Argonne National Laboratory is located in Lemont Township (https://www.lemontdowntown.com/explore), which is situated in DuPage County (https://www.discoverdupage.com/things-to-do/), Illinois. Nearby townships include Darien, Bolingbrook, Woodridge, and Willowbrook. We've handpicked a selection of activities to enjoy in the vicinity of Argonne.
Please check the interactive map for all locations via the link (bit.ly/3TGksab) or the QR code below.
Local Townships
The downtowns of local townships offer a variety of food and leisure places.
Breweries
We recommend the local breweries including these places for thirsty people.
- Skeleton Key Brewing Company
- Miskatonic Brewing Company
- Black Horizon
- Alter Brewing Company
- Pollyanna Brewing Company
- Goldfinger Brewing Company
Restaurants
Bolingbrook
- Mago Grill and Cantina (Mexican): https://maps.app.goo.gl/SHz8ucRYPZGzGSQF, Modern, Aztec-accented spot with creative Mexican cuisine plus cocktails & a lengthy tequila list. Lots of great vegetarian options and freshly made guacamole.
Lemont
- Wooden Paddle (Italian): https://maps.app.goo.gl/5QeWanTownUXoMqh9, Wood-fired pizza, salads, and more.
- Next Mex (Tex-Mex): https://maps.app.goo.gl/n9idNR57VHppGWy88, Tex-Mex and craft cocktails.
- Barrel and Vine (American): https://maps.app.goo.gl/Fe5VtFTKedeTvjB39, New American menu with a creative twist, great cocktails.
Darien
- Chuck's Southern Comforts Cafe & Banquets (BBQ):https://maps.app.goo.gl/oBV2qzmZ8w24T6Pv8, Small-chain outpost serving BBQ, plus some Mexican & Cajun-Creole dishes, in casual environs.
- Chiba (Japanese): https://maps.app.goo.gl/iizCrugGJ8P8YxaJ8, Japanese dining offering standards such as sushi & hibachi dinners.
- Grand Duke’s (Eastern European): https://maps.app.goo.gl/zcU8cjxq2avUJ1Sy, Homestyle Eastern European dishes, beer & a vodka bar, presented in old-world environs.
Westmont
- Neat Kitchen + Bar (American): https://maps.app.goo.gl/gAMzqGWYqLy6p4gw, Restaurant & bar serving New American cuisine & craft beers in a trendy space with wood partitions.
- Dolce Restaurant & Wine Bar (American Italian): https://maps.app.goo.gl/mvE4w5zJkVyE3WBA8, Relaxed, brick-lined eatery serving pasta, pizza & local produce plus ample wine & cocktails.
- Uncle Bub’s (BBQ): https://maps.app.goo.gl/cbArS8kq6jVpTvrC6, Roadhouse-inspired counter-service barbecue spot with a hot-sauce wall & a limited bar.
Downers Grove
- The Foxtail (Mediterranean++): https://maps.app.goo.gl/N68NTYpSciYt75mq9, Stylish, contemporary mainstay providing a Mediterranean-inspired menu & an extensive drinks list.
- Bar Chido (Mexican fusion): https://maps.app.goo.gl/sVoymdx53mH2ceTA8, Modern Mexican with great cocktails.
- Gia Mia (Italian): https://maps.app.goo.gl/nnkiBbe1NG9UjVgz7, Wood-overn pizza, great salads, pastas and small plates.
- Pierce Tavern (American): https://maps.app.goo.gl/rZdaP4c1iKD77QQP6 Hip pub & diner with an atmospheric brick-walled interior serving burgers, pizzas, & light bites.
Food to try in the area
Deep-Dish Pizza: When in Chicago, sampling the city's famous deep-dish pizza is a must. Head to a local pizzeria and indulge in the thick, cheesy goodness.
- Zazzo’s https://maps.app.goo.gl/NeepMqJY3rzg46DF7
- Giordano’s (Willowbrook) https://maps.app.goo.gl/78hvJpMPFSULuUzJ8
- Giordano’s (Downers Grove) https://maps.app.goo.gl/mjMmgWfUx4JsrAsn9
- Lou Malnati's https://maps.app.goo.gl/e7vztKGDsQAGt6fv8
Chicago-style Hot Dogs: Try a classic Chicago-style hot dog with all the traditional toppings, including mustard, onions, relish, pickles, tomatoes, sport peppers, and celery salt.
- Portillo's (Bolingbrook) https://maps.app.goo.gl/3hhWVWuRxE6F4iXJ9
- Scooby's Hot Dogs https://maps.app.goo.gl/e6Y76vCyHPNxPrkf8
- Jimmy's Dog House https://maps.app.goo.gl/webeJVWSTAnMqG1UA
Italian Beef Sandwich: Savor the flavors of a Chicago-style Italian beef sandwich, featuring thinly sliced, seasoned beef served in a roll and often dipped in au jus.
- Maxwell's Beef: https://maps.app.goo.gl/eJmDcyzaH1LTyVXD8
- Buona: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JVdajpGzkxSAep6f9
- Nino's Italian Beef and Hotdogs: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hwkGPYz7jAjvnJ9a8
Chicago-Style Popcorn: Mix of caramel and cheese popcorn, a local favorite often found at popular popcorn shops.
- Wells Street Popcorn: https://maps.app.goo.gl/UVV391om5YfP9crR8
- O'hare Airport: Garrett’s, Nuts on Clark
More: Explore Eater Chicago, e.g., Where to Eat in Suburban Chicago
Taktuka Moroccan Kitchen (Found and recommended by Ciprian and Sanghwa): https://maps.app.goo.gl/fUZfbtShnwoYT78m9
Grocery
There are plenty of grocery options around the Argonne including
- Target
- Walmart
- Jewel-Osco
- ALDI
- Pete's Fresh Market
- Meijier
- Whole Foods
- Costco Wholesale
- Shop & Save Market (Try the Polish Deli section!)
- Brookhaven Market
Trails
The Waterfall Glen is a beautiful 9–11 mile trail that surrounds the Argonne National Laboratory.
You can enjoy the half-mile hiking at the I&M trail that connects the Lemont Downtown to the Lemont Quarries and the Forge.
For other trail options, please visit the Dupage County webpage https://www.dupageforest.org/things-to-do/recreational-activities/trails.
Visiting Chicago
Check this page for detailed information about visiting Chicago.
