If you’re anything like us, the best thing to wake up to in the morning is a nice cup of coffee. With the countless coffee shops around Lake Forest and Lake Bluff, it might be hard to decide where to go for your morning pick-me-up.

I took it upon myself to rank (most of) the coffee shops in Lake Forest and Lake Bluff in three different categories- presentation, cost, and taste on a scale of 1-5 stars.

Lake Forest

Starbucks

The first coffee that I tried is Starbucks, a coffeehouse chain that is probably the most popular place for coffee around the town. 

The presentation was not anything special, just a plastic cup with the Starbucks logo.

A venti (or large) sized coffee from here was a little under $5 , which is pretty pricey for an everyday buy.

This drink was very high quality and well done, with a perfect chai tea latte flavor. I loved this drink, and I would give it a 5/5 for taste.

Dunkin’ Donuts

The second coffee place I visited is Dunkin’ Donuts, which is another very popular coffee chain around the town. It is also located on Western Ave. in Lake Forest, and I tried the french vanilla 

The presentation was not anything special, simply a plastic cup.

A medium size coffee from here was only $2.60, which is much cheaper than any other coffee 

I love a good vanilla coffee and this drink was perfect! It was the perfect amount of sweetness while still keeping the coffee taste alive, and it definitely gets 5/5 stars.

Egg Harbor Cafe

I next visited Egg Harbor, which is a restaurant that serves delicious breakfast and lunch foods, and also has some fun coffee drinks. I decided to try their Mocha Java drink, which is half coffee and half hot chocolate. I also tried their flavored coffee of the day for a bonus, which was caramel flavored coffee and it was very delicious!

The presentation of the Mocha Java was my favorite by far, served in a glass mug and topped 

This drink was pretty pricey at around $5 , and on top of my meal it was kind of a splurge.

I loved the mix of hot chocolate and coffee that this drink had and it was super delicious. This drink definitely gets 5 stars for taste.

Einstein Bros. Bagels

I next went to Einsteins, which is an American bagel and coffee chain located in Lake Forest town. I tried the regular latte here, one of their most popular coffee drinks according to a staff member.

The presentation was pretty solid, with a normal coffee cup but the latte itself being very pretty.

This drink was pretty normally priced at around 4 dollars for a medium-sized latte.

I enjoyed this latte a lot, as it was the normal latte taste that I am used to but just a little bit sweeter, which I love! It definitely gets ⅘ stars for taste.

Lake Bluff

Bluffington’s Cafe

The first place I visited in Lake Bluff is Bluffington’s Cafe, a specialized sandwich place which serves breakfast and lunch. I tried the latte here, as they didn’t have too many offers for coffee drinks.

(Photo creds to google because I forgot to take a pic!)

The presentation was okay, with the cup not being anything special but the latte itself being very nice looking!

This drink was mediocrely pricey at around 3-4 dollars, but again lattes are usually more expensive than regular coffee drinks. This was actually a pretty good price in my opinion for a 

I enjoyed this latte, as it was the normal latte taste that I am used to.

Hansa Coffee Roasters

I tried Hansa next, a chain coffee shop located in Lake Bluff. I had their honey latte here, recommended by a friend of mine!

The presentation was very nice, with a mug and art on top of the latte, so I would give this drink 5 stars for presentation.

This drink was kind of pricey at around 4 dollars, but lattes are usually more expensive than regular coffee drinks.

I loved this latte, as it was a perfect amount of sweetness with the honey in the latte. It was very delicious and definitely gets 5 stars for taste!

Panera Bread

I also tried Panera, a restaurant in Lake Bluff that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as some spectacular coffee drinks. I had their Caffe Mocha here, which is a mix of espresso, foamed milk, and chocolate.

The presentation was pretty nice, with a sleek green coffee cup and the drink itself being pretty with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle on top.

This drink was kind of pricey at around 4 dollars, but specialty drinks like mochas are usually more expensive than regular coffee.

I loved this mocha, as it was a perfect mix of chocolate and coffee flavors, so it definitely gets 5/5 stars for taste!

Prairie Espresso

I last tried Prairie, a local coffee shop tucked away in an alley on Scranton Ave. (Bonus points because you can bring your pets here!!) Here, I tried their normal coffee with a splash of creamer.

The presentation was pretty normal, with a classic to-go cup and a customized Prairie coffee sleeve. I would give this coffee  ⅘ stars for presentation.

