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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 Suburb Guide. I am going to make a new guide to one of my favorite suburb 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.

First up on the guide is Geneva, IL. Geneva is a western suburb, and right next to the town that I grew up in, Batavia. Geneva is LOVELY, especially downtown Geneva – which is what I will be mostly focusing on. Downtown Geneva is very quaint and cute with rows of little mom and pop shops, local restaurants, and surrounded by beautiful homes. My favorite part about downtown Geneva is the food. There are so many great options for no matter what you are feeling. From local joints to upscale restaurants – Geneva has got you covered!

What To Do

Shopping on 3rd Street

Shopping and strolling is one of my favorite things to do in any town, but especially Geneva. They have block after block of little stores in these beautiful old homes. From home decor, to clothes, to jewelry, to antiques, I bet Geneva has just what you are looking for. Most of the fun is just going from shop to shop to see what unique goodies you can find. Check out a couple of my favorite must-see shops.

• The Little Traveler: The Little Traveler is probably one of the most popular shops in downtown Geneva. There are approximately 35 rooms in this historic mansion, all with a different experience filled with things from all over the world. You could get lost for hours in here!
• Cocoon: A home decor store in a house setting that just gives you all the Pinterest feels.
• Cali & Chance: California style with midwest roots. I always find the cutest little things at this boutique. From clothes, jewelry, to home decor and gifts!
• Edie: This boutique is just adorable, I love going in and seeing their new arrivals. They have other locations in the burbs too! Check it out!
• Artemisia: Where boutique meets art gallery. I just love wandering around and seeing all of the amazing things!
• Circa: This shop is always a surprise because you never know what you are going to find, but you always find something that you just knew you didn’t need to have!
• Scentcerely Yours: Ever want to create your signature scent? This place is super cute! Craft your own personal scent and candle to bring home with you! Would be fun to do with a bunch of girlfriends.

Where To Eat

Breakfast/Brunch

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• Buttermilk: Really the best breakfast/brunch option in Geneva, and they have a 45 minute waitlist to prove. Try the biscuits. Just do it!
• Egg Harbor: For a more traditional breakfast, Egg Harbor is for you. It is super cozy and a great spot.
• Craft Urban: This is a newer restaurant and I’ve heard great things about their cocktails so I would love to try their brunch!
• Nosh: If you are looking for a girl’s brunch then Nosh is for you. It is a little bit fancier which makes it perfect for a girl’s day!

Lunch/Dinner

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• Atlas Chicken Shack: Hands down my favorite casual lunch spot on 3rd street. Do not leave without the rice balls or a watermelon slushee. They have some of the best chicken strips!
• The Burger Local: A vintage inspired burger joint with unique flavor profiles and an extensive beer list with local brews. Best burger in the suburbs. It is a bold statement, but it is true. Whenever I am craving a burger, to Burger Local I go!
• Gia Mia: Perfect for lunch or a dinner, this is quite the popular spot in downtown Geneva. With Neapolitan style wood-fired pizzas, creative small plates, fresh pasta, hand-made mozzarella, craft beers and cocktails.
• Bien Trucha: Another bold statement, but this is my absolute favorite restaurant EVER. I could do a whole post about Bien Trucha it is THAT good. From the hand crafted margaritas, to the fruit guacamole of the day. Every dish is just as delicious as the next. Please make a reservation here if you have not been yet. Even if you have been, make a reservation again!
• The Patton House: For a taste of New Orleans, Patton House is great. It is housed in an old Victorian house with a huge porch and tons of character.
• Osteria Bigolaro: If you blink, you will walk right past this Italian restaurant. With a number of Italian restaurants in downtown Geneva, this is one of my favorites. This relaxed Italian spot offers sharing plates, classic entrees, and fresh pastas with wines

Dessert

• Grahams 318: A coffeeshop with yummy treats, but my favorite is the chocolate fondue. They have all sorts of goodies including: strawberries, bananas, marshmallows, pound cake, pretzels, and Oreos. It is so rich and delicious and a perfect sweet treat. Grahams also has an ice cream shop down the block which is also a yummy spot!
• Hey Sugar: You can’t miss this place when you are walking down 3rd Street because of its bright pink decor and floral wall. From cupcakes, to ice cream to fancy hot chocolate, Hey Sugar is the perfect sweet tooth night cap.
• All Chocolate Kitchen: You can practically smell the chocolate when walking by. I love this stylish spot for chocolates, elegant cakes, pastries and house-made gelato. They have a chocolate and wine pairing that I definitely want to do this summer.
• Cookie Dough Bliss: I don’t know about you, but cookie dough is my weakness. This raw cookie dough shop is delicious and dare I say it may be better than ice cream sometimes? I love the classic chocolate chip, but they have other fun flavors like cake batter, unicorn, red velvet and so many more!

Where To Drink/Happy Hour

• Geneva Winery: My favorite place to drink wine when in Geneva. This winery is in an old house, and it is just so cozy and makes for a great experience. During the winter they have igloos set up on the front lawn, but it is now replaced with twinkling lights and a cute patio. Definitely try the wine slushees this summer. Otherwise the Cabernet is my favorite.
• Galena Cellars: Wine tastings are available at any time while the store is open. You can get six tastes for $6. If you want to forgo a tasting you can enjoy any wine by the glass or a bottle to share. They have cute wine accessories and a nice patio.
• Penrose Brewing: We all know deep down I am a beer girl forever and ever. Penrose is Geneva’s own brewery with the coolest vibes. Enjoy a flight on their patio. FYI it is a little off the beaten path from downtown, but still make sure you stop!
• Preservation: The coolest backyard vibes. With live music almost every night, this outdoor patio is SO SO fun! With a different menu, you will always be trying something new! This is also a great date spot!
• Nobel House: A rustic bar with over 30 beers on draft and a lobster roll to die for!
• Old Towne Pub & Eatery: Another classic Geneva bar. Their rooftop patio is great for any summer night!
• Del Barrio: Great vibe and even greater margaritas. If I wasn’t going to Bien Trucha, I would come here for a more casual Mexican night.
• 1910: Want to feel like you are in downtown Chicago, without actually going downtown with all of the crowds? 1910 has the best urban/city vibe. From the leather couches, exposed brick, and industrial atmosphere. There is also a cute patio.

Downtown Geneva is a great little gem in the Chicago suburbs. Be sure to come hungry and enjoy a lovely day in historic downtown Geneva.

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