Park Ridge Insider Nicole Hanlon on her family operation at Triple Scoop’d, the margaritas and steak tacos at Westso in Edison Park, shopping at 2 Sisters Boutique and exploring the South Park neighborhood

What you do for a living: I am an attorney specializing in workers’ compensation defense. In addition, my husband Jim and I own Triple Scoop’d ice cream shop on Devon Avenue and Chicago Firewood on Northwest Highway.

How long you’ve lived here: Our family moved to Park Ridge in 2015. Jim grew up in Edison Park and has been in the area for over 50 years.

What you like best about Park Ridge: The welcoming, small-town feel and great sense of community. Even though I am not originally from here, this town feels like my hometown of Des Moines, Iowa. We have a great group of friends and network of people here in Park Ridge.

El Che in Chicago’s West Loop

Best meal you’ve had recently: El Che in Chicago’s West Loop. Their huge party steak was amazing, and perfect for a group to share. Very cool setting with an attentive staff. It reminded us of a true Argentinian steakhouse.



Favorite restaurant in the area: This one is really tough! When we first moved to Park Ridge, the dining options were limited, especially in comparison to our former West Loop/Fulton Market neighborhood. Back then, we walked to places like Girl and the Goat, Piccolo Sogno, Palace Grill or Sushi Dokku. But before we knew it, the dining scene in Park Ridge changed, and some great restaurants were added to our classic favorites like Hay Caramba. We now have many delicious options. Pazzi di Pizza, Blufish Sushi Bistro, Holt’s, Fire + Wine and Triple Scoop’d come to mind. There is a place for everyone depending on what type of food you want.

Westso in Edison Park

Favorite “hidden gem” restaurant: Westso, a new Mexican steakhouse in Edison Park, is pretty cool. You cannot go wrong with their signature margarita, which is beautifully crafted and pairs perfectly with their homemade guacamole. The steak tacos were delicious, and the service was outstanding.

Easy Street Pizza in is always very welcoming. Even when we are out with the kids or a whole team, they always make room for us. So many great menu options too, from the taco pizza to mac and cheese pizza to popcorn chicken and even a classic diner burger.

Best bar to grab a drink or to catch the game: Harp & Fiddle and Holt’s in Uptown. Easy Street Pizza in South Park is always very welcoming, whether we are out to watch a game or sneak in a little time out. Even when we are out with the kids or a whole team, they always make room for us. So many great menu options too, from the taco pizza to mac and cheese pizza to popcorn chicken and even a classic diner burger.

A great night out with friends usually includes… dinner, drinks, lots of laughter, and a detailed carpool plan for the kids. We try to find a new restaurant in the area each time we go out.

2 Sisters Boutique

Favorite local store or best shopping area: I love supporting local small businesses. Edie Boutique, Marigold and 2 Sisters A&L are my favorites. I can always find something new to wear or a gift that will make someone’s day. And the best, most helpful staff at each.

The best way to spend a Saturday in the spring: With three kids involved in many activities, we are usually watching a soccer game, basketball game or dance performance. If not on a sideline, we might be at Triple Scoop’d or Chicago Firewood. We also love being outdoors with the family.

What’s something you look forward to every spring?
Longer days and warmer weather! The changing of the seasons, especially from winter to spring, is beautiful. Life comes back around us, and everyone seems happier.

There are many amazing small businesses in South Park. … Not only can you enjoy delicious ice cream, a milkshake or even coffee at Triple Scoop’d, but you can take pints to go along with ice cream cakes and pies.

Secret spot: South Park here in Park Ridge! There are many amazing small businesses in that area. From beauty to food to working out, South Park has it all! Come visit the current park renovations at South Park and stay to enjoy the day in the neighborhood.

Underrated activity in the area: Eating ice cream at Triple Scoop’d. Not only can you enjoy delicious ice cream, a milkshake or even coffee, but you can take pints to go along with ice cream cakes and pies. During the warmer months, you can enjoy your ice cream while sitting outside catching up with neighbors and friends.

Weekend getaway spot: We own a lake house in Wisconsin. Sometimes we are only able to get away for just a few hours, other times it’s a long weekend. Not matter how long though, it’s an amazing place to connect and spend time together as a family.

What have you heard great things about but have yet to try?
Rose Mary, the Italian-Croatian restaurant in Chicago’s Fulton Market District that is the debut restaurant from Top Chef winner Joe Flamm.