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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.

I knew I had to give my hometown a little loving and devote one of my suburb guides to it. I was born and raised in Aurora, IL. Aurora is the 2nd largest city in Illinois. Now I know Aurora doesn’t get the best reputation sometimes. That is why I am here to show you that this city has some great things to do, see, and eat!

Growing up here, downtown Aurora has taken major strides. It used to be run down, barely any business, and a place you wouldn’t want to spend time. Fast forward to the last 5 years, and they have worked so hard to build the downtown area! Since Aurora is so massive I want to focus on the downtown area and surrounding areas!

Check out my other Chicago Suburb guides here!

What To Do

• Paramount Theatre: One of the true gems of downtown Aurora is the Paramount Theatre. Opened in 1931, it has hosted shows, concerts, films, musicals, etc. Currently the Broadway musical Kinky Boots is playing until October 17th. Be sure to support the arts and go see the show. You bet I will be going, Kinky Boots is one of my favorite musicals! Buy tickets here!
• Riveredge Park: Riveredge Park is a tear-round 8,500-seat concert venue with river walk, bike path, and pier. There has been many concerts at this venue including Lady Antebellum, Jason Derulo and more! Be sure to check out their events calendar. September 18th they will be hosting a Water Lantern Festival.
• Hollywood Casino: Feeling lucky? Test your luck at the Hollywood Casino. They have slots, table games, and poker.
• First Fridays: Head downtown the first Friday of every month for an evening filled with live music, food trucks, special events, sidewalk sales, and more! It is a great way to see the community come together!
• Yeetee Station: A new arcade lounge that just opened up. This would be a great date night!
• Wyckwood House: My absolute favorite boutique in the area! They have the cutest clothes and accessories, as well as adorable home decor finds! Be sure to stop here, I am often here for try-ons, special events, and more!
• Warehouse 55: Warehouse 55​ offers unique a collection of vintage finds, repurposed furnishings, mixed with many one-of-a-kind accessories. Here you’ll find something for every aesthetic- from MCM, rustic farmhouse, cottage chic and contemporary. Shop a variety of hand selected vendors in our newly renovated industrial space.
• Aurora Premium Outlet Mall: Speaking of shopping, this outlet mall has been my second home growing up. With stores like Kate Spade, Saks 5th, Jcrew, Steve Madden, Vera Bradley, and so much more! If you are looking for a shopping spree, look no further!
• Phillips Park: Phillips Parks is spread across an area of 325 acres and is known as one of the premium green spaces in the city. There are lots of attractions to enjoy at Phillips Park, including the Mastodon Gallery and a breathtaking the Sunken Garden, Phillips Park Zoo, and golf course. You will also find a fishing lake here that covers 28 acres.
• Prisco’s Family Market: In 1926 by Italian immigrants Tony and Mary Prisco, opened a neighborhood grocery store. With such a cool story and history, this place is great to come for some authentic Italian groceries – pasta, antipasto cannoli’s and Italian sausage are all the freshest here!
• Aurora Farmer’s Market: Every Saturday 8am – noon, through October 16th, head over to Water Street Square (65 Water Street, Aurora, IL. 60505 – directly across from City Hall and the Water Street Mall) for the 109th year of the Aurora Farmers Market.
• The Venue: Live Music Performance Hall in Downtown Aurora Illinois with attached outdoor venue featuring nationally known Blues, Roots, and Americana music acts. Check out their calendar here!
• Abbey Farms: For a slice of rural Illinois, make sure that you check out Abbey Farms. This working farm is centered on old fashioned family fun, and you won’t find any modern touches here. In the fall you can pick your own pumpkins and in the winter choose your own Christmas tree, and once you have enjoyed the gorgeous landscapes at the farm you can also buy fresh farm produce to take home such as their signature baked goods like cider doughnuts.

