What you do for a living: I started my own solo law practice in 2021 after my father, Jay Judge, passed away. He he did a lot of civil defense work for local townships, school districts and other public entities for almost 50 years. I still do some of that and enjoy being in court, but I also have a large focus on the real estate side now, representing those buying and selling residential and commercial properties. I also do a lot of estate planning. I really like working with people in the community in that regard.

I’m also the most recent past president of the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce, and that’s been a great experience. I’ve always loved being involved in all the events the Chamber has and getting to know all the business owners and seeing how they support one another. That’s the kind of tight-knit community we are, and it shows.

How long you’ve lived here: I was born and raised here in Park Ridge, growing up by Oakton Pool. I still call it that even know it’s not there anymore. I clerked with my dad’s law firm in high school and while I was in college at Northeastern University, and then went to law school at John Marshall in downtown Chicago. I became licensed as an attorney in 2014, and my family and I enjoy living in walking distance to Uptown, all of our favorite places and so many parks.

What you like best about Park Ridge: The sense of community and belonging. Everyone seems to know one another. There aren’t too many cities where you can play fantasy football with your mayor and know so many aldermen and business owners on a personal level. And know they actually care.

Blufish

Favorite restaurant in the area: I love all the restaurants we have in the area, but my wife’s favorite is probably Blufish for sushi. She’s a fan of all the basic rolls like salmon and spicy tuna, but I would say she especially loves their specialty dragon and spider rolls. They have a surprisingly good bourbon and whiskey selection too.

Best meal you’ve had recently: The birria tacos at Holt’s are definitely a favorite! It’s always a difficult toss up to decide between the tacos or one of Holt’s delicious specialty pizzas. The soppressata hot honey pizza has the perfect balance of sweet and spicy to leave you craving more!

Silvers Bar and Grill may be tucked away a bit off of the busy six corners in Uptown, but it’s so reliable. … My wife loves their homemade soups, and I’m a big fan of the Texas burger with bacon and BBQ sauce.

Favorite “hidden gem” restaurant: Silvers Bar and Grill may be tucked away a bit off of the busy six corners in Uptown, but it’s so reliable. The saganaki is our favorite, and it may be the only place in town where you can get an appetizer lit on fire. My wife loves their homemade soups, and I’m a big fan of the Texas burger with bacon and BBQ sauce.

Best bar to grab a drink or to catch the game: It’s hard to argue with Harp & Fiddle for this, as their TVs are always tuned to the biggest games no matter what day you stop in. They do a wonderful job with events and have a great bourbon selection too.

Beer on the Wall

A great night out with friends usually includes… getting a few flights of beer at Beer on the Wall. We love that we’re able to stay in town for some tastings rather than have to trek down to a brewery in the city. We like going over to the new Pines Room too, as they have a cool speakeasy vibe and know how to make a great cocktail. It’s also fun to get a group into Bottle & Bottega for a BYOB painting party.

My son really loves going to the Park Ridge Library. … It’s fun finding a nice little nook where you can spend some quiet time. And take advantage of the library’s activities too.

What’s something you look forward to every winter?
The Pickwick Theater is probably one of the only theaters where you can bring your coffee or hot chocolate in from Off the Wall or Starbucks and they don’t mind. My son really loves going to the Park Ridge Library too. We check out a lot of different book series and burn through them. He can’t wait to go back. It’s fun finding a nice little nook where you can spend some quiet time. And take advantage of the library’s activities too.

Favorite local store or best shopping area: My wife loves Edie for all their nice clothes, as well as the home decor in Marigold. The whole strip of shops now on Prospect is something special. It’s really nice to go for a stroll with a cup of coffee and just browse.

American Science and Surplus

The best way to spend a Saturday in the winter: Seeing a movie at the Pickwick Theater, and definitely going to the American Science and Surplus store on Northwest Highway. I don’t think we would’ve survived last winter without all their various robot, building and science kits, even if we did make a bit of a mess. Building things and doing experiments with my son has been great, especially when it’s too cold to do much outside.

Secret spot: I grew up by the Wildwood Nature Center, and it’s been neat seeing all the expansion over there and how much has been done. We enjoy spending a lot of time there with our son, especially the Nature Center where we can see all the animals.

Modales Wines

Weekend getaway spot: My family owns an RV, so we love getting out to Wisconsin or Michigan as often as possible, and every year we take advantage of our Harvest Hosts membership, where you can camp out at various breweries, distilleries, wineries, farms, golf courses, even museums. Modales Wines in Fennville, Michigan is a personal favorite.

Underrated activity in the area: I’ve been doing this Get Fit Park Ridge program with Mayor Maloney this winter to promote local gyms and fitness-based businesses, and they all offer something different. I really enjoyed Moonshot CrossFit recently, as well as Matt Hansen Strength & Conditioning (MHSC). And the weekly Friday morning workout my wife and I do at Orange Shoe Personal Fitness with Talha and Carrie is always great.

What have you heard great things about but have yet to try?
We’re pretty good about trying any new restaurant in the area, so I will go with adult karate at Fonseca Martial Arts and kickboxing at KickHouse out on Busse Highway. I’m lined up to try both soon, and they should be unique and fun.