Some restaurants offer prix fixe menus and tasting flights, while others boast chef’s specials and seasonal ingredients. But perhaps you’re tired of being confined by someone else’s culinary vision—you’d rather gather with friends and savor exactly what you crave. In Hickory Hills, that’s precisely what awaits. Choose your companions, then face the deliciously daunting task of selecting from these 16 exceptional spots.
Les Brothers Restaurant – 95th Street
$ | (708) 233-0333 | WEBSITE
Les Brothers Restaurant – 95th Street has a lot going on – massive portions that practically beg for a doggy bag, friendly waitresses who remember your coffee refills, and a hostess who handles any hiccups with a smile. This longtime spot on 95th Street also has a steady stream of regulars who’ve been coming back for 18 years, even as the prices have crept up a bit, because the cornbeef hash and Belgium waffles are just that good.
El Chaparro Mexican food
$ | (708) 634-2258 | WEBSITE
We like that El Chaparro Mexican food has fresh guacamole, perfectly seasoned dishes, and a horchata that’s a must-try. We also like the fact that you can sit here and enjoy popular items like quesadillas, burritos, and enchiladas. Or you can get something else from their extensive menu – maybe try the chicken gorditas, chorizo, or poblano burrito on your next visit.
Just be sure to avoid this place during peak dinner hours – unless you’re prepared to wait for those pastor tacos and green chicken tamales.
China Garden Restaurant.
$ | (708) 598-8598 | WEBSITE
Grabbing General Tso’s chicken or lo mein while picking up dinner for the family might sound like one of those hectic weeknight routines that blends convenience with comfort, but at China Garden Restaurant, you can make it work perfectly. Both of those dishes are among the wide selection this Justice spot offers, which provides the option to get flavorful, satisfying food to go at reasonable prices.
Denny’s
$ | (708) 599-8666 | WEBSITE
Denny’s is where you go when you want to eat something with a maximum of two ingredients and sit with a couple of friends who don’t expect you to entertain them or even make quality conversation. It’s a big comfortable restaurant in Hickory Hills, it has plenty of parking and wheelchair access in addition to flexible seating, and it gets pretty reliable for breakfast.
So either come here on a weekend if you want a Grand Slam, or stop by on a weeknight with some leftovers from the crispy chicken sandwich and enjoy a steak while you finish those seasoned fries.
The Pit Rib House
$$ | (708) 599-7576 | WEBSITE
After a long week of pretending to enjoy kale salads, you’re ready for real food and honest flavors. Grab some chopped BBQ brisket and a tender pork chop from The Pit Rib House, and enjoy it in their memorabilia-filled dining room while soaking up the family-owned atmosphere. If you’re lucky, snag a booth near the interesting decor items, where the noise level stays comfortable even when the place is packed with regulars.
Sammie’s Cafe & Pancake House
$ | (630) 479-8944 | WEBSITE
Sammie’s Cafe & Pancake House is a cozy local spot in Hickory Hills with friendly service and tasty breakfast plates that’ll have regulars lining up like it’s Sunday morning at the church pancake social. If you’re craving something hearty, you have two solid choices that are both on the regular menu.
For a classic diner experience, dig into a plate loaded with chicken fried steak and eggs from the griddle, and when you want something with a twist, try their unique take on corned beef hash with the popular Irish breakfast. The coffee’s always fresh, the portions are generous, and you’ll leave feeling like you got your money’s worth without breaking the bank.
Wingz it iz & Sal’s Philly Steaks – Hickory Hills, IL
$ | (708) 658-6137 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving wings after a long day but don’t want to break the bank or deal with a crowded sports bar scene, it can be tough to find a spot that hits just right. But Wingz it iz & Sal’s Philly Steaks stays open late with reasonable prices, and they also let you customize your order however you like.
So if you want to treat yourself to a satisfying solo meal, grab some lemon pepper wings and hand-cut fries, and enjoy them in this bright, no-frills joint while you dip everything in their homemade garlic sauce and scroll through your phone.
Crispy Bitez
$ | (708) 907-5910 | WEBSITE
If we’re getting wings in Hickory Hills, Crispy Bitez is the first place that comes to mind. This is probably because it feels like a neighborhood spot where people would hang out in a sitcom about Hickory Hills, and if you stick around long enough, it’s a great place to meet regulars. It has a friendly atmosphere, comfortable seating, and a kitchen that turns out consistently great food. The cook ensures everyone is satisfied, and there’s a genuine care to the service.
If you want wings, for example, get them with lemon pepper seasoning. Or if you want something sweet, go for the honey BBQ sauce. The fresh, tasty meals are absolutely worth the fifteen-minute wait, whether you’re dining in or taking out.
