HARVEST ON HURON
***
217 W. Huron St.
312-587-9600
Alan Sternweiler’s superb American food has an impeccable home in this sophisticated and joyful environment, an art-filled space loaded with creature comforts – not the least of which is the well-chosen 400-bottle wine list and a breathtaking selection of cognacs and other spirits. Knowledgeable, convivial service is the icing on the cake.
Recommended: Scallops and oxtail tower, roasted sweetbreads, roasted rabbit, poached pear.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun., lunch Mon.-Fri.
Entree prices: $13-$28
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Recommended
Noise: Conversation-challenged
Other: Valet parking available; late (midnight most nights) serving hours.
MK ***
868 N. Franklin St.
312-482-9179
Stylish decor, sleek server uniforms, Christofle flatware and Riedel stemware – no detail has been overlooked at MK. Michael Kornick’s detail-oriented cooking marries clean flavors to eye-appealing presentations. Mindy Segal’s imaginative desserts provide each meal with a rousing finale.
Recommended: Tuna tartare with celery root remoulade, venison, monkfish with lobster, Amazing Apples, braised pineapple.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun., lunch Mon.-Fri.
Entree prices: $16-$28
Credit cards: A, DC, M, V
Reservations: Strongly recommended
Noise: Conversation-challenged
Other: Wheelchair accessible; valet parking available.
ONE SIXTYBLUE ***
160 N. Loomis St.
312-850-0303
Michael Jordan is a silent partner in this West Side venture, but there are other reasons to visit, including lavish decor and table appointments and the elegant contemporary American cooking of chef Patrick Robertson.
Recommended: Peekytoe crab sandwich, foie gras over French toast creme brulee,” sweetbreads, lemon parcels.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sat.
Entree prices: $18.50-$29
Credit cards: A, DC, M, V
Reservations: Strongly recommended
Other: Wheelchair accessible; valet parking available.
PARK AVENUE CAFE ***
199 E. Walton Pl.
312-944-4414
Americana accents project a down-to-earth charm for one of the most creative restaurants in town. The kitchen produces eye-popping presentations that remain unpretentious, and low-key service is nearly flawless. The American dim sum brunch is a treat that must be experienced.
Recommended: Pastrami salmon, cavatelli with white truffle oil, Swordfish Chop, ginger-crusted salmon, Park Bench dessert, bittersweet chocolate cake.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun., brunch Sun.
Entree prices: $18.50-$35
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Strongly recommended
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: Wheelchair accessible; valet parking available.
RHAPSODY ***
65 E. Adams St.
312-786-9911
The luxury dining room inside the glittering Symphony Center serves as stage to culinary artistry, featuring a menu by the renowned Roland Liccioni. Reservations aren’t difficult to come by when the Symphony is on hiatus, but once the season starts, pre-concert tables are scarce.
Recommended: Roland’s signature terrine, seared scallop, onion-crusted sturgeon, rack of lamb.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun., lunch Mon.-Fri.
Entree prices: $19-$29
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Recommended
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: Valet parking available; wheelchair accessible.
RIVERS **
30 S. Wacker Drive
312-559-1515
Just steps away from the Opera House, this spacious restaurant swarms with pre-theater and Loop-lunch crowds, but at other times is charmingly sedate. The menu is Mediterranean-influenced American, with an emphasis on fish. The outdoor terrace overlooks the Chicago River.
Recommended: Crabcakes, roasted-corn soup, pan-seared grouper, grilled sea bass, summer pudding.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sat., lunch Mon.-Fri. (Open Sat., Sun. for opera performances.)
Entree prices: $12.95-$27.95
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Recommended
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: Wheelchair accessible; 2 hrs. free parking with validation.
SEASONS ***
Four Seasons Hotel
120 E. Delaware Pl.
312-280-8800
Amid the opulent decor and extravagant appointments of this first-rate hotel dining room is the food of executive chef Mark Baker, which is so beautiful in appearance and taste it’s easy to overlook how light and healthful most of it is. Fish and lean meats are accented with cunningly crafted vegetable broths and infused oils, but Baker makes room for wild game and an homage or two from his native New England. Desserts are as luscious as they get. And the Sunday brunch is one of Chicago’s best.
