Home Sweet Homewood
While Chicago has its share of bars and restaurants, don't count out the suburbs. As a former Chicagoan-turned-suburbanite, I've come to appreciate the city of Homewood. From a train station town in 1893 to a village of 20,000-plus strong, Homewood has lots to offer. Yes, right off Interstate 294 are the staple places--Applebee's, Chili's and Panda Express along Halsted Street--but if you go half a mile west into downtown Homewood, you step into a time where things moved nice and slow. Here are a few places that are hidden from the out-of –towners but the residents love and appreciate.
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Fifth Quarter Tap
18105 Dixie Hwy, Homewood, IL
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. -
Lassen's Sports Bar & Grill
2131 183RD St, Homewood, IL
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. -
Ridgewood Liquor Store & Tap
2059 Rdg Rd, Homewood, IL
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? -
Tins Ceiling Cavern
2012 Rdg Rd, Homewood, IL
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. -
Rookies Family Sports Pub & Restaurant
17501 Dixie Highway, Homewood, IL
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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Aurelio's Pizza
18162 Harwood Ave, Homewood, IL
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. -
Blueberry Hill Pancake House
2155 183rd St, Homewood, IL
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? -
Bogart's Charhouse
18225 Dixie Hwy, Homewood, IL
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. -
Eat Rice
18065 Dixie Hwy, Homewood, IL
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. -
Little Tokyo Japanese Restaurant
2057 Ridge Rd, Homewood, IL
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. -
Mitchell's Candies & Ice Cream
18211 Dixie Hwy, Homewood, IL
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. -
Bamboo Blue Restaurant
18147 Harwood Ave, Homewood, IL
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.
