SquareThis tri-location neighborhood gem starts with traditional Chicago-style gelato made with fresh local ingredients, then spices things up with modern medleys like mango hibiscus, goat cheese cashew caramel, and malted vanilla pretzel."

"ChinatownThai-style rolled ice cream had a moment a couple years back, and as far as we’re concerned, it’s still the belle of the sweet, sweet ball. This Chinatown hotspot was one the first to introduce Chicago to the curious confection, curling luscious portions of Matcha Queen (green tea and strawberry), Double Trouble (Oreo and Nutella), Key Lime Pie, and other originals into neat rolls by hand to the delight of admiring onlookers.How to book: Stop by for counter service, order take-out online, or get delivery via GrubHub, Postmates, DoorDash, and Uber Eats."

"If you’re a fan of hand rolled ice cream then you should definitely check out Legend Tasty House. At this Chinatown ice cream shop, employees hand roll the ice cream in front of you and finish it off with mix-ins such as fresh fruit, oreo cookies, taro and a bunch of other amazing toppings!"