As the clock ticks down to midnight and the excitement of the New Year fills the air, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a delicious meal at one of Gurnee’s fantastic restaurants. Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner for two, a lively gathering with friends, or a family celebration, the city’s vibrant dining scene offers something for everyone. From cozy bistros to lively eateries, Gurnee has a variety of options that will ensure your New Year’s Eve is as memorable as it is delicious.
In this listicle, we’ve curated a selection of the best restaurants in Gurnee that will be open on New Year’s Eve, each offering a unique atmosphere and mouthwatering menu to ring in the new year. So, gather your loved ones, raise a glass, and indulge in a culinary experience that will set the tone for a prosperous year ahead. Here’s where you can enjoy great food, festive drinks, and the company of those who matter most as you welcome the new year in style!
14 results
Timothy O’Toole’s Pub Gurnee is a vibrant, family-friendly establishment that captures the essence of a traditional Irish pub while embracing the local community spi…
This hit the spot!! Was a bit pricey but the service was great and the food was better!! Great burgers and overall food selection, good variety they have salads and rice bowls, wraps. The appetizers looked good too! Great beer and drink variety too, some really tasty sounding drinks were available. The server was great and the food came out hot n quick. Loved the side selection too tater tots (yummy too), cole slaw was good, fries... Chips..... My wife wants to go back, and she's picky.
Had an early dinner with my wife. We enjoyed a couple of good beers and split a salad and smash burger. Food and beer were really good. The atmosphere was nice. Our server, I think her name was Katy, was great! She was patient while we tried beers, had the kitchen split the burger for us when she noted we were sharing the plates. I would totally go back.
We ordered for a company lunch. 2 salads and one burger was $70. I felt that was pretty steep. Although one co worker had a decent amount of add ons (her $18 salads turned to $25). They also charged us $6 for 3 extra dressings. Was not given ANY utensils for a carry out order. Felt like service during pick up wasn’t great even with a $5 tip. Upside, my salad was delicious. Would we order again for lunch? No.
Kaiser’s Pizza & Pub is a vibrant dining establishment that combines the warmth of a neighborhood pub with the delicious flavors of artisanal pizza. Located in the heart of…
Best thin crust (tavern-style) pizza in Gurnee! Came in on a Friday night and sat on the bar side. Despite how busy it was the servers were very friendly and professional. There's a decent selection of draft and bottled beer as well as a full drink menu. The pizza was hands down some of the best we've had anywhere, included plenty of well known Chicago restaurants. Husband loved the real garlic bits and sausage on his half of the pizza. The crust is perfectly thing and crispy, sauce is flavorful, and the cheese is fresh. 10/10! Prices are fair for the quality and quantity you receive. Will definitely be ordering take out! Can't recommend enough!
Stopped in on our way out of the city looking for some good pizza on the way home. And boy did we find some. Their thin crust is fantastic. The service was also prompt and friendly. Overall a fantastic experience. Will definitely come back again.
We just moved here and this was our first night out to celebrate a new home. Food is incredible. Gluten free pizza is so good. Fresh and perfectly topped. Fries are great. Servers are friendly but not constantly stopping by to check on you, which we actually prefer. Love it.
Rainforest Cafe is an immersive dining experience that transports guests into the heart of a vibrant rainforest ecosystem. With its lush, tropical decor, animated wildlife, and…
Our server Jordan was extremely friendly and very helpful with all of our requests and questions! When it thunderstormed for the first time was so exciting and we sat right by the elephants! Even the item names were exciting and fun! 100% recommended for anyone of any age.
Was blown away by how delicious the food was. Staff was friendly and helpful. Definitely, will be coming back in the near future. Oh and by the way if you order a beer. Make sure you get the tall. They'll give a clean new glass to take home.
We celebrated our son's birthday here. I had previously read not very good reviews about the service and food, but everyone praised the atmosphere and interior. We went for this cafe without any special expectations, just to have an interesting place for the child. As a result: the service was very good, fast, the child was congratulated on his birthday from the cafe. The food was really tasty and the drinks too. The interior is very unusual, my son was delighted. We were all very pleased! Thank you!
Destino Ristorante is an exquisite dining establishment that brings the rich flavors of Italian cuisine to life in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Located in the heart of the ci…
Karla S was amazing! She recommended great options of food that could accommodate me being vegetarian and knew her stuff on the menu. The service was classy and fast. The food was good but I wasn’t impressed enough to want to return for the price. the spaghetti was good 3.5/5 but it was lacking flavor.
