Food + Drink Scene
These are just a few of our favorite locally owned spots. Most within walking distance!
This is our go-to restaurant in Highwood. Disotto has it all- great Italian food, cozy ambiance, and exceptional service! 7 minute walk.
Disotto
310 Green Bay RdThis is our go-to restaurant in Highwood. Disotto has it all- great Italian food, cozy ambiance, and exceptional service! 7 minute walk.
Sleek and modern ambiance + great food! They also have a great outdoor dining space. 5 minute walk from the cottage
Greenwood
200 Green Bay RdSleek and modern ambiance + great food! They also have a great outdoor dining space. 5 minute walk from the cottage
Great Gatsby-esque distillery worth a visit! They also have a great rooftop terrace. 9 minute walk.
28 Mile Distilling Company
454 Sheridan RoadGreat Gatsby-esque distillery worth a visit! They also have a great rooftop terrace. 9 minute walk.
Our top pick in the neighborhood for coffee lovers. 10 minute walk.
Tala Coffee Roasters - Highwood Cafe
428 Green Bay RdOur top pick in the neighborhood for coffee lovers. 10 minute walk.
Check this place out if you're in the mood for latin american food. We have yet to be disappointed! 5 minute walk.
Longitud315
315 Waukegan AveCheck this place out if you're in the mood for latin american food. We have yet to be disappointed! 5 minute walk.
Nice little Irish pub around the corner. Grab a beer in their charming enclosed alleyway. 6 minute walk.
The Toadstool Pub
327 Waukegan AveNice little Irish pub around the corner. Grab a beer in their charming enclosed alleyway. 6 minute walk.
Satisfy your sweet tooth! Great ice cream and Mexican treats. This one is quite literally around the corner (tell your waistline I said sorry). 3 minute walk.
La Michoacana Bella
2641 Waukegan AvenueSatisfy your sweet tooth! Great ice cream and Mexican treats. This one is quite literally around the corner (tell your waistline I said sorry). 3 minute walk.
Check out Froggy's if you're in the mood for something French. Cute spot! 7 minute walk.
Froggy's French Cafe
306 Green Bay RoadCheck out Froggy's if you're in the mood for something French. Cute spot! 7 minute walk.
This is your spot if you're looking for a nice little neighborhood dive bar. Louie (the bartender) is a Highwood treasure. 8 minute walk
Santi's
324 Green Bay RoadThis is your spot if you're looking for a nice little neighborhood dive bar. Louie (the bartender) is a Highwood treasure. 8 minute walk
Best tacos in town. Try their fried fish tacos or the veggie chorizo burrito (my favorite). 12 minute walk.
La Plancha Loca
548 Sheridan RdBest tacos in town. Try their fried fish tacos or the veggie chorizo burrito (my favorite). 12 minute walk.
This is a another great French bistro but with a twist of Cuban influence. The atmosphere alone makes it worth a visit- think 1920's Europe (does it get any better??). 5 minute walk.
7 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Miramar Bistro
301 Waukegan AveThis is a another great French bistro but with a twist of Cuban influence. The atmosphere alone makes it worth a visit- think 1920's Europe (does it get any better??). 5 minute walk.
Our favorite bakery in the area! I don't really think you can go wrong at this fine establishment. 6 minute walk.
Bent Fork
335 Waukegan AveOur favorite bakery in the area! I don't really think you can go wrong at this fine establishment. 6 minute walk.
Toffee lovers rejoice- there is a store dedicated solely to toffee right around the corner, and its pretty incredible! Kristen still uses her grandfather's original toffee recipe (I wouldn't change a thing either). 5 minute walk.
Toffee Traditions LLC
323 Waukegan AvenueToffee lovers rejoice- there is a store dedicated solely to toffee right around the corner, and its pretty incredible! Kristen still uses her grandfather's original toffee recipe (I wouldn't change a thing either). 5 minute walk.
For the beer aficionados. With close to 20 beers on tap, they’re likely to have what you’re looking for. Cool little casual hangout. 12 minute walk.
