If Aurora had a culinary crown jewel, its downtown dining scene would surely be it. This city boasts a surprising number of exceptional American eateries, and it’s tempting to simply name every spot and urge you to visit them all. But we’re here to help you navigate this delicious landscape.
McBride’s North
$ | (630) 692-9606 | WEBSITE
This is one of the only spots in Aurora that specializes in generous American comfort food—think hefty sandwiches like the signature turkey club and Reuben, plus standout dishes such as prime rib egg rolls and shepherd’s pie. McBride’s North has a few different highlights to enjoy (for example, the chicken caprese panini or the cobb wrap), and we like them all. Be prepared, though—this popular place gets very busy during weekly trivia nights. So definitely plan on arriving early to find parking.
Nick’s Red Hots Aurora
$ | (630) 585-8900 | WEBSITE
This American spot is straightforward and a little no-frills, with a flat-top grill putting out some delicious food in the open kitchen. Everything that grill touches is worth ordering. We like the bacon cheeseburgers, but don’t overlook the Italian beef with hot peppers and melted cheese or the huge chicken tenders, and breaking up the meat-fest by ordering plenty of sides is a good idea. Nick’s Red Hots works for a group since everything is easy to share, but it’s great for a quick lunch, too.
No matter why you’re here, it’s an easy place to get a satisfying meal. And in case you want to try cooking some stuff yourself, they offer consistent catering for events.
Penalty Box Sportsbook and Bar at Hollywood Casino Aurora
$$ | (630) 801-1234 | WEBSITE
On the surface, the Penalty Box Sportsbook and Bar has all the trappings of a typical casino sportsbook. But behind the numerous televisions in a space that feels more ‘relaxing lounge’ than ‘chaotic gaming floor’ is a surprisingly enjoyable dining experience with food that’s hard to dismiss. A plate of delicious nachos comes with a tasty cheese sauce that hits all the right notes. Satisfying chicken wings, both mild and garlic parmesan, pair beautifully with a cold beer.
Come to the Penalty Box for the lively atmosphere and excellent service from staff like Scott, the personable bartender, and Jamie, the attentive manager, stay for an overall great snack and drink while watching the game.
Baba’s Famous Steak & Lemonade
$ | (630) 966-0051 | WEBSITE
Baba’s Famous Steak & Lemonade is like a classic American comfort food spot that serves a whole lot of steak, but also shows its versatility with quality catfish bites and a whole menu built around that exceptional sauce. Grab a table with family, and make sure to try a bit of everything.
Mother’s Pancake House & Restaurant – AURORA
$ | (630) 264-2526 | WEBSITE
This bustling Aurora breakfast spot offers a clean and modern atmosphere, which means the experience is great. And while the menu isn’t going to blow your mind with creativity (it’s mainly pancakes, skillets, and a handful of classic dishes), what’s on it is delicious. The gluten-free pancakes are now the reigning definition of “fluffy.” The French beignets are perfectly fried, and the “Sugga Momma” chicken & waffle stays crispy even while drenched in syrup.
Mother’s space is spacious, and decorated with bright lighting and very comfortable family-friendly seating. The booths are full of people dining solo with newspapers, and the restaurant is buzzing with staff and everyone from couples to large families. Plan on spending around $15-20 per person for breakfast, or snagging one of their generous dinner plates when you’re extra hungry.
Nikarry’s Restaurant
$ | (630) 264-1500 | WEBSITE
Nikarry’s is a worthy contender as a reliable breakfast and lunch spot. You can order individual items, but Nikarry’s one egg breakfast with hash browns and toast or pancakes is the way to go. It’s reasonably priced (about ten dollars with coffee), especially compared to other diner breakfasts in the area, and it’s the best way to try this spot’s classic American fare.
Without that breakfast, we might not have started our meal with their standout pancakes described as the BEST ever, and we’re really glad we did. The space is nice and basic, and they have a family-friendly atmosphere that’s great for a casual morning or afternoon meal.
The Town Bar & Grill
$ | (630) 499-9975 | WEBSITE
This neighborhood-style American restaurant is cozy and has an equally cozy menu full of classic apps and bar food. It’s a great spot for a Sunday football gathering, especially if you settle in and commit to watching as many games as you can. It makes for an affordable but very fun afternoon. And their bar area has excellent wings with tasty flatbread.
ARTHOUSE
$$ | (331) 300-2927 | WEBSITE
This is a solid restaurant in downtown Aurora, perfect for a pre-show dinner or an après-theatre meal. ARTHOUSE has been around for a while and is a great option if you need a satisfying meal. The Bang Bang Shrimp is our favorite, but you can’t go wrong with anything (the juicy burger is also excellent). Order some fried pickles, too, while you’re at it.
Rudy’s Place
$$ | (630) 621-7619 | WEBSITE
Rudy’s Place is a cut above your usual neighborhood pool hall—this lively bar with premier tables doesn’t just offer well-kept equipment, it has an arsenal of accompanying features that are even better. The excellent Micheladas are perfect pregame drinks, and the polished balls and friendly staff could be the main attraction. Even the regular tournaments are a standout, with leagues that make it the best in the area.
