Home Sweet Homewood

18105 Dixie Hwy, Homewood, IL 60430 (map)

Yes, you are going to get your usual fare of Mozzarella Cheese Sticks, Chicken Wings and Cheese Bread as your appetizers. Skip all those; because once you see the words "11 ounces of black angus beef" of their hand-packed burgers, you will barely have room for anything else.

2131 183RD St, Homewood, IL 60430 (map)

Open Mic Night is the best time to go out and try this bar. Go ahead and release your inner rock god, or make a fool of yourself with your band that misses the words to an Aerosmith song. The crowd will still love you. Maybe.

17501 Dixie Highway, Homewood, IL 60430 (map)

This place boasts a kid's party area called the Minor League Room, a Stadium Room for a grown-up get together; 76 HD-television sets; Pecan Honey-Glazed Chicken; and ostrich, kangaroo or wild boar mini burgers. Top that, Applebee's!

2012 Rdg Rd, Homewood, IL 60430 (map)

You might think "Why would I go to a typical bar with typical bar food?" Well, I figured you would want a place to get really drunk and not have to drive anywhere. The Metra Station is literally one-and-a-half blocks away.

2059 Rdg Rd, Homewood, IL 60430 (map)

I have never heard of a place giving out free hot dogs on Sundays. Could it be to help patrons make up for their drunken tour Saturday night?

18162 Harwood Ave, Homewood, IL 60430 (map)

Giordano's was once my top pizza in Chicago. This place blows it to pieces with its thick crust pizzas. And their Hawaiian Pizza--made the right way, with barbecue sauce, ham and pineapple spilling out from under the cheese--satisfies my Friday night cravings.

2155 183rd St, Homewood, IL 60430 (map)

This is what I call a down-home feeling. The owners greet customers at the door, the staff is friendly and patient, and they have fresh fruit served with every breakfast item. Can they just move into my house?

18225 Dixie Hwy, Homewood, IL 60430 (map)

Yes, it is named after the famed actor. Beyond the movie stills throughout the place, the aroma of meat is so tempting and the portions so massive, a vegetarian could be dared to have a small taste.

18147 Harwood Ave, Homewood, IL 60430 (map)

This is a combo of Asian flavors all rolled into one place. Not to mention a spin on other food such as their Crispy Chile Calamari, Asian Nachos (with wonton strips, black beans, cheese and peanut sauce) and crab cakes with a mesclun salad topped with pomegranate vinaigrette.

2057 Ridge Rd, Homewood, IL 60430 (map)

There aren't many Japanese restaurants past the Chicago border. But this place--with its spicy roll combo and date-enticing Sushi for Two entrees--gives Suburbanites their fix.

18211 Dixie Hwy, Homewood, IL 60430 (map)

There is something about homemade desserts that make me reminiscent of the lazy days of summer. While my summers are no longer lazy, this tiny family-owned shop still makes their items by hand.

18065 Dixie Hwy, Homewood, IL 60430 (map)

You don't have to worry about having any high-calorie food items. Everything--the sweet biscuits, moo goo gai pan and the veggie lover's Buddhist Delight--are cooked using 100 percent vegetable oil.