Because empty nesting tastes better on the water.
Now that our kids are off to college and we’re officially empty nesters, we’ve found ourselves dining out… well, a lot. Let’s call it what it is: we’re just doing our part to support the local economy—one boat ride and one meal at a time. 😄
Morse Lake is packed with awesome boat-accessible restaurants, and we’re lucky to know and love many of the folks behind them. Here are a few of our favorite Morse spots, along with our go-to menu picks, drink faves, and a little local love for the amazing owners:
🚤 1. Boathouse Kitchen & Swan Dive
We practically live here in the summer. Grab a seat outside, enjoy the breeze, and soak in the live music 7 nights a week at the Swan Dive (Swan Dive is 21+ and open seating). The vibe is upbeat but still chill enough that you can carry on a conversation without shouting. And to top it off, the owners are great friends of ours—and even better people.
Our daughter worked here the past two summers, so naturally we were just stopping by to check in on her… because what teenager doesn’t love surprise visits from their parents at work? 😏
Bonus: In the winter, Boathouse is home to Monday night Euchre Club—a great way to stay social during the off-season!
Our go-tos:
Brussels Sprout Salad
The Original Steampot
Lobster Roll
Chicken Sandwich with Sticky Ginger
The legendary Pontoon Pete Burger
Drink picks: Dirty martini or tall Busch Light—and if you’re lucky, Matt P will mix it with a smile!
🎯 2. Wolfies Grill
A Morse Lake staple—and our Tuesday night cornhole headquarters (register through CCA!). We’ve been regulars since the day we moved here, and owners Scott & Nyla have done an outstanding job not only with Wolfies but expanding their brand(Amanda’s all-time favorite, The Italian House in Westfield, sadly isn’t boat-accessible… 😉).
Our faves:
Horsey Steak Tacos
Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Pan Crusted Chicken
Drink picks: The Cucumber Smash is super refreshing (not to be confused with the Cucumber Margarita!), or venture upstairs for the Tequila Old Fashioned—only served at the upstairs bar, and totally worth the climb!
🌴 3. Harbour Trees Beach Club (Members only)
We’ve been members since the Beach Club opened in 2012 (our kids were on the very first Wahoos swim team—cue the nostalgia). It’s casual, open-air, and perfect for someone who’d rather wear boat shoes than dress shoes. Also a cozy winter hangout for soup and sports…with lots of TV’s. Owner Andy Gigante created this amazing destination for families.
If you’re a golfer, the Beach Club is also connected to Harbour Trees Golf Club for even more member perks—we wouldn’t know firsthand, though… we trade tee times for lake time! 😎
Can’t-miss picks:
Hummus Plate
Southwest Chicken Salad
Rotating specials – specials rotate every 2 weeks! These have been some of our favorite bites!
Winter soups
Drink pick: Spicy Margarita—it’s got kick, so not for wimps! Consider it a challenge!🌶️
🍝 4. Delullo’s Trattoria
A quick stroll from the public docks in Cicero and worth every step! Set in a converted old house, DeLullo’s is warm and cozy in the winter, and their porch seating is perfection in the summer. We’ve gotten to know the owner through euchre club and love supporting this local gem.
What we order:
Chicken Parmesan (now a permanent menu item!)
Lasagna
House salad with homemade balsamic (don’t skip it!)
Drink pick: Aperol Spritz—light, refreshing, and perfect for porch sipping!
🍷 5. 10 West
A downtown Cicero classic and another favorite just steps from the public docks. We’ve celebrated many birthdays and anniversaries in the cellar—our go-to spot for cozy vibes and occasional over-ordering. New ownership, same great vibe. Sometimes we go all-in on apps and skip the entrée. Zero regrets.
Our faves:
Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms
Jalapeño Poppers
Chicken Milanese
Drink picks: Seasonal drink specials! Peppermint martini in December, apple-inspired cocktails in the fall, and always a classic dirty martini.
🍕 6. Bronko’s Pizza
Small, mighty, and deliciously heavy. This downtown Cicero pizza shop has a small, cozy dining room—and honestly, that’s our favorite way to enjoy it. Or, if you’re eager to get back on the water, grab it to go and enjoy it on the boat. Either way, you can’t go wrong. Say hi to Lavonna—she’s usually behind the counter working hard and always serving up a great pizza with a smile.
Our order:
The Deluxe – Pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers, light onion
Drink pick: Old Style (it’s from Chicago, after all!)
Whether you’re docking for dinner or picking up something to enjoy on the boat, these are some of our go-to favorites and truly great additions to the Morse Lake community. Have a go-to menu item or drink we should try next time? Let us know—we’re always up for a little “research” in the name of lake life, especially if there are friends joining us for the taste-testing! 😉🍴
