Get A Taste Of Ethnic Diversity

Much like the nearby city of Chicago, the Southland is a melting pot of cultures, which is apparent in the large variety of cuisine you’ll find in the suburbs. No matter what you are craving or what new style of food you’d like to try, you’re sure to find it in one of the Chicago Southland communities.

If Mexican is your jam, you have a huge selection of Mexican markets and eateries to make a meal into a fiesta, among them Rubi Agave Latin Kitchen, Tequila & Whiskey Bar in Homer Glen, Cocula in Calumet City, Los Compadres in Chicago Heights, La Playita in Chicago Ridge and El Cortez Restaurant in Country Club Hills.

For a taste of Asian specialties, you can enjoy Chinese, Japanese and Thai dishes throughout the Chicago Southland. For a lively hibachi-style dinner, there’s Wu’s House in Evergreen Park and Orland Park, A-Fusion in Matteson, Japan Hibachi Grill in Burbank and Asian Harbor in Homewood. Try a taste of Thailand at Siam Thai in Flossmoor and Joy of Thai in Orland Park. Visit Sun-Sun Restaurant in Richton Park or Liang’s Garden in Lansing for traditional Chinese dishes.

If Italian is more your style, you’ll find pasta, meatballs and more as good as grandma would make at Francesca’s, which has several area locations, including Palos Park and Frankfort, Papa Joe’s in Orland Park and Balagio Ristorante in Homewood. For a unique Italian dining experience, reserve the “kitchen table,” at Buca di Beppo in Orland Park, which seats up to 5 and enables you to see food being prepared and interact with staff while you dine.

When you enter Chef Klaus’ Beir Stube in Frankfort, you’re transported to a different place. Decorated with bits of historic accessories, you’re in for a Bavarian feast for the eyes as well as the stomach. Enjoy German favorites like schnitzel and sauerbraten with a variety of imported beers. For a wee bit of Irish grub and a fun pub atmosphere, stop by J.J. Kelley’s in Lansing or The Carraig Pub at Gaelic Park in Oak Forest. Add a bit of spice to your dining experience with some good, southern cajun cookin’ at Dixie Kitchen & Bait Shop in Lansing or Chuck’s Southern Comforts Café in Burbank.

Go to www.VisitChicagoSouthland.com/Dining for a listing of Chicago Southland member restaurants.