Rudy’s still has classic pool bar aesthetics, like loud music and a straight-friendly atmosphere that make it perfect for regulars. But the drinks and vibe give it more personality than some sports bars combined.
Hooters
$$ | (630) 851-4008 | WEBSITE
This spot is part of the same chain as other Hooters locations and charges about $15 for a solid meal of hot wings, curly fries, and classic dishes (like the daily fish sandwich). Compared to other casual American restaurants in Aurora, Hooters is the most kid-friendly (it offers booths and tables throughout), and dining here is straightforward. Plan on an affordable and enjoyable experience.
Exquisite Skillet Pancake House
$ | (331) 808-0001 | WEBSITE
How into hearty and satisfying breakfasts are you? If the answer is very, then you’ll really like Exquisite Skillet Pancake House. The $15 breakfast skillet at this Aurora spot comes with quality ingredients, but you can expect everything on it to be both simply presented and delicious. Another thing you can expect at Exquisite Skillet Pancake House is service that’s highly attentive without ever feeling overbearing.
Come here for a weekend morning that makes it worth skipping your usual cereal routine.
Miller’s Ale House
$$ | (630) 332-8574 | WEBSITE
Miller’s Ale House is a classic American restaurant in Aurora that’s perfect for celebrating special occasions, enjoying a night out, or just grabbing a reliable meal. You’ll find consistently tasty dishes like their perfectly cooked salmon, which never has a fishy taste, and favorites like French onion soup and onion rings that are considered some of the best in the area.
The large space has a welcoming atmosphere where guests can relax—the main dining area is bright and bustling with families and groups, while the bar section has a more energetic vibe with sports on TV. Plus, there’s a spacious patio with string lights that’s great in warmer weather. It’s a little like having your favorite neighborhood spot, but with better onion rings.
Chili’s Grill & Bar
$ | (630) 907-1365 | WEBSITE
For a long time, Aurora was missing a reliable American chain restaurant. But then along came Chili’s Grill & Bar to fill that void. It has everything we like about a casual dining spot—meaning great food, service, and a convenient ordering app. It’s a great combination, and it’s one of the most reliable restaurants in the area.
Pomegranate Restaurant
$ | (630) 692-0009 | WEBSITE
Even by Aurora standards, this place is a favorite. The good news is that Pomegranate is a favorite that comes with fantastic food. It’s always family-friendly, but the atmosphere is vibrant, and there’s outdoor seating that’s perfect for hanging out over drinks (even during brunch). And as with its family-oriented vibe, a lot of things on the diverse menu are meant to be enjoyed.
O’Malley’s Pub & Eatery
$ | (630) 898-8700 | WEBSITE
Aurora has more neighborhood pubs with friendly bartenders than any other suburb in the Chicago area. Our last count was a dozen, and they’re all operating within a few miles from each other. And, despite our skepticism about chain-like spots, they’re all pretty solid. O’Malley’s Pub & Eatery, a local American spot, is one of those places.
They have things like crispy mozzarella bricks that are perfectly fried, wings that taste like they were marinated in a secret sauce passed down for generations (that’s a compliment), and incredible burgers and nachos. Most dishes range from $12-$25, and it works for a casual meal or a fun outing with friends on their great deck with views.
Texas Roadhouse
$$ | (630) 778-0960 | WEBSITE
Texas Roadhouse is another steakhouse chain in Aurora. And it’s also a lively escape from the quiet suburbs that surround this part of Illinois. This is where you come for a high-energy but still casual family dinner. The space is rustic, the atmosphere is boisterous, and the menu is full of reliably prepared American classics (i.e., cuts of ribeye, sirloin, and burgers). Like many steakhouses, it’s about $25 for a hearty entrée, but here it’s almost all generously portioned plates.
This means that unless this is your second meal, you’ll probably still be full at the end. If that’s the case, just order another legend margarita.
Two Brothers Roundhouse
$$ | (630) 264-2739 | WEBSITE
This is the American restaurant follow-up to the Paramount and other local spots. Like everything in the Roundhouse, Two Brothers is a fun spot with good food. Here, you’ll find American classics with twists—like bourbon salmon and chicken piccata. Of course, several dishes have burgers in them (like the good-sized hamburgers). Also worth noting is that this spot does a great job with larger groups.
Ozzie’s Diner
$ | (630) 701-2041 | WEBSITE
People will lose their sh*t whenever a classic American diner gets everything right, and Ozzie’s Diner, a top corner spot in Aurora, is exactly that kind of place. The space is clean and family-friendly and has that comforting neighborhood feel, which is a thing that suddenly feels rare, thanks to all the chain restaurants around.
The menu is mainly hearty American classics for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the best things here are the smash burger and pot roast sandwiches (both are outstanding), and the Oreo pancakes, which might be the opposite of ‘light’ but are a must-order. Ozzie’s Diner is a great spot for a fun family meal or a satisfying solo breakfast.
Spartan Ale House
$ | (630) 340-4546 | WEBSITE
Spartan Ale House serves some of the best American comfort food in Aurora. The welcoming space is perfect for watching games (which explains the lively crowds), and the service from staff like Tara and Rachel is excellent. It’s a relaxed spot, though it does get busy during big games. You should definitely try it if you enjoy hearty burgers and shareable plates.