The Best Restaurant Chains
While our focus here at Burbs Explored is primarily on local independent businesses, we do enjoy a National chain from time to time. Below is a list of our favorite chains that you can find throughout the Chicago suburbs and beyond. While there are several restaurants with multiple locations across the burbs highlighted across our other guides, we are focused on national chains with locations across multiple states here.
Please note, we did not organize this guide by region given most places highlighted have locations across the North Shore, Northwest Suburbs and Western Suburbs. Please check out the map to find the locations near you.
Cooper’s Hawk
Founded in Orland Park in 2005, Cooper’s Hawk provides an upscale casual restaurant combined with a winery, tasting room and wine club membership. Since then they have expanded across Chicagoland and beyond but still provide a great dining experience each time we visit. Be sure to check out their latest venture in Oak Brook, Piccolo Buco, which focuses on wood-fired pizzas paired with their award-winning wine, of course.
Locations across multiple Chicago suburbs. Find a location near you here.
Hampton Social
Founded in Chicago but inspired by the Hamptons, founder Brad Parker’s coastal-themed restaurants are a great escape all year round. They offer a seafood and beach inspired menu along with plenty of rose and hand-crafted cocktails creating a great atmosphere for meeting up with friends, a family meal or your next celebration.
Locations in South Barrington, Skokie and Burr Ridge (see map for details)
Jeni’s Ice Cream
The popular ice cream shop from Ohio won us over when we were living in Chicago. They make some of the best ice cream around, including unique flavors like Brambleberry Crisp and Brown Butter Almond Brittle. You can find them at several grocery stores these days but nothing beats a fresh scoop on a warm waffle cone from one of their local scoop shops.
Locations in Naperville and Oak Brook (see map for details)
JoJo’s ShakeBar
The Instagram worthy restaurant and bar has locations across the country, including several in Chicago and one spot in the suburbs. A great place for kids and adults alike with their over-the-top Biggie Shakes, classic dinner fare, cocktails and decadent desserts.
Location in Naperville (see map for details)
Naf Naf Grill
The Middle Eastern fast-casual chain started in Naperville back in 2009, has expanded nationwide but still offers delicious chicken shawarma, steak and falafel all tucked into freshly baked, pillowy pitas (or rice or salad if you prefer). Hosting a party? Check out their catering options as well.
Locations in Naperville, Oakbrook, Northbrook, Aurora, Oak Lawn, Rosemont, Schaumburg (see map for details)
Pita Inn
The popular Illinois chain started in Skokie back in 1982 has expanded to five locations and a grocery store across the Chicago suburbs. Everything is delicious from the falafel and kebabs to the hummus and pitas. Their catering menu is a great option for parties too.
Locations in Naperville, Skokie, Wheeling, Glenview and Mundelein (see map for details)
Portillo’s
The legendary chain that started in Chicago, now has locations across the United States. Despite the rapid growth, they still make some of the best Italian beefs, hot dogs and French fries around. Having a party? Portillo’s offers great catering options too and their beefs taste just as good at home.
Locations across multiple Chicago suburbs. Find a location near you here.
Shake Shack
Shake Shack started as a hot dog cart in New York City's Madison Square Park but is now a global fast-casual chain. We loved eating their tasty ShackBurgers and crispy crinkle cut fries back when they were the cool kid in New York and still love it today at our nearby spot.
Locations in Deerfield, Oak Brook, Oak Lawn, Skokie, Schaumburg and Vernon Hills (see map for details)
Sweetgreen
The trendy salad chain from DC started opening locations in the Chicago suburbs over the past few years, where you can pick up their tasty salads, bowls and protein plates. We personally are fans of the Crispy Rice Bowl and Harvest Bowl, but they have something for everyone.
Locations in Deerfield, Deer Park, Evanston, Naperville, Northbrook, Oak Brook and Schaumburg (see map for details)
