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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Mundelein

American food

Familiar American dishes provide the comfort of a meal that feels like home.

Based on 555 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Smokin BBQ on 45 image 1
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Barbecue restaurant

Small, cozy spot offers tender brisket and moist ribs with spicy barbecue sauce. Checkerboard tablecloths and metal chairs create a laid-back vibe. Motown classics play, making it feel like eating with family in a warm atmosphere.

Smoked meats stand out with tender, juicy brisket and St. Louis ribs that are moist and flavorful. Pulled pork sandwich comes with a spicy barbecue sauce that complements the rich, smoky flavors.

People are saying

"I thought the BBQ here was the best I'd had."

"The pulled pork here is so moist and tastes great."

"The American food here, especially the brisket and ribs, is fall-off-the-bone good."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited due to neighboring businesses.

2

No fountain drinks are available at the restaurant.

3

The food portions are generous and prices are affordable.

02
Teddy O’Brian’s image 1

Tiny space packed with tables and aged LP covers creates a cozy vibe. Patty Melt and Reuben offer rich flavors that satisfy American food lovers. Friendly crowd jokes easily, adding to the casual, fun atmosphere with local live music and multiple TVs.

Patty Melt and Reuben stand out with rich flavors and satisfying textures. The Philly cheesesteak and grilled cheese also deliver classic American comfort with hearty fillings and toasted bread.

People are saying

"The bar staff here are awesome and super friendly."

"I thought the American food here was excellent, especially the Patty Melt."

"I went to listen to some live music at the Local Spot."

Good to know

1

Open mic night features local artists every Thursday.

2

Karaoke happens on Saturdays and is lively.

3

The bar serves breakfast all day with healthy options available.

03
The Philly Special image 1

Philly Special offers a classic cheesesteak with rich ribeye and whiz. Sports-themed decor and memorabilia create a cozy, casual vibe. Slot machines and TVs add to the relaxed atmosphere with upbeat music.

The Philly Special serves an authentic Philly cheesesteak with generous ribeye steak portions. The sandwich comes hot with whiz and onions, delivering a classic taste close to the original Philly experience.

People are saying

"This Philly Cheesesteak is the real deal, just like back home."

"The ribeye here is shaved perfectly and mixed with onions and peppers."

"Their cheesesteak is the real deal, just like authentic Philly."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $20 for a cheesesteak and drink.

2

Parking is ample and available on-site.

3

The restaurant sources its bread from Philly for authenticity.

04
Oak Trail Taphouse image 1

Open space with big TVs and a back room for darts and pool creates a chill vibe. Menu shines with brisket poutine and spicy chicken sandwich. Live music adds to the relaxed, unhurried atmosphere.

Menu features brisket poutine, spicy chicken sandwich, and salted bourbon caramel cheesecake. Chicken wings and grilled cheese with tomato basil bisque also appear as highlights.

People are saying

"You've got to try their excellent tap beer selection."

"I thought the smash burgers were cooked perfectly."

"The American Food here is great, thanks to the amazing customer service."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Tuesday at 8pm with a $5 entry fee.

2

Bingo night is on Mondays at 7pm; arrive early for a good seat.

3

Every Thursday features a tap takeover with rotating craft beers.

05
Tina G's image 1
Restaurant

Huge heated patio hosts live jazz and piano-singer shows, creating a friendly vibe. Pot roast and Reuben sandwich shine as top American dishes. Dog-friendly outdoor space invites social gatherings with an old school charm.

Pot roast appears as a special and in a sandwich, both noted for being excellent. The Reuben sandwich stands out as best in Mundelein. Lobster grilled cheese offers a delicious twist on a classic.

People are saying

"The Italian food, especially the ravioli, is the best I've ever eaten."

"The food here is great, especially on the Outdoor Seating."

"You have to try the pot roast special; it's amazing American food."

Good to know

1

Saturday nights feature live music, so bring your dancing shoes.

2

The event includes hors d’oeuvres, salad, main course, dessert, and cigars.

3

Reservations are recommended for special events to ensure seating.

06
Jake Moran's image 1
Bar & grill

Small dive offers 24/7 access and a friendly vibe with colorful regulars. Burgers like the cheeseburger are juicy and well-cooked, paired well with cold beer. Bright outdoor lighting causes noticeable light pollution, while inside air conditioning runs very cold.

