Jersey Mike's Subs

two friends and i tried eataco for lunch this week. we were seated quickly, given menus and water…read more we started with chips and salsa for the table and it was good! we all ordered tacos: mushroom and avocado crispy cauliflower and chicken lamb and barbacoa. two salsas were brought to the table--green and red. they were both delicious! water was refilled and the restaurant itself is bright, clean and has great wall murals. bathrooms are clean. our server was knowledgeable and funny! i'll def go back and try other menu options.

Eataco is a cute eatery for Mexican food in downtown Northbrook, and it had been on my to-try list…read morefor a while. On a rainy Thursday night, we finally had a chance to check it out because we wanted a quick and easy meal before heading to the Art exhibition opening in the Northbrook Public Library close by. The restaurant was not busy at the time. There was only 1 table occupied. After we settled down, there was another small table taken. Our waitress was friendly, but after she brought the Miller Light for my husband and a draft beer "Fist City" for our daughter, she forgot about my lemonade. I had to remind her when she brought our food. She also just brought 1 Fish Taco when my daughter ordered 2, and had to place another order again. Not a big deal. When we left and passed by her, she didn't say anything like thank you or good bye, just looking at us. It was a little awkward. Well, maybe she's just not very outgoing. Hope that I was not expecting too much from a little eatery. Now on to the tacos. There were hits and misses. The Crispy Avocado Taco was very good! It's my first time tasting fried avocado, crispy and flavorful! I would order that again! However, the lamb in the Lamb Carnitas Taco was bland and rather dry. it's the first time that I ever had lamb that had no flavor. Although the mango slaw had a nice crunch, tart and refreshing, and went well with the lamb meat, it was skimpy and not enough to top all the meat. I joked to my husband that maybe that's the taste of munching on cardboard! I don't like to waste food and I wasn't full, but I could not continue eating, and had to waste half of the lamb taco. Husband thought that his Blackened Salmon Taco was OK, but his Steak Taco was not, since every bite of steak had gristle. He was surprised since that was supposed to be their signature taco. Daughter's 2 Fish tacos were good, except that she didn't like the flour taco shells. She prefers corn taco shells. My lamb taco had corn taco shells (2 layers) and the crispy avocado had flour shells. I love supporting local businesses and really planned to give Eataco 5 stars before we came, but had to deduct 1 star after we dined in. However, when I read more reviews afterward and found that many customers enjoyed the 2 bottles of salsa (1 green and 1 red) that came with the tacos, and we had no condiments of any kind on our table. Should I had a bottle of salsa, the Lamb Carnitas would have been edible. Unfortunately, I had to deduct another star. Our overall experience at Eataco was not bad, it took us only 55 minutes for the meal. It fits the bill when you need something quick and simple.

Small bar

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ELOTE

Dengeos

4.2(113 reviews)

0.0 mi

I just have to say I have never had bad food from here ever. Last night I saw that they had tilapia…read moreon their menu now I am brand new to fish and I'm trying different ones but I usually only get those from Bob chins I really thought OK I have to try it. OMG I was beyond pleasantly surprised whoever cooked that fish last night and whatever recipe they used it is a rockstar. It was so good and I reheated the leftovers tonight and it reheated amazingly they had just enough of the sauce in the container that allowed me to reheat it I added a little butter. I am absolutely 100% blown away. I was skeptical, but I'm so glad that I chose to order it. I love that I can order good fish right down the street from my house and not having to drive all the way to Bob chins. To the chef that cooked this at Dengeos chefs kiss I cannot say enough good things about this. The flavor was perfect not one single bone and I loved it from the first bite to the last bite the next night and thank you for putting enough of the sauce in there that I'm able to reheat it beautifully I definitely will be ordering this again thank you thank you thank you. And to Dengeos management whoever that chef was absolutely needs a piece of Portillo's chocolate cake and a balloon because that was phenomenal.

