The Absolute Best Restaurants in Downtown Downers Grove [Updated 2024]

Over the years, I've had the pleasure of dining at various establishments, sampling everything from casual bites to gourmet dishes.

After reviewing twelve incredible restaurants, I can confidently share my top picks that embody the unique flavors and charm of our beloved downtown.

Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy brunch spot, a sophisticated dinner, or a vibrant café, there's something here for everyone.

Join me as we explore the culinary treasures that make Downtown Downers Grove a must-visit destination for food lovers!

Parkers' Restaurant & Bar

Highlights
Delicious and beautifully presented
Exceptional service from staff
Inviting and pleasant atmosphere
Impressive wine selection available
Fabulous oysters and branzino

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Parkers' Restaurant & Bar, and let me tell you, this place is a gem in Downtown Downers Grove. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted by an inviting and pleasant atmosphere that set the stage for an evening of culinary delights. The ambiance strikes a perfect balance between sophistication and warmth, making it ideal for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends.

The highlight of my meal was undoubtedly the fabulous oysters, which were beautifully presented and tasted like a piece of the ocean with each slurp. I also indulged in the branzino, which was cooked to perfection—crispy skin, flaky meat, and seasoned just right. Paired with an impressive wine selection, it was a match made in heaven.

What truly stood out was the exceptional service. The staff was attentive, friendly, and attentive without being intrusive, ensuring that my dining experience was seamless. Overall, Parkers' combines delectable food, a vibrant atmosphere, and stellar service, making it a must-visit in Downtown Downers Grove. If you’re looking for a meal that delights all the senses, this is the spot!

You might also want to check out the best tamales in Aurora.

GIA MIA Downers Grove

Highlights
Amazing ricotta and honey combo
50% off pizzas on Mondays
High-quality ingredient pizzas
Delicious pear and onion pizza
Great service and atmosphere

The moment I stepped into GIA MIA Downers Grove, I was enveloped in a vibrant atmosphere that felt both inviting and lively. As a pizza aficionado, I was thrilled to discover their 50% off pizza special on Mondays—what a treat! I couldn't resist starting with the delightfully creamy ricotta and honey combo; it was a heavenly appetizer that danced on my taste buds.

For my main event, I opted for the pear and onion pizza. The flavors were a delightful symphony; the sweetness of the pear beautifully complemented the caramelized onions, all atop a perfectly crispy crust. It's the kind of unique combo that makes your heart sing for more. Every bite reminded me that GIA MIA truly prioritizes high-quality ingredients.

But let's not forget the service! The staff was attentive without being overbearing, enhancing the already fantastic atmosphere. If you're looking for a little slice of happiness in Downtown Downers Grove, I guarantee a visit to GIA MIA will leave you craving more—especially on a Monday. So gather your friends and dig into some pizza perfection; your taste buds will thank you!

You might also want to check out the best thai food in Schaumburg.

Thai Cafe

Highlights
Delicious dishes
Fantastic spring rolls
Quick service

I must say, I was pleasantly surprised by the delicious dishes served at Thai Cafe. From the moment I walked in, I could smell the tantalizing aromas of spices and herbs that are a hallmark of authentic Thai cuisine. The menu is extensive, offering a wide variety of appetizers, entrees, and desserts.

The fantastic spring rolls were my favorite part of the meal. They were crispy on the outside and had a perfect balance of flavors on the inside. I also ordered Pad Thai which was cooked to perfection - not too oily or dry but just perfectly balanced.

The service was quick and efficient without feeling rushed. Our server was friendly and attentive throughout our meal.

One thing to note is that there aren't many tables here so it's wise to make a reservation in advance especially during peak hours.

Overall, I highly recommend Thai Cafe for anyone looking for a delicious and authentic Thai dining experience in Downtown Downers Grove. Don't forget to try their fantastic spring rolls!

You might also want to check out the best sushi in Schaumburg.

the Outpost Mexican Eatery

Highlights
Tasty tacos
Friendly owner
Varied menu

First and foremost, let me tell you about the tasty tacos. Oh boy! They were absolutely delicious. I tried the chicken and steak tacos, and both were cooked to perfection with a blend of spices that made my taste buds dance with joy.

Another highlight of my visit was the friendly owner, who made me feel welcome from the moment I walked in. He was more than happy to recommend his favorite dishes and make some awesome jokes while at it.

