Best bets around Abbott Labs (Libertyville/North Chicago)

[TorontoJo]

I'm thrilled to be heading back to Chicago for a new project. Unfortunately, I won't be downtown, where all my usual stops are. I'll be staying up near Abbott Labs, which will preclude daily dinners downtown. So, am I better off going North towards Gurnee and Waukegan, or South towards Lake Forest and Northbrook?

I've seen this thread, which I will plunder for tips: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/313093

Any other recommendations for the area?

[nsxtasy]

> am I better off going North towards Gurnee and Waukegan,
> or South towards Lake Forest and Northbrook?

I'm not all that familiar with the area that far north, so I can't make a comparison. But I can tell you that there are lots of good places to the south, in Highland Park, Wheeling, and Northbrook. Check out these topics for specific suggestions:

www.chowhound.com/topics/385679
www.chowhound.com/topics/395248
www.chowhound.com/topics/445724
www.chowhound.com/topics/360966

[bildan]

Don't go North, there is nothing there, I live in Gurnee and there is nothing there but chains! The thread you mention does pick out the very few that are acceptable, abf005 does know good food.
South is a way better option
Or go West to Libertyville which also has some good places, try The Tavern, Firkin, and Trattoria Pomigliano all are very good. The Tavern and Firkin share a kitchen, with The Tavern being the "upscale" location.
Trattoria Pomigliano has some of the best homemade Italian I have had, not at all upscale, but good food and a good price.

[lmuboy1212]

Lino's in Libertyville, on 137 is some good, very affordable Italian food. Tavern has some of the best steaks I have ever had, Wagyu steaks are amazing! I also love Bottaio in Libertyville as well.

[abf005]

Thanks for the vote of confidence bildan!

As so well articulated above, Gurnee = chain crap, otherwise, Libertyville and Vernon Hills will yield the most results and there are a few standouts in Waukegan and Mundelein as well. Here are a few select hits near Abbott:

Waukegan: great Mexican taquerias, many of my favorites are detailed with pictures here: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/456329 and I stand by Bacci's for good Italian (pasta seafood & steaks). There are also a few good burgers to be found at a few of the local bars & pubs, and the Leno’s on Grand & Lewis is fantastic for monster subs that make you wonder “how the hell can Subway even be in business?” with places like this.

North Chicago: Nothing here worth mentioning, and for safety reasons try to avoid this place at night. There is a Hilary's BBQ that is decent, but the Waukegan location is better and safer!

Libertyville;
My very favorite lunch place in town is Burt’s Deli on Greentree Ctr and Tacos El Rey De Oro for a Mexican Taqueria. Hanakawa Japanese steakhouse, Mickey Finns for handmade brews, great burgers and good bands and Cafe Pyrenees is decent French with an amazing wine bar and frequent wine tastings. Wildberry for Breakfast is decent, but expensive for what you get. The Thai Noodle cafe is fun for lunch and of course the aforementioned Tavern & Friken are good too. Jimmy’s Charhouse can be hit or miss, but since it’s only a mid range steak place they can be worth a visit , don't miss the shrimp de jonghe ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrimp_de_Jonghe ) which they do a great job of.

Avoid: Austin’s for the food, Trattoria Pomigliano, and be wary of Henry Yee’s which can really be an expensive mistake. DO NOT under any circumstance eat at the Gino’s East!! It’s not even close to the same as the Original in Downtown, if you desire deep dish pizza; the Vincenos or Gurnee Malnati's and Giordano's will serve you much better, and just to be sure, the Unos in Gurnee is a must avoid as well. Anastasia's in Waukegan has the area's best thin crust pizza (but I'm not crazy about the rest of the menu).

Mundelein: a great hole in the wall NY Style Chinese carry out place called the Dragon Star, and the absolute best or authentic (as in like the Anchor Bar) Buffalo Style Wings are to be found at Franks for the Memories.

Vernon Hills: Opa! For great Greek food, Tsukasa of Tokyo for excellent Tappan style Japanese and a fun atmosphere.

As mentioned, the further you drive south the better the options get, and they go from mid range on up to outrageously priced but excellent (i.e. high end French: Micheal's or great food at Gabriel's in Highwood) and you'll see that they start to pop up with more frequency beginning around Lincolnshire, Wheeling and Highwood. I have never been impressed with Lake Bluff or Highland Park in general, but the Once Upon a Bagel in Highland Park is very good, but I wouldn't trek all the way down from Abbott with Burt’s Deli being so close by. A while back there was also another thread on this area worth reading: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/424826

Good luck on your project, I’m also a PM, so I know you’ll have plenty to do at Abbott, and now enough to eat while things get going over there!

[TorontoJo]

This is fantastic, thank you sooo much! The client wasn't quite ready to start when we were, so I haven't had to travel there yet. I feel much better knowing that I have a long list of chow options when I finally do make it there.

[AlwaysEatingOut]

A new and super choice for BBQ has come to North Chicago. Big Ed's BBQ on MLK Drive has delicious pit barbecue slowly roasted over real hickory with their own homemade sauce as a tangy option. You can get ribs, rib tips, pulled pork, brisket, hot links, chicken wings, catfish and burgers, dogs and polish too. Sides are great as well and include homemade potato salad, cole slaw, mac and cheese, collareed greens and baked beans. Save room for the homemade chocolate bump cake or fluffy pound cake. Big Ed's BBQ is open 7 days a week (Mon - Sat 11am until 8pm and Sun 12pm until 6pm).

[mountsac]

i really enjoy bob chinn's crab house in wheeling. king crab legs, crab meat vermicelli, and porterhouse steak are my favorite items on the menu.