Aurora’s dining scene is a paradox of Midwestern charm and urban ambition. Beyond the predictable chain restaurants lining Orchard Road, a culinary revolution simmers in historic brick buildings and unassuming strip malls—if you know where to look.
Antojitos Don Toño
$ | (630) 229-6834 | WEBSITE
Antojitos Don Toño, a family-owned Mexican gem that’s one of Aurora’s best-kept secrets, has a really fantastic authentic menu. You can’t miss the tamales verdes de pollo – moist and flavorful corn husk parcels, with expertly prepared steak tacos and chile rellenos. It’s the perfect weekend indulgence, especially when your family won’t stop asking you about trying that new place downtown.
Speaking of getting a real meal, they’ve got a warm, inviting space, with some cozy booths and traditional décor. It’s an ideal escape from the strip-mall chains that dot the landscape along Route 59. The champurrado and tamales in banana leaves are also highly praised, though the atole is said to lack flavor. Despite the slightly higher prices – think $15-25 per entrée – the quality of the food and the friendly service make this a must-try destination.
El Burrito Loco
$ | (630) 585-9095 | WEBSITE
You probably don’t need us to tell you what El Burrito Loco is at this point. This one is right in Aurora with parking in front and behind the building, and is no different from all the rest – great quality Mexican food for a not-outrageous price. It’s even more affordable at lunch, and the takeout situation is as convenient as it gets.
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria
$ | (630) 575-8500 | WEBSITE
This deep dish pizzeria is an Aurora institution where dinner hours always run long simply because you can’t stop eating. Lou Malnati’s greatness lies in the signature deep dish pizza, a Chicago classic that showcases the kitchen’s mastery of buttery crusts and rich tomato sauce. The Personal Mikes Hot Honey and Medium Pepperoni pizzas both need to be ordered. As a bonus, the warm and inviting atmosphere assures a comfortable experience no matter what time you come.
Denny’s
$ | (630) 851-3063 | WEBSITE
Denny’s is a spot that specializes in, you guessed it, budget-friendly comfort food. Their Grand Slam breakfast is a heaping mix of eggs, bacon, sausage, and pancakes that gets cooked up fresh on the griddle. As per tradition, this all comes with hash browns and toast, making it a perfect size for sharing with your family during brunch. There’s also fantastic Moons Over My Hammy (a grilled ham and cheese sandwich with scrambled eggs) served with crispy hash browns.
Expect to see people (OK, us) hoarding to-go cups of Denny’s coffee in bags on the way out because it’s that good.
Spartan Ale House
$ | (630) 340-4546 | WEBSITE
There’s a decent chance you haven’t heard of Spartan Ale House, and that’s because most of the people eating there don’t want you to know about it. Why? Because this Aurora spot serves tremendous pub classics like the Spartan Burger, Italian Beef with Sweet Peppers, and Hades Burger in a space that never gets crowded. Just don’t tell anyone we sent you.
Dosbros Fresh Mexican Grill
$ | (630) 229-6002 | WEBSITE
On those days when you’re craving fresh Mexican food but don’t want the usual fast food experience, Dosbros Fresh Mexican Grill is a fantastic option to know about. Everything here, from the spicy chicken bowl to the flavorful beef, is made with fresh ingredients and satisfies that craving for clean, authentic flavors (though they sadly don’t serve traditional sit-down dishes). The vegy burrito is humungus and filled with fresh toppings, while the house-made sauces add a nice kick of spice.
This is mostly a fast food operation, but the restaurant is spotless with pleasant staff who make you feel pampered rather than just another customer grabbing lunch.
Everest Frozen Custard & Bubble Tea
$$ | (630) 907-7261 | WEBSITE
Everest Frozen Custard & Bubble Tea’s cozy storefront is a welcome addition to Aurora’s dessert scene. As far as the menu goes, it’s similar to what you’d find at other quality boba spots, which is to say, it’s filled with delicious, simple treats like horchata oat milk with tapioca boba or mango fruit tea that all cost around $6. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating, but if you’re particularly low on time, the friendly staff can have your order ready in under five minutes.
Pub 56
$ | (630) 299-3429 | WEBSITE
Pub 56 has always been a reliable spot for beer-food-sports gatherings, but its current setup makes it an absolute game-day destination. The food is solid—they’ve got pub classics like fish and chips that let you know they’re fresh and a sirloin that reminds you why this place has staying power. And come Sunday evenings, you’ll find family deals, hearty entrees, and crowd-pleasing desserts—most of which come with that friendly, local vibe.
But it’s the atmosphere that makes this Pub 56 a true winner. There are enough TVs and comfortable booths to provide the feeling that you’re right where you want to be for the big game.
Vannie’s House
$ | (630) 618-4133 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving something sweet, short on time, and refuse to settle for chain coffee, head to Vannie’s House. The cozy drink spot up in Aurora offers a full menu of flavorful beverages along with one of our favorite salted creme brown sugar drinks around. Plus, if you don’t feel like rushing out for the fifth straight day, they have ample cute seating inside as well.
Taco Bell
$ | (630) 898-3307 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in a typical suburban strip mall in Aurora, this Taco Bell is a spot you might drive right past without a second thought. And even if you do notice it, you’d never guess it serves some of the best fast food in town. With everything from the classic Mexican pizza to well-seasoned fries to scrumptious vegetarian potatoes, the menu certainly covers a lot of ground, but we haven’t tried a single item that we wouldn’t order again.
