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Dining

Distorted soda and sub shop debuts in Crystal Lake for local take on ‘dirty soda’ trend

By Michelle Meyer
Apr 02, 2026 3:05 pm - A new soda and sub shop has opened in downtown Crystal Lake, complete with a theme that transports customers back to the 1990s and an emphasis on grunge, rock and rap music that defined the era.
McDonald’s tries a simpler approach with its new McValue menu

By DEE-ANN DURBIN
Apr 02, 2026 2:56 pm - After two years of tweaks to its value menu, McDonald’s has a new strategy: Keep it simple. The fast-food giant’s budget-focused McValue menu will have 10 items that each cost under $3 starting April 21. The breakfast items include hash browns or a Sausage McMuffin. A small order of fries or a McDouble burger are among the options the rest of the day.
‘Going to be crazy for this coffee’: 7 Brew continues resurgence of former mall area in St. Charles

By Joey Weslo
Apr 02, 2026 11:36 am - With lines of customers frequently wrapping around their buildings, a proposed 7 Brew coffee and energy drink hotspot should continue the revitalization of the former mall property in St. Charles.
How oil and gas prices affect your restaurant bill

By Izzy Kharasch
Apr 01, 2026 9:54 am - The price of gas and oil can change almost hourly and, unfortunately, this affects more than just how much we pay at the pump.
Dining out: Still time to make Easter reservations, new spring specials and more

By Rick West
Mar 31, 2026 8:12 pm - Easter is Sunday, but there’s still time to find reservations for brunch or dinner. Also, STK and Kona Grill have new spring specials, Burl in Evanston is hosting a dinner focused on sustainability, and there are a couple of new eateries in the north suburbs.
Takeout-focused Buffalo Wild Wings GO to open in Lake Zurich

By Mick Zawislak
Mar 31, 2026 2:57 pm - Buffalo Wild Wings GO will be opening in Lake Zurich Thursday with a promotion promising free wings for a year for the first 50 guests in line 18 and older. All other guests who visit on opening day will receive a voucher for $5 off any order of $25 or more redeemable through June 30.
Nonalcoholic stouts and porters have come a long way. Here are 6 of the best.

By Allison Robicelli
Mar 31, 2026 11:20 am - A decade ago, if you wanted a nonalcoholic stout or porter, you needed to lower your expectations. But the overall quality of nonalcoholic beer has improved dramatically over the past few years. One of the more distinctive beers in a blind tasting came from Go Brewing, based in Naperville.
Takito Grill becomes latest restaurant casualty at Des Plaines’ Metropolitan Square

By Russell Lissau
Mar 30, 2026 2:43 pm - Another restaurant in Des Plaines' Metropolitan Square complex has gone under.
Where to watch the Final Four in the suburbs

By Aimee Barrows
Mar 25, 2026 10:25 am - The Final Four of the men’s and women’s NCAA tournaments is almost here. With the Fighting Illini men’s team in the Final Four for the first time since 2005, Saturday’s game is huge. When it comes to watching the games, you need the perfect atmosphere: big screens, cold drinks and the electric energy of fellow fans cheering ILL.
Dining out: Get a hot dog for $1 at Portillo’s

By Rick West
Mar 25, 2026 10:11 am - Portillo’s is celebrating baseball’s opening weekend with hot dogs for a buck for Perks members through Sunday. Also, Fry the Coop is honoring National Hot Chicken Day Monday and suburban restaurants are ready with Passover and Easter specials.

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