Home

Download

NO BAD **RECOMMENDATIONS**.

London, England

Red Room

Copenhagen, Denmark

Delphine

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Chez Nina Green Brasserie

The most popular restaurants in Nova Circle right now

TRENDING NOW

Guide to

During Winter

Prague 

in Finland

The Northern Lights

Winter Edition

Paris

Best bars

New York Cities

Explore curated travel guides filled with hidden gems and top recommendations to inspire your next adventure.

TRAVEL GUIDES

Discover standout moments and top picks from our vibrant community of travelers and explorers.

USER HIGHLIGHTS

Meet our most active and inspiring community members sharing unique recommendations and insights.

TOP USERS

On A Budget

5 Star Luxury Travel

You Must Visit

Eco-Friendly Hotels

Avoid Bali belly

How To:

That Are Worth The Trip

Dining Concepts

The World Is Slowing Down

Soft Travel

Stay updated with the latest travel tips, trends, and exciting updates from the Nova Circle community.

NEWS

Explore

Copenhagens Boutique Hotels

Discover

Tokyos best Ramen

Travel philosophy

The Rise of ‘Soft Travel’

Dublin Best Pubs

 Find fresh ideas and experiences to discover, from must-visit spots to unique activities.

MORE INSPIRATION

Connect with trusted partners who share our passion for unforgettable experiences and quality travel.

OUR SELECTED PARTNERS

Nova Circle is your single space for saving and sharing top recommendations around the world while getting inspired by likeminded people.

Nova Circle - No Bad Recommendations

As a valued Nova Circle member you can enjoy our exclusive partner discounts. Simply just sign in to claim the deals.

Partner Discounts

Enjoy exclusive travel partner discounts with Nova Circle.

Nova Circle Benefits - Travel Partner Discounts

Benefits

Chicago, IL

North America

United States

# Great Escape Restaurant – Classic American Dining in Chicago, IL

Great Escape Restaurant, located in Chicago, IL, is a beloved establishment known for its nostalgic ambiance and diverse menu offerings. This classic American dining spot has been a favorite among locals for years, offering a range of dishes from hearty sandwiches to comforting soups. With a rich history and a strong community presence, the restaurant has garnered positive reviews for its friendly service and generous portions. Patrons often highlight the baked French onion soup and the Reuben sandwich as standout items, making it a go-to destination for both casual meals and special occasions.

## History
### The story of Great Escape Restaurant
Great Escape Restaurant was founded with the vision of creating a welcoming space where families and friends could gather to enjoy hearty meals in a nostalgic setting. The restaurant's design reflects a classic American diner aesthetic, evoking a sense of comfort and familiarity. Over the years, it has become a cornerstone of the local dining scene, attracting a loyal customer base that appreciates its commitment to quality food and service.

### Milestones and growth
- Established as a neighborhood restaurant in the early 1990s
- Expanded menu offerings to include a variety of American classics
- Renovated dining space to enhance customer experience
- Gained recognition for community involvement and support
- Celebrated 25 years of service with a special event for loyal patrons

### Cultural and local influence
Great Escape Restaurant has played a significant role in the local community by hosting events and supporting local initiatives. Its presence has fostered a sense of belonging among residents, making it a popular choice for family gatherings and celebrations. The restaurant's commitment to using locally sourced ingredients also reflects its dedication to supporting the local economy.

### Continuing the tradition
The restaurant continues to uphold its founding principles by maintaining high standards in food quality and customer service. The current management, led by owner Brian Great, emphasizes the importance of creating memorable dining experiences for guests. Regular updates to the menu ensure that the offerings remain fresh and appealing, while the restaurant's nostalgic charm continues to attract both new and returning customers.

## Community
### Community involvement
Great Escape Restaurant actively participates in community events and initiatives, often collaborating with local organizations to support charitable causes. This involvement has helped to strengthen its ties with the community, making it more than just a dining establishment but a hub for social interaction and support.

### Community notion about the place
Locals regard Great Escape Restaurant as a cherished institution, often referring to it as a place where memories are made. The restaurant's reputation for quality food and attentive service has earned it a loyal following, with many patrons sharing fond memories of family celebrations and gatherings held there.

### Events and gatherings
The restaurant frequently hosts events such as holiday celebrations, family reunions, and community fundraisers. These gatherings not only provide a platform for the community to come together but also showcase the restaurant's commitment to being an integral part of local life. The spacious dining area is well-suited for accommodating larger groups, making it a popular venue for special occasions.

## Offerings
### What Great Escape Restaurant offers
Great Escape Restaurant boasts a diverse menu that caters to a wide range of tastes. From classic American dishes to seasonal specials, the restaurant aims to provide something for everyone. The focus on quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods ensures that each dish is flavorful and satisfying.

