Favorite Places for a formal dinner or date night:

 Arenella’s = Good Italian

(847) 221-2663  2001 N. Rand Rd, Palatine                                                 

Carlucci’s  = Traditional and innovative Northern Italian Cuisine                

(847) 478-0990 250 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire

Chicago Prime Steakhouse =  Open kitchen, live Jazz on the weekends 

(847) 696-9900 1370 Bank Dr., Schaumburg                                            

Country Bistro = Great food and a very warm atmosphere

 (847) 842-1800 700 W. Northwest Hwy, AH

David’s Bistro = In a strip mall but fabulous Franco-American cuisine 

(847) 803-3233 623 N. Wolf Rd., Des Plaines

 Francesca’s Tavola = Good food and atmosphere w/o being $$$$ 

(847) 3934-3950 208 S. Arlington Heights Rd. , AH

Gibson’s = Good steak

(847) 928-9900  5464 N. River Rd., Rosemont

La Tasca = Hot and cold tapas. Good selection.  Try the sangria!

(847) 398-2400 25 W. Davis Street, AH

Melting Pot = Fun fondue place; lot’s of options!

(847) 342-6022 1205 W. Dundee, Buffalo Grove

 Morton’s

(847) 678-5155  9525 W. Bryn Mawr, Rosemont

Regina’s = Very small, cute cozy tables, great food and service . Good location for taking a walk after dinner

(847) 394-2728 27 W. Campbell, AH

Retro Bistro = Great wine and French cuisine

(847) 439-2424  1746 W. Golf Rd.

Pete Miller’s = Great steak place, Great atmosphere and fantastic food, Live Jazz on the weekends

(847) 243-3700  412 N. Milwaukee Ave. Wheeling

Sal and Carvao = Fun place.  Go hungry!  Meat, meat and more meat Sliced and served table-side.  Fixed price. Great for groups.

(847) 925-0061 801 E. Algonquin Rd, Schaumburg                                     

Siri Thai Two =  Not the best atmosphere, but we like the food.

 (847) 776-7600  40 W. Palatine Rd, Palatine

Wildfire = Open kitchen, Steak chops and seafood, lots of micro brews (847) 995-0100 1250 E. Higgins Rd. Schaumburg

(847) 657-6363  1300 Patriot Blvd, Glenview

(847) 279-7900   235 Parkway, Lincolnshire

Wildfish = Sushi and other fish and chicken,  good atmosphere

(847) 995-0100     Downtown A.H.

Feel like going downtown?

Charlie Trotter’s = Fine dining from Chicago’s most highly regarded chef (773) 248-6228  816 W. Armitage Ave, Chicago.

Chop House = Great atmosphere; awesome food

(312) 787-7100 60 W. Ontario St., Chicago.

Tru = A place to brag about!  Try the Chef’s menu – 3 hour meal! $$$ (312) 202-0001  676 N. St. Clair St., Chicago.

 Favorite places for casual and kid friendly dinners:

Absolutely Chinese          

 (847) 577-188  2827 Kirchoff Rd, Rolling Meadows

Bobby Q’s = Good inexpensive barbeque             

 (847) 577-1688 1279 N. Rand Rd, AH

Bangkok Café                   

 (847) 437-3870  39 Golf Terrace, AH

Buca Di Beppo = Go hungry!  Family style food, very fun atmosphere

(847) 808-9898   604 N. Milwaukee, Wheeling

Buffalo Wild Wings = Fun for everyone, lot’s of T.V.s, stocked bar and very inexpensive kid meals

(847)  255-5000 301 E. Euclid Ave., Mt. P.

California Pizza Kitchen = The kid’s menu is great.  Great view of trains going by at 5pm.  Great activity sheet with crayons. 

(847) 590-0801  13 S. Evergreen, AH

(847) 413-9200 1550 E. Golf Rd.,Schaumburg

 Cheesecake Factory

 (847) 619-1090 53 Woodfield Rd, Schaumburg 

 (847) 329-8077 Old Orchard Center, Skokie

Chili’s

(847) 818-8171  640 E. Rand Rd, AH

 (847) 228-0072 1480 Golf Rd., Rolling Meadows

(847) 550-9608 20505 N. Rand Rd, Kildeer

 Choo Choo Diner = Fun for kids.  Train delivers food. 

 (847) 391-9815 600 Lee St., Des Plaines

 Corner Bakery = Very nice kid meal deals and great sweets

(847) 394-4661  470 E. Rand Rd., AH                               

Egg Harbor =   For breakfast or lunch, fast service, great food, kids love it! 

