Gapers Block has ceased publication.
Gapers Block published from April 22, 2003 to Jan. 1, 2016. The site will remain up in archive form. Please visit Third Coast Review, a new site by several GB alumni.
✶ Thank you for your readership and contributions. ✶
TODAY
Friday, April 26
Fuel
Ian / May 14, 2004 1:31 PM
A certain bar opposite Arlington Heights Metra station, captures perfectly the ambience of "Moe's Bar" from the Simponss. A great place to spend thirty minutes, waiting for your train back to reality.
Steve / May 14, 2004 1:36 PM
My parents' house?
Eamon / May 14, 2004 1:40 PM
The Chain O' Lakes-- the lakes and the state park. Good summertime fun.
Also, Steve's parents' house.
jennifer / May 14, 2004 1:41 PM
IKEA.
miss ellen / May 14, 2004 1:45 PM
the ASS, baby!
Algonquin Sub Shop fuckin' rules. oh lord, i want one right now.
if you're ever near route 31, a little while north of the expressway, check out the ASS - you won't regret it.
Algonquin Sub Shop: 105 Filip St
emily / May 14, 2004 1:45 PM
The little manmade finger of land on Northwestern's Evanston campus that juts into Lake Michigan offering an awesome view of the city.
Naz / May 14, 2004 1:48 PM
The only two reasons I ever want to go to the suburbs for (and this qualifies as one favourite since it's a double threat):
IKEA and Mitsuwa.
Nothing like Swedish design and Japanese culture.
Pat / May 14, 2004 2:07 PM
The Quonset in Waukegan. Best thin crust pizza evar!
And frankly the only really good reason to go to Waukegan anymore.
pj chmiel / May 14, 2004 2:33 PM
My aunt Lottie in Harwood Heights.
Other than that, the names: "Eye-Taska." "Shammburg." "D' Splaynes." "Laambard." "Palatine." ...and more.
Andrew / May 14, 2004 2:39 PM
Emily, when I was in high school, I thought that little outjut was an island, because I only went at night and the northern end was blocked by a fence.
I'm partial to Kelsey's Roadhouse out in Barrington. I remember going there when I was a little kid -- the artistically bricked walls, with bottles and ironworks and various things stuck in the mortar were an endless source of fascination for a
sandor / May 14, 2004 3:52 PM
Once, on a co-worker's last day at work (in Bucktown), we decided to take a long lunch and go fetch some of our favorite wings in all of Chicagoland: Buffalo Joe's in Evanston.
Kris / May 14, 2004 4:10 PM
I'm carless, so I know very little about the suburbs. I've only been to IKEA once. Wish they'd settle on a site in the city already.
That being said, I love Ravinia. Been there at least once every year since I've been here.
Also, Lake Charles in the south 'burbs (Orland Park-Tinley Park area) is really pretty. My friends had their wedding there last summer.
amyc / May 14, 2004 4:10 PM
New Rebozo Mexican restaurant in Oak Park, at Madison and Harlem. Mmmmm...Oh, my God!
Carly / May 14, 2004 4:26 PM
Miss Ellen-I'm totally freaked out that you know of the Algonquin Sub Shop...my parents live there and I went to high school in Algonquin...besides that snowboarding place, I didn't think most people had ever heard of the town!
Anyway, I'd say:
-Fuddruckers
-IKEA
-Yu's Mandarin Noodles
-Todai
-Woodfield (sometimes, sorta...OK, not really)
-My parents' house
Carly / May 14, 2004 4:26 PM
Oh, and Mitsuwa...totally forgot that one...
Benjy / May 14, 2004 4:31 PM
mmm... a Fuddrucker's burger sounds good right now!
