Restaurants near Peat Lake State Natural Area

This was our first visit and we really enjoyed it. The setting is great, love the lighting and vibe. The food was really good. We had salad (wedge was so good), soup, steaks and lobster tail. The steaks were cooked perfectly and the mashed potatoes and veggies had so much flavor. Even dessert was great, husband enjoyed the cheesecake and the chocolate covered strawberries I had were delicious. Our server was very nice and attentive. We will definitely be back.

Loved my experience here! I had an incredible experience at Ema from start to finish. The moment I walked in, I was seated right away, which set the tone for a smooth and enjoyable evening. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with a lively yet comfortable vibe that made it the perfect spot for a meal. The food was absolutely phenomenal—every dish was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The Mediterranean-inspired menu offers a great variety of small plates, and each one was a hit. The hummus was silky smooth, the kebabs were perfectly cooked. Pairing everything with a glass of wine made for an even more memorable experience. Service was impeccable—attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable. Our server made excellent recommendations and ensured we had everything we needed without feeling rushed. Overall, Ema exceeded all expectations. Whether you’re looking for a casual dinner or a special night out, this place delivers. I can’t wait to return!

We enjoyed our evening; it was Valentine’s Day so they were very busy. The Cedar Plank Whitefish & Steak & Frites were delicious. Our Old Fashioned’s, Wine & Complimentary Prosecco capped off the night.

We have been wine club members since 2014 and Cooper's Hawk is still one of our favorite restaurants. It is consistently a great time enjoying their delicious food and the wine is always top notch. Last evening, Stephanie was our waitress and from our 1st interaction she was nothing but phenomenal. Such a genuine, hardworking woman who really made sure our experience was special. She regularly checked in to make sure we had everything we needed and always had a smile on her face. The Gurnee location has become our favorite due to the staff really going above and beyond. They truly enjoy their jobs and customer service is a top priority. The restaurant is clean, the food is cooked perfectly, the wine is incredible. We will definitely be back for more. Thank you for a wonderful early Valentine's dinner.

A wonderful dinner for special occasions. The mixologist did a beautiful job with the smores martini. We got the Bavette (super tender and flavorful) and the baseball cut sirloin with Parmesan roasted garlic topping (perfectly medium rare, very juicy). the house aioli was the perfect sauce. For dessert we got the apple crisp, tasted like a beautiful pie. I highly recommend for a great time!