Recommended: Thyme-roasted scallop, lobster cocktail, roasted salmon, Colorado lamb
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun., lunch Mon.-Sat., brunch Sun.
Entree prices: $24-$45
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Strongly recommended
SHE SHE **
4539 N. Lincoln Ave.
773-293-3690
This is a fun and funky Lincoln Square gem where the tin ceiling is painted gold and the seat cushions and waiter trousers are cut from the same leopard-print cloth. The menu features playful food by chef/partner Nicole Parthemore, who features a couple of dishes she originated at Tomboy restaurant.
Recommended: Porcupine shrimp, She She roll, lamb chops, linguini with duck confit, creme brulee, lemon tart.
Open: Dinner Tue.-Sun.
Entree prices: $11-$20
Credit cards: A, DC, M, V
Reservations: Strongly recommended on weekends.
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: Smoking at the bar only.
SOUL KITCHEN **
1576 N. Milwaukee Ave.
773-342-9742
Expect the unexpected, and this funky dining room will never disappoint you. The Loud food, spicy music” slogan on the busboys’ T-shirts pretty much says it all, though the appreciably spicy food isn’t mouth-searingly hot. Chef Scott Freer offers flavors from throughout the American South (not just soul food), and the daily oyster harvest is likely to be a good bet, too.
Recommended: Pecan-crusted catfish, gumbo.
Open: Dinner Sun.-Sat., brunch Sun.
Entree prices: $14-24
Credit cards: A, M, V
Reservations: Not accepted
Other: Valet parking available.
SPAGO ***
520 N. Dearborn St.
312-527-3700
This outpost of Wolfgang Puck’s inventive California concept seems very much at home here. Attitude-free staffers and bright and cheerful (if very noisy) surroundings make the place instantly attractive, and Francois Kwaku-Dongo’s excellent cooking keeps bringing people back.
Recommended: Tangerine-glazed quail, stir-fried chicken, smoked pork chop, seafood risotto.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sat., lunch Mon.-Fri.
Entree prices: $15.50-$28
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Strongly recommended
Other: Wheelchair accessible; valet parking available; no smoking in dining room.
SPRUCE ***
238 E. Ontario St.
312-642-3757
This contemporary American dining room is one of the city’s best. The menu abounds with intriguing choices and the cooking is uniformly excellent. Service, if anything, is better than in Spruce’s early days.
Recommended: Lobster salad.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun.
Entree prices: $18-$31 a la carte
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Accepted
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: Wheelchair accessible (entrance at 240 E. Ontario has elevator); valet parking available.
312 Chicago *
Hotel Allegro
136 N. LaSalle St.
312-696-2420.
A pretty good restaurant on the brink of being a very good one. Clubby good looks and an affordable, Italian-inflected menu and handy Loop location are positives, but cooking can be inconsistent.
Recommended: Salmon and tuna tartares, seared scallops, roast duck.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun., breakfast and lunch Mon.-Fri., brunch Sun.
Entree prices $14-$24
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Recommended
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: Wheelchair accessible; valet parking available.
TANZY **
215 W. North Ave.
312-202-0302
Bright and bold Old Town spot with well-prepared American food by chef Sandra Beckett. A charming outdoor patio is a big plus.
Recommended: Trilogy of tartares, seared scallops with beet couscous, skate wing, garlic-crusted lamb chops, Tosca’s Kiss.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun.
Entree prices: $13-$21
Credit cards: A, DC, M, V
Reservations: Recommended
Noise: Conversation-challenged
Other: Valet parking available
TOMBOY **
5402 N. Clark St.
773-907-0636
Artistic presentations and imaginative dishes typify this funky Andersonville BYOB. The operation may seem a bit seat-of-the-pants at times, but there’s an eagerness to please and genuine talent here.
