The Left Bank

Consistently wonderful sandwiches. I have been partial to the Italian for 25+ years. My companion…read morelast time had chicken salad on a croissant and remarked repeatedly on the flavor of the chicken salad and the crispness of the lettuce. This is emblematic of the care they take in preparing the food. Great to either eat in or to go.

You can't go wrong with any of the menu items here! All the sandwich, wrap, soup and even salad…read moreoptions always taste fresh, flavorful and delicious. Super customizable too. Service is always amazing, the staff is very welcoming every time! Really great place to stop by for a quick bite. Nice spaces to sit down as well. Definitely recommend the Chicken Pesto sandwich and tomato soup!

Inside atrium behind place

See all

Foodstuffs

4.1(73 reviews)

0.1 mi

LOVE this place. Came here for lunch with my mother in law. We each built our own salads - tons of…read moretoppings and dressing options. Everything was fresh! They have numerous soups, dips, cookies, baked goods. I had to get the viral dot cake - it did not disappoint. This place reminds me of an east coast grocery store. Everyone seems happy. Employees were ready to help. Seating indoors and out on the patio.

Foodstuffs is a great and interesting lunch option in Lake Forest. All of their offerings are very…read morefresh and high quality, including their bakery items (look closely in the display case for potential bargains!) Starting with the salads...for around $12...you pick from an excellent selection of fresh ingredients and they toss it up. You can have them chop it as well. Their dressings are custom made and the ginger dressing, in particular, is delightful. The sandwiches...also about $12...are large and also made to order. (If you order a Panini expect a wait of around 15 minutes.) Their bakery goods are to die for! Yes, you could run around the corner to Gerhards but you'll pay much less here at Foodstuffs for a larger, better dessert (and maybe even fresher). It's not all perfect, however. We recently took home one of their frozen Shepards Pies and while the crust was great and it had plenty of meat filling there was way, way too much salt in the recipe. Also, I've had soup here a few times and it was good, but not great. As an aside, the service here is definitely courteous but can be slightly standoffish at times so don't expect the kind of super friendly service you may experience elsewhere in Lake Forest.

Foodstuffs Catering Wedding Cakes

Chicken Caesar Wrap

See all

California Dreaming Salad

Poeta's Italian Food Market

4.9(72 reviews)

3.5 mi

Everything from this great deli is amazing. I do not buy my meat anywhere else. Their premade meals…read moreare just as amazing.. My go to place always.. Love these guys!!!

Great selection , very friendly service, very tastey food. Felt the prices for the already prepared…read morefood were very reasonable.

So great I had to get a shirt

Deli/butcher counter

See all

Outside

The Peanut Gallery

4.5(80 reviews)

0.1 mi

Literally the best burger and fries I have had in YEARS. I generally don't review and rarely eat…read morethis type of food but the next time I do, it will be from here

We came by for some ice cream after dinner and with it being our first time we weren't sure what to…read moreexpect. When we walked in it was total chaos with 4 different lines, some folks waiting to order food, some waiting on take out and others just not sure what to do. We had about 10 people cut in front of us to order ice cream because we weren't sure and they just kept helping people next to us. After about 20 minutes of waiting we finally got our orders only to be totally shocked that each cone with 1 small scoop of ice cream was about $7 each. When the ice cream didn't even fill the cone. We should've just gotten a point for that price since the pint was $8.50. The ice cream was really good, but perhaps we'll try an off time where it's not full of people to visit again.

Downstairs seating and games

See all

Seating and decor

Leno's Sandwich Shop

4.2(115 reviews)

8.2 mi

One of the best sandwich spots in Northern Illinois. The variety is great and flavors are perfect…read more We generally order the Sicilian sub, Godfather sub and / or the Italian Stallion sub. The service is always great. There is a reason they've been around for many of years.

I love this sandwich shop ! I have to go there soon! The…read moreItalian is awesome. Their potato salad is the best . Buy a big one yo eat again tomorrow. It is a counter of call in service. A couple of tables. They get slot of bussiness for the school district that is how I found out about . They have street parking and a small lot . Pick your size for your sandwich . Good side choices

Ready to order?

See all

How to continue the day

Bluffington's Cafe

4.4(136 reviews)

1.9 mi

Just love this place. Food is great. It is like hanging with your family. Service is wonderful…read more Took my family here today for my 37th wedding anniversary breakfast. Couldn't have been nicer.

