A few weekends ago, I was invited to an evening at the Rosemont Entertainment District. I was able to dine at every single restaurant there, and let me tell you: it was the best night EVER! I have compiled a restaurant guide for Rosemont below, sharing my favorite dishes, drinks and more.
Here is a little info on each restaurant so you can choose your favorite when visiting. There is something for everyone’s tastebuds- from German to Mexican, Irish to Brazilian fare, you won’t be disappointed in the variety or quality.
If you want a Mexican Cantina with a comprehensive cocktail menu, this place is for you. I saw a Cervasa Rita arrive at a nearby table- a margarita with sidecar bottles of Corona stuck in the top. Their signature dish is the Sizzling Fajitas (delicious and fresh), but they also have off the beaten path items such as Candied Ancho Bacon. The open air balcony (summer) overlooks the entertainment district, and reminds me of Avenida 5 in Playa del Carmen.
Why just go to a movie theater when you can go to Bogart’s? This restaurant is nestled into the top floor of Muvico Theater and serves gourmet food and craft cocktails in addition to wine, beer and flatbread pizzas. There is a 21 and over area for the movie theater/restaurant, so this makes an ideal parent’s night out. (I really don’t want to deal with a toddler’s sticky hands when they aren’t attached to my own child). Dinner and a movie will never be the same after hopping in here!
Calling Five Roses a pub is like calling the Hofbrauhaus in Germany just a bar. This is so much more- from the intricate dark wood detail to leather-bound books lining the walls, it feels like an Irish castle that turns into a raging party after dark! Dine on unique dishes such as Corned Beef & Cabbage Spring Rolls, Bangers & Mash or Fish & Chips paired with their seemingly endless supply of craft beers. I tried a fun take on Fish & Chips where they added freshly prepared fish to a potato skin paired with the North Coast Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout (9%).
If you haven’t been to Fogo before, you must go at least once to experience this out of the box way to dine. Gauchos circulate around the restaurant serving slices of meat grilled to perfection, and they approach your table when you give them the green light. The market table, situated in the middle of the restaurant, is choc full of fresh offerings such as hearts of palm, shaved brussels sprouts and bacon, and assorted charcuterie. Last time I went, I ordered the shrimp cocktail- these were massive! Make sure to grab their signature drink- a Caipirinha that blends Cachaça, fresh limes, and cane sugar. Read my review and see what Fogo de Chao is all about!
Yes, this is my favorite restaurant in Rosemont, possibly in Chicago. Why? It is absolutely reminiscent of the original one in Germany. Why? It is a replica of the 400 year old landmark! This is authentic as German dining gets in America, and feel free to bring the whole family and make sure to order a pretzel with Obazter cheese. My two and four year olds were dancing in the aisles last time we came. They fly bands in from Germany every month or so and they perform live daily. I can’t WAIT for Oktoberfest- watch out as I wave my stein and dance in my dirndl!
What do you think of when you hear bowling alley food? Buffalo Wontons? Bacon Wrapped Scallops? No? Well, Kings Bowl isn’t your average bowling alley and these are just two of the delicious dishes they serve. No day old popcorn here- grab a Kale & Quinoa salad as you nail a strike. In addition to their 20 ten-pin bowling lanes, they also offer a pool/billards lounge and a full upscale bar. They have fruit goblet drinks that remind me of fish bowls…mainly because some are served with Swedish Fish!
This place is a part urban, part lodge. They have a baffling display of craft beer which is paired perfectly with Tavern Plates (Tuna Poke, Cheese Curds), Two-Handed Sandwiches (Footlong Grilled Cheese, Mexibano), Tacos, Market Burgers, House-Smoked Meats and Tavern Specialties. I tried the Mexibano, which is the Mexican version of a Cuban sandwich. I would go back JUST for that! Their seasonal rotation of beers assures that you will always have the opportunity to taste something new. Also, I sampled the Adult Shirley Temple- such good memories of my childhood!
This is quite the destination! There are Sugar Factory locations in many major cities, including Miami, New York and Orlando, so we are incredibly fortunate to have one in Rosemont. Like its name, Sugar Factory is indeed dedicated to all things sweet but they have their share of savory items as well. I sampled the Fried Macaroni & Cheese with Tomato Bacon Jam, Cream Cheese Smashed Potato Flatbread, the Chocolate Cookie Shake, and of course the Lollipop Passion Goblet. Don’t forget to hit up the candy store- I recommend the chocolate-covered espresso beans AND chocolate-covered gummy bears. Read my full review here where I took my fave moms for Mother’s Day Brunch last year!
Stay tuned for my review of the chic and stunning Lowes Chicago O’Hare Hotel!
Thank you to the Rosemont Entertainment District for hosting this amazing tasting.
