NEW=A review added since the last Dining Guide.
Star reviews are based on at least two visits by the Tribune critic.
* = Good
** = Very Good
*** = Excellent
**** = Outstanding
Fork reviews are based on one visit by a Tribune staffer.
1 fork = Good
2 forks = Very Good
3 forks = One of the best
4 forks = Don’t miss it
Credit card key
A American Express
DC Diners’ Club
DS Discover
M MasterCard
V Visa
Middle Eastern
CITY
Kan Zaman (3 forks)
5204 N. Clark St.
773-506-0191
A fire closed the restaurant for a month, but on the plus side, there’s a pretty remodeled dining room to go with the accomplished Middle Eastern food.
Recommended: Hummus, falafel, lubia, dolma, stuffed cabbage, house specialty of fresh leeks sauteed in white wine with carrots.
Open: Dinner and lunch Mon.-Sun.
Entree prices: $7.95-$12.95
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Souk ***
1552 N. Milwaukee Ave.
773-227-1818
It is rare to find Middle Eastern food so appealingly prepared, in such eye-pleasing surroundings. Souk (the name means “market”) is a lively convergence of Turkish, Lebanese, Afghan and Persian dishes, assembled by a kitchen that uses spices to entice the palate, not overwhelm it. Knowledgeable and confident servers can help neophytes navigate the menu – though you probably could point at a selection with your eyes closed and still do all right.
Recommended: Cold appetizer assortment, shrimp chermoula, couscous Bahri, lahme steak, baklava.
Open: Dinner Tues.-Sun.
Entree prices: $13.50-$22
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Strongly recommended
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: Wheelchair accessible; valet parking.
Pan Asian
CITY
Ben Pao **
52 W. Illinois St.
312-222-1888
This Lettuce Entertain You restaurant is much improved since its early-1996 opening days. The menu is better focused, the cooking more consistent and service professional and communicative. Options include a grazer’s paradise of small dishes, including a handful of satays, and skillfully prepared main courses that range from the traditional to the adventurous. The bilevel dining room, done in black and fiery red, is sleek and soothing.
Recommended: Black pepper scallops, seven flavor beef, sesame chicken.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun., lunch Mon.-Fri.
Entree prices: $7.95-$25.95
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Recommended
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: Wheelchair accessible; valet parking; smoking at bar only.
Japoni Sante **
2044 N. Halsted St.
773-348-8228
Sushi meets foie gras – though happily not on the same plate – at this French-Japanese fusion restaurant. A recent menu change presents chef Shigeyoshi Kojima’s dishes in small, affordable portions, encouraging experimentation.
Recommended: Foie gras and duck breast, eel and eggplant millefeuille, seared bluefin, stuffed snapper, barbecued salmon.
Open: Dinner Tue.-Sun.
Entree prices: $7.95-$15.
Credit cards: A, M, V.
Reservations: Accepted.
Noise: Hushed
Other: Wheelchair accessible; valet parking.
Red Light ***
820 W. Randolph St.
312-733-8880
This pan-Asian concept features a focused, easy-to-navigate menu by chef Paul Wildermuth. There are nibbles galore in addition to a half-dozen or so full-sized entrees, and tasting menus are available for the indecisive. There’s also a late-night menu that kicks in about 11 p.m.
Recommended: Grilled quail, gingered pork dumplings, Taiwanese catfish, Wai Chee duck, creme brulee trio.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun., lunch Mon.-Fri.
Entree prices: $17-$33
Credit cards: A, DC, M, V
Reservations: Strongly recommended
Other: Valet parking; wheelchair accessible.
Vong ***
6 W. Hubbard St.
312-644-8664
The clean, fragrant flavors of Thai food and the subtle complexities of fine French cooking merge gloriously at this stellar concept by acclaimed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, in partnership with Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises. The menu closely mirrors that of the New York City original, offering so many enticing dishes that the platters – the Black Plate for appetizers, the White Plate for desserts – are frequently chosen options. The comfortable (if noisy) dining room is done in neutral tones and clean lines that are more intricate than they first appear – much like Vongerichten’s food.
Recommended: Foie gras with ginger and mango, crabmeat spring rolls, Thai-spiced grilled quail, grilled beef in ginger broth, baked monkfish, Valrhona chocolate cake.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun., lunch Mon.-Fri.
Entree prices: $18-$34
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Strongly recommended
Noise: Conversation-challenged
Other: Wheelchair accessible; no smoking in dining room; valet parking.
NORTH
Pacific Rim Kitchen (3 forks)
315 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook
847-714-1888
There may be restaurants that do a better job with Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Korean or Japanese cuisine, but it is a rare restaurant that can pull off all of the above. Pacific Rim is that place. Plus, its spare, contemporary ambience is a welcome change from the usual B movie, red-and-black decor.