(847) 253-4363 200 Arlington Heights Rd., AH

Flatlanders Restaurant and Brewery = Brew pub, good menu

(847) 821-1234  200 Village Green., Lincolnshire

 I am Siam

(847) 419-0698 1 Huntington Lane, Wheeling

Le Peep Café = Breakfast and lunch, not your average menu

 (847) 797-9990 10 E. NW highway, Mt. Prospect

L. Woods Tap = Casual, lots of options and an amazing chopped salad

(847) 677-3350 7110 N. Lincoln Ave., Lincolnwood

Max and Erma’s = Try the warm chocolate chip cookies after dinner

 (847) 590-9400 306 E. Rand Rd, AH

Monica’s Café and Pancake House = Best breakfast place!  Some of the menu items look more like desert than breakfast!  Awesome skillets and nests.  

(847) 368-1228  401 E. Euclid Ave, Mt. Prospect

Mrs. P and Me = Great place for a burger.  Neighborhood bar in front, casual restaurant in the back, Right across from the Mt. P. Metra stop.

(847) 259-9724  100 E. Prospect, Mt. Prospect

Outback Steakhouse

 (847) 843-8884  216 E. Golf Rd.

 Pot Belly’s = Sandwiches

 (847) 438-6025 20505 N. Rand Rd., Kildeer

Prairie Rock Brewery

(847) 605-9900 1385 N. Meacham Rd. Schaumburg

 Pronto Roma = Very tasty, casual Italian

(847) 788-0808 70 N. Vail Ave, AH

 Rainforest Cafe = Your kids will love this place. 

 (847) 619-1900 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg

 Ram =Great place to watch sports

 (947) 520-1222 700 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling

 (847) 517-8791 1901 McConnor Pkwy, Schaumburg

 Red Robin

(847) 517-4476 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg

 Ruby Tuesday’s          

(847) 330—1433 Woodfield Mall,  Schaumburg

 Sun Shui =  Awesome Chinese Food and sushi.  good atmosphere

 (847) 870-8888 155 W. Rand Rd., AH              

Sweet Tomatoes = Buffet style so kids don’t need to sit

(847) 619-1271 1951 McConnor Pkwy, Schaumburg

 Tuccio’s = Italian

 (847) 222-0700 106 W. Northwest Highway, Mt. P.

 Uptown Café = Cute place, Unique menu, great frittatas!

(847) 398-1720 24 E. Miner St., AH

Wakaba = Sushi place in a strip mall – great big pieces, not too pricey

 (847) 541-7777 20506 N. Milwaukee Ave., Deerfield

Walker Brother’s Pancake House =  It’s inexpensive, rarely crowded and yummy.  You have to try the apple pancake!

(847) 392-6600 825 W. Dundee Rd., AH

Wonton Gourmet

 (847) 427-1183  1405 S. Elmhurst Rd., Des Plaines

Yummy Gourmet

(847) 253-0326 1255 N. Rand Rd., Arlington Hts.

Feel like going downtown?

Ed Debevic’s = Fun 50’s type diner, a staff of actors that are known for being edgy

(312) 664-1707 640 N. Wells St. Chicago

 Boston Blackie's = Great burgers and micro Brew

(312) 938-8700  164 E. Grand Ave, Chicago.                                            

Excellent take out / delivery places:

Bobby Q’s = It’s a barbeque place that’s really good behind Target

(847) 590-0400 1279 N. Rand Rd., Prospect Hts.

California Pizza Kitchen = Drive up parking space.  They bring your order to the car!

(847) 590-0801 13 S. Evergreen, AH

(847) 413-9200 1550 E. Golf Rd., Schaumburg

Cruisin' Cuisine = Restaurant delivery business that delivers food to your home or office from 18 different local restaurants.  They are always adding new places to the list.  It really helped us on those hectic days!  There is a small delivery charge ($4 or $5)

(847) 670-FOOD or www.670food.com

Dave’s Specialty Foods = Dave runs a catering operation and carries a variety of entrees, Sides, desserts and soups in the storefront for carry out, also a huge selection of French cheeses

(847)259-9510 512 W. Northwest Highway, Mt. Prospect          

Jimmy John’s = Great alternative to Subway.  They make delicious subs and have their own line of potato Chips!  They deliver 7 days a week and have great bread too! (847) 947-43811299 N. Rand Rd, AH

Nino’s Pizza = Amazing pizza, very friendly staff, great, quick, authentic Italian

 (847) 947-4111 960 S. Buffalo Grove Rd, BG

Outback Steakhouse = Curbside service (especially nice when it’s snowing and you don’t have to leave the car.

