Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple of Greater Chicago-Balaji

My 50^th review and I couldn’t be more excited at this divine coincidence :)
We have been visiting the Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple ever since we moved to the Chicago area. With us staying in the Northern suburbs, the drive to the temple (in Southern suburbs) plus time spent at the temple takes almost a day. But to us its all worth it!
The campus is large with ample parking available. Its such a relief because parking (or the lack of it) can be such a dampener.
The temple itself is built to replicate the traditional style of Hindu temples. The idols of various Hindu Gods & Goddesses are beautifully adorned in silk, flowers and gemstones. The sight is indeed something! The priests who perform the rituals are well versed in the practice and carry it out as per the religious norms.
The temple website is a great resource for all information one might need about programs in the temple. It is thoroughly updated with upcoming festival dates, timings, schedules, etc.
Once done with our prayers it has become standard practice to have brunch /​lunch at their dining hall. The food is South Indian cuisine and includes delicacies such as Pongal, Vada, Puliyogare to name a few. The prices are very nominal and the taste — I would give a TEN STARS! It is spot on in terms of taste!
There is something about this place which makes you yearn to come back. If you haven’t been here yet, make sure you do.

Good experience during our visits over 5 years. Has definitely gained popularity. They are trying hard to keep up, especially Saturdays. The canteen has good South Indian food.

Serene temple to visit at the right times. Weekends get real crazy with the cafeteria feeding frenzy.
I have had pretty good experiences with the priests here. Food is divine (embarrassed to confess this is one great motivator for me to drive from Wilmette 50 miles away).
Most of the staff and the food volunteers are very nice — except for one crusty older woman who typically mans the dosa or sambar counters. With her, ‘rude’ is an understatement

This is a huge temple and way better than places seen in New Jersey. Lots of parking spaces available but very crowded on weekend afternoons. There is a cafeteria in 1^st floor and it’s very big to accommodate probably 100+ people. South indian tiffins they served are authentic and delicious. I tried Pongal and it’s out of the world! Seriously, why do I want to spend money in Sharavana Bhavan restaurant when its offered here for nominal price. Tried dosa in many places around 4 states in USA and never tasted better than here. Biggest downfall is poor management of devotees. They closed temple for an hour or so in the afternoon on a holiday and made people wait chanting slokas. When they opened at 1.45, people just poured to pray without any line. Reminded me of mismanagement in Tirupathi. Devotees may overlook this downfall but i hope management improves it.

This place is very spacious and clean compared to some temples I have visited in the US. The idols are nicely decorated and you have priests attending to you when needed. I have done 2 car poojas here with no issues.
Now to the food, they have some of the best sambar and chutney I have tried and their pongal vada is just out of the world. Love their yogurt rice too which is nicely spiced. I visit this place atleast once a month.

Famous Aurora temple. Really good architecture and can get really crowded on the weekends. Food is awesome at the temple.

All reviews says good. But I got different experience. The below is my experience
1. When ever I call, the call was picked up by a male voice who seems to be arrogant in voice and not even try and given care to understand the question. It takes lot of time and effort for me to convey what I need and get answers to my question.
2. We performed «Sri Satyanarayana Pooja» at my house. When Initially I talked with the priest he says that the cost is $ 250 for half day+ Mileage + Sambavana (Similar to Tip). We were particularly asked how much he needs the Sambavana. But he says that it is up to you as per your wish. Even my wife asked and myself again asked how much «Sambavana» we have to give to them. But he persistently told that Sambavana as per our wish. Later once we enquired with the temple administration, they said that it is only $ 175/​-​for half day. When we again talk with Priest he agreed for $ 175. However after we are done with the pooja, he is demanded $ 116 minimum for «Sambavana», It is little embarrassing for me before all my guests who came for poona.
3. I am not happy with the way the pooja was did. The story telling for «Satyanarayana Pooja» is just like reading from the script. Not actually story telling and describing the Lord Satyanarayana stories.
Totally I am not satisfied the way temple administration dealer with me and the way services rendered and the way that I am charged.

The best Dosa in chicago!

Very nice temple. I am a Hindu Brahmin, and I had my Upanayana here. This is a must see.

After 1hr 20mnts on 290 and I88, we finally got to the Aurora Balaji Temple from downtown Chicago.
They have plenty of parking up front, which is great! There is a small panchakuti room and the main building, which houses the darshan on the 2^nd fl and the café/​dining room on the 1^st fl. (On that note, their food is really really good).
It’s a nice structure, beautiful Diwali fireworks and a feel-​good atmosphere.

Yes, this is a nice temple. However, very difficult to get to from Chicago if you dont have your own car. But, well worth the visit.
We went on a festival day and it was extremely crowded. Almost impossible to get a darshan (view) of the God.
Food court was just packed with people. Food was ok. Have eaten better temple food.
Parking is plentiful.

I prefer when my significant other comes here, to the one in Lemont… where parking is almost impossible up the hill. Never mind in winter.
This temple is very comfortable with plenty of parking, a good cafeteria, special programs with plenty of room for participants, and beautifully decorated gods and goddesses.
The outdoor area has seating by the pond for gorgeous summer visits.