Just 37 miles west of Chicago, you’ll find the second biggest city in the state. From award-winning Broadway musical theater to the largest water park in Illinois, Aurora has something for everyone. After a day of outdoor activities along the Fox River or snatching deals at Chicagoland’s largest outlet mall, you’ll be in dire need of a good meal. What’s better than ordering some takeout in Aurora, IL from one of these local restaurants?
PS: Don’t forget to check out our restaurant guide for Elgin and Woodstock if you’re exploring the burbs!
Blueberry Hill Breakfast Cafe
405 N Eola Rd, Aurora, IL 60502
This local cozy breakfast chain has all your morning and afternoon fixes, from pancakes and omelettes to salads and sandwiches. Blueberry Hill has been serving home-cooked meals for over 15 years in the Chicagoland area, with additional locations in Darien, Homewood, Homer Glen, LaGrange, and Oakbrook.
The cafe uses the freshest ingredients for every meal. Try the house specialties like the Banana Nut Bread French Toast or Avocado Toast.
Don Walker’s Sandwich Center
257 W New York St, Aurora, IL 60506
Don Walker’s has been an Aurora staple for over 50 years. The sandwich restaurant is known for its Italian Beef, a protected secret recipe prepared by the owners themselves.
The Italian Beef may draw your attention, but the menu also includes other delicious handheld classicism, from hot dogs to burgers. If you’re craving Chicago Dog ASAP in the area, snag one for just $2.75.
Raimondo’s Pizza and Pub
1033 Kilbery Ln, North Aurora, IL 60542
If you’re doing takeout, there’s nothing as classic as pizza. Raimondo’s will satisfy all your fast-Italian cravings from garlic bread to pasta and of course, pizza.
Try The Godfather Pizza, a Raimondo’s specialty, complete with Italian beef, hot giardiniera, and mozzarella. This restaurant in Aurora also has a “Pizza of the Month” for folks who like to try something different. If you can’t decide on just one pizza, order the Pizza Flight, which includes three 7” personal pizzas.
Lao Sze Chuan
4309 E New York St, Aurora, IL 60504
This Chicago Chinatown staple has several locations in the Chicagoland area. Known for its authentic Szechuan specialties and traditional Chinese dishes, Lao Sze Chuan is one of the most popular Chinese restaurants nationwide, thanks to Chef Tony Hu’s culinary prowess.
If you love to feel the heat, try customer favorites like the Chef’s Special Dry Chili Chicken, Mapo Tofu, or General Tso’s Chicken.
Bawarchi Biryanis
4250 Fox Valley Center Dr, Aurora, IL 60504
Feast on the aromatic spices of authentic Indian fare from Bawarchi Biryanis, an Indian chain with restaurants nationwide. The eatery brings the traditional flavors of their home to yours.
We recommend trying the Chef’s Specials at this restaurant in Aurora such as the Mutton Pepper Fry as a starter. The goat is served dry with green chilies, curry leaves, and spices. For the main course, try the Chicken Shahi Khorma, a traditional Mughalai delight that is lightly sweet and spicy, flavored with cardamom. And as traditional with Indian cuisine, there are plenty of vegetarian options as well.
Gillerson’s Grubbery
33 W New York St, Aurora, IL 60506
Gillerson’s Grubbery is a great stop on the way home after a bout at Hollywood Casino Aurora. The restaurant is known for its award-winning burgers and curated craft beers.
The menu boasts a delicious selection of specialty burgers, small plates, sandwiches, and more. Try the Rebel Duck Burger, as seen on Chicago’s Best TV. It’s loaded with an 8 oz. steak patty, carnitas, bacon, white cheddar, fried onion strings, and Grubby BBQ.
Pomegranate Restaurant
55 S Commons Dr, Aurora, IL 60504
Pomegranate Restaurant specializes in American and Greek fare and serves breakfast all day—always a win.
The family-owned eatery has sweet and savory menu items, like crepes, french toast, and waffles as well as specials like Greek-Style Chicken, Liver and Onions, and Chicken or Pork Kabob. There’s also a large selection of sandwiches, salads, burgers, and more.
The Turf Room
1033 Kilbery Ln, North Aurora, IL 60542
This Rustic New American lounge has an eclectic menu that changes seasonally with modern flatbreads, pasta, seafood, and more.
If you’re feeling spendy, indulge in the A5 Japanese Wagyu Filet. The meal comes with a 6 oz. Kagoshima A5 Japanese Wagyu filet, pickled oyster mushroom, and sweet corn purée. A5 is the most highly marbled and expensive beef in the world—a real treat!
Featured Image Credit: Pomegranate Restaurant