Eastern European Fine Dining in Chicagoland
Welcome to international fare at its finest! You won’t have any shortage of options here at Grand Duke’s – from any cuisine around the world. If you’re searching for authentic Lithuanian food near Chicago or craving traditional Eastern European cuisine, this Downers Grove gem deserves a spot at the top of your must-visit list. With a main focus on Eastern European dishes, Grand Duke’s is not only high in quantity, they are also high in quality!
This family-owned restaurant proves that the best ethnic restaurants often hide in suburban Chicago, waiting to be discovered by adventurous food lovers like us.
The American Dream: Owner Andrew Bucas’s Inspiring Journey
From Lithuania to Lou Malnati’s to Restaurant Success
The story behind Grand Duke’s Restaurant is as compelling as their food. Owner Andrew Bucas, a Lithuanian native from the town of Panevėžys, embodies the classic American dream narrative that makes dining here feel even more meaningful.
At just 15 years old, Andrew came to the United States on an exchange program. Just like so many others before him, Andrew sought out the American dream with hard work – babysitting children while going to school simultaneously. His dedication led him to a position at what he describes as “Chicago’s best pizzeria,” Lou Malnati’s.
Gaining a great deal of experience in the restaurant industry while working for the pizza joint, he worked his way up the ladder from dishwasher, cook, driver, cashier to finally manager throughout the 7 years he worked there.
A testament to how far hard work and determination can get you, Andrew now had a great trade and experience behind him. Now, after a long road to get here, along with his wife Lauren, they are running Grand Duke’s in Downers Grove – making the restaurant their life and family business since 2005.
Restaurant Atmosphere: Authentic Lithuanian Heritage Meets Modern Comfort
Why “Grand Duke’s”? A Lesson in Lithuanian History
The restaurant’s name reflects deep cultural significance that enhances the dining experience. As Andrew explains:
“We wanted our guests to find out more about Lithuania, and that is why we decided to do a Lithuanian theme. Lithuania never had a king and was always ruled by Dukes! All our interior in the restaurant was based on Dukes with their paintings, armors, maps of the Lithuanian empire.”
And certainly this is all true. Upon entering the restaurant you can feel the Eastern European vibe, from the décor to the lighting and even the color scheme throughout the restaurant. Tasteful, modern, and yet still giving you the sense you are not 100% in the U.S. while dining. This is the right kind of experience any diner wants when trying to get away to another world for an evening!
This attention to cultural detail sets Grand Duke’s apart from generic Chicago area ethnic restaurants and creates an educational dining experience alongside exceptional food.
Customer Loyalty That Speaks Volumes
The restaurant’s reputation extends far beyond the Chicago suburbs. Andrew shares an incredible testament to their food quality:
“When we were at our old location, we were a go-to destination and most of our customers were regulars. We used to have a customer who would fly in from Arkansas, spend all day at Grand Duke’s, and take the last flight that same day back home. That is how much she loved our food. In a new location, very quickly we are becoming a popular place for food and beer.”
This level of customer devotion doesn’t happen by accident – it’s earned through consistent quality and authentic flavors that can’t be found elsewhere.
When asked what makes Grand Duke’s so special, Andrew’s confidence in his food shines through: “I think the food speaks for itself. If you want good Lithuanian or Polish food, or even Bavarian food, you must try us. We now have over 25 beers on tap in addition to our great homemade food.”
The Food
Now onto the food, which of course, is the main reason we’re all here, right?
The Lithuanian Combination Platter: Their Signature Dish
Their most popular and best selling dish is the Lithuanian Combination platter. I can attest to this going above and beyond my expectations. The flavors of each of the items showcased on this platter were extremely well executed and tasty.
Perfect for: First-time visitors wanting to experience multiple Lithuanian flavors
Siberian Pelmeni: An Unexpected Culinary Adventure
For adventurous diners seeking something truly unique, the Siberian Pelmeni delivers an unforgettable experience. These traditional Siberian dumplings come filled with veal, pork, beef, and onions, served with sour cream, bacon bits, and vinegar.
