Downtown Libertyville offers wide variety of restaurant choices
Heather Rowe knows exactly how to describe downtown Libertyville.
"It's Libertyville's hidden gem," the village's economic development coordinator said. "It's always been the center of activity, part of the community identity."
On a cloudless, summer day, Main Street is bustling with activity. Cars whir past each block. Patrons hop from store to store. Merchandise is prominent in window displays.
Throughout her 10 years on the job, Rowe said days like these keep her going.
"I get a lot of pride in that," she said. "It's being able to actually see the fruits of your labor and how it makes a difference."
But downtown Libertyville's vitality didn't happen overnight. In fact, Rowe traces it back three decades.
The village established a Tax Increment Financing Redevelopment Plan in 1986 to give Libertyville's downtown area life. The village has since been able to improve infrastructure, landscaping, streetscaping - even its facade and signage. Guests perusing the area can notice the most recent addition: a parking facility, set to complete this January.
To Rowe, Libertyville's downtown success took 30 years of hard work.
"A lot of planning and investment over the last few decades made those improvements happen," Rowe said. "Behind the scenes, there's been a lot of things happening through the years to bring the customers downtown and to make it a strong environment that would allow the businesses to thrive."
In downtown Libertyville, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of businesses, both new and old.
"The restaurants and businesses are really appealing. I think you have something here for everybody."
Casa Bonita
A restaurant known for its Mexican cuisine and "ultimate margaritas," Casa Bonita came to downtown Libertyville in 2009 - just 20 years after being named "Lake County's Favorite Mexican Restaurant" at its Waukegan location.
Casa Bonita offers both indoor and outdoor dining, along with a vacation-like atmosphere and a selection of over 150 types of Tequila. From tacos, quesadillas or enchiladas, customers can enjoy a wide variety of food for a south-of-the-boarder experience.
Egg Harbor
What's not to like about eggs? You still won't be able to find that out at downtown Libertyville's Egg Harbor location. With a delectable selection of breakfast and lunch dishes, along with Intelligentsia coffee, Egg Harbor specializes in meals served between 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Known for being fast and efficient, Egg Harbor has more than 19 locations and has been a family business for three generations.
Mickey Finn's Brewery
The one and only - and the very first. Mickey Finn's, pegged as the area's first "brewpub," has delivered wings, burgers and handcrafted beers to the downtown scene since 1994.
Almost every summer weekend, the Brewery also dons a stage and welcomes concertgoers, opting as a music venue. Milwalky Taco
One of the newest additions to downtown Libertyville, Milwalky Taco opened in January. According to the restaurant's website, it's a place where patrons can drown their sorrows, happiness or any other type of emotion, in tequila, queso and salsa. And right next door is Milwalky Trace - a contemporary American restaurant with shareable dinner plates.
O'Toole's of Libertyville
Forty-eight beers on tap. Scotch eggs, Milwaukee pretzels and summer salmon. Sandwiches, burgers and wraps.
At O'Toole's of Libertyville, there's a wide variety of food on the menu that people of all tastes can enjoy.
On a Tuesday evening, Rowe left a meeting held in downtown Libertyville.
Walking to her car, she noticed something that filled her with pride: The parking lot was nearly full.
"Coming in and having the ability to work in a community with so many assets and so many great businesses with passionate business owners," Rowe said. "It's very enjoyable."