### Dining and food experience
The dining experience at Great Escape Restaurant is characterized by a warm and inviting atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a leisurely meal while savoring dishes like the renowned baked French onion soup, hearty sandwiches, and generous portions of ribs. The attentive staff is dedicated to ensuring that each visit is enjoyable, providing prompt service and accommodating special requests.

### Events and packages
Great Escape Restaurant offers various event packages for those looking to host gatherings, whether it be a birthday party, corporate event, or family reunion. These packages often include customizable menu options, ensuring that hosts can tailor the dining experience to their guests' preferences. The restaurant's flexibility in accommodating different group sizes makes it an ideal choice for special occasions.

### Facilities and features
- Spacious dining area
- Bar seating available
- Outdoor patio for al fresco dining
- Ample parking space
- Private banquet facilities for events

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Reviews of Great Escape Restaurant reveal a mix of experiences, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement. While many patrons rave about the food and service, some have noted inconsistencies in their dining experiences.

### Compliments and strengths
Many guests commend the restaurant for its friendly staff, generous portion sizes, and nostalgic ambiance. Signature dishes like the ribs and French onion soup receive frequent praise, with customers often expressing their desire to return for another meal. The restaurant's commitment to providing a welcoming environment is also a recurring theme in positive reviews.

### Contrasts and notable mentions
On the flip side, some reviews point out issues such as service delays and food quality inconsistencies. Instances of double-booking tables and forgotten orders have been mentioned, indicating that while the restaurant has many strengths, there are areas that require attention. These contrasts highlight the importance of consistent service and quality control in maintaining customer satisfaction.

### Summary evaluation
Overall, Great Escape Restaurant is well-regarded for its classic American fare and community involvement. While there are occasional criticisms, the restaurant's strengths in food quality and service often outweigh the negatives, making it a popular choice for both locals and visitors alike.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
Great Escape Restaurant is conveniently located at 9540 W Irving Park Rd, Schiller Park, IL, just a short drive from downtown Chicago. The restaurant's proximity to O'Hare International Airport makes it an accessible dining option for travelers looking to enjoy a meal away from the hustle and bustle of the airport. The surrounding neighborhood offers a mix of residential and commercial areas, contributing to the restaurant's local charm. Visitors can explore nearby parks and recreational areas, making it an ideal stop for families and groups.

## FAQs
**What type of cuisine does Great Escape Restaurant serve** American cuisine with a focus on classic dishes and comfort food
**Is there parking available at Great Escape Restaurant** Yes, ample parking is available in the back
**Can I host an event at Great Escape Restaurant** Yes, the restaurant offers event packages for various occasions

## Visit Great Escape Restaurant Today
Experience the charm and delicious offerings of Great Escape Restaurant in Chicago, IL. With its rich history, community-friendly atmosphere, and a menu full of classic American dishes, it’s a perfect spot for family gatherings or a casual meal with friends. Enjoy the nostalgia and warmth that this beloved establishment has to offer.

9d0a8e13-ffe1-4e2d-86cd-5997a5e09ff1

First of all, I'd like to say that I've always enjoyed The Great Escape--the nostalgia, the baked French onion soup, the Reuben sandwich. I've been taking my coaching staff, work colleagues, and friends here for years. Not to mention, my father frequents the restaurant monthly for lunch with friends, too. My dad raves over The Great Escape's BLT, always saying the same thing--the amount of bacon they put on it is second to none. With my father's health (pancreatic cancer) rapidly deteriorating, I decided to reserve a table for 8 this past Saturday. Granted, the place was hopping with what looked like a wedding that rented out the entire covered porch. Our reservation was for 2 p.m. We arrived at 1:55 p.m., and we weren't seated until 2:15 p.m. No biggie in my book. We ordered rounds of drinks and entrees across the table. We even obliged the photographer who was taking pictures. Long story short, we spent over 450 dollars, which under normal circumstances is entirely worth it for "the experience," especially for my father who was likely enjoying his last ever meal from one of his favorite places before going into hospice. What struck a nerve with me was after one hour and 30 minutes, at 3:45 p.m., we were asked to leave because the next party was already there. If I had known that The Great Escape double-booked our table, I'd never have made a reservation. Subsequently, 450 dollars spent for 7 adults and a kid on an early Saturday dinner, I would venture to say, is enough of an investment to not get run off our table after only an hour and thirty minutes. I reached out to the restaurant, requesting a professional email from the owner Brian Great, as I wanted to share this experience through a private medium. But after no response other than a "Hi, thanks for contacting us. We've received your message and appreciate you reaching out," I've decided to post my feedback as a review. The Great Escape is the kind of place local Leyden-area folks save up for in order to celebrate special occasions. Down the road, I truly hope the owner, Brian Great, ensures that all his patrons, whether returning customers or new diners, especially when they've made reservations while also paying good money, never have to "eat and run" like my family did this past Saturday.

