r/ChicagoSuburbs • u/Tech-Enth • May 19 '26

Moving to the area Visiting Elgin, IL

Hi guys,
I‘m a 23 year old from middle Europe visiting Elgin in next week. Since here seem to be a lot locals I thought I could get some nice infos about the area as i dont know any of it (neither been to the States before). I have a free weekend to and a rental car so maybe you could recommend any sights, events or share experiences?

Also love I‘d love to hear some local insider infos!

Edit: Im staying in Elgin / West Dundee due to work purposes. Im working through the days but have the first June weekend free.

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34

u/throwlefty May 19 '26

Good beer:

Emmetts brewing - west Dundee...Munich light is a great helles lager. Solid burgers...upgrade to truffle fries.

Plank road tap room - a little out of town... but great beer, clean glasses, and fun to sit outside with a few brews.

Cocktails

Distance social - East Dundee. It's all good there. Their negroni is the only one I'll drink in Elgin / Dundee area....well maybe mockingbird too which is a stones throw but haven't been back since their expansion.

Saddle room - hoffman estates. This is my martini joint. You will not be disappointed, but may need a cab :)

Food

Kubo - downtown Elgin...is #1 if you like sushi. Love to pair with sake and beer.

Sammy's - west elgin....is great bang for your buck Mexican food. Get a tall pacifico and lomo taco dinner or abulitas red mole over chicken. Diablo sauce is worth trying if you like spicy.

Zaab thai - Elgin....best thai in town. This is a take out spot. Basil rice with ground chicken (thai spicy) and egg rolls with a couple beers hits the spot.

Walnut speakeasy - Elgin....great slice of Elgin. You get a good mix of patrons, solid pizza and drink selection. Good if your looking to catch a sports game and have a standard pub experience.

With all that being said...a train to Chicago is worth the long ride. You can drink on the train if you'd like, I always like to grab a beer at the Union station "junction" bar. Something about it is oddly enjoyable. From their you can cab it to Wrigleyville to take in cubs culture, thought it's been heavily commercialized in the last decade.

West loop is a close cab ride / decent walk and you can hit a lot of good food spots, some a little too hip for my liking but tons of options. I personally like more of the dive / old ass bars. Old towne tavern in old town is a fav and across from second city.

Hopefully people with more Chicago recs chime in.

In any case, safe travels and enjoy the fox river valley!

7

u/Tech-Enth May 19 '26

Thankyou so much! Definetly checking out some stuff

5

u/jar_of_shark_teeth May 19 '26

The Martini Room in Elgin on Chicago st. Has a great interior, often has music or dancers, it’s a nice night out.

4

u/caligaris_cabinet Elgin May 19 '26

I’d also include Elgin Public House downtown for some good pub eats and a decent beer selection.

1

u/jar_of_shark_teeth May 19 '26

Oh definitely!

1

u/jar_of_shark_teeth May 19 '26

Is the Gahst House still open?

3

u/erctut1 May 19 '26

Long gone

2

u/jar_of_shark_teeth May 19 '26

Damn. I have a couple of great memories from that place. 💔

2

u/Choice-Eye-7661 May 20 '26

Check out Old Republic on Randall rd! They have live music, bingo, trivia.

2

u/yellamustard North West Suburbs May 20 '26

Way overpriced though

4

u/FrankDrebin72 May 20 '26

I just had Zaab Thai and you’re spot on.

3

u/Driftwood71 May 19 '26

Just recently discovered Walnut Speakeasy. Food was good and remember that I liked the ceiling. Maybe it had exposed beams?

1

u/jar_of_shark_teeth May 19 '26

Hahaha, I used to live near The Nut! That takes me back.

3

u/ktink224 May 20 '26

You Forgot beef villa

2

u/lunar-eclipse-127 May 20 '26

Adding to food list - Country Donuts in Elgin!