Pete / May 14, 2004 4:39 PM
Ian, unfortunately I think that bar in Arlington Heights is about to close for good. Legislated out of existence.
sarah / May 14, 2004 4:46 PM
the tiny chinese/korean restaurant right between where the two old evanston movie theaters used to be. the woman there knows my parents so well that when we walk in she says "bi bim bop, extra hot sauce!" instead of "hello."
also, my parent's porch swing.
miss ellen / May 14, 2004 4:54 PM
Carly,
My new roommates' boyfriend (well, his mother - the Rogala's) lives near ASS.
Last summer, we were out at his mom's house quite a bit - great big backyard, big pool & hottub. We stayed there after some shows at Alpine and Algonquin Sub Shop became the "eats" for the weekend. We were buying extra stuff, and packing the cooler for later because they are so good!!
Eamon / May 14, 2004 5:28 PM
Boy howdy I love the bi bim bop. Not to hijack the thread, but can anyone recommend a good source in Rogers Park?
Yuri G / May 14, 2004 6:34 PM
Ever wonder why you see only the same dozen or so people posting here week after week? (certainly GB's readership is a lot larger but you'd never know reading here week after week.)
Wonder why someone who currently lives in the suburbs would think twice about coming here to maybe post some useful information on this topic?
Wonder why someone who currently lives in the suburbs (but likes to go to the city a few times a week for fun events/concerts/whathaveyou) would go to The Reader's site or even (gawd) METROMIX to find out about events happening in the city INSTEAD of GB?
Could it be a person could get very very tired of the elitist "urban" chit chat, the battle over who could care less, and other really annoying cliquish behaviour, (not to mention the contstant gawd awful cliches about what a wasteland the suburbs are) that goes on here week after week?
It's too bad. I was excited to see this topic today, but I should have known I'd be disappointed.
This was maybe one chance for all of the "open minded" and "tolerent" people living in the city to maybe learn about a few bright spots in the "wasteland" they hate so much, but instead of listening -- posts must be peppered with lame jokes and constant "not that I would normally EVER EVER EVER THINK about leaving Chicago EVER but sometimes when I am dragged kicking and screaming by my friend who has a car - because like, cars are for wasteful suburbanites, I would NEVER buy one - I would consider going to ..." qualifiers.
It's too bad.
Oh, and it's not quite located in a suburb but if you ever decide to leave cook county, Starved Rock is fantastic.
Naz / May 14, 2004 7:19 PM
I don't think anyone really put down the suburbs here at all - I don't detect it.
Plus the car thing? Where's that coming from?
One is free to do or say what they wish. If you cared enough (as it seems you do) to leave some useful information, then do so. Instead of stereotyping whoever posts here, change the tide.
The whole point of this question as posted was to encourage this, what people post is up to them.
I appreciate your thoughts but if you didn't add the last bit about Starved Rock, you're not exactly balancing out the elitist "urban" chit chat. Chime in indeed, we'd love to see other people comment and bring what they know to the table.
It's all good. Really.
Heather S. / May 14, 2004 8:18 PM
http://www.hala-kahiki.com/ : Who can resist a tiki bar?
http://domicilefurniture.com : The outlet in Morton Grove is great if you're looking for discounted furniture.
http://www.cantignypark.com/ : Used to go there on field trips
http://www.longgroveonline.com/ - Strawberry Fest
http://www.lcfpd.org/ - Great places for day hikes
http://www.genevachamber.com/ - Quaint town
http://tinyurl.com/2saba - Pottawatomie Park in St. Charles, IL Pack a picnic and take the paddleboat ride.
Naz / May 14, 2004 9:48 PM
Now that's what I'm talking about - kick arse. Thanks Heather.
paul / May 15, 2004 8:53 AM
I have to agree on the New Rebozo in Oak Park... Also there's Kaufman's in Skokie.
Gordon / May 15, 2004 8:54 AM
The Century 12/CineArts 6 in Evanston is one of the best theaters in the Chicago area. Accessible by L, free parking if you feel like driving, a bar IN THE BUILDING, a generally diverse selection of both Hollywood and foreign or independent features ... What more do you need?
I'm also fond of Comix Revolution, also in Evanston. It's one of the best comics shops I've ever been to -- a nice balance of mainstream and indie comics.
