A few miles east and a 15-minute Metra ride from our Wheaton apartments is the charming gem of downtown Glen Ellyn. Whether you’re looking for a fun evening out or a place to shop and pamper yourself on the weekend – downtown Glen Ellyn has so much to offer. “A downtown to treasure” is their motto and they’re certainly right. With events, entertainment, shopping, dining, and spas – downtown Glen Ellyn will quickly become a new favorite hangout spot when you live at Wheaton 121.
After you’ve gotten settled in at our Wheaton apartments, why not spoil yourself with a day to yourself or with a friend or loved one in downtown Glen Ellyn? Here are some of the best places to shop, dine, and indulge.
Refresh your wardrobe and support your community at these popular shopping spots
Located just off Duane Street is the women’s clothing boutique Fuschia. Wanting to bring a bit of Chicago fashion and style into Glen Ellyn, the owner of Fuschia stocks her boutique with a dynamic selection of everyday pieces, timeless classics, and hard-to-find accessories to compliment each outfit. Expect daily deliveries of new pieces and you can even shop online.
Just steps from the Metra station is M & Em’s Lifestyle Boutique. A family-run boutique within a boutique, M & Em’s is celebrating its 19th year in business. Their specialties are women’s apparel, accessories, gifts, home decor, and seasonal decorations. If you’re searching for that eye-catching outfit for a special night out, looking for a birthday or baby shower gift, or just wanting to buy something new – this is your store.
Started by sisters Natalie and Allison, Blonde Boutique is another women’s clothing boutique offering up some of the most stylish and latest trends as well as ageless classic pieces for women of all ages. Upgrade your seasonal wardrobe or stop by to find a unique and thoughtful gift.
Re:New is not just a shop – they’re a sanctuary and beacon of hope for refugee women. The Re:New project teaches English and sewing to refugee women and then hires them once they have graduated sewing class. These artisans then create gorgeous products like bags, wallets, baby blankets, and more to sell in the shop, with each purchase directly supporting the refugee women and their families. Such a beautiful and brilliant concept.
Another shop in the area that is known for its philanthropy is Jayne. Located on Main Street, Jayne provides well-known brands of clothing, accessories, and footwear for its shoppers and has multiple locations in the Chicago area. Plus, they love working with the community. Check out some of their initiatives here.
Satisfy your tastebuds at dozens of tasty eateries
Not only do we offer dozens of restaurants right out the front door of our Wheaton apartments but just a short Metra ride away – you have dozens more. Downtown Glen Ellyn boasts an impressive 31 restaurants and cafes, but Italian seems to be the specialty in the neighborhood. If you’re looking for homemade Italian like grandma used to make, be sure to make reservations at Made In Italy Trattoria. Serving up authentic Italian recipes like Pappardelle Bolognese and Chicken Parmigiana – you really can’t go wrong with any selection.
Earning the award for ‘Restaurant of the Year’ in 2019, Fire + Wine is cooking up wood-fired pizzas, shareable small plates, mouthwatering entrees, pasta, and more. And, of course, an extensive and impressive wine list. Start your meal with Ricotta and Honeycomb before moving onto your main course of Red Wine Braised Short Ribs or a Meatball Pie. They’re open every day except Monday.
A family-owned operation in a more casual dining environment, Barone’s has been serving homemade pizza since 1971. They’ve won multiple awards and for good reason – it’s not only pizza that they’re doing right. Barone’s also offers sandwiches, pasta, and other Italian specialties like Chicken Marsala and Veal Parmesan. Don’t forget to end your meal with a homemade hand-filled cannoli.
Craving a margarita and some Mexican food instead? Make your way over to Santa Fe Mexican Restaurant. Not only is their food authentic but they’ve also been voted the best margaritas in DuPont County for over 30 years. Expect a casual and family-friendly environment serving Mexican classics like enchiladas, fajitas, burritos, combo platters, and more.
For a different take on classic ‘Tex-Mex’ style Mexican food, try A Toda Madre instead. Known as a modern and creative Mexican concept, A Toda Madre has botanas (snacks), salads, queso fundidos (cheese dips), and tacos on the menu – each one made with fresh and imaginative ingredients.
Sometimes you just crave a burger and a beer – and you can satisfy that craving at Main Street Pub. Their ever-evolving menu offers classic pub fare like nachos, chicken wings, sandwiches, and, of course – juicy burgers. They also have nearly two dozen domestic, imported, and craft beers on tap to pair with your meal.
How about burgers and American cuisine on a more elevated plain? Maize + Mash is your must-visit bistro in downtown Glen Ellyn. This American bistro serves classic Southern comfort food with a gourmet twist. Nosh on a shareable plate of Smoked Pork Poutine or Brie Curds before enjoying your main course of a Short Rib Grilled Cheese or a Maize + Mash Burger. While you’re there, be sure to check out their extensive whiskey and cocktail list.
Pamper yourself and indulge in some self-care at these trendy salons
With over 50 years of experience in the beauty business, Joe Tristino is the proud owner of Linea Hair Salon & Day Spa. Ease away any tension and stress with a day at Joe’s spa where you can revive your look with a haircut or color, relax with a whirlpool pedicure, and emerge with a glow after a 1-hour facial.
Or, if you’re looking for a one-stop-shop for hair, nails, skin, and massage – Frank Gironda Salon & Spa covers all the bases. The talented staff at this gorgeous spa can help you decide on a new look with a free consultation, make you feel younger with a multi-vitamin power facial, and help ease away any tightness and tension with a hot stone therapy massage.
A salon that specializes in hair and hair only is Fusion Salon. Located in the heart of downtown Glen Ellyn, they are a full-service hair salon providing cuts, color, and special-occasion styling for men, women, and kids. Each stylist that works at Fusion is an independent contractor, so each one has their own specialty. Visit their website to see which stylist would be the best fit for you.
Explore charming Glenn Ellyn just minutes from our Wheaton apartments
There’s nothing wrong with taking some ‘me’ time every now and again – and you can certainly do that in downtown Glen Ellyn. When you live at Wheaton 121, not only do you have so much to eat, drink and do right in your own backyard, but you have Glen Ellyn just a short Metra ride away. Book a tour of our Wheaton apartments today.