If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me for a dinner recommendation, bar recommendation or just anything to do in the Chicago suburbs, I would be rich. Therefore I am happy to announce a new blog post series: The Chicago Suburbs Guide. I am going to make a new guide to one of my favorite suburban towns with everything to see and do. So next time you are looking for a dinner spot, or need to get out of the city, look no further.
This guide is all about the western suburb St. Charles. St. Charles is about a 45 minute drive from Chicago and is right near where I grew up. I did a guide all about it’s popular neighbor Geneva, read that here! St. Charles has a vibrant downtown area that makes for a lovely day. St. Charles is a bigger suburb, but downtown is mostly where all the action will be.
Check out my other Chicago Suburb guides here!
What To Do
- Arcada Theatre – The theatre was opened in 1926, with the projection of silent movies and live acts. Except for brief periods of renovation, it has remained continuously open. Check the schedule for shows. Also scroll down because I will mention a secret about Arcada in another section!
- Potawatomi Park – From paddle boats, to tennis courts, to mini golf, this park has it all! It is a great way to spend a summer day. Who wants to go paddle boating with me!?
- Rocket Fizz Candy Store – Literally like a kid in a candy shop, this old fashion candy store has it all.
- Walk the River – The Fox River runs directly through downtown St. Charles. Take a stroll!
- Blue Goose Market – OK… this is a grocery store, but it is a local’s favorite. I always stop and take a look every time I am in St. Charles. It is a local grocery mixed with a gourmet shop.
- Sculpture In The Park – Mt. St. Mary Park in St. Charles presents a striking and engaging sculpture exhibition.
- Window Shop – There are multiple mom and pop shops downtown St. Charles. I could spend a full day just wandering in and out and around.
Where To Eat
Breakfast/Brunch
- Syrup – Looking for a cute breakfast place? Look no further. The aesthetic here is just adorable. Their speciality pancakes are where it is at. From Raspberry Mascarpone to Banana Chocolate Chip, to Cinnamon Swirl. Your breakfast sweet tooth will be filled here. But they are specialize in skillets for you savory breakfast folk.
- Brunch Cafe – If you’re looking to eat breakfast downtown St. Charles, I would recommend Brunch Cafe. It is local family owned and operated and feels like you’re having breakfast at mom’s house.
- Tasty Biscuit – A newer restaurant that just opened up in St. Charles, and I have honestly yet to try this one. But if the name has biscuit in it, you know I am there!
Lunch/Dinner
- Kabobs – My hidden gem in St. Charles. It is a little away from downtown, but still on Main St. If you are looked for a hole in the wall, cheap delicious Greek food look no further. Nothing fancy about this place, but it is so good! So good we had it catered for my brother’s graduation party.
- Gia Mia – I have mention Gia Mia lots of times before since there are locations all over the western suburbs. But it is great for a girls night or date night. The Neapolitan pizzas are super yummy as well as the house-made prosciutto and Italian dishes.
- La Mesa – Looking for a good margarita? La Mesa has it! The upscale Mexican restaurant is super yummy.
- Filling Station – Typical bar food, but a great patio! Ask for Kristine – she is a family friend and I promise she will take care of you!
- McNally’s Irish Pub – Want it to feel like St. Patrick’s Day every day? This traditional Irish pub has all the Irish food and Guinness your heart desires.
- Francesca’s – This upscale Italian restaurant is great for date nights or special occasions! Don’t we all love a reason to dress up?!
- Shakou Sushi – Sushi fan? This is the best in town!
- Cooper’s Hawk – All my winos! I personally like going just for the wine tastings, the food is not my favorite, but some people rave about eating here.
- Riverside Pizza & Pub – In the mood for some pizza and a beer? Riverside is a great place to order some deep dish, and watch whatever game is playing with a cold one!
- Wahlburger – Have you heard of the Wahlburger brothers? Donnie and Mark? Well Donnie and his wife Jenny McCarthy have a home in St. Charles, so they decided to open one of their burger franchises in St. Charles. The burgers are good, the Whal sauce is yummy, and the milkshakes are delicious!
Where to Drink
Bars
- Alley 64 – No St. Charles guide would be complete without the mention of the infamous motorcycle bar Alley 64. To me it is a high school reunion, but it is the hot bar on a Saturday night.
- Flagship on the Fox – More my speed. Flagship is a great bar to grab a beer and chill. With live music on weekends, and swinging bar stools it is a good time. You can also grab food here – typical bar food.
- The Office – With a great patio, coming here for happy hour is fun. I usually skip out before dinner because the food is nothing great. But the atmosphere is fun!
- Hotel Baker – Grab a drink at the iconic Hotel Baker and transform back in time.
- Club Arcada Speakeasy – I told you I would mention the Arcada again. On the 3rd floor is a speakeasy where the staff is dressed in 1920’s galore. Enjoy dinner, cocktails, dessert or a show. Reservations are encouraged, but not required.
- R House – Delicious drinks and a friendly atmosphere! They have happy hour every week day 5-7pm.
Breweries
Did you know that St. Charles is home to 6 breweries!?! I did not, but I cannot wait to try each one.
- Alter Brewing + Kitchen – Probably the most popular brewery in St. Charles. It is right on the river, has a HUGE patio, and is just overall a good time. The food is actually really good too! The crab hushpuppies are *chef kiss.
- Pollyanna – Another fun brewery with a great outdoor patio! I am a frequent here on Tuesday’s for trivia. So if anyone ever wants to join let me know! Pollyanna is right next to Flagship too!
- Riverlands Brewing Company – They take the St. Charles motto “Pride of the Fox” seriously and you can tell with their craft beer.
- D & G Brewing – A hole in the wall brewery as some would say. A small local brewery, brewing tons of different kinds of beer. One guy even said it feels like he is drinking beer in his friend’s garage.
- 93 Octane Brewery – Alex was the youngest to become a beer brewer at the age of 21. He always had a dream of opening his own brewery, and 93 Octane was born.
- Global Brew Tap House – With 200+ craft beers around the world, you are bound to find something you like here. They also have live music and weekly trivia on Wednesday’s.
So there you have it! My St. Charles, IL guide. Did I hit all your favorites or do you have a few other recommendations to add?
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