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Next up on my Chicago Suburbs Guide is Naperville, IL. Naperville is a western suburb about 45 mins west of Chicago. Growing up in the Naperville area, I have spent a fair amount of time in this town.

Naperville is a very nice area, with a great downtown area full of restaurants, shops, bars. While most of this guide will be focused around downtown Naperville, there are still some great places outside of downtown that I will be mentioning.

In case you’ve missed my other Chicago Suburbs guides, check them out here!

What To Do

• Riverwalk – A downtown Naperville staple. Enjoy an afternoon walking the path by the river. Grab some ice cream or a snack before and take a lovely stroll.
• Shopping – Downtown Naperville is home to many many shops, you can easily spend an afternoon window shopping and bringing home a few goodies! A few of my favorite Naperville shops are – Anthropologie, Benefits Cosmetics, Evereve, Karisma Boutique, Lulu Lemon, and so many more!
• Crate and Barrel Outlet – Yes you read that right, there is a Crate and Barrel outlet in Naperville. It is pretty amazing! They also have a HUGE furniture outlet, but you will need to bring your own truck because they will not deliver.
• Topgolf – Wanting to test your golf skills, check out Top Golf! Grab a group of friends, or a date and head out for a fun night.
• Whirlyball – For another more unique sporting event, try Whirlyball. WhirlyBall combines lacrosse, hockey, basketball, and bumper cars in one exciting game. It is actually SO FUN! I am so bad but it was a great time!
• Sur La Table Cooking Classes – Another great store in Downtown Naperville, but Sur La Table also offers cooking classes! They are so fun, my mom and I did one a few years ago, and I have been dying to go back for another one! From flavors of Tuscany, to sushi making 101, there’s a class for everyone.

Where To Eat

Breakfast/Brunch

• Buttermilk – Really the best breakfast/brunch option in Naperville, 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.
• Old Tour Pour House – With brunch every Saturday/Sunday with mimosa flights, this is a weekend must! Also good for lunch/dinner!

Lunch/Dinner

• Empire – Looking for a cool vibe with good beer and good burgers? Enjoy a night on their rooftop. This is a classic Naperville stop! This is a great bar too if you are just looking to grab a few drinks!
• Mesón Sabika – One of my favorite Naperville restaurants. Meson Sabika offers the flavors of Spain inside a historic mansion that was built in 1847. Their menu is full of tapas, paella, and the best sangria you’ll have (next to Spain of course!). I recommend trying to get a table out on their patio for a total ambiance!
• Q BBQ – A lot of people overlook Q’s because it is not as fancy as some of the other restaurants. But if I am ever craving BBQ, this is where you will find me. Get the cornbread – trust me!
• Lou Malnatis – A Chicago staple. But this location is cool because it is in an old fire house. Definitely worth checking out if you are craving some deep dish. Also, splurge for the butter crust, it is an extra $1, but makes all the difference.
• Potter’s Place– Looking for a fun atmosphere and some margaritas? Potters is it. They often have live music on their massive patio. It is a really fun place for a girl’s night or date night.
• Everdine’s Grilled Cheese Company – Gourmet grilled cheese anyone? This spot whips up delicious grilled cheeses that are definitely not just for children. From Mac and cheese to buffalo chicken to caprese, they all sound so cheesy and good!
• Quiubo – Brought to you by the Bien Trucha team (MY FAV RESTAURANT EVER!!!), Quiubo serves classic Mexican dishes with modern flare.
• Fiammé – It really wouldn’t be a guide of mine without some sort of mention of an Italian restaurant! Specializing in Neapolitan pizzas, using imported, double-milled Caputo flour, that means it has to be delicious!

Desserts

• Cookie Dough Creations – This is my go to dessert when in Naperville. Enjoy edible cookie dough mixed in with your ice cream, or simply by itself like I do. You can never go wrong with chocolate chip, but brownie batter is a good one too!
• Crumbl Cookies – I am sure you have heard of Crumbl by now. Each week, their menu rotates 4 different specialty flavors. But don’t worry, their famous milk chocolate chip and a chilled sugar cookie are always available. They also come in the most adorable pink box. But if you want to skip the line, they also so pick up/delivery!
• Le Chocolat du Bouchard – The ultimate chocolate, wine, and dessert experience. More than a chocolate shop, the pastries are to die for! The fondue is super yummy too and makes for a cute after dinner/drinks date!
• Molly’s Cupcakes -Everyone loves a good cupcake, and Molly’s are super tasty!

Where To Drink

• The Lantern – The diviest dive bars in Naperville. There’s sticky floors, but it is always a good time!
• Potters/Two-Nine Martini Lounge – Above Potter’s Place is a night club once the sun goes down. It is a little too “college” feel for me, but if that is your vibe then you will love it!
• Fat Rosies – Great margs, mediocre food. The pineapple and blackberry basil margaritas are my favorite!
• SixtyFour Wine Bar – Wine stations. That’s all I have to say. SixtyFour has 16 wines on tap. You essentially get a card and then can try different wines at your preferred size. 
• Solemn Oath Brewery – Y’all know I love a good brewery. Away from downtown is Solemn Oath. It has such cool outdoor vibes (they had igloos this winter). The beer is super good, and there is usually a food truck as well.
• 2 Fools Cidery – If beer isn’t your thing, 2 Fools Cidery might be for you. Northern Illinois’ first cidery and taproom. With rotating flavors weekly, I want to try them all!
• Noon Whistle Brewing – With the original location in Lombard, this brewery has been getting all the buzz lately! With the Naperville taproom opening in summer 2020, and with rotating food trucks every weekend, I need to get over there and try some of their beers ASAP!

Where are your go to’s in Naperville!?

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