Naperville is one of Chicago's largest suburbs. With a population hovering around 140,000, this city offer tons of excitement. The food and drink choices here are marvelous. From their upscale Mediterranean grill to their classic Chicago-style pizzerias, there's no shortage of good food and drink in Naperville. It's also one of the country's safest cities, making it the perfect getaway for a family-friendly night out.
For a heaping plate of stellar Mediterranean food, Naf Naf Grill is Naperville's hotspot. Even the humus alone is out of this world. The Mediterranean sandwiches are great too. The gyros have the tenderest lamb meat you can find, while the chicken shawarma is Middle Eastern perfection. This place is wholly authentic, so don't expect any hamburgers or typical American food here, although they have an amazing cabbage salad.
Naf Naf Grill
Location:
1739 Freedom Dr.
Naperville, IL 60563
Phone:
(630) 904-7200
While you'll find all sorts of upscale ethnic dining options in Naperville, Jackson Ave Pub is the city's best place for a satisfying home-style meal. The burgers here are the main attraction, far exceeding standard pub food. The California Burger is great for avocado and bacon lovers, and the Angus Goat Cheese burger has just the right amount of sweetness thanks to the goal cheese. But there's a bit more than burgers: Personal pizzas, chili and salads all make up the menu. You'll find seasonal brews on tap, like a handful or IPA varieties and some one-off specialties like Green Flash Double Stout.
Jackson Ave Pub
Location:
7 W Jackson Ave.
Naperville, IL 60540
Phone:
(630) 904-9400
Forget Mexican restaurants, go for a Spanish place instead! At Mesón Sabika, the main attraction is tapas, small plates filled with samples of food. Unlike most tapa places, the portions here are huge. If you're looking to try something unique, the bacon-wrapped dates are excellent, while the Gambas con Espinacas tapa is sure to fill you up. Beautifully sautéed tiger shrimp and a wholesome white wine honey sauce come together to make this tapa a real treat. You can also find more traditional tapas like the skirt steak dish and even a chicken casserole tapa (the Cazuela de Pollo). The ambiance here is gorgeous. Half banquet hall, half restaurant, Mesón Sabika is a beautiful location.
Mesón Sabika
Location:
1025 Aurora Ave.
Naperville, IL 60540
Phone:
(630) 983-3000
As they say, when in Rome do as the Romans, so when you're in Chicago, be sure to try out Lou Malnati's deep dish pizzas. The Malnati's Original is tomato sauce heaven, while even the Lou with its spinach and vegetables tastes amazing. While you can order thin crust pizzas, you're much better off going with the deep dishes — or even their crustless option for a true Chicago pizza experience. The desserts here are great as well, so make sure you order one of their signature sundaes for dessert!
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
Location:
131 W Jefferson Ave.
Naperville, IL 60540
Phone:
(630) 717-0700
For a lighter meal, Egg Harbor Cafe is one of Naperville's premier breakfast spots. If you're into seafood their smoked salmon Benedict is great for a lean breakfast, while their “Protein Wrap” is perfect for meat lovers. But it isn't all breakfast here, their cheeseburgers are wonderful, and their chicken pecan dijon salad is a complete and tasty meal. However, the griddle items are the crowd favorite here. From their signature lingonberry crepes to the peach cobbler French toast (a must-try), this place is perfect of waking up with a bit of sweetness. The ambiance is typical of an upscale breakfast place — bright colors, natural sunlight and quaint picnic bench style seating.
Egg Harbor Café
Location:
175 West Jackson Avenue
Naperville, IL 60540
Phone:
(630) 548-1196
For an exciting night out in one of Naperville's newest bars, Draft Picks is a safe bet. If the name was no indication, this is a serious sports bar. With a huge wrap-around bar with nearly a dozen TVs to look at, the bar is the most popular area in the restaurant. The food here is awesome: The perfectly BBQ'ed ribs are a crowd staple, while the pepperoni pizza is great for all occasions. Another safe bet: The Hangover Burger, with its jalapeño peppers and grilled onions and topped with an egg, is sure to fill anybody up.
Draft Picks
Location:
523 Fairway Dr.
Naperville, IL 60563
Phone:
(630) 904-1111