Recommended: Porcupine shrimp, gazpacho, pork tenderloin, creme brulee.
Open: Dinner Tues.-Sun.
Entree prices: $14-$24
Credit cards: A, DC, M, V
Reservations: Recommended on weekends.
Other: BYOB; wheelchair accessible.
TOQUE **
816 W. Randolph St.
312-666-1100
With its tone-on-tone sponged walls and dramatic display kitchen, Toque blends in easily with its stylish neighbors along the Randolph Street restaurant row. Chris Karl’s distinctive contemporary American cuisine makes the restaurant memorable. Try to avoid the pre-United Center rush.
Recommended: Lobster en papillote, grilled New Zealand elk and venison, warm chocolate cake.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun.
Entree prices: $13.50-$26.50
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Recommended
Noise: Conversation-challenged
Other: Wheelchair accessible; valet parking available.
TRU ****
676 N. St. Clair St.
312-202-0001
From the moment you call to reserve a table to the end of your spectacular meal, Tru labors mightily to demonstrate that every detail has been seen to, every desire anticipated. Here, the culinary talents of chefs Rick Tramonto and Gale Gand have the forum of their dreams – a beautifully realized space with the stunning good looks of a contemporary art gallery and a smoothly professional staff that makes the dining experience an unintimidating delight. Choose from a three-course prix-fixe menu, or sample one of four degustation dinners, called “collections”; either way, prepare for an onslaught of flavors, textures, aromas and visuals that will approach sensory overload.
Recommended: Mosaic of seafood, caviar staircase, cappuccino-style soup, truffled sweetbreads with morel-rabbit ragout, venison loin with chocolate-cherry sauce, duo of souffls, roasted-pineapple carpaccio.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sat.
Prix-fixe dinner: $65-$125
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Required
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: Jacket required; smoke-free dining room; wheelchair accessible; valet parking available.
Zealous (as yet unrated)
419 W. Superior St.
312-475-9112
Chef Michael Taus moved his successful Elmhurst restaurant to the city in March to get attention, which this starkly contemporary but genuinely warm restaurant is certain to get. Taus cooks with imagination and an artist’s eye, bringing a dizzying assortment of ingredients to harmony on a single plate.
Recommended: Foie gras with spicy lobster toast, sweetbreads with black-pepper beignet, squab breast with artichoke mooshu, Ode to Valhrona dessert.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sat.
Entree prices: $18-$28
Credit cards: A, M, V.
Reservations: Strongly recommended
Noise: Hushed
Other: No smoking; wheelchair accessible.
NORTH
PATRICK & JAMES’ ***
368 Park Ave., Glencoe
847-835-7000
Few restaurants combine dazzling visuals with intriguing cooking as well as this North Shore gem. Decor is full of beautiful pieces, from a former church’s stained-glass dome to a mahogany bar rescued from a Mississippi riverboat. Intriguing flavor juxtapositions characterize the always-interesting menu by chef Don Yamauchi, and very professional service is a major plus.
Recommended: Cioppino, mushroom-crusted seabass.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun.
Entree prices: $17-$24
Credit cards: M, V
Reservations: Strongly recommended on weekends.
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: Wheelchair accessible.
TRIO ****
1625 Hinman Ave., Evanston
847-733-TRIO
Chef Shawn McClain and pastry chef Paula Haney preside over a kitchen whose eye-candy artistic presentations and lively flavors create a world-class dining esperience. Service is outstanding; it’s hard to imagine a staff that’s as personable, knowledgeable and unfailingly attentive as this one.
Recommended: Caviar palette, seascallops with baby artichoke & lobster-herb infusion.
Open: Lunch Fri., dinner Tues.-Sun., brunch Sun.
Entree prices: $25-$32
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Strongly recommended
Other: Wheelchair accessible (assisted access to restrooms); no smoking; jacket suggested; valet parking available.
WEST
CAB’S (3 forks)
430 N. Main St., Glen Ellyn
630-942-9463
The name is short for cabernet so, not surprisingly, this restaurant is serious about its wine. But the imaginative American food is worth a look, too.
