My husband's 35 birthday is fast approaching and I need ideas! His family traditionally celebrates with a dinner out. Can anyone suggest places that are good for a 9 person group in the Downers Grove/naperville/Oak Brook area? We have a 7 month old, 8 year old, and 11 year old in the group.
I'm also open to other fun ideas for options other than eating out.
Thanks!
Bucca DiBeppa at the Yorktown Mall caters to large groups. You can get the big round table that is sort of in a private elcove if you make reservations. Everything is famiy style, and large portions. You order a few things and everyone shares. It is a family atmosphere.
Price point is also pretty good. Not real formal.
Maggiano's could accommodate you. We recently ate at the new Naperville location and it was really good.
http://www.thepromenadebolingbrook.com/
How about one of the restaurants at the Bolingbrook Promenade? Everything is new and it would be convenient to get to (located off I-355 at Boughton Rd). There are several restaurants and would be kid friendly.
We just celebrated my husband's 40th at Wildfire, but it was only the immediate family. It's a bit on the pricey side but, their food is always good and they have a great kids menu. The advantage is they might possibly be able to place your party in a private room as it seemed like they have smaller rooms for smaller parties. They have coloring menus for the kids and surprisingly, my kids behaved and they're much younger than the 8 and 11 year old(they kept busy eating bread. 6, 5 and 3 y.o.) Another thing, on the kids menu, they had an entree that could be gluton free if there are any allergies. I think it was a steak and potato thing.
Didn't apply to us, just FYI. If you want a more fun atmosphere/decor, Yorktown has Ed Debevic's, which I haven't had the food recently so don't know if it's good in Lombard, not bad in Chicago and/or Champps, who has a large menu selection and great food. Both of the later are more reasonable. Good Luck.
Japanese Hibachi steakhouses are fun. Like Benihana or something along that line. You could google ones in your area. The chefs do neat tricks with the food and open grill right before your eyes. The kids would be amazed. It might be a little loud for a 7 mo. old though.
There are so many places that are great and child friendly. The already listed and then there is Carabbas. They give the kids dough to play with and then they will fry it for them if they want to eat it. Max and Ermas is a good one fro kids too. Famous Daves. Not sure how fancy your looking for. There is also Texas Roadhouse they have great steaks. Red Lobster. Again not sure how fancy your looking for but my uncla owns a resturant. Its in Melrose Park, I know its a little further then you asked, but well worth drive. Its only about 1/2. www. dannyscafeanddeli.com They are very kid friendly. call ahead and tell them you will 9 people with kids and they will set you up. Tell them I sent you. Its on Division and 15th.
I hope that helps and Hope he has a great birthday,
C. Petras
AVON REP
____@____.com
We often choose Buca di Beppo in the Yorktown Mall area when we have children in our groups. It's a fun place and they handle a lot of groups. We don't have to worry about our year old granddaughter disturbing other diners.
Maggiano's at the Oak Brook Mall is always a good place. They can put tables together to accomodate large groups and they have the family style available in the main dining area....and they package up leftovers.
I second Buca di Beppo in Lombard. It's great Italian, and fun in a unique atmosphere!
My two favorites in Naperville are Francesca's and Meson Sabika!!! Francesca's is an Italian restaurant. Meson Sabika is a tapas restaurant - I like this one for families because you can order a bunch of fun tapas (appetizer size) and everyone gets to share and experiment with different flavors!
Whatever you choose, I hope it's a great night out!
Blackie's in Naperville off 59 by the Fox Valley mall! Something for everyone :)
