If you haven’t heard, February is Chicago’s North Shore Restaurant Month. It’s a whole month dedicated to dining deals from over 100 restaurants in the North Shore. YES! It’s a foodie paradise you don’t want to miss.
Enjoy exceptional culinary offers including special prix fixe menus, FREE dessert or appetizer, discount off check, and more. What a great way to eat out without breaking the bank. Lisette (@topchicagoeats) and I decided to invite some of our Instagram friends and head out to the North Shore to check out some good suburban eats.
Peckish Pig
For our first stop, we went to Peckish Pig in Evanston with Ada (@adaateit), Alyssa (@303eatschi), Karen (@chicagofoodstories), Mina (@chicagofoodgirl) and Rosie (@eat.around.the.rosie). Peckish Pig opened in March 2014 and is Evanston’s first brewpub. The menu is focused on upscale bar food with an English influence. The dinner menu is sectioned into the following categories: The Plank, The Bowl, Meat, Poultry, Seafood, Vegetarian, On Bread, and Bits & Bobs. Everything is made in-house and locally-sourced whenever possible.
We started off with some cocktails, which were picture perfect. Ada (@adaateit) definitely thought so! A few others enjoyed some beer that are brewed on-site. They typically have 5-8 house-brewed beers on tap and are rotated roughly every 2 weeks.
Fab Happenings: Chicago’s North Shore Restaurant Month 2017 // @adaateit at Peckish Pig // Photo: @fabsoopark
Under the Bits & Bobs, we tried the Bacon Fat Popcorn with salted caramel. You had me at… bacon.
Fab Happenings: Chicago’s North Shore Restaurant Month 2017 // Bacon Fat Popcorn at Peckish Pig // Photo: @eat.around.the.rosie
The Fish & Chips with house-made tartar sauce were out of this world. I haven’t been to London, but a few at the table who did, said it tasted just like it would in London. The batter was light and crispy on the outside, light and fluffy on the inside.
The Charcuterie board had a wonderful selection of local and European meats and cheeses that were almost too pretty to eat. It definitely didn’t stop us from devouring the whole thing.
I was pleasantly surprised to see an Korean-influenced dish on the menu. The Shrimp and Kimchi Fried Rice with a sunny side egg was legitimately good. It gets this Korean’s approval.
Fab Happenings: Chicago’s North Shore Restaurant Month 2017 // Shrimp & Kimchi Fried Rice at Peckish Pig // Photo: @eat.around.the.rosie
The Mediterranean Lamb Kebobs were a major hit at the table. The tender lamb balanced well with the crunchy pickled onion and smooth tzatziki sauce.
Fab Happenings: Chicago’s North Shore Restaurant Month 2017 // Mediterranean Lamb Kebabs at Peckish Pig // Photo: @fabsoopark
We couldn’t say “no” to dessert especially since it was FREE! You get a free dessert with an entrée purchase during North Shore Restaurant Month. The crowd favorite was the Sticky Toffee Pudding with custard. If you have a sweet tooth, this is definitely the dessert for you.
If you are feeling “peckish” (British term for “hungry”) you need to head over to Peckish Pig. Right. Now.
{Restaurant Month Offer/Deal}
FREE dessert with entrée purchase
{Location}
Peckish Pig
Evanston || 623 Howard St, Evanston, IL || P: (847) 491-6778
Guildhall
Next, we headed to Guildhall in Glencoe with Diana (@foodgeekchicago), Margaret (@marzlet), Justine (@chicagofoodaffair), Sherrie (@sherriesavorsthecity), Starr (@chicagofoodiegirl), and Van (@vansventures). It was everyone’s first time visiting. The restaurant’s space is elegant without being pretentious. It is very warm and inviting with a lot of character.
We started off with cocktails, which absolutely needed to be photographed. Do you see a pattern here? Now this is what I call teamwork, Margaret (@marzlet) and Justine (@chicagofoodaffair).
Fab Happenings: Chicago’s North Shore Restaurant Month 2017 // @marzlet & @chicagofoodaffair at Guildhall // Photo: @fabsoopark
One of our favorite appetizers was the Ahi Tuna Crudo with mango, jalapeño, cilantro, red onion, lime, and aguachile. Not only did the flavors come together in harmony, the dish was exquisitely plated.
We also loved the Tarte Flambée with Nueske’s bacon, onion, gruyère, and crème fraîche. It can be best described as a mouth-watering, cheesy, doughy flatbread.
The Guildhall Burger had a thick, juicy piece of meat layered with mushroom duxelles, caramelized onion, gouda, B&B pickle, and whole grain mustard on a pretzel bun. It was love at first bite.