Recommended: Brie roll-ups, sauteed snails, chocolate torte.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun.
Entree prices: $13-$23
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Recommended
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: Wheelchair accessible.
302 WEST ***
302 W. State St., Geneva
630-232-9302
A west-suburban gem, highlighted by chef/owner Joel Findlay’s brilliant contemporary American cooking, which is complexly flavored yet eminently approachable, even playful. Desserts are simple, often recalling childhood pleasures, and the intensely personal wine list is a trove of lesser-known delights. The dining room, set in a former bank building, is stylish, spacious and pleasantly subdued, even when live jazz music is featured.
Recommended: Grilled prawns, sweet-potato gnocchi, broiled snapper, pork tenderloin, Mounds Bar tart, goat-cheese blintzes.
Open: Dinner Tue.-Sat.
Entree prices: $21-$26
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Strongly recommended
Noise: Conversation-friendly
NORTHWEST
THE GREENERY ***
117 North Ave., Barrington
847-381-9000
Andrew Coates’ contemporary American cooking – sometimes boldly flavorful, other times intriguingly subtle – shines in this charming Northwest surburban spot, a former schoolhouse converted into a gracious dining environment of several small, intimate rooms. It’s very romantic and elegant, but there’s no need to dress up.
Recommended: Soup sampler, blackened prawns, bread pudding.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sat.
Entree prices: $15.95-$26.95
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Recommended
Noise: Hushed
Other: No smoking permitted.
MARLOWE’S (2 forks)
704 W. Euclid Ave., Palatine
847-991-7540
A little Italian, a little Cajun and a lot of American influences mingle in this place. Occasionally the globe-trotting gets overwhelming, but mostly it pleases.
Recommended: Grilled brie, N.Y. strip steak.
Open: Dinner, lunch Mon.-Sun., brunch Sun.
Entree prices: $11-$19.95
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Accepted
Other: Wheelchair accessible.
SOUTH
CAFE ELISE (4 forks)
435 Ridge Rd., Munster, Ind.
219-836-2233
Finding such sophisticated fare as roasted calamari with citrus poblano vinaigrette or coriander-crusted yellowfin tuna in a strip mall storefront along busy Ridge Road in Munster, Ind., is nothing short of startling. Credit chef-owner Scott Dixon, who has named this beguiling place after his first-born daughter.
Recommended: Cream-of-golden-potato soup, grilled veal chops, crab cakes, Irish-cream cheesecake.
Open: Dinner Tue.-Sun., lunch Tues.-Fri.
Entree prices: $10-$24
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Accepted
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: Wheelchair accessible; catering; private parties.
CLAYTON’S (4 forks)
66 W. Lincolnway,
Valparaiso, Ind.
219-531-0612
From its understated-chic decor to its knowledgeable staff and its imaginative menu, this out-of-the-way restaurant is a gem.
Recommended: Sea scallops, roasted poussin, veal scallopine
Open: Dinner Tue.-Sun.
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Entree prices: $14-$27
Reservations: Recommended
Other: No smoking permitted. CITY
CROFTON ON WELLS ***
535 N. Wells St.
312-755-1790
After critical successes at Montparnasse and Cassis, chef Suzy Crofton has her own place – a comfortable, sophisticated 64-seater and a compact, seasonal-American menu with no wrong choices. Soups and salads are especially good.
Recommended: Oyster shooter, apple tart.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sat., lunch Mon.-Fri.
Entree prices: $16-$26
Credit cards: A, DC, M, V
Reservations: Strongly recommended
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: Valet parking available; wheelchair accessible.
GRACE ***
623 W. Randolph St.
312-928-9200
Chef/owner Ted Cizma is a man who loves his game; if you feel the same way, you’ll adore this West Loop spot. The interior is appealingly quirky, its brick surfaces softened by silky sheers and miscellaneous globe lights jutting oddly from a sponge-painted wall. Cizma’s food is much more straightforward, though a long way from cooking by the numbers.
