501 Local is a standout restaurant in Winnetka, Illinois, offering a dining experience that feels polished, welcoming, and thoughtfully put together from the moment guests arrive.
Located at 501 Chestnut St, this well-loved spot has earned a strong 4.50-star rating from 331 reviews, reflecting the consistent satisfaction of diners who return for everything from relaxed lunches to special evenings out.
Whether you are planning brunch with friends, meeting coworkers for cocktails, or settling in for a memorable dinner, 501 Local delivers the kind of experience that blends quality food, attentive service, and an atmosphere that feels both comfortable and refined.
What makes 501 Local especially appealing is its ability to fit seamlessly into so many occasions. Guests can choose from outdoor seating, dine-in service, takeaway, delivery, and no-contact delivery, making it easy to enjoy a great meal in the way that works best for the day.
The menu offers something for nearly every appetite, with comfort food, healthy options, small plates, coffee, beer, cocktails, alcohol, and happy-hour drinks all part of the experience.
Known for fast service, a great beer selection, great cocktails, great dessert, and a strong wine list, the restaurant creates a dining experience that feels dependable and impressive at the same time. Its focus on local specialties adds even more character, giving guests a chance to enjoy flavors that feel distinctive and memorable.
From solo dining to lunch, dinner, brunch, dessert, and catering, 501 Local is designed to serve a wide range of guests with consistency and style.
Beyond the food and drinks, 501 Local places a clear priority on comfort, accessibility, and ease. The restaurant offers wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance, seating, and toilet facilities, helping ensure that more guests can enjoy the space with confidence and convenience.
Its atmosphere is casual yet elevated, with cozy, romantic, trendy, and upmarket touches that make it equally suited to an easy weekday meal or a celebratory night out. With table service, a bar on site, and reservation options—especially recommended for dinner—guests can expect a smooth and polished visit from start to finish.
Accepted payment methods include credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, adding another layer of convenience to the experience. For diners looking for a restaurant that combines quality, variety, accessibility, and an inviting ambiance, 501 Local offers a compelling reason to become a regular favorite.
Call +1 224-255-6480 to plan your visit or reserve a table.
Popular Items
Frequently ordered and highly recommended items at 501 Local
Our Story
Welcome to a place where great food meets warm hospitality. We believe dining is more than just a meal - it's an experience to be savored and shared.
Our kitchen is dedicated to creating dishes that bring people together, using recipes that honor tradition while embracing innovation.
Photos
A glimpse of our restaurant experience
Food & Drinks
two over easy poached eggs, toasted english muffin, sautéed baby spinach, canadian bacon, plum aioli + roasted potatoes
whole grain bread, avocado spread, two over easy poached eggs, radish, cherry tomato, feta, chia seeds, balsamic glaze + house salad
scrambled eggs, bacon, banana brûlée, fresh berries, powdered sugar, cinnamon + maple syrup
scrambled eggs, bacon + fresh fruit
potatoes, leeks, onion, chicken stock + cream
yogurt, cilantro + coriander
chicken, gnocchi, onion, celery, spinach + cream
warm grilled pita bread, carrots, cucumbers, celery + radish served with hummus, tirosalata, tzatziki, and edamame dipping sauces
whole grain bread + avocado • smoked salmon, red onion, cucumber, capers + dill • goat cheese, cherry tomatoes, edamame, radish + parsley • prosciutto, arugula, teardrop peppers + balsamic glaze
puff pastry, creamy mushroom velouté, featuring shimeji, oyster, and white mushrooms, finished with shaved parmesan, microgreens + balsamic glaze
scallops served over parmesan orzo, finished with fresh pea purée, parmesan tuile, shaved brussel sprouts, apples + balsamic glaze
Served with sumac salad, lemon wedge + chimichurri sauce
rice noodles, cucumber, carrots, jalapeño, purple cabbage, mango, basil, mint, cilantro, romaine, bell pepper + peanut sauce and sweet chili sauce
spinach, avocado, feta, roasted pecans, basil, strawberries, dried apricots, peaches + raspberry vinaigrette
blackened ahi tuna, fingerling potatoes, kalamata olives, egg, anchovies, walnuts, blue cheese crumbles + sherry vinaigrette
