“Landmark” on the hill- a hidden treasure

Every so often, one finds a hidden treasure. No! Not an actual treasure, but a place that just feels good, that most people don’t even know exists. It might be a coffee shop, a bakery, a gift shop, a bar or even a golf course with a neat dining space on the grounds. In fact, as someone who spent his younger years in Northbrook ( the Northbrook/Glenview area), you might recall, as I do, the garbage heap known as the hill on Willow Road, just west of Waukegan Road. There was very little along this stretch back in the 1950’s, but every day one would see the garbage trucks driving higher and higher up the hill to drop their “load” ( I will not go into detail) in order to keep our area clean of garbage. The flame could be seen for miles around. As I drove back from the city, seeing the light was like an announcement that I was almost home!

Willow Road and the surrounding areas are different today. In the 60 plus years that have passed, the area has developed greatly with strip centers, housing, a shopping center or two, and what has happened to the garbage dump will amaze and astound you. It has been developed into a 9 hole golf course and a very neat restaurant with a scenic view of the entire surrounding area. The restaurant is  Landmark on the Hill, and is the offspring of the Landmark of Downtown Northbrook ( celebrating over 100 years of quality food and service to the community), and while its menu is slightly smaller, the quality and service is just as special as the mother restaurant.

Jane and I discovered more when our grandson Adam and his partner Ryan did a gig ( they are DJ’s) over the summer. While the building is wonderful and quite cozy, on a summer night, the patio area, with a full bar and several seating areas, is divine and an experience that will make you feel that you have left home on a very mini vacation. On a clear day you can see downtown Chicago to the southeast, and I am sure a lot more.

Tonight we stopped by to grab a bite and set up a menu tasting for the future. Jane and I opted to do the patio where we could also watch the golfers tee off ( we were at hole 1 of the 9 holes). While Jane had her bubbly drink ( Sprite) , I tried one of the house specials, a PB&J Old Fashion- a delicious treat with all the sweetness and a hint of peanut butter. For a shareable item, we opted for the Cajun Fried Pickles ( with a sauce to tone them down), but if you like some spice in your life, this is it!

Our entrees were simple, but delicious. I opted for the loaded mac n cheese with bacon and green onions. Very creamy, smooth and yummy. If you love mac n cheese, you will find this dish heavenly. Jane did the Hill Burger ( 1/3 pound burger) served with crispy fries and a choice of cheeses. I am ready to grab our crew and go back for more- I think we will also do “keeping you in da loop” at Landmark on the Hill because as great as the food is, as marvelous as the staff is, I believe that once you see the view and experience the fire pit and an after dinner drink, you will forget where you are, and what it used to be, and want to come back…with friends!

The location is 1350 Willow Road ( entrance on North Side of Willow), and the road is a little winding and in some cases, bumpy ( part of the full experience), but well lit. When you get to the fork, turn right for the restaurant and patio, park and enter heaven on the hill known as Landmark!

847-510-5250     www.landmarkonthehill.com   hours: 4 p.m.- 11 p.m. Monday-Thursday  Friday/Saturday/Sunday 11 a.m.- 11 p.m.

Having a party? no problem! WE WILL RETURN!!!