Craig / May 15, 2004 12:22 PM
Re: Bi Bim Bop in the RP area-- well it's not exactly Rogers Park, but on the South end of Evanston there's a little greasy spoon called the Evanston Grill (1047 Chicago Ave) that serves up a tasty bowl of BBP. Be forwarned it's a little weathered, but the place has character. Plus afterwards you can stroll next door to the funky used bookstore (whose name escapes me) and Viva Vintage (a super-retro resale shop).
Kevin / May 15, 2004 3:44 PM
What are these "suburbs" you kids speak of? Can I eat it? Will it hurt me? I'm frightened by them yet intriqued....
Seriously, I can dig IKEA (Schaumburg) on a Tuesday afternoon when I'm playing hooky from work. I love the Morton Arbouretum (Lisle) in the fall. Heck, if I'm too overcome by the stench of city urine and L-Track grease, I'll venture south to "The Oasis" if King's X is in town.
Sometimes it's not even a matter of a particular location. Just driving west and maybe taking in a buckets of Max & Erma's Hot Wings will do it for me. But then again, I'm just a City Simp.
Alice / May 15, 2004 3:59 PM
1. My parents' house
2. http://www.prfas.org/ : Park Ridge Fine Arts Society free concerts. Where else can you drink in front of City Hall?
3. http://www.pickwick.org/ The Pickwick Theatre.
4. http://www.chicago-botanic.org/ Chicago Botanic Gardens (in Glencoe)
5. http://www.brookfieldzoo.org/ Brookfield Zoo
6. http://www.ramatemple.org/ The Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago
7. Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center in Palos Hills
8. River Trail Nature Center in Northbrook
I could go on and on, but that's one of the advantages of being a Chicago-area native.
Joe / May 15, 2004 4:51 PM
Any Walmart
Mike / May 16, 2004 11:27 AM
Uhh, hello? Medieval Times in Shaumburg? What's wrong with you people?
paul / May 16, 2004 12:09 PM
Mitsuwa is a fantastic Japanese market on Algonquin Road,
in Arlington Hts.
I second all of the Evanston spots - Buffalo Joe's, Cine Arts (any theater with a bar attached needs a mention), the Evanston beach front, Comix, but also Hecky's ribs needs a mention.
The suburban Forest Preserves are where you really can do what you want to do when you want to get away from the city - get away from humans for awhile. You don't need to drive as far as Starved Rock (which for the most part, has no lack of humans). There's a large one in Palatine where it's very easy to get lost.
I'm surprised nobody mentioned the Morton Aboretum, but glad no one mentioned Gurnee Mills.
Andrew / May 16, 2004 10:40 PM
Yuri -- other than the first comment and the several votes for IKEA, I see no slams of the suburbs.
Paul, Kevin mentioned the Arboretum.
I should have mentioned Moraine Hills StatePark out near Island Lake in McHenry County.
Dan / May 17, 2004 9:22 AM
Yuri>> I'd have to second that.
I live in the suburbs, and I would bet that many of the frequent posters here either grew up in the burbs or spent some time there. I really don't think there is an elitist thing going on.
I think any references to "wasteland" have more to do with the constant urban sprawl in towns like Lombard or Schaumburg, where large sections are "Walmart/McDonald's/Old Navy/Target/repeat". That said, there are still plenty of places in those burbs that I frequent, and I'm guessing many other people here do too.
My votes:
Kane County Flea Market
Mitsuwa (can't beat it!)
Buffalo Joe's
Downtown Evanston (I've been stopping into Kafein since high school>> that's kinda sad.)
Tommy Nevin's
The Hole in the Wall restaurant (amazing Italian dining)
The Botanic Gardens
Dan / May 17, 2004 9:24 AM
p.s. The Old Orchard Aquarium Shop on Skokie Blvd. They've got goddamn Nurse Sharks for sale!
sarah / May 17, 2004 9:25 AM
wait! has nobody mentioned the ba'hai temple in wilmette? one of the most beautiful buildings ever made, surrounded by amazing flower gardens, and just steps from the lake.
