25 Essential Highland Park Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of Highland Park.
Cherry Pit Cafe
Illinois
Diner classics are dished up in a timeless location with monochrome floors & red seats.
Jimmy Thai/Ramen Time
Illinois
Straightforward venue offering Thai specialties in a warm but spare environment.
Protein Bar & Kitchen
Illinois
Health-minded local chain for smoothies, salads, burritos & more in an upscale fast-food format.
Demetri's
Highland Park, Illinois
Casual taverna dishing up classic spreads, gyros, chops, seafood & baklava plus Greek wine.
Bella Via Restaurant
Highland Park, Illinois
Casual, old-school eatery with a traditional Italian menu & occasional wine tastings.
Francesca's North
Highland Park, Illinois
Service options: Curbside pickup, Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great beer selection, Great cocktails, Great coffee, Great dessert.
Little Louie's
Highland Park, Illinois
Veteran canteen offering renowned hot dogs, plus wraps, burgers, sandwiches & Mexican options.
Ruth's Chris Steak House
Highland Park, Illinois
Outpost of upmarket steakhouse chain known for sizzling, butter-topped beef in an elegant setting.
Prairie Grass Cafe
Highland Park, Illinois
Chic, upscale restaurant serving modern American comfort food made from locally sourced ingredients.
Koya Japan
Highland Park, Illinois
Modern, colorful Japanese bistro serving innovative sushi rolls alongside a selection of sakes.
Guildhall
Highland Park, Illinois
Bright, modern space with rustic touches for local, contemporary fare, craft cocktails, beer & wine.
Bright Bowls
Highland Park, Illinois
Service options: Outdoor seating, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Popular for: Lunch, Solo dining. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance.
Sarpino's Pizzeria Northbrook
Highland Park, Illinois
Pizza & casual Italian food from a no-frills counter-service chain that also offers delivery.
Jersey Mike's Subs
Highland Park, Illinois
New Jersey–based counter-serve sandwich chain serving jumbo subs filled with cold cuts & toppings.
Francesco's Hole In the Wall
Highland Park, Illinois
Buzzy, long-running Italian nook serving comfort-driven fare in a petite, rustic setting.
Steak 'n Shake
Highland Park, Illinois
Chain known for steakburgers & milkshakes offering a dinerlike space with retro flair.
Denny's Restaurant
Highland Park, Illinois
Casual diner chain dishing up classic American comfort fare, including all-day breakfast favorites.
Taqueria Los Mogotes de Michoacan
Highland Park, Illinois
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot, Wheelchair accessible restroom, Wheelchair accessible seating.
The Claim Company of Northbrook
Highland Park, Illinois
Lively American outpost with gourmet burgers, Southwestern fare, BBQ options & a popular salad bar.
Charlie Beinlich's
Highland Park, Illinois
Old-school American bar & restaurant serving a pared-down menu of burgers, shrimp cocktail & chili.
Trattoria Oliverii
Highland Park, Illinois
Trattoria offering Italian favorites & thin-crust pizza, plus a full bar & carryout.
Scrambled
Highland Park, Illinois
Service options: Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great coffee, Serves local specialty. Popular for: Breakfast, Solo dining. Accessibility.
BackYard Grill
Highland Park, Illinois
Roomy, counter-serve eatery offering burgers, gyros & other hearty eats, along with creative salads.
Morton's The Steakhouse
Highland Park, Illinois
Upscale chain for aged prime beef, seafood & other traditional steakhouse fare in a clubby space.
Abigail's American Bistro
Highland Park, Illinois
Intimate New American spot with creative small & large plates, craft cocktails & patio seating.