(847) 843-8884 216 E. Golf Rd.

Pronto Roma = Dinner, salads, desserts, you name it!  They have a great catering package as well.

(847) 788-0808 70 N. Vail Ave, AH

Sun Shui = Great Chinese take out (also a cute restaurant)

(847) 870-8888 155 W. Rand Rd., AH

Tony V.’s

(847) 259-5855 1034 W. Rand Rd., AH

Tuccios = Pizza and pasta carry out and delivery

(847) 222-0700 106 W. Northwest Highway, Mt. P.

Wing Wah = Highly recommended Chinese take out

 (847) 259-8882 337 E. Rand Rd., AH

Tortorice’s = Very good Pizza

(847) 437-7668 1735 E. Central Rd. AH

(847) 541-4070 217 W. Dundee Rd, Buffalo Grove

Favorite spots for sweet treats:

Buffalo Diner = Huge ice cream menu.  Ziggy Piggy!

(847) 808-1120 1180 W. Lake Cook Rd, Buffalo Grove

Capannari’s =  Home made ice cream.  Great flavors with an alternating menu (try downtown Dr. Brown or Coconut Chip)  It is right next to a park/butterfly garden with plenty of seating.  They even do movie nights occasionally (projected on the side of the building)

(847) 392-2277 10 S. Pine St., Mt. Prospect

Central Bakery = Great little bakery with at least a dozen flavors of punchki (like a Polish jelly doughnut)

(847) 870-9500 101 S. Main St., Mt. Prospect

Cold Stone Creamery = The ultimate bucket is a great deal

(847) 590-1800 76 S. Arlington Heights Rd., AH

Dairy Bar = Near the train tracks off of Glenview Rd.

(847) 759-1772 1015 Huber Lane, Glenview

Dairy Queen     

(847) 520-2571  702 S Buffalo Grove Rd. Buffalo Grove

Deerfield Bakery = Unbelievable selection, awesome cakes, You can take your kids there for an outing on a cold day.  They get the “eye candy”, you get the coffee and they pick out a cookie to take home.  They have lots of tables so lingering is encouraged!

(847) 520-0068  201 N. Buffalo Grove Rd., Buffalo Grove

Dessert Gourmet = It’s in the Glen in Glenview, but it’s worth the drive.  They also  make awesome special occasion cakes and have other treats.  Cheese, gelato, coffee etc.

(847) 215-7474 190 Shepard Ave., Wheeling

Maggie Moo’s

(847) 537-7777  City Park Center, Lincolnshire

Oberweiss Dairy

(847) 368-9062 9 E. Dundee Rd., AH

Patisserie

(847) 392-7766 216 S. Arlington Heights Rd., AH

Great places to take kids:

Arlington Race Track = Sundays are family days.  They have awesome kid activities, a petting zoo and junior jockey club.  Kids and adults love the races, everybody is happy.  You can buy food there or bring it in( (but no alcohol).

(847) 385-7500 2200 W. Euclid, A.H.

Artic Splash = Zero depth pool, slide and lazy river

 (847)  465-2934 333 W. Dundee Rd., Wheeling

www.wheelingparkdistrict.com

Camelot Park = Nice and big (no shade though)

(847) 577-3010 = 1005 E. Suffield Dr., AH

www.ahpd.org

Camelot Pool = Great in the summer.  Cool toddler pool and a sprinkler area is open in the late afternoon

Chicago Botanical Garden = The model railroad is a hit with kids.  There is even a Thomas the Tank Engine!

(847) 835-5440  1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe ww.chicagobotanc.org

Frontier Park (Open Gym) =  Activity/play area during the winter for up to three years old.  It can get cold in the gym, so be sure to pack a sweater for the kids  

(847) 577-3015 1933 N. Kennicot Ave., AH

Frontier Pool = Nice kiddie pool open in the a.m. for toddlers, you don’t get run over by the bigger kids

Greenbriar P ark 

Verde and Roanoake Arlington Heights www.ahpd.org

Heritage Park Pool

(847) 577-3020 506 W. Victoria Ln., AH

Jumps and Giggles = Elk Grove Park District (year round), They have a carousel and play area for $2 a child.  They can ride as many times as they want on the carousel.  Gets busy in the winter and on rainy days.  It’s perfect on those “too hot” days when you are sick of being outside!