Kenzo / May 17, 2004 9:39 AM
What about the world-famous Higgins Denny's in Schaumburg, people?
I was once out of the country and some kids asked me about it.
"You've been to Higgins Denny's? I am so jealous," they said.
Jealous.
'That Ian' / May 17, 2004 9:47 AM
Harvard's Milk Days is my pick even though Harvard is a little further out than most suburbs! Milk Days is one crazy messed-up festival of milk and bumble-fuck ack-basswards-ness. And who the fuck thought it was a good idea to have a festival celebrating milk anyways? Why not something fun that really hits on the traits of Harvards community like a festival celebrating the joy of having unprotected sex with your second cousin in a bale of hay? Now THAT would be a festival.
christian / May 17, 2004 10:08 AM
The abundance of great bike trails, mostly the ones in Kane and McHenry counties. The Fox River Bike Trail a 35 mile trip from Aurora to Algonquin and connects with the McHenry County Prairie Trail to continue north all the way to the Wisconsin border. The Prairie Trail is a 25.9 mile trail stretching from Algonquin to Genoa City Wisconsin.
There is one trail I can't remember the name of that is one of the nicest trails for just cruising. From what I remember, it was one of the reclaimed train paths with crushed limestone, the really cool thing about this trail was the fact that you went through a train tunnel that was about a mile long.
haydn / May 17, 2004 10:09 AM
1. The Golden Steer on Roosevelt in Forest Park.
2. The seedy bars that remain on increasingly gentrified Madison in FP, especially the House of LA.
3. Any of the first-rate Mexican diners on Cermak in Berwyn.
4. Homer's ice cream in Wilmette.
5. Hecky's.
6. Maple Tree Inn in Blue Island and all of "Old Western Avenue."
7. Schoop's in Whiting, hell the whole town of Whiting for the old school vibe and lake views.
8. I can't believe no one mentioned Kiddieland.
9. The Pickwick in Park Ridge.
10. All of those South Evanston business districts around the Purple Line (especially Main Street) that stay interesting while downtown Evanston grows ever more sterile and chain-oriented.
11. The Bunny Hutch miniature golf course on Devon in Lincolnwood.
Naz / May 17, 2004 10:15 AM
Schecki - Paul answered your question. However, there's much more to it. Imagine a mini-mall that's Japanese and has a food court, a supermarket, a bakery, a liquor store, a toy store (get all those hard to find Kubricks, Kaws and other goodies), a bookstore and plenty of assorted ephemera that are all Japanese and you get a good idea. It's an awesome place. Bring money...
christian / May 17, 2004 10:18 AM
Par-King Skill Golf in Linolnshire.
http://www.par-king.com
A lex / May 17, 2004 10:38 AM
- Ravinia (easily accessible, great music, cheap)
- My sister's house in Naperville (free laundry, cable and snacks. Plus, bunnies in her backyard!)
- Six Flags' Great America (I loves me my G force)
- Chowpatti Vegetarian Restaurant (Home of the gazillion-page menu)
- Haunted Trails (Can't beat mini-golfing surrounded by a "bloody" fountain)
AL / May 17, 2004 11:16 AM
- The Harrison Street Arts District in Oak Park is charming.
-Khyber Pass
-the new Oak Park public library
-4th of July fireworks at ORPF high school
Benjy / May 17, 2004 12:26 PM
What's so special about the Higgins Denny's?
Pete / May 17, 2004 1:05 PM
I could state the obvious and say "my leather recliner in Joliet" but I don't want to encourage visitors coming to my home. That said:
-Morton Arboretum
-Chicago Botanic Garden
-Prairie Bluff Golf Course in Lockport
-Merichka's in Crest Hill
-Tommy Nevin's
-IKEA
daruma / May 17, 2004 2:14 PM
Maywood Park Racetrack! I'm the Queen of Quinella baby! Plus all-you-can-eat prime rib Wednesdays.