Recommended: Lamb sweetbreads, seared scallops, blackberry-stuffed venison loin, wild boar tenderloin, Ambrosia cobbler.
Open: Dinner Tue.-Sun.
Entree prices: $14-$28
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Strongly recommended
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: Wheelchair accessible; valet parking available; no smoking in dining room.
HUBBARD STREET GRILL
***
351 W. Hubbard St.
312-222-0770
The atmosphere is pleasant and unpretentious, the serving staff eager to please and, for the most part, precise. But chef David Schy’s imaginative, unerring taste pairings are the reason to come.
Recommended: Grilled calamari, steamed mussels, ahi tuna burger, charred grouper, skirt steak, filet, rhubarb-cherry crumble.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sat., lunch Mon.-Fri.
Entree prices: $11.95-$23.95
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Accepted
Other: Wheelchair accessible from Orleans Street entrance, restrooms accessible; valet parking available.
JACK’S ON HALSTED **
3201 N. Halsted St.
773-244-9191
A moderately priced American bistro executed with flair by chef/owner Jack Daniel Jones. The menu includes a daily three-course vegetarian tasting. The inviting dining room is decorated with metallic trusses and clever, arty-looking light fixtures.
Recommended: Seared ahi tuna, grilled tenderloin, bread pudding.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun., brunch Sun.
Entree prices: $10-$20
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Strongly recommended on weekends.
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: Valet parking available.
NORTH POND CAFE ***
2610 N. Cannon Drive
773-477-5845
Inspired by the Arts and Crafts artistic movement and blessed with arguably the prettiest restaurant setting in Chicago, this seasonal-American restaurant marries concept and location as few can. The only trouble is that 80 seats aren’t enough for all the people who want to eat here. Try the three-course vegetable menu for $19.
Recommended: Grilled venison.
Open: Dinner Tue.-Sun., lunch Tue.-Sat., brunch Sun.
Entree prices: $20-$27
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Strongly recommended
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: Wheelchair accessible; no smoking.
THE OUTPOST *
3438 N. Clark St.
773-244-1166
This offbeat Wrigleyville restaurant offers much in the way of creature comforts – well-spaced tables in the dining room, a shaded sidewalk cafe and a wonderful beverage list that includes good beers and 35 wines by the glass. The kitchen, which enlivens its American food with touches of Australian, Hawaiian and Southeast Asian influences, is entertaining without being confusing. Service is friendly, not always attentive.
Recommended: Grilled tuna, dessert wontons.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun., brunch Sun.
Entree prices: $14.50-$24
Credit cards: A, DC, M, V
Reservations: Recommended on weekends.
Other: Free parking lot; wheelchair accessible.
PRINTER’S ROW ***
550 S. Dearborn St.
312-461-0780
A Chicago institution that hasn’t skipped a beat, 19-year-old Printer’s Row offers imaginative influences from coast to coast, fashioning an eclectic mix that includes no wrong choices. Informed and low-key service contributes to a civilized, stress-free dining experience.
Recommended: Roasted pork rack, banana bread pudding.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sat., lunch Mon.-Fri.
Entree prices: $13.95-$25.95
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Recommended
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: Wheelchair accessible
THE SIGNATURE ROOM AT THE 95TH *
John Hancock Center
875 N. Michigan Ave.
312-787-9596
Known more for its beautful dining rooms and splendid, 95th-floor views of Chicago and Lake Michigan than for its food, which, though superb at its best, can be uneven. The weekday buffet lunch is one of the best bargains in town at $10.95.
Recommended: Portobello-tomato tart, sauteed prawn, smoked pork chop, rack of lamb
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun., lunch Mon.-Sat., brunch Sun.
Entree prices: $20-$42
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Accepted
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: Wheelchair accessible
ZINFANDEL **
59 W. Grand Ave.
312-527-1818
Chef Susan Goss’ modern interpretations of classic American recipes form the focus of this ambitious restaurant. Each month the dishes of a particular American style or region – from Creole to Pacific Northwest to Hawaii – augments the regular menu. An eclectic collection of folk art and an abundance of wood contribute to a folksy feel, but the room runs with modern efficiency.
