Dan’s Pizza

2738 Maple Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515

Up first on my list is Dan’s Pizza. This little shop has been a Downers Grove staple for over 40 years, opening its doors in 1979. This family-run operation is known for its special recipe Italian sausage, impeccable Chicago-style thin crust, and the freshest of ingredients. Don’t believe me? Check out the reviews! You will find a whole lot of raving about the consistent quality of the pizza, with some reviewers boasting loyalty to this shop for over 20 years. 

If you opt to try out this restaurant, be sure to try the Dan’s special, a combination of mozzarella, Italian sausage, mushroom, onion, and green pepper.

Aurelio’s Pizza

940 Warren Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515

Up next is Aurelio’s Pizza. What began as a small shop in Homewood, Illinois, in 1959 with room for only 4 tables has blossomed into a pizza franchise. Today, Aurelio’s Pizza can be found in 5 different states, all equipped with the same customer-winning recipes that brought the original shop success over 60 years ago. 

A visit to Aurelio’s will present you with a wealth of menu options to choose from. Many of the items you see today were original family recipes that the franchise’s founder, Joe Aurelio, brought to the restaurant. Today, Aurelio’s prides itself in providing consistent quality to their customers at a great price. If you decide you like it, you can join their mobile rewards program called “Tell em ‘Joe sent me!” 

If you get the thin crust, order it ‘well done’ to get the full Chicago thin crust experience.

Angelo’s Pizza

1001 Curtiss Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515

The next restaurant on my list is the oldest pizza restaurant in Downers Grove. Angelo’s served its first pizza in 1959, and while much has changed in the last 60 years, the way Angelo’s makes their pizza has not. This restaurant is know for their old fashioned pizza baking. Whether you order thin crust or pan pizza, you can rest assured that it will be baked to perfection. Boasting a wide selection of fresh ingredients, there is no limit to the pizza creations you can order. With affordable prices and many different ingredients, your whole group will find something to enjoy when they visit.

In the mood for some variety? Then try some other house favorites including the spagettii and the baked Mostaccioli.

Cassano’s Pizza

2021 Ogden Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515

The fourth pizza restaurant on the list is Cassano’s Pizza. While this shop is newer to the scene, having opened its first location in Naperville in 2010, their family recipes make it feel timeless. If you are looking for the best deal, check out their daily specials which feature different discounts each day. While their menu boasts a large selection of suggested pizza combos, you also have the option to create your own. And with the ability to order for pickup or delivery, you will be able to enjoy high-quality pizza in no time! 

First time here? Try some of Cassano’s fan favorites like Nana’s meatballs or one of their delicious home-made sauces. 

Mrs T’s Pizza 

4246 Main St, Downers Grove, IL 60515

Up next on my list is Mrs T’s Pizza. This restaurant, established in 1989, boasts the title of best pizza in the western subarbs. And if consistency means something to you, they have held that title for the past 11 years. One of the things that has helped Mrs T’s Pizza hang onto that title is their signature Chigago-style thin crust, this crispy delight has been perfected over the past 20 years, delivering you consistent quality every time you order it. Mrs T’s also commits to never use frozen ingredients, in fact, everything they use is prepared the same day, giving you the some of the freshest pizza on the market. 

If you are looking for pizza in a pinch, rest assured that the quick delivery offered by Mrs Ts will get your pizza to you while it is still hot.

Tortorice’s Pizza

6321 Woodward Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60516

The last restaurant I’ll be talking about today is Tortorice’s Pizza. While the other restaurants on our list have specialized in thin crust pizza, where Tortorice’s really shines is in their deep dish. Opening their doors in 1970, Tortorice’s filled there menu with old world traditions and classic family recipes, giving their food that home cooked meal taste that so many restaurants strive for. While some aspects of their operation have changed over the last 50 years, the same recipes from those early days are what you can expect to see today. 

If you visit Tortorice’s, you can expect to be met with world class service and deep dish pizza that is to die for.

Wrapping Things Up

That is it for my list of the 6 best pizza restaurants in Downers Grove. With the common theme of family woven into each of these establishments, they are all backed by an extremely loyal fan base. It’s not hard to see why when you consider the passion they bring to their restaurants and the amazing taste and quality of food that follows. I hope that you are able to try each of these amazing restaurants when looking for pizza near Downers Grove. It’s time to get off your computer and onto your phone, that pizza is not going to order itself!

