August 2012 - September 2012 Dining Guide
By
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