(847) 437-9494 1000 Wellington Ave., Elk Grove www.parks.elkgrove.org

Macaroni Soup = Terrific kids classes (not park district) –with Miss Carol 

 (847) 384-1404

Olympic Pool

(847) 577-3025  660 N. Park Ridge Ave., AH

Orbit S kate Center

(847) 394-9199  615 Consumers Ave., Palatine

Palatine Stables = They have pony rides for $5/10 min. or $10/30 min.  Call first and find out times, because also do birthday parties.  It’s a great place for any horse lover.  Bring apples and carrots to feed the horses and ponies!

(847) 359-0009  512 W. Northwest Hwy., Palatine www.palatineparkdistrict.com

Pirate’s Cove = Fun, kid friendly amusement park  

(847) 439-2683 999 Leicester, Elk Grove www.parks.elkgrove.org

Prospect Heights Library = It doesn’t get as busy as Arlington Heights and you don’t have to pre-register.  Contact the library for times

(847) 259-3500 12 N. Elm St., Prospect Heights

Pump it Up = Big, indoor, inflatable play place.  Great for playgroups and b-day parties.  If you have a small child it is recommended that you go to a 5 yr. and under specified play time.  Great for making crazy kids nice and tired. $7, adults are free.  

(847)904-7867 1857 Elmdale Ave., Glenview www.pumpitupparty.com/glenview.html

Randhurst Mall = Play area is a lot of fun in the winter. They also have a nice carousel               

(847) 392-2287  999 Elmhurst Rd., Mt. P.

The Grove =  It has an indoor nature center/”zoo” of local animals that is really well kept and it’s free.  They also have an outdoor area where the kids can see how the early settlers lived.  They also have nice short trails.

(847)299-6096  1421 Milwaukee Ave.

Public facilities to take advantage of:

  Lake Arlington =  Two mile walking/bike path, park and little beach

 (847) 259-6890 2201 N. Windsor, AH

  Twin Lakes Recreation Area

 (847) 259-6890 530 S.  Williams, Palatine

Feel like going downtown?

Millennium Park = Park in the huge garage or take a trip on the Metra.  If you haven’t been, it is great.  There is an amazing interactive water fountain across the street from the Art Institute.  You’ve never seen anything like it. 

(312) 742-1168 Monroe St. and Michigan Ave. www.millenium park.org

Local fairs that are not to be missed:

Botanic Gardens Ice cream social  

(847) 835-5440 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe www.chicagobotanc.org

Buffalo Grove Days = Labor Day weekend

Intersection of Lake Cook Rd. and Raupp Blvd., Buffalo Grove www.vbg.org                

Didier Farms = Terrific Pumpkin Patch in the fall with a petting zoo, hay rides, 5 acre. Corn maze  and apple cider doughnuts.   Sept 24^th – Oct. 31^st

(847) 634-3291  16678 W. Aptiksic, Prairieview www.diderfarms.com

Frontier Days = Around the fourth of July in down town Arlington Heights  

frontier@frontierdays.org

Irish Fest = Arlington Heights Historical Museum

(847) 255-1225 110 W. Fremont, AH www.ahpd.org

Port Clinton Art Festival = Mid-summer, Highland Park, along the intersections of 1^st and 2^nd

www.amdurproductions.com

Promenade of Arts = Early Summer, Arlington Heights, intersection of Vail and Campbell

www.amdurproductions.com

Strawberry Festival of Long Grove = Adorable town fair arts and craft lots to sample, a great stroll . They also have Chocolate Festival in Spring and Apple Festival in the fall.  It’s nice to go to a fair on an off time like October.

(847) 634-0888 Intersection of Rt. 83 and Old Rt. 53

Feel like going downtown?

Old Town Art Fair

(312) 337-19381763 N. Park Ave., Chicago. www.oldtowntriangle.com

Sheffield Garden Walk = Garden tours, bands, & kids activities

Lincoln Park, Intersections of Webster and Sheffield www.sheffieldfestivals.org

Favorite shopping areas or malls:

Deer Park = Awesome out door mall with all of the best stores.  It is a lot like Old Orchard but easier to get to from Arlington Heights

Rand Rd and Long Grove Rd., Deer Pk. www.deerparktowncenter.tv     Northbrook Court   = Very kid friendly with upscale clothing stores                                             

(847) 498-8161 2171 Northbrook Ct., Northbrook                               

Old Orchard = Even though it’s kind of a drive to get there, this outdoor mall is great in summer and fall  

(847) 674-7070 34 Old Orchard Ctr., Skokie www.westfield.com

Randhurst Mall = They don’t have a huge selection of stores, but they have a great new play area and carousel for the kids.  You can get in and out pretty quickly.  It’s not a huge mall.

