Epicurious eats in Morton Grove, Illinois
# **A Foodie’s Guide to Morton Grove, Illinois: 10 Must-Try Dining Experiences**
Morton Grove, Illinois, may be a quiet suburb, but its dining scene is anything but sleepy. From bubble tea havens to sizzling Korean BBQ joints and classic American taverns, this village offers a surprisingly diverse culinary landscape. Whether you're craving chewy boba, fiery Cantonese flavors, or smoky grilled meats, this guide will take you through the best dishes and experiences at 10 standout eateries.
---
## **1. Avalanche Bubble Tea – Sweet, Chewy, and Refreshing**
? *6317 Dempster St, Morton Grove, IL 60053*
? [Menu](
)
### **Why Visit?**
Avalanche Bubble Tea is a haven for boba lovers, offering a rainbow of flavors and textures. Their menu is packed with milk teas, fruit teas, slushies, and customizable toppings.
### **What to Order:**
- **Taro Milk Tea with Boba** – Creamy, nutty, and perfectly sweet.
- **Strawberry Matcha Latte** – A vibrant, Instagram-worthy layered drink.
- **Thai Tea with Pudding** – A rich, spiced tea with silky custard pudding.
**Pro Tip:** Ask for less sugar if you prefer a subtler sweetness—some drinks can be quite sugary by default.
---
## **2. Palace Cantonese Restaurant – Classic Chinese Comfort**
? *9236 Waukegan Rd, Morton Grove, IL 60053*
? [Menu](
)
### **Why Visit?**
This no-frills spot serves up authentic Cantonese dishes, from dim sum to fiery wok-tossed noodles.
### **What to Order:**
- **Salt & Pepper Shrimp** – Crispy, garlicky, and addictively spicy.
- **Beef Chow Fun** – Wide rice noodles seared with tender beef and bean sprouts.
- **BBQ Pork Buns (Char Siu Bao)** – Fluffy steamed buns stuffed with sweet-savory pork.
**Pro Tip:** Their lunch specials are a steal—come early for the best deals.
---
## **3. Boba Burger – Where Bubble Tea Meets Burgers**
? *8530 Waukegan Rd, Morton Grove, IL 60053*
? [Menu](
)
### **Why Visit?**
This quirky spot combines juicy burgers with refreshing boba drinks—a perfect fusion for indecisive eaters.
### **What to Order:**
- **Boba Burger Special** – A classic cheeseburger with a side of taro boba tea.
- **Kimchi Fries** – Crispy fries loaded with spicy kimchi, cheese, and bulgogi.
- **Mango Green Tea with Lychee Jelly** – A tropical, refreshing sip.
**Pro Tip:** Their bulgogi burger is a must for Korean BBQ lovers.
---
## **4. To Soc Chon – Korean Comfort Food Done Right**
? *6032 W Dempster St, Morton Grove, IL 60053*
? [Menu](
)
### **Why Visit?**
A cozy spot specializing in hearty Korean stews, BBQ, and sizzling hot stone bowls.
### **What to Order:**
- **Dolsot Bibimbap** – A crispy rice bowl with veggies, beef, and a runny egg.
- **Sundubu Jjigae (Spicy Soft Tofu Stew)** – Silky tofu in a fiery broth with seafood or meat.
- **Galbi (Korean Short Ribs)** – Marinated, grilled to perfection.
**Pro Tip:** Mix in the gochujang (red pepper paste) well for maximum flavor.
---
## **5. JeonJu Restaurant – Authentic Korean Flavors**
? *5707 Dempster St, Morton Grove, IL 60053*
? [Menu](
)
### **Why Visit?**
Named after the Korean food capital, Jeonju, this place excels in traditional dishes like bibimbap and savory pancakes.
### **What to Order:**
- **Jeonju-Style Bibimbap** – Packed with fresh veggies, beef, and a raw egg yolk.
- **Kimchi Jeon (Kimchi Pancake)** – Crispy, tangy, and perfect with makgeolli (rice wine).
- **Japchae** – Glass noodles stir-fried with veggies and beef.
**Pro Tip:** Their banchan (side dishes) are refillable—don’t hold back!
---
## **6. China Town Express – Quick, Tasty Chinese Bites**
? *6121 Dempster St, Morton Grove, IL 60053*
? [Menu](
)
### **Why Visit?**
A reliable spot for quick, flavorful Chinese-American classics.
### **What to Order:**
- **General Tso’s Chicken** – Crispy, sweet, and slightly spicy.
- **Pork Fried Rice** – Simple but packed with smoky wok hei flavor.
- **Egg Rolls** – Crunchy and stuffed with cabbage and pork.
**Pro Tip:** Their lunch specials include a main, rice, and an egg roll—great value!
---
## **7. Tommy's Tavern & Restaurant – Classic American Fare**
? *9005 Waukegan Rd, Morton Grove, IL 60053*
? [Menu](
)
### **Why Visit?**
A neighborhood staple with hearty burgers, wings, and pub grub in a relaxed setting.
