Site
Cuisine/Specialty: Asian fusion, sushi
His rating (out of 10): 4 sugar cubes
Her rating (out of 10): 4.5
Comments:
I won't go back. The service was bad, even though there were only 4 customers (not tables, actual bodies) to every server. The food was timed poorly, the temperature of one of the pieces of sushi was disgusting, though the other four were fine. He had a noodle dish which was to be spicy, but it was not, it was very sweet. There are much better options in the area in terms of quality and value.
6.19.2011
6.16.2011
Quonset
Site
Cuisine/Specialty: Pizza
His rating (out of 10): (he doesn't remember, so we need to dine there again)
Her rating (out of 10): 8.5
Comments:
We won't often go to Waukegan, for anything really, but this is worth the trip. It's a tradition in Lake County and it's tasty pizza that keeps folks coming back. It's a very limited menu, but they do thin crust well, so why try to branch out? The place gets busy, but there's a large space on the take-out side in which you can wait for your table in the literal quonset.
Cuisine/Specialty: Pizza
His rating (out of 10): (he doesn't remember, so we need to dine there again)
Her rating (out of 10): 8.5
Comments:
We won't often go to Waukegan, for anything really, but this is worth the trip. It's a tradition in Lake County and it's tasty pizza that keeps folks coming back. It's a very limited menu, but they do thin crust well, so why try to branch out? The place gets busy, but there's a large space on the take-out side in which you can wait for your table in the literal quonset.
6.15.2011
Lou Malnati's
Site
Cuisine/Specialty: Pizza
His rating (out of 10): 8 cheese cubes
Her rating (out of 10): 9 for dine-in, but 7.5 for carry out
Comments:
Lou's is our favorite Chicago pizza emporium. When looking for a sit-down option, we recommend the Buffalo Grove location because this (Grayslake) is a take-out only location. For something in central Lake County, this is a nice alternative. "The Lou" is a delightful vegetarian pizza. For the carnivorous, a sausage (sheet) and pepperoni is outstanding. If you get a pizza to go, ask for it uncut and make sure you order it with butter crust. This will be crispier and the tomatoes won't make your pizza soggy in transit. When dining in, order the cheese cubes as an appetizer. But fried food usually doesn't travel well, so stick with just pizza if it's not dine-in. Also, a great gift idea is to ship a pizza to your less fortunate friends and family who think Pizza Hut is good.
*Her side note: When he and I were first dating, he lived on the east coast and had never experienced Chicago pizza. I took him to Lou's for the first time (Lincolnwood). In my heart I believe that meal made him know he could marry me.
Cuisine/Specialty: Pizza
His rating (out of 10): 8 cheese cubes
Her rating (out of 10): 9 for dine-in, but 7.5 for carry out
Comments:
Lou's is our favorite Chicago pizza emporium. When looking for a sit-down option, we recommend the Buffalo Grove location because this (Grayslake) is a take-out only location. For something in central Lake County, this is a nice alternative. "The Lou" is a delightful vegetarian pizza. For the carnivorous, a sausage (sheet) and pepperoni is outstanding. If you get a pizza to go, ask for it uncut and make sure you order it with butter crust. This will be crispier and the tomatoes won't make your pizza soggy in transit. When dining in, order the cheese cubes as an appetizer. But fried food usually doesn't travel well, so stick with just pizza if it's not dine-in. Also, a great gift idea is to ship a pizza to your less fortunate friends and family who think Pizza Hut is good.
*Her side note: When he and I were first dating, he lived on the east coast and had never experienced Chicago pizza. I took him to Lou's for the first time (Lincolnwood). In my heart I believe that meal made him know he could marry me.
6.13.2011
Dogs n Suds
Site
Cuisine/Specialty: Root Beer
His rating (out of 10): he doesn't remember the experience
Her rating (out of 10): 4
Comments:
We ate here once about two years ago, and haven't been back. That should say something, right? It's not good or bad, it's just there. If you want a root beer float, this is a great option. But the food is nothing special. It's a seasonal operation ad does a fair amount of walk-up business.
Cuisine/Specialty: Root Beer
His rating (out of 10): he doesn't remember the experience
Her rating (out of 10): 4
Comments:
We ate here once about two years ago, and haven't been back. That should say something, right? It's not good or bad, it's just there. If you want a root beer float, this is a great option. But the food is nothing special. It's a seasonal operation ad does a fair amount of walk-up business.
