25 Essential Des Plaines Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of Des Plaines.
Sugar Bowl
Illinois
Calm, old-fashioned diner dishing up hearty American breakfast & lunch standards.
Trezeros Kitchen + Tap
Illinois
Lively, family-friendly spot featuring Italian basics such as pastas & salads, plus a casual bar.
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
Illinois
Family-owned local chain for Italian classics & Chicago-style, deep-dish pizzas with buttery crusts.
Rammy's Sub Contractors
Des Plaines, Illinois
Service options: Outdoor seating, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Serves local specialty. Popular for: Lunch, Solo dining. Accessibility.
Papa Jacks Pizza & Shawarma
Des Plaines, Illinois
Service options: Curbside pickup, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
Subway
Des Plaines, Illinois
Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.
Khepri Kitchen + Coffee
Des Plaines, Illinois
Service options: Curbside pickup, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great cocktails, Great coffee.
Sunrise Grill
Des Plaines, Illinois
Unpretentious BYO restaurant serving American chow in a casual space.
Olympus Gyros
Des Plaines, Illinois
Unpretentious, family-owned counter serve providing gyros, burgers, taco plates & other casual eats.
Pizzawala's Pizza Restaurant
Des Plaines, Illinois
Service options: Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout. Highlights: Fast service. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
Pappi's Pizza
Des Plaines, Illinois
Service options: Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible parking lot. Offerings: Comfort food.
Wonton Gourmet
Des Plaines, Illinois
Simply appointed Chinese lunch & dinner eatery specializing in wonton noodle soup.
Qulinarnia International
Des Plaines, Illinois
A contemporary twist on traditional Polish fare in a modern red, black & white space decked in art.
Rand Red Hots
Des Plaines, Illinois
Hot dogs, fries & shakes are the focus of this simple 1950s-style eatery with a drive-thru.
Boston Fish Market Inc
Des Plaines, Illinois
Full-service fish market sourcing a broad array of fresh & frozen seafood from all over the world.
Mugs Pizza and Ribs
Des Plaines, Illinois
Old-school, no-frills pit stop for thin-crust pies, BBQ ribs & chicken, open till the wee hours.
The Choo Choo
Des Plaines, Illinois
Kid-friendly diner established in 1951 serving burgers & other American fare on a model train.
Karachi chatkhara
Des Plaines, Illinois
Service options: No-contact delivery, Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Serves local specialty. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
Rosati's Pizza
Des Plaines, Illinois
Italian chain eatery featuring Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, plus pasta & sandwiches.
Kickin Burgers and Wings
Des Plaines, Illinois
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot, Wheelchair accessible restroom, Wheelchair accessible seating.
Giacomo's Ristorante
Des Plaines, Illinois
Cozy old-world eatery serving Southern Italian fare & pastas, with lunch specials & a full bar.
Hacienda El Sombrero Mexican Restaurant
Des Plaines, Illinois
Laid-back cantina offering classic cooking & margaritas plus live music, game room & beer garden.
Something Healthy: Guiltless Kitchen
Des Plaines, Illinois
Identifies as women-owned. Service options: Curbside pickup, Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
Moretti's Ristorante and Pizzeria
Des Plaines, Illinois
Convivial source for Chicago-style thin-crust pizza, pasta & burgers, plus 2 sports bars & a patio.
Dairy Queen Grill & Chill
Des Plaines, Illinois
Soft-serve ice cream & signature shakes top the menu at this classic burger & fries fast-food chain.