Dengeos is one of our go-to spots because the food is always consistent and tasty. My kids usually…read morerotate between the burgers and hot dogs, and they never skip the chocolate shake. I love the chicken kabobs or the Greek salad with shrimp, both are fresh and flavorful every time. The lemon soup is also delicious. We've catered before and it was easy and a big hit. My husband is a fan of the skirt steak sandwich and the gyros. Overall, they make everything easy and convenient, and I really appreciate the pickup window, such a bonus when you're on the go. They also do a great job with upkeep, constantly wiping down tables, which we really appreciate.

Interior- plenty of seating. Basic decor but very clean.

Mushrooms

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A partial view of their airy dining room.

Grill House

3.9(296 reviews)

3.2 mi

solid food always consistent chicken gyros is my go to meal…read morenever had a bad meal there

Easily the blandest food in the area…read more Service is okay Ambiance is just okay. Every time I'm here I'm just disappointed. Everything they do is bland and below average.

Another partial dining room view.

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Epic Burger

4.3(32 reviews)

0.5 mi

Ordered the plant based burger, small regular fry and Coke Zero. Had a taste for it and all of it…read morewas good. Even the Coke Zero tasted right. Fries were fresh and crispy, perfect, and really liked this burger with Thr avocado slices on it. Very friendly service, who checked on us three times to see how we were doing. It was later in the day but the place had only a few customers in thr restaurant. Music wasn't crazy loud. Liked it that the place was nice and clean. Will definitely be back.

When my child and I come up to the Luries, we usually grab lunch at Epic. Reminds me of another…read moreburger place but better. The black angus beef is halal from Creekstome Farms, they use cage free eggs, and nitrate free bacon- and burgers and fries and made fresh to order. I like how they have organic Tractor products and maybe one day they'll carry their sodas. They also have chicken sandwiches, tenders, hot dogs, and salad The place is always clean and service is always friendly. My only complaint is- while they try to be a "healthier version" of fast food, with well sourced items- they carry ketchup with high fructose syrup. Which they would spend a little more and go organic or at least something without HFS.

Burger bar

Beyond Burger with fries

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Fry the Coop

3.8(284 reviews)

3.9 mi

I have to come to Fry the Coop more often. I really enjoy their chicken sandwiches. They are made…read moreto order, well seasoned and perfectly cooked. You can order different levels of spiciness. If you don't like spicy chicken, order the 1st level. It's not spicy at all. I order level 2. I've tried level 3 and it was too spicy for me. I find level 2 to be perfect, has the kick I enjoy, but not overly so and blow out my taste buds. We went when they had their $5 hot chicken sandwiches in honor of National Hot Chicken day. Not surprisingly, it was very busy. They still put out good food and EXCELLENT service. Everyone was so nice and they all handled the flow of people very well. I was so impressed. One of the managers, came around to the tables to tidy up and check in on all the guests. I have to remember to come more often!

Listen... my husband really tested our marriage with this one He decided to go to Fry the Coop on…read morewhatever national chicken $5 special day they had last week... which CLEARLY the entire population also knew about. Man sat in the drive-thru for 2.5 HOURS. I wish I was exaggerating. At some point he had already gotten his shake and drink... and then just... continued waiting another 45 minutes for the food like it was a full-time job. Now here's the crazy part, after ALL that... the chicken was still a 10/5 for me Like??? How is it THAT good even after that experience?? I can only imagine how amazing this place is on a regular, non-chaotic, why-did-you-do-this-to-yourself type of day. Because if this was a 5/5 THROUGH the drive-thru madness... I'm already sold. Moral of the story: don't be like my husband. Go on a normal day. But DEFINITELY go. Delicious!!

Double fried Beef Tallow fries, served with pipping hot Cheddar Cheese Sauce.

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Messy Fries

U Dawg U

4.4(123 reviews)

2.3 mi

U Dawg U is the fast food equivalent of a comfort blanket--quick, crave-worthy, and there when you…read moreneed it. If you're in the Northbrook area, this place has a solid chance at satisfying your hunger. It's one of those carryout spots that gets you in and out faster than you can say "Chili Cheese Dawg," and sometimes, that's exactly what you need. U Dawg U is an order at the counter (or online) and take to go type place in a strip mall. No frills. Just a counter, a soda machine, and a few other people at midday standing by for crave-worthy fast food. Note there is easy parking out front. If you're around Happ Road and need dawgs that hit the spot fast, U Dawg U has you covered.

