Ledo's Pizza
This is a little out of the way for me now, but the pizza is so good that sometimes it is just simply worth the drive. I started going there as a kid and was impressed when high school boyfriends knew about this little place that even then was a bit of a drive. The staff there is always friendly and the food is always hot and delicious and simply one of the best pizza places in the Chicagoland area.
Denny's
This has got to be one of the worst Dennys I have ever been to in my life. Because of the location (conveniently located right off 294) I have gone there more times than I should have, and been disappointed every time. The service is always slow and the staff is not very friendly. They charge you for every cup of hot tea, even when they just bring hot water and expect you to use your old tea bag!!!! I would suggest you drive a little farther to a different location if you want to go to a Dennys
Payless Shoe Source
As long as you wear standard sizes, this is a wonderful place to go to increase your shoe wardrobe inexpensively. it is in a strip mall so parking is close and plentiful. The selection is fairly large and since they get a lot of business at this location turnover is quick. Plus they are always having buy one get one half price or free sales, so the shoes are a real bargain. And if you find something you like but they don't have your size, they will cheerfully look up on th e computer to see what stores in the area have the shoe you need available and then call the store and have it pulled from the shelf and held for you.
Murrays Partytime Supplies
This place is huge. They have an incredible inventory of party supplies and costumes. They are a little expensive, but everything that they carry is very high quality and the assortment of choices is well worth the little bit more that you might pay. if you are looking for something for a party and can't find it anywhere, it is a good bet that Murrays will have it. I have been shopping with them for over 25 year, from birthdays, halloweens, weddings, showers, etc. they have it. Lots of parking .
J. P. Tuxedo Warehouse
This is s a very reasonable priced place to rent men's formal wear for proms and other formal occassions. They ahve a fairly large selection and we have never had any problem with the sizing or getting the item on time and the return policy is fair and reasonable. they also offer the option of keeping the tie which seems to be the thing to do these days in the high schools and they don't charge a lot to do that. they also are very friendly and offer the kids discounts if they are willing to be models at their pre-prom shows
Lake Katherine Environmental Learning Center
If you are looking for something to do that costs no money but will provide an outlet for energetic kids and nature loving parents (or vice versa) this is a great fun place to go. The walk around the lake is not too long, there are rest stops along the way. It is very pretty and peaceful.. The learning center has several exhits and provides a break from the outdoor sun if needed.
Wilton Homewares
If you are looking for some sort of specialty cake pan and can't find that certain character/shape anywhere, give this place a call. They have an extensive supply and if they do not have something in stock, but WIlton makes it, the factory is just down the street (75th street in Woodridge) and so they can get the item quickly. They also have classes and they can tell you when the annual tent sale at the Wilton Factory in Woodridge is being held.
Continental Baking
As far as outlet stores go, this one is very good. There is usually a lot of time before you reach the use by date that is preprinted on the package. They are a fairly large store and have a large selection. the every day prices of a lot of the stuff is not a terrific bargain, but the bread prices are fantastic and they always have some sort of snack product/snack cake on special. The one major drawback to this place is that the drive entrance is up a steep hill and if someone is trying to exit at the same time you are in for a wait.
Build-A-Bear Workshop
Such a simple idea, let people design their own teddy bear! This place is so much fun. You can spend a lot of money here, but they also have a lot of reasonable priced items as well. A great plave for little girls birthday parties. The perfect place to suggest for a teenager to get something for their girlfriend/boyfriend for birthdays, valentine's day, to remember a dance like homecoming (they have the cutest football/cheerleader bears) etc. You can personalize a message to have your stuffed animal say when you squeese it, pick out tons of outfits. It really is a cute concept that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It's something to do besides clothes at the mall.
Springfield Elementary School
If this is the district that you either live in or are considering moving into, then I urge you to Consider Private or Home Schooling. I was very disappointed in our time at this school. Maybe they ahve since improved, but when we moved into this district the kids were probably 2 years behind what was being taught at the same grade level in the Downers Grove school district. When I voiced my concerns to my son'd teacher I was told "Well I am meeting the minimum requirements set by the state", as if just meeting the minimum was something of which to be proud.
