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Guide to Illinois

Beach food spots

Made for those who believe a meal is only as good as the proximity of the sand and water.

Based on 518 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
63rd Street Beach image 1
63rd Street Beach image 2
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Public beach

Flat, expansive beach offers shallow water and multiple sand volleyball courts for active fun. Atmosphere shifts from family-friendly during the day to lively and energetic in the evening with live music and DJs. Crowds include all ages, enjoying amenities like playgrounds, food stands, and a pier for walking.

Freshness stands out with hot grilled food available right at the beach. The vibe includes live DJ and bongos, adding to the experience while enjoying earth food at 63rd Street Beach.

Huge flat sand area hosts beach soccer, frisbee, and spikeball, plus several sand volleyball courts. Facilities include bathrooms, a playground, and food stands with ice cream and Italian ice. The beach offers clean, quiet spots with views of downtown and a lively vibe with live DJs and vendors.

People are saying

"I found the beach to be clean and beautiful."

"It's a great park with a playground, bathrooms, and a snack stand."

"I found the food here to be so fresh."

Good to know

1

Parking nearby costs about $4 an hour.

2

63rd Street Beach is perfect for families with a playground and restaurant.

3

The beach has decent bathrooms and a snack stand with ice cream.

02
Oak Street Beach Restaurant image 1

Restaurant sits right on the lake beach with priceless views of the water. Atmosphere blends easy-listening Beach Boys music with a lively DJ vibe, though volume can be high. Decor is beautifully done, creating a clean and inviting space to enjoy drinks and the scenery.

Food here is consistently excellent and tasty with a great selection. Every dish delivers amazing flavor and quality.

Clean beach right on the lake offers a nice spot for families and others. A restaurant and bar sit right on the beach, providing food and drinks with polite, sociable service.

People are saying

"The restaurant right on the beach has great food and views."

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"I enjoyed the priceless view from the restaurant."

Good to know

1

The beach is ideal for families and kept clean.

2

The restaurant serves drinks and food right on the beach.

3

Expect higher prices for food and drinks at the restaurant.

03
Breezewald Park image 1

Small lakeside park offers beautiful views of Lake Zurich and a cozy beach with gentle waves. Spacious grassy areas and an excellent children's playground create a family-friendly atmosphere. A lakeside bar and restaurant provide sunset dining with live music, enhancing the relaxing vibe.

Food includes good drinks and excellent dishes served at a bar.

A small beach with waves going back and forth sits by a lake. Access requires a permit and the beach opens at noon.

People are saying

"It's a great, spacious park with an excellent children's playground."

"I enjoyed the great view of the sunset right at the lakefront."

"It's a clean and peaceful beach with waves."

Good to know

1

Visitors need a permit to access the beach at Breezewald Park.

2

The beach at Breezewald Park opens at noon.

3

Parking can be challenging, especially for families with small children.

04
Paulus Park image 1

Park offers lake views and a sandy beach with playground and splash pad for young children. Families gather for picnics and outdoor activities like volleyball, bocce ball, and paddle boarding. Atmosphere is family-friendly with a mix of peaceful spots and lively play areas.

Food trucks serve a variety of options and stand out at events. The concession stand offers a good mix of food and beverages, not just snacks.

A sandy beach sits alongside a kiddie water park and playground, making it very family friendly. Fishing spots and walking paths add to the outdoor options.

People are saying

"It's a great place with a nice playground and splash pad for kids."

"The beach here is great for families and toddlers."

"The food trucks here were on point."

Good to know

1

The Jack O'Lantern Festival features activities for both kids and adults.

2

Expect a $11 daily fee per visitor to access the beach.

3

Restrooms are currently closed for upgrades, so plan accordingly.

05
Caffรจ Oliva at Ohio Street Beach image 1

Mediterranean restaurant offers stunning lake and city views with beach access and upbeat DJ music creating lively energy. Guests find comfortable cabanas and a dog-friendly menu enhancing the relaxed, social vibe. The setting suits casual dining with a focus on enjoying the outdoors and scenery.

Great food arrives quickly with top-notch service. The setting offers beachfront views that complement the dining experience.

Easy access to the beach pairs with beachfront dining and city views. The spot offers a relaxed vibe with reasonable prices and smooth service even on busy days.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the stunning views of the city and lake."

"The seafood entree I had was delicious and customizable."

"The food here is amazing and really good."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required; seating is first-come, first-served.

2

Bottled water is the only option available for drinking.

3

Expect a 3% hospitality charge added to your bill.

06
Illinois Beach Hotel image 1

Mid-century modern hotel sits directly on a private beach with spectacular lake views and a quiet, soothing atmosphere marked by the sound of waves and fresh air. Rooms offer clean, updated interiors with balconies overlooking the water. The setting feels peaceful and natural, surrounded by parks and nature.

Food features fresh ingredients and high quality preparation. Chef Reggieโ€™s etouffle stands out, and mixed drinks complement the menu well.

A clean peaceful beach sits right outside, offering a quiet environment for walks and relaxation. Balcony rooms provide direct views and easy access to the shoreline.

People are saying

"The beach here has water quality that rivals Hawaii."

"The lake view from the hotel is spectacular."

"The food here is high quality and worth checking out."

Good to know

1

The hotel is the only one directly on the beach in Illinois.

2

Expect a private beach area for hotel guests only.

3

The hotel charges for breakfast despite online claims of it being included.

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