roasted beets, poached pear, arugula, goat cheese, cranberry, roasted pecans, parmesan crostini + balsamic vinaigrette
mixed greens, bacon, corn, black bean, egg, tomato, avocado, blue cheese + ranch dressing
brussels, red onion, bacon, cranberry, toasted pine nuts, feta + apple cider vinaigrette
onions and breadcrumbs in the meat patty, gruyère, caramelized onion, arugula, dijon aioli + toasted brioche
fried chicken breast, cucumber slaw, korean style, spicy mayo + toasted brioche
slow cooked pulled pork, coleslaw, smoked paprika aioli + toasted brioche
grilled shrimp, mango relish, cabbage, jalapeño, cotija cheese, avocado, salsa verde + flour or corn tortilla
short rib, kimchi, onion, cilantro, spicy aioli, napa cabbage, salsa verde, spicy thai chli sauce + flour or corn tortilla
marinated chicken, roasted corn relish, avocado, spicy lime aioli, cotija cheese, salsa verde + flour or corn tortilla
japanese rice, wakame, choice of tobiko, cucumber, red onion, pickled ginger, avocado, nori, edamame, jalapeño, radish, furikake
egg, red onion, mozzarella, parmesan, house salad + asparagus
parmesan, truffle, bacon + parsley
two mini burgers, american cheese + french fries
three chicken tenders, sweet and sour sauce + french fries
elbow pasta, 3 cheese blend + french fries
granny smith apples, vanilla, cinnamon, puff pastry, star anise, brandy, tuille + vanilla ice cream
vanilla, sea salt caramel, strawberry, pistachio & seasonal
warm date pudding with butterscotch sauce, walnuts, vanilla gelato + toasted basil
topped with fresh berries, peach purée + mint
chocolate cake with a layer of strawberries, mascarpone + chocolate ganache
roasted butternut squash, apples, onions, curry powder + coconut milk
chicken, gnocchi, onion, celery, spinach + cream
puff pastry, creamy mushroom velouté, featuring shimeji, oyster, and white mushrooms, finished with shaved parmesan, microgreens + balsamic glaze
warm grilled pita bread, carrots, cucumbers, celery + radish served with hummus, tirosalata, tzatziki, and edamame dipping sauces
Served with sumac salad, lemon wedge + chimichurri sauce
whole grain bread + avocado • smoked salmon, red onion, cucumber, capers + dill • goat cheese, cherry tomatoes, edamame, radish + parsley • prosciutto, arugula, teardrop peppers + balsamic glaze
chicken, bok choy, parsley, cilantro, scallions + spicy thai chili sauce
rice noodles, cucumber, carrots, jalapeño, purple cabbage, mango, basil, mint, cilantro, romaine, + bell pepper + peanut sauce and sweet chili sauce
brussels, red onion, bacon, cranberry, toasted pine nuts, feta + apple cider vinaigrette
roasted beets, poached pear, arugula, goat cheese, cranberry, roasted pecans, parmesan crostini + balsamic vinaigrette
spinach, avocado, feta, roasted pecans, basil, strawberries, dried apricots, peaches + raspberry vinaigrette
mixed greens, bacon, corn, black bean, egg, tomato, avocado, blue cheese + ranch dressing
onions & bread crumbs in the meat patty, gruyère, caramelized onion, arugula, dijon aioli + toasted brioche
fried chicken breast, cucumber slaw, korean style, spicy mayo + toasted brioche
slow cooked pulled pork, coleslaw, smoked paprika aioli + toasted brioche
potato tart topped with spinach, elote, tomatoes, cilantro + perigueux sauce
scallops, phyllo crusted asparagus, brussel sprouts, phyllo served with red pepper coulis
Saffron parsnip purée, cauliflower purée, romanesco, cauliflower, swiss chard, parmesan cheese, charcoal and curry tuile +sesame seed
scottish salmon, sautéed fingerling potatoes, mustard greens, ratatouille + lemon aioli
breaded chicken , wild mushrooms, mozzarella, gorgonzola cheese, chives, whipped potatoes + house salad
sautéed shrimp, bucatini pasta, cherry tomatoes, olives, anchovies, capers, and basil + olive oil
arrabbiata sauce, parmesan + basil
two mini burgers, american cheese + french fries
three chicken tenders, sweet and sour sauce + french fries
elbow pasta, 3 cheese blend + french fries
vanilla, sea salt caramel, strawberry, and pistachio
granny smith apples, vanilla, cinnamon, puff pastry, star anise, brandy, tuille + vanilla ice cream
topped with fresh berries, peach purée + mint
warm date pudding with butterscotch sauce, walnuts, vanilla gelato + toasted basil
chocolate cake with a layer of strawberries, mascarpone + chocolate ganache
Hear from our valued guests
501 Local stands out as the trendiest restaurant in town. Their food presentation is impeccable, and every dish, without exception, delights the taste buds with its exceptional flavors.
