Located just outside of Chicago, the dreamy town of Riverside is more than just antique homes and tree lined streets. 

Their bustling downtown is home to some of the best restaurants in the western suburbs, and frequently welcomes visitors from their neighbors, like Berwyn, Brookfield, Cicero, Forest Park, LaGrange, North Riverside, and Oak Park.

From authentic Italian and Mexican cuisine to a variety of day spas, there’s a lot more to Riverside than meets the eye. 

Check it out!

If you’re looking for a bite to eat or an after work drink, downtown Riverside has plenty of options to suit your mood. 

If you’re looking for an incredible cocktail, Catrina Tequila Bar has you covered. All of their cocktails are hand-crafted and made with fresh ingredients. Hungry? They’ve got a few tapas-style small plates as well!

When you need a delicious sandwich to go, the new takeout restaurant Cubanito Express is the answer!

Four brothers and a chef who specializes in combining Cuban and Mexican flavors opened their restaurant on Harlem Avenue in early 2022.

Breakfast sandwiches, salads, and coffee will be on the menu as well as house specialty Cuban sandwiches that combine the flavors of Cuba and Puerto Rico with the flavors of Mexico.

A treat for everyone, Empanadus is a new take on empanadas. You can try one of their classic flavors, or something more modern, like the vegan al pastor with pineapple. It’s sure to please all of your taste buds. 

La Barra is a local Italian restaurant and pizzeria that serves up all of your favorites. From delicious appetizers and salads to pasta and pizza, there’s something for everyone here (including gluten-free options!).

And with great everyday specials like buy one get one pizza and pasta Tuesday, or half price bottles for Wine Wednesday, we’re sure you’ll find a great reason to come back. Plus, there’s a designated to-go area, so you can order online, and take your favorite food home.

The local’s pick for classic Mexican, La Estancia has all of your favorites. Plus, you can grab any of their incredible margaritas for a night out.

Try any (or all) of their delicious tacos, tortas, burritos, and quesadillas, for dine-in or take out. A Mexican Restaurant you’ve got to try.

Ready for breakfast? Michaels is just what you need. It’s a local family restaurant that has that diner feel with delicious classics that have that homemade taste you crave.

Stop in for an egg scramble and a short stack of pancakes or try any of their classic sandwiches for lunch. 

Every cocktail at Quincy Street Distillery is handcrafted with history in mind.

The gin itself is made to mirror the formula used during prohibition by moonshiners who called it “railroad gin”.

This recipe is far different from most gins we drink today. The corn whiskey base gives it sweeter notes, and it’s combined with seven different botanicals like elderberry and licorice root.

Cozy up to the bar to sip craft cocktails and learn about Illinois history. Talk about multi-tasking!

Whether you’re looking to sit down for lunch or need something to grab and go, the Sawmilly has a wide range of hand-made sandwiches, both traditional and elevated.

Try one of their specialties, like the ham and brie — made with applewood smoked ham, creamy brie, tomato, balsamic syrup, and Dijon mustard. And although you’ll get your food fast, there’s nothing fast food about this place.

A recent addition to downtown Riverside, Sips & Sweets is a local favorite serving up a variety of coffee drinks — including espresso drinks and cold brew — as well as delicious treats — like their muffins, donuts, and amazing cinnamon rolls.

You can also custom order cakes and cupcakes for special occasions like birthdays and holidays. No matter what your sweet tooth is craving, they’ll have something there to satisfy it. There’s even wifi if you want to sit and work for a while.

A wonderful upscale, modern American restaurant, the Chew Chew offers a wide range of dishes, with menus that reflect local, seasonal produce.

Plus, with daily specials — like half price oysters on Thursday — there’s  a reason to come out, every night of the week. 

The newest addition to Riverside, the Sandtrap Grill and Tap is a golf themed sports bar and grill. Here, you can find daily drink specials, great food — like their bbq wings and hearty hamburgers — and a game on in the background.

Whether it’s Monday night football, or a quick bite on the weekend, there’s never a bad time to stop into The Sandtrap. 

Whether you need a fresh fade or new nail art, sit back and relax at any of these salons and spas.

Europeana Salon and Spa has been serving the Chicagoland area for over 30 years. They are a full service spa that specializes in hair, skin care, and waxing services. 