Great experience and meal, one which we will be experiencing again in the near future. Our party of 5 all had something different to include drinks and dessert and everything was delicious. A must have appetizer is the grilled octopus, which was super tender. We are looking forward to our next visit.
We celebrated my birthday last night with my in-laws at Destinos and it was perfect! The bar area is cute. We were seated by the fire which was beautiful. The decor is very romantic and they played great music. The staff were so friendly, helpful and attentive. I had the scampi linguine. It was delicious. My husband had the rigatoni he loved it. My father-in-law had chicken Parmesan. He raved about it. My mother-in-law had beet salad and ravioli, which she loved. The martinis were tasty and they surprised me with a piece of carrot cake at the end that was super yummy. The owner came out and joked with us as a great personality. We can’t wait to come back
Giordano’s is a renowned restaurant chain that specializes in delivering an authentic taste of Chicago-style cuisine. Established in the heart of Chicago, Giordano’s…
In Chicago...of course you have to get Chicago pizza. 6 on a Wednesday, and we got right in. The pizza was very solid. The mozzarella triangles were really good. For me, the tiramisu was the highlight of the meal.
This was the best pizza I've ever had hands down. The restaurant was super cute and the staff was friendly. I would definitely eat here again. If you are in town don't sleep on this place. It's too good to pass up.
This was my first time in the Chicago area. And my first ever deep dish pizza. This place came highly recommended frim our hotel concierge. It was absolutely amazing! Pizzas are made to order, and it took about 45 minutes. So we enjoyed the greek salad while waiting. The atmosphere was fantastic. I love the decor and vibe.
Riverside Cafe is a charming eatery nestled along the scenic banks of the river, offering a delightful dining experience for locals and visitors alike. Our cafe is dedicated to…
I had the combo breakfast, two eggs over medium (cooked properly) sausage links, French Toast (upgrade from toast), and fresh fruit instead of hash browns. Food was served hot, cooked correctly, tasty. Service was good, restaurant is spotlessly clean, well organized. Personally I'm put off by $3.50 for a Diet Coke. You pay your waitress at the table and they watch you when you select the tip amount.
This is a nice place to grab a hot breakfast. There wasn't a wait or a line. The food was hot and really good. My only complaint, don't sit outside. The server forgot we were outside, and yes I bought it to his attention. The prices are affordable and the portion sizes are worth it. I ordered the steak skillet with pancakes, and all of it was good. The steak wasn't tough, it was cooked perfectly. And yes, I ate all of it!!
This is the second time coming here and it was great again. The food is delicious. The service is the best we've had. I can't believe how great the staff are here. Each time the wait staff full of great suggestions and they are right! The Farmer Daughter's extra that you put on the food is outstanding! Just yummy.
Portillo’s Gurnee is a vibrant dining destination located in the heart of Gurnee, Illinois, known for its delicious and diverse menu that celebrates classic American fare…
On our way back from a trip to Wisconsin, we decided to stop and see what all the hype was about since I’d never had it before. It totally lived up to the buzz! The Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches were awesome—full of flavor and definitely worth the stop. The vibe is casual and fun, making it a great place to grab a quick, tasty meal. If you haven’t tried it yet, Portillo’s is a must!
The Italian beef sandwich was very delicious. Also got a Chicago dog that was good as well. Cool atmosphere inside. Food was reasonably priced. The staff was friendly. And it was clean.
Not gonna lie…….being my first time and as a delivery order, the food was excellent and still fresh. I ordered the Chicago dog and spicy chicken sandwich. I usually enjoy spicy food but the amount of spice in that chicken still got my mouth burning. I’m not saying it wasn’t good cause it was. Definitely will order from here again when back in town. Oh my delivery guy was super nice and polite. Top notch service!!!!!
Olivia’s Italian Restaurant is a premier dining destination that brings the authentic flavors of Italy to the heart of the community. With a warm and inviting atmosphere,…
Amazing experience here, I dined in for one, however the service was still fantastic! The house salad was one of the biggest I’ve ever had (this is a good thing) haha … and I could tell the Alfredo sauce was made from scratch and oh so delicious! 5/5 would recommend this place for a date night or just to enjoy some great Italian food.
