August 2012 - September 2012 Dining Guide
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Adobo Grill, 1610 N. Wells, 312-266-7999. A casual, sophisticated
atmosphere with upscale Mexican cuisine. Adobo is known for its
margaritas and fresh, “made-at-your-table” guacamole.Alinea, 1723 N. Halsted, 312-867-0110. One of the restaurants that make Chicago a world-class restaurant town, the degustation menus are priced at $145 and $225. Award-winning cuisine, extensive wine list and elegant atmosphere are the course of the day.
Art Institute of Chicago-Terzo Piano, New Wing, 312-443-8650. This simple gourmet restaurant is the spot for dining after viewing the Modern Wing. Unusual, creative offerings, including spaghetti squash appetizer, sesame-crusted Lake Superior whitefish with eggplant, and trout with fingerling potatoes and Brussels sprouts.
Avec, 615 W. Randolph, 312-377-2002. Seasonal fare is featured as a group experience in a boisterous atmosphere. Simply prepared contemporary tapas are fabulous, and fresh dishes can be accented with fine European cheeses.
Bice Ristorante, 158 E. Ontario, 312-664-1474. The rushed, crowded atmosphere of this Gold Coast restaurant only adds to its charm. Pizza, pasta and salads are popular choices for dining in or taking out.
Bistro Campagne, 4518 N. Lincoln, 773-271-6100. An authentic French bistro, this charming spot with a private outdoor garden is perfect for an intimate dinner. The primarily organic menu offers a small number of perfectly prepared fish dishes as well as traditional farm-raised chicken and steak frites.
Bistro Margot, 1437 N. Wells, 312-587-3660. If you’re in the mood for authenic French bistro cuisine like patés and grilled salmon, Bistro Margot offers up French fare at reasonable prices.
Blackbird, 619 W. Randolph, 312-715-0708. Classic simplicity at its best, both in food and décor.
Brazzaz, 39 N. Dearborn Street, 312-595-9000. This popular Brazilian steakhouse offers meats carved at ssyour tableside, a fabulous salad bar and excellent grilled shrimp. Save room for the flan!
Boka, 1729 N. Halsted, 312-337-6070. Nice ambiance with a sleek, high-tech look. Don’t overlook the cheese plate or the sticky pudding.
Cafe Des Architectes, 20 E. Chestnut, 312-324-4063. Sofitel’s restaurant sheds the mediocrity of many hotel restaurants, with fawning service and upscale cuisine.
Cafe Spiaggia, 980 N. Michigan, 312-280-2750. The food comes from the same kitchen as Spiaggia, just in a more reasonably priced, toned down atmosphere.
Cape Cod Room, Drake Hotel, 140 E. Walton, 312-932-4615. The ultimate, classic seafood restaurant has been serving up fish dishes since 1933.
Carnivale, 702 W. Fulton Market, 312-850-5005. This trendy nightspot encompasses a huge space broken up into different dining areas. The menu is an offering of dishes from South America and the Caribbean.
Chicago Chop House, 60 W. Ontario, 312-787-7100. Lined with photos from Chicago’s meatier days, the restaurant chronicles gangsters, mayors and movie stars.
Chicago Diner, 3411 N. Halsted, 773-935-6696. This fun place offers vegetarian fare from home-made soups and gigantic salads to tofu re-creations of more standard omnivore dishes. Try the raw blueberry cheesecake.
Club Lucky, 1824 W. Wabansia, 773-227-2300. Faux old-fashioned Italian neighborhood spot gives Bucktown a place for casual, basic and ample fare.
Coco Pazzo, 300 W. Hubbard, 312-836-0900. The River North mainstay remains consistently popular, featuring reliable seasonal Tuscan cuisine, wood burning oven, house-cured meats and fish, vegetarian friendly, all-Italian wine list and the best risotto in Chicago.
Dinotto, 215 W. North, 312-202-0302. This Italian restaurant never fails to engage the senses—from the calamari appetizer to the pumpkin ravioli to the tiramisu.
