Gurnee Guide: Eats & Drinks

By: Jonathan Jones 09/28/2016

Gurnee has a slew of world class eats and drinks. As a heads up, some of these restaurants participate in Lake County Restaurant Week which happens in June. Here are your top eats & drinks in Gurnee.

D.W. Anderson in KeyLime Cove 1700 Nations Dr.

Take a trip to the past in KeyLime Cove’s D.W. Anderson’s Eatery and Ice Cream Parlor. I know I’m interested in a tub of ice cream. The menu includes everything from saldads, sandwiches, homemade soups to seafood, steaks to chili and pizza pie. The ice cream parlor offers 15 flavors made into shakes malts, sundaes and other ice cream creations.

Giordano’s 7105 Grand Ave.

If you haven’t had Giordano’s by now, you must have been living under a rock. The catalyst pizzeria of Chicago deep dish joint is known for its famous stuffed and thin crust. Their menu also includes great pastas, sandwiches, soups, salads and deserts. There are also over 40 other locations around the Chicagoland area, including Buffalo Grove.

Momcorn 5101 Washington St., Suite 2

The authentic taste of a Latin American street festival is at Momcorn, where tradition and modernity come together. You will find the real dimension in flavor, natural fresh food prepared with absolute fidelity to its remote origins and served in a casual and modern setting in a convenient location at reasonable prices. Many gluten free and vegetarian dishes are available as well as online ordering and curb delivery.

Portillo’s Gurnee 6102 W. Grand Ave.

It’s been a long time coming, but the Chicagoland favorite Portillo’s has finally landed in Gurnee. Some of the highlights to this glorious include succulent Italian beef sandwiches, hearty chopped salad, char-broiled burgers, absolutely divine chocolate cake, their staple hot dogs and sausages, pastas and so much more.

Primo Italian American Cuisine 720 Milwaukee Ave.

Five star ratings and a little Italian American Cuisine – that’s Amore! Primo’s has a menu that includes salads and sandwiches, pasta, seafood, steaks and much more. There’s also a walking celebrity on their staff. Chef Rich Mancini changed the indentity of the Gurnee restaurant. Mancini won the first season of Food Network’s ‘Chef Wanted,’ a contestant on ‘Beat Bobby Flay,’ and a constestant on Fox, ‘Hell’s Kitchen.’

Rainforest Café 6170 Grand Ave #857

A wild place to shop and eat! Part adventure, part restaurant and wholly entertaining for the whole family, the Rainforest Cafe re-creates a tropical rainforest, lush vegetation, and indigenous creatures.

Saluto’s Pizza & Pasta 7680 Grand Ave.

Salutos, a favorite Italian restaurant in Gurnee draws residents from various local communities. The restaurant features a two-story bar, a large dining room with booths and a private banquet meeting room. Famous for their homemade pasta and the "secret recipe" salad dressing, Salutos has been a hit in northern Lake County since 1990. This full service restaurant's claim to fame is the pizza, pasta and the courteous service. From their delectable appetizers like Artichoke Heart Foudue, Toasted Ravioli and so much more; to their homemade sauces and pastas; to their pizza, either thin, pan or stuffed, everyone will find something to enjoy on their menu. Very family oriented, Salutos also offers a children's menu for the smaller guests.

Stevens Steakhouse Northeast Corner of Milwaukee Avenue and Washington Street

For more than a decade, Stevens Steakhouse has been a staple of the Gurnee dining scene. This family-owned establishment  offers a wide selection of aged steaks and chops, the freshest seafood, extensive wine and martini lists. Stop by for a visit and this family will not disappoint.

Chocolate Sanctuary 5101 Washington St.

Anyone remember reading the book The Choclate Touch by Patrick Skene Catling? Well that’s essentially what the Chocolate Sanctuary is. One-of-a-kind chocolate inspired restaurant. A fun and casual restaurant, lounge and boutique for foodies and chocolate lovers alike. Dinners will find a variety of beautifully plated main courses, appetizers and desserts that incorporate the restaurant's namesake ingredient alongside delicious options where chocolate is optional - or non-existent. The venue will also offer artfully packaged craft chocolates and other treats made by independent chocolatiers and local chocolate makers.

Uno’s 6593 Grand Ave.

This the big one. The creators of the deep dish pizza. Uno's continues to be about amazing flavor and wonderful menus that have the right balance between indulgent treats and delicious and nutritious choices. In this way our guests can enjoy Uno® in a way that fits their mood and lifestyle and that of their families when and where it makes sense.

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