Question

We’re trying to get take-out from Naperville restaurants 2-3 times each week. So far, we’ve avoided restaurant chains (we don’t count small Chicago-based chains like Mortons, Nicky’s, Portillos, etc. in this category). I know that some franchises are locally-owned, not corporate owned. Could you suggest any nation-wide restaurant franchises whose owners live in & contribute to the Naperville area?  

Answer 1

Sharkos is also Naperville family owned.  

Comments

Yep! I know the owner. Great place.  

Answer 2

I think Texas Roadhouse

Comments

@peery7 is a chain

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@harrelson50 that’s what she asked for. Nationwide that also help locally. Chain or franchise, they do

Answer 3

You may want to check on Morton’s. They are part of a very large national restaurant company.  And Portillo’s is owned by Berkshire Partners, a private equity firm in Boston. ‍♂️
https://www.landrysinc.com/aboutUs/...t.asp

Answer 4

This isn’t a franchise but I heard Juicy-o off Washington is really struggling to stay afloat. Great place for breakfast and lunch.  

Comments

@embowed3580 - I thought that was on Rt 59 by the old Sam’s. Is there more than one?  

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@build there are two and I’m not sure if owners are the same

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@embowed3580 There are 3 (one also in DG, and I believe same owners)

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@embowed3580 - Thxs

Answer 5

My husband is the GM of bds Mongolian Grill- Naperville. they have been shut down, but opening up at the Bolingbrook location for pick up/uber eats next Monday!  

Comments

@monolith love that place! Good news

Answer 6

Hugo's Frog Bar, Allegory and Fiamme are great places to order from. My friends are saying the quality is as good as if you're eating at the restaurant and portions are generous

Comments

I love Hugo's! I've found the seafood quality to be as good at Catch 35 (for seafood) at a lower price. The thing that turned me off this week about chains is finding out that places like Ruth Chris received 20 million in Covid 19 support and little guys like Lucky Penny didnt get a dime.  

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@ernaline8 some of those chains are also owned by individual franchises

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@shoshonean525 then the franchise owner should have applied. not the chain.  

Answer 7

I second Lucky Penny but also; Quigleys Irish Pub Medici Fiami Burrito Parrilla Thai Medallion Orazios The Lantern Jackson St Pub Uncle Pete's Oops sorry. just noticed that you said contributing chains. Let me throw in. Butera Foods on Chicago Ave Caputo's on Rt 59 Fresh Market on 75th st Casey's on Washington St. Kreger's Brat and Sausage Haus on Ellsworth St. Yes, they are grocery stores. Butera has the best fried chicken out of their deli. It's inexpensive too. Caputo's has the best italian deli in town. Not even Casey's can beat it Looking for meat to grill? Casey's hands down unless you're looking for sausage of any kind. If its brats you want go to Kreger's Brat and Sausage Haus on Ellsworth St. Kreger's also served hot breakfast and lunch. There is no menu there, whatever they are cooking that's what you get. Try it once you'll never be sorry.  

Comments

@ernaline8 is Jackson St Pub open?  

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@dahomey8 no

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@ernaline8 the Jackson Ave Pub folks have been working on their nes venture Hale Street Cantina in Wheaton. Gonna be a new concept; great Mexican food. They’ll open once it’s safe to do so.  

Answer 8

The Can Pepe's Cantina!  

Answer 9

Empire for burgers and salads! Also, the amazing dessert donuts!  

Comments

@eichmann Empire is also locally owned!  

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@heisler yes, they also own Ballydoyles

Answer 10

The owners of McAlisters Deli on Rt. 59 & 95th Street are extremely philanthropic. It would take me too long to mention all of the wonderful things they’ve done for the community. Their food is also great! Biaggi’s is another that’s run by generous management and they’ve got delicious food too!  

Answer 11

Completely understand but Let’s not forget the ‘chains’ employ a lot of people all from here.  

Comments

@peery7 also Texas Roadhouse's CEO gave up his salary so they could pay employees, and Olive Garden is giving free emergency pay to employees who aren't working carryout.  

Answer 12

This doesnt bv exactly make sense. Texas road house I b. c a chain  

Answer 13

Angeli's on Chicago ave, rocco's pizza off gartner and everdine's. All amazing and all owned by local Naperville families.  