Let Hair Go is a family friendly hair salon that offers services for all ages. From haircuts and updos to manis and waxing, this place does it all — all while being kid friendly.

They also offer party packages for kids as well. 

Mago’s Styling Cave is a trendy barbershop for all ages that provides top of the line work to their clients. Their diverse group of hair professionals specialize in all hair textures and styles and use a blend of modern and classic cutting techniques to leave you feeling fresh. 

On Harlem Ave, a few blocks south of w Cermak rd, you’ll find Q Nails & Spa. The perfect place to stop in after a long day to get a pedicure, or to get your nails done for a special occasional.

Salon Elia has been owned and operated by Vasili for over 40 years. Although it was originally opened as a full service spa, Vasili now enjoys being behind the chair for his clients and focusing on hair care.   

At Salon D’Amore, they see each client as a unique individual, recognizing their personal taste in every choice they make. Although they can help guide you, their goal is to make sure you choose the look and style that works best for you. 

These specialty stores will have you coming back again and again. 

A Cut Above Dog Grooming is a full-service salon for your favorite furry friend.  From nail and hair trims to grooming and styles (even getting those pesky knots out!) — they’ll help your pup look and smell fresh every time. 

Doggy-A-GoGo is a full-service Pet Day Spa and Pet Self Wash. Which means you can either bring your beloved pet in to see one of their experienced staff members — who use proven techniques and high quality grooming treatments on your four legged friends — or, you can take a walk up together to use their self wash option.

All you do is make your appointment, and they’ll give you everything you need so you don’t have to make a mess in your house. 

Life can be busy, which means that we tend to put certain things off — maybe for too long. But with gears 2 you, a bike tune up doesn’t have to be one of them.

Gears 2 You will help you bring your bike back to life, right at your doorstep. From grinding gears and loose bearings to wobbly wheels and brake problems — Gears 2 You will get you back on the road safely in no time. 

When you’re in need of a luxury photographer, look no further than Mia Monroe. Mia Monroe Photography specializes in fine art maternity, motherhood, and family portraiture.

Their goal? To provide every client with a stress-free and empowering experience to embrace the journey of motherhood - in all of its stages. They also provide countless couture gowns, fabrics, and accessories, so you don’t have to worry, and can just focus on making memories. 

For special occasions, or just for someone special, Shamrock Flowers is the perfect place to go for all of your floral needs. You can order ahead or pick up one of their ready-made bouquets in the store. 

Whether it’s an ingredient you need for dinner or that dry cleaning for a big meeting, Riverside offers a variety of local businesses for your everyday needs. 

Riverside Cleaners and Tailor is a local favorite dry cleaner and tailor that offers laundry services, alterations, embroidery, and rug cleaning. No matter what your needs, they’ll have you looking sharp in no time. 

A favorite amongst locals, Riverside Foods makes grabbing something from the grocery store more convenient than ever. This small-business is filled with your everyday grocery needs, plus a list of local specialty items. Whether you’re grabbing something for dinner, or need to stock up on your favorite coffee, they’ve got you covered. 

You don’t have to live in Riverside to experience the incredible service at Riverside Garage. These auto mechanics proudly serve the Chicagoland area with a long list of reviews to prove just how much their customers love them. 

One of the best parts about living in the western suburbs of Chicago is the historical richness and uniqueness of the homes here. But that means it takes a special type of care to keep things around the house in working order. 

Luckily, two businesses in Riverside know just how to help upkeep classic homes. 

We’ve all been there. Picturing the perfect cooking space, beautiful oven range, maybe an antique fridge, or something new and modern. When you need help bringing your dream kitchen to life, look no further than Landmark Kitchen and Design. 

They take an innovative approach to high quality kitchen and cabinetry design, combining versatility and functionality with stunning architecture and design. Their team proudly serves the western suburbs and knows exactly what it takes to help your kitchen dreams become kitchen realities.

Riverside Plumbing Heating & Cooling, Inc. is proud to provide its customers with knowledgeable staff, quality workmanship and speedy service for your heating and air conditioning units,  plumbing, and electrical systems. 

From HVAC installation and maintenance to plumbing issues and even swimming pools, they can fix it all. And because they stay on top of on-going training in energy efficiency, they can let you know the best options for your home, to stay comfortable while saving money. 

So whatever your needs, meet us in Riverside to see all it has to offer.