I had dinner here with my husband a couple days ago and we both loved it. I had the Chicken Marsala, and it was cooked perfect. My husband had the Lasanga Bolognese that just melts in your mouth. I also recommend starting off with the artichokes, and prosciutto appetizer. Not only was the food delicious, but the service was impeccable. Our server (Luigi) was very kind, and not once did we feel rushed. Thank you very much for a great dining experience! We will be back!
It's truly Mamamia -beautiful ambience, great service. Better than what I expected. The warm bread, awesome glass of wine. The food is delicious and excellent than all other restaurants offer in the name of Italian food. Our host was so great he even asked me if I wanted my pasta to be spicy and I won't lie every bite was awesome . Definitely going back truly honored to try authentic good food.
Primo Italian American Cuisine is a vibrant dining establishment that brings the rich flavors and traditions of Italian-American cooking to the heart of the community. Our menu…
Seated immediately with prompt service. Water was served via glass bottle. Bread was on the table quickly with parm/oil/butter tray. Our server was polite,professional, knowledgeable, and prompt throughout with refills. The wine selection is extensive. The decor is old school Italian with some modern elements in the open atmosphere dining area. The food was served quicker than expected , was the right temperature, steaks cooked as ordered, and had an exceptional presentation. There are several rooms that can be booked for private events.
Gluten-free pasta that is unbelievable! This is my second visit, and the pasta was as terrific as the first time. The wait staff are friendly, helpful, and just the right amount of checking without being bothersome. The atmosphere is relaxing and inviting. Oh, and the peanut butter old fashioned is unbelievably good!
It's a bit on the pricey side but still enjoyed the dining experience. A friend was celebrating her birthday and they gave a free dessert which was really well presented. I travel for work and so I have tried a lot of Italian restaurants. I've tried better Italian food somewhere which were not as expensive. I really don't mind paying as long as I'm satisfied and I enjoyed the food. Overall, it's still a good restaurant but could be better I should say, especially with the tastiness of the food.
Cajun Grill is a vibrant dining establishment that brings the rich flavors and culinary traditions of Louisiana to life. Nestled in the heart of the community, we specialize in…
Ordered the cajun shrimp combo, sides: fried rice and egg roll. Regretted it instantly. They do not devein their shrimp and the egg roll was stale.
HALF OF A TOOTHPICK WAS FOUND IN THEIR MEAT. PLEASE READ. Kelly’s Cajun Grill has been one of my favorite restaurants since I first discovered it. However, this will be the last time I eat from there. I ordered Take-Out about two weeks ago and was eating the leftovers a few days later when I felt something unusual in my mouth while I was chewing the food. I thought, could it be a bone? But, Cajun Grill meat doesn’t have any bones in them. To my horror, it was HALF of a toothpick in my mouth. I never experienced something like this before. I contacted the Lake County Health Department Environmental Health services and they did an inspection on 03/07/24. This is the voicemail they left me: “we did a full routine inspection, we didn't find anything out of the ordinary as far as like contaminated food but we did find that sometimes when customers are walking up to the facility allows them to a sample of product I think it was the bourbon chicken and they use toothpicks for those. I know from the complaint that that was like a piece of wood may have been in the food…” In conclusion, they could not do anything about this issue. If the employees use toothpicks to provide samples to the customers, wouldn’t they notice that the toothpick they used broke off while picking the meat and so they should remove that meat or cook a new batch of meat if they couldn’t find the other piece of the toothpick? Human error corrected. My concern is, it wasn’t corrected. The Lake County Health Department don’t realize the severity of the situation. They didn’t even ask for pictures! If I swallowed that toothpick, it could have punctured my organs, caused internal bleeding. It could have been fatal. I always ask myself, what if my order was for a child? I don’t want my restaurant to be shut down, but I don’t want anyone else to experience something like that.
In this better location, the food is only good when it is first made in the morning. By 1pm or starts to taste old. also they use a lot of cheap inflammatory seed oils. These are not genuine avocado oil, so you are gunna get TONS of massive head and body inflammation the next day!!! There are 2 locations here, and I'm rating the much better one that is closer to the ice skating rink. Don't go to the other one because they really suck. Only go to the one near the ice skating rink!!! Anyway... This place is rated 3.7, but I think it is a 4.3. The price makes it a 3 star, however... The food tastes great. Vegetables are perfectly seasoned. It is too expensive for foodcourt food, however. Gotta lower them prices just a tad for it to be in the ranks to be considered as food court food
The Backyard Steak Pit is a premier dining destination that brings the authentic taste of a classic steakhouse to your neighborhood. Nestled in a welcoming atmosphere, our estab…
Atmosphere was a nice a vibe. I ordered the cheese curds, and French dip with a fully loaded baked potato. Tbh I wasn't too impressed with the French dip. The meat was dry/tough/no flavor. I took 3 bites and lost appetite to finish it. The baked potato was good super hot! The cheese curds were good. I was told they burned my original order and had to reduce it. I appreciate the server for keeping us updated. I'm sure the other food was better than what I had.