Where To Eat

Breakfast/Brunch/Coffee

• 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.
• Jake’s Bagels and Deli- Are you looking for the best bagel in Illinois!?! It’s a big task, but Jake’s is where it’s at. With over 18 different bagels flavors, and the best cream cheese I have ever had. Be sure to try their seasonal one. A few of my favorite are strawberry, peaches and cream, pineapple walnut, and pumpkin honey!
• Society 57 – Located in Aurora’s historical Pocus building, Society 57 is home to a beautiful, social space designed to imaginatively bring people together. With over 9,000 square feet of space and features a premier wedding and event venue, a specialty coffee shop, mid-size meeting rooms and more. Their chai tea is to die for! I cannot wait for their fall drinks to come out! It is just a airy, bright gorgeous space.
• Tredwell Coffee – Located next to Wyckwood House, this little coffee joint is just adorable. They currently have a summer drink called the pink flamingo – need I say more?
• Endiro Coffee – Downtown Aurora has no shortage of coffee shops. Their vision is to be a company that partners with others to end child vulnerability globally through coffee and its people, related products, profits, services, spaces and stories. So you are doing the world good, while you drink your morning Joe.

Lunch/Dinner

• Altiro: My go-to dinner when in downtown Aurora. This modern Nuevo Mexican spot has amazing decor and even more amazing margaritas. Their elote is delicious too!
• El Jefe: This authentic Mexican restaurant is not one to skip. It is a little outside downtown Aurora, but boy is it delicious! Once a month they host a drag brunch, I haven’t been, but it looks like a blast! Maybe next month I will finally attend! Get updates on their Drag Brunch here!
• Gillerson’s Grubbery: Craving a burger? Best burger spot is hands down Gillerson’s Grubbery. With award-winning burgers and curated craft beers, this airy neighborhood spot is a good one!
• Two Brother’s Roundhouse: A rustic eatery serving signature beers and modern pub grub in a storied railroad roundhouse. The building itself is just amazing and has such history. With a ton of events too. No Cover Still Not Friday is three great stand-up comics every Thursday starting at 8pm. Be sure to be on the lookout for their famous Oktoberfest events too! Check out all of their events here!
• U Samba?: Have you ever had authentic Brazilian food? U Samba?, is little hole in the wall place that offers great Brazilian food. I have never had authentic Brazilian food before, but it was delicious. This would be a great more casual date night.
• Tavern on Broadway: A local hotspot with an outdoor patio, live music most nights, and a great place to catch a Bear’s game on Sunday’s.
• Jaliscos Tacos: With a very large Latina/Hispanic population in Aurora, the Mexican food is some of the best in the state. Locals go crazy about Jaliscos for some true authentic Mexican.
• Borikén: A new Puerto Rican joint that has been getting all of the buzz. Definetely one to try out if you are craving some authentic Puerto Rican cuisine.

Dessert

• Charlie’s Creamery: If downtown Aurora and looking for ice cream, be sure to visit Charlie’s. The Saltijeral family are natives of Aurora and this family’s love for people and their community has set the foundation to open Charlie’s Silver Spoon Creamery. 
• Banana Split: A seasonal walk-up window selling soft-serve ice cream cones, plus namesake banana splits. This is just an old-fashion soft serve ice cream joint that has been around for decades. They are open end of February – mid October.

Where To Drink

• Two Brother’s Roundhouse: Like I said before, this is just a great venue. Brewing Two Brothers beer, a great spot to enjoy a beer, catch a comedy show, live music, or just hang out.
• Tavern on Broadway: Mentioned above, but this is a great place to have a good cocktail or cold beer and enjoy some live music or to watch a sports game.
• McCarty Mills Taproom: A bottle shop and taproom, this is a great place to try some new brews. From local to all around the country, McCarty specializes in curated craft beer.
• Ballydoyle: I of course have to mention the infamous Ballydoyle. An Irish pub that guarantees a good time. Live music, karaoke Friday’s, there’s just about something for everyone.
• Hopvine Brewery: Y’all know I have to mention the local brewery. Hopvine is no where near downtown, but still worth a visit. Specializing in pairing their own tavern food with their craft beer, it is a great spot to try.

Have I inspired you to take a visit to my hometown of Aurora, IL!?

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