Cheeseburger stands out as yummy and highly praised. The Patty Melt also delivers a delicious taste.

People are saying

"I thought their burgers were the best I ever had."

"The burgers at this Bar are juicy and cooked to perfection."

"I thought the cheeseburger was the best ever."

Good to know

1

Jake Moran's is open 24/7 for patrons looking for a late-night spot.

2

Expect to pay five dollars for a single cola with no free refills.

3

My total bill for three claws, two mixed drinks, and two cokes was approximately fifty dollars.

07
Luke's of Mundelein image 1

Bright, cheerful space with authentic artifacts and outdoor seating. Enjoy Chicago-style hot dogs with large fries or solid cheeseburgers. Casual vibe feels clean and inviting, perfect for relaxed dining.

Hot dogs stand out with authentic Chicago style and large portions of fries. Cheeseburgers and beef sandwiches also offer solid, reliable choices.

People are saying

"Their Chicago-style hot dogs are excellent and authentic."

"The Greek food here, especially the gyros, is humongous and packed with meat."

"It's really kid friendly; my kids loved their experience here."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

2

Parking can be tight, but there's additional space behind the restaurant.

3

Dine-in, pickup, and online ordering options are available.

08
Dover Straits image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood shines with crab cakes and Maryland Softshell Crab offering rich flavors. Nautical decor with full-sized harpoons creates a lively, ship-like vibe. Live bands on weekends bring energetic music that fills the space and invites dancing.

Seafood dishes like crab cakes and Maryland Softshell Crab stand out with rich crab meat. The menu also features hearty options like surf and turf and prime rib, all noted for strong flavors.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

"I loved the seafood here; the oysters were fabulous."

"The American Food here, especially the seafood, is cooked perfectly."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to crowding, especially on weekends.

2

Early bird specials are available for those who arrive before 6 PM.

3

Live music starts at 7 PM on weekends, enhancing the dining experience.

09
Emil's Sports Bar & Pizzeria image 1

Old school bar with plenty of TVs offers a cozy tavern vibe and a nice outdoor patio. Buffalo wings are a go-to item, especially smoked on Thursdays and Sundays. Energy shifts from lively crowds to relaxed with manageable music volume.

Buffalo wings stand out as a go-to item, small but flavorful, with smoked options on Thursdays and Sundays. Other dishes include quality-made pizza, a pork sandwich called Peppe le Pig, Reuben sandwiches, a steak wrap, and homemade potato chips.

People are saying

"The bar food here is really good, especially the pizza."

"The burgers here are huge and cooked perfectly to order."

"I considered their American Food, the buffalo wings, my go-to."

Good to know

1

Bingo night happens every Monday with a fun atmosphere.

2

Tuesdays feature a $9 all-you-can-eat pizza special.

3

Expect tight parking; arrive early to secure a spot.

10
Smokin’ Jack’s BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Barbecue spot offers tender pork and flavorful sauces in a cozy vibe with a lively sports bar feel. Brisket is lean and perfectly smoked, melting like butter. Pulled pork is a fantastic choice that keeps locals coming back.

Brisket stands out with its lean, perfectly smoked texture and melts like butter. Pulled pork also shines as a fantastic, delicious option.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and amazing."

"I found the BBQ here to be the best I have ever tasted."

"The American Food brisket here is like butter."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of parking available near the restaurant.

2

Reservations are not required but arriving early is recommended.

3

The restaurant offers four flavorful sauce choices for your meal.

11
Mauri's Family Restaurant image 1
Family restaurant

Classic diner offers savory biscuits and gravy with crispy hash browns. Cozy booths and artistic murals create a warm, family vibe. Soft 80s and 90s tunes add to the genuine atmosphere that feels like a close-knit community.

Savory, creamy biscuits and gravy stand out alongside the Eggs Benedict and skillet options. Hash browns come out crispy without greasiness, and several dishes feature hearty sausage gravy.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and well prepared."

"I had a delicious breakfast, everything was cooked to perfection."

"The American Food here is great, and the staff is so friendly."

Good to know

1

Be prepared to wait if you have a large group.

2

They prefer cash payments, but credit cards are accepted with a 5% fee.

3

Arriving early is advisable to avoid a wait.

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Mundelein, Illinois

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