I was super excited to try this cafe when I found myself in this area. High ratings, delicious…read morelooking food options AND outside tables on a clear blue sky day? Yes, please. And then... While I understood the line to order (it's popular and it was just after 1230), I didn't understand why numerous orders after mine, came out first. One woman checked on me and went to look for the cranberry chicken salad. I continued to wait. I asked a second time. Shortly after that, I got it. It was 1255, so I had to switch to takeaway re in house. To their credit, they gave me a free cookie (I won't eat it but maybe I can find someone else to give it to) and it doesn't seem like this is "normal". No one else waited as long as I did. Maybe I should have ordered a sandwich, but the salad was just average. Not bad. Not special, in any way. I would have liked a little more chicken. It was definitely okay. I like the vibe. Staff seem really friendly. I wouldn't go out of my way to come here though.

Best Breakfast & Lunch In Town!

Turkey Club Sandwich, so simple yet so good!

See all

Best Breakfast & Lunch In Town!

Ferentino's Pizzeria East

4.3(179 reviews)

0.2 mi

My first time trying Ferentino's Pizzeria and it definitely won't be my last! It's a small, cozy…read moreneighborhood spot with such a welcoming atmosphere. The staff was incredibly friendly and accommodating, which made the experience even better. We tried the cheesy garlic bread on their fresh house made focaccia, the rigatoni vodka, the jalapeño pineapple pizza on the Roma crust, and the veggie pizza on the pan crust. The fresh focaccia was easily the star of the meal and made both the garlic bread and the Roma crust pizza so good. The rigatoni vodka was also a standout with a rich, flavorful sauce that I'd happily order again. The pan crust wasn't my favorite, but everything else was fresh, delicious, and made with quality ingredients. If you're looking for a hidden gem in the Chicago suburbs with great food and even better service, I'd definitely recommend giving Ferentino's Pizzeria a try!

The pizza is incredible. Slices available daily. A crust so crispy, crunchy, chewy, and tasty that…read moreyou should slap yourself and get in here!!! Thick or thin, the crust is amazing. The sauces are well put together with flavor and texture. Sausage covers the whole thing, it seems, but not in an over-reaching manner... the taste is superb. Fresh. Seasoned. Loved. Well-done, indeed. Clean places to sit for a bit, though it is super casual. The pizza is piping hot so don't worry about getting it to go or delivered. This place is one of Chicago's finest. I promise!!

View of windows

The salad with dressings

See all

Up the street view

Burt's Deli

4.7(299 reviews)

5.6 mi

Love this Deli ! The sandwiches and salads potato are delicious . Lots of great tasting pickles !…read moreThe servers are so friendly . The owner likes to have good humor. A lot of people get take out ! There are a few booths to sit in. There are cookies and chips options. The bread is fresh! The corned beef is the best ever. My daughter liked her liverwurst sandwich. I would try it . It's only open until 2:00PM opens at 9:00AM so it's hard to get there on work days ! So summer or break it is !

Delicious deli. Love it every time we come in. Today I went with liverwurst and potato salad…read more The service is prompt and helpful The ambiance is casual deli with a handful of tables.

The Rachel - A Reuben with turkey.

See all

Everett Farms

4.3(380 reviews)

2.5 mi

•$$$

Called into Everett Farms for dinner with my son and daughter in law. We shared cheese curds and…read morecrab cakes. Both delicious! Entrees were fish and chips and Mahi Mahi both 10/10 excellent. Service was great. Can't wait to go back.

This was our sixth visit to this restaurant, but unfortunately, the last two visits have been…read moresubpar. It feels like the quality has been lost. Our waitress seemed completely clueless, and we were overcharged $18 for two portions of cheese curds because, according to her, no one had told her to use the Sunday menu. Not a great experience. The atmosphere is still wonderful, and we really enjoyed sitting on the patio. Unfortunately, the food was overly salty, and the potato chips tasted store-bought. There are also quite a few tastier options in the area. It's disappointing because we used to really enjoy coming here. Hopefully, the restaurant can turn things around.

They have a separate bar, the Old Mill Lounge, in the same space, but it was closed.

