10+ Years · Waukegan
Experienced Restaurants in Waukegan, IL
Experience matters. These restaurants in Waukegan have years of proven work behind them — and the reviews to back it up.
As of July 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 July 4, 2026 · RNM Score = ratings (35%), review volume (30%), sentiment (20%), completeness (10%), availability (5%) · Not paid placement.
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.
Local Market Snapshot
20
Businesses listed
4.5★
Avg rating
1,079
Avg reviews
Jul 4, 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 | The Shanty Restaurant38985 US-41, Wadsworth, IL 60083, USA | 4.5★ | 3,826 |
| #5 | Bob & Anne's Restaurant1739 N Sheridan Rd, Waukegan, IL 60085, USA | 4.5★ | 1,177 |
| #6 | Lucky Scottie Restaurant30 N Genesee St, Waukegan, IL 60085, USA | 4.5★ | 245 |
| #7 | La Canoa50 S Green Bay Rd, Waukegan, IL 60085, USA | 4.0★ | 1,913 |
| #8 | Anastasia's-Waukegan Restaurant & Sports Lounge3880 Northpoint Blvd, Waukegan, IL 60085, USA | 4.4★ | 1,840 |
| #9 | Stevens'401 N Riverside Dr, Gurnee, IL 60031, USA | 4.5★ | 1,211 |
| #10 | Toluca's Restaurant1419 Washington St, Waukegan, IL 60085, USA | 4.1★ | 987 |
Ranked by verified ratings & review volume · Data from Google Business listings · Updated July 2026
All Restaurants in Waukegan
A 4.5-star Waukegan restaurant with honest feedback from over 3,800 Google reviews.
38985 US-41, Wadsworth, IL 60083, USA
4.5 stars from over 1,100 reviews, making it a trusted local favorite.
1739 N Sheridan Rd, Waukegan, IL 60085, USA
A popular local spot with a 4.5-star rating from over 200 Google reviews.
30 N Genesee St, Waukegan, IL 60085, USA
Waukegan restaurant with a solid 4.0-star rating from over 1,900 reviews.
50 S Green Bay Rd, Waukegan, IL 60085, USA
Known for consistent quality with a 4.4-star rating from over 1,800 reviews.
3880 Northpoint Blvd, Waukegan, IL 60085, USA
Consistently rated 4.5 stars from over 1,200 Google reviews.
401 N Riverside Dr, Gurnee, IL 60031, USA
A solid 4.1-star rating from nearly 1,000 Google reviews.
1419 Washington St, Waukegan, IL 60085, USA
Known for consistent quality, this Waukegan restaurant holds a solid 4.2-star rating from nearly 1,000 reviews.
488 N Green Bay Rd, Waukegan, IL 60085, USA
4.6 stars from over 850 Google reviews, reflecting consistent quality and service.
1009 North Ave, Waukegan, IL 60085, USA
A popular Waukegan restaurant with a strong 4.5-star rating from over 650 reviews.
110 S Genesee St, Waukegan, IL 60085, USA
A popular local spot with a strong 4.6-star rating from nearly 300 reviews.
2101 Grand Ave, Waukegan, IL 60085, USA
Exceptional 4.8-star rating from over 270 Google reviews.
760 N Green Bay Rd, Waukegan, IL 60085, USA
Enjoy exceptional dining with a stellar 4.9-star rating from over 120 Google reviews.
804 10th St #2, Waukegan, IL 60085, USA
Rated 4.9 stars from 93 Google reviews in Waukegan.
438 Franklin St, Waukegan, IL 60085, USA
A solid 4.2-star rating from 90 Google reviews highlights this Waukegan restaurant.
2670 Belvidere Rd, Waukegan, IL 60085, USA
A solid 4.1-star rating from over 1,300 Google reviews reflects consistent local satisfaction.
890 S Waukegan Rd, Waukegan, IL 60085, USA
Boasting a stellar 4.8-star rating from over 30 reviews, this Waukegan gem is a local favorite.
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 | The Shanty Restaurant | 80/100 | 4.5 ★ | 3,826 |
| 5 | Bob & Anne's Restaurant | 80/100 | 4.5 ★ | 1,177 |
| 6 | Lucky Scottie Restaurant | 80/100 | 4.5 ★ | 245 |
| 7 | La Canoa | 71/100 | 4.0 ★ | 1,913 |
| 8 | Anastasia's-Waukegan Restaurant & Sports Lounge | 78/100 | 4.4 ★ | 1,840 |
| 9 | Stevens' | 80/100 | 4.5 ★ | 1,211 |
| 10 | Toluca's Restaurant | 73/100 | 4.1 ★ | 987 |
Ranked by RatingsNearMe Score · ratings (35%), review volume (30%), sentiment (20%), completeness (10%), availability (5%) · July 2026
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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.
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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: July 4, 2026.
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