Bertrand Bowling Lanes Incorporated

This is a very old bowling facility in the south-west side of Waukegan. They are very well priced and very large inside providing a snack bar, bar service, and many age appropriate leagues. The building from the outside is very old looking and it is definately time for them to renovate. If the exterior is ignored, the bowling alley is sufficient for a night out with friends or an afternoon out with the kids.

Borders

Borders Book store in Gurnee brings most of the comforts of a larger book store into a moderate sized one. They have a Starbucks within the facility and plenty of places to sit and look at the books. The children's dept is a bit small for my family's preference and it was hard to find an employee around to help locate the books we were looking for. Moreover though, their convenient location makes up for whatever they are lacking.

Barnes & Noble

By far the best book store I have ever gone to. They are conveniently located in Hawthorne Mall. They have three floors to browse and read in. They really are the quintessential book store. There is a Starbucks conveniently located inside the store. Their children's dept is huge and children friendly. There are tables and sofas to curl up in with a good book. They not only allow you to read there, they seem to invite you to do so. The international selection in the basement is outstanding as well. Great store to take the kids and invest in their love of reading!

Beach Park Animal Hospital

This is a great Animal Hospital for basic care as well as the occasional animal emergency. The most important recommendation I give this vet is human side to it. When recently faced with a tragedy, they were found to be very kind, very sympathetic and very aware of how much the animals that are brought to them for care are more than cats and dogs..but someone's pet. I applaud their vet techs and vets alike for great care.

Barclay Dental

The Barclay Dental clinic is a cash only clinic that provides services for low income families. You get the soft touch of an expensive dentist with prices you can afford. They do accept IL state medicaid as well. The provide walk-in services for emergencies/urgent care patients at 8 a.m. You may have to wait...but it beats the alternative. They are only open until 3 or so, and you need to call for appt other than ER walk-ins. There appts are made about a week to two weeks in advance.

Target

The Waukegan Target is a great choice for your shopping needs if you have the time to scope out and search out the bargains. At the end of each aisle are the endcaps of savings. You can find anything from HBA to automotive at upto 75% off. My favorite is the dollar section, which I pass by on a regular day, but is a cornicopia of GREAT deals at 50-75% off!!!!!

If you are a deal hunter, this is the place to go!!

Avalon

The Avalon is a great choice in Gurnee. It is fancy enough for the older diner and homey enough for a table of teens. The food is always delicious. They are moderately priced. They have everything from large portioned breakfasts to sandwiches with a perfect cup of soup to a full dinner of beef, potatoes, soup and salad. This is a great restaurant to get together with friends on a Sunday morning, though you may want to call ahead to get a table without a wait.

Jewel Osco

This is your regular Jewel store. It has a large produce dept, a wonderful bakery and deli dept. It is well stocked and has great "loss leader" sales. The problem lies in taking your coupons to use at this location. They are very uncoupon friendly. This has been the case for over a year and is fairly consistent.

Mariano's

This Dominicks store is a great grocery store. It has a large produce dept that carries a huge assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables. A large deli and cafeteria and a Starbucks are some of the features of this store. As you pass through the produce dept you catch the scent of the bakery where fresh bakery goods are prepared daily.
The best part of this store for me, if their customer service. This Dominicks surpasses other locations of the same chain for it's excellent staff. Most have been with this location for years and all know their stuff. The cashiers are coupon friendly and know how the help. If there is the occasional problem, the customer service desk ALWAYS comes through. A+++

Jimano's Pizzeria

This is a fabulous pizzeria. They have a Monday special a large pizza for $12.99 with upto 3 toppings and it really is a pizza lovers dream. The only thing in the world that can possibly top their pizza is their breadsticks!!! They are warm and light and covered with a garlic butter coating. With breadsticks this good, you almost don't NEED the pizza!!