STAY. EAT. Your Guide to Visiting the Chain O’ Lakes

By Pat Szpekowski and Melissa Rubalcaba Riske

Flowing through McHenry and Lake Counties, the Chain O’ Lakes has long represented a watery haven for vacationers throughout Illinois and the Chicagoland area. Check out these hotspots for some relaxation inspiration and recreational fun while playing in the Chain O’ Lakes region!

Eat

LINDY’S LANDING

115 Park St., Wauconda lindyslanding.com

Located on Bangs Lake in Wauconda, this destination has been serving delicious food and drinks to those arriving by land or water since 1965. A recent interior renovation has given the restaurant a fresh look, but when the weather cooperates, call ahead or make a reservation online for an outdoor table on the beach deck to enjoy the sunshine.

Lindy’s Landing serves lunch and dinner and a fun Happy Hour at its indoor lounge, inviting diners to indulge in the Lindy’s Landing Old Fashioned and share an order of shrimp skewer from 2-6 p.m. Drop in Thursdays and Fridays from 6-9 p.m. to catch live music.

The Lake House On Pistakee

614 W. Bald Knob Point, Johnsburg thelakehouseonpistakee.com

A past winner of the Northwest Herald’s Reader’s Choice for Dining on the Waterfront, The Lake House on Pistakee is a summertime favorite but regulars know it’s open year-round too. The menu has plenty to offer from appetizers, sandwiches and drinks. The burger is a classic. Snag a seat outdoors and watch the boaters arrive by water for a great meal.

Oak Park Lounge On Pistakee Bay

801 Oak Grove Road, Johnsburg Facebook

With the clippings from the McHenry Historical Society to prove it, the Oak Park Lounge has been serving on the Chain O’Lakes since 1895. Stop for a drink to soak up some history, share a few refreshments with friends and pizza too. Some may see it as a dive bar, a local hangout or a chance to step back in time. Open year round.

Fairmont Shores

37641 N. Lake Shore Drive Lake Villa fairmontshores.com

Hungry diners come by water or by land to dine at Fairmont Shores. Meet on the patio for Taco Tuesday, the Friday Fish Fry or explore the