What better way to spend your last weeks of summer than to check out new businesses in the area? From inventive Mexican in Oak Brook and a new boutique coffee bar in Winnetka to a skincare destination in Hubbard Woods and a second outpost of a great clothing spot for fall fashion, here’s what’s new in town.
Food & Drink
Pit & Tap
In late 2020, the families behind Nick’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill completed the sale of their space to Wilmette resident and experienced restaurant consultant Michael Clarke. Clarke spent months looking for the perfect place to launch his own restaurant idea and found great potential right in Wilmette. Pit & Tap, which opened in July, serves up delicious Texas-style barbecue, and is the perfect place to to “sit, eat some ribs and drink a beer.”
168 Wilmette Ave, Wilmette
Everett Farm
Spearheaded by Chef John Des Rosiers, Everett Farm brings American-style food with natural ingredients right from the farm. Some highlights include their “Fried Cape Cod…Cod,” The Umami Sandwich, and Belgium Endive & Truffle Salad.
840 South Waukegan Rd. Suite 113, Lake Forest
Blanco Cocina + Cantina
Founded in Arizona, Blanco Cocina + Cantina brings Sonoran-style Mexican fare to Oak Brook with the restaurant brand’s first Midwest concept. Start with fresh, inventive cocktails like a Smashed Watermelon or Pineapple and Jalapeño Margarita before diving into top-notch guac and bright, fresh mains like Grilled Avocado Tacos and Tiger Shrimp Fajitas. “Bringing my favorite Mexican food dishes to one of my favorite cities this summer is very exciting,” said Sam Fox, founder of Fox Restaurant Concepts. “Blanco is a place to sit back, relax, and raise a margarita to good times and good people, and we can’t wait to welcome in the Oak Brook community.”
Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook
Momsy’s Cafe
Named after the owner’s late mother, Momsy’s Cafe is a new boutique and coffee bar that offers everyone’s favorite drinks and baked goods. Don’t miss out on their wide variety of delicious novelty treats, including Peanut Butter Chocolate Crispy Rounds, Specialty Cupcakes, and Monkey Bread.
950 Green Bay Rd, Winnetka
The Station
This upscale, farm-to-table mexican restaurant is run by renowned Chef John Des Rosiers. Head over this fall to enjoy your choice of a burrito, burrito bowl, salad bowl, or tacos.
840 South Waukegan Rd., Lake Forest
Shopping
Arch Glow
Arch Glow provides organic and natural oils for your skin to give it a radiant glow. After five years of pop-up shops in various Winnetka locations, they will open a permanent store in Hubbard Woods soon and offer a variety of skincare products, along with beautiful vintage jewels to shop from. Watch their Instagram for the official opening announcement.
913 Green Bay Road, Hubbard Woods
Bunny & Babe
Peyton Merrill’s Bunny & Babe boutique is opening its second location in Winnetka. This new location will be right down the street from the first, and will offer customers different price point options. The store is inspired by Babe Paley and Bunny Mellon — two style icons of the ’50s and ’60s.
555 Chestnut St, Winnetka
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Alexa Weinberg is a summer intern for the editorial staff at Better. She is currently working toward a Cognitive Science and Psychology degree at the University of Michigan with a minor in Writing. At school, she works to promote her love of writing through various organizations, including Project WriteOn and WOLV-TV. In her free time she enjoys running, reading, and spending time with friends and family.
