Paul’s Guide to Historic Elgin and the Local Area
Food scene
Elgin boasts a rich bar and restaurant scene. Sure, all the major chain restaurants are available to the west on Randall Road. But the local cuisine is varied and delicious!
Note that links to each restaurant, full contact info, and maps are available from online version of Paul's Guidebook in the Airbnb app.
Whether you are looking to spend a special evening with your partner or entertain a valued client, Buckingham's offers fine food, excellent service and the best wine list in Elgin. Located with the Grand Victoria Casino, about 2 miles south of 200 River Bluff.
(847) 531-7703
Websitegrandvictoriacasino.com
Buckinghams Steakhouse and Bistro
250 South Grove AvenueWhether you are looking to spend a special evening with your partner or entertain a valued client, Buckingham's offers fine food, excellent service and the best wine list in Elgin. Located with the Grand Victoria Casino, about 2 miles south of 200 River Bluff.
(847) 531-7703
Websitegrandvictoriacasino.com
Order with Grubub!
Serving lunch and dinner Mexican specialties and whole chicken dinners. Take out and curbside pickup.
(847) 742-3100
La Casa de Pollo Asado
221 East National StreetOrder with Grubub!
Serving lunch and dinner Mexican specialties and whole chicken dinners. Take out and curbside pickup.
(847) 742-3100
To order online click for a mini-guide and select restaurant website or with order Grubub! Traditional fresh sushi with a Cali twist and alcohol options to-go.
(224) 856-5590
kubosushi.com
Kubo Sushi and Sake Lounge
70 South Grove AvenueTo order online click for a mini-guide and select restaurant website or with order Grubub! Traditional fresh sushi with a Cali twist and alcohol options to-go.
(224) 856-5590
kubosushi.com
Take out and curbside pickup available. Uber Eats & DoorDash delivery. Serving Thai cuisine for lunch and dinner. Ask about specials!
+1 847-531-8755
toomtoomthai.net
Toom Toom Thai
23 S Grove AveTake out and curbside pickup available. Uber Eats & DoorDash delivery. Serving Thai cuisine for lunch and dinner. Ask about specials!
+1 847-531-8755
toomtoomthai.net
Take out and curbside pickup available. Call to order.
Serving delicious lunch and dinner seafood options in traditional Nayarit style.
(224) 281-4549
mariscoselcharco.com
Mariscos El Charco
302 South McLean BoulevardTake out and curbside pickup available. Call to order.
Serving delicious lunch and dinner seafood options in traditional Nayarit style.
(224) 281-4549
mariscoselcharco.com
Order online for curbside pick-up or local delivery.
Serving home cooked specialties including quiche, crepes & more!
(224) 523-8893
redpoppybistro.com
Red Poppy Bistro
109 East Highland AvenueOrder online for curbside pick-up or local delivery.
Serving home cooked specialties including quiche, crepes & more!
(224) 523-8893
redpoppybistro.com
Order online for pick-up. Catering available. Serving bold new flavors blending Southern, Mexican and Jamaican cuisine.
(224) 268-3197
monissoulfoodfiesta.com
Moni's Soulfood Fiesta
13 Douglas AvenueOrder online for pick-up. Catering available. Serving bold new flavors blending Southern, Mexican and Jamaican cuisine.
(224) 268-3197
monissoulfoodfiesta.com
Call to order for take-out or curbside pick-up. Serving both, your favorite Asian specialties and fresh sushi!
(630) 943-3942
Mr Hibachi
2762 East Main StreetCall to order for take-out or curbside pick-up. Serving both, your favorite Asian specialties and fresh sushi!
(630) 943-3942
If you're looking for good local barbecue, these folks are just a mile or so to the east. Pretty basic seasoning with a choice of great sauces.
(847) 931-5198
Elgin BBQ Pit
970 Dundee AveIf you're looking for good local barbecue, these folks are just a mile or so to the east. Pretty basic seasoning with a choice of great sauces.
(847) 931-5198
Peru Caters brings the joy of Peruvian flavor to you! Experience amazing Peruvian Cuisine, prepared and served in a variety of flavorful dishes.
