Chicago has so many amazing suburbs that are unique in their culinary scenes. Just about 30 miles northwest of Chicago, you’ll find the residential suburb of Palatine. Known for its parks and nature, Palatine is a great place to visit with family and friends. The next time you’re in town, check out these popular restaurants in Palatine:
18 W Station St. Palatine, IL 60067
This family-owned and operated restaurant aims to bring authentic Italian cuisine from all parts of Italy, from Bari to Siena, right to our bellies. It has been serving fresh seafood, pasta, and other Italian entrees in the Chicagoland area for over the past decade.
Enjoy house specialty favorites like Stuffed Peppers, Gnocchi, and Country Rigatoni. If you’re a seafood fan, Gianni’s has a great selection in their seafood bar. The restaurant also offers a weekend brunch with a pasta station, omelette station, chicken marsala, calamari, and more, including $10 unlimited mimosas and $8 Bloody Marys.
51 W Wilson St. Palatine, IL 60067
You can never go wrong with a sandwich—there are so many possibilities! Dario’s menu shows just that with signature sandwiches like the Cubano and BBQ Roasted Pork as well as classic paninis, wraps, and flatbreads. The Cubano is a crowd favorite with ciabatta, roasted pork, ham, swiss cheese, pickles, mustard, and habanero aioli. Additionally, the BYO sandwich or flatbread is worth a try. Also, don’t forget to pair your sandwich with a cup or bowl of homemade soup for the ultimate combo!
220 N Northwest Hwy. Palatine, IL 60067
When you’re in the mood for fried food, check out Mother Cluckers Kitchen. More than just a clever name, the restaurant has all your fried favorites like the Shrimp Po Boy Sandwich, Fried Catfish, and of course, fried chicken. Mother Cluckers has a chill ambiance with blues playing as you enjoy your meal. The menu is fresh and made with family recipes—just good ol’ American home cooking.
16 S Bothwell St. Palatine, IL 60067
Artistic Cuisine is headed by Chef Ezequiel “Zee” Otero and serves French, Spanish, and Italian dishes with a Latin twist. For lunch, try the specials, like the Parrillada de Carnes, a traditional Argentinean meal with a fresh assortment of juicy grilled meats served on a tabletop grill with a salad.
The lunch and dinner menus also have gourmet pizzas, seasonal specials, entrees, and pasta. The Beef Bourguignon, a beef stew braised in red wine, is perfect for when the temperatures drop. Also, it’s served in a ceramic pot with a homemade flaky puff pastry on the side.
809 N Quentin Rd. Palatine, IL 60067
True to its name, Taco Shop has delicious tacos that are made fresh as well as burritos, vegetarian and vegan options, and more. The quick-service Mexican restaurant is no frills, but doesn’t sacrifice in quality. The U.S. prime meats are purchased from a local butcher. Find your classic favorites like carne asada, chicken, al pastor, carnitas, and chorizo. Vegetarians and vegans can enjoy soy chorizo, Impossible “beef,” and more.
1939 S Plum Grove Rd. Palatine, IL 60067
Cooler temperatures call for ramen! Ramen House Shinchan’s menu is inspired by the city of Nagoya in Japan. The restaurant serves authentic and unique flavors from katsu curries and gyoza to ramen and udon. On the other hand, classic Nagoya dishes on the menu include Taiwan Ramen, Tebasaki, and Misotatsu.
2391 N Hicks Rd. Palatine, IL 60074
If you’re jonesing for BBQ, Palatine is home to Money Magazine’s #1-rated BBQ in the state. Chicago Culinary Kitchen serves Texas-style BBQ, which means no sauce on the meats. The restaurant wants the meat to be “the star of the plate” and focuses on seasonings that enhance the specific meat’s natural flavors.
All meats are locally sourced and delivered fresh to CCK weekly and meats are smoked overnight and sold that day for ultimate freshness. Try the Back Alley Sticky Ribs for a unique flavor blend of honey, ground pistachios, and seeds.
807 W Nw Hwy. Palatine, IL 60067
Dig into classic American fare like burgers, sandwiches, and wraps at Brandt’s. Order a homemade starter of potato skins, fresh-cut chips, or Wisconsin cheese curds and complete the meal with a cold beer. Meanwhile, don’t skip on trying The Brandt’s Burger, the restaurant’s famous preservative-free fresh ground combination of short loin and deep chuck ½ lb burger.
1278 E Dundee Rd. Palatine, IL 60074
Pita Pita has all the Mediterranean classics we know and love. Start with falafel or stuffed grape leaves. Order salads, a variety of meat entrees, like chicken tawook and shawarma, sauteed meals, and sandwiches. Lunch specials let you taste a little bit of everything.
Additionally, if you’re a meat-lover, try the Meat Combo, a combination of five types of meat served with rice, Arabic salad, grilled onion, and tomato. More into veggies? The Veggie Plate has falafel, hummus, Baba Ghanouj, stuffed grape leaves, and Arabic salad.