292a1758-110a-43ec-bae0-e8e003dbd4c9

Came here with friends for dinner. A really hopping place with h excellent food. #iraeats #iraeats1

92919a4a-7651-4ac7-8010-15ce9979f1db

seated too close to the bus station staff crashed dishes too loudly into the bus pans waitress should've taken our order sooner waitress forgot to bring our sides waitress brought the wrong entree breaded pork tenderloin was greasy vegetables were soggy & colorless French onion soup was just OK fries were just OK pickle was wilted lettuce was NOT fresh tea was refilled with wrong kind of tea told waitress about disappointing quality & no remedy was offered we WON'T be returning

dd6de37e-b5e1-417e-91be-cdd71addd958

Solid food, good service and friendly staff. Smoked pork chops were excellent! Definitely will be beck.

026e8455-8792-41bb-83a1-259830549c0a

Wait staff was very kind and attentive. The soup was ok. The shrimp and filet was very good. The chicken pot pie they're suppose to be known for was mid at best. Chicken parm was good. The grilled cheese was grease city. Now to the chicken special holy lemon can't even eat more than 2 bites. Now to the fried chicken it was wet and red! Now to the French dip the meat was fatty and hard. Service was good tho but food needs work.

aec2e83c-641f-4982-8ee6-f1cbd6cffb8b

I have driven by here hundreds of times over the years and never stopped I. Until today for a holiday get together. What a treat , I immediately spotted the owner and introduced myself to him. We sat and Nicole was our server. I had chicken pot pie and French onion soup and it was made to perfection. The atmosphere was fantastic. Everything was perfect. Even had the pleasure of meeting a woman and her family as she celebrated her 95th birthday and clicked some pics for them. What a great escape (lol) we had We will return. Thanks to everyone who made this visit a memorable one

33de1335-fd85-4782-a3f7-d01aa0e02814

Delightful old school dining in a neighborhood near O'Hare. The Great Escape is far enough from O'Hare that you avoid tourists and trendiness and the up charges that brings, close enough to grab a 10 minute Uber and enjoy a nice meal in a classic atmosphere. Service is on par, helpful and pleasant. Food is tasty, ample portions. The French onion soup is cheesy! Specials change regularly . There's a dining room, bar seating and they do banquets and luncheons. Plenty of parking in back.

c8bdcdb3-fad5-4400-a56a-0b208cb78201

Family dinner- I always love these tripe's of restaurants that give bread and butter and soup and salad - free . Ribs are good staff is good !

ab462f8e-e5d3-4389-b43f-a0d9fb04a328

The food never disappoints! Ribs are a must and you can take home their amazing sauce.

aac65608-a9d9-4cb5-9e12-9ccdc320e4fd

What a wonderful dining experience! This place is just what I hoped it would be. Great food, good service and nice ambiance. I had one of the specials, which was roast pork shank with mashed potatoes and vegetables. The pork was tender, moist and falling off the bone. Potatoes and veggies were done just right. My companions had a salad, chicken Parm and another one had the pork tenderloin. All generous portions and tasteful. Service was good. The bar is great. We had a drink while waiting for our companions to arrive. A big plus for Guinness on tap! All in all, a great place to dine.

Discover Great Escape Restaurant in Schiller Park, Chicago for delicious cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere. Book your table now for an unforgettable dining experience.

Great Escape Restaurant in Chicago - Delicious Cuisine & Cozy Atmosphere

Schiller Park

Great Escape Restaurant

Illinois

Experience the flavors at Great Escape Restaurant in Chicago, IL. Enjoy diverse dishes, friendly service, and a welcoming vibe near Schiller Park. Book now!

Great Escape Restaurant in Chicago, IL - Delicious Cuisine & Cozy Atmosphere

Learn about Great Escape Restaurant in Chicago, IL. A family-friendly spot offering tasty meals, great service, and a cozy setting near Schiller Park. Visit us today!

About Great Escape Restaurant, Chicago - Your Local Dining Spot

Opening hours for Great Escape Restaurant, Chicago, IL. Find opening hours for Great Escape Restaurant, Chicago, IL on 9540 W Irving Park Rd.

Great Escape Restaurant Menu Overview

Platillos Destacados

Bebidas y Maridajes

Opciones Dietéticas

Recomendaciones del Chef

Experimente el Menú en Great Escape Restaurant

Broccoli

Chicago Bubble Show

Brown's Chicken & Pasta