What do a coffee roaster, candlemakers, confectioners, sustainable gastropub, a stringed instrument shop and a purveyor of encased meats all have in common?
If it's handmade, homemade, and locally made, it's Illinois Made. Read our guide and you can discover twelve Illinois Made destinations right here in the Fox River valley of Illinois.
All Chocolate Kitchen
Not all art is meant for walls.
In the heart of Geneva, Chef Alain Roby’s All Chocolate Kitchen redefines the boundaries of culinary art. This pastry paradise, owned by the Paris-trained chef, is more than just a dessert shop; it's a gallery of edible masterpieces. Chef Roby, a three-time Guinness World Record holder, brings international acclaim to Geneva with his breathtaking chocolate sculptures and blown sugar creations that could easily be at home in a museum. From the World’s Largest Chocolate Building to the World's Longest Candy Cane, Roby's sweets reach new heights, both literally and figuratively. Stop in to marvel at Chef Roby’s Illinois Made work and indulge your sweet tooth with his delightful confections.
All Chocolate Kitchen is located at 33 S. 3rd Street, Geneva, IL 60134, allchocolatekitchen.com
Atrevéte Confections
Sweet has never been so daring.
Located in Montgomery Il, Atrévete is a purveyor of fine french pastries from the esteemed Chef Jaqueline Mejia. Atrévete Confections' story begins with Chef Mejia's passion for French pastries. From a young age, Chef Mejia was drawn to the elegance and sophistication of French pastry-making. She was fascinated by the precise techniques and attention to detail required to create these delicate and delicious treats. After studying at one of the best pastry schools in Chicago. Chef Mejia began working with one of the top pastry Chefs in the country, perfecting her skills and experimenting with new flavor combinations. Chef Mejia returned to Illinois with a desire to share her love of French pastries with the world. Using only the finest ingredients, from delicate croissants and buttery brioche to decadent macarons and creamy eclairs, every pastry at Atrévete Confections is a work of art.
Atrévete Confections is located at 216 N. River Street, Montgomery, IL 60538, atreveteconfections.com
Café 1888's operations expand the unique and exquisite quality of Atrevete pastries and desserts to a savory menu including soups, salads, sandwiches, espressos & coffees and soon, small plate dinners with custom cocktails. In addition to the main café there are 5 side rooms which are used for overflow seating all in a comfortable, inviting atmosphere. The side rooms can be rented for small events and Café 1888 also hosts events such as game nights, pop up events for vendors, murder mysteries and more.
Atrévete Cafe 1888 is located at 504 S. Lincoln Avenue, Aurora, IL 60506, atrevetecafe1888.com
Bee Coco Candle Co.
Non-toxic, hand-poured, cruelty-free fragrances to brighten up any space.
Bee Coco Candle Co. in downtown Geneva hand-pours non-toxic, soy-free candles using a luxurious coconut-apricot wax blend, ensuring every product is safe for people and pets. Founded by a husband-and-wife team, this Leaping Bunny Certified shop offers clean-burning candles, beeswax melts, and skin balms—all crafted with carefully sourced, paraben- and phthalate-free fragrances. With a focus on health, sustainability, and community, Bee Coco Candle Co. is a must-visit for unique, handcrafted scents and eco-friendly gifts
Bee Coco Candle Company is located at 308 W. State Street, Geneva, IL 60134, beecococandle.com
Endiro Coffee
Brew all the good you can!
Endiro Coffee is a tree-to-cup producer of signature African coffee grown by women-led cooperatives in Uganda. The coffee is exported and then brought to Illinois where Endiro then roasts and brews it right here in downtown Aurora. A certified B Corporation, Endiro's profits are dedicated to partnerships with local charities focused on ending child vulnerability in the communities of Uganda and locally here in the Aurora Area. Stop by Endiro's only American location for delicious breakfast and lunch items, sweet treats, and of course, a cup of Bududa Bukalasi coffee brewed in a traditional wood-neck pour over.
Endiro Coffee is located at 29 W. New York Street, Aurora, IL 60506, endirocoffee.com
Fox Valley Winery
Award-winning Illinois wines.
Fox Valley Winery specializes in creating small lots of handcrafted, award-winning wines. Many varieties are made from estate-grown, single-vineyard Illinois grapes. Tastings are offered every day, and Fox Valley Winery hosts live entertainment and special events year-round. Whether you prefer red or white, dry or sweet, you'll find the perfect wine for your palate at this charming Illinois winery in the heart of downtown Oswego.
