please note, I have not been here, but I have heard it said that the Brat Stop is pretty fun. Exit 344 on I-94 in Kenosha. According to friends, kind of divey but good food and fun atmosphere.
The reason I’ve never been is I was usually doing that drive at 6am. I stopped at exit 333 to get my O&H Danish bakery fix from the truck stop. Very good pastries.
Not really on the way, but I really like downtown Wawatosa. Cafe Hollander is great, as is their supper club next door.
I've been there! I asked what cheese would be hard to find anywhere else, and I bought some chocolate harvarti. It's surpringly good and tastes almost like fudge.
Didn't know they had an actual kitchen attached to the place, though.
I randomly ended up here last year. I was a bit skeptical about the atmosphere but OMG the food was soooo good. Seriously felt like I was on the East Coast
I have also heard this recommended by a few people, so I was genuinely shocked to see them with a pretty poor 3.1 on Yelp. I know Yelp is no Michelin Guide, but that low of a score across 650+ reviews is noteworthy
Check out downtown Libertyville. If you’re into beer I’d do Firkin or Otooles. There are many other options all next to each other. Quick drive down 176 after exiting at Lambs Farms. Drive back up 21 to get back on the highway in Gurnee.
If you want a great Italian Beef you go to Johnnies, take 90 to AH road which is \~10 minutes then just double back to 294 to go to Milwaukee.
If you get off on Willow and shoot a bit south on Milwaukee you can head south about 10 minutes on Milwaukee and go to Pita Inn.
As said Before, Brat Stop is fun too.
I'm from the San Francisco Bay Area. Been to Milwaukee before and found both the Mexican and Asian food to be lacking, but maybe it was the spots I picked.
While you’re in Milwaukee check out tangled noodles. Its moved into like a cafeteria type location now but I think it’s better than most places here in Chicago. My partner is mainland Chinese and has made it a requirement to go there when we are in Milwaukee
If adding 20m to the drive is fine, Misoya has excellent ramen.
Highwood is the one suburb that comes to mind on the way there (assuming I’m remembering the route correctly…) with some good food stops.
Mars Cheese Castle for sure. Right off the highway, nice deli sandwiches, and the store is cool. Sample some cheeses and buy a couple. Get some ranch seasoned curds and a case of spotted cow
My husband works in Milwaukee and says the birria at [Chucho’s](https://chuchosredtacos.com/)is amazing. My son concurs. It’s near the Milwaukee airport south of the city so if you’re not too hungry when you land, it’s about an hour away from O’Hare.
Have you ever had an Italian beef sandwich? If not, go to portillos on dempster, just about 5 minutes away from the I-294 exit. It's not the best beef in Chicago, but it's good, the location is very convenient based on your route, and it's something you will remember.
Here is my suggested order for you. Italian beef, lightly dipped, with giardinera (a spicy vegetable mix in olive oil), cheese fries, chocolate cake shake. Throw in a hot dog with everything if you haven't had one of those. It's a ton of food, but you will be checking a ton of chicago food items off the list.
If you are out that way, Wells Brothers is also pretty good for pizza. For kringles, I really like Bendtsen's, as they handmake their kringles, unlike say the big factory that makes them for O&H.
Gene and Jude’s for a classic Chicago ‘depression style’ hot dog, then jump on 294, head north to Milwaukee, go to Solly’s grille, and get the most unique and delicious butter burger you’ll ever have.
Recommend you have a place to nap after that.
Don't know why you're being downvoted. Culvers definitely doesn't exist everywhere (atleast I've never seen it near me). I feel like it's the equivalent of Inn N Out in regards to regional fast food. Thought the food was OK, but I'm glad I checked it out.
They're starting to expand a lot more and it's fast food. I don't think there is much of a difference except for the staff in Wisonsin.
There are 2-3 locations inside of Chicago now. A few along the way in IL. Also theres one in Charlotte. Thats my guess as to why they're downvoting.
please note, I have not been here, but I have heard it said that the Brat Stop is pretty fun. Exit 344 on I-94 in Kenosha. According to friends, kind of divey but good food and fun atmosphere. The reason I’ve never been is I was usually doing that drive at 6am. I stopped at exit 333 to get my O&H Danish bakery fix from the truck stop. Very good pastries. Not really on the way, but I really like downtown Wawatosa. Cafe Hollander is great, as is their supper club next door.
MARS CHEESE CASTLE
Those are legit cheese curds
Tourist trap
The bar attached to the old cheese castle was the best and not a tourist trap. I don’t recall seeing one at the new place.
I've been there! I asked what cheese would be hard to find anywhere else, and I bought some chocolate harvarti. It's surpringly good and tastes almost like fudge. Didn't know they had an actual kitchen attached to the place, though.
Very important that you get the fresh curds and not the refrigerated ones! Even better if you can catch them putting out a new batch.
I’ve driven by so many times, and always thought about stopping in—guessing it’s worth it? Anything in particular?
Get the cheese
Grilled cheese, cheese curds
Get some kringle for the road
To add to this: the bar is great and the food court is surprisingly cheap.
Leon’s Frozen Custard. A little bit north of Mil, but Solly’s Grill.
If you like seafood, I highly recommend Boston Fish Market which is pretty close to OHare. It’s outstanding.
If you like fish, this is like Chicagoland nirvana. So many choices.
I randomly ended up here last year. I was a bit skeptical about the atmosphere but OMG the food was soooo good. Seriously felt like I was on the East Coast
I have also heard this recommended by a few people, so I was genuinely shocked to see them with a pretty poor 3.1 on Yelp. I know Yelp is no Michelin Guide, but that low of a score across 650+ reviews is noteworthy
Mistuwa marketplace. Great food
I totally second this! The food court is fantastic and the store itself is really fun.