Recommended: Sushi, chicken Don, oyster beef, Zaru-Soba.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun., lunch Mon.-Fri.
Entree prices: $6.25-$15.95
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Recommended
Senoya (2 forks)
8750 W. Golf Rd., Niles
847-299-7717
You’ll find the bounty of Asia at this buffet, the creation of B.K. Jeon, a Seoul native. Not surprisingly, Korean items are among the best of the more than two dozen entree items.
Recommended: Sushi platters, braised Korean barbecue beef, Mongolian barbecue beef, boiled shrimp, simmered mussels.
Open: Dinner and lunch Mon.-Sun.
Entree prices: $2.50 (children 2 to 5); $5.95 (6-10); $9.95; $6.95 for lunch buffet.
Credit cards: A, DS, DC, M, V
Reservations: Accepted
Other: Wheelchair accessible
Persian/Turkish
A La Turka (3 forks)
3134 N. Lincoln Ave.
773-935-6447
From its weekend entertainment – a belly dancer gyrates among tables and families crowd the dance floor – to its made-to-share sampler plates, conviviality is served in ample portions here. The Turkish menu is a zesty blend of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences.
Recommended: Karisik meze, karisik izgara, manti, baked eggplant.
Open: Dinner and lunch Mon.-Sun.
Entree prices: $10-$17
Credit cards: DC, M, V
Reservations: Recommended on weekends
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: Wheelchair accessible
Reza’s **
5255 N. Clark St.
773-561-1898
The interior, all sand-blasted brick, polished oak, mahogany trim and hardwood floors, looks more like a yuppie microbrewery than an ethnic restaurant, but the pungent scent of charcoal grilling lets you know you’ve come to the right place. Copious portions of carefully prepared, prettily presented food are offered at very reasonable prices. Service is all smiles and super-efficient; there’s a very good wine list, too. In River North, a second Reza’s, at 432 W. Ontario St. (which actually is a former microbrewery), is virtually identical.
Recommended: Joujeh kabob, lamb shank in tomato sauce, cornish hen with pomegranate sauce, grilled shrimp, stuffed green pepper, baklava.
Open: Dinner and lunch Mon.-Sun.
Entree prices: $7.95-$17.95
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Recommended on weekends
Other: Parking lot
Polish
CITY
Lutnia *
5532 W. Belmont Ave.
773-282-5335
An elegant, brightly lit anachronism, where service is ritualistic and the menu reminiscent of years ago – especially with its emphasis on flamed-tableside entrees and desserts. But you’re better off skipping the flambe act in favor of the straightforward Polish dishes.
Recommended: Pierogi assortment, bigos (hunter’s stew), beef roll, stuffed quail.
Open: Dinner Tue.-Sun., lunch Tue.-Fri.
Entree prices: $6-$25
Credit cards: M, V
Reservations: Strongly suggested on weekends
Other: Wheelchair accessible
Tatra Inn (2 forks)
6040 S. Pulaski Rd.
773-582-8313
The main event in this restaurant is the generous buffet of Polish-style food. Almost all of the food is made from scratch – pierogis, cabbage rolls, pastries and all.
Recommended: Steak shish kebab, french-fried shrimp, sauerkraut, potato or fruit-filled pierogis, beef and rice-stuffed cabbage rolls.
Open: Dinner and lunch Tue.-Sun.
Entree prices: $6.95-$12.95
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Recommended for parties of 6 or more
NORTH
Polo (2 forks)
8801 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles
847-470-8822
Decor is unassuming inside and out, but the tasty, homespun Polish and Eastern European specialties make this place worth a visit.
Recommended: Polo combo plate, roast duck, veal, sweet table including carrot cake.
Open: Dinner and lunch Tue.-Sun.
Entree prices: $5.75-$14.95
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Recommended for parties of 6 or more
Other: Wheelchair accessible
SOUTH
Paczki Polish-Italian Buffet (1 fork)
11228 S. Harlem Ave., Worth
708-448-1580
The name tells you just what to expect from this culinary intermarriage, whose diverse menu and bargain prices (including the nightly buffet) keep the crowds returning.
Recommended: Cabbage rolls, shrimp scampi, paczki.
Open: Dinner Tue.-Sun., lunch Mon.-Sun.
Entree prices: $5.50-$13.95; buffet $6.95-$9.95
Credit cards: A, DS, M, V
Reservations: Accepted for parties of six or more
Other: Wheelchair accessible
Ribs
CITY
NEW Freddy’s Ribhouse (3 forks)
1555 N. Sheffield Ave.
312-377-7427
Freddy’s offers a competitive selection of ribs, steaks and chicken in gut-busting portions. Lots of places brag that their baby back ribs slide off the bone, and these do indeed; it’s hard to imagine how they were holding on to the bone in the first place.