Andrew / May 17, 2004 3:17 PM
What's so special about the Higgins Denny's?
I have no idea. I always went to the one in Palatine at Rand and Dundee (Routes 12 and 68, for you numbers folk), which was supposedly the highest-volume Denny's in the country... 10 years ago.
brian / May 17, 2004 3:45 PM
Dam Inn in Wheeling. YOu can see: ice-cold beer for under $3, a 70 year-old woman wave a vibrator at you, and a 80 year-old man drop his pants. It is the best bar/novelty shop ever.
I've never been to ASS, but the Real Texan BBQ in Algonquin is a hoot.
Kris / May 17, 2004 4:02 PM
I took my first-ever trip to the Century 12/Cine Arts 6 last week (to see if the playing of 'Mean Girls' in Evanston might open a wormhole). It is, in fact, as sweet as I've always heard.
There's something a little overwhelming about that whole area off of the Dempster stop, though, with the theater and the Borders and the (sub)Urban Outfitters and all the little restaurants and it's so clean and polished and pedestrian-friendly... my friend said "It's like Suburban Disneyland."
Andrew / May 17, 2004 4:25 PM
Kris, that's actually off the Davis stop. Dempster's the next one south.
But yes, it's surprisingly well put together. Almost too well...
Cinnamon / May 17, 2004 4:26 PM
Kris, I think you mean the Davis stop. The Dempster stop is populated with little indie shops. The Davis stop is surrounded by chain stores. I work near there so I get my little strip-mall shopping needs fulfilled. There are a few indie shops, you just have to wander to find them, there's even a Reckless (which employs guys who take High Fidelity's music tenets very seriously). It's the stop closest to Northwestern and I think it tries to satisy all those parents who are afraid that something awful might happen to their children living right next to Chicago.
Trance / May 17, 2004 5:02 PM
The East Chicago casinos. Whoo, yeah, ghettoriffic fun for all. And also the Indiana dunes - not sure whether this is considered a suburb, but having grown up spending summers on the south side's beaches (waste dumps), they are the better option. And any burb in which I can go and drool over Frank Lloyd Wright homes is basically good.
RUOK? / May 17, 2004 5:06 PM
All hardware stores that carry spraypaint. Make Chicago's ban meaningless.
thatbob / May 17, 2004 5:09 PM
To counter Yuri's point, I think there's not *enough* suburban slamming going on in this thread. Allow me one line: Suburbs! Those awful things that stand between me and Milwaukee!
That said, I've been to Fitzgerald's [Berwyn] only once, and always wanted to go again. Nobody's mentioned it yet. I go to Mars' Cheese Castle every chance I get. And many of your suggestions have reminded me of a few other places I intend to see. Keep 'em coming.
(Suggestion for next thread: favorite places/things/people in Milwaukee.)
Ian / May 18, 2004 8:23 AM
Herm's Hot Dog Palace in Skokie!
Naz / May 18, 2004 8:49 AM
Superdawg!
Pete / May 18, 2004 8:56 AM
Naz, Superdawg is technically in Chicago, though the area does feel like a collar-city suburb.
Alice / May 18, 2004 9:41 AM
I can't believe someone mentioned the Higgins Denny's. Awesome. That place is legendary to former-northwest suburban teens.
sandor / May 18, 2004 9:54 AM
Al's Deli on Noyes.
emily / May 18, 2004 10:23 AM
Mars Cheese Castle! We stopped by on our way back from Milwaukee once and saw Thom York's signature in the guest book. Radiohead had played a show in Milwaukee the night before and were scheduled to play in Chicago that night, so we decided the signature was legit.
miss ellen / May 18, 2004 10:31 AM
Emily, we remember hearing about that @ Mars - we hit that show, too; but we rode up through Algonquin & used the backroads, so we missed out on Cheese Castle ;)
Audrey / May 18, 2004 10:33 AM
I have to second (or third) the mentions of the Pickwick Theater in Des Plaines and the Chicago Botanic Gardens in Glencoe. I see that no one has mentioned the FermiLab (Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory) in Batavia as another interesting place to visit (www.fnal.gov). While they have seminars for the public on the fascinating physics research they are doing there (there is one this Friday on extra dimensions), I was surprised to discover a number of years ago that they host lots of cultural events covering the arts. It can be kind of a trek out there but it's well worth it.