One thing I loved about this place was its varied menu. They have something for everyone, whether you're a meat-lover or a vegetarian. The portions are generous too, so come hungry.

Overall, I had an amazing experience at Outpost Mexican Eatery. The food is fantastic, the atmosphere is lively and welcoming, and the service is top-notch. If you're looking for an authentic Mexican cuisine experience in Downtown Downers Grove, this is definitely one restaurant that you shouldn't miss!

You might also want to check out the best sushi in Naperville.

Los Dos Mexican Cuisine

Highlights
Fresh, delicious
Free chips/salsa
Generous portions
Friendly service
Quick preparation

The moment I walked in, I was greeted by the warm and friendly staff. They immediately brought out a basket of free chips and salsa which were so fresh and delicious that I couldn't stop munching on them!

The menu had an array of Mexican dishes to choose from, but what caught my attention were the generous portions they offered. I decided to go for their famous enchiladas and boy, did they not disappoint! The sauce was perfectly seasoned with just the right amount of heat.

What impressed me the most was how quickly my meal was prepared. The chefs must have been working at lightning speed back there because before I knew it, my plate was in front of me.

Overall, I would highly recommend Los Dos to anyone looking for authentic Mexican cuisine in Downtown Downers Grove. The combination of friendly service, quick preparation, and amazing flavors make this restaurant a true gem.

You might also want to check out the best tacos in Elgin.

The Foxtail

Highlights
Great food and cocktails
Cute presentation of dishes
Outstanding service
Beautifully decorated space
Perfectly presented drinks

First of all, let me just say that the food and cocktails at The Foxtail are absolutely great! From the soft-shell crab to the steak frites, everything was cooked to perfection. And the drinks? Oh my! They were so perfectly presented that I almost didn't want to drink them...almost.

What sets The Foxtail apart from other restaurants in Downtown Downers Grove is their cute presentation of dishes. Every dish looks like a piece of art, it's almost too pretty to eat! But trust me, you'll want to eat every last bite.

The service at The Foxtail is outstanding. Our waiter was attentive without being intrusive and made some excellent recommendations. He even took the time to explain what was in each dish and cocktail.

The space itself is beautifully decorated with an upscale yet cozy atmosphere. It's perfect for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends. And speaking of friends, make sure to bring yours because you won't want to miss out on this place!

In summary, if you're looking for a great meal with outstanding service in a beautifully decorated space then look no further than The Foxtail in Downtown Downers Grove. I promise you won't be disappointed!

You might also want to check out the best steak in Schaumburg.

Emmett's Brewing Company

Highlights
Pub atmosphere
Good food and beer
Great for events
Accommodating to groups
Free parking options

First of all, I was pleasantly surprised by the pub atmosphere. The wooden interior and dim lighting gave off a cozy vibe that made me want to stay awhile. And trust me, you'll want to stay for the food and beer! Speaking of which, both were excellent. I ordered the fish and chips, which were crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside. And their in-house brewed beers did not disappoint- I tried their IPA and it had just the right amount of hoppy goodness.

What's great about Emmett's is that it's not just a place for casual dining, but also for events. Whether it's a birthday party or a corporate event, they are accommodating to groups of all sizes. Plus, they have free parking options nearby so you don't have to worry about finding a spot.

Overall, if you're looking for good food and beer in Downtown Downers Grove with a relaxed yet lively atmosphere, Emmett's Brewing Company should definitely be on your list.

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Pierce Tavern

Highlights
Lively sports bar
Great menu with variety
Friendly and accommodating staff
Delicious food and amazing cocktails

First and foremost, Pierce Tavern is a lively sports bar that offers a great atmosphere to watch your favorite team while enjoying some delicious food and amazing cocktails. As soon as I entered the restaurant, I was greeted by their staff with warm smiles and friendly service, which made me feel right at home.

The menu at Pierce Tavern offers a variety of options for all types of taste buds. From classic pub fare like burgers and fries to more upscale dishes like lobster mac and cheese or grilled salmon, there's something for everyone. The portions are generous so be sure to bring your appetite!

I ordered the buffalo chicken sandwich which was cooked to perfection - crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The presentation of the dish was also impressive. And let's not forget about their amazing cocktails; they were refreshing and had unique flavors that you won't find anywhere else.