6.12.2011
Emil's Tavern on Center
Site
Cuisine/Specialty: Pizza
His rating (out of 10): 7 satellite dishes
Her rating (out of 10): 7
Comments:
The pizza has a cracker thin crispy crust. The burgers can be customized with any toppings you choose. The pizza is consistently tasty, but the same can't be said for the burgers. When they're not overcooked, they're delicious - best mom and pop burger you can find locally. Unfortunately, we could both order burgers cooked "medium" and one will come out as requested and the other will be well done. It's not logical, but it's true. There's a large bar and many tv screens. This is a good place to watch a sporting event, but get there early. They have another (original) location in Mundelein, too, but this one is closer to home so that's why we choose it. Be cognizant of the Grayslake Farmer's Market schedule in the summer as it takes place on Center Street.
Cuisine/Specialty: Pizza
His rating (out of 10): 7 satellite dishes
Her rating (out of 10): 7
Comments:
The pizza has a cracker thin crispy crust. The burgers can be customized with any toppings you choose. The pizza is consistently tasty, but the same can't be said for the burgers. When they're not overcooked, they're delicious - best mom and pop burger you can find locally. Unfortunately, we could both order burgers cooked "medium" and one will come out as requested and the other will be well done. It's not logical, but it's true. There's a large bar and many tv screens. This is a good place to watch a sporting event, but get there early. They have another (original) location in Mundelein, too, but this one is closer to home so that's why we choose it. Be cognizant of the Grayslake Farmer's Market schedule in the summer as it takes place on Center Street.
6.11.2011
Olandos
Site
Cuisine/Specialty: Pizza, Sandwiches / the Booty
His rating (out of 10): 8 saddle shoes
Her rating (out of 10): 9
Comments:
Can't decide what to eat, head to "the O" as we call it. They have a little bit of everything, and it's all tasty. Their salads are huge, soups are homemade and delicious, too. They have specials and sell pizza by the slice. She has baked mostaccioli with meatballs most often, and they're the best meatballs in the area. He teeters between the Spicy Chicken Sandwich, the Bootie*, and the Buffalo Chicken Wrap. In any case, crinkle cut fries accompany his choice. There's a full-service ice cream shop true to its heritage with Green River and phosphates. But you're probably going to be too full from your meal to think about dessert. The owners send holiday cards to their database of delivery addresses and often get out and socialize with the patrons. Try to sit on the ice cream parlor side for a more comfortable temperature. They do a mean take-out and delivery business, but when picking up your order if they say "20-25 minutes" it's usually ready in 15-20.
*The Bootie is a mildly spiced italian beef sandwich smothered in melted mozzarella cheese. Get it on garlic bread for a slight upcharge and with your preferred amount of juice. She likes its juicy, he likes it dry.
Cuisine/Specialty: Pizza, Sandwiches / the Booty
His rating (out of 10): 8 saddle shoes
Her rating (out of 10): 9
Comments:
Can't decide what to eat, head to "the O" as we call it. They have a little bit of everything, and it's all tasty. Their salads are huge, soups are homemade and delicious, too. They have specials and sell pizza by the slice. She has baked mostaccioli with meatballs most often, and they're the best meatballs in the area. He teeters between the Spicy Chicken Sandwich, the Bootie*, and the Buffalo Chicken Wrap. In any case, crinkle cut fries accompany his choice. There's a full-service ice cream shop true to its heritage with Green River and phosphates. But you're probably going to be too full from your meal to think about dessert. The owners send holiday cards to their database of delivery addresses and often get out and socialize with the patrons. Try to sit on the ice cream parlor side for a more comfortable temperature. They do a mean take-out and delivery business, but when picking up your order if they say "20-25 minutes" it's usually ready in 15-20.
*The Bootie is a mildly spiced italian beef sandwich smothered in melted mozzarella cheese. Get it on garlic bread for a slight upcharge and with your preferred amount of juice. She likes its juicy, he likes it dry.
6.10.2011
Sushi Kushi Toyo
Cuisine/Specialty: Sushi
His rating (out of 10):
Her rating (out of 10):
Comments:
The first couple of times it was great! The more recent excursions have left a lot to be desired. The temperature of the sushi was too warm, the freshness wasn't as clear and the wasabi on nigiri is very inconsistent. Sometimes it'll kill your palate, and others will be fine - even on the same plate. Since our new favorite is just down the road, we always opt for it instead.
6.09.2011
Bill's Pub North
Site
Cuisine/Specialty: Pizza
His rating (out of 10): 7 pepperonis
Her rating (out of 10): 8.5
Comments:
You get a basket of peanuts while you wait, and it's fun to look for the three chambered nut. The double-decker is delightful, and our go-to is sausage and mushroom. Occasionally we add fresh garlic, too. The service is a little slow, and you will eat off a recyclable plate. If taxidermy freaks you out, get this to go because the interior is a menagerie. There is a location in Diamond Lake and it is as consistent as this location. It's a good place for families, but don't choose this as a place to watch "the game".