Living In Downers Grove is a pleasant living. Over the last 30 years, this secret spot has become one of Chicago’s most desirable suburbs. Downtown hums with vitality, and with an impressive Park District, there are plenty of places to put that energy. Downers Grove is a place with a pull, growing in popularity with Millenials in particular. 

This little hub of activity is conveniently connected. Hop onto the Metra and you’re at the Chicago loop in just 25 minutes — that’s not even enough time for a podcast episode. By car, it’s easy to get just about anywhere. Within a matter of minutes, you can be cruising on Interstate 355, I-88, Ogden Avenue, or I-55 to the south.

Downers Grove — or ‘Downers’, affectionately dubbed by its residents of today — is popular for good reason. Its history of progressive thinking, future-planning, and investment in growth has seen what was once a small village blossom into the best that modern suburban living has to offer.  

Be Surrounded By History

In 1832, Pierce Downer set off on a three day horseback journey from Ft. Dearborn — known today as Chicago — in pursuit of affordable, fertile land. His search was not on a whim but on the advice of his son Stephan, a stonemason who was building Chicago’s first lighthouse. His suggestion was well-founded, and Pierce settled in a beautiful grove of oak trees, surrounded by prairies. In the same year, the Black Hawk War would draw to an end, and he would be joined by other settlers.

For a mere $200, Downer bought the 160 acres that went on to become Downers Grove today. Nobody knows why the town lost its apostrophe, but as the saying goes, it’s been ‘apostrophe-free, since 1973’. These days — ever-casual towards its namesake — the town commonly goes by ‘Downers’, for short.

Pierce Downer’s legacy began with a simple frame house and a dairy farm, which went on to become quite a success. Many more followed in his footsteps; Walter Blanchard, Israel Blodgett, Henry Carpenter, Henry Lyman, Henry Puffer, and Dexter Stanley —  notable names you might just spot on placards dotted around the town. Together, these were just some of the many who created a community around the grove. Remnants of that history remain to be discovered today.

As for Pierce, he and his wife died but a day apart in 1863. The family gravesite can be found today at 4524 Linscott Ave. The original Downer home still stands at 4437 Steeley Ave.

After the arrival of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad in 1864, Downers Grove saw its first major growth spurt. People both near and far were drawn to the town; immigrants from across the globe and residents of Chicago alike. By the end of the century, the village boasted an impressive population for its time, including many Eastern Europeans and a large Polish community.  

A Town with Progressive Roots

Downers Grove is rooted in its history of progressive thinking. Original settlers Pierce Downer, Samuel Curtiss, David Page, Robert Dixon, Henry Carpenter, Rockwell Guild, and Israel Porter Blodgett were few among many abolitionists in the village. The village was part of the Underground Railroad, a route traveled by hundreds of enslaved people making their way to freedom. Village residences were known to hide, house, and shelter runaways on their way through Illinois to Canada. One resident, Porter Blodgett, housed up to 15 people at a time and three of his six sons served in the American Civil War against slavery. The Blodgett home still stands at 831 Maple Ave.   

In the presidential election of 1860, a political group called the ‘Plow Boys’ campaigned for one of Illinois’ most well-known Republicans, Abraham Lincoln. They were led by Dupage County Sheriff and Downers Grove resident Theodore S. Rodgers. The group were famed for wearing striking red and white uniforms and rallying the surrounding communities from a wagon drawn by eight horses. 

In 1922, Downers Grove resident Lottie Homan O’Neill was the very first woman elected to the Illinois legislature. As the first woman to serve in the state building, she needed her own bathroom put in — nicknamed ‘Lottie’s Potty’ by her male colleagues. Leaving them to their toilet humor, she rose above; pushing forward her ideas and paving the way for other women in politics. She fought tirelessly for women’s equality, introducing the eight hour work week and state assistance for disabled children. Lottie served in the house and senate until 1963. She passed away just four years later and is buried in Downers Grove, where she lived for over 60 years.

Be Part of Ongoing Development

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Downers put into action a masterplan to revitalize the Downtown area and the Ogden corridor. It was a visionary move that incentivized many businesses to invest in the community, and the fruits of that labour are still harvested today. 

By night, the resident population of Downers rests at a cosy 42,000 but by day it almost doubles to 100,000, thanks to its many booming businesses. Downers Grove is home to a haven of thriving enterprises, including the headquarters for Devry University, FTD, Ambitech Engineering Corp, Dover, Heartland Food Corporation, and HAVI. It’s also a hub for regional satellite offices, with national corporations such as Microsoft, MetLife, and State Farm all setting up shop.