While the combination might sound unusual to American palates, this dish represents authentic Eastern European comfort food at its finest. Sometimes the dishes you’re least likely to try become the most memorable – and this was certainly my experience with the Siberian Pelmeni.
Perfect for: Adventurous eaters and lovers of authentic dumplings
Chicken Vilnius: The Life-Changing Must-Order Dish
Without question, the Chicken Vilnius stands as the restaurant’s crown jewel. Named after Lithuania’s capital city, this dish transcended my expectations and ranks among the best meals I’ve enjoyed in years – and as regular readers know, I dine out extensively for these reviews.
The preparation, flavors, and presentation of Chicken Vilnius demonstrate why Grand Duke’s has earned such devoted following. This isn’t just dinner; it’s a culinary experience that connects diners to Lithuanian culture through exceptional food.
Perfect for: Anyone seeking the absolute best Grand Duke’s has to offer
Vegetarian Excellence: Beyond Meat-Centric Eastern European Food
Vegetarian diners shouldn’t overlook Grand Duke’s, as their plant-based options rival any specialized vegetarian restaurant. The creamed spinach and truffle roasted potatoes pair beautifully together, offering rich, satisfying flavors that prove Eastern European cuisine extends far beyond meat dishes.
The Spätzle Mac & Cheese deserves special mention – elevated with mushrooms, spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes, and garlic cheese sauce, this dish reimagines comfort food through a European lens.
Perfect for: Vegetarians and anyone seeking elevated comfort food
Craft Beer Selection: 25+ Beers on Tap
Grand Duke’s beverage program matches their culinary excellence with over 25 beers on tap, featuring both international selections and craft brews that complement their Eastern European menu perfectly.
Beer enthusiasts will appreciate the thoughtful curation that includes traditional European lagers alongside American craft options, creating pairings that enhance both the food and beverage experience.
Signature Cocktails: The Famous Smokey Old Fashioned
The restaurant’s full bar offers creative cocktails that rival dedicated cocktail lounges. Their Smokey Old Fashioned – the best-selling cocktail – showcases the attention to detail that defines Grand Duke’s.
This theatrical presentation elevates the dining experience while maintaining reasonable pricing for such a sophisticated cocktail program.
The Bucas Family Restaurant Empire
Grand Duke’s represents just one facet of Andrew and Lauren’s impressive restaurant portfolio:
- Old Vilnius Café (Darien, IL) – Specializing in crepes and pierogies
- Jokers Gaming Café (Illinois) – Gaming and dining combination
- Lietuvele (lietuvele.com) – Lithuania’s largest online souvenir and food store
Despite managing multiple businesses, Andrew personally serves as head cook at Grand Duke’s, ensuring consistent quality and authentic preparation of every dish.
Why Grand Duke’s Deserves Your Visit
Exceptional Value and Portion Sizes
Every dish at Grand Duke’s delivers exceptional value through generous portions without compromising quality. The attention to culinary presentation and execution sets a standard that more restaurants should follow.
Authentic Cultural Experience
This isn’t fusion cuisine or Americanized Eastern European food – Grand Duke’s offers genuine Lithuanian, Polish, and Bavarian dishes prepared with traditional methods and authentic ingredients.
Family Business Excellence
The personal investment of Andrew and Lauren shows in every aspect of the restaurant, from food preparation to customer service to cultural education.
Final Recommendation: A Must-Visit Chicago Area Restaurant
Grand Duke’s Restaurant represents everything great about family-owned ethnic restaurants: authentic recipes, generous portions, fair prices, and passionate ownership. Whether you’re exploring Lithuanian cuisine for the first time or you’re a longtime lover of Eastern European food, this Downers Grove gem delivers an experience that justifies customers flying in from other states.
The combination of Andrew’s inspiring immigrant success story, authentic cultural atmosphere, exceptional food quality, and reasonable prices makes Grand Duke’s a standout in the competitive Chicago restaurant scene.
Don’t miss: Chicken Vilnius, Lithuanian Combination Platter, Smokey Old Fashioned cocktail
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