Plus, with such a wide variety, it’s an ideal spot for a quick team lunch when everyone wants something different.
Tacos Don juan
$ | (630) 561-4787 | WEBSITE
It’s hard for us to even say “Aurora” without swinging by Tacos Don Juan for some tacos. In some ways, we prefer these authentic, generously portioned versions over the more streamlined or Americanized iterations you’ll find at other local spots. For starters, the tortillas here are always fresh and flavorful, with a perfect pliable texture. The birria juices soak through at even the gentlest bite.
And the fillings aren’t basic—they’ve got cabeza, lengua, al pastor, and that unbeatable pollo burrito. We gravitate towards the al pastor, balanced out with loads of fresh cilantro and their unique, vibrant salsa. Tacos Don Juan is fresh, it’s friendly, and if you set your mind to it, one burrito (and maybe a side of those fully loaded nachos?) can easily stretch into two meals.
Jefa Tacos
$ | (630) 229-6497 | WEBSITE
You can find Jefa Tacos in the midst of Aurora’s bustling dining scene, but this surprisingly vibrant Mexican spot has bright, beautiful murals and art that create an inviting space ideal for actually enjoying a meal with family. They have a standout horchata that has passed the test of even the pickiest customers and goes great with any of the tacos.
Our favorites include the popular combination fajitas – basically a sizzling platter of meats and peppers – and the barbacoa burrito topped with fresh salsa and cilantro.
ARTHOUSE
$$ | (331) 300-2927 | WEBSITE
Pre-show dinners often go one of two ways: either grab a rushed fast-food burger, or settle for overpriced theater snacks. One of these nights, treat yourself to ARTHOUSE instead. The welcoming spot in downtown Aurora has some of our favorite casual fare in the area, and sitting at the bar won’t make you feel awkward about dining solo. We like the Bang Bang Shrimp, fried pickles, and the most satisfyingly juicy burger around.
Strings Ramen Shop Aurora
$$ | (630) 229-6144 | WEBSITE
Despite its rather straightforward name, Strings Ramen Shop is a comforting little ramen spot in Aurora’s dining scene. All of their ramen bowls are way better than they should be, and the warm atmosphere is a much-needed respite from another day of errands that you don’t feel like discussing with anyone.
Voltage bubble tea
$ | (630) 229-0429 | WEBSITE
We can’t think of many better places to unwind than a friendly bubble tea shop, which is why you’ll periodically find us grabbing a treat at Voltage Bubble Tea. The welcoming spot still has that cozy, casual vibe (bright seating, cheerful decor, and a relaxed counter setup) except now the options are even more varied.
All the bubble teas are made fresh to order, plus they have fantastic Halal chicken dishes that are perfectly seasoned and served with care that’s guaranteed to brighten up your afternoon.
Sharetea Naperville/Aurora
$ | (331) 212-6282 | WEBSITE
Sharetea’s Naperville/Aurora location has provided the surrounding neighborhood the bubble tea spot that it desperately needed. The menu is filled with excellent brewed tea flavors like the Thai Milk Tea with double pearl and Taro Smoothie with pudding and pearl, not to mention consistently excellent tapioca boba. Though the space can definitely get simple with limited seating during peak hours, there always seems to be a spare spot open for you and your drink.
Melt n Dip – Gelato & Crepe
$$ | (331) 212-5182 | WEBSITE
Your afternoon in Aurora might be dragging, but now it’s dessert time and you need something sweet. Go treat yourself at Melt n Dip – Gelato & Crepe. The little dessert spot downtown isn’t serving the fanciest pastries in Illinois, but sometimes you just want to indulge in some chocolate-dipped fruit that doesn’t cost more than $8. There’s really no fancy seating here save for a few cozy tables inside, so plan to sit and savor as you make your way through that eclair pyramid.
Surf’s Up Aurora
$ | (630) 229-6016 | WEBSITE
It’s not every day you’re going to eat lobster with red potatoes and corn before 1pm, but when you want that for yourself, make sure you have it at Surf’s Up Aurora. This bright seafood restaurant in the heart of Aurora pulls in a diverse lunch crowd, but you’ll never feel out of place here in jeans and a T-shirt. Drop by for a solo lunch at the counter or roll in with a bunch of coworkers on a Friday.
Basil’s Greek Dining
$$ | (630) 692-1300 | WEBSITE
Basil’s Greek Dining is one of our favorite Greek spots in Aurora – not only because of their exceptional food, but also for having a beautiful outdoor space that’s great for a memorable meal. The warm, relaxing environment feels kind of like a Mediterranean escape, and with outstanding service from knowledgeable staff like chef Nico, you won’t have any trouble finding a reason to celebrate.
The octopus and lamb chops, with their perfectly grilled textures and traditional flavors, definitely need to hit the table.
A Tasty Hot Pot
$$ | (217) 859-9999 | WEBSITE
When it comes to hot pot in Aurora, it’s impossible to have a bad meal. But for dinner, you can almost always find us at A Tasty Hot Pot. It’s less crowded than some of its more famous competitors, and that’s exactly why we love it. Their fresh, flavorful broth is among our favorite versions in town.