Best Dinner Places to Eat in Downers Grove

"Chicago’s only three Michelin star restaurant, Alinea has been around almost 15 years and still books up months in advance. The brainchild of acclaimed chef Grant Achatz who became one of the best chefs in the world despite battling tongue cancer, that’s just one of their impressive feats. It was the first restaurant to pioneer the concept of prepaid ticketed reservations, pricing meals on a sliding scale based on date and time (Friday at 7 p.m. would be more expensive than Tuesday at 5 p.m.) in order to show that dining is an experience akin to the theatre."

"Alinea is probably the most important restaurant on this list!. It’s one of only a handful of restaurants in the U.S. to hold the coveted Michelin 3-Star rating. It’s been named ‘Best Restaurant in America’ three times."

"We came here with a group of friends and left stuffed and satisfied with the courses that were prepared and presented. There's just something about ..."

"West LoopWhen this West Loop pioneer opened back in 2003, the elegant yet approachable eatery quickly made a name for itself thanks to sleek communal tables, a forward-thinking wine list, and, most importantly, the juiciest medjool date dish the Midwest had ever encountered. Plump dates undergo the full hog treatment here, plied with spiced chorizo sausage before being wrapped in a thick slab of bacon, fired until crisp and crackling, and doused in a warm piquillo pepper tomato sauce that practically demands a hunk of good, freshly baked bread. Don’t think, just order.How to book: Reserve via Tock or order take-out and delivery via DoorDash, GrubHub, and Caviar."

"For those of you who prefer fine dining, this is more of an upscale restaurant experience. Blackbird is a restaurant where you’ll find fantastic mid-western food showcasing farm-to-table ingredients. They offer great choices for meat eaters and vegetarians alike."

"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"

"A giant fist clenching eating utensils invites guests into this popular Lakeview eatery. Inside, they’ll find a warm dining room and items ranging from stuffed French toast and marvelous milkshakes to giant quesadillas and zucchini parmigiana. Go during off-peak hours or be prepared to wait since there’s usually a line."

"Stella’s has a pretty eye-catching exterior, and pretty hunger-smashing food. This place has been in Lakeview for around 50 years and despite many changes over the decades, it’s still around. Boasting classic diner breakfast favorites and delicious shakes at low prices, Stella’s has no trouble bringing in the crowd."

"Old School Breakfast Favorites: Coffee Simple Shake (Coffee + Milkshake!) ($5.50) or 2 Eggs with a Side and Toast ($6.95). Chicagoians have loved Stella’s Diner since the 1960s. This Lakeview institution offers the kind of breakfast your parents and grandparents probably love."

"From challah and sweet rolls to rugelach and babka, this far North Side kosher spot has everything for the Jewish holidays or for anyone who appreciates delicious breads and pastries."

"Launched by a husband and wife duo, Sweet Spot Macarons was the first business to bring a macaron truck to Chicago, and maybe, as claimed, the world. Each macaron has a flaky shell holding together a chewy center of flavor. Now, the pair will even take requests on where they travel to next via their email address, hello@sweetspotmacarons.com."

"Another long-standing destination is Weber’s Bakery, which takes on an almost prairie-style general store atmosphere in its design. Known as one of the best bakeries in Chicago, Weber’s Bakery is quite frequently packed with customers, waiting in line for their delectable sweets, including seasonal patzckies. If you’re in need of some fresh bread, pastries, or cakes, you know where to go."

"Like Dinkels, Webers has been around for a long time (since 1930 to be exact). And if you’ve ever eaten those tiny pre-packaged glazed donuts at the gas station, this South Side shop is for you. Specifically their chocolate-covered cake donut."

"Another among the best museums in Chicago is the Museum of Contemporary Art. It’s located in the city center, next to the historic building and Water Tower Place shopping mall. It has an incredible collection and pieces developed by talented and internationally recognized artists, such as Cindy Sherman, Kara Walker, and Andy Warhol."

"If you’re an Illinois resident, you can visit the lakefront Museum of Contemporary Art for free on Tuesdays. The museum houses post-World War II paintings, sculptures, photos, and videos."

"A group of art patrons who felt the great Art Institute was unresponsive to modern work founded the MCA in 1967, and it has remained…"

"Washington ParkCelebrate the achievements of African-Americans in the past and present Named for Jean Baptiste Point DuSable, a Haitian who is credited for establishing Chicago in 1779, the DuSable Museum of African-American History celebrates African-American history, culture, and art through world-class exhibits and programming, including permanent exhibits highlighting African-Americans in the military and telling the story of the African-American experience, from the Transatlantic Slave Trade through Reconstruction, the Great Migration, the Jim Crow era, the Civil Rights and Black Power Movements, and the US’s first black president. What to know before you go: The DuSable Museum of African-American History is open 10am to 5pm Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 5pm Sunday. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for students and seniors, $3 for children ages 6-11 and free for children 5 and younger, with discounts for Chicago residents and free admission every Tuesday."

"DuSable Museum of African American History is not only a site that houses valuable artifacts of African-American history, but the building itself is a structure of historical importance. Architect Daniel H Burnham had originally constructed the structure as horse stables, but the beautiful timber and limestone structure from the 19th century houses one of the best-curated museums today. Teenagers and preteens will be able to appreciate the art exhibitions and poetry reading sessions that capture the African-American experience."

"A powerful museum dedicated to African-American history, culture, and art, the DuSable Museum is a perfect place to take older kids and teens, although children ages 5 and up are welcome. Past exhibits have covered everything from the impact of Jewish scholars in African-American colleges to poetry and African-American soldiers in the Vietnam War."

"On the rooftop of Lincoln Park’s beautiful boutique Lincoln Hotel, The J Parker has some truly incredible views of the skyline and Lake Michigan, and some great comfort food to go along with it. Anyone looking for a city vista but not wanting to eat haute cuisine should head to The J Parker for great upscale takes on bar-food classics. If a well-made cocktail, delicious burger, and perfect view are what you’re after, this is the place to be."

"A retractable roof makes this a year-round attraction with plenty of drinks to titillate and an appetizer menu devised by the culinary mind of Chef Paul Virant. Though located on the unlucky 13th floor, as you look out over downtown, Lake Michigan, and Lincoln Park, you’ll feel blessed before the booze even hits your brain."

"Locals still tell friends to meet them at “Jimmy’s” the name of the the bar’s former owner (Jimmy Wilson died in 1999). Regardless, this tried and true dive bar has provided a meeting point for generations of college students, professors, and Hyde Park residents. Pitchers of beer are popular here as are the burgers."