Lake Forest & Lake Bluff Neighborhood Entertainment Guide
About Lake Forest and Lake Bluff
Two of Chicago's most picturesque communities, Lake Forest and Lake Bluff, are home to many historically preserved homes and landscapes. In these villages, the market for Chicago North Shore homes for sale is mainly comprised of stately single family residences. Credit
The North Shore city of Lake Forest is home to a small, private college and a quiet neighborhood of parks, golf courses, and boutique-style shopping. Its historic Market Square, built in 1916, was actually the nation's first shopping mall. Today, it still serves as a vital part of the community's central business district.
Lake Bluff, just north of Lake Forest and about 35 miles north of downtown Chicago, also borders beautiful Lake Michigan. The town hosts a population of 6,056 residents and covers an area of about 4 square miles.
Lake Forest & Lake Bluff Events & Activities
Lake Forest real estate owners can participate in festivals like Lake Forest Days during the summer. Credit
Lake Bluff events around the holidays are a highlight for the community's residents. Credit
Concerts on the Green – Thursdays in July, join the two towns for performances by a variety of bands and musicians in Market Square. Concert-goers can relax on the lawn, have picnic dinners, or patron some of the local eateries nearby.
Lake Forest Days Fair and Parade – The summer also brings Lake Forest Days, complete with a carnival and parade. Celebrating over 100 years of village spirit, it's a great outdoor activity for families with young children.
Holiday Festivities – Like most villages with strong community values, Lake Forest and Lake Bluff embrace the holidays with tree-lightings, intricate window displays, special shopping events and a party thrown by the Chamber of Commerce during the Chicago winter.
National Junior Disability Championships – For the first time in 2010, Lake Forest will host an Olympic-style event for elite disabled athletes. Physically or visually impaired individuals will compete in swimming, track and field, archery, table tennis, weight lifting, pentathlon and 3-on-3 wheelchair basketball this coming July.
Deerpath Golf Course – An 18-hole course and club, Deerpath has been open since 1926 making it one of the oldest and finest municipal courses in the Midwest. Its SandWedge Grille is open 7 days a week for grub after golf.
Lake Forest & Lake Bluff Restaurants
Sushi Kushi Toyo – Offering traditional Japanese cuisine and drinks, this is the go-to sushi eatery in the area. The 14-year old restaurant has a sister location in Highland Park and serves hot Japanese entrees along with their maki and nigiri. (825 S Waukegan Road, 847-234-9950)
Lake Forest restaurant Francesca's Intimo boasts some of the best Italian fare in the area. Credit
Lake Forest Food & Wine Specialties – For the best sandwich in Lake Forest and some wine, soup and cheese to go with it, take out from this specialty market. The local favorite draws visitors from surrounding 'burbs for the perfect lunch. (672 N Western Ave., 847-234-0620)
Francesca's Intimo – With "a contemporary, casually sophisticated trattoria ambiance," Francesca's offers rustic Italian dining perfect for dinner with family or friends. Crowd-pleasing, moderately priced food and a warm atmosphere make it worth a regularly scheduled visit. (293 E. Illinois Road , 847-735-9235)
South Gate Cafe – Situated in a historical landmark building, this cafe combines American food, occasional live music and an award-winning wine list. In the summer, sit on the patio and enjoy the view of downtown Lake Forest. The menu incorporates as much locally-grown food as possible, and artisan breads and pastries are made on-site in the adjoining Bank Lane Bakery. (655 Forest Avenue, 847-234-8800)
The Left Bank – This little fast food joint gives special attention the simplest of meals like hot dogs and sloppy Joes. Also serving thin crust pizza, it's a cheap and quick option for families on the go. (659 N Bank Lane, 847-234-4770)
Egg Harbor Cafe – The second of Egg Harbor's 15 Chicago locations was founded in Lake Forest in 1986. The breakfast-and-lunch shop's focus on good ingredients and great service make it a long-time local favorite. (512 North Western Avenue, 847-295-3449)
Lake Forest restaurant Lovell's features elegant dining spaces for dinner or events. Credit
Lake Forest bar the Lantern is a good nightlife spot to visit to catch a Bears' game. Credit
Bluffington's – This deli and cafe in downtown Lake Bluff serves breakfast, sandwiches, salads, smoothies and ice cream treats, and most meals can be had for under $10. A few blocks from the Metra, it's great for commuters to snag coffee and breakfast before the ride to the city. (113 E. Scranton Ave., 847-295-3344)
Lovell's – Lovell's of Lake Forest is a fine dining restaurant dinner spot owned by Captain James Lovell, an astronaut of Apollo 13 fame. The captain's son is head chef, and he creates an upscale menu of regional American fare like New York strip steak or roasted duck. (915 S. Waukegan Rd., 847-234-8013)
Lake Forest & Lake Bluff Bars & Nightlife
Chief's Pub – A solid American menu and a full bar bring North Shore dwellers back to this pub for an evening drink. Sports fans can catch their favorite game on flat screen TVs located in the bar decorated with firefighter paraphernalia. (502 N. Western Ave., 847-234-3444)
The Lantern – The Lantern has been a part of Lake Forest since 1934. With "the best burgers in town," dollar drafts and doors open until 1am every night, this pub is the place to catch a Bears game and celebrate the win 'til late in the evening. (768 N Western Ave, 847-234-9844)
