Illinois Makers in the Aurora Area

What do a coffee roaster, candlemaker, confectioner, sustainable gastropub, and purveyor of encased meats have in common?

If it's handmade, homemade, and locally made, it's Illinois Made. Read our guide and you can discover eight Illinois Made destinations right here in the Aurora Area of Illinois.

Atrevete Confections recognized as an Illinois Made Destination - enjoyaurora.com

Atrevéte Confections • Montgomery, Illinois

Sweet has never been so daring.

Inspired pastries & confections are made from scratch daily at this delicious destination in the historic riverside Village of Montgomery, Illinois. Chef and owner Jacqueline Mejia's lifelong dream of opening her own confectionary led her to pursue an education at the French Pastry School of Kennedy King College in Chicago, followed by an apprenticeship with Chris Hammer, of "Top Chef: Just Desserts" fame, at his destination patisserie in Sioux Falls. Mejia struck out on her own with a popular food truck that eventually led her to open a storefront and scratch kitchen, where she and her team serve up magnificent croissants, gateaux, cheesecakes, hand-made crepes, and signature confections to loyal patrons. Atrevete is located just steps away from the Fox River and Fox River Trails in Montgomery, Illinois, or you can visit Atrévete Crepes & Macs at Chicago Premium Outlets. 

Atrévete Confections is located at 216 N. River Street, Montgomery, IL 60538, atreveteconfections.com
View Atrevete's listing at EnjoyIllinois.com

 

Endiro Coffee in Aurora, Illinois, exterior view of building

Endiro Coffee • Aurora, Illinois

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
View Endiro's listing at EnjoyIllinois.com

 

Fox Valley Winery in Oswego, Illinois

Fox Valley Winery • Oswego, Illinois

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
View Fox Valley Winery's listing at EnjoyIllinois.com

 

#EnjoyAurora: Hardware Sustainable Gastropub & Brewery

Hardware Sustainable Gastropub & Brewery • North Aurora, Illinois

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
View Hardware's listing at EnjoyIllinois.com

 

Illinois Made | Hearth and Hammer

Hearth & Hammer • Batavia, Illinois

Historic-modern neighborhood general store and literary candle studio

Hearth & Hammer General is a destination for quality crafted and zero-waste goods in the heart of downtown Batavia's arts district. Shop signature literary-themed Hearth & Hammer candles, featured in a number of taste-making publications including Midwest Living, along with a curated collection of home goods, greeting cards, apothecary products, as well as gifts and apparel for men and kids. Custom gift boxes are available, as are counter snacks ranging from sparkling sodas and cold brews to delicious chocolates, rubs, and spices. A dedicated space for candle-making is part of the shop's appeal, with availability for workshops & classes, perfect for groups. Owner Ariane Scholl says about Hearth & Hammer General, "We want everyone who visits to walk away feeling like they’ve experienced a piece of Batavia and to be reminded that the concept of the neighborhood general store is still alive and well."

Hearth & Hammer is located at 160 First Street, Batavia, Illinois 60510, hearthandhammer.co
View Hearth & Hammer's listing at EnjoyIllinois.com

 

Illuminate Space owner Jenni Zielke at Light & Pine Collective in Batavia, Illinois

Illuminate Space • Batavia, Illinois

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
View Illuminate Space's listing at EnjoyIllinois.com

 

Ms Jana's Candy

Ms Jana's Candy • Aurora, Illinois

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
View Ms Jana's Candy's listing at EnjoyIllinois.com

 

Illinois Made | Wurst Kitchen Sausage

Wurst Kitchen Sausage • Aurora, Illinois

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
View Wurst Kitchen's listing at EnjoyIllinois.com