Cuisine/Specialty: Pizza
His rating (out of 10): 7 pepperonis
Her rating (out of 10): 8.5
Comments:
You get a basket of peanuts while you wait, and it's fun to look for the three chambered nut. The double-decker is delightful, and our go-to is sausage and mushroom. Occasionally we add fresh garlic, too. The service is a little slow, and you will eat off a recyclable plate. If taxidermy freaks you out, get this to go because the interior is a menagerie. There is a location in Diamond Lake and it is as consistent as this location. It's a good place for families, but don't choose this as a place to watch "the game".
6.07.2011
Wayne's Pizza
Site
Cuisine/Specialty: Pizza
His rating (out of 10): 7.5 giant exhaust fans
Her rating (out of 10): 8
Comments:
This is the same family of restaurants as in Lindenhurst, Genoa City, Round Lake Park (Pizza Place), but we are reviewing Third Lake/Grayslake location in particular. Pizza by the slice is great at lunch because enough folks come in for the special that the pizza is always fresh. Outside of lunch, it gets a little old. My grandfather swore by the double-decker, but I confess I've never had it. I'm a thin crust purist here. The "Wayne's Special" (sausage, mushroom, onion, green pepper) is top notch. The sandwiches are just ok. Even stale late lunch pizza is better, as I see it. Unless you'll be eating at the picnic tables outside, get your pizza for the road as it's hotter than a virgin in church year round in this joint.
Cuisine/Specialty: Pizza
His rating (out of 10): 7.5 giant exhaust fans
Her rating (out of 10): 8
Comments:
This is the same family of restaurants as in Lindenhurst, Genoa City, Round Lake Park (Pizza Place), but we are reviewing Third Lake/Grayslake location in particular. Pizza by the slice is great at lunch because enough folks come in for the special that the pizza is always fresh. Outside of lunch, it gets a little old. My grandfather swore by the double-decker, but I confess I've never had it. I'm a thin crust purist here. The "Wayne's Special" (sausage, mushroom, onion, green pepper) is top notch. The sandwiches are just ok. Even stale late lunch pizza is better, as I see it. Unless you'll be eating at the picnic tables outside, get your pizza for the road as it's hotter than a virgin in church year round in this joint.
5.23.2011
Big Jack's
Site No site. 507 N Hainesville Rd Round Lake Park
Cuisine/Specialty: Hot Dog / Sandwiches
His rating (out of 10): 6.5
Her rating (out of 10): 8.5
Comments:
He gives hit a low rating based on the service. We tend to go to this place near closing. It's not that we like to be "those people" but it's just not open very late. When we arrive near closing, the employees all seem annoyed we came in. She gives it a high rating because she doesn't get a strong vibe from them about being put out (maybe she's just used to the Chicago demeanor more?) but the food is VERY good. The fries are wonderful. The Italian beef is flavorful, and without a Portillo's close, this quickly becomes the best beef in the area. In fact, they have "gravy bread" on the menu -- dipped french bread in the jus but no meat. If you're interested in a cold sandwich, they have those too. Note that there is parking at the sign shop next door. The restaurant gets hot, so the ice machine can't keep up sometimes. I'd take it to go if you have the option, and buy a cold drink at Thornton's across the street.
UPDATE FROM HIM:
Coming here when it isn't almost closing time is a much better experience. Same good food and no "hurry up and get out" attitude.
Cuisine/Specialty: Hot Dog / Sandwiches
His rating (out of 10): 6.5
Her rating (out of 10): 8.5
Comments:
He gives hit a low rating based on the service. We tend to go to this place near closing. It's not that we like to be "those people" but it's just not open very late. When we arrive near closing, the employees all seem annoyed we came in. She gives it a high rating because she doesn't get a strong vibe from them about being put out (maybe she's just used to the Chicago demeanor more?) but the food is VERY good. The fries are wonderful. The Italian beef is flavorful, and without a Portillo's close, this quickly becomes the best beef in the area. In fact, they have "gravy bread" on the menu -- dipped french bread in the jus but no meat. If you're interested in a cold sandwich, they have those too. Note that there is parking at the sign shop next door. The restaurant gets hot, so the ice machine can't keep up sometimes. I'd take it to go if you have the option, and buy a cold drink at Thornton's across the street.
UPDATE FROM HIM:
Coming here when it isn't almost closing time is a much better experience. Same good food and no "hurry up and get out" attitude.
Hot dog with everything, including sport peppers
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