Amazing ambience from the moment you arrive. Very friendly servers only add to the experience. Great variety of entrées to choose from as well as appetizers. Server was well knowledged with menu & was very helpful when I asked for suggestions. The large flame grill & the aromas stemming from the fire only add to your appetite. Can't go wrong with sirloin or even a perfectly flame very juicy grilled burger. Leave enough room for desert as there is plenty to choose from. This is a definite must if you'rein the area !
I was so excited to come here because I thought the atmosphere was awesome but the food wasn't that great because it was overcooked and kind of burnt in my steak $64 and I thought that it was going to be is super amazing for the price but I was very disappointed but the lobster bisque is always amazing but that doesn't make up for the fact that after I didn't enjoy my food the waiter named Andrew followed me out in the parking lot complaining that he only got a $15 tip Andrew said the quality of the food there doesn't matter and that he should get a 25% tip because it's a fancy restaurant and I was kind of feeling like he was going to be up to something because I paid with 3 $50 dollar bills and he said if he had to bring me change then it was going to be a while so I told him that's okay I have plenty of time but following somebody out in the parking lot and yelling and screaming at them is definitely no way to run a business and to say the least I'm very disappointed in this place
Hayashi Japanese Restaurant is a premier dining destination that brings the authentic flavors of Japan to your table. Located in the heart of the city, our restaurant offers a w…
Really great place to get sushi and other Japanese dishes. Very friendly staff. Reasonably priced as well! Highly recommend!
Easily one of the lousiest sushi restaurants I've ever been too. The rolls are rolled up so weakly that they fall apart the second you pick them up with chopsticks (been using them since I was 8 years old and am very adept). Several fishbones I bit onto and the rolls are also ridiculously and unproportionally cut waaaaaaayyyyy too thin!! And for the price, well look at the pics.....I'll be sure NOT to come back here
I had a really good experience when I came here. My favorite item was the Smoked Salmon. Very good. Very rich with smoke flavor and a creamy buttery after taste. I could eat so much of that, but I had to stop. The appetizers were tasty, and the entrée filled me up, so I needed a to go box. Luckily, I got my left overs back to the fridge before they got room temp. It was worth the money, but it was still not a bad price.
Fatmans is a dynamic and innovative company dedicated to providing high-quality products and services that cater to a diverse range of customer needs. Founded on the principles…
This restaurant is way too expensive and the food isn't even that great. I went with some friends, and let me tell you, our server was just awful! She had red hair and was on the older side. When we asked for food recommendations, she basically said she didn’t know everything on the menu, which was no help at all. Then, when I ordered a glass of wine, my glass was very dirty (See Pictures). My friend ordered a watermelon margarita, but what she brought back didn't look or taste like watermelon. She insisted it was, but I had to ask her to take it off the bill because it was way off. She blamed the bartender for not knowing how to make drinks properly. And brought the same drink we ordered from the outdoor bar. That was exactly what we ordered, and waitress should take some accountability and admit when she messed up or was wrong instead of blaming others. Overall horrible service Our server never checked on us; we had to flag her down every time we needed something. And when it was time to pay, she put on this fake cheerful act that was just cringeworthy. Definitely the worst service I've ever experienced.
Stopped by Fatman’s while in Gurnee, I’ll the mudslide drink was delicious and a large portion was served. I had the honey bbq wing basket which was quite tasty. Our server was the best. I didn’t grab her name, she was an older lady with red hair. She was attentive, friendly and quick.
First thing you see when walking thru the front door is slot machines and pale faces losing their money in them. Was a complete turnoff and wanted to leave but wife and kids were too hungry to look for another place. Food was good and service was good but it's not a take your family out to dinner kind of place. Definitely not their fault that I took my wife and kids there for dinner but most places have special room for the gambling machines and not right in front of the main door.