Recommended: Quesadilla, crayfish cakes, pot roast, pecan-crusted mahi-mahi.
Open: Lunch, dinner Mon.-Sat., brunch Sat.
Entree prices: $16-$23
Credit cards: A, DC, M, V
Reservations: Strongly recommended
Other: Wheelchair accessible; valet parking available.
NORTH
FLATLANDER’S (3 forks)
200 Village Green, corner of U.S. Hwy. 45 and Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire
847-821-1234
A microbrewery with surprisingly sophisticated food. Well-crafted beers are a big draw, too, and the Prairie-inspired decor is inviting.
Recommended: Walleye pike, barbecued ribs.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun., lunch Mon.-Sat., brunch Sun.
Entree prices: $7-$26
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservation: Accepted Sun.-Fri
Other: Wheelchair accessible
LOVELLS OF LAKE FOREST **
915 S. Waukegan Rd.,
Lake Forest
847-234-8013
James Lovell Jr., the former Apollo astronaut, has teamed with his son, chef Jay Lovell,
to launch this eye-catching and elegant restaurant serving seasonal American fare.
Recommended: Peeky-toe crabcake, pan-seared sea bass, Lovells Famous Countdown Shrimp Creole, roasted duck breast, white-chocolate creme brulee.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun., lunch Mon.-Sat., brunch Sun.
Entree prices: $12-$35
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Strongly recommended
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: Wheelchair accessible; complimentary valet parking; smoke-free dining room.
NORTHWEST
HARVEST MOON CAFE
(4 forks)
113 S. Benton St., Woodstock
815-334-9166
Rob Macey is the chef/owner of this impressive restaurant. Victorian decor and local art
provide the backdrop for Macey’s imaginative Heartland cooking.
Recommended: Ostrich skewers, mixed grill, homemade sorbets.
Open: Dinner Tue.-Sat., lunch Tue.-Fri.
Entree prices: $12-$24
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Accepted
Other: Wheelchair accessible
SOUTH
COURTRIGHT’S ***
8989 Archer Ave.,
Willow Springs
708-839-8000
The elegant, warm dining room has picture windows overlooking a forest preserve, offering an occasional glimpse of deer. You might glimpse deer on your plate, too, and other game and seafood dishes from the French-accented American menu. Hard-to-resist desserts, well-schooled service and a stellar wine list complete the picture – and what a pretty picture it is.
Recommended: Wild stuffed mushroom, Virginia lamb, sea bass.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun., lunch Mon.-Fri.
Entree prices: $20-$29
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Recommended
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: Wheelchair accessible
BRITISH/IRISH
WEST
CHEQUERS OF LA GRANGE (3 forks)
100 W. Burlington St.,
La Grange
708-482-9570
This is a quintessential English pub, exuding charm with its dark-wood paneling, exposed-brick walls and friendly, efficient service. The traditional hearty fare is first-rate.
Recommended: Prime rib (weekends only), fish and chips.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun.
Entree prices: $10-$19
Reservations: For parties of 6 or more.
Credit cards: A, V, M
Other: Outdoor patio
MCNALLY’S TRADITIONAL IRISH PUB (3 forks)
201 E. Main St., St. Charles
630-513-6300
If you’re used to being underwhelmed by Irish fare, this warm and winning pub will change your mind.
Recommended: Boxty, Shepherd’s pie, steak sandwich, fish and chips, Irish fry, potato/leek soup, apple crumble.
Open: Dinner and lunch Mon.-Sun.
Entree prices: $4.25-$14.95
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Not accepted
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: Wheelchair accessible; live traditional Irish music Sat.
BULGARIAN
MARIO’S CAFFE (2 forks)
5241 North Harlem Ave.
773-594-9742
The best of Bulgaria and beyond is on the menu at this tiny Norwood Park cafe with an intensely European atmosphere. Dishes are refreshingly composed, especially the salads.