For all the vegetarians out there, the Housemade Garganelli with cauliflower, rapini, pickled butternut squash, Calabrian butter, pesto breadcrumbs is calling your name. I’m not a vegetarian but I would order this dish over and over again. It was, hands down, the best vegetarian pasta dish I’ve had.
More FREE dessert. YES, please! Guildhall is also offering FREE dessert with entrée purchase. Don’t plan on doing any dieting during restaurant month or you’ll regret it. How can you resist this fried ice cream with gingered pineapple and caramelized bananas? We sure didn’t fight the urge.
{Restaurant Month Offer/Deal}
FREE dessert with entrée purchase
{Location}
Guildhall
Glencoe || 694 Vernon Ave, Glencoe, IL 60022 || P: (847) 835-8100
Bob Chinn’s
You can’t go to the suburbs and not go to Bob Chinn’s in Wheeling. It’s a North Shore staple and has been around since 1982. We headed over there with Alexa (@alexadawgz), Amy (@amycookschicago), Hannah (@everythingbutolives), Jed (@chicagofoodevents), Leslie (@chicagofoodscene), and Monica (@monicasapozhnikov). Bob Chinn’s serves fresh seafood from around the globe as well as prime steaks.
You have to try their garlic rolls even if you don’t like bread. It’s drenched in olive oil and garlic and melts in your mouth like butter. But, don’t plan on having an business meeting or intimate conversation with anyone after eating one. The garlic is strong but I’m willing to make the sacrifice.
Fab Happenings: Chicago’s North Shore Restaurant Month 2017 // Garlic Rolls at Bob Chinn’s // Photo: @fabsoopark
We started off with a few appetizers, which were not included in restaurant month but nonetheless delicious. Our favorite were the crab claws… juicy and meaty.
For February, Bob Chinn’s is offering a special prix fixe menu for $26. It’s available all day, every day except on Saturdays. Dine-in only.
To start, you get their famous Mai Tai in a 16 oz. souvenir cup. You know it’s good when a drink is featured on a prix fixe menu. Beware though, they are a bit strong.
For your entrée, you get an 8 oz. USDA prime strip steak and fried medium shrimp with parsley red potatoes. It was so filling, none of us could barely finish. You are definitely getting a great value for only $26.
For dessert, you get a choice of Key Lime Pie and Luau Cake, which are both made in-house. If you like something refreshing go with the key lime pie but if you like coconut, go for the Luau cake. It will make you dream of being on the islands.
Fab Happenings: Chicago’s North Shore Restaurant Month 2017 // Key Lime Pie at Bob Chinn’s // Photo: @fabsoopark
{Restaurant Month Offer/Deal}
3-Course Prix Fixe for $26.00. Not available on Saturdays. Cannot be combined with other offers. Dine-in only. See menu here.
{Location}
Bob Chinn’s
Wheeling || 393 Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling, IL || P: (847) 520-3633
North Branch Pizza & Burger Company
Next stop… we headed to North Branch in Glenview with Emmy (@emmygottschalk), Kelly (@kel_eats_chicago), Melissa (@foodcellfie), Sarah (@agirlaboutchicago), and Steven (@poweredbydoughnuts). This locally-owned restaurant serves up some delicious pizzas, burgers, salads, soups, and more in big portions. I mean…HUGE.
For instance, check out these Giant Pretzels, which were literally the size of my face. The warm, soft pretzels paired well with the four cheese dipping sauce.
Fab Happenings: Chicago’s North Shore Restaurant Month 2017 // Giant Pretzel at North Branch // Photo: @fabsoopark
The Macho Nacho was mucho big. Layers of grilled chicken, guac, beans, chips, cheese, scallions, sour cream, and jalapeños were piled on high.
OK, they don’t call these Giant Cheese LOGS for nothing. They were triple the size of a traditional mozzarella stick and filled with massive amounts of cheese. Check out the cheeeeese pull!
Fab Happenings: Chicago’s North Shore Restaurant Month 2017 // Giant Cheese Logs at North Branch // Photo: @fabsoopark
North Branch is offering FREE appetizer with a purchase of two entrées so make sure to try one of their colossal appetizers.
The wood-grilled 10 oz. prime burgers were highly recommended, so we had to try. They have a variety of unique and creative burger combinations like the Mistress burger, which had roasted tomatoes, goat cheese, smoked bacon, mixed greens, red onions, and dijon-fig preserves.
We ate our vegetables in pizza form. In our defense, it was #NationalPizzaDay so could you blame us? At least we got our veggies in, right?