Managed by Chicago based Peruvian, Chef Willy, he brings over 30 years of experience in typical Peruvian Cuisine. Peru Caters serves authentic “Comida Criolla”. It’s the tastiest part of Chef Willy’s Peruvian heritage rooted in Andean, Spanish, African and Asian influences. Chef Willy’s own original twists on traditional Peruvian favorites give Peru Caters’ menu an authentic taste with a unique, healthy spin.
Located inside the Dream Hall at 51 in Downtown Elgin.
(630) 344-2340
perucaters.negocio.site
Perucaters - Comida Peruana - Ceviche - Lomo Saltado - in Dream Hall at 51 Elgin IL.
5N105 Illinois 53Peru Caters brings the joy of Peruvian flavor to you! Experience amazing Peruvian Cuisine, prepared and served in a variety of flavorful dishes.
Managed by Chicago based Peruvian, Chef Willy, he brings over 30 years of experience in typical Peruvian Cuisine. Peru Caters serves authentic “Comida Criolla”. It’s the tastiest part of Chef Willy’s Peruvian heritage rooted in Andean, Spanish, African and Asian influences. Chef Willy’s own original twists on traditional Peruvian favorites give Peru Caters’ menu an authentic taste with a unique, healthy spin.
Located inside the Dream Hall at 51 in Downtown Elgin.
(630) 344-2340
perucaters.negocio.site
Take out and curbside pickup available. Free local delivery.
Serving appetizers, pizza, pasta, ribs, fried chicken and fish.
+1 847-468-8810
elginpublichouse.com
10 locals recommend
Elgin Public House
219 E Chicago StTake out and curbside pickup available. Free local delivery.
Serving appetizers, pizza, pasta, ribs, fried chicken and fish.
+1 847-468-8810
elginpublichouse.com
Bar
Note that links to each bar, full contact info, and maps are available from online version of Paul's Guidebook in the Airbnb app.
Huge selection of award-winning, handcrafted, creative cocktails!
Phone+1 847-741-0349
martiniroomelgin.com
Martini Room
161 E Chicago StHuge selection of award-winning, handcrafted, creative cocktails!
Phone+1 847-741-0349
martiniroomelgin.com
Seasonal outdoor seating available. Serving signature cocktails, wine and beer in the heart of Downtown Elgin.
(847) 454-3025
lounge51co.com
Lounge 51
51 South Grove AvenueSeasonal outdoor seating available. Serving signature cocktails, wine and beer in the heart of Downtown Elgin.
(847) 454-3025
lounge51co.com
Come for a visit and you’ll be impressed with the high-end interior touches specifically chosen to create a vibe that’s 1920s tavern meets neighborhood dive bar. A rich color palate sets the stage where you can spend time among friends enjoying specialty crafted cocktails. Unique decor including tufted benches, repurposed church pews, romantic light fixtures and a hand-poured bar top combine to bring the entire 1920s vibe full circle.
vernstavern.com
Vern’s Tavern
76 South Grove AvenueCome for a visit and you’ll be impressed with the high-end interior touches specifically chosen to create a vibe that’s 1920s tavern meets neighborhood dive bar. A rich color palate sets the stage where you can spend time among friends enjoying specialty crafted cocktails. Unique decor including tufted benches, repurposed church pews, romantic light fixtures and a hand-poured bar top combine to bring the entire 1920s vibe full circle.
vernstavern.com
Quick Eats!
Note that links to each restaurant, full contact info, and maps are available from online version of Paul's Guidebook in the Airbnb app.
Take out and curbside pickup available. Uber Eats, GrubHub & DoorDash delivery. Serving traditional gyros and sides.
(847) 742-4826
Spanky's Gyros III
Take out and curbside pickup available. Uber Eats, GrubHub & DoorDash delivery. Serving traditional gyros and sides.
(847) 742-4826
Order online from: Grubhub / DoorDash/ Ubereats!
Breakfast & lunch, baked goods, coffee & more. Outdoor seasonal dining. About 1 1/2 miles south of 200 River Bluff.
+1 847-697-2583
theblueboxcafe.com
7 locals recommend
Blue Box Cafe
176 E Chicago StOrder online from: Grubhub / DoorDash/ Ubereats!
Breakfast & lunch, baked goods, coffee & more. Outdoor seasonal dining. About 1 1/2 miles south of 200 River Bluff.
