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Emergency Restaurants in Waukegan, IL — Available 24/7
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As of June 2026, RatingsNearMe ranks 20 restaurants in Waukegan, IL by the RNM Score — a 0–100 rating built from Google ratings, review volume, sentiment, and profile completeness. The top-ranked is Destino Ristorante with a 4.9-star rating from 1,175 Google reviews and an RNM Score of 87/100. Also in the top tier: Papa Marcos Restaurant and Big Ed's BBQ. The average rating across all listed restaurants in Waukegan is 4.5 stars from 1,079 reviews per business on average.
Restaurants in Waukegan range from $ (budget, under $15/person) to $$$$ (fine dining, $60+/person).
Rankings updated June 9, 2026 · RNM Score = ratings (35%), review volume (30%), sentiment (20%), completeness (10%), availability (5%) · Not paid placement.
Waukegan, Illinois offers a diverse selection of restaurants catering to a variety of tastes and preferences. From casual dining establishments to family-owned eateries, the city provides ample options for locals and visitors seeking a satisfying meal.
- ✓Wide range of cuisines including Mexican, American, and breakfast fare
- ✓Mixture of well-known chains and local independent restaurants
- ✓Restaurants located throughout the city, providing convenient dining options
Best Overall
Sabor Tierra Caliente Mexican Restaurant
It consistently ranks as the top-rated restaurant in Waukegan, offering authentic Mexican cuisine with outstanding customer satisfaction.
Most Reviewed
La Chuparosa Waukegan's Premier Mexican Restaurant
A high review count indicates broad popularity and a reliable dining experience that many locals have tried and enjoyed.
For the best overall experience, try Sabor Tierra Caliente; if you want a popular spot with lots of feedback, La Chuparosa is a safe bet. Always check recent reviews for the freshest insights.
How to Choose a Restaurant in Waukegan
What to look for
- • Cleanliness and proper food handling practices
- • Positive online reviews from local customers
- • A diverse menu with a range of cuisine options
- • Parking availability and accessibility
Questions to ask
- • How long has the restaurant been in business in Waukegan?
- • What are the restaurant's policies regarding food allergies and dietary restrictions?
- • Can you provide information about the restaurant's health inspection history?
Red flags
- ⚠ Numerous negative reviews citing food quality, service, or cleanliness issues
- ⚠ Lack of proper licensing or permits displayed
- ⚠ Unsanitary conditions or poor food handling practices observed during your visit
In Waukegan, IL, restaurants are required to obtain a valid business license and comply with local health department regulations. It's important to verify that the establishment has the necessary permits and insurance coverage to operate legally and safely.
Local Market Snapshot
20
Businesses listed
4.5★
Avg rating
1,079
Avg reviews
Jun 9, 2026
Last updated
Top Rated Restaurants
Boasts a stellar 4.9-star rating from over 1,100 Google reviews.
5101 Washington St Ste 34, Gurnee, IL 60031, USAA top-rated Waukegan restaurant with a 4.8-star average from over 1,500 reviews.