Duke of Perth, 2913 N. Clark, 773-477-1741. The authentic Scottish pub has fish and chips, Wednesday and Friday fish fry, and 75 kinds of single-malt whiskey. Try the Hebridian leek pie.
Flemings Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar. 25 E. Ohio, 312-329-9463. This is a perfect place for steak lovers as well as business lunch meetings.
Fogo de Chao, 661 N. LaSalle, 312-932-9330. All-you-can-eat meat sliced at your table Brazilian style is the menu at this River North restaurant. Other patrons go for the popular salad bar-only option.
Frontera Grill, 445 N. Clark, 312-661-1434. Famous chef Rick Bayless’ devotees gratefully stand in line for hours for chili relenos, margaritas and guacamole.
Gene & Georgetti, 500 N. Franklin, 312-527-3718. Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope used to come here for steaks when in Chicago. The steakhouse opened in 1941 and still offers quality food.
Gemini Bistro, 2075 N. Lincoln,773-525-2522.The tweed and leather booths and historic lighting create a unique atmosphere for elegant dining and enjoying wine by glass or their signature cocktails.
Greek Islands, 200 S. Halsted, 312-782-9855. The biggest Greek restaurant in the neighborhood offers traditional Greek dishes.
Green Zebra, 1460 W. Chicago, 312-243-7100. Almost entirely vegetarian, this upscale spot features the best cuisine has to offer from many cultures.
Green Dolphin Street, 2200 N. Ashland, 773-395-0066. Jazz club, nightclub, private event venue. It has an extensive seafood selection on its eclectic menu.
Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse, 1028 N. Rush, 312-266-8999. For the martini and steak crowd, the restaurant has testosterone to spare.
Hunt Club, 1100 N. State, 312-988-7887. This popular sports bar and grill offers nightly $5 drink and food specials, Monday night football fun and dancing until 5 a.m. on Saturdays.
Japonais, 600 W. Chicago, 312-822-9600. This trendy hot spot features contemporary Asian French dishes like the rainbow carpaccio with yuzu dressing.
Jack’s On Halsted, 3201 N. Halsted, 773-244-9191. Incorporating Asian, Mediterranean and New World flavors, Jack’s serves excellent, healthy food.
Kamehachi, 1531 N. Wells, 312-664-3663. This Old Town mainstay used to be one of the only places for sushi back in the ‘70s. Quality fish and presentation have kept this a popular destination for decades.
Karyn’s Cooked, 738 N. Wells, 312-587-1050. Enjoy simple, vegan, gourmet fare that never fails to deliver. The lasagna with smoked spinach is flavorful. Try the German chocolate and the banana coconut cake.
Keefer's, 20 W. Kinzie, 312-467-9525. This venue serves some of the finest steak, seafood French bistro dishes in the area.
Kiki's Bistro, 900 N. Franklin, 312-335-5454. Urban French cuisine is very popular with the lunch crowd. Try the smoked salmon pastrami sandwich.
Kitchen Sink, 1107 W. Berwyn, 773-944-0592.This charming establishment offers coffee, espresso, specialty sandwiches, and pastries from local bakeries from early morning to early dinner.
Le Colonial, 937 N. Rush, 312-255-0088. Authen- tic Vietnamese French cuisine coupled with elegant atmosphere. Try Chao Tom, a grilled shrimp delight.
Mercat a la Planxa, Blackstone Hotel, 638 S. Michigan, 312-765-0524. Spanish tapas, wines and cocktails served in wild décor make for a fun night. Choose from 15 excellent tapas, from seafood to steak.
Mista, 2931 N. Broadway, 773-698-6688. Try the Margherita pizza with a very thin, crispy cracker crust with tomato sauce, basil and fresh tomatoes. The Mista salad is spinach and macedamia nuts with a delicous dressing. Save room for the warm bread pudding with strawberries on top.
Lou Malnati’s, 439 N. Wells, 312-828-9800.If you are dying for fabulous deep dish pizza, you’ve found the perfect spot. Highly recommended: “The Lou” with cheese, spinach, mushrooms and tomatos. You’ll find out why there are Malnati’s deep dish spizza fans from all over the world.
