Elegant interior with dim lighting and tasteful décor creates a cozy, upscale atmosphere reminiscent of old England. Indoor and outdoor seating include a solarium and garden-adjacent room offering a near al fresco dining feel. Calm and classic vibe suits relaxed meals or special occasions.
Lunch features Club sandwich and burger options alongside a checked salad. Meals come with solid, straightforward choices for midday dining.
Big Arse Chocolate Cake offers a decadent and delicious experience. Free dessert includes a piece of chocolate cake with a scoop of ice cream.
"I had a wonderful, delicious breakfast here."
"The chocolate cake here is huge and decadent."
"This lunch spot has a beautiful, classy feel."
Good to know
Reservations are required for tea service.
Valet parking is free, but cash is needed for tips.
The afternoon tea experience is highly praised.
Retro diner-style space with vintage metal signs and a jukebox creates a nostalgic atmosphere. Loud environment with an energetic vibe makes conversations difficult. Spacious seating accommodates groups comfortably.
Lunch orders come ready for quick pickup, making it easy to grab a meal on the go. The spot offers a convenient online ordering system and a fast lunch service.
Velvety and moist, the chocolate cake offers a balanced sweetness that satisfies without overwhelming. Recent changes have kept it delicious and sometimes it comes free after a wait.
Good to know
Portillo's no longer accepts cash at the drive-through; only card payments are allowed.
Parking can be challenging, especially during busy hours; consider arriving early.
The menu includes Chicago hot dogs, beef sandwiches, and crinkle-cut fries.
Seafood restaurant offers an elegant retro design with a speakeasy vibe and a wraparound wooden bar staffed by attentive bartenders. Atmosphere stays cool and relaxing with jazz and live bands enhancing the experience. Guests enjoy fabulous oysters and exceptional cocktails like dry martinis and tequila old fashioneds.
Lunch features a 3-course $30 menu with soup or salad, a main dish, and dessert. Portions like the caesar salad come in generous sizes and the seafood options stand out.
Rich and decadent chocolate layer cake serves as a standout dessert. It comes with fresh whipped cream that pairs well with coffee, offering a sweet but balanced finish.
Good to know
A $40 club room fee appears on the bill without prior notice.
A 3% surcharge is added to the total bill, not going to staff.
Parking can be difficult to find near the restaurant.
Fast food restaurant with a retro bar design and walls filled with historical Italian-American decor. Atmosphere is fun and casual but can be noisy and lively during busy times. The space feels cozy and visually interesting, inviting exploration especially upstairs.
Quick service and friendly order takers make lunch efficient. Portions include enough pasta for leftovers, offering value for a midday meal.
Chocolate cake has a rich flavor and a moist texture. It often draws repeat visits for another slice.
Good to know
The drive-thru does not accept cash payments; card payments only.
Expect a 20-minute wait at the drive-thru during peak hours.
Self-service drink refills are available at the fountain.
Spacious fast food restaurant with retro 1920s decor and automotive-themed displays creates a lively, old-style diner atmosphere. Noise level is high with loud conversations and staff calls, making it difficult to hold quiet talks. Multiple self-order kiosks support a quick, efficient service flow.
Lunch features Italian Beef sandwiches that stand out for their flavor. Meals consistently deliver excellent quality and satisfy with hearty portions.
Chocolate cake comes moist and decadent with a balanced sweetness. It pairs well with shakes and often arrives as a generous slice, sometimes even complimentary.
Good to know
The restaurant accepts only card payments and does not accept cash.
Portillo's & Barnelli's stays open until 11:00 pm for late-night cravings.
Expect long wait times during busy hours, especially on weekends.
Bright neons and 1930s car culture decals create a retro Chicagoland vibe with a large open space. Jazz music plays softly, adding to the fun, nostalgic atmosphere. Kiosks replace booths, and a near life-size diorama of Chicago's organized crime history stands above the entrance.
Offers a solid spot to dine in and enjoy lunch with friends. Known for quick service and a friendly atmosphere during midday visits.
Chocolate cake comes moist and delicious with a size option that can be ordered whole or by the slice. It pairs well with other menu items and has a unique, world-famous reputation.
Good to know
Expect long wait times during peak lunch hours, especially on weekends.
Breakfast is now offered, providing a unique fast food option.
Prices are generally higher than typical fast food, with meals averaging $16.
Bright space combines classic bakery charm with a cute, trendy decor. Atmosphere shifts from laid-back and welcoming during weekdays to buzzing and crowded around late mornings. Seating options include comfortable tables and counters, with a small pleasant patio.
Lunch offers egg, sausage and cheese, turkey and focaccia, and a chocolate cake called "The Bear." The spot serves solid meals and desserts, making it a reliable choice for midday dining.
Famous chocolate cake draws people in, often ordered for special occasions like birthdays. Slices come to go and pair well with other desserts like fig matcha.
Good to know
Expect a wait time of about 30 minutes during busy times.
There is a free parking lot adjacent to the location, with metered street parking available.
A 4% service charge is added to all bills without prior notice.
Fast food restaurant with a 1950s diner style and spacious seating offers a family-friendly environment. Loud, classic music plays, creating a vintage atmosphere with walls covered in memorabilia. The place balances a fun vibe with efficient service, especially at the drive-thru.
Lunch features hot dogs, beef sandwiches, and burgers. Options include dining in, drive-thru, or takeout.
Moist and delicious chocolate cake stands out as a popular dessert choice. Portions vary, sometimes smaller than expected, but the flavor remains especially great.
Good to know
The drive-thru is efficient with multiple lanes for quick service.
Portillo's Elgin only accepts credit cards and Apple Pay; no cash is accepted.
Parking is ample at this location, making it easy to visit.
Restaurant features 1930s gangster theme with retro, nostalgic charm and lively atmosphere. Interior design includes unique lighting and special details that create a fun, engaging space. Setup offers both self-order kiosks and register options with a narrow, single-lane drive-thru.
Lunch here offers plenty of seating even on Saturdays when arriving early. The spot serves quick meals, though waiting 10 minutes for fries can feel long during a short lunch break.
Chocolate cake features a lighter texture with buttercream frosting. It balances sweetness without being too dark or rich.
Good to know
Cash is not accepted; only credit or debit cards are accepted in the drive-thru.
The cheese fries are not vegetarian due to the frying method used.
Portillo's Arlington Heights is now only a drive-through location.
Retro design fills the space with old memorabilia and vintage music, creating a nostalgic atmosphere that feels family-friendly and peaceful. Seating is ample and laid out comfortably, though some furnishings show wear. The vibe blends history with casual dining energy.
Fair prices make it a solid choice for lunch dates with kids. The atmosphere includes young kids running around, which adds a lively vibe during late lunch hours.
Chocolate cake stands out with its rich flavor and moist texture. It often comes as a complimentary birthday treat and pairs well with other menu items.
Good to know
Expect long drive-thru wait times, especially during peak hours.
Prices for hot dogs and sandwiches are higher than average.
The restaurant is usually clean and well-maintained.
Vintage style interior with memorabilia and history on walls and rafters creates a Chicago vibe. Atmosphere is loud and lively with pleasant music playing. Many tables inside support a dine-in friendly environment.
Lines can take up to 17 minutes even for a quick lunch. Options include a chicken sandwich that can be customized without sauce for takeout. The spot suits business lunches and quick meals.
Rich and delicious chocolate cake stands out here. It pairs well with savory dishes like Italian Beef and holds up well for takeout.
Good to know
Drive-through service is available, but cash is not accepted.
Expect higher prices compared to other similar restaurants in the area.
The cleanliness of the restaurant has been reported as poor by several visitors.