Beermiscuous
552 Sheridan RoadFor the beer aficionados. With close to 20 beers on tap, they’re likely to have what you’re looking for. Cool little casual hangout. 12 minute walk.
Best coal fired pizza in town! They have great salads and sandwiches too. 7 minute walk.
Slyce Coal Fired Pizza Company
254 Green Bay RdBest coal fired pizza in town! They have great salads and sandwiches too. 7 minute walk.
Exceptional farm to table/seasonal food. Check the menu before you go as it changes frequently. The owner and chef Fernando is great at what he does! 4 minute drive.
Pixca Seasonal American Bistro
455 Central AvenueExceptional farm to table/seasonal food. Check the menu before you go as it changes frequently. The owner and chef Fernando is great at what he does! 4 minute drive.
Lefty's Pizza Kitchen
600 Central AvenueBest deep dish in town (in our opinion). 4 minute drive.
A unique tea/coffee/vegan spot in town owned by The Smashing Pumpkins' Billy Corgan. They also have a cool assortment of merch + a music venue space (you might get lucky and catch a live show). I'd recommend checking this place out! 4 minute drive.
Madame Zuzu’s
1876 1st StreetA unique tea/coffee/vegan spot in town owned by The Smashing Pumpkins' Billy Corgan. They also have a cool assortment of merch + a music venue space (you might get lucky and catch a live show). I'd recommend checking this place out! 4 minute drive.
Sushi Badaya Restaurant
600 Central AvenueBest sushi in town! 4 minute drive.
Large menu with pretty much anything you're craving. I'd put this at the top of my list for something quick and affordable. 4 minute drive.
Backyard Grill
1825 2nd StLarge menu with pretty much anything you're craving. I'd put this at the top of my list for something quick and affordable. 4 minute drive.
Sightseeing
Wonderful outdoor music venue! I highly recommend checking their schedule while you're in town. Get lawn tickets, pack a picnic (and candelabra if you're feeling fancy) , and take in the lush setting.
33 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Ravinia Festival West Lot
200 Ravinia Park RdWonderful outdoor music venue! I highly recommend checking their schedule while you're in town. Get lawn tickets, pack a picnic (and candelabra if you're feeling fancy) , and take in the lush setting.
385 acres of world class gardens only 12 minutes away! My favorite spot here is the Japanese gardens/islands and the English walled garden.
167 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Rd385 acres of world class gardens only 12 minutes away! My favorite spot here is the Japanese gardens/islands and the English walled garden.
This tops my list of places to visit while in the area. Beautiful gardens and stunning architecture right on Lake Michigan. One of the most unique and serene places you'll visit. They also have a great visitor center. Try not to miss this! 24 minute drive.
14 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Bahai House of Worship Welcome Center
112 Linden AveThis tops my list of places to visit while in the area. Beautiful gardens and stunning architecture right on Lake Michigan. One of the most unique and serene places you'll visit. They also have a great visitor center. Try not to miss this! 24 minute drive.
Lake Forest has (in my opinion) the most picturesque downtown in the area. At the center of it is Market Square. Cute shops and restaurants. 10 minute drive or a 20 minute scenic bike ride.
Market Square
264 Market Square CourtLake Forest has (in my opinion) the most picturesque downtown in the area. At the center of it is Market Square. Cute shops and restaurants. 10 minute drive or a 20 minute scenic bike ride.
Neighborhoods
A decommissioned military base that has been transformed (but so well preserved) into a thriving residential community. Beautiful nature trails, great architecture. Within walking distance (if you're feeling adventurous) but better to visit on bike or car.
Fort Sheridan
A decommissioned military base that has been transformed (but so well preserved) into a thriving residential community. Beautiful nature trails, great architecture. Within walking distance (if you're feeling adventurous) but better to visit on bike or car.
Known as the Mayberry of the midwest, this is one of the most charming villages in the area. We used to live here and can recommend all of the great spots. 30 minute scenic bike ride or 15 minute drive.
Lake Bluff
Known as the Mayberry of the midwest, this is one of the most charming villages in the area. We used to live here and can recommend all of the great spots. 30 minute scenic bike ride or 15 minute drive.