Today, Downer sees the continuation of an impressive manifesto of improvements spanning over 20-years. The latest community developments include a new village hall and police department. Aside from being community-centric, Downers could be described as a tech-savvy suburb. It’s use of technological advancements not only improves efficiency but cuts unnecessary costs, allowing reinvestment into the town’s future.

Downer’s development is fed by its history of progressive residents, its dynamic leadership, and its proficiency in strategic planning. The town square has attracted many new bustling businesses and its neighborhoods have seen rapid new home developments in the last 30 years. The village has excelled in dealing with growing pains and today is one of the most desirable Chicago suburbs, particularly for the millennial generation. Downers Grove has a population of over 40,000 today, which is spread over thirteen square miles of spirit and charm.

Explore Schooling Options

As Downers Grove continued to grow, it soon became clear that its four elementary schools were nowhere near enough. Early on, the village had an ethos of inclusion, development and forward-thinking, and the state of the school district was put to a vote in 1950. There were 43 propositions — including eight new schoolhouse sites, three elementary schools, one junior high, and the expansion and improvement of the four existing elementary schools. With the whole village turning their eye to the future growth of the town, every single proposition won three to one. 

Today, Downers Grove residents are still spoilt for choice with twelve public elementary schools, two public middle schools, and two public high schools; Downers Grove North High School and Downers Grove South High School. Eleven of the elementary schools belong to the Downers Grove Grade School District 58, including Hillcrest, Belle Aire, El Sierra, Kingsley, Fairmount, Highland, Whittier, Pierce Downer, Henry Puffer, Lester, Indian Trail Elementary School and two of the middle schools; Herrick and O’Neill Middle School. The other elementary schools —  Prairieview, Elizabeth Ide, and Lakeview Jr. High School — are part of Center Cass School District 66.

Downers Grove also has two Catholic Schools — St. Joseph’s and St. Mary’s of Gostyn — which enroll students from preschool through to 8th grade. The two high schools in Downers Grove North and South are part of Community High School District 99. They serve the entire community of Downers Grove, the majority of the village of Woodridge, and parts of Westmont, Darien, Lisle, Bolingbrook, Oak Brook, and unincorporated Downers Grove and Lisle Townships. 

According to the American Community Survey 2010, Downers Grove has one of the nation’s most educated citizenry, with 50.7% of individuals over the age of 25 holding bachelor’s or advanced degrees — well above the national average of 27.9%. 

Downers Grove North High School is part of High School District 99 and is located at 4436 Main Street. It was built in 1928 but had many improvements over the years. Locals call it Downers North or even just ‘North’, for short. Students primarily residing North Maple Ave and 55th street attend Downers Grove North High School. North is Rated 10/10, holding the higher ranking of the two public high schools in the village. 

Downers Grove South High School, locally dubbed Downers South or simply ‘South’, for short, is located on the corner of Dunham and 63rd Street. The school opened in 1964, splitting the village’s high school population in half. It’s since undergone significant renovations and other improvements. Students residing South of Maple Ave and 55th Street attend Downers Grove South. South has a rating of 8/10, with a student to teacher ratio of 15 to 1. 

Midwestern University was established in Downers Grove 120 years ago. Today, it trains osteopathic physicians and surgeons, physician assistants, pharmacists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and dentists.

Move Into The Market

Housing and Real Estate

The housing market can be divided into two parts, North and South of 55th and Maple Avenue. There are 57 subdivisions, from Butterfield road to the southernmost part along 75th street, with well-known areas including Denburn Woods, Avella, Brian Court, Orchard Hill, Marshall Fields Woodlands, Downers Grove Estates, and Villas of Maple Woods. 

The housing stock in Downers Grove is mixed, meaning there’s something for everyone. A lot of the older homes are generally found near the center of the town. Downers, like many of the western suburbs along the metra, has experienced the tear-down phenomenon since the early 2000s. Construction of new homes in older subdivisions has taken place rapidly in the last 5 years. As one of the most popular suburbs of Chicago, it’s no surprise that the village has had many new constructions; fuelled by its affordability, location, and rapid growth.

The tearing down of old homes has not come without controversy, and the village residents are invested in protecting the history of their homes. Many residences have been marked as historic in the last 5 years. This is an ongoing project, with much of the community hoping to preserve both affordable housing and the old charm of Downers Grove. 

