A trek into the burbs is always a nice quick escape from the hustle and bustle of Chicago. The burbs may be smaller than the city, but that doesn’t mean your food cravings won’t be satisfied. Just outside of Chicago’s northern border about 15 miles north of the Loop is Skokie. You might be familiar with Skokie’s popular outdoor shopping mall Old Orchard, but there’s more than just shopping here. After exploring the 100+ shops, you’ll be hungry. Luckily, we’ve got you covered with some of the best restaurants in Skokie, IL.
If you’re exploring outside the city, check out our restaurant roundups for Elgin, Aurora, and Woodstock too!
3534 W Touhy Ave, Skokie, IL 60076
This popular Filipino fast-food chain may not have as many locations as McDonald’s or KFC in the States, but its unique menu and novelty here set it apart. Jollibee serves fried chicken, spaghetti, burgers, and breakfast with a Filipino twist.
Fried chicken can be regular or spicy and is served with a side of Jollibee’s mouthwatering gravy for dipping. Spaghetti options include Jolly Spaghetti, a sweet-style dish with chunks of ham, ground meat, and hot dog, and Palabok Fiesta, a traditional Filipino noodle dish covered in garlic sauce with pork, shrimp, and egg.
Don’t forget dessert! Jollibee’s Peach Mango Pie or Halo Halo are perfect to end a delicious meal.
3301 Main St, Skokie, IL 60076
If you’re craving Greek food, look no further than Dengeos. The restaurant serves gyros, burgers, half-baked chicken, kabobs, and other American and Greek favorites. Dengeos is a great option for large groups and families with something for everyone.
Established in 1972, the long-standing eatery has expanded to three locations in Illinois, including Skokie. Try the famous Greek chicken or BBQ. For a party, you can order a 1lb platter of gyro for $19.99.
7931 Lincoln Ave, Skokie, IL 60077
Libertad brings a modern take on Latin American fare with small plates and specialty cocktails. Drawing inspiration from family recipes, traditional ingredients, and travels, Libertad brings a taste of Latin America to Skokie.
The restaurant has an open kitchen and a cozy, casual setting. Open for brunch, lunch, and dinner, Libertad offers vegetarian, fish, and meat dishes. For something unique, try the Veneras: pan-seared scallops, black rice, yuzu-habanero salsa, and long beans.
7150 Carpenter Rd, Skokie, IL 60077
Enjoy high-quality Japanese cuisine in a modern setting at Makisu. The liquor bar has a hearty list of fine wines and premier sake. Drinks are garnished with real fruits and perfectly complement your meal.
Only the freshest ingredients are used at Makisu for the finest quality and flavors. The menu is extensive with a wide selection of sushi rolls, sashimi, nigiri, noodles, and other Japanese favorites like donkatsu. If you’re out for lunch, Makisu has lunch specials Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
3445 Dempster St, Skokie, IL 60076
The Boiler Shrimp & Crawfish is all about southern-style seafood and hospitality. If you’re iffy about getting your hands messy, this is not for you.
The Boiler serves Cajun-style seafood dinners like shrimp, mussels, and crab legs in bags with customized flavors. Choose from Cajun, lemon pepper, garlic sauce, or just butter, or opt for everything plain. Also on the menu are wings, fried catfish, soft shell crab, shrimp, and chicken tenders, gumbo, and lots of delicious sides.
8808 Gross Point Rd, Skokie, IL 60077
Dig into traditional and unique Israeli plates like Moroccan Cigars, spicy ground beef inside crispy wrappers, and Kubeh, cracked wheat dumplings filled with zesty ground beef. Taboun Grill serves food with rich, Middle Eastern flavors and pitas baked in a traditional clay oven. Every bite is flavorful with traditional Israeli spices that melt in your mouth. Enjoy kebabs, falafel, schnitzel, and other grilled entrees—all freshly prepared.
3602 Dempster St, Skokie, IL 60076
Poochie’s has filled hungry tummies with hot dogs, burgers, and fries since 1969. The fast-food restaurant is famous for its Char Salami Sandwich and Monster Burger that has three ⅓ lb patties stacked in one bun. Once you’ve tried the fan favorites, indulge in their hot dogs, from Chicago-style to chili dogs, and different fries flavors, like buffalo and Caesar.
