Area Businesses Makes List of Best Illinois Restaurants NOT in Chicago

You don't have to make the trek into the big city for a great meal, at least according to website Thrillist.com, which rated a local restaurant among its "12 Best Illinois Restaurants NOT in Chicago."

"Believe it or not, there are restaurants outside of Chicago that're good, too," wrote Sean Cooley, who covers Chicago's restaurant and bar scene for Thrillist.

While no Wheaton restaurants made the list, a couple restaurants within driving distance did, including Basils Greek Dining, 4000 Fox Valley Center Drive in Aurora. 

"While Aurora doesn't have a Stan Mikita's Donuts (that Wayne's World documentary was BS), they do have one of Chicagoland's top Greek eateries with Basil's," Thrillist Wrote. "What you're getting: the grilled octopus and gyros, both of which are 'party time, excellent'."

Geneva's Bien Trucha, at 410 W. State St., also made Thrillist's list. 

"Show up to Bien Trucha a little early (no reservations) and enjoy one of their well-loved margaritas before sitting down to tacos like the Pescadillas (shredded swordfish, epazote, crispy tortilla, and avocado-habanero pico) or the Barriga de Puerco (slow roasted pork belly, adobo, salsa verde cruda, cucumber, queso fresco)," Thrillist Chicago wrote. 

This is not the first time Bien Trucha has gotten attention from a Chicago media source. The restaurant has earned Chicago Magazine's vote for No. 1 taco in all of Chicagoland. 

• READ MORE: You Rate the Restaurant: Bien Trucha