(847) 392-2287   999 Elmhurst Rd. www.randhurst.com 

The Glen = Lots of restaurants

Willow and Patriot, Glenview   www.glenview.il.us/glen/

Woodfield Mall = Everything you could ever want under one roof

(847) 330-1537 Golf Rd. at Rt. 53, Schaumburg

www.shopwoodfield.com

Feel like going downtown?

900 N. Michigan =  Fancy and fun

(312) 915-3916 or www.shop900.com

Hidden treasures and specialty stores:

Abt =  This is the greatest store EVER for electronics and appliances.  The service really makes this place stand out.

(847) 919-3700  1200 Milwaukee Ave., Glenview www.abtelectronics.com

The Artisan = It’s the perfect place to shop for for the woman who is impossible to buy for.  Great jewelry, trendy books- all kinds of adorable stuff . It is right off of the historic Long Grove main parking lot (847) 821-8835 248 Robert P. Coffin Rd., Long Grove                    

The Corner Market = It’s a great place to find gifts for your favorite “foodie”

(847) 870-6825 115 W. Central Rd. www.aroundthecornermarket.com

Dave’s Specialty  Foods = Cool cooking classes, Catering and gourmet cheeses

(847) 259-9510  512 W. Northwest Highway, Mt. Prospect

Didier Farms = It is a nursery with an unbelievable selection and beautiful hanging baskets in the spring (buy 2 get one free for Mother’s day)  

(847) 634-3291 16678 W. Aptiksic, Prairieview

IKEA = Where else can you get $1 wine glasses and a $100 couch?!

(847) 969-9700  1800 E. McConnor Pkwy, Schaumburg

Nods and Ends =  Land of Nod outlet. You can get bedroom furniture for half the price (or better!) They don’t deliver, but you can usually fit it in a minivan.  It is hit or miss so you have to keep trying.  If you sign up for their e-mails, you usually get an additional 15% on Sundays

(800) 933-9904 2177 Shermer Rd., Northbrook

The Pineapple Shop

(847) 637-3030  20 N. Vail Ave., AH

Trader Joe’s = Awesome, inexpensive organic and specialty foods.  Great chicken simmer sauces and frozen food section Great party snacks and good wine selection

(847) 506-0752  17 W. Rand Rd., AH www.traderjoes.com

Tuscan Market and Wine Shop = You can order really good meat from there too!

(847) 392-9700 141 W. Wing St., AH

Urban Harvest

(847) 632-0860  4 S. Vail Ave., AH

Valli Produce = Awesome ethnic foods, great produce, great tunes

(847) 439-9700 400 E. Golf Rd., Palatine www.valliproduce.com

Whole Foods                     

 (847) 776-8083 1331 N. Rand Rd., Palatine www.wholefoods.com

The Wine Cellar = A frugal wine lovers dream.  Very knowledgeable staff                                                  

(847) 776-1000 361 W. Northwest Hwy., Palatine www.thewinecellaronline.com

Museums or Theaters that have a lot to offer:

Broo kfield Zoo

(708) 485-0263 1^st Ave. between31st and Ogden , Brookfield www.brookfieldzoo.org  

  DuPage Children’s Museum

(847) 637-8000 301 N. Washington St., Naperville

Kohl’s Children’s Museum

(847) 512-1300  2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org

Little Village Play Place

(847) 590-5877 176 N. Arlington Hts. Rd., AH

www.littlevillageplayplace.com

Marriott Theater

(847) 634-0200 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire

www.marriottheater.com                                

Metropolis

(847) 577-2121 111 W. Campbell St. AH

Wonder Works Children’s Museum

(708) 384-4815  6445 W. North Ave., Oak Park

www.wonder-works.org

Ravinia = They have kid concerts mid day on Saturdays (5$ per person)  The evening concerts are a lot of fun.  Take the Metra and get dropped right off at the door. Everybody brings lots of wine and cheese to enjoy as they sit on the lawn.  They have a pavilion but it isn’t as much fun.

(847) 266-5100  200 Ravinia Road, Highland Park www.ravinia.com

Feel like going downtown?

Field Museum

(312) 922-9410 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago                                 www.fieldmuseum.org

Museum of Science and Industry

(773) 684-1414 57^th St. and Lake Shore Dr., Chicago.

www.msichcago.org

Navy Pier Children’s Museum

(312) 527-1000 700 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier

www.childrensmuseum.org