### **What to Order:**
- **Tommy’s Burger** – Juicy, with cheddar, bacon, and garlic aioli.
- **Buffalo Wings** – Crispy with just the right amount of heat.
- **Fish & Chips** – Beer-battered and golden.
**Pro Tip:** Happy hour (3–6 PM) offers great deals on drinks and apps.
---
## **8. K-COOP – Korean Fried Chicken Heaven**
? *5900 Dempster St, Morton Grove, IL 60053*
? [Menu](
)
### **Why Visit?**
If you love ultra-crispy Korean fried chicken, this is your spot.
### **What to Order:**
- **Soy Garlic Fried Chicken** – Sweet, savory, and addictively crunchy.
- **Spicy Yangnyeom Chicken** – Fiery, sticky, and finger-licking good.
- **Cheese Corn** – A gooey, buttery side dish.
**Pro Tip:** Order a beer or soju to cut through the richness.
---
## **9. Hwang Soh Grill – Korean Offal BBQ Adventure**
? *5819 Dempster St, Morton Grove, IL 60053*
? [Menu](
)
### **Why Visit?**
A specialty spot for Korean grilled intestines (gopchang) and premium cuts.
### **What to Order:**
- **Gopchang (Grilled Intestines)** – Crispy outside, chewy inside.
- **Daechang (Large Intestine)** – Rich and buttery.
- **Galbi (Short Ribs)** – For those who prefer classic BBQ.
**Pro Tip:** Let the staff grill it for you—they know the perfect doneness.
---
## **10. Charcoal Flame Grill – Mediterranean Meets American Grill**
? *6800 Dempster St, Morton Grove, IL 60053*
? [Menu](
)
### **Why Visit?**
A fusion of juicy burgers, shawarma, and gyros.
### **What to Order:**
- **Lamb Gyro Platter** – Tender, spiced lamb with garlic sauce.
- **Charcoal Burger** – Smoky, juicy, and stacked high.
- **Baklava** – Flaky, honey-drenched dessert.
**Pro Tip:** Their garlic sauce is legendary—ask for extra!
---
### **Final Thoughts**
Morton Grove’s dining scene is a hidden gem, offering everything from Korean offal feasts to refreshing boba drinks. Whether you're in the mood for fiery spices, smoky BBQ, or comforting pub grub, this guide ensures you’ll eat well. So grab a friend (or three) and start tasting your way through Morton Grove—one delicious bite at a time.
**Hungry yet?** Which spot will you try first? ?️
Morton Grove, Illinois, may be a quiet suburb, but its dining scene is anything but sleepy. From bubble tea havens to sizzling Korean BBQ joints and classic American taverns, this village offers a surprisingly diverse culinary landscape. Whether you're craving chewy boba, fiery Cantonese flavors, or smoky grilled meats, this guide will take you through the best dishes and experiences at 10 standout eateries.
---
## **1. Avalanche Bubble Tea – Sweet, Chewy, and Refreshing**
? *6317 Dempster St, Morton Grove, IL 60053*
? [Menu](
)
### **Why Visit?**
Avalanche Bubble Tea is a haven for boba lovers, offering a rainbow of flavors and textures. Their menu is packed with milk teas, fruit teas, slushies, and customizable toppings.
### **What to Order:**
- **Taro Milk Tea with Boba** – Creamy, nutty, and perfectly sweet.
- **Strawberry Matcha Latte** – A vibrant, Instagram-worthy layered drink.
- **Thai Tea with Pudding** – A rich, spiced tea with silky custard pudding.
**Pro Tip:** Ask for less sugar if you prefer a subtler sweetness—some drinks can be quite sugary by default.
---
## **2. Palace Cantonese Restaurant – Classic Chinese Comfort**
? *9236 Waukegan Rd, Morton Grove, IL 60053*
? [Menu](
)
### **Why Visit?**
This no-frills spot serves up authentic Cantonese dishes, from dim sum to fiery wok-tossed noodles.
### **What to Order:**
- **Salt & Pepper Shrimp** – Crispy, garlicky, and addictively spicy.
- **Beef Chow Fun** – Wide rice noodles seared with tender beef and bean sprouts.
- **BBQ Pork Buns (Char Siu Bao)** – Fluffy steamed buns stuffed with sweet-savory pork.
**Pro Tip:** Their lunch specials are a steal—come early for the best deals.
---
## **3. Boba Burger – Where Bubble Tea Meets Burgers**
? *8530 Waukegan Rd, Morton Grove, IL 60053*
? [Menu](
)
### **Why Visit?**
This quirky spot combines juicy burgers with refreshing boba drinks—a perfect fusion for indecisive eaters.
### **What to Order:**
- **Boba Burger Special** – A classic cheeseburger with a side of taro boba tea.
- **Kimchi Fries** – Crispy fries loaded with spicy kimchi, cheese, and bulgogi.