This drink was a pretty normal price, at around 3 dollars for a medium sized coffee. I felt like this price was pretty fair, so it gets  ⅘ stars for presentation.

I wasn’t expecting much since I didn’t order a specialty drink and only a regular cup of coffee, but I was pleasantly surprised with the taste of this coffee. I would give it a ⅘ stars for taste.

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised with all of the coffee shops in Lake Bluff and Lake Forest. I enjoyed my drinks at all of these places so they all got pretty high rankings, but my favorite coffee shops were definitely Hansa and Prairie of Lake Bluff and Egg Harbor of Lake Forest. These places all had awesome drinks (both specialty and normal drinks) as well as a comfortable and cozy coffee shop environment!

The post The Best Lake Forest Coffee Shops in Illinois appeared first on Kelmscott Park Apartments Blog.

Lake Forest is a lovely little town in North Chicago, on the edge of Lake Michigan. It has a strong community, as you can see by the number of locally owned restaurants in the area. If you're looking for a place to dine out, you'll have plenty to choose from, whatever your budget and culinary preferences. Whether you like good old American bar food, authentic Mexican, Japanese sushi, or upscale bistro dining, there's sure to be an option you'll love. You'll also find plenty of vegetarian and vegan-friendly options. You can find something to please everyone in your dining party.

Chief's Pub

The firehouse-themed Chief's Pub offers an array of American-style pub food to satisfy any patron. The pub is kid-friendly during the day and full pub at night. The menu favorites include Reuben egg rolls, Wisconsin cheese curds that are beer-battered and deep-fried, Fire Shrimp and Fire Shrimp tacos that feature the pub's homemade Fire Sauce, Alarm Burgers (remember, it's firehouse-themed) and hot fudge lava cake. The kids' menu offers grilled cheese, spaghetti and meatballs, and more. If you're vegan, try the Beyond Burger or the popular kale salad with avocado, quinoa, and roasted veggies.

The Lantern

The Lantern has served the community of Lake Forest for over 75 years. It's a much-loved local brewpub that serves up good grub at reasonable prices. Its brick-lined outdoor seating area offers heating and shade umbrellas, so you can enjoy eating outside whatever the weather. The starters include french fries, sweet potato fries, white cheddar cheese curds, hummus with homemade pita chips, and fried goat cheese. Hearty menu items include shepherd's pie and chopped sirloin, while vegetarians can enjoy the Lantern's three-cheese macaroni and cheese. The Lantern offers a selection of burgers, including turkey, lamb, buffalo, and veggie varieties.

Authentico

Billed as “Traditional Mexican with a modern twist,” Authentico offers the vision of its chef, Antonio, who was inspired by his childhood and has mixed in his creative reimagining of traditional Mexican meals. The restaurant uses hormone-free all-natural chicken and beef and also offer gluten-free and vegetarian options. You'll also find a selection of margaritas, sangrias, tequilas, and more. The food menu offers traditional market-style corn on the cob with mayonnaise, queso cotija, chili powder. You can get tacos with tortillas made to order from fresh corn masa, or try the salmon with roasted red bell pepper sauce and an ancho honey glaze.

Image via Flickr by nicolasnova

Sushi Kushi Toyo

Open since 1993, Sushi Kushi Toyo is popular with locals. Its stylish interior is within an attractive brick building, and it provides the community with traditional Japanese cuisine made by Japanese sushi chefs. Its long list of appetizers includes asparagus beef, crab rangoon, soft shell crab with ponzu sauce, and sauteed mushrooms with jalapeno. Sushi bar appetizers range from carpaccio to oyster with quail egg and scallions in ponzu sauce. For a sushi entree, you can try the nightly special of sushi and a hand roll, or pick your favorite fish from their extensive list. 

Oaken Bistro

Oaken Bistro is an upscale bistro and bar that offers beautifully presented meals in a charming setting with an outdoor patio. It serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and cocktails and has a kids' menu with corn cakes, chicken tenders, and gnocchi, to list a few. items. The breakfast menu includes blueberry cornmeal pancakes with candied lemon zest and whipped butter. For lunch, you can try a salad such as the baby kale, or perhaps the warm octopus salad will fulfill the more adventurous eaters. For a heartier lunch, try the smoked green circle chicken sandwich, or for dinner, try the Oaken Burger with gruyere cheese and wild mushrooms.

