Far from downtown, but impressive enough to seek out.
BILOXI GRILL
313 E. Liberty St., Wauconda
847-526-2420
Great Southern `Q and other specialties.
CLAYTON’S
66 W. Lincolnway, Valparaiso, Ind.
219-531-0612
Smoke-free gem with innovative food.
COURTRIGHT’S
8989 Archer Ave., Willow Springs
708-839-8000
One of the area’s finest, with a stellar wine cellar.
DIONNE’S CAFE
606 N. Dixie Hwy.
Momence
815-472-6081
Country French out in the, well, country.
LE VICHYSSOIS
220 W. Ill. Hwy. 120
Lakemoor
815-385-8221
Top-quality cooking at relatively modest prices.
LOUIS’ BON APPETIT
302 S. Main St.
Crown Point, Ind.
219-663-6363
Victorian charm, good food and great wines.
MANGIA TRATTORIA
5717 Sheridan Rd.
Kenosha
414-652-4285
A perfect respite after a day at the outlet malls.
MILLER BAKERY CAFE
555 Lake St.
Gary, Ind.
219-938-2229
Popular rest stop for weekenders shuttling between Chicago and Michigan.
PARAGON
205 W. State St.
Rockford
815-963-1660
Very good contemporary cooking; live jazz on weekends.
TALLGRASS
1006 S. State St.
Lockport
815-838-5566
Uncompromising French cuisine in a historic town.