McCormick & Schmick's, 1 E. Wacker, 312-923-7226 and 41 E. Chestnut, 312-397-9500. Top-notch seafood heads the menu with steak offerings for meat-eaters. Try the outstanding pike.
Naha, 500 N. Clark, 312-321-6242. Seasonal Mediterranean taken to new levels of sophistication and artistry. The Wild Black Cod is recommended.
N9NE Steakhouse, 440 W. Randolph, 312-575-9900. Steak and seafood head the menu at this sister restaurant of N9ne Las Vegas. The upstairs Ghostbar has a cool, futuristic theme.
NoMi, Park Hyatt Chicago, 800 N. Michigan, 312-239-4030. Upscale and sophisticated, the international spot is known for its elegant presentation, distinctive cuisine and extensive wine list.
North Pond, 2610 N. Cannon Dr.,773-477-5845. The ducks in the lagoon provide a glimpse into nature.The menu is simple, with a good selection of fresh fish.
O’Brien’s, 1528 N. Wells, 312-787-3131. This Old Town restaurant features well-prepared fish, steaks and burgers. The outdoor garden is bustling.
Oceanique, 505 Main St., Evanston, 847-864-3435. From its charming French decor to the bouillabaisse, Oceanique is an intimate, tony restaurant for any occasion. It features an extensive fresh seafood menu, thoughtfully prepared, and desserts like the day and night cake with layers of chocolate mousse.
Parthenon, 314 S. Halsted. 312-726-2407. Ooompah! From the delicious Greek specialties to the tasty galaktoboureko and phyllo pastry shell with light vanilla custard, this authentic spot is not to be missed.
Pensiero Ristorante, 1566 Oak Ave, Evanston, 847-475-7779. The pasta and fresh fish specialties are excellent in this popular Italian restaurant.
Phil Stefani’s, 437 N. Rush, 312-222-0101. Quality beef and seafood with traditional Italian pastas is the menu of the day for bigger appetites.
Piccolo Sogno, 464 N. Halsted, 312-421-0077. The influence of many areas of Italy is represented in this reasonably priced restaurant that has a stunning view of the skyline from the patio. You can’t go wrong with any of their fabulous pasta dishes.
Pizzeria Uno, 29 E. Ohio, 312-321-1000. The deep-dish pizza can’t be duplicated anywhere else except for Pizzeria Due across the street.
Province, 161 N. Jefferson, 312-669-9900. Enjoy farm-to-table dishes with Spanish and South American influence in a certified Gold LEED-EB building.
Pops for Champagne, 601 N. State, 312-266-7677. This new version of the very popular Chicago venue has a raw bar, champagne bar, jazz lounge and outdoor spaces in warmer weather.
The Publican, 837 W. Fulton, 312-733-9555. The focus is on beers and heirloom pork in this Warehouse District venue backed by some of the biggest names in Chicago food circles.
Quince at the Homestead, 1625 Hinman, Evanston, 847-570-8400. Enjoy contemporary American cuisine in a lively and comfortable setting.
Roberto’s Ristorante, 483 Spring Road, Elmhurst, 630-279-8486. This lovely, well-known restaurant attracts pasta lovers from all over Chicagoland. From live entertainment on weekends to the stuffed and thin crust pizzas, this Italian restaurant keeps the crowds coming back. Start with calamari, indulge in delicious homemade manicotti and finish with tiramisu.
Rhapsody, 65 E. Adams, 312-786-9911. If you are going to the symphony after dining, you need reservations. Enjoy this wonderful spot offering unusual preparations of fish and vegetables. Highly recommended is the Spinach Ricotta Gnocchi, as is the Oven Roasted Halibut with braised lobster mushroom ragu.
RL Restaurant, 115 E. Chicago, 312-475-1100. The Ralph Lauren restaurant features American food with country-clubby, old-money décor. The lobster club sandwich is the best in the city. Oprah says this is one of her favorite restaurants. Find out why.
