7 Favorite Local Businesses in Vernon Hills

With so many amazing spots in Vernon Hills and so many new spots popping up every day, it’s hard to choose which businesses and restaurants to frequent. Honestly, Vernon Hills has no business being this good. From Melody Farms and Hawthorne Mall to Buttermilk and more, whether you’re a long-time local or are moving to the area, here’s a short list of seven great local businesses in Vernon Hills that will keep you coming back for more.

1. Buttermilk

The blueprint for excellent breakfast spots. Buttermilk at Melody Farm is the kind of place that will always have a wait on the weekends, but it will be totally worth it. The entire restaurant is made from scratch, and from the first bite, you will be able to tell. Searching through their reviews on TripAdvisor, one person says, “The pancakes are genuinely the best in the area, the portions are massive, and the biscuits are the kind of thing people talk about after”. Make sure you come hungry because you will leave being more full than you’ve ever been – unless you want to take home leftovers and make a second meal out of Buttermilk’s masterpiece. 

2. Real Urban BBQ

If you’re more of a dinner-time person, Real Urban BBQ has earned its reputation as the best around. The menu features everything from homemade barbecue sauce, slow-cooked meats, to pulled pork, brisket, chicken, and award-winning ribs. They slowly rotate on a cook shack smoker capable of smoking 1,600 lb of meat. Real Urban BBQ has racked up some incredible awards over the years, including Chicago Magazine’s Hot List and the Chicago Tribune’s Essential Barbecue Bites. This place has an incredible patio where you can bring your dog, and it is a famous spot to get dinner in the warmer months. Enjoy the weather, the company, and the food.

3. Kyuramen x TBaar

A lot of towns might have a ramen spot, but no place is as good as Vernon Hills’ ramen spot. Kyuramen x TBaar Opened on Lakeview Parkway and has been popular in the area ever since. With incredibly rich broth and perfectly cooked noodles, this is a place that is good in any weather, in any season. One of their most popular dishes is the Kyushu Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen. This place is also known for its incredible space with multi-level seating that makes the experience more unique. This place gets pretty busy on the weekends, so make sure you are ready to wait. If you don’t want to wait, try hitting it on a weeknight at a slower time and enjoy the peace of your honeycomb table and delicious ramen. 

4. Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar

Lazy Dog is one of those everything restaurants. Whether you want a date night, a night with your family, or just grab a quick bite by yourself, this place will welcome you with open arms. They have a dog-friendly patio and great beer on tap, and in the summer, they get quite busy. This place gives you a small-town vibe even in the suburbs of Chicago. They also lean into their seasonal menus, switching out kegs, making new dishes, and ensuring that every time you come back, you have a new experience.

5. Sparrows Nest Thrift Store

You might not believe it, but there’s a ton of great thrifting in Vernon Hills. If you have a free Saturday or Sunday with no place to go, hitting up the local thrift stores will pass the time in a fun, unique, and cheap way. Sparrows Nest Thrift Store has amazing stuff in it, and the bonus is that shopping here actually means something – their website says that all “net proceeds from the seven thrift stores go back into Home of the Sparrow’s programs and services that help women and children as they journey from homelessness to self-sufficiency”.The store is organized, clean, and fun to go treasure hunting in. Tons of reviews about this store rave. They find brand-name pieces, vintage pieces, and unique home goods at prices that they actually can afford. Enjoy guilt-free shopping here because it means you’re supporting a great cause.

6. City Works Eatery & Pour House

Also at Melody Farm, City Works is the place to be when there’s a game that you wanna watch. With two large outdoor patios, one of which can be booked for private events, City Works Eatery and Pour House has a space for everyone. Their tap list is absolutely massive, with 90+ rotating beers. They even rotate seasonally, so every time you go there, there will be something new to try. As for the food, it’s the best bar food in the area and better than you can expect from a lot of other places. A great spot for a group, a family dinner, or just a chill hang with your friends. Currently on tap is Sun Crusher, a wheat beer, Voodoo Ranger Sweet Rye Juicy IPA, and Spekto Kooler, a delicious hard seltzer. 

If you prefer to shop local, this boutique has a loyal following for a great reason. Instead of walking out of a chain store feeling like nothing fits right, you will walk into The Clothes Store and find everything from basics to staple pieces for your wardrobe. Stocked in sizes 0 to 4X, Most people will be able to walk in and find something they love. Even the jewelry and accessories get rave reviews. With great quality clothing and excellent customer service, The Clothes Store is the heart of Vernon Hills fashion.