Answer 14

Boston Chicken used to be HQed in Naperville in Diehl. Not sure Naperville owned it though. It is Boston Chicken (Market) though not Naperville Chicken.  

Comments

@colpotomy5480 the original Boston Chicken was acquired by McDonalds in 2000 after it had financial problems. The Boston Market chain is now owned by a private equity firm. It did start out in Naperville in the 1990s.  

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@colpotomy5480 their corporate office is in Golden, CO and I believe all of their locations are still company owned and not franchises.  

Answer 15

Braconis on Ogden ave!  

Answer 16

My daughter @donovan958 and her husband own Caffe di Moda in downtown Lisle. She is a Naperville born and bred gal. The Caffe is less than a year old and have not received any government funds. They have been providing over 300 box lunches per week to various hospitals and first responders funded by a GoFundMe account that they are fund matching. Stop by and support a Naperville native!  

Comments

@abominate @heisler Clementi D'Ambrosio I was just about to mention them too!  

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@abominate @heisler Clementi D'Ambrosio love this- will try them this week!  

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@abominate @heisler Clementi D'Ambrosio yum! The coffee is delish! Can’t wait to taste our paninis! Thanks for the referral

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Going to order from them soon! Love to support local people!  

Answer 17

Meson sebika! They do a ton a good things for the community and have excellent food!  

Answer 18

Burger City in Lisle is owned by a Naperville family. They also have been supplying meals to Hessed House.  

Comments

@encourage where is this place?  

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Its off college! So good

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@peery7 Corner of College and Green Trails Drive.  

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@peery7 they have delicious burgers!  

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@polecat6 I’ve heard! Will definitely try.  

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@encourage their is a new small bakery in that strip mall

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@abominate O Grady Blessing The Sweet Spot has been around for a few years and just reopened this week. She has hours on Thursdays and Saturdays for right now and is accepting preorders.  

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I will try them too

Answer 19

Do local employees benefit from chain restaurants staying in business?  

Comments

@eichmann Miller Yes, they do. My point was to focus on the restaurants lacking the “deep pockets” of corporations, who are more likely to shut down, causing their owners to lose their life savings. I already know the independent restaurants are in this boat, but some locally-owned franchises are in it too. Basically, I’m asking for the franchise-equivalent of Ace Hardware stores, many of which (like Buickema’s) are locally-owned.  

Answer 20

Paris Bistro is amazing! Locally owned.  

Comments

@institutionalism never heard of this! I am so glad I jumped on here.  

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@polecat6 , the owners are amazing and so is the food. We own Color Me Mine right next to them and the chef is always cooking up something delicious. Everything from burgers to crepes!  

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@institutionalism - one of my favs -

Answer 21

Totopos on Aurora ave in Naperville

Comments

@wen1198 I second this. Just ordered Totopos yesterday. Chicken mole tamales are the best. Excellent veggie quesadillas too. Everything is great actually.  

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@stearin Yes, and I know the owner and shes also a hard worker and good person who does what she can to help her community. And I wouldn’t post if her food wasn’t delicious as well. Please share your experience. Keep our good restaurants open.  

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@wen1198 I can tell the owner and her daughter are great people. I will continue to tell people how good their food is.  

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@wen1198 that’s the place I miss the most since moving from Naperville.  

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@nona724 They are there with less hours. She ramped up her safety measures too. Had her food this past Thursday. Pozole soup burritos and tamales. So yummy  

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@wen1198 maybe we’ll take a drive. We moved to Ottawa, so it’s a hike!  

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Oh ok. Its so worth it!  

Answer 22

We own Front Street Cantina Naperville and appreciate all the love and support we have received! Truly amazing to see Naperville come together.  

Comments

@wang we love Front Street Cantina!  

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@wang join our Better Together small business and charity fundraising. It is free and for every shirt with your logo that sells you will earn $6 back to keep for business expenses or donate to a local charity. Pm me for details

Answer 23

Morton’s is owned by Landry’s based in Houston Texas.  

Answer 24

Little Italian in Bailey road is family owned been in business almost 50 years!  

