Home Sweet Homewood
Updated: May 18, 2008
As a former Chicagoan, I find it easy to balk at the chain dining options in my new city of Homewood. Yes, right off Interstate 294, the usual suspects?Applebee?s, Chili?s and Panda Express dominate Halsted Street, but don?t count out this South Side village for its ?corporate? face. Downtown Homewood looks downright cozy. From old-school ice cream shops to tiny taps, here are some hidden spots residents love and appreciate.
On this page:Best Bars, Top Restaurants.
Best Bars
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Fifth Quarter Tap
Write a review18105 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.
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Lassen's Sports Bar & Grill
Read Reviews2131 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.
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Rookis Family Sports Pub
Write a review17501 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!
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Tin Ceiling
Write a review2012 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.
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Ridgewood Liquor Store & Tap
Read Reviews2059 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?
Top Restaurants
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Aurelio's Pizza
Read Reviews18162 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.
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Blueberry Hill Pancake House
Write a review2155 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?
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Bogart's Charhouse
Read Reviews18225 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.
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Bamboo Blue Restaurant
Read Reviews18147 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.
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Little Tokyo Japanese Rstrnt
Read Reviews2057 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.
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Mitchell's Soda Shop
Read Reviews18211 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.
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Eat Rice
Read Reviews18065 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.


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