Shopping and dining options are increasing this month at Naperville’s Block 59 with three new restaurants scheduled to open before Thanksgiving.
CRISP & GREEN opened this week, while Velvet Taco is slated to open Nov. 17, and Yard House’s opening day is set for Nov. 23.
These spots will join several restaurants already operating in the development at Route 59 and Aurora Avenue, including First Watch, Lazy Dog, Piccolo Buco by Cooper’s Hawk, Shake Shack, Stan’s Donuts and The Cheesecake Factory.
These culinary options are all designed to complement each other, said Brad Ratajczak, a former senior leasing executive for Block 59 developer Brixmor Property Group, who helped dream up the footprint for the shopping center and gathering space.
“I think we absolutely have assembled a curation of restaurants that work well together,” Ratajczak said. “All of them have something unique to offer.”
CRISP & GREEN
A fast-casual salad spot and healthy eatery based in Minnesota, CRISP & GREEN opened its first Illinois location in Vernon Hills before launching this week in Naperville. Co-founder Lily Phillips says the restaurant offers “convenient, yet elevated options that fit a modern, wellness-focused lifestyle.”
“Our goal has always been to offer something that meets people where they are and fuels whatever they have going on,” Phillips said.
Menu highlights include salads, wraps, grain bowls, acai bowls and smoothies, plus iced coffees and teas.
CRISP & GREEN makes all its menu items in-house and from scratch, Phillips said, and aims to go “beyond the menu” as an all-around wellness brand.
The restaurant offers wellness events, including one set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22 to celebrate the Naperville opening. The event will include a free outdoor Sweat and Sculpt class led by fitness influencer Aubre Winters, followed by free samples from CRISP & GREEN and other health-focused brands.
Velvet Taco
Known for its “WTF” or “Weekly Taco Feature” and its globally-influenced menu, Velvet Taco is training its Naperville team to open Monday, Nov. 17, General Manager Gary Jessen said.
“The brand takes something familiar – tacos – and completely reimagines them with bold, globally-inspired flavors,” Jessen said. “I love that Velvet Taco isn’t afraid to becreative or push boundaries.”
On the menu are things like 18-hour slow-roasted brisket, hand-pressed waffle tortillas and several unique sauces, all made from scratch, in-house, Jessen said. Cooks turn these ingredients into dishes like Spicy Tikka Chicken Tacos and Bacon Smash Burger Tacos, among others.
The restaurant has 125 seats inside and a 60-seat outdoor patio, and Jessen said Velvet Taco is excited to be part of the mix at Block 59.
“It’s Naperville’s newest hot spot, and we’ve got a prime location,” he said. “The whole vibe here matches what we do — bold, creative and community-focused. We can’t wait to be part of this neighborhood.”
Yard House
Since launching in 1996 in California, Yard House has become known for its large lineup of draft beers, varied menu and happy hour specials. The Naperville Yard House will bring all of those elements “for beer lovers to rejoice,” spokeswoman Julianna Ates said.
This opening will be Yard House’s fourth in the Chicago area, adding to a list of more than 90 restaurants the company operates across 23 states.
Ates says Yard House’s “endless brews, classic rock vibes and a diverse food menu” set it apart and make it a fun spot to watch some sports or enjoy social time with friends.
With its opening day set for Nov. 23, Yard House also plans to be open on Thanksgiving, with turkey plate specials including Fried Nashville Hot Turkey or Sliced Turkey with Gravy, both with sides and dessert.
Next up for Block 59
At least two more restaurants are planning their opening days at Block 59 for early 2026, Ratajczak said. These include the Mediterranean restaurant Cava and Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse.