Fox Valley Winery is located at 59 Main Street, Oswego, Illinois 60543, foxvalleywinery.com
Hardware Sustainable Gastropub & Brewery
Changing the way people think about eating local.
Rising from a field on Orchard Road in North Aurora, a tall rock and HARDWARE in rustic letters mark the spot where you'll encounter one of the suburbs' most celebrated dining programs, combining New American cuisine with a collection of over 400 whiskeys and its BBGB Brewery and Hop Farm. Reclaimed architecture, a greenhouse, and "living wall" are testaments to the sustainable sourcing practiced here, with much of the produce featured in its menu grown on-site, while meats are cured indoors to exacting, flavorful perfection. Though the menu rotates on a seasonal basis, standbys like Hardware's deconstructed "Chicago Hot Dog" are a fan favorite and a must-try.
Hardware is located at 2000 W. Orchard Road, North Aurora, IL 60542, eathardware.com
Illuminate Space
Holistic, authentic, and illuminated.
By engaging the five senses, Illuminate Space owner Jenni Zielke creates products for people who desire to create a space they love to live in. From vessels that inspire beauty and creativity to scents that trigger memories, emotions, and healing, Illuminate Space produces hand-poured soy candles that are phthalate-free and free of any harmful chemicals on the Prop 65 list, ensuring a clean, long-lasting fragrant burn.
Illuminate Space is located at Light & Pine Collective, 222 E. Wilson Street, Batavia, Illinois 60510, illuminate-space.com
Ms Jana's Candy
Where butter is your best friend.
Ms Jana’s Candy, a family-owned business, was established in 2018 with just three pots and three candy thermometers designed to sell exclusively via in-house restaurant pop-ups and through the internet. Selling their butter toffee, two types of brittles, and their signature “won’t stick to your teeth” caramel, Ms Jana’s Candy has become a thriving member of the greater Aurora small business community. With the slogan ‘butter is our best friend’ you will find a warm environment that is open and inviting. Using mostly organic ingredients is a plus, but what makes them stand out is their ability to personalize their delicious candies for use as convention and wedding favors, and corporate gifts.
Ms Jana's Candy is located at 1649 Montgomery Road #10, Aurora, Illinois 60504, msjanascandy.com
New Moon Vegan
Plant-based food crafted with care.
New Moon Vegan in Batavia crafts delicious, 100% plant-based baked goods and treats, offering everything from cookies and cupcakes to breads and savory pastries. With a commitment to sustainability and inclusivity, New Moon Vegan delights visitors with creative flavors, gluten-free options, and a welcoming atmosphere for vegans and non-vegans alike.
New Moon Vegan is located at 119 S. Batavia Avenue in Batavia, Illinois, newmoonvegan.net
Rosewood Farm
Locally grown, naturally vibrant
Rosewood Farm in Sugar Grove is a six-acre community hub dedicated to naturally grown produce, vibrant flowers, and engaging events. Founded by chef Julie in 2019, the farm connects people to locally grown food through seasonal harvests, floral offerings, and a variety of classes and gatherings, all designed to foster togetherness and celebrate the joy of farming and community spirit
Rosewood Farm is located at 600 Prairie Street in Sugar Grove, Illinois 60554, rosewfarm.com
StringWorks
High-quality instruments for artists of all ages
StringWorks in Geneva is a family-run violin shop renowned for its high-quality handmade violins, violas, and cellos, expertly set up by professional musicians. Offering personalized service in a welcoming showroom, StringWorks is dedicated to helping players of all levels find their perfect instrument, with a focus on craftsmanship, transparency, and customer care.
StringWorks is located at 327 Franklin Street in Geneva, Illinois, 60134, stringworks.com
Wurst Kitchen Sausage
Chicagoland's best brats since 1895!
Since 1895, Wurst Kitchen has been providing the Aurora Area and Chicagoland with the finest all natural handmade sausages and smoked meats. Highlighted as "Chicago's Best Bratwurst," you can find fresh or frozen sausages here to keep your grill stocked all summer long. A variety of traditional and signature styles are available here, ranging from traditional kishka and Italian sausage to unique flavors like Tequila & Lime brats and Wurst's Own "Kicker" brats, with the perfect amount of spice. Don't forget Fido: beef sticks, pig ears, and "Dinosaur bones" available to-go.
Wurst Kitchen is located at 638 2nd Avenue in Aurora, Illinois 60505, wurstkitchen.com
Discover Illinois Made attractions in the Aurora Area
