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After weeks of boot camp chow, your Sailor will have been dreaming about a real meal. Whether it's a quick bite on liberty or a celebration dinner after Pass-in-Review, here's how to plan it near Great Lakes.
Best Areas for Dining
- Gurnee: the biggest cluster of restaurants near the base — familiar chains and casual sit-down spots close to most graduation hotels.
- Waukegan & Lake Bluff: local restaurants and quick options nearest the gate.
- Downtown Chicago: the place for a special celebration dinner — deep-dish pizza, steakhouses, and lakefront views, about an hour south.
Make a Reservation
Graduation weeks bring a lot of families to the area at once, so popular restaurants fill up — especially the evening after PIR. Reserve ahead if you're planning a celebration meal.
Tip: ask your Sailor what they've been craving. After boot camp the answer is usually something specific — and letting them pick makes the meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should we take our Sailor to eat after graduation?
For a quick liberty meal, Gurnee and Waukegan have the most familiar options near the base. For a celebration dinner, downtown Chicago (about an hour south) offers deep-dish pizza, steakhouses, and lakefront dining. Ask your Sailor what they've been craving.
Do I need a reservation for a graduation dinner near Great Lakes?
It's a good idea. Graduation weeks bring many families to the area at once, and popular restaurants fill up the evening after PIR. Book ahead if you're planning a celebration meal.