Breakfast in Piedmont

See all

Ham and Brie sandwich

Hometown Coffee & Juice

4.3(47 reviews)

0.2 mi

I loved my bagel sandwich salami and egg with cheese . I chose plain bagel. The homemade chips a…read moreyummy. You order at the counter but they bring your food to the table. We sat on the patio today because it was busy inside They have counter seating also. It is casual! They have Do--Rite donuts next time

We ordered tea and a jumbo pretzel which came with mustard, chocolate and cheese dips. All were…read moreserved quickly. Pretzel was amazing but maybe a tad too salty especially when paired with the dips. Place was packed on a Friday morning. Decor was minimalist but still gives off homey and rustic vibes.

Inside

See all

Interior

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

9 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

frank s.

0

1

17 years ago

Truly THE favorite place to eat among locals and those in the know...single-family owned for over 50 years! Homemade pizza is awesome, sloppy joes are great and its probably the best value anywhere on the North Shore... but make sure you bring cash (they dont take credit cards) ...but you won't need a lot of cash with hot dogs under $3! PS-don't be scared of the line on saturday--they take care of people very fast! read more

Jean G.

2

7

0

12 years ago

This is like the place next door were you can bring the basketball team and feed everyone with out putting a whole in your pockets

Lane P.

43

2

12

14 years ago

Check It http://chicago.seriouseats.com/2012/11/a-sandwich-a-day-the-not-so-sloppy-joe-from-left-bank-in-lake-forest-il.html read more

Chris N.

50

5

1

15 years ago

not so sloppy joes?!! they do it right and i keep coming back. great people working there!

Carol S.

0

4

0

8 years ago

great spot to get a quick bite, the italian beef was tasty and perfectly seasoned.

Cathy L.

0

1

0

9 years ago

Finally! Lots of Delicious lunch options and the best hot dogs ever!

A M.

0

7

0

12 years ago

nothing short of outstanding!

jim a.

0

18

1

15 years ago

top notch across the board!!

Elizabeth F.

0

1

0

16 years ago

Best cheese dog ever!!

The Left Bank - hotdog - Updated September 2026

People who viewed The Left Bank also viewed

Scooters

3.7

(88 reviews)

They're back after being closed for a decade. Brand new digs and a new owner. Actually the cooks…read moreare back from previous owner. They keep the place spotless, was a little shocked that they were doing a deep clean three hours before they close, but that probably helps them getting out of there on time. Perhaps they do another cleaning after they serve breakfast? They don't make their own beef, but Vienna makes a good beef also. My first time back I went with their chili cheese dog. The fresh cut fries were piping, hot and tasty. Perhaps they took note of some of the others who complained. I was bummed they don't have root beer and the Coke seemed to be weak on the syrup. I haven't had a Mountain Dew for decades, but that hit the spot. Surprised to see that they are actually offering breakfast and are open 6 AM and serving breakfast until 10:30 AM every day. The cashier was very friendly and helpful.

Semi speaking English cashier got order wrong. Oh well. Right ?…read moreFries .... Go to Mc Donald's. Soggy. Luke warm. WTF. First Time /Last Time. Cute crowd thou. Place looks GREAT. Hot DOGS. Not the best. I'm sad. Great Dog & Fries. I didn't get. Condiments. Let us do. Sloppy job by who ever. BUNS ? So So. My polish dog ,, Didn't fit large beef bun. Place Very Cute. Order Takers. Hire the best. Rest Rooms. Where ? Needed place to wash hands. I was so excited for this place to be the best. First Time - Last Time. Very Clean. Okay it's new. Okay. I'll give it one more shot. Cheese dog. Portillos. Menus confusing .. stupid Names. Manager should be watching people eat ect. Like wondering around. Asking Questions. "How was your Dog?" Me. Thanks for asking. Bun too big. Maybe dog not warm. Order wrong. Polish w cheese and relish. " What did u get ?" Polish w everything. Soggy. Wet. OMG. AND $18 Bucks. 2 dogs & Fries. Best Fries ...Max Dog ..Libertyville. Sorry guys. $20 bucks. Not that good.

Dear Franks of Deerfield

3.8

(146 reviews)

Stumbled on this hole in the wall when looking for an Italian beef sandwich. To say quaint is…read morepressing it. There's a counter to order at and 5-6 2 top tables, then one 4 top. Next door with a shared entry is Dear Franks ice cream with similar seating. Food was cooked to order with options to make it your own. Food was good (beef was dry and not served with a dip), and came out hot. Come try this hole in the wall with parking in the back.