622 Grand Ave, Waukegan, IL 60085, USAA Waukegan restaurant with 4.7 stars from nearly 3,000 reviews.
651 Lakehurst Rd, Waukegan, IL 60085, USARestaurants Rankings in Waukegan, IL
| # | Business | Rating | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Destino Ristorante5101 Washington St Ste 34, Gurnee, IL 60031, USA | 4.9★ | 1,175 |
| #2 | Papa Marcos Restaurant622 Grand Ave, Waukegan, IL 60085, USA | 4.8★ | 1,552 |
| #3 | Big Ed's BBQ651 Lakehurst Rd, Waukegan, IL 60085, USA | 4.7★ | 2,967 |
| #4 | La Chuparosa Waukegan's Premier Mexican Restaurant760 N Green Bay Rd, Waukegan, IL 60085, USA | 4.8★ | 273 |
| #5 | Anastasia's-Waukegan Restaurant & Sports Lounge3880 Northpoint Blvd, Waukegan, IL 60085, USA | 4.4★ | 1,840 |
| #6 | Family & Crab2101 Grand Ave, Waukegan, IL 60085, USA | 4.6★ | 274 |
| #7 | Sabor Tierra Caliente Mexican Restaurant822 10th St, Waukegan, IL 60085, USA | 4.8★ | 32 |
| #8 | La Canoa50 S Green Bay Rd, Waukegan, IL 60085, USA | 4.0★ | 1,913 |
| #9 | Green Town Tavern110 S Genesee St, Waukegan, IL 60085, USA | 4.5★ | 656 |
| #10 | Liguez Brunch804 10th St #2, Waukegan, IL 60085, USA | 4.9★ | 124 |
Ranked by verified ratings & review volume · Data from Google Business listings · Updated June 2026
All Restaurants in Waukegan
760 N Green Bay Rd, Waukegan, IL 60085, USA
3880 Northpoint Blvd, Waukegan, IL 60085, USA
822 10th St, Waukegan, IL 60085, USA
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Restaurants in Waukegan, IL — Compared
| # | Business | RNM Score | Rating | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Destino Ristorante | 87/100 | 4.9 ★ | 1,175 |
| 2 | Papa Marcos Restaurant | 85/100 | 4.8 ★ | 1,552 |
| 3 | Big Ed's BBQ | 83/100 | 4.7 ★ | 2,967 |
| 4 | La Chuparosa Waukegan's Premier Mexican Restaurant | 85/100 | 4.8 ★ | 273 |
| 5 | Anastasia's-Waukegan Restaurant & Sports Lounge | 78/100 | 4.4 ★ | 1,840 |
| 6 | Family & Crab | 82/100 | 4.6 ★ | 274 |
| 7 | Sabor Tierra Caliente Mexican Restaurant | 74/100 | 4.8 ★ | 32 |
| 8 | La Canoa | 71/100 | 4.0 ★ | 1,913 |
| 9 | Green Town Tavern | 80/100 | 4.5 ★ | 656 |
| 10 | Liguez Brunch | 83/100 | 4.9 ★ | 124 |
Ranked by RatingsNearMe Score · ratings (35%), review volume (30%), sentiment (20%), completeness (10%), availability (5%) · June 2026
Frequently Asked Questions — Restaurants in Waukegan
How do I find the best restaurants in Waukegan?
Look for businesses with 4.5+ stars, 50+ verified reviews, proper licensing and insurance, and transparent pricing. The top-ranked restaurants in Waukegan on this page are scored by our algorithm that weighs ratings, review count, and profile completeness.
Are restaurants in Waukegan licensed and insured?
Licensing requirements vary by trade and state. For most home service contractors, IL requires both a state license and liability insurance. Always ask any contractor for proof of current insurance and a copy of their license number before work begins — you can verify most licenses on your state licensing board's website.
How much do restaurants charge in Waukegan, IL?
Prices vary by scope, materials, and contractor experience. Use the free quote form on this page to request estimates from multiple local pros simultaneously. Getting 3+ quotes is the single most effective way to avoid overpaying.
What should I look for when hiring a restaurants in Waukegan?
Verify licensing and insurance, read recent reviews on multiple platforms, ask for a written estimate before work starts, confirm they pull permits when required, and check references from recent local projects. Featured businesses on this page are ranked by verified ratings and review quality.
How are the restaurants on this page ranked?
Rankings use a transparent algorithm: star rating (35%), review volume (30%), customer sentiment (20%), profile completeness (10%), and availability (5%). Featured Partner listings have paid for enhanced visibility but must still earn their position through real customer reviews — sponsored listings are clearly labeled.
Restaurants in Nearby Cities
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How Rankings Work on This Page
Every restaurants on RatingsNearMe is scored transparently: star rating (35%), review volume (30%), customer sentiment (20%), profile completeness (10%), and availability (5%). Businesses labeled exclusive or premium are Featured Partners — they have paid for enhanced visibility but must still rank through real customer reviews. We cap sponsored boosts so bad businesses can never buy the top spot.
Editorial notice: Ratings are based on publicly available data from Google Business listings. Consumers should independently verify licensing, insurance, and credentials before hiring any service provider. Last updated: June 9, 2026.
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