+1 847-697-2583
theblueboxcafe.com
Take out and curbside pickup available. Serving Mexican specialties including fajitas, burritos, tortas, tacos and more.
(847) 695-7930
Taqueria El Cokito
81 Villa StreetTake out and curbside pickup available. Serving Mexican specialties including fajitas, burritos, tortas, tacos and more.
(847) 695-7930
Take-out and curbside pickup available. $2.50 local delivery. Fresh sandwiches, chips, cookies and more. Freaky fast as always!
(847) 931-8600
locations.jimmyjohns.com
Jimmy John's
2308 N Richmond RdTake-out and curbside pickup available. $2.50 local delivery. Fresh sandwiches, chips, cookies and more. Freaky fast as always!
(847) 931-8600
locations.jimmyjohns.com
Good, old-fashioned Chicago hot dog and Italian beef joint. Also serves a great charcoal-grilled burger. Bring your appetite!
(847) 697-3932
beefvilla.com
Beef Villa
1055 Dundee AvenueGood, old-fashioned Chicago hot dog and Italian beef joint. Also serves a great charcoal-grilled burger. Bring your appetite!
(847) 697-3932
beefvilla.com
Pizza
Note that links to each restaurant, full contact info, and maps are available from online version of Paul's Guidebook in the Airbnb app.
If you are looking for great Chicago-style thin crust pizza, take a spin over to their location, just about 2 miles SE or give them a call for quick, delicious delivery!
(847) 742-8802
chicagopizzaauthority.com
Chicago Pizza Authority
1050 Summit StreetIf you are looking for great Chicago-style thin crust pizza, take a spin over to their location, just about 2 miles SE or give them a call for quick, delicious delivery!
(847) 742-8802
chicagopizzaauthority.com
Order online with Toast. Danny's has been a local favorite for decades. Serving pizza, pasta and sandwiches, their pizza has thicker crust than some, lots of cheese and plenty of toppings! And easy walk from 200 River Bluff.
+1 847-742-5400
dannyspizzaelgin.com
Danny's Pizza
231 Douglas AveOrder online with Toast. Danny's has been a local favorite for decades. Serving pizza, pasta and sandwiches, their pizza has thicker crust than some, lots of cheese and plenty of toppings! And easy walk from 200 River Bluff.
+1 847-742-5400
dannyspizzaelgin.com
Order online from Grubhub / Ubereats / Seamless
Looking for a classic wood fired pizza? Bricks' is the place! Located in the heart of Elgin's revitalizing downtown, be sure to make Bricks a stop if you decide to walk down to the casino. Quick local delivery available too!
(224) 268-3995
brickswoodfiredpizza.com
Bricks Wood Fired Pizza
103 E Front StOrder online from Grubhub / Ubereats / Seamless
Looking for a classic wood fired pizza? Bricks' is the place! Located in the heart of Elgin's revitalizing downtown, be sure to make Bricks a stop if you decide to walk down to the casino. Quick local delivery available too!
(224) 268-3995
brickswoodfiredpizza.com
Breakfast, Coffee and Sweets
Note that links to each restaurant, full contact info, and maps are available from online version of Paul's Guidebook in the Airbnb app.
Drive-thru open at the Clock Tower Plaza location. Serving breakfast sandwiches and wraps, coffee beverages, donuts and more.
(847) 289-9500
126 locals recommend
Dunkin'
2565 W Fullerton AveDrive-thru open at the Clock Tower Plaza location. Serving breakfast sandwiches and wraps, coffee beverages, donuts and more.
(847) 289-9500
Take out and curbside pickup available. Serving fresh ice cream, shakes, smoothies, paletas, tortas, elote and more.
(224) 227-6450
Las Mangonadas Ice Cream Parlor
Take out and curbside pickup available. Serving fresh ice cream, shakes, smoothies, paletas, tortas, elote and more.
(224) 227-6450
Take out and curbside pickup. Free local delivery. Serving fresh popped gourmet popcorn in amazing flavors.
(847) 789-6084
Mama Lee's Gourmet Popcorn
100 S Spring StTake out and curbside pickup. Free local delivery. Serving fresh popped gourmet popcorn in amazing flavors.
