My wife and I love the suburbs.

We don’t have kids yet, which makes us a bit of an anomaly. The peace, serenity, quiet, convenience and space that comes with living outside of the city is a huge draw.

One of the things that our "city friends" berate are our restaurants. There’s a huge misconception that the ‘burbs are a Subway next to a Chili’s, next to a Chipotle.

Don’t get me wrong - I do love the city. There are times that I miss the hustle and bustle of living downtown. But I will defend the honor of the Chicago Suburbs and our dining scene.

There aren’t hundreds of great options, but we don’t need that. They may not be as innovative as some places in Chicago...

...but who really wants to pay $40 for a molecular freeze dried piece of kale?

Here are some of the places that prove the ‘burbs are a great place for incredible food options. They are listed from casual to fancy, although not in a scientific order.

New York Bagel & Bialy - Since 1965, New York Bagel & Bialy in Lincolnwood, has been proudly serving up some of the best bagels outside of New York. Along with their incredible tasting bagels is homemade shmear, a full deli and bakery. The fact that is open 24 hours and is right off the Edens Expressway is an added draw as it seems to be a great way to cap off a night downtown.

Dive Bars - Potato Creek Johnny’s + Meier’s Tavern : You would think in the buttoned up ‘burbs that dive bars would be outlawed. These two spots, both in Glenview, prove that sentiment is dead wrong. Potato Creek Johnny’s huge beer garden and outdoor bar draws locals throughout the year, with live music on Saturday and karaoke on Tuesday. It’s a saloon that feels like you walked onto the set of Deadwood. It’s loud, a little dirty and a dive for sure.

Meier’s Tavern is the refined, yet curmudgeonly drunk uncle in the family. Back in 1927 a farmhouse turned speakeasy opens on a quiet road surrounded by open fields. Purchased by the Meiers family in 1932 and licensed at Prohibitions end in 1933, the Tavern served 10 cent beer and 15 cent burgers. It still serves up great food and cold drinks, and is one of the last remaining “packaged goods store” in the area.

Pita Inn has been a landmark in the Chicagoland area since 1982 when they opened the first in Skokie. From day one, Pita Inn offered a unique, delicious, affordable, and quality Middle Eastern meal as a unique alternative. Pita Inn was one of the first offerings of Middle Eastern food in the Chicagoland area and to this day remains the best.

Buffalo Joe’s - Joe Prudden of Buffalo Joe’s in Evanston is the Chicago area’s wing pioneer. Hailing from the birthplace of wings in Buffalo, NY, BuffJoe’s has been serving up wings since the early 80s. BJ’s (yes, the place has a lot of nicknames) is a cult favorite among both students at my high school and Northwestern. This was the place where my love for wings and ranch was cultivated.

Walker Brothers has been serving the North Suburbs of Chicago for more than 50 years. Aside from constant lines out the door, Walker Brothers is known for their thick cut bacon and apple pancakes. This "pancake" is essentially an apple-cinnamon-sugar dessert that always impresses.

Hackney’s has been run by the same family for over seventy-six years. There is nothing that signals the end of winter like enjoying a Hackneyburger and French Fried Onion Loaf on the same outdoor patio that has been serving great memories since 1939. Rumor has it there is also a brewery coming to the Lake Street location....

Breweries : Newer to the scene is the trend of breweries. Evanston, long known as a pioneering town for prohibition has great options. My favorite two in Evanston are Temperance Beer Company and Smylie Brothers Brewing Company.

Temperance was the first brewery in Evanston, has incredible beer selections and is off the beaten path - but will leave you hungry as they don’t have food. Smylie Brothers is where can go to lean back with some cold, craft brewed beer and lean forward over great pizza and mouthwatering BBQ. The beer selection isn’t as deep as Temperance, but the food quality and vibe more than compensates.

One of the new comers to the scene is Ten Ninety in Glenview. It started out as just a brewery, but recently opened a tap room. The beer selection is incredible and the ambiance feels like you are sitting in a good friend’s living room.

Greek Food - Mykonos + Psistaria : Without a doubt, Chicago has a deep heritage of Greeks in the restaurant business. Greek Town boasts many options, but in my book, the best two in the area are in the 'burbs.

Psistaria Taverna is in a strange strip mall in Lincolnwood (bonus points - it’s across the street from New York Bagel!). The three things that are consistent about Psistaria are incredible quality, generous quantity and that the place has been busy since opening in 2005.

Mykonos in Niles has the same quality as Psistaria. It is my go to for a great outdoor experience and does incredible carry out. If you are ever sick, a bowl of avgolemono from Mykonos is the cure!

Jilly's Café has been called a "North Shore Treasure" by Zagat. Their French Countryside decor, handpicked flowers, and friendly wait staff make for an intimate and cozy atmosphere. When you walk in the door, it feels like you are walking into a small home in France. With only 10-15 tables, the service and food are divine. If you don’t try the Steak Frites, then off with your head!

EJ's Place has become the North Shore's premiere supper club. Established in 1997, EJ's combines the feeling of an old-school Chicago steakhouse with a rustic log cabin. We’ve had special occasions and random dinners there. It can be as casual or special as you want. The wait staff in classic white jackets and long aprons are always serving up great options. I've never been disappointed by anything at EJ’s.

So...take that Chicago!

This is a quick and dirty sampling of some of the best the northern 'burbs has to offer. I know it may seem stale to you city dwellers, but I dare you to come check out some of these hallowed halls - I guarantee you will be impressed.