Rosebud, 1500 W. Taylor, 312-942-1117. Where better to dine on sumptuous Italian fare than in the old Italian neighborhood? This original restaurant was so popular, multiple Rosebuds opened up throughout the city and suburbs.
Russian Tea Time, 77 E. Adams, 312-360-0000. When you are taking in the cultural sites at the Art Institute or symphony, this bustling old world restaurantis a must. Vegetarians can enjoy an array of unussual appetizers. There are excellent meat dishes, as well.
Rustic House, 1967 N. Halsted, 312-929-3227. The weathered barnyard and burlap wall coverings are as authentic as the excellent fresh farm-to-table ingredients of their dishes.
Sapori Trattoria, 2701 N. Halsted, 773-832-9999. The linen tablecloths and exposed brick walls evoke an atmosphere of old Italy. On Tuesday nights—tapas night—you can enjoy live jazz and sample tasty, innovative combinations. Try the lasagne or salmon.
Sepia, 123 N. Jefferson, 312-441-1920. A great choice in a former print shop serves a seasonal contemporary American menu and extensive wine list.
Shanghai Terrace, Peninsula Chicago, 108 E. Superior, 312-573-6744. Experience upscale Chinese food in an elegant hotel. Enjoy Sunday dim sum brunch.
Signature Room, 875 N. Michigan, 312-787-9596. Go for the views at this elegant spot on the 95th floor of the Hancock Building. The fare is excellent.
Smith & Wollensky, 318 N. State, 312-670-9900. Known for its excellent dry-aged beef and giant steaks, the restaurant also offers a few lighter options.
Tavern at the Park, 130 E. Randolph, 312-552-0070. The all-day eatery in Prudential Plaza has an upscale menu of sandwiches, salads and entrees. Enjoy panoramic park views from this spot.
Texas de Brazil, 51 E. Ohio, 312-670-1006. This Brazilian steakhouse (churrascaria) offers meat-lovers a sizzling time.
That Little Mexican Cafe, 1010 Church St., Evanston 847-905-1550 and 1055 W. Bryn Mawr 773-769-1004. Both locations of this long-time favorite offer guacamole made tableside as well as excellent classic Mexican dishes such as duck enchiladas with mole sauce and fresh mango salad.
Trattoria D.O.C., 706 Main St., Evanston, 847-475-1111. This Evanston favorite is known for its creative pizza combinations prepared in their wood-burning oven. But the other offerings, such as marinated grilled squid or linguine with lobster meat, cherry tomatoes, basil, garlic and white wine, are just as delicious.
Trattoria Isabella, 217 N. Jefferson, 312-207-1900. Another excellent and creative Italian spot in the Warehouse District, Trattoria Isabella has floor-to-ceiling windows and a giant patio for nice weather.
Twin Anchors, 1655 N. Sedgwick, 312-266-1616. This bustling Old Town rib joint remains the place to kick back and enjoy some baby back ribs.
Vermillion, 10 W. Hubbard, 312-527-4060. Latin-Indian? Somehow it works in an extensive tapas menu and entrees like you’ve never before tasted.
Vivere, 71 W. Monroe, 312-332-4040. With a wine cellar of over 2000 selections, Vivere pushes the limits of “new” Italian cuisine with unusual ingredients. The black truffle gnocchi is excellent. For dessert, try the chocolate and hazelnut tiramisu.
Vinci, 1732 N. Halsted, 312-266-1199. The warm, comforting atmosphere and consistently excellent Italian selections has made it a pre-theater spot for years. Vinci offers a gluten-free menu as well as traditional Italian favorites such as roasted baby eggplant, grillled octopus, and Roman-style Gnocchi with wild mushrooms.
Yoshi's Cafe, 3257 N. Halsted, 773-248-6160. The casual atmosphere is deceptive. This is haute cuisine with an eclectic menu combining French, Japanese, Italian and American influences.
Published: August 19, 2012
Issue: Fall 2012 Issue
The Demise of the Toboggan Run
Even if the snow does fall this season, there's no use anxiously anticipating a ride down a toboggan run. All toboggan slides in Cook County are closed indefinitely.