(847) 789-6084
Stop in for an amazing beverage. Indoor and outdoor seating is available. Serving coffee, espresso drinks, teas and baked goods.
(224) 200-2635
Viator Coffee Co.
51 S Grove AveStop in for an amazing beverage. Indoor and outdoor seating is available. Serving coffee, espresso drinks, teas and baked goods.
(224) 200-2635
Neighborhoods
The historic Fox River Trail run right through the property on an exclusive right-of-way granted over a century ago. This could have allowed the original owner of the house to have their own train stop!
The trail is a multi-use path in Illinois along the Fox River. Largely in Kane County, the trail connects the communities of (North to South) Algonquin, Carpentersville, Dundee, Elgin, South Elgin, St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia, North Aurora, Aurora, Montgomery, and Oswego.
The trail begins at the McHenry County line in Algonquin and runs south just over 38 miles (61.2 kilometres) to Oswego in Kendall County. A 1 mile (1.6 kilometres) gap in Aurora was closed in 2016 by a new protected bike lane.[1] From St. Charles south most of the route is next to Illinois Route 25 on the east side of the river or Route 31 on the west side. The trail crosses the river in several places and between Batavia and North Aurora the trail splits and runs parallel along both sides.[2][3]
Some of the trail is dedicated-use on the former right of way of the A.,E.&F.R.E.Co. interurban railroad and the C.&N.W.Ry. railroad, but some has been purpose-built along the riverbanks. Using the railroad right of ways allows long sections with little grade change and wide curves, while the purpose-built sections can be closer to the river. Dedicated-use sections are asphalt paved. Limited portions require a user to travel across intersections, directly on public streets or on private land.
Fox River Trail
Fox River TrailThe historic Fox River Trail run right through the property on an exclusive right-of-way granted over a century ago. This could have allowed the original owner of the house to have their own train stop!
The trail is a multi-use path in Illinois along the Fox River. Largely in Kane County, the trail connects the communities of (North to South) Algonquin, Carpentersville, Dundee, Elgin, South Elgin, St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia, North Aurora, Aurora, Montgomery, and Oswego.
The trail begins at the McHenry County line in Algonquin and runs south just over 38 miles (61.2 kilometres) to Oswego in Kendall County. A 1 mile (1.6 kilometres) gap in Aurora was closed in 2016 by a new protected bike lane.[1] From St. Charles south most of the route is next to Illinois Route 25 on the east side of the river or Route 31 on the west side. The trail crosses the river in several places and between Batavia and North Aurora the trail splits and runs parallel along both sides.[2][3]
Some of the trail is dedicated-use on the former right of way of the A.,E.&F.R.E.Co. interurban railroad and the C.&N.W.Ry. railroad, but some has been purpose-built along the riverbanks. Using the railroad right of ways allows long sections with little grade change and wide curves, while the purpose-built sections can be closer to the river. Dedicated-use sections are asphalt paved. Limited portions require a user to travel across intersections, directly on public streets or on private land.
The Elgin Downtown Commercial District was added in 2015 to the National Register of Historic Places. Elgin's downtown is a traditional small central city business district with pockets of commercial buildings from the mid-19th century through the 20th century.
The district is roughly bound by Division Street on the north, Center Street and Villa Court on the east, Fulton Street on the south, and Riverside Drive and Grove Avenue on the west. The properties contained within the district boundary represent an intact commercial core area of downtown Elgin that dates back to the early years of Elgin's settlement history. The boundary area included approximately 98 properties. The downtown has mixed uses with governmental buildings typically at the northwest end and remnants of an industrial district that once lines the Fox River and northernmost boundary of the downtown.
Elgin's Downtown Commercial District is significant due to its association with commercial and business development between 1873 and 1964, an industrial satellite city of Chicago. From early shops of the late 19th century, to the arrival of department and chain stores in the early to mid 20th century, this grouping of historic structures served as the first major business center of the community. It also was the transportation and government heart of the community.
Downtown
The Elgin Downtown Commercial District was added in 2015 to the National Register of Historic Places. Elgin's downtown is a traditional small central city business district with pockets of commercial buildings from the mid-19th century through the 20th century.