Jumbo dog, regular dog... Double delicious! The deliciousness only surpassed by the kindness of the…read moreowner and the workers

Sweet Potato Fries

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Inside menu board

Portillo's Deerfield

2.8(352 reviews)

3.8 mi

Portillo's is a Chicago staple, not only because of the great food, but also the consistency of the…read moreproduct, the customer service, and the quick turnaround. I stopped by because I had a gift card for a "free sandwich". The person in the drive thru let me know with full certainty that sandwich meant anything. So when the beef and cheddar croissant with hot peppers went through with no charge, I was super duper happy. Nothing beats good food with good people who know their stuff. Would definitely come back to this location.

Portillo's never misses. The food is always consistent and always good, no matter what you order…read more It's one of those places you can count on every single time -- great flavors, quick service, and that classic Portillo's comfort. A reliable favorite that never disappoints.

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Culver's

3.4(42 reviews)

4.2 mi

I love culvers and when the service and food are done right it's one of my favorite fast food…read morechains. The establishment was clean and the workers were swift. I ordered chicken tenders and cheese curds. Cheese curds always hit. They are so addicting. I also enjoy their tenders with bbq sauce.

The majority of my visits to Culver have been above par. Yesterday I ordered a hamburger, vegetable…read morebeef soup, and a diet root beer (Culver is the only chain that carry's diet root beer). The only thing that was OK was the diet root beer. The vegetable beef soup was horrible. I threw the soup away and the hamburger was undercooked and cold. If you treat all your customers like this, you will be putting a lock on the door. I guess I shouldn't order soup from a hamburger stand . 2 stars for this visit.

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Steak ’n Shake

2.6(140 reviews)

0.1 mi

(4) ~ very good overall, plus no seed oils;) Note: You order at the kiosks, where you can customize…read moretoo. MENU: ** Tallow French Fries = (4.15) Very tasty, although these are more like thin Frites, than fries. I prefer thicker fries... ** Real Cane Sugar Coke = (4) very cool:) ** Frisco Melt = (4) very good w. sourdough bread & I upgraded from American to Swiss cheese;) ** Butter Steakburger = (4) very tasty * Garlic Steakburger = (3.85) Good * Triple Steakburger (no roll) = (3.75) Good

Oy vey! Reading other reviews, I was worried that I'd either be eating cardboard, or be required to…read morelock myself in the bathroom for 3-5 business days. Neither was the case, and it was instead an above-average fast food experience. Now... do you remember when the fries at McD's were actually worth raving about? Yeah... it was likely when they were cooked in beef tallow, as opposed to oil with beef flavor added (really!). I don't buy into the belief that one must go after seed oils with torch and pitchforks, but I do love a darn good fry, and Steak 'n Shake delivered! They were hot, fresh, and well seasoned. The burger itself was respectable as far as fast food goes. It was cooked fresh and assembled with care. The meat was well seasoned, and the veggies gave a good balance in terms of freshness. While the smashed patties didn't have the lacy crisp edges a next-level smashburger does, it's fast food, so I'm not going to hold it against them (I may be tough, but I am reasonable!). It did take a hot minute for the food to come out, but I was not in a hurry, and I want to recognize that everything appeared to be cooked fresh to order. It was very quiet at the time, so please be aware that during a busy time, YMMV. Finally, the service was perfectly polite and friendly. Final verdict: Steak 'n Shake has by 'good' by definition burgers. Where they shine, though, is the fries, and not for a lack of seed oils, but for being hot, fresh, and flavorful! Thus, we are left with a place that is not a destination, but one to visit when I am in the area craving a superb fast-food fry!

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McDonald's

2.5(32 reviews)

3.2 mi

I Stopped here for a quick road trip meal. Food fresh made to order. Staff friendly, check out…read morespeedy . 10 piece nugget meal did not disappoint! Store and restaurant clean !

Had a taste for a chicken sandwich & read that Mcd deluxe mc crispy was good so I gave it a try…read more It's really good! White meat, not greasy and it's yummy. Fries were nice and hot. Best meal from this Mcd I've ever ordered.