Craig / May 18, 2004 10:58 AM
I'm a little confused as to why people are being cyncial about Evanston's new "downtown"... I think it's a GREAT example in intelligent community development-- something not too many suburbs actually practice. Evanston still understands that density and a public "community center" are important. Not too many suburbs offer a vibrant "walking downtown" mixed with copious amounts of shopping, food, public spaces, and entertainment. Take a look at Skokie for contrast-- they have a great downtown area on Demptster St, but it's DEAD. There's nothing there but the shell of what was once a vibrant walkable downtown. Instead Skokie's true city center is the Old Orchard Mall. Bleh. Sure, 'downtown' Evanston might be populated with a hearty amount of "corporate" stores (not necessarily a bad thing), but there are still dozens of independent shops mixed in, especially once you step a few blocks away from the Maple Street movie area. Lastly, the comment "[Downtown Evanston] tries to satisy[sic] all those parents who are afraid that something awful might happen to their children living right next to Chicago." is misguided-- that's the reason why suburbs exist; an escape from the crime, grit, and density that the city contains... for better or worse.
Craig / May 18, 2004 11:15 AM
Edit-- Re: Skokie
I meant Oakton not Dempster...
+mojan. / May 18, 2004 11:51 AM
Whoa! I never would've expected this great a response, nor would I have expected that so many people would dig the same places.
Two that haven't been mentioned yet (why, WHY?): Bookman's Alley in Evanston and freakin' Pita Inn in Skokie! Hot damn, I love those pita sandwiches!
And you know, I agree with you, Craig. Smart thinkin'. I met a friendly Slovenian cab driver, and he said he loves Evanston because it's the closest thing in Chicagoland to a European city.
Naz / May 18, 2004 12:13 PM
I'm quite fond of that particular area around Davis in Evanston. It's just nice - mostly I like going to Chili's (scandalous!) and then the Century for a movie.
Onid / May 18, 2004 12:15 PM
I LOOOOVVVVVEEE Herms palace. And Heckys and Pita Inn. Here's my offering: Eastern Style Pizza on Dempster. Go for the Grinders though (Philly Cheese steak for me. Pepperoni is good too) the pizza leaves a little to be desired.
miss ellen / May 18, 2004 12:34 PM
OMG - naz is a closet chili's addict? no way ;)
but they do make a damn good presidente margarita; i've been known to down a few when away for business.
dan / May 18, 2004 12:43 PM
For all the ghost-hunters too...
Bachelor's Grove Cemetary in Midlothian has always been ground-zero. It has the dubious honor of being the "most haunted" cemetary in the Midwest.
Reards / May 18, 2004 1:08 PM
I grew up in the Oak Park area and nearby are still two of my favorite restaurant spots: Johnny's and New Star. The ladder is great chinese - still the best egg rolls i've ever had and the the former is truly an institution unto itself. Johnny's menu is pretty standard hot dog/italian beef, but the italian ice and the beefs/sausage are awesome. Mr. Beef, Als, u name 'em, they do not hold a candle. (The area has some cool spots, but i actually make the drive for the food still. : ))
paul / May 18, 2004 1:10 PM
OK, I didn't want to do this, because I didn't want all you 'city folk' to come up and mob the place but a great alternative to the chain's like Chili's and Puck's in the 'theater area' of Evanston is the Dixie Kitchen, just east of the el tracks. OK, OK with all the old signs on the walls, it feels almost like a Bennigan, but the food doesn't. Mmm, banana bread french toast.