Recommended: Guvedze, shopska, snezanka, shish kebab, creme caramel
Open: Dinner and lunch Mon.-Sun.
Entree prices: $8.99-$15.99
Credit cards: A, DS, M, V
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Reservations: Not accepted
Other: Smoking permitted
CAJUN/CREOLE
CITY
HEAVEN ON SEVEN ON RUSH **
600 N. Michigan Ave.
312-280-7774
The best Cajun-Creole food north of the French Quarter can now be found on Michigan Avenue. A sequel to Jimmy Bannos’ cult-favorite original on Wabash (still going strong), Heaven on Seven on Rush (you enter via the building’s Rush Street doors) offers the same inspired cooking in larger surroundings with longer hours and full liquor service.
Recommended: Grilled andouille with sweet-potato polenta, barbecued shrimp, Mardi Gras etouffee, bread pudding, coconut cake.
Open: Dinner and lunch Mon.-Sun., brunch Sat.-Sun.
Entree prices: $8.95-$18.95
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Accepted
Noise: Conversation-challenged
Other: Wheelchair accessible
MAPLE TREE INN **
13301 S. Old Western Ave., Blue Island
708-388-3461
The former Beverly neighborhood mainstay has maintained its piquant character now that it has moved to the suburbs. Cajun-Creole appetizers often upstage the entrees.
Recommended: Hickory buttered barbecue shrimp, gumbo, pecan pie.
Open: Dinner Tues.-Sat.
Entree prices: $10-$19
Credit cards: DS, M, V
Reservations: Accepted for parties of 8 or more.
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: Free parking; carryout available.
NORTH
OLD ORLEANS RESTAURANT (3 forks)
1458 Sherman Ave., Evanston
847-475-4804
Fans of Fanny’s, the gone-but-fondly-remembered Evanston restaurant, will be delighted to learn the eatery’s long-time chef is back with a place of his own. And even though Charles Murray’s new spot is a lively little Cajun and Creole restaurant, the chef has not forgotten where he earned his culinary stripes.
Recommended: BBQ shrimp, jambalaya, gumbo, fried chicken, bread pudding.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun., lunch Tues.-Fri., brunch Sun.
Entree prices: $5.25-$17.99
Credit cards: V, M
Reservations: Recommended
Noise: Conversation-friendly
WEST
CARZZ GRILLERIA (3 forks)
216 S. Washington St.,
Naperville
630-778-1944
Sizzle and salsa are the themes at this fine addition to Naperville’s burgeoning dining scene. While Cajun is the predominant influence, the unusual salsas that accompany many of the dishes add a Caribbean kick.
Recommended: Grilled, chilled shrimp, blackened amberjack, grilled salmon, peanut butter pie.
Open: Dinner Tues.-Sun., lunch Tues.-Fri.
Entree prices: $9.95-$16.95
Credit cards: DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Accepted for 4 or more on weekends.
REDFISH AA
400 N. State St.
312-467-1600
51 N. Town Square, Wheaton
630-588-9158
These city and suburban Cajun/Creole restaurants affect a New Orleans look and sound. The menu, despite the occasional miss, generally rings true as well.
Recommended: Crabcakes, Cajun meatloaf, collard greens, catfish fry.
Open: Dinner and lunch Mon.-Sun.
Entree prices: $9.95-$17.95
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Accepted
Noise: Conversation-challenged
Other: Wheelchair accessible
THE STRAND CAFE (2 forks)
103 Stephen St., Lemont
630-257-2112
Jambalaya, pierogi and spaghetti mingle on the eclectic menu of this former soda fountain – which still offers one or two elaborate ice cream creations for dessert – though Cajun/Creole dishes are the kitchen’s forte.
Recommended: Cajun chicken, crawfish etouffee, meatloaf sandwich.
Open: Dinner and lunch Mon.-Sun.
Entree prices: $5.95-$34.95
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Suggested on weekends.
Other: Wheelchair accessible, BYOB.
