Favorite South Chicagoland Eats

 

If I ever moved away from this area, I think I would have a hard time figuring out where to eat. As much as I like to try new things, there are restaurants in my neck of the woods (errr… suburbs) that we visit over and over again.

Food kind of has a way of becoming a part of tradition and memories that not a lot of things in your life can. This list was not only created as a reference for anyone interested in the South Suburbs of Chicago, but also as a trip down memory lane for me.

Aurelio’s Homewood

Aurelio’s is a Pizza Chain that now even has locations in Minnesota and Arizona, but when I was growing up, the Aurelio’s in Homewood was THE place to get pizza. Many a night after basketball games were spent here. Let’s not forget all the pizzas ordered for movie nights. My favorite is a thin crust with veggies! If you’re a true Aurelio’s fan, you’ll know to ask for your pizza made in the Old Oven. Thank goodness there is a location right near my home to keep the tradition alive with our own kids.

 

Francesca’s

I know you’re noticing the theme here, but I cannot help it. When I think Italian food, I think comfort. With several locations all over Chicagoland, Francesca’s is a place I started going to when I was in college for special events and dinners. My sister even hosted my bridal shower here. The menu changes with the seasons, so while it has become a tradition in my family, there is always a new fresh feeling every time we go.

Dancing Marlin

This is one of the newer restaurants on my list, and somewhere I don’t take the kids. It is my absolute favorite place to eat with my gal pals. The menu consists of small plates, and the cocktails are divine. You can even try a few in a cocktail flight. I’ve laughed til I cried here with some of my absolute favorite women while dining on some of my favorite dishes. The beet salad is awesome, but my absolute favorite is the pear crostini with blue cheese foam. 

 

Harvest Room

My most favorite conversations have happened in this restaurant! It is typically a meeting up place for me and my friend Samantha, but it has also served as the perfect place to enjoy farm to table cuisine in the south suburbs. There are often new things to try on the menu, and often I cannot resist a cocktail, but my absolute favorite meal is a starter of the Med Dips, the Roasted Beet and Goat Fritter Salad, and I always finish with a hot tea (A Walk in Earl’s Garden) and a sweet treat from the dessert menu!

Mama Maria’s

If Brian and I had a place, this would be it! Usually a date night with us starts or finishes at Mama Maria’s. The atmosphere I would describe is upscale casual, and the menu has a lot of updated favorites.We always order Mojitos and start with Empanadas! 

If you’re looking for a great place to celebrate or enjoy a nice meal with people you love any one of these is a perfect choice. Remember, part of dining out is the people you’re with so make sure you grab your favorite people and head out!

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