Comments

@kentigerma9 Rae little Italian’s is locally owned by a Naperville family. Living in Wisconsin we have not found an Italian restaurant compared to them. Pick up several when in town. Manager suggested they would have cook them & Can be baked in arrival. Works great ❤️

Answer 25

Little Pop’s is family owned.  
https://www.littlepopspizzeria.com/

Comments

@nona724 Goozner Kuepers heard they have great pizza. We’ve got to give them a try!  

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@triliteral They do! They have contactless pick up too.  

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@nona724 Goozner Kuepers Little Pops is phenomenal. The owners @stearin and Vicky are incredible. Super dedicated and very philanthropic. Phenomenal food. Everything is flawless from the pizza to entrees like gnocchi in vodka cream sauce to the lasagna to the hone made desserts. Everything made on premise. Please support them. They do a great job supporting Naperville.  

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@acetometer1 You can donate/pay $10 towards a pizza for local first responders too.  

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@nona724 Goozner Kuepers and contactless delivery

Answer 26

We did Allegory last night and even though we waiting a little longer than we had hoped for at pick up, the food was AMAZING!  

Comments

@excite @encourage love Allegory

Answer 27

Rayme's on Route 53 in Lisle is just awesome, large portions, reasonable.  

Answer 28

We’re avoiding takeout and delivery, but damn do I miss Naf Naf Grill.  

Answer 29

Tricky In Naperthrill most were ran out town with the franchise craze

Answer 30

It's not Naperville, but it's close and so good, Caribbean Corner, in Downers Grove. Sooooooo good!  

Answer 31

Go to Everdines Grilled Cheese Co! Mmmm soo good. Also, one of my faves is India Harvest on Ogden. Ikkai sushi in Nape is also amazing. I say I like these places because they are very clean. They don't allow people to come inside the restaurant. They bring the food to you.  

Comments

Also, they wear masks! One thing I don't see many restaurant chains doing!  

Answer 32

Egg harbor cafe Naperville - small Chicago area chain. Open 7:30a-1:30p.  

Comments

@seton the best breakfast place in Chicago.  

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Our favorite!  

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@seton yes. I grew up in Lake Forest and would go there all the time.  

Answer 33

We have already lost several phenomenal independent restaurants. Although in Lisle Chinn’s 34 was the best fresh seafood by far. Gone.  

Comments

@acetometer1 gone? Sad was #2 top selling seafood restaurant In country 20 years ago

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@acetometer1 The real @dossal Chinn’s (in Wheeling) is fine. Chinn’s on Ogden had NO relation.  

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Yes. @dossal Chinn’s is solid. But it was nice having the same and maybe even better quality close by. Stan Chinn is a great guy. Sad to see it close.  

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@magavern93614 Stan is Bobs nephew

Answer 34

Portillos Portillo is no longer a small Chicago restaurant chain. They sold out several years ago.  

Comments

Wow. I had no idea.  

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@seton Schmitt Bertellotti yea they are now in Florida

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@seton Schmitt Bertellotti Portillos is still awesome. @triliteral Buffett will make quality remains the same. Just now part of the Berkshire juggernaut lol. Just like DQ etc.  

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I am not saying Portillo’s is not excellent but if you are trying to support the little family run places this is not one of them. Still great regardless! They are in WI and I believe AZ too

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@seton Schmitt Bertellotti there is a few in CA too

Answer 35

Ike and oak in 7 bridges. They offer some free beer with orders $20 and up and also have frozen pizzas to make it easier to support them and eat the pizzas later.  

Answer 36

Lucky Pennys cafe it’s on Yelp. She has take out orders and family meals and many supplies mini mart.  

Answer 37

Claras restaurant, the best Italian food!  
http://www.clarasrestaurant.com/

Answer 38

Totopos has the best Mexican food. I am not a vegetarian but they have delicious veggie quesadillas. I recommend the chicken mole tamales and barbacoa tacos. 2048 Aurora Ave, Naperville, IL 60540

Answer 39

Ellie's deli is pretty good

Comments

They do have good food!  

Answer 40

Manna kitchen

Answer 41

Taps and tenders is fantastic.  