Reflecting the growth of the town, the value of its homes has gone through the roof in the last decade. The village’s median home value was just $150,000 in 2012. The median sales price in Downers Grove, IL, as of November 2022, is $400,000. Check Out available homes for sale in Downers Grove HERE!

Live Among Landmarks

There are plenty of historical and cultural sites dotted around Downers. They’re equally enjoyable whether part of your day-to-day life or saved for a special trip across town. 

Sears’ Kit Homes

In the early 1900s, all the rage were mail-ordered kit homes from Sears, Roebuck & Co. The kits would arrive by train for the homeowner or local contractor to build themselves — all the parts came with numbers and an instruction guide — and it was an immense undertaking. Modern-day furniture flatpacks pale in comparison. These affordable homes came in different models and styles, which people would choose right out of the catalog.

Thanks to the railroad and its proximity to Sears’ founding city, Chicago, Downers had one of the highest concentrations of Sears’ homes in the world. Over on the Downers Grove Official Website, you can check out an interactive map of all the Sears’ homes in the village. Today, the village of Downers Grove has one of the best-documented maps of historic homes in the Chicagoland area.

Tivoli Theatre

Four thousand people waited in line for the opening of the second-ever sound theater in the U.S on Christmas Day, 1928. The babble of excitement centered around the arrival of talking pictures, or ‘talkies’, as they were once called. Since the theatre was opened by brothers Gustave and George Bunge, it hasn’t closed since. Not much has changed and you can still enjoy a ‘talkie’ at a beautiful theatre restored to its vintage charm. Forget the multi-screen set up of the modern era — at Tivoli, all the screenings take place in the grand central hall. The gilded baroque ceilings and French Renaissance decor make for quite an atmosphere. 

Right next door to the theatre is the Tivoli bowling alley. The two together are the perfect afternoon, and you can top it all off with a meltingly good dessert from Every Day’s A Sundae. 

Main Street Cemetery

Take a stroll along Main St., in the center of Downtown, and you’ll come across Main Street Cemetery. It sits on the west side of Main St. between Curtiss and Grove street, and was founded in 1856 when  Samuel Curtis donated part of his sheep pasture to become a final resting ground for the village’s late inhabitants. The Cemetery is one of few in America located in the center of a business district. Here, nearly 100 residents of the early Downers Grove are laid to rest, including the Blackburn, Wells, Curtiss, and Blanchard families.

The cemetery is a great source of civic pride in the community. Every year, the historical society holds an event at the cemetery, where actors step into the characters of those buried there. It makes for a unique telling of the founding family’s stories and what their lives were like. Better still, it’s free to come along and is a great way to learn more about the village and meet your neighbors — whether you’re new to town or old. 

Step Outside, Step Into Community

Highly engaged in the community, the Downers Grove Park District is one of the most active in the western suburbs. The district holds heaps of events throughout the year for all ages and interests. Residents can get involved in senior programs, arts and craft, dance, fitness, summer and winter camps, nature events, and much, much more. 

Downers Grove Park District oversees 600 acres and over 60 public places scattered throughout the village. There’s a community center, recreation center, museum, and a driving range, to name but a few attractions. You can find an interactive map at https://www.dgparks.org/ which walks you through the different parks and their amenities. 

Belmont Prairie

Adjacent to Walnut Park and west of Downers Golf Club is Belmont Prairie Nature Preserve, one of the last of its kind in Illinois. Although it’s relatively small, you can discover over 300 species of plants and wildlife.  Keep your eyes peeled for foxes, raccoons, meadow voles, opossums, ground squirrels, garter snakes, and — if you’re very lucky — white-tailed deer. They make their homes nestled amongst the wildflowers, longrass and the beautiful hardwoods that grow on the prairie, including Oaks, Maples, Elms, and Walnuts. 

McCollum Park

With McCollum Park, there’s no excuse to be bored on a Downers Grove summer. Located at 6801 S main, this 50-acre park has just about everything you might expect, and then some. There are two baseball fields, two softball fields, four soccer fields, ten tennis courts, six horseshoe courts, three lighted sand volleyball courts, two lighted basketball courts, a large playground, and an 18-hole miniature golf course — that’s seriously impressive.

The park also has concession and restroom facilities, outdoor fitness equipment, and several wooded picnic areas. During the winter, an ice skating rink is constructed on the north side. The park is named after commissioner and volunteer fireman Ted McCollum, who was instrumental in creating this vibrant and active community space.

Doerhoefer Park 

Just north of Ogden Ave is Doerhoefer Park. In amongst the 14 acres of green space, there’s ample opportunity to sharpen your baseball and basketball skills, with courts, batting cages, lighted fields and turf fields, as well as a playground and a concession stand.  

