Chicago has no shortage of delicious restaurants, but you don’t have to go into the city to find a lively downtown with places to eat. Whatever you’re in the mood for, Downtown Downers Grove has you covered with a wide array of cuisines. Take a tasting tour of this southwestern suburb’s restaurant scene.

Courtesy of Aurelio's

Pizza

Downtown Downers Grove has two casual pizza joints. Grab a slice at Auerlio’s. This small restaurant is right next door to the Tivoli Theater and Tivoli bowling lanes, making it ideal for a night out. Just a few blocks over, you’ll find Angelo’s Pizza, which specializes in old-fashioned baked pizza. Plus, you can find a Giordano’s location for classic deep dish pizza.

Courtesy of Alfredo's Taqueria

Tacos

When you are in the mood for Mexican food, you can stop by Mia’s Cantina or Alfredo’s Taqueria. Mia’s does everything from tacos and ceviche to tequila tastings and margaritas. The family-owned Alfredo’s does tacos, burritos, sopes, chimichangas, flautas, gorditas, tamales, and more. Vegetarians will find plenty of options on this menu.

Courtesy of Carribbean Jerk

Latin

You can sate your cravings for Latin flavors at Caribbean Corner. The restaurant’s owner Raquel Black is of Dominican descent. She learned to cook from her mother and grandmother and then attended culinary school. Now, you can taste her delicious recipes at this colorful Downers Grove spot. Go with a Caribbean rice bowl, a steak sandwich, empanadas, or one of the savory main entrees. For dessert, try the guava flan—you’ll wonder how you went your whole life without it. 

Courtesy of Sushi House

Asian Cuisine

Sushi House—a local chain with other locations in Oak Park, Westmont, and Wheaton—has a helpful sushi guide for anyone new to Japanese cuisine and an extensive menu sure to satisfy regular sushi eaters. For Chinese cuisine, you can eat at or order takeout from Tasty Wok Chinese Kitchen. Top your order off with a fresh fruit smoothie. The downtown area is also home to Thai Cafe, which is run by a Thai-American couple. Just steps away from the Downers Grove Metra station, this is a convenient place to grab dinner after a commute.

Courtesy of Ballydoyle

Brews and Bites

Main Street, the main thoroughfare of Downtown Downers Grove, has plenty of bar and grill style restaurants. Get in touch with your Irish pride at Ballydoyle, an Irish pub and restaurant. This spot also regularly hosts live music. If you are looking for a big beer selection, head over to Another Round Bar & Grill for 22 different brews on tap. Emmett’s Brewing Company is also a tasty spot for drinks and pub-style food (think baked pretzels, wings, and sandwiches). 

Courtesy of Egg Harbor Cafe

Breakfast

Treat yourself to a breakfast at Egg Harbor. This local chain has an impressive array of pancakes, waffles, and egg dishes. Plus, you can order Intelligentsia coffee to-go with your order. During the warmer months, you can sit outside and enjoy a leisurely meal on the patio. 

Courtesy of Pinecone Cottage Tea House

Coffee and Tea

Downtown Downers Grove has plenty of places to grab a quick cup of coffee or linger over a cup of tea. You’ll find locations from big chains Starbucks and Peet’s Coffee. Tea drinkers should check out Pinecone Cottage Tea House. Peruse the tea shop’s loose leaf options, or sit down for a full afternoon tea with plenty to drink and dishes off of the sweets and savories lunch menu. 

Courtesy of Ingram's Busy Bee Bakery

Sweets

Downers Grove does not disappoint anyone with a sweet tooth. Make a heaping cup of frozen yogurt with all of the toppings you can handle at Cocomero, or indulge in an ice cream sundae at the punningly named Every Day’s a Sundae. For any of your baked good cravings, visit Ingram’s Busy Bee Bakery. This bakery makes treats fresh every day. Grab cookies, doughnuts, muffins, eclairs, or bread.