Peruvian Cuisine
$ | (708) 357-2308 | WEBSITE
Your family is craving something beyond the usual takeout rotation this weekend. If you’re in the south suburbs, bring that adventurous spirit with you to Peruvian Cuisine. The humble dining room provides a simple setting where you can settle in while the friendly owners, a married couple, prepare everything fresh to order. The pollo a la brasa is a must-try, with juicy, flavorful chicken served with salad, fries, and rice for a satisfying meal around $15.
The Lomo Saltado comes highly recommended, and the chicken tamales offer a unique, delicious twist. It’s an authentic, well-portioned experience that makes this hidden gem worth the short drive for true Peruvian flavors.
Vito & Nick’s II Pizzeria
$ | (708) 430-2800 | WEBSITE
If you’re used to the no-frills, grab-and-go style of typical pizzerias, then you’ll appreciate the family-friendly vibe at Vito & Nick’s II in Hickory Hills. If you’d rather skip the bustling dining room and just focus on that perfect slice, consider calling ahead for takeout. Either way, make sure to try their standout Garlic Chicken Alfredo pizza or explore their solid beer selection, including that great IPA they keep on tap.
Xando cafe
$ | (708) 599-1205 | WEBSITE
You’re looking for a cozy spot in Hickory Hills where you can relax with friends or a date, but you don’t want anything too formal or rushed. Grab a $12 burger—the best in town—and a $5 Caramel Macchiato at Xando Cafe, and settle in at a wooden table inside or at one of the outdoor tables. Sit in the warm, inviting atmosphere with soft lighting, and if you come during a quiet afternoon, enjoy the attentive service from friendly staff like Despina or Paige.
Share some $8 nachos or a slice of $7 homemade cheesecake, and take your time over hot, crispy fries and a bowl of $6 lemon soup.
Olympia Bakery
$ | (708) 598-1999 | WEBSITE
Another bakery option in Hickory Hills, Olympia Bakery is a little bit more traditional than some modern spots, and it feels slightly less like the home of several Instagram influencers who might own marble countertops. It’s just a straightforward space with a convenient parking lot and a kid-friendly atmosphere, and it’s perfect for when you just want a normal place for a high-quality treat.
They also offer beautiful wedding cakes, which are technically special occasion items – but the appropriate move is to grab their excellent paczki and pastries, which look as good as they taste, along with their especially popular breads featuring a lovely crust and fresh, bready aromas.
Noon O Kabab of Hickory Hills
$$ | (708) 741-7886 | WEBSITE
Noon O Kabab offers generous portions at reasonable prices, it’s a family-friendly spot in Hickory Hills, and it’s one of the few restaurants in the area with such consistently incredible food. Despite all that, it’s rarely overcrowded, probably because it’s tucked away in a lively but accessible dining area, and when you first walk in, it just looks like a clean, welcoming space.
Order the mixed grill or try the Koobideh noted as the best, and enjoy the free sampler of potato salad, hummus, and eggplant salad, making this place a must-try when you need a superb spot to enjoy a meal with family or friends.
Pizza Castle
$ | (708) 930-5600 | WEBSITE
Pizza Castle is a serious pizza joint. If that phrase conjures images of Chicagoans savoring thin crust while debating the perfect sauce-to-cheese ratio, you’re not far off. But if you’re OK with (or excited about) a place where the entire focus is on phenomenal pizza, then this is one of your best options in Hickory Hills. The clean space has an indoor bar with TVs, which almost always play sports, and a welcoming staff that accommodates dietary needs.
It’s in Hickory Hills, so you have plenty of dining choices, but we recommend getting the sausage pizza with extra cheese from Chef King Arthur right here.
Pita Land
$ | (708) 599-8054 | WEBSITE
You don’t need to travel to the Middle East or even a big city to find authentic vegetarian meals that taste like they were made with care. All you need to do is head to Pita Land, a clean, well-maintained spot in Hickory Hills (it’s all indoors, so FYI, it’s cozy year-round). Along with their famous falafel wraps and hummus, there’s exceptional baklava that’s worth the trip alone, plus combination plates that keep everything hot and fresh for takeout.
The garlic sauce is a highlight, and the portions are generous enough to share.
Tequila Mucho – Cantina & Grill
$ | (708) 800-0194 | WEBSITE
A night of dancing in the suburbs is a rare treat on par with finding a parking spot right out front or wearing your dancing shoes to dinner. Fortunately, you don’t have to drive downtown to do this – unless you go to Tequila Mucho. This is a lively cantina anchored in Hickory Hills, and in order to get here from anywhere nearby, you just have to find the large lot and park for free.
That might sound ordinary, but it’s actually a nice little escape, and you’ll appreciate the fact that you can dance as much as you want. So stop by the bar and get a steak sandwich, several rounds of drinks, a plate of good vibes, and a whole lot of great music. Or whatever it is you bring to your celebrations.