8 Best Restaurants to Eat at in Waukegan, IL

Located about 40 miles north of Chicago, the suburban city of Waukegan is known for its quiet neighborhoods, beautiful beaches, and charming downtown area. Waukegan also has some truly amazing restaurants. Most are family owned and a few have been around for decades! Check out our list of the best restaurants in Waukegan to visit on your trip up north.

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Posted by Papa Marcos Pita on Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Papa Marcos

622 Grand Ave, Waukegan, IL 60085

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Got a hankering for Mediterrean? Check out this restaurant in Waukegan run by husband and wife team Mike and Marlene. Since 2012, they’ve been serving up flavorful Middle Eastern favorites including Baba Ghanouj, Falafel Wrap, and Vegetarian Plate. Be sure to save room for the Baklava! 

Big Ed’s BBQ

4030 Northpoint Blvd, Waukegan, IL 60085

Big Ed isn’t shy about one thing: he offers some of the best barbeque in Lake County. He’s won awards, been featured on WGN, ABC 7, and was voted BBQ in Chicagoland by 670 The Score. All of his meat is seasoned with a special dry rub and slow smoked with seasoned hickory wood. *chef’s kiss*

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Posted by C.Y.O.C Create Your Own Cheesecake and Cheesesteak on Monday, November 23, 2020

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CYOC (Create Your Own Cheesecake and Cheesesteak)

2114 N Green Bay Rd, Waukegan, IL 60087

Cheesecake and cheesesteak: two of the greatest inventions on earth. Not accepting opposing views on this. CYOC’s one-of-a-kind cheesesteaks start with the highest quality meat and a super secret special sauce (invented by the founder of CYOC). And their cheesecake is served by the scoop. The best cheesecake flavors at this restaurant in Waukegan, Illinois include Pineapple Upside Down, Cinnamon Roll, and Oreo. Yes please!

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Tacos El Durango Mexican Grill

3900 Washington St, Gurnee, IL 60031

This small family owned business dishes up some muy bueno Mexican eats. Prepare yourself for tenderly cooked meat and large portions at reasonable prices. You can’t go wrong with their fresh Tamales, Burrito Suzio, or BBQ Pork Tacos. Slap on some Guacamole and have yourself a lil fiesta. 

It’s Monday but keep :-)1/2 Off pizza (small or medium) Dine- in only special $3.75 Tall Miller/Bud Light/Coors Lite…

Posted by Anastasia's Restaurant & Sports Lounge on Monday, April 12, 2021

Anastasia’s Restaurant & Sports Lounge

3880 Northpoint Blvd, Waukegan, IL 60085

Need a place to catch the game with top-notch eats? Stop by this casual eatery with American pub food, sandwiches, and pizza plus a full bar and flatscreen televisions. Anastasia’s also offers upscale catering for weddings, banquets, or any event!

Captain Porky’s

38995 Route 41, Wadsworth, IL 60083

For over 27 years, Captain Porky’s has been offering the highest quality seafood and smoked meats available. This restaurant near Waukegan offers Alligator Tail, Walleye, Beef Brisket and Frog Legs. There’s something for everyone at Porky’s. Stop in to see what all the smoke is about!

Posted by Louie's Restaurant on Saturday, November 2, 2013

Louie’s

1009 North Ave, Waukegan, IL 60085

Step foot in this popular Italian restaurant and it’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Louie’s old school retro bar might catch your eye but it’s their food that’ll catch your attention. From Chicken Parm, to Lasagna, and some serious Pizza, there’s no wrong choice here. Just a heads up, there’s a good chance you’ll leave in a food coma. 

Posted by bbq chicken Waukegan on Tuesday, January 5, 2021

BBQ Chicken

554 N Green Bay Rd, Waukegan, IL 60085

If you’re looking for mind blowing chicken, BBQ Chicken will have you scratching your head and wondering, is this magic? Witch craft? How do they get it perfectly crispy!? Must-try flavors include Gang-Jeong, Honey Garlic, and Galbi. Don’t forget the Kimchi Fried Rice…wowza. 

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