The district is roughly bound by Division Street on the north, Center Street and Villa Court on the east, Fulton Street on the south, and Riverside Drive and Grove Avenue on the west. The properties contained within the district boundary represent an intact commercial core area of downtown Elgin that dates back to the early years of Elgin's settlement history. The boundary area included approximately 98 properties. The downtown has mixed uses with governmental buildings typically at the northwest end and remnants of an industrial district that once lines the Fox River and northernmost boundary of the downtown.
Elgin's Downtown Commercial District is significant due to its association with commercial and business development between 1873 and 1964, an industrial satellite city of Chicago. From early shops of the late 19th century, to the arrival of department and chain stores in the early to mid 20th century, this grouping of historic structures served as the first major business center of the community. It also was the transportation and government heart of the community.
Unique architecture, elegance of days gone by and stories you can literally feel as you walk...
Spring-Douglas Historic District
Unique architecture, elegance of days gone by and stories you can literally feel as you walk...
Area Attractions
Note that links to each attraction, full contact info, and maps are available from online version of Paul's Guidebook in the Airbnb app.
A secret gem! This fine art glass gallery is tucked away less than 15 miles away, in the semi-rural heart of Kane County. Definitely worth a visit.
8N665 Edgewood Road
Campton Hills, IL 60124
(312) 755-0000
muranomidwest.com
Murano Midwest Gallery and Gardens
8N665 Edgewood RoadA secret gem! This fine art glass gallery is tucked away less than 15 miles away, in the semi-rural heart of Kane County. Definitely worth a visit.
8N665 Edgewood Road
Campton Hills, IL 60124
(312) 755-0000
muranomidwest.com
As manufacturing waned, the City of Elgin decided to create a cultural and entertainment mecca unrivaled in the NW suburbs. Grand Victoria Casino is one big piece of a much larger effort that includes the Hemmens Center, River Walk, galleries, restaurants and more! The casino also features outdoor live entertainment in the summer and is just about 1 1/2 miles south of 200 River Bluff.
+1 847-468-7000
grandvictoriacasino.com
13 locals recommend
Grand Victoria Casino
250 S Grove AveAs manufacturing waned, the City of Elgin decided to create a cultural and entertainment mecca unrivaled in the NW suburbs. Grand Victoria Casino is one big piece of a much larger effort that includes the Hemmens Center, River Walk, galleries, restaurants and more! The casino also features outdoor live entertainment in the summer and is just about 1 1/2 miles south of 200 River Bluff.
+1 847-468-7000
grandvictoriacasino.com
Authentic feel. This is a real, brush my bare calves with grasses, nature walk. The only other folks out there were the studious environmental types classifying dragonflies. This trail ain't for the grandparents nor the rambunctious 5 year olds. It is peaceful and deserves quiet contemplation. Trail begins at the backend of the Bluff City Cemetery. There is an 8 car lot to park in. Please take out your trash.
Bluff Spring Fen
Spring Grove AvenueAuthentic feel. This is a real, brush my bare calves with grasses, nature walk. The only other folks out there were the studious environmental types classifying dragonflies. This trail ain't for the grandparents nor the rambunctious 5 year olds. It is peaceful and deserves quiet contemplation. Trail begins at the backend of the Bluff City Cemetery. There is an 8 car lot to park in. Please take out your trash.
In addition to an interesting visit to see antique equipment & building, the tour guide also mentioned the actual operations of the firehouse with stories of the horse-drawn fire equipment.
(847) 697-6242
elginfiremuseum.weebly.com
Elgin Fire Barn No. 5 Museum
533 St Charles StIn addition to an interesting visit to see antique equipment & building, the tour guide also mentioned the actual operations of the firehouse with stories of the horse-drawn fire equipment.
(847) 697-6242
elginfiremuseum.weebly.com
Not only is this library walking distance, but it is also one of the finest public libraries in the state, on the banks of the Fox River.
+1 847-742-2411
gailborden.info
8 locals recommend
Gail Borden Public District Main Library
270 N Grove AveNot only is this library walking distance, but it is also one of the finest public libraries in the state, on the banks of the Fox River.
+1 847-742-2411
gailborden.info