25 Essential Waukegan Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of Waukegan.
Destino Ristorante
Illinois
an everyday essential restaurant address in Waukegan, pairing editorial magnetism with a Beam Score of 87.3.
Jimano's Pizzeria
Illinois
Straightforward chain pizzeria dispensing deep-dish & thin-crust pies, plus pasta & sandwiches.
La Chuparosa Waukegan's Premier Mexican Restaurant
Illinois
an everyday essential favorite for readers tracking Waukegan's most persuasive restaurant rooms, anchored by a Beam Score of 84.7.
Denny's Restaurant
Waukegan, Illinois
Casual diner chain dishing up classic American comfort fare, including all-day breakfast favorites.
The Shanty Restaurant
Waukegan, Illinois
Casual, wood-clad eatery featuring a menu of seafood, steaks & classic eats plus a full bar.
Jimano's Pizzeria
Waukegan, Illinois
Straightforward chain pizzeria dispensing deep-dish & thin-crust pies, plus pasta & sandwiches.
Ristorante Bottaio
Waukegan, Illinois
Casual Italian trattoria with a wood-burning oven & a menu of pizza & pasta plus patio seating.
Lauretta's Italian Bake Shop & Cafe
Waukegan, Illinois
Quaint cafe & bakeshop whipping up Italian favorites, cakes & cookies in a snug space with a patio.
Hanakawa Japanese Steak & Sushi Bar
Waukegan, Illinois
Japanese steakhouse featuring teppanyaki tables for hibachi grilling and a dining room for sushi.
Little Joey's Pizza & Pasta
Waukegan, Illinois
Relaxed joint offering a varied menu that includes pizza, sandwiches, burgers & Italian entrees.
Giordano's
Waukegan, Illinois
Known for deep-dish pizza, this casual chain serves other classic Italian food, plus beer & wine.
Hayashi Japanese Restaurant
Waukegan, Illinois
Casual place for sushi, kitchen entrees such as chicken teriyaki & lunchtime bento boxes.
White Castle
Waukegan, Illinois
Fast-food chain serving signature beef, chicken & fish sliders, plus extras such as onion rings.
Green Town Tavern
Waukegan, Illinois
Busy neighborhood haunt with classic bar food & lots of craft beers on tap, plus TVs showing sports.
Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe
Waukegan, Illinois
Busy breakfast & lunch go-to for pancakes & other ample plates of American eats in spacious digs.
Rosati's Pizza
Waukegan, Illinois
Italian chain eatery featuring Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, plus pasta & sandwiches.
Arby's
Waukegan, Illinois
Fast-food chain, known for its roast beef, serving up hot & cold sandwiches, fries & shakes.
Coppolillo's Italian Steakhouse - Libertyville
Waukegan, Illinois
Service options: Outdoor seating, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Fireplace, Great beer selection, Great cocktails, Great dessert.
Kaiser's Pizza & Pub
Waukegan, Illinois
Eatery with a wide-ranging comfort-food menu, thin-crust pizza & a full bar in tavern surrounds.
Portillo's Gurnee
Waukegan, Illinois
Chicago-born chain for hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches & more, plus beer & wine, in retro digs.
Rosati's Pizza
Waukegan, Illinois
Italian chain eatery featuring Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, plus pasta & sandwiches.
MOD Pizza
Waukegan, Illinois
Counter-serve, industrial-chic chain restaurant known for build-your-own pizzas.
Wayne's Pizza
Waukegan, Illinois
Service options: Outdoor seating, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Serves local specialty. Popular for: Lunch.
Bill's Pizza & Pub North
Waukegan, Illinois
Cozy eatery for regular & signature double-decker pizzas, wings & pub fare in lodgelike environs.
The Point Pancake House
Waukegan, Illinois
Local option specializing in pancakes, waffles & other classic breakfast fare in simple surrounds.