Location: Elgin
Top Restaurants in Elgin
Top Things to do in Elgin
Countries
Best American food near Elgin, Illinois, United States
Reviews on American food in Elgin, Illinois, United States. Elgin (/ˈɛldʒɪn/ EL-jin) is a city in Cook and Kane counties in the northern part of the U.S. state of Illinois. Located roughly 35 mi (56 km) northwest of Chicago, it lies along the Fox River. As of 2013, the city had a total population of 110,145, making it the eighth-largest city in Illinois.
Things to do in Elgin
10. Portillo's
Overall Ratings
4 based on 112 reviews
Home to America's favorite Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef, burgers, salads, and chocolate cake.
Reviewed By JABRAKO
There is always a line at Portillo's, at least when I go. People probably go for their burgers and Italian beefs, plus a myriad of other good foods. But believe me, their hot dogs are made the old fashion Chicago way. That is with warm poppy seed white hot dog buns; the hot dogs that crunch when you bite them, bright green relish and of course mustard. I also get grilled onions & a few hot peppers. You can't just eat one!
9. The Walnut Speakeasy
Overall Ratings
4 based on 103 reviews
Reviewed By Slosh123
Stopped in here with two friends. First time here and did not know what to expect. Turns out the place is very nice, friendly staff, good service and the food was great. For those of you into beer, this place has a wide selection of craft beer on tap to choose from. I had the steak sandwich and it was prepared as ordered. Very nice sandwich that comes with some great fresh cut fries. They also have pizza after 3:30. I will be back.
8. Nick's Pizza & Pub
Overall Ratings
4 based on 136 reviews
Our Purpose: âThe Nickâs Experienceâ Our dedicated family provides this community an unforgettable place; to connect with your family and friends, to have fun and to feel at home! Nickâs Pizza & Pub is a Purpose and values-driven company. We honor the peo
Reviewed By HOTROD37
Very friendly staff. Very large inside with many different rooms for seating. Also have an outside patio. Generally when you go to a pizza place, you order pizza. We decided to try something different. The Mrs. had a burger and I had the shrimp. They were both delicious. Very happy we tried something different.
7. Paul's Family Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 140 reviews
Reviewed By BartlettDan
I do not go out of my way to stop here. Only reason, Iâm not in Elgin all that often. However, if I am near this place, I would not hesitate to stop in.Very typical, family-owned business. Breakfast is good, portions are average. Nothing bad to say.
6. Bennigan's
Overall Ratings
4 based on 131 reviews
A high-energy neighborhood restaurant and tavern, Bennigan's is relentlessly focused on the people, food and experience that define it. Every member of the team "bleeds green" to go above and beyond the casual dining expectations of today. Our new restaur
Reviewed By Kuster93
Spent the day at Santaâs vintage. Stayed at holiday inn so we figured weâd stay close for dinner. We havenât ate at a bennigans in years as our local one close 10 years ago. I have to say we thought it was mediocre at best. We both had the (spicy chipotle burgers). Over cooked after being ordered med rare, and basically flavorless. Wish they would have been more flavorful. Fries were ok. Plus side was that each kid ate free for every $12 entire which wasnât hard to do as most meals were at least that. We would try again if we were in the area. Service was good and waitress was tentative.Thank you for your feedback. we are sharing your comments with our staff and working hard on retraining our grill cooks on proper cooking procedures to meet our guest requests. We loved serving you and want to thank you for being our guests.
5. Burnt Toast
Overall Ratings
4 based on 245 reviews
Reviewed By DLogsdon
I am in their parking lot writing this review.Wow. All of a sudden (?) this place is a fast food restaurant. That is not a compliment!We arrived before lunch.Were seated immediately.Coffee is just as rich as before.I ordered a simple, cheese omelet.I have ordered omelet here before and have not been disappointed. This one was a complete bust.My colleague also ordered an omelet. His was well scrambled and fluffy, full from end to end and side to side with ingredients.Mine was a thin, slimy layer of barely scrambled eggs (I despise egg white), folded over an uneven pile of cheese.The waitress came back as I was dissecting my meal to find the not slimy, over-cooked edges and not unscramble egg white portions and to cut away the excess of cheese from one side and share it with the other side. She asked everything ok and was gone before I could look up or answer. Not that I would have sent it back by that point as my colleague was half finished.Next time we saw her that she stopped was to ask if we wanted a refill (coffee) - our plates had been cleared.We declined because, let's be honest, I was pretty well done with the place by this point.So, we go to the host station to pay and the girl there (who looked more like she should be clubbing in her knit, green, skin-tight mini-dress and thigh-high black boots) asked if we wanted to split the check evenly. Seriously? Does no one care that my meal was mediocre AT BEST?!?!Don't expect much if you're an adult who remembers what service means. Truly professional service persons can "read" their clientele. I was certainly putting enough signals out there that properly trained people who have clearly understood this would be the outcome of their lack of attention.My colleague already didn't prefer this chain. I am all about finding other places to go from now on.
4. Grumpy Goat Tavern
Overall Ratings
4 based on 141 reviews
We offer a wide range of items and infused some of them with Cajun/Creole flair. Our chef prides himself on our house made recipes with menu items made fresh daily. We have appetizers, salads, soups, burgers, signature sandwiches, chicken, pasta & seafood
Reviewed By bwang20874
My husband and I decided to try this restaurant on our way from Madison Wisconsin to Chicago (to avoid evening rush hour). We were delighted! This restaurant is located in a golf course with a beautiful view. Food and services were great. Highly recommend it.Thank you so much for giving us a try. Hope to see you on your next trip to Chicago!
3. Alexanders Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 216 reviews
Reviewed By d3ebo
Great breakfast menu and friendly service. My daughter wondered if all restaurants in Illinois serve Oreo pancakes. I don't think they all do but you can get them here at Alexanders. We stayed in a nearby hotel that only offered a pricey breakfast buffet. We visited Alexanders down the block and got two fantastic dishes for the same price of one at the hotel. The Oreo pancakes were very tasty!
2. Elgin Public House
Overall Ratings
4 based on 277 reviews
Reviewed By Eric J
Stopped here with the family. The server was very helpful and patient. Great recommendations. After we finished and thoroughly enjoyed our meal, the owner came and introduced himself and asked if we would come back. The burgers were great and the service was exceptional!
1. Al's Cafe & Creamery
Overall Ratings
4 based on 199 reviews
Reviewed By H9295BQnicolec
Been getting the Burn's malts for 30 years here but having lunch was fabulous. The shrimp appetizer was amazing, Bruschetta Chicken sandwich was excellent and the crispy fresh salad had the BEST bleu cheese dressing i've ever had. The service was wonderful. A beautiful experience and a step back in time. This place is a MUST TRY
