A Foodie Tour of the Chicago Southland

The Chicago Southland is a foodie’s paradise. Among its communities are eateries galore—various ethnic specialties, fine dining, brewpubs, casual pubs and cafes, ice cream parlors, pizzerias and much, much more. Not sure where to start? Let us help. 

BREAKFAST

Start your day at the Big Apple Pancake House in Chicago Heights, where you’ll find all the usual classics like waffles, French toast, omelets and pancakes. You can also choose from some of their giant special egg scrambles, hearty skillets, corned beef hash, Eggs Benedict, Huevos con Chorizo, crepes and more.

Another option is Stacked Pancake House in Crestwood, where you will find all your breakfast favorites as well as such specialties as loaded breakfast burritos, their Croissan-Wich, a breakfast panini, biscuits and gravy or Kayiana (a Greek scrambled egg dish).

From waffles loaded with fruit and whipped cream to overstuffed omelets to bagels loaded with eggs, meat and cheese, you’ll find something that everyone will love on the menu at Peachtree Cafe in Matteson.

LUNCH

Lynnie Ques Airport Bar & Grill in Lansing serves up everything barbecue and more in this second-floor location overlooking the runways of the Lansing Municipal Airport. Be sure to try the signature pulled pork sandwiches, brisket or chicken & waffles.

Looking for a classic Italian meal to enjoy with a glass of wine? Look no further than Balagio Ristorante in Homewood. Come very hungry and get the full experience—with appetizers like sausage and peppers, fried calamari, bruschetta and an antipasto platter. Main courses include flavorful pasta and seafood dishes. Pair it up with a glass of red, white or sparkling wine, or have a post-meal drink of Italian coffee, Bailey’s and coffee or other specialty drinks.

Get a little taste of New Orleans when you dine at Chuck’s Southern Comforts Cafe in Burbank. Start with a cup of their irresistible seafood gumbo, then work your way up to some jalapeño cheddar cornbread muffins. Try out the catfish or a shrimp po’boy or try a combo platter of the smoked meat. And don’t forget to finish with a serving of beignets.

Aurelio’s Pizza is really the granddaddy of the Chicago-style thin crust pizza. It dates back to 1959, when Joe Aurelio started a small storefront with four tables and one pizza oven that has grown to having locations around the country. But there’s only one Homewood location where you can go to have a pizza made in the “old oven” and taste it the way it was made when the business first began.

DINNER

Tacos are not just for Tuesday! Get some of the best, along with a killer margarita, at Fat Rosie’s Taco & Tequila Bar in Historic Downtown Frankfort. Their menu highlights a modern and fun take on traditional Mexican cuisine and craft cocktails.

If you’re looking to kick back with a perfectly cooked filet and a martini, Jenny’s Grill and Banquets in Chicago Ridge is your place. A number of other premium cuts are included on the menu along with pork, chicken, ribs, seafood and vegetarian meals. Don’t pass on the small-bites menu where you must try the house-made meatballs and bleu cheese bruschetta.

The Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery is located in a former metro train station right in downtown Flossmoor. You’ll find a sizable menu of elevated bar food along with their own brews. In warmer weather, enjoy your brews and food on the patio, where there’s also an old train car that serves as a little ice cream stand. Plus, furry friends are welcome on the patio.

Jack Gibbons Gardens has been called “The Best Steak Secret in Chicago.” It’s an old-school steakhouse at its best. If you’re looking for a place to head out for a special occasion to enjoy a nice prime rib or T-bone, you’ll find just that at this Oak Forest fine-dining spot. It’s been serving up happy customers for over a century now, having opened in 1922.