Hidden gems in Glen Ellyn: Where to eat, shop, stroll—and immerse yourself in art

I was reminded recently of how great some of our suburbs can be: Just 25 miles west of Chicago, Glen Ellyn is a delightful blend of charming shops, amazing food, and a great museum.

Cleve Carney Museum: Hokusai & Ukiyo?e — The Floating World

• What it is: A beautifully curated collection of 60 authentic works, including 53 original prints and paintings by ukiyo-e masters like Hokusai and Hiroshige, plus 17 handcrafted artifacts from Edo-period Japan.
• Immersive additions: Explore life in old Tokyo via experiences like “Hokusai’s World,” a recreated Edo street; a manga?style room created by the same folks from 2d restaurant; a Japanese garden; and a Samurai & Silk station.
• Extras: Pop-up café Edo EATS! and, of course, the gift shop.

Cleve Carney has had many more amazing shows like an expansive Warhol exhibit, and the work of Tony Fitzpatrick—a Chicago-based visual artist with amazing collages. He also has a mural in downtown Glen Ellyn.

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Restaurants & cafes

• Four o Five Kitchen – Elevated comfort food with a global twist (don’t miss the churro waffles!).
• Maize + Mash – A modern American bistro and whiskey bar with speakeasy vibes and 150+ whiskeys behind the bar.
• Shanahan’s – An Irish pub serving comfort food and rotating local beers. A patio favorite.
• Blackberry Market – Light-filled cafe with seasonal salads, lemon bars, and avocado toast.
• Fire + Wine – Neapolitan-style pizza, roasted Brussels sprouts.

Boutiques & gift shops

• Meredith Jaye – A boutique for women’s fashion, home decor, and seasonal gifts.
• Marcel’s Culinary Experience – Cookware, gourmet goods, and cooking classes.
• Gather & Collect – Curated home decor, paper goods, and vintage treasures.
• Ten Thousand Villages – Fair-trade gifts and artisan-made goods with a mission behind every piece.
• Good Roots – A gorgeously curated plant and botanical shop.

Plan it out

1. Start your day at the museum—immerse in the art, sip tea in the Great Wave Gardens (show is there through the end of September).
2. Refresh your senses with lunch at Four o Five Kitchen—brunch is so good.
3. Shop north on Main Street—browse the unique boutiques and artisan shops.
4. Wind down with a film at Glen Art Theatre, or pick up pottery at ClaySpace for a souvenir.