Fab Happenings: Chicago’s North Shore Restaurant Month 2017 // Eat Your Veggies Pizza at North Branch // Photo: @fabsoopark
The Honey Butter Fried Chicken is something that can’t be missed on the menu! The smell of the honey and butter alone will leave you mesmerized. The dish takes a little longer to make but trust me, it’s worth the wait.
Fab Happenings: Chicago’s North Shore Restaurant Month 2017 // Honey Butter Fried Chicken at North Branch // Photo: @fabsoopark
We were all stuffed and didn’t think we could have another bite of anything else but our sweet server convinced us to try the ice cream cake. We thought a little ice cream cake won’t hurt, especially if we’re sharing amongst all of us. Then this came out… HOLY WHOPPING ICE CREAM CAKE!
It was decadent and divine. I think Sarah (@agirlaboutchicago) liked it. What do you think?
Fab Happenings: Chicago’s North Shore Restaurant Month 2017 // @agirlaboutchicago at North Branch // Photo: @fabsoopark
{Restaurant Month Offer/Deal}
FREE appetizer with purchase of 2 entrées
{Location}
North Branch Pizza & Burger Company
Glenview || 4520 W Lake Ave, Glenview, IL || P: (847) 813-6400
Kaufman’s
For our final stop, we went to Kaufman’s in Skokie with John (@weeatchicago) and Natty (@nattyspantry). Established in 1960, Kaufman’s deli counter has been a landmark in Chicago’s North Shore for many years. I grew up going to Kaufman’s and is my favorite go-to deli for sandwiches, salads, soups, pastries, and more. The love and passion of this family-owned business shines through in the quality of the food and service they provide.
The sandwiches are massive. The Lox Sandwich is generously layered with lox, tomatoes, red onions, cucumbers, and cream cheese. They don’t mess around here.
Lox not your thing? How about The Happy Hannukah with thinly sliced steaming hot pastrami piled high between two warm homemade potato pancakes? Whoa!
Or, the Dr. Hoffberg with roast beef, house roasted turkey, sharp cheddar cheese, pickle slices, lettuce, red onion, horseradish, and mayo all piled on rye. This sounds like exactly what the doctor ordered.
Fab Happenings: Chicago’s North Shore Restaurant Month 2017 // Dr. Hoffberg Sandwich at Kaufman’s // Photo: @fabsoopark
You’ll go crazy for The Looney Tuna, which has tuna salad, beef bacon, sharp cheddar, lettuce, tomato, onions on toasted chale. Open wide!
Look how focused Lisette (@topchicagoeats) and Natty (@nattyspantry) are on their sandwiches. Welcome to our world.
Fab Happenings: Chicago’s North Shore Restaurant Month 2017 // @topchicagoeats & @nattyspantry at North Branch // Photo: @fabsoopark
If you purchase any of their sandwiches (lunch only), you can get a FREE dessert. All their pastries are made in-house from scratch daily.
Fab Happenings: Chicago’s North Shore Restaurant Month 2017 // Peach Pie at Kaufman’s // Photo: @fabsoopark
From pies to cupcakes, the dessert possibilities are endless.
At the end of the night, we had the privilege to tour the kitchen. I wish you could smell the heavenly scent of the raisin challah bread that was being made. This man had incredible skills in twisting the bread in rapid speed.
Fab Happenings: Chicago’s North Shore Restaurant Month 2017 // Kaufman’s // Photo: @nattyspantry
We left with full bellies and complimentary bagels from the lovely owner. Thank you!
{Restaurant Month Offer/Deal}
FREE dessert with sandwich purchase (lunch only)
{Location}
Kaufman’s
Skokie || 4095 Dempster St, Skokie, IL || (847) 677-6190
Are you hungry yet? Luckily, you have until the end of the month to check out Chicago’s North Shore Restaurant Month. See the full list of participating restaurants and deals here. Make sure to tag your pictures #NSRM17.
Thank you, Peckish Pig, Guildhall, Bob Chinn’s, North Branch, Kaufman’s, and Chicago’s North Shore for hosting us! Thanks to all my friends who came to celebrate #NSRM17 with Fab Food Chicago.
Live the Fab Food Life,
Soo
Note: This post was sponsored by Chicago’s North Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau. However, the views and opinions expressed herein are those of the writer.
You do know that Skokie, Wheeling, and Glenview are not on the North Shore.
All fine towns and great food.
But until Evanston, Wilmette, Glenco and Winnetka fall into Lake Michigan
They remain Northern Suburbs.
I understand what you are saying. I grew up in some of these areas. Technically, they do not border Lake Michigan but sometimes still considered part of North Shore. We visited these particular restaurants because they are taking part in the exciting North Shore Restaurant Month. But, you are correct to say some of these are located in the north suburbs.