Grab your grass skirt. Plunk yourself down among the palm trees, bamboo-covered walls and Maori statues in the newly relocated Tiki Terrace in Des Plaines for one of more than 100 icy umbrella-topped tropical drinks. Our pick: the Coco Island Delight, a mix of coconut rum, light rum, creme de cacao and ice cream ($6.50). Other picks for tiki-themed revelry? Near-north-suburban stalwart Hala Kahiki in River Grove or Flip Flops Tiki Bar & Grill in Carol Stream.
Eat a lotta gelato. Ice cream is great, but gelato is better. From classic pistachio to utterly untraditional oreo, we’ve zeroed in on more than a dozen places to get your fix, from Geneva to Berwyn to Elmwood Park. Click here for our full round-up of suburban gelaterias.
Or fro-yo. We’re suddenly smitten with Red Mango, the trendy Korean frozen-yogurt chain that recently landed in Naperville and Evanston. Our picks: A cup of original with raspberries and blackberries, or the green tea flavor with Ghiradelli mini-chips and blueberries ($2.50-$8). For more, read our full review.
Make a splash. When the mercury rises to that unbearably scorching point when you can’t stand to be outside unless you’re underwater, its time for a waterpark. Head to one of half a dozen local waterparks—all a shorter drive than the Dells—for the kind of innocent fun that only lazy rivers, plunging slides and wave pools can provide.
Soup it up. Soup in the summer? You bet. Sopa in Highwood’s new chef and partner, William Alexander, sources blackberries, strawberries and raspberries from local farms to blend into his mint-spiked chilled soup, served with a chocolate terrine ($8).
Milkshake it. Just-about-to-open Nirvana in Vernon Hills may be a wine bar and restaurant focused on healthy dishes with an international flair, but it’s their milkshakes we can’t wait to try—adult milkshakes, that is. Choose from an Irish cream version or a mint-and-Jameson whiskey mix when the restaurant in early August.
Get seasoned. Lower your temp sip by sip with Emmett’s Tavern & Brewing Company’s seasonal brews at either their Palatine and Downers Grove locations. Choose from their lighter Belgian blond and the spicy Imperial Pilsner (both $5), both made on the premises.
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