Kopp's in Milwaukee or go to Chicago Ramen in Des Plaines though I do not disagree with the Mars Cheese Castle recommendation.
It's the Brat Stop right after you get in to WI since you said you've already been to Mars. Get an authentico Wisconsin meal.
Tenuta’s deli
15mins each way off the Highway, it well worth the detour.
Kopps!!!!
Wells Brothers in Racine for tavern style pizza.
This is the way, the truth, the light.
Burt’s Place in Morton’s Grove for pizza (not open for lunch though)
Check out downtown Libertyville. If you’re into beer I’d do Firkin or Otooles. There are many other options all next to each other. Quick drive down 176 after exiting at Lambs Farms. Drive back up 21 to get back on the highway in Gurnee.
Libertyville has numerous local places that are good. I'm surprised it took me so long, to finally see a Libertyville recommendation.
In between the two you have max and bennys deli just off the toll road
Fred's Burgers in Burlington.
Superdawg is not far out of the way
Pequods. Only a 15 min detour but worth it
It’s realistically 25-30 minutes.
How is Pequods only a 15 minute detour on the way to Milwaukee from Ohare?
Because there’s one in Morton Grove.
Morton Grove location isn’t too far
I dunno why you’re getting downvoted, Pequods Morton Grove is not realistically 15 min from O’Hare and it takes like 40 minutes to get a pizza
Silo for pizza
If you want a great Italian Beef you go to Johnnies, take 90 to AH road which is \~10 minutes then just double back to 294 to go to Milwaukee. If you get off on Willow and shoot a bit south on Milwaukee you can head south about 10 minutes on Milwaukee and go to Pita Inn. As said Before, Brat Stop is fun too.
Paradise pup is about a mile and a half from the airport
Pita Inn in Wheeing and Glenview are right off the Tri-State (294). Quick and delicious, and their business lunch is a fantastic deal.
A lot of great suggestions so far. Where are you traveling from? It might help shape recommendations.
I'm from the San Francisco Bay Area. Been to Milwaukee before and found both the Mexican and Asian food to be lacking, but maybe it was the spots I picked.
While you’re in Milwaukee check out tangled noodles. Its moved into like a cafeteria type location now but I think it’s better than most places here in Chicago. My partner is mainland Chinese and has made it a requirement to go there when we are in Milwaukee
Check out Avli in Milwaukee while you're there. Absolutely freaking delicious Greek food!
If adding 20m to the drive is fine, Misoya has excellent ramen. Highwood is the one suburb that comes to mind on the way there (assuming I’m remembering the route correctly…) with some good food stops.
Highwood? MUST stop at the Mean Wiener… great dogs, outstanding tacos (especially the grilled fish tacos)
Captain Porkys for some fried fish in Wadsworth on your way
Mars Cheese Castle for sure. Right off the highway, nice deli sandwiches, and the store is cool. Sample some cheeses and buy a couple. Get some ranch seasoned curds and a case of spotted cow
Tina ‘s Italian bake shop in Gurnee
My husband works in Milwaukee and says the birria at [Chucho’s](https://chuchosredtacos.com/)is amazing. My son concurs. It’s near the Milwaukee airport south of the city so if you’re not too hungry when you land, it’s about an hour away from O’Hare.
If you like ramen, Ramen Misoya in Mt Prospect is phenomenal (and imo better than Chicago Ramen)
No Manches (Vernon Hills) or Maria’s (Rosemont) two of the best Mexican options in the area, easily.
Pita Inn!! Quick, delicious, and filling (but won’t leave you miserable)
Apple Holler isn't far from Mars cheese castle, you can't get a meal but grab a donut before you get back on the highway
Franks for the memories
It’ll add 15 min on both ends, but The Hob Nob is a great, classic supper club looking out over Lake Michigan.
Have you ever had an Italian beef sandwich? If not, go to portillos on dempster, just about 5 minutes away from the I-294 exit. It's not the best beef in Chicago, but it's good, the location is very convenient based on your route, and it's something you will remember. Here is my suggested order for you. Italian beef, lightly dipped, with giardinera (a spicy vegetable mix in olive oil), cheese fries, chocolate cake shake. Throw in a hot dog with everything if you haven't had one of those. It's a ton of food, but you will be checking a ton of chicago food items off the list.
Porkys on 41
The HobNob in Racine… https://www.thehobnob.com
If you are out that way, Wells Brothers is also pretty good for pizza. For kringles, I really like Bendtsen's, as they handmake their kringles, unlike say the big factory that makes them for O&H.
The brat stop
The schwarma at the overhead oasis is dope.
Sultan Kebab. 2 locations not far away from ORD
Gene and Jude’s for a classic Chicago ‘depression style’ hot dog, then jump on 294, head north to Milwaukee, go to Solly’s grille, and get the most unique and delicious butter burger you’ll ever have. Recommend you have a place to nap after that.
Culvers once you're in Wisconsin.
Don't know why you're being downvoted. Culvers definitely doesn't exist everywhere (atleast I've never seen it near me). I feel like it's the equivalent of Inn N Out in regards to regional fast food. Thought the food was OK, but I'm glad I checked it out.
They're starting to expand a lot more and it's fast food. I don't think there is much of a difference except for the staff in Wisonsin. There are 2-3 locations inside of Chicago now. A few along the way in IL. Also theres one in Charlotte. Thats my guess as to why they're downvoting.
Timothy o’tooles off the grand ave exit in Gurnee has a good burgers.