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants in Gurnee is a premier dining destination that seamlessly blends the art of winemaking with a culinary experience. Established with a pas…
Very beautiful restaurant. Great ambiance, amazing selection of wines. The food was delicious and well presented. The waiter was very attentive and welcoming. It's expensive, but worth it for special occasions.
Our server Veronica was very helpful always coming around to ask if we needed everything . The food and the wine was very good . We ordered Cooper's hawk red .My grandson's ordered the cheeseburgers with fries ,my husband ordered the county rigatoni ,my son-in-law ordered the shrimp and scallop risotto, my daughter order the braised short rib risotto an I ordered the Cooper's hawk chicken giardiniera. Everything was delicious
Came to check out the new brunch menu with my friend (and Cooper's Hawk employee) Heidi this past Sunday. Overall experience was excellent. I have never stepped foot in a Cooper's Hawk Restaurant but am positive I will be back. The atmosphere was nice and relaxing from when I first stepped in the door. I started with the Strawberry Elderflower Spritz which was AMAZING and very refreshing. Later I tried the White Sangria which was also simply amazing and went down real easy :) The Salted Caramel Doughnuts to Share were to die for !!!!!!! Not too sweet - just right. (Came with 5 pieces - forgot to take pic right away). Also ordered the Ahi Tuna appetizer as recommended by Heidi. Yummy. The presentation was fantastic as well as the freshness and taste. Lastly we ordered and shared the Jammy Eggs & Avocado Toast. I forgot to get a pic :( Had to admit I was wanting more. It was so tasty. Definitely will be back and look forward to trying the other items on the brunch menu.
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ResetNo matter how you choose to celebrate, Gurnee’s culinary landscape is sure to elevate your New Year’s Eve experience. The blend of flavors, ambiance, and warm hospitality found in these restaurants will create lasting memories that you and your guests can cherish for years to come. As you savor each bite and share laughter with friends and family, you’ll find that the spirit of the New Year is best celebrated around the table, where good food brings people together.
So, whether you’re toasting to new beginnings or reflecting on the past year, make sure to explore the delightful dining options Gurnee has to offer. With each restaurant promising a unique take on the evening, you’re bound to find the perfect spot that resonates with your celebration style. Here’s to a night filled with joy, flavor, and the promise of a fresh start—cheers to a wonderful New Year ahead!
For a memorable New Year’s Eve dinner in Gurnee, consider looking for restaurants that offer special holiday menus or themed events. Many local eateries may provide a festive atmosphere, complete with unique dishes and celebratory drinks. It’s a good idea to make reservations in advance, as popular spots can fill up quickly. Additionally, some establishments might offer live music or entertainment to enhance the evening. Checking online reviews and local listings can help you find the perfect place to celebrate the occasion with family and friends.
Many restaurants in Gurnee typically offer takeout or delivery options on New Year’s Eve. It’s a good idea to check with local eateries, as they often provide special menus or promotions for the holiday. Popular types of cuisine such as pizza, Asian, and American fare are commonly available for takeout or delivery. Be sure to check their websites or call ahead to confirm availability and any special arrangements they may have for the evening.
Many restaurants in Gurnee may offer special New Year’s Eve brunch options as part of their holiday celebrations. It’s common for establishments to feature festive menus, brunch buffets, or unique dining experiences to welcome the new year. To find specific options, checking local listings, restaurant websites, or social media pages can provide the latest details on their offerings for New Year’s Eve brunch.
Many restaurants in Gurnee typically offer live entertainment on New Year’s Eve, featuring various options such as live music, DJs, or special performances. It’s common for these venues to create a festive atmosphere with celebrations that may include dinner packages, dance floors, and countdowns to midnight. For the best experience, it’s advisable to check local listings or contact individual restaurants for specific details about their New Year’s Eve events and entertainment schedules.
As the clock winds down and we prepare to bid farewell to another year, North Aurora transforms into a vibrant celebration of culinary delights and…
As the clock ticks down to midnight and the excitement of New Year’s Eve fills the air, finding the perfect spot to celebrate can make all the diff…
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As the year draws to a close, there’s no better way to celebrate than by gathering with friends and family over a delicious meal. Evanston, w…
As the year comes to a close and we prepare to welcome new beginnings, Elmhurst offers a vibrant array of dining options for those looking to celeb…
As the year winds down and we bid farewell to 2023, there’s no better way to ring in the New Year than with a delightful meal at one of Downe…
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