I have been coming to Deer Franks since a kid, hands down the best place in Deerfield. Their…read moreconsistent, great tasting food is the reason when I drive home from college I stop there before getting home.

Josh's Hot Dogs

3.9

(192 reviews)

Stopped here on a whim during travel. We really enjoyed the friendly atmosphere and the hotdogs…read morewere great!

Order two char dog they were on regular buns, which were hard they were disgusting…read more What happened to poppyseed buns? The staff is rude and unfriendly

The Mean Wiener

4.0

(303 reviews)

We used to love coming here because the fries were always fresh. After Michael's changed ownership,…read morethe fries there went downhill, and Mean Weiner was one of the few places still doing classic Merkts cheddar fries the right way. Unfortunately, since the switch to the new fries, I don't see myself coming back. I called to ask about the change, and the person I spoke with told me the new fries are "higher quality." In my opinion, that's simply not the case. They are a big step down from what made this place special. The hot dogs are still great, which makes it even more disappointing to see these kinds of changes under the new management. I hope they'll consider bringing the original fries back.

Good cheeseburger, huge menu selection, and the ice cream looked really good. A few things like the…read morefries, the tortilla chips, and the beef empanada definitely missed the mark for us, which was disappointing because we were told they had the best fries - it sounds like they recently switched to a different style. Soda wise they have fountain coke and a bunch of jarritos in bottles, which is always a good combo to see. I'd probably go back for a hot dog but not sure what else.

The Peanut Gallery

4.5

(80 reviews)

Literally the best burger and fries I have had in YEARS. I generally don't review and rarely eat…read morethis type of food but the next time I do, it will be from here

We came by for some ice cream after dinner and with it being our first time we weren't sure what to…read moreexpect. When we walked in it was total chaos with 4 different lines, some folks waiting to order food, some waiting on take out and others just not sure what to do. We had about 10 people cut in front of us to order ice cream because we weren't sure and they just kept helping people next to us. After about 20 minutes of waiting we finally got our orders only to be totally shocked that each cone with 1 small scoop of ice cream was about $7 each. When the ice cream didn't even fill the cone. We should've just gotten a point for that price since the pint was $8.50. The ice cream was really good, but perhaps we'll try an off time where it's not full of people to visit again.

Sammies

3.6

(122 reviews)

Had the Gyros sandwich. It wasn't as good as expected. This was my first time at this location. I…read moreusually go the Lake Villa location. The size of the sandwich was ample. I would try hot dogs there next time. The ambiance is casual. The service is counter service. Forgot to take pictures of the gyros.

I remember it being better! There was plenty of meat which I liked tasted good!…read more The pita was too soft . The fries are good crinkle fries . Take out or sit inside tables and booths on side walls. You order at the counter they give you a number to come to the counter to pick up your food and go sit and eat. You may refill your soda . There are other locations I usually like the Lake Villa location. The originated in Chicago onIrvingPark and Central which I loved.

Grayslake Dog n Suds Drive-In

3.6

(117 reviews)

I cannot get enough of their creamy Root Beer. I will go out of my way for it. That alone is reason…read moreenough to go, but I also always crave their crinkle cut fries and a burger. Going to Dogs n Suds is a classic park and eat experience everyone should have if they're in the area. This location is newly built/renovated after a fire a year or two ago, but it's always been a great location. The staff is always friendly. They come straight out to your car, no buttons to press. And they come and check on you periodically to see if you need anything else.

We have been going to this establishment for many years as we love their Texas burgers,now mind you…read morewe take the 28 mile 49 minute trip from our home and back. My husband went there a few weeks ago and placed a $50 plus order brought it home and everything was burnt, due to the new charbroiled cooker. I got ahold of them and was told I would get a credit for the order I went to collect a new order and they wanted to give me a $10 credit? What? Then it went up to $20! So I took it from the manager got only 4 burgers nothing else was replaced in my order when my order came out and the young lady said,that'll be $8 and change more! What! Needless to say we won't be going back to that location. There's one in Ingleside not that much further. It's a shame that customer service isn't respectable and the customer gets treated like they're nothing. The managers are completely disrespectful and rude. We were once loyal customers for many years to that location but will be no more. It's all about quantity not quality any longer. Thank you Dog N' Suds for the many years of good treatment,good food up until now. I know that my words won't make a difference in this matter but in case you're thinking of going there,don't expect much courtesy.

5 Points Restaurant

3.7

(81 reviews)