And one last comment - for urban people, you sure do seem to like the suburbs.
dan / May 18, 2004 2:08 PM
I wholeheartedly agree that the FermiLab is worth checking out, especially for their seminars and movie screenings. (Noam Chomsky was one of their recent speakers.)
Interesting tidbit about FermiLab... they have their own buffalo range. However, you can only visit their buffalo herd when the terror level is "yellow" or below. (See! and you thought that whole alert level thing was meaningless!)
+mojan. / May 18, 2004 3:28 PM
Wait, why didn't I think of it before?? Walker Bros. Pancake House in Wilmette and/or Highland Park. Yum yum yum yum yum. Yum.
Gabi / May 18, 2004 3:39 PM
The leaning tower of Pisa YMCA in Niles. There is nothing quite like doing your laps with a view of the leaning tower of Pisa through rose colored glass. And only minutes from home! And then you can just drop by Meinke's plant store for ultimate green thumb experience.
Kris / May 18, 2004 3:47 PM
Naz, I'm a closet Chili's addict too, but now there's one in the city (scandalous!) at State and Ontario. BUT—and I was afraid to say this earlier for fear of a flogging by all the foodies here—sometimes I just CRAVE some Olive Garden. Lincolnwood, here I come!
Ann VanMoxie / May 18, 2004 4:00 PM
Although I've heard tell of a location in the city, Aurelio's Pizza is generally found in the suburbs. There is also the little matter of Culver's. I mean, really. Butterburgers, people.
Sometimes, for a change, I drive out far enough to look at some hills. When the time of year is right, you can find me in the South Suburbs (near the Cook/Will border) on Sunday afternoons, buying my produce from the farmstands, only a few yards from where it was grown.
schecki / May 18, 2004 5:11 PM
I have to second Dixie Kitchen. I went there for Sunday brunch and their Bloody Mary totally rules.
Benjy / May 18, 2004 10:29 PM
I just had Pita Inn on Sat. for the first time. I'd been missing out all this time!
Another one I thought of -- Barnaby's Pizza. Best thin crust pizza anywhere.
'That Ian' / May 18, 2004 11:13 PM
Great America in Gurnee!!
sub_version / May 19, 2004 3:48 AM
The comics store in Wilmette, half a block from the Linden el, whose name I can never remember. Awesome place, though. The Chinese restaurant right outside the el station is awesome too - great eggrolls.
The lunch buffet at India House, off Lake Cook Road in Buffalo Grove.
A Chinese place I can't remember the name of either, but its where Hicks Road ends at ?Northwest Highway? in Arlington Heights.
IKEA has its points, as does Fuddruckers.
sub_version / May 19, 2004 3:49 AM
Oh, almost forgot: Ruby of Siam in both Evanston and Skokie, and Bombay Garden in Evanston. Respectively excellent Thai and Indian cuisine.
Archie / May 19, 2004 7:59 AM
The fact that I can find parking without circling like a vulture would defnitely have to be #1 on my list
jen*nee / May 19, 2004 10:42 AM
I'll second Pat's vote for Quonset in Waukegan, my absolute favorite pizza on the planet--I'll also give a shout to any OTB, corner taqueria, and bike path between there and Aurora.
Mike / May 23, 2004 12:01 PM
Viva la Crepe in Evanston has the best French Toast - smothered with berries. Also, Le Peep has some great skillet breakfasts.
jes / May 25, 2004 6:27 PM
My parent's place (not really the suburbs, but out in the woods somewhere in Indiana, you know, that place where there are more trees than people...no I'm not telling where) barring that, well, Ikea (the only reason to go to Schaumburg, the rest of Schaumburg frightens me) ... can someone tell me where to get black current flavored pop in Chicago (and don't say Erikson's Deli in Andersonville, they're closed whenever I get up there).
OBINNA / October 12, 2004 4:40 AM
NICE SITE PLEASE KEEP OFFF
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