Best Cozy Restaurants in Waukegan

Very good food but the noise level from the music makes it less enjoyable to have a relaxing dinner.

Wonderful place. Food is excellent, staff is attentive and the decor is fun. 

Our waitress couldn’t have been better!!! All of the waitstaff was exceptional… The Pork Chop Bites appetizer was so good - I think I’ll have to order the pork chop entree next time. The medium-rare Crusted Prime Rib (Thursday Special) was wonderful. Loved the Grilled Brussel Sprouts side and the Banana Foster deserves a 15 out of 10! It is flamed at the table, it looks HUGE, and I was left wanting more when I was finished [almost licked the plate ;-)]. Excellent dark roast coffee that could be tamed with cream or sugar, but black is perfect with dessert. We arrived at 7:30 with the restaurant 1/3 occupied, and the noise was unbelievable! I could hardly hear my guest and waitress. By 8:15, it was getting easier to hear across the table, and by 9:00 the noise level was relaxing. Poor acoustical design of the building? Be prepared for $130+/per person without drinks… The food experience is worth the splurge on a special occasion!

My husband and I decided to try Bottaio for his birthday yesterday. It was an amazing experience from start to finish. Our server was very friendly and helped me pick a phenomenal dessert. I had the spaghetti bolognese, which was very authentic and had great flavors. My husband had the veal chop, which was mammoth! I typically am not a fan of veal, but I must say I took a bite, and it tasted just like a wonderful juicy steak. We had the tiramisu which was pure perfection, along with an Italian apple cake with a scoop of gelato. My husband also had a chocolate martini, and I don’t know what the heck they put into it, but it was honestly the best one I’ve had at any restaurant. I highly recommend Bottaio, and am so glad we decided to try something new.

Nice relatively new neighborhood place. Menu choices were nicely varied. We had the pork dumplings appetizer which was very good. Both entrees (pork chop and braised short ribs) were also very good. We will very likely return.