Best hidden Restaurants in the burbs (Elgin, Downers Grove: work, appointed, business)

[breer23]

I was all ready to unleash the wonder of Seven Dwarves - good pick, Oldrustycars.

Breakfast: Harvest Pancakes (63rd St, one block west of Cass Ave. in Westmont)
Lunch: Burgers at Slammer's (Cass Ave. & 59th St.)
Dinner: Figo's Italian (downtown Glen Ellyn)
After-dinner: Michael's Jazz Bistro (downtown Glen Ellyn)...see if they still hide the bottle of NightTrain ripple within all of the high-dollar liquor!

Man, now I really need a few Chicago food fixes...

[Incognito Mosquito]

In regards to the White Fence Farm post- and I know this is blasphemous to some- but I wasn't that impressed with the place. My fiancee grew up in Lockport so WFF is pretty much an institution to her family but I've had their food twice (and I've tried it all... chicken, fish, fries, mashed potatoes, cole slaw, fritters) and I wasn't blown away, especially considering the price. Of course I feel the same way about Gene & Jude's, so maybe I just don't do well with places that have been hyped up to be "the greatest (blank) you'll ever eat."

My pick is Buffalo Joe's in downtown Evanston. (Yes there's one in the city too, though it's right across the street from Evanston, and yes Evanston's "suburb" status is debatable...) Both their buffalo chicken sandwich and buffalo cheddar burger are greasy, messy, delicious, and nearly big enough for two. I haven't found a place quite like them yet out in the rest of the burbs.

[gardener34]

White fence farm is more ambiance (to me). good food, but not earthshattering for the price. This has been my experience with a lot of large establishments. Consistently, we have had some of our best food at the dinky little storefront places.

[Steve-o]

Has anyone mentioned the Mill Race Inn in Geneva? Only been there once and I thought it was pretty decent, if a bit pricey.

[nanannie]

Mill Race ? I have been there a few times,lunch only, very crowded, but right on the river is nice, certainly in the warmer months. I like having a drink outside. I really can not remember much about the food. I really like Atwood in Harringtons Inn. A charming "Europeanish" atmosphere, lots of windows over looking the courtyard and river. That and Isabells are my favorites in Geneva. I guess I'm not a cheap date

[Drover]

Been to both, and frankly Atwood blows Mill Race out of the water.

[thedfly]

Love White Fence Farm and was excited to find that they have a location near Denver, CO too since I've moved away. The corn fritters are the best I've had.

Mill Race Inn was pretty good, Fisherman's Inn with the FRESH trout is a favorite for special occasions.

Potter's Place in Naperville for their Christmas Tree burrito and YUMMY margaritas!

Edwardos Pizza...but I guess it might be considered a chain, so then I would vote for Little Italian on Bailey in Naperville.

[Avengerfire]

You guys are amazing! Thanks for making this thread a sucess and tool for me and everyone else! Keep up the great work.

[Drover]

Potter's Place in Geneva was horrid. I can't imagine the N-ville location is much better, but they're probably smart enough to not get shut down for repeatedly serving alcohol to minors.

[thedfly]

Originally Posted by Drover

Potter's Place in Geneva was horrid. I can't imagine the N-ville location is much better, but they're probably smart enough to not get shut down for repeatedly serving alcohol to minors.

I wondered what happened to that location...and no not as good in Geneva. We had tried there too and were disappointed.