The English Room

If the location is as important as the meal, and both must be of the highest quality, then try the English Room. Part of the Deer Path Inn, this fine dining space includes a secluded garden patio with plenty of outdoor seating. The wine list has been honored on Wine Spectator's Most Outstanding Wine Lists in the World for 19 years in a row! The menu includes an English breakfast, or you can opt to start the day with an old-fashioned buttermilk pancake stack. For dinner, try the cottage pie or Alaskan halibut. Vegetarians might enjoy the Beyond Burger or beet and goat cheese salad.

The Gallery and The Peanut Gallery

The Gallery is an art gallery and fine dining restaurant, while its sister site, The Peanut Gallery, is casual, offering treats and ice cream. Menu items at The Gallery include black garlic deviled eggs with candied bacon and a toasted baguette, tagliatelle pasta with a veggie Bolognese, and the restaurant's specialty, "A Barn Ranch Wagyu Filet," with truffle butter, butternut squash, rapini, and veal demi. The Peanut Gallery's more casual fare includes a root beer float, build-your-own-burgers, Korean hot chicken, grilled cheese, hot dogs, and fries. For sweet treats, try the ice cream pints to go, such as Ultimate Oreo or Mackinac Island Fudge.

Gerhard's Desserts

Do you want all the sweet treats? Then stop what you're doing and head over to Gerhard's Desserts. Specializing in elegant European desserts, this place also makes wedding cakes and offer catering. It uses the best ingredients and never uses artificial coloring or preservatives. The menu changes with seasonal availability, but items to look for include exquisite cakes such as the tiramisu Charlotte and the raspberry mousse. Individual desserts include a chocolate truffle, key lime tartelette, and St. Honore. Expect beautiful handcrafted designs and gorgeous flavors not overpowered by too much sugar.

Has this list of restaurants in Lake Forest got your mouth watering? Are you itching to head out and try some sushi or chill at a brewpub with a comforting meal? Whatever meal you're craving, you'll find something to satisfy in this little town by the lake. Do you already have a favorite local restaurant we forgot to include? Don't be shy — we at Pasquesi Sheppard would love to hear from you, so reach out and tell us about the best meal you've had in Lake Forest.

The post 8 of the Best Restaurants to Eat in Lake Forest appeared first on Kelmscott Park Apartments Blog.

We wanted to highlight these farmers and crafters and inform our residents at Kelmscott Park about farmers markets happening right here in and around Lake Forest. From fruits and veggies to craft goods, honey, and baked goods, these are the best local markets to enjoy!

Lake Bluff Farmers Market

Lake Bluff Village Green

Facebook Page

Fridays June 4 – October 8, 7 AM – 12 PM

Shop local with an array of local farmers, local businesses, craft vendors, artists, and more! Just north of us and less than a 5-minute drive, the Lake Bluff Farmers Market features the best way to enjoy healthy, fresh meals sourced right here in our community. From produce, meats, and pastries to plants, cheese, and more, there is something for everyone. You can even see live music, watch cooking demos, and get your knives sharpened!

Deerfield Farmers Market

Park Avenue between Jewitt Drive and Hazel Ave

Saturdays, June 12 – October 9, 7 am – 12:30 pm 

Contact: [email protected]

Our neighbors in Deerfield feature a Saturday farmers market.

Items for Sale

• Seasonal vegetables and fruit are locally grown by farmers in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin

• Organic and naturally grown vegetables and flowers

• Fresh meats, eggs, and fish

• Hand-crafted Wisconsin cheese, exceptional variety of syrups, honey, confections, salsas, jellies, dressing, soups, sauces, and spreads 

• Fresh-baked breads, muffins, pies, and cookies

• Breakfast to go! Sweet and savory crepes, coffee, and other breakfast treats

• Natural bath and body products 

• Homemade pet treats and products

Ravinia Farmers Market

Jens Jensen Park, Highland Park, IL 60035

Contact Us!

Wednesdays June 7 – October 27, 7 AM – 1 PM

Another local market just 20 minutes from Kelmscott, and a nice drive along the shoreline, is Ravinia Farmers Market. They will have live music every Wednesday until 10:45 am. Vendors include local farms, crepes, treats, breads, and more!

Besides these three fantastic markets, there are many others throughout the Chicago metro area. So if Lake Bluff’s Friday Market does not work for you, be sure to check out the others!

A more comprehensive list of farmer’s markets in the area can be found here.

The Chicago Tribune also put together a searchable map of farmer’s markets in the Chicago area.

The post The Best Farmers Markets Near Kelmscott Park and Lake Forest appeared first on Kelmscott Park Apartments Blog.