Great food and value, always come back here. In the summer the patio is really cute, and in the winter the snow globes are a fun idea. Please bring back the delicious shrimp 😋
Such a good experience here. We sat outside and the patio is fun and nicely decorated. The food was great and I totally recommend the Vietnamese spring rolls, the food was all obviusly fresh and fantastic. Abraham was our waiter and he made our experience great, not only was he doting and kind he was just so pleasant to be around. Truly he deserves a raise for his customer service skills. I would absolutely come back here everyday if I could!
I like the fresh and clean decor and that they have a lovely outside area. The menu is great if a bit eclectic. I had the tuna tataki (pictured), it was lovely and very beautifully presented. My friend had the scallops, he said they were great. I had a margarita which tasted funny - definitely not a usual margarita from your favourite Mexican joint, but it grew on me. The service is attentive and professional. It’s a bit on the pricey end but the experience is a lovely one.
Very cozy restaurant in the heart of Winnetka, very safe and beautiful neighborhood. They give you option to eat inside or on the patio, which is great during summertime. Stuff was very pleasant, didn't bother us unnecessarily. We’ve tried some appetizers from the menu, everything was good, and we didn’t wait long. I liked hips with guacamole, potstickers and chicken skewers. Atmosphere was very nice, everyone was friendly and polite. It’s a good place to gather with a family or friend for a brunch or dinner.
Good Friends, Good Food, Good Times!!!! 501 Local has got it all. The moment you walk through their doors, your worries are gone. They simply vanish while you enjoy your time there. The staff is beyond wonderful (special shout-out to Haley and Ibrahim, who literally were fantastic) they all go above and beyond. Ask for Ibrahim. He literally picked my drink and our tables food from our apps and main dishes. Run don't walk to 501 Local.
501 Local is a Winnetka favorite for a reason—their menu offers enhanced American dishes, making it easy to find something you’ll love. Due to its popularity, reservations are highly recommended.
I absolutely loved 501 Local! The location is excellent, offering a great vibe that immediately draws you in. The food was delicious—perfectly prepared and full of flavor. The customer service was just as impressive, with the staff being attentive, friendly, and eager to ensure a great experience. The friendly locals add an even greater charm, making the atmosphere feel welcoming and superb. Whether you choose to sit indoors or outdoors, you’ll enjoy your time, though I recommend making a reservation since it gets pretty crowded. For me, it was love at first sight, and I can’t wait to go back! Highly recommend checking it out!
I have been coming here for a long time, and the experience is always top tier. What truly keeps me as a regular is the exceptional service—the staff is consistently welcoming, attentive, and professional every time I walk through the door. While I love several items on the menu, especially their chicken tacos, it's the overall consistency and hospitality that make this my favorite spot in the city.
First time visiting this location and I was really impressed. The place is very nice, clean, and has a great atmosphere. The staff is super friendly and welcoming from the moment you walk in. Our server, Oscar, was especially great—very friendly, attentive, and made sure we had everything we needed. I ordered the chicken tacos and they were absolutely delicious. The prices are very reasonable for the quality of food you get. If you’re looking for great tacos and excellent service, I definitely recommend giving this place a try!
Common questions about 501 Local
501 Local is located at 501 Chestnut St, Winnetka, IL 60093, IL 60093, United States.
You can reach 501 Local by calling +1 224-255-6480.
501 Local has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 331 customer reviews.
501 Local features the following accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible car park, Wheelchair-accessible entrance, Wheelchair-accessible seating, Wheelchair-accessible toilet.
501 Local features the following service options: Outdoor seating, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Takeaway, Dine-in.
501 Local features the following highlights: Fast service, Great beer selection, Great cocktails, Great dessert, Great wine list, Serves local specialty.
501 Local features the following popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining.
501 Local features the following offerings: Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Coffee, Comfort food, Happy-hour drinks, Healthy options, Small plates, Spirits, Wine.
501 Local features the following dining options: Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Catering, Dessert, Seating, Table service.
501 Local features the following amenities: Bar on site, Restroom.
501 Local features the following atmosphere: Casual, Cozy, Romantic, Trendy, Upmarket.
501 Local features the following crowd: Family friendly, Groups.
501 Local features the following planning: Dinner reservations recommended, Accepts reservations.
501 Local features the following payments: Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC mobile payments.
501 Local features the following children: High chairs, Kids' menu.
501 Local features the following parking: Free parking lot, Free street parking, Plenty of parking.
501 Local features the following pets: Dogs allowed outside.
Business Features
We look forward to welcoming you. Make a reservation or stop by - walk-ins welcome!
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