15 Instagrammable Cuisines from Lake County Restaurant Week Eateries 2022
By: Jonathan Jones 03/30/2022
As we approach Lake County Restaurant Week running April 1-10, we exclaim the age-old expression “do it for the gram.”
Whether it’s a meticulously and exceptionally prepared cuisine in front of you or the lovely libation you’re ready to clink with the cronies, your #foodgram or #instafood awaits you.
For those who are avid foodie camera snappers, in this seventh installment of Lake County Restaurant Week, the land of lakes convention and visitors bureau is running a photo contest. One winner can receive a $50 gift card from one of the LCRW participants. Continue here to learn more.
These 15 instances of grammable grub set the tone for Lake County Restaurant Week. Don’t forget to share your snaps with #LakeCountyRW and/or #LetsGoLakeCounty for a chance to win a $50 gift card at a participating eatery.
Oaken is a modern, upscale Bistro + Bar located in The Forester Hotel. The menu is strong and bold, like the many, centuries-old white oak heritage trees found in and around the community. Worldly flavors meet responsible, local ingredients creating a thoughtfully adventurous menu that, like tree rings, will grow and change seasonally. The sleek lounge features a signature herbal cocktail menu as well as an eclectic wine list and local beers. Branch out from your ordinary routine and unearth Oaken.
Primo Italian American Cuisine is Lake County’s dining hot spot with five-star ratings across the board. The Gurnee establishment’s menu includes salads and sandwiches, pasta, seafood, steaks and much more. The Gurnee establishment boasts an array of Daily Herald Reader’s Choice Awards. The jam-packed menu is complemented by a wine list of 100+ flavors.
The MainStreet Libertyville eatery features Greek and Mediterranean cuisine highlighted by octopus, pastitsio, moussaka, souvlaki, salads and a selection of 30 Greek vinos. The chef brothers, Nick and Theo Dimitriou have a combined 20+ year career in the culinary industry. The brothers stay curious and prepare new innovative dishes constantly while being mindful of the changing seasons and utilizing local ingredients to put out an exceptional product.
The Mundelein eatery has a 30-year history of serving fine food and spirits with gracious hospitality. Originating in Chicago's Jefferson Park neighborhood in 1963, their ribs were one of the menu items but little did they know how well received they would become. Besides their award-winning ribs and picturesque sunsets of Diamond Lake, the Mundelein eatery's menu also features steaks, chops, seafood, salads and more.
Where bbq meets soul food at the heart of Belvidere Street in Waukegan, Illinois! Chef BBQ Johnson cooks all your favorites. The black-owned business and southern-inspired online eater has a menu that features ribs, country and fried chicken, wings, seafood, brisket, cornbread, fried okra and so much more.
The Shanty has been featured on two Food Network shows, “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives,” featuring Guy Fieri and “Triple D Nation.” The Wadsworth restaurant just recently expanded by quadrupling the size of its facility. The Lake County Restaurant Week participant is highlighted by their whiskey shrimp, tequila and orange grilled salmon, premium hand-cut aged steaks, organic goat cheese wontons and an array of other delectable dishes. Take a walk in the past with restaurateur and owner Dimitri Kallianis. His family also owns Captain Porky’s and the Shanty South.
Quality, value and excellent service just scratch the surface of this Vernon Hills steakhouse. Jameson’s Charhouse is the premier local steakhouse located a block from Hawthorn Mall. It has featured perfectly grilled steaks, chops and fresh fish, along with extensive menu selections that are carefully designed with delectable choices for everyone. Whether you have a taste for a cooked to order Black Angus New York Strip Steak, a juicy
Jameson’s Burger, a crisp and refreshing Grilled Salmon Salad or delicious Greek Style Halibut,
Jameson’s Charhouse will proudly serve it to you and make sure you have the most favorable dining experience!
