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.
Next up on my Chicago Suburbs Guide is Wheaton, IL. Wheaton is a suburb about 30 mins west of Chicago.
Wheaton is a smaller town, but their downtown is just darling. There are tons of restaurants and things to do in Wheaton. I would definitely recommend spending a day here exploring what this suburb has to offer!
In case you’ve missed my other Chicago Suburbs guides, check them out here!
What To Do
- Frida Kahlo 2021: If you are reading this post before September 2021, then you seriously need to get yourself over the the College of Dupage for the Frida Timeless exhibit. It shows the life and works of the artist Frida Kahlo with 26 original pieces as well as an immersive historical exhibit that provides a framework of the life, circumstances and events that led to Kahlo becoming one of the most important painters of the 20th century and of our time. I highly highly recommend seeing this before it leaves. It is here until September 6th, and you can buy tickets here!
- Shopping: Downtown Wheaton is home to tons of cute little shops and boutiques. My top three favorite are: Wyckwood House, Amante, and Jeans and a Cute Top. Be sure to stop by all of these during your visit.
- Cantigny Park: A visit to this 500 acre park is a must. The grounds are absolutely beautiful. There is a garden, museum, bring a picnic, just walk around there is so much to do! There is also a golf course as well.
- Wheaton French Market: Every Saturday from 8-3pm. A French styled open air market where you will find fresh local produce, bread, cheese, meat, flowers, artisan foods & crafts, and gifts.
- The Little Popcorn Shop: The Little Popcorn Store is perhaps one of the most loved and narrowest stores in the Chicago area measuring 4-feet wide by 64 feet long. Opening in 1921, this is a must do!
Where To Eat
Breakfast/Brunch
- Suzette’s Creperie: Transform to France and this French Wine Bar, Bistro and Afternoon High Tea. With decadent crepes and pastries to breakfast, this is a place you will want to stop. They are also starting to bring back their wine and cooking classes, which y’all know is right up my alley!
- Egglectic Cafe: Want a home-cooked traditional breakfast? This breakfast joint has been serving locals for over 20 years!
- The Hen House: The Hen House focuses on the healthy alternative to your average breakfast. They take a fresh and creative approach to breakfast and lunch items from traditional to modern dishes. With a full coffee bar also, this is great place to start your day.
- Egg Harbor Cafe: A gourmet breakfast, brunch and lunch spot with locations all over the suburbs. This is a staple and yummy every time!
- County Farm Bagels: Looking for a good bagel, well your search stops here! This family owned restaurant makes their bagels daily in store.
Lunch/Dinner
- The Burger Social: Craving a burger? The Burger Social has it all. This industrial vibe burger joint with an extensive craft beer list is sure to deliver. I had the Philly Patty Melt, and it was so yummy. Also don’t skip the truffle fries.
- Moveable Feast: Ever heard of Oprah’s favorite brownies? Just do yourself a favor and get one! They pride themselves on home-cooked food from their table to yours. They are also a catering company. Their menu changes frequently to offer the freshest ingredients.
- Gia Mia: Perfect for lunch or a dinner, this is quite the popular spot with locations all over the burbs! With Neapolitan style wood-fired pizzas, creative small plates, fresh pasta, hand-made mozzarella, craft beers and cocktails.
- Ivy: Modern American chophouse serving steaks, seafood & pasta in a relaxed, upscale setting. This is a great date night option.
- Sogno: I have been dying to try this place out! Sogno is a stylish restaurant serving traditional and creative Italian dishes in an exposed-brick dining room and an adorable airy rooftop patio! The menu looks delicious, so who wants to go with me!?
- Adele’s: New American fare served in a modern space with fireplaces, a bar & weekly live jazz. Their cocktail list looks amazing too!
- Chouns Thai: Crab rangoon is my love language and thai is one of my favorite cuisines. Don’t skip this one!
- Altiro Latin Fusion: Every suburb needs a staple Mexican restaurant, and Altiro is it! It is more upscale, but the margaritas are yummy and the food is delicious!
Where To Drink
- Five & Hoek: This coffee bar and roasting facility is open daily 7am – 3pm for take away service with seating in the alleyway (think European cafe vibes). Can’t wait to grab myself a chai tea here!
- Dry City Brew Works: You know it can’t be one of my guides without mentioning a brewery! With live music, this is a great place to try some local brews and support local musicians.
- 302 Wheaton: Y’all know I love a good beer bar. With tons of local craft beer choices and a great patio, this is definitely worth checking out. The pretzel is so good, and is so MASSIVE!
- Emmet’s Brewing Company: This is their 4th location (Palatine, West Dundee, and Downers Grove), another great place to grab a beer and a bite to eat. I love their charcuterie board.
- Tasting Devine: Beer not your thing? Don’t worry this wine shop and tasting room is sure to be more up your alley! With new monthly red and white wines, this looks like a great spot.
Are there any spots I am missing on this guide!? I hope I gave you some great Wheaton inspo! What suburb do you want to see next?
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