Overall, my experience at Pierce Tavern was outstanding! The staff was accommodating, the food was absolutely delicious, and the atmosphere was lively. It's definitely worth checking out if you're in Downtown Downers Grove.

You might also want to check out the best seafood in Schaumburg.

Brick House Tavern + Tap

Highlights
Exceptional service
Great food
Cozy atmosphere
Must-try mozzarella bricks

First of all, I must say that the service at this establishment is absolutely exceptional. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with a warm smile and seated promptly. Our waiter was attentive and provided excellent recommendations throughout our meal.

Now onto the food - it was great! The menu offers a variety of options ranging from classic pub fare to more elevated dishes. We tried the mozzarella bricks as recommended by our waiter and they were a definite must-try. The entrees we ordered were cooked to perfection and presented beautifully.

The atmosphere at Brick House Tavern + Tap is cozy and welcoming, making it the perfect spot for a night out with friends or a romantic dinner for two.

Overall, I highly recommend Brick House Tavern + Tap as one of the best restaurants in Downtown Downers Grove. Their exceptional service, great food, cozy atmosphere and must-try mozzarella bricks make it a standout destination for any occasion.

You might also want to check out the best seafood in Naperville.

Bryan’s American Grille

Highlights
Wonderful lunch specials
Delightful service from Shannon
Killer potato salad by Owner's Wife
Sensei of Soup, Bryan's specialty

First off, I have to say that the lunch specials at Bryan’s are simply wonderful. They offer a great selection of dishes that are both satisfying and delicious. But what really stood out to me was the service provided by Shannon. She was delightful, attentive, and made our dining experience truly enjoyable.

Now let's talk about the food! The potato salad made by Owner's Wife was killer! It had just the right amount of seasoning and creaminess. I actually asked for seconds! But let's not forget Bryan's specialty - soup. He is truly a sensei of soup! The flavors were so rich and comforting that it felt like a hug in a bowl.

The ambiance of Bryan’s American Grille is also something worth mentioning. It's cozy yet sophisticated, perfect for any occasion whether it be a romantic date or a business meeting.

Overall, if you're looking for a restaurant with amazing food, delightful service, and a cozy atmosphere all wrapped into one, then Bryan’s American Grille is definitely worth checking out. Don't believe me? Try their potato salad and Sensei of Soup for yourself!

You might also want to check out the best seafood restaurants in Schaumburg.

Eagle Restaurant

Highlights
Local favorite
Delicious cheeseburgers
Fair portion sizes

Firstly, I found out that Eagle Restaurant is a local favorite and now I know why. As soon as I walked in, the cozy atmosphere and friendly staff made me feel right at home.

Now let's talk about the food! The cheeseburgers here are simply divine - juicy and flavorful with the perfect amount of melted cheese. One bite and my taste buds were transported to burger heaven. Plus, the portion sizes are quite fair so you won't leave feeling like you need to be rolled out the door.

What really impressed me about Eagle Restaurant was their attention to detail. From the perfectly toasted buns to the fresh lettuce and tomato toppings, every element of their burgers was just right.

Overall, I would definitely recommend visiting Eagle Restaurant for a tasty burger fix when in Downtown Downers Grove. Just make sure you bring your appetite because once you take a bite of their burgers, you won't want to stop!

Wasabi Restaurant & Bar

Highlights
Great sushi selection and Chinese food
Best mixed drinks in the industry
Friendly staff with excellent service
House-made sweet and sour sauce & Fresh sushi

First and foremost, let's talk about their sushi selection. It's impressive! From classic rolls to specialty ones, they have it all. The freshness of the fish in each roll is unbeatable. Plus, they also serve Chinese food for those who want a change from sushi.

Now, let's get to the drinks. If you're looking for a place with the best mixed drinks in town, Wasabi is your spot. Their bartenders are skilled and can whip up any drink you desire. I tried their signature cocktail and it was delightful!

Apart from great food and drinks, their staff deserves a shoutout as well. They were friendly and attentive throughout my visit, ensuring that I had everything I needed.

One thing I particularly enjoyed was their house-made sweet and sour sauce which perfectly complemented my meal! And as if that wasn't enough, the sushi was so fresh that every bite felt like heaven.

Overall, Wasabi Restaurant & Bar exceeded my expectations with its delicious food, skilled bartenders, friendly staff and excellent service. It's definitely worth visiting if you're looking for a memorable dining experience in Downtown Downers Grove!