7 Places for Pumpkin in Chicago

by Jennifer Olvera - Citysearch Contributor - 3,380 Reviews - 26 Lists

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Updated: October 13, 2009

Crunchy leaves, bone-chilling winds and slow-simmered dishes: These things all-but-spell fall. Not to be overlooked, however, is the mighty pumpkin. Plucked from farm stands to be carved or whipped into treats, pumpkins are a hauntingly tasty--and pretty--addition to your seasonal repertoire. Here's where you can get your fill.

On this page:Pumpkin Dishes at Chicago Restaurants, Pumpkin Patches in Chicago, Pumpkin-Related Activities in Chicago.

Pumpkin Dishes at Chicago Restaurants

  1. 1 3.5 Star Rating: Average Frontera Grill
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    445 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60610 (map)

    Although the menu is ever changing, there's always something pumpkin-related brewing in Rick Bayless' Mexican kitchen this time of year. Don't hesitate if you see garlic-scented, wood-grilled salmon en pipian verde--a lush, Pueblan-style green sauce of toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds), jalapenos and herbs.

  2. 2 Hoosier Mama Pie Company
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    1618 1/2 Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 (map)

    There's a hint of heat, courtesy of black pepper, in this bakery's seasonal pumpkin pie. Keeping it local, the spices--including real-deal vanilla beans--come from the nearby Spice House.

  3. 3 3.5 Star Rating: Average Prairie Grass Caf???
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    601 Skokie Blvd, Northbrook, IL 60062 (map)

    Crispy chicken is nearly outshined when served alongside grilled pumpkin, roasted pumpkin seeds and bean ragout at this North Shore charmer with a penchant for seasonal fare.

Pumpkin Patches in Chicago

  1. 4 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Sonny Acres Farm
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    29W310 North Ave, West Chicago, IL 60185 (map)

    Hop aboard a haunted wagon ride, nibble roasted corn and peer into a spook shed and haunted barn at this far-west suburban farm. Before heading out, grab pumpkins of all stripes--there are mounds of them--along with corn stalks to harvest-up your home.

  2. 5 4 Star Rating: Recommended Gethsemane Garden Center
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    5739 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60660 (map)

    From its sea of multi-hued mums to its displays of kale, colorful squash and soon-to-be-jack-o'-lanterns, this flower center is a breath of crisp fall air, especially on Oct. 31, when pony rides, a petting zoo and balloon man entertain costumed goblins.

Pumpkin-Related Activities in Chicago

  1. 6 3.5 Star Rating: Average Brasserie Jo
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    59 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60610 (map)

    Put your lifelong competitive streak to good use at this pumpkin-bedecked French bistro, where estimating the weight of a massive pile of orange gourds pays off handsomely. Guess closest to the real weight--to be revealed on Halloween--and get a free dinner for four.

  2. 7 3 Star Rating: Average Chopping Block Chicago
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    4747 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 (map)

    Turn out a feast and impress your friends after taking seasonal cooking classes from this recreational cooking school. Whether it's pumpkin cupcakes or nutmeg-scented pumpkin soup, the chef instructors will show you how to turn that orange Sugar Baby into something spectacular.