Answer 42

Love all the recommendations- I would guess it is beneficial to support any restaurant because they all hire folks who are likely local. It is very likely plenty of very good naperville folks are out of jobs at big chains too. Not that supporting them guarantees that those folks get hired back but just thinking out-loud. We have also focused on local but I have been thinking about those folks too. We have gotten from Macarena Tapas Biaggis Chop’d which is new Meson Sabika Giordanos Francesca’s

Answer 43

Little Pops Pizza  
https://www.littlepopspizzeria.com

Answer 44

Belgio’s Catering is doing family style for 4-6 people. Check out their FB page for weekly options!  

Answer 45

Not Naperville but Fat Rickys pizza in Romeoville .  
https://fatrickys.com/

Answer 46

Everdines, amazing grilled cheese.  

Comments

@poundal82 ^^^ yes! So yum

Answer 47

Poundcake Bakery on Main St. Lisle -- owned and run by local Bev Hudson  
http://poundcakebakery.us/

Answer 48

Even the chains have local people who work there and depend on our business.  

Answer 49

Nick's on Ogden is family owned

Comments

I meant Nicky's

Answer 50

Fiamme is family owned and delicious

Answer 51

Dick Portillo moved to Florida but I'm not sure if he was national or not. If you just need so good homestyle food from here, try Walker's. They are not national but it's good eats.  

Answer 52

Walkers Charhouse. Never had a bad meal from this restaurant.  

Answer 53

Morton’s is nationwide.  

Answer 54

For privately owned, Up North and Bottoms Up in Naperville.  

Answer 55

Poor Boy’s Pub Traverso’s Little Pops Pizzeria @pentavalent7 John’s (59 by Wild Tuna) Jet’s Pizza Eggcited All owned by Naperville residents

Answer 56

I eat at El Hogar at least twice a week. Great Mexican food and the owners are amazing people. Open late as hell during this and you'll always find them smiling.  

Answer 57

Try Mr Broast in Aurora as well

Comments

@carmelinacarmelita I have lived across the street for 8 years and never had it. Is it good? What should I order?  

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@captive - that is really good zinger Burger (little bit spicy), their fried chicken.  

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@carmelinacarmelita I'm gonna have to try it! I love spicy!  

Answer 58

Fontina’s for Italian, Topopo’s for Mexican, Thai Medalion, Deccan or Indian harvest for Indian. I prefer non franchise restaurants over chains. And as I saw Little Pops is one of the best

Answer 59

If you like Thai, Thai Medallion next to the Washington train station is excellent.  

Comments

@pentavalent7 agreed! This is our go-to Thai place!  

Answer 60

Most have Gluten Free options Up north Jalapeño Grille Pitaville Adamo’s pizza Shinto Texas Roadhouse Lucky Penny Yuerbabuena (lisle but family lives in Naperville) Grumpy Gaucho (best empanadas) Indian Harvest Gematos (great BBQ! ) Angeli’s

Answer 61

There are a LOT of GREAT recommendations in these responses! My point in posting, though, was to focus on the Locally-owned FRANCHISE chain restaurants, who lack the “deep pockets” of corporate-owned franchises, & so are more likely to shut down, causing their owners to lose their life savings. I already know the independent restaurants are in this boat & we’re trying to support them as much as possible, but some locally-owned franchises are in trouble, too. Basically, I’m asking for the restaurant franchise-equivalent of Ace Hardware stores, many of which (like Buickema’s) are locally-owned.  

Comments

I know that fast food franchises have local owner-operators. I don't know how you'd know which are which, though (corporate-owned vs. individually owned). Perhaps a call to McD headquarters, now in Chicago, could give you direction, along with the other franchise headquarters, respectively. The only corporation i have any insight into is McD. but worth doing some research and reporting back! Thanks for taking this initiative. It's so thoughtful of you!  

Answer 62

Up North Ale house and Bottoms Up both the same husband and wife team.  

Comments

@bubal10 Best boneless wings around.  

Answer 63

We HIGHLY. Recommend Lazy Dog. They just opened we need to keep them going! ❤️

Comments

@colpotomy5480 No hotdogs  really good food! .  
https://maps.apple.com/

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What is a deconstructed pot pie?  

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@colpotomy5480 I would think a pot pie but not in a pie form. We have had the pot roast dip (incredible! ) and the club sandwich soo good! Also the buffalo bites. Kids are asking us to get them again!  