Holy moly, that man Tony knows minds his ps and qs about cannolis! The Mundelein confectioner creates traditional and unconventional cannolis for customers to indulge their sweet tooth. Tony Cannoli Specialty Pastries also conducts classes to teach visitors how to make the sweet Italian treat. The Mundelein maker also makes cakes, donuts, cookies, chips and more. The sweet gift that everyone is yearning for. Tony was just recognized with
Illinois Made status!
Your destination for steaks, chops and seafood, along with a variety of fresh salads and sandwiches. The Lincolnshire steakhouse offers lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. These filet mignon wellingtons seen in the gram above will have taste buds in a frenzy. The steak entree is paired with mushroom stuffing, sugar snap peas and gratin potatoes. The modern-day 1940s dinner club is inviting foodies back into their dining room with limited indoor dining as well as carryout and delivery services.
The Libertyville eatery specializes in the craft of silver dollars. Wildberry was ranked no. 21 in Thrillist.com’s article noting the top-rated flapjacks in the country. Buttermilk pancakes are the restaurant’s bread and proverbial butter; however, they have a variety of flavors that they offer inspired by the breakfast treat. Wildberry’s menu features blueberries in a glaze, strawberries in a glaze, gluten-free honeycakes, their staple flavor wildberry, fig and walnut grain, their signature berry bliss, banana cream pie and a whole bunch more. Let’s not forget the rest of their loaded menu. Don’t sleep on anything.
It’s like living in cocoa heaven. The Chocolate Sanctuary makes most of its dishes utilizing the magical cocoa bean. Whether you are munching on their cocoa infused barbecue sauce on their lollipop chicken pops, snacking on beef satay skewers with cocoa peanut chili sauce, chomping on the sanctuary’s chopped salad with chocolate vinaigrette or chewing on a chocolate dessert, expect big things with everyone’s favorite sweet treat somehow infused.
This downtown Grayslake pub serves innovative brews, modern American cuisine, locally-sourced craft spirits and top-notch draft wines all handcrafted in-house. Light the Lamp has 14 craft suds drafts created internally. For those who aren’t beer lovers, the seven-year-old Grayslake brewpub also offers tap wine. Besides libations, the hockey-themed also offers memorable meals, including burgers, sandwiches, flatbreads, shared plates, bowls and desserts. Light the Lamp’s signature suds include the Red Line Ale (amber ale), Sin Bout Stout (oatmeal stout) and the 1980 Miracle American Pale Ale. Kick back, relax and let that lettuce down. Order their brews, eats or both with their outdoor patio service, carryout or delivery.
This Authentic Mexican Restaurant has a beautiful scenic view and is located on Nippersink Lake connected to the Chain O’Lakes. Watch a beautiful sunset on the Chain while enjoying the best Margarita in Lake County. The menu
includes Enchiladas, Chimichangas, sizzling fajitas, tacos, steak, seafood, burritos, combination platters and a variety of drinks and desserts. The restaurant offers three indoor dining rooms, a seasonal outdoor patio and a full bar jam-packed with unique homemade drinks.
The North Shore restaurant is a neighborhood eatery with an inspired take on inventive fare and libation. This American bistro serves lunch and dinner via dine-in or carryout and features salads, burgers, sandwiches, steaks, chops, seafood and more.
Sweet bliss lives in the northwest corner of Lake County, as Lovin’ Oven Caker puts a little TLC in every treat they create. The Antioch cakery is a third-generation, seven-decade-old+ mom and pop spot that’s been in the same family since 1930. Besides their sweets and treats like cakes, macaroons, cookies, donuts and other confections, Lovin’ Oven boasts a delectable cafe. The menu is highlighted by breakfast cuisines, soups, sandwiches, wraps, salads and so much more.
For more instagrammable cuisines in Lake County Restaurant Week continue here. To learn about all of the participating restaurants in the foodie festival, click here. To submit one of your 15 instagrammable cuisines in the #LakeCountyRW Photo Contest, continue here.