Patriots Park- Barth Pond

You can find Patriot’s Park and Barth Pond just south of 55th street, at the intersection of 55th and Grand Ave. Named as such, Patriot’s Park was constructed in 1978 to honor patriots who fought for our freedom. Barth Pond was named after Richard Barth, a community member who died in the line of duty two years earlier. Although the 6-acre pond was originally intended as a stormwater retention pond, it’s become a popular spot for fishing. The greenery around spans 27 acres, with a majestic walking trail, multiple playgrounds, and a stand of trees peacefully gathered at the water’s edge.  

Lyman Woods Nature Center

With a walk at Lyman Woods, you can step back in time to the discovery of Downers Grove as an oak-tree lined prairie. The 80s-acres of natural wooded land stands on the north side of the village, between the Samaritan Hospital and Midwestern University. Lyman Woods is the perfect place to breathe in some fresh air and appreciate the many beautiful native plants, or stroll around the butterfly gardens to take inspiration for your own backyard. 

The Lyman Woods Nature Center also has a bee apiary. If you want to be part of the beekeeping buzz then you can go along for one of their many educational courses. The reserve is also home to the William F. Sherman Interpretive Center, which features rotating exhibits and programs for all ages, from summer camp to scout programs, to birthday parties.

Savor The Scene

If you’re feeling peckish, there’s a place for every palette here in Downers. Downtown alone has around two dozen eateries, several of which are quaintly housed in renovated historical buildings. 

Pierce Tavern

There’s no better way to sum up Pierce Tavern than their own hook — ”cold beer, strong whiskey, great eats, good times”. The tavern is named after none other than the town’s founder and can be visited at the intersection of Main and Curtiss Street.

This is a building that’s lived a lot of lives; it was the first bank of Downers Grove, a post office, and a library. Sam and Patricia Vlahos spent almost a year renovating the tavern, restoring its old charm with exposed brick, warm pinewood floors and decor that hints at the building’s past. “We have a space that tells a story,” says Patricia Vlahos.

As the sister restaurant of Fuller House, the menu is similarly amazing. Pierce Tavern is serving modern American fare, locally brewed beer, and delicious mixes that are way too drinkable. Packed with atmosphere, this is a place to soak up the scene while you wait to be seated. This is a must-eat if you’re in downtown Dowers.  

Candace Kitchen

Candace Kitchen offers an unforgettable modern urban dining experience. Head over to the corner of Burlington Ave and Mochel Drive to enjoy their electric atmosphere. With a Midwestern menu and cocktails to boot, they’re unlikely to disappoint. The service is warm and friendly, which is what Downers is all about. 

Caribbean Corner

Caribbean Corner is just one of the many cuisines you can chow down on in Downers. Make your way to 970 Warren Ave for a fusion of Latin flavors you haven’t tried before. Once a hidden gem, Caribbean Corner has quickly become a town favorite for its fresh ingredients and funky combos.

Insider’s tip — you have to try the Cuban sandwich. Oh, and the Puerto Rican rice. And the Empanadas, especially the caramelized Nutella one. Everything here is served with a twist, for a culinary experience you won’t forget. 

Wasabi Restaurant and Bar

Although there are several new Asian restaurants on the scene, they are yet to outcompete Wasabi. With high-end ingredients unparalleled for freshness, they’re serving a mouthwatering selection of Ramen and Sushi. Stop at number 5130 next time you’re on Main St.

Goldfinger Brewing Company

The new kids in town are the Goldfinger Brewing Company at 513 Rogers St, just two blocks from the Fairview metra station. Gold fingers indeed, they sure know how to brew and they’re quickly becoming a local favorite.

My personal pick is their original lager but with the selection on offer, it’s certainly got some competition. Opening a brewing company in these times is no easy task, but these suburbian ales are becoming the talk of the town.

Emmett’s Brewing Company

Owner and brewer Andy Burns has one of their award-winning breweries right here in Downers Grove on Main St. In business since the 90s, Emmett’s Brewing is offering a tried and trusted selection of tasty food and even tastier brews. 

Alter Brewing Company

Alter Brewing Company has one of the largest selections of craft beers in the village. Stop by at 2300 Wisconsin Ave, where you’ll find their brewery, taproom, great atmosphere, and great services. If you’re the type to go boldly into the landscape of adventurous flavors and special drafts, then this is the place for you.