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Like chicken & biscuits. There was a place in Warrenville that had great chicken & biscuits. it was something like Sweet Potatoe Cafe. Unfortunately is no longer there.  

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@lorindalorine they aren’t local but they are soooo good. Love them.  

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@tremann yes they are local. It is in Naperville.  

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@lorindalorine that one location is but they are a chain based in California.  

Answer 64

Barone's of Glen Ellyn! It has been a local staple since the 70's. Family owned and operated. The food is delicious! They have so many options. They even offer gluten and dairy free options.  

Comments

@oligopoly There used to be a barones in countryside and also in Naperville years ago. Is it the same one?  

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@rhinoscopy Scott Polich i am not 100% sure! Just know the GE one has been family operated since the 70's

Answer 65

I cannot, yet recommend Allegory in DT Naperville. Great chef and service.  

Comments

You can't recommend it?  

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I believe he means we do recommend it. had it Saturday night-the line was long, lots of people ordering, but the food was delicious!  

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@holtorf correct.  

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@colpotomy5480 referring to a National business, don’t have suggestions. Allegory is indi. They rock

Answer 66

Braconis is awesome and Taco Madre in the same parking lot. Best yet, Binnys and Fresh Thyme are there too.  

Answer 67

Braconi’s in Cress Creek mall  
https://braconis.com/

Answer 68

Braconi’s has been delivering food to our first responders:  
https://www.facebook.com/1187659144...9444/

Comments

Braconi's is good food from good people.  

Answer 69

If you can go to Lisle you have to try #CaffediModa. It's an Italian bistro with awesome coffees, teas and yummy sandwiches. They have also been delivering to emergency rooms and first responders.  
https://www.facebook.com/5476830323...7818/

Comments

From one of #CaffediModa post. This week we delivered on THREE different days to hospitals individually boxed lunch boxes. Next week, we have SIX days of lunches coordinated to deliver. Thank you to everyone that donated. We are overwhelmed by the generosity of people. To help with future deliveries please go to our website to donate caffedimoda. com or www. gofundme. com/f/lisle-helps-coronavirus-2020

Answer 70

Traversos! One of the two brothers live right here in south Naperville! Not to mention they’re forever giving back to the community. Love this family and soooooo love their food!   
http://traversospizza.com/

Answer 71

The Can Pepe's Cantina Sandra and Matt Rocush are some of the best, most giving people out there. Curbside and lots of great deals . TACO TUESDAY!  

Answer 72

Schmaltz deli! Everything is fantastic there!  

Comments

It’s pretty goyishe but I love the Bronx and Bleu.  

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It is not a Kosher place

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@colpotomy5480 it really doesn't matter to me. All I know is that every thing is delicious!  

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@bronk937 what are they near? i see the address is Naper Blvd but what is near them? Id like to try!  

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@stagg 1520 Naper Blvd. By the Fruitful Yields and McDonald's

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@bronk937 thx!  

Answer 73

Meson Sabika is great!  

Answer 74

Up North Ale House

Answer 75

Mesón sebika is the best

Comments

@materse18 love Meson Sebika. Their Sunday brunch is decadently amazing  

Answer 76

Granite city!  

Answer 77

Jets Pizza

Answer 78

Anyone who employs anyone who’ lives in Naperville

Answer 79

Egg Harbor. We were there almost every weekend before the virus hit. We got breakfast to go last weekend. I love their flavored coffee, but it seems they're taking regular coffee and putting syrup in it. The food was great though.  

Answer 80

Diane, looks like you have ALOT of restaurants to pick from! Hopefully you set them on the calendar. You have 206 comments so that should be half a year of ordering delivery or carry out  

Answer 81

Pepe's Mexican Restaurant is a locally owned restaurant. The owner does a lot to support various community events and fundraisers organized by the Naperville Jaycees.  

Answer 82

And Pepe's Tacos are very good tacos

Answer 83

Lucky Penny

Answer 84

Downers grove mi hacienda

Answer 85

Q burnt ends were so good so I tried the pork belly burnt ends and was disappointed.  

Comments

@colpotomy5480 I’m not a fan of their side dishes. I like Gemato’s for BBQ