- **Mango Green Tea with Lychee Jelly** – A tropical, refreshing sip.
**Pro Tip:** Their bulgogi burger is a must for Korean BBQ lovers.
---
## **4. To Soc Chon – Korean Comfort Food Done Right**
? *6032 W Dempster St, Morton Grove, IL 60053*
? [Menu](
)
### **Why Visit?**
A cozy spot specializing in hearty Korean stews, BBQ, and sizzling hot stone bowls.
### **What to Order:**
- **Dolsot Bibimbap** – A crispy rice bowl with veggies, beef, and a runny egg.
- **Sundubu Jjigae (Spicy Soft Tofu Stew)** – Silky tofu in a fiery broth with seafood or meat.
- **Galbi (Korean Short Ribs)** – Marinated, grilled to perfection.
**Pro Tip:** Mix in the gochujang (red pepper paste) well for maximum flavor.
---
## **5. JeonJu Restaurant – Authentic Korean Flavors**
? *5707 Dempster St, Morton Grove, IL 60053*
? [Menu](
)
### **Why Visit?**
Named after the Korean food capital, Jeonju, this place excels in traditional dishes like bibimbap and savory pancakes.
### **What to Order:**
- **Jeonju-Style Bibimbap** – Packed with fresh veggies, beef, and a raw egg yolk.
- **Kimchi Jeon (Kimchi Pancake)** – Crispy, tangy, and perfect with makgeolli (rice wine).
- **Japchae** – Glass noodles stir-fried with veggies and beef.
**Pro Tip:** Their banchan (side dishes) are refillable—don’t hold back!
---
## **6. China Town Express – Quick, Tasty Chinese Bites**
? *6121 Dempster St, Morton Grove, IL 60053*
? [Menu](
)
### **Why Visit?**
A reliable spot for quick, flavorful Chinese-American classics.
### **What to Order:**
- **General Tso’s Chicken** – Crispy, sweet, and slightly spicy.
- **Pork Fried Rice** – Simple but packed with smoky wok hei flavor.
- **Egg Rolls** – Crunchy and stuffed with cabbage and pork.
**Pro Tip:** Their lunch specials include a main, rice, and an egg roll—great value!
---
## **7. Tommy's Tavern & Restaurant – Classic American Fare**
? *9005 Waukegan Rd, Morton Grove, IL 60053*
? [Menu](
)
### **Why Visit?**
A neighborhood staple with hearty burgers, wings, and pub grub in a relaxed setting.
### **What to Order:**
- **Tommy’s Burger** – Juicy, with cheddar, bacon, and garlic aioli.
- **Buffalo Wings** – Crispy with just the right amount of heat.
- **Fish & Chips** – Beer-battered and golden.
**Pro Tip:** Happy hour (3–6 PM) offers great deals on drinks and apps.
---
## **8. K-COOP – Korean Fried Chicken Heaven**
? *5900 Dempster St, Morton Grove, IL 60053*
? [Menu](
)
### **Why Visit?**
If you love ultra-crispy Korean fried chicken, this is your spot.
### **What to Order:**
- **Soy Garlic Fried Chicken** – Sweet, savory, and addictively crunchy.
- **Spicy Yangnyeom Chicken** – Fiery, sticky, and finger-licking good.
- **Cheese Corn** – A gooey, buttery side dish.
**Pro Tip:** Order a beer or soju to cut through the richness.
---
## **9. Hwang Soh Grill – Korean Offal BBQ Adventure**
? *5819 Dempster St, Morton Grove, IL 60053*
? [Menu](
)
### **Why Visit?**
A specialty spot for Korean grilled intestines (gopchang) and premium cuts.
### **What to Order:**
- **Gopchang (Grilled Intestines)** – Crispy outside, chewy inside.
- **Daechang (Large Intestine)** – Rich and buttery.
- **Galbi (Short Ribs)** – For those who prefer classic BBQ.
**Pro Tip:** Let the staff grill it for you—they know the perfect doneness.
---
## **10. Charcoal Flame Grill – Mediterranean Meets American Grill**
? *6800 Dempster St, Morton Grove, IL 60053*
? [Menu](
)
### **Why Visit?**
A fusion of juicy burgers, shawarma, and gyros.
### **What to Order:**
- **Lamb Gyro Platter** – Tender, spiced lamb with garlic sauce.
- **Charcoal Burger** – Smoky, juicy, and stacked high.
- **Baklava** – Flaky, honey-drenched dessert.
**Pro Tip:** Their garlic sauce is legendary—ask for extra!
---
### **Final Thoughts**
Morton Grove’s dining scene is a hidden gem, offering everything from Korean offal feasts to refreshing boba drinks. Whether you're in the mood for fiery spices, smoky BBQ, or comforting pub grub, this guide ensures you’ll eat well. So grab a friend (or three) and start tasting your way through Morton Grove—one delicious bite at a time.
**Hungry yet?** Which spot will you try first? ?️
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