Recommended: Baby back ribs, jumbo beef ribs, coleslaw.
Open: Dinner, lunch Mon.-Sun.
Entree prices: $6.95 to $23.95
Credit cards: A, D, DC, M, V
Reservations: Recommended on weekends
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: Wheelchair accessible
Lem’s ***
5914 S. State St.
773-684-5007
This place is a dive and almost completely takeout (there are a few bar stools), but these ribs are the best we’ve found.
Open: Tue.-Sun.
Entree prices: $2.75-$15.75
Credit cards: Not accepted
Reservations: Not available
Smoke Daddy (3 forks)
1804 W. Division St.
773-772-6656
At this vintage neighborhood bar-lounge, flavorful barbecued ribs and tender pit-oven smoked pork and beef are on the menu.
Recommended: Pork shoulder, beef brisket, spare ribs, barbecued chicken breasts, skin-on French fries, BBQ beans.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun., lunch Fri.-Mon.
Entree prices: $5.50-$17.95
Credit cards: A, DS, DC, M, V
Reservations: Accepted
Other: Wheelchair accessible
SOUTH
The Pit Rib House (1 fork)
9430 S. Roberts Rd., Hickory Hills
708-599-7576
A large open pit in the center of the restaurant lets customers watch their barbecue
sizzling. Decor may be minimal, but the barbecue is good and the prices are low.
Recommended: Chopped pork platter, baby back ribs.
Open: Dinner and lunch Mon.-Sun.
Entree prices: $3.95-$14.50
Credit cards: A, M, V
Reservations: Not accepted
Other: Carryout
Russian
CITY
Russian Tea Time **
77 E. Adams St.
312-360-0000
A delightful, handsome and surprisingly sophisticated ethnic gem, Russian Tea Time offers a wide-ranging and authentic menu of dishes from Russia and neighboring republics. Its proximity to Symphony Center has made the cafe a favorite with the pre- and post-concert crowd.
Recommended: Borscht, Azerbaijan mushrooms, samsas (chopped-meat-filled pastries), vereniky (potato-stuffed pasta), pelmeni (chicken-filled tortellini), stuffed and grilled quail.
Open: Dinner and lunch Mon.-Sun.
Entree prices: $15-$27
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Strongly recommended; at lunch, accepted for parties of 5 or more only
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: Wheelchair accessible
Seafood
CITY
Atlantique ***
5101 N. Clark St.
773-275-9191
Featuring twin dining rooms decorated with sea-green wainscotting and a colorful array of papier-mache sea creatures made by a local artist, this impressive Andersonville restaurant offers sophisticated, prettily presented seafood at very reasonable prices – most entrees are $20 or less.
Recommended: Crab cake Napoleon, veal sweetbreads, tuna tartare, bouillabaisse,, Pacific salmon, roasted venison with duck confit.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun.
Entree prices: $16.95-$23.95
Credit cards: A, DC, M, V
Reservations: Recommended on weekends
Noise: Conversation-challenged
Other: Smoking in bar only; wheelchair accessible; valet parking.
Blue Point Oyster Bar (1 fork)
741 W. Randolph St.
312-207-1222
Wood-shuttered windows and retro signage highlight the look of this circa-1940s East Coast fish house, which takes its oysters very seriously (at least eight varieties featured daily) and does good-to-excellent work on its other offerings.
Recommended: Fresh oysters, crab-stuffed jumbo shrimp, grilled octopus, grilled scallops, chile-glazed halibut, Key lime pie.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun., lunch Mon.-Fri.
Entree prices: $14.95-$39.95
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Recommended
Noise: Conversation-challenged
Other: Wheelchair accessible; valet parking.
Joe’s Crab Shack (2 forks)
745 N. Wells St.
312-664-2722
1461 Butterfield Rd., Downers Grove
630-960-2033
4400 Fox Valley Center Drive, Aurora
630-236-7370
2000 E. Golf Rd. Schaumburg
847-517-1212
Popular seafood chain attracts attention with colored lights, silk tropical plants and funky decorative touches. Lots of crab on the menu, along with everything from coconut shrimp to pastas. Bargain-priced specials are a big draw.
Recommended: Crab cakes, snow crab, king crab.
Open: Dinner and lunch Mon.-Sun.
Entree prices: $11-$18
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Accepted
Noise: Conversation-challenged
Other: Wheelchair accessible
NEW Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
60 E. Grand Ave.
312-379-5637
This half-sibling to the famous Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami is open year-round, even when stone crabs are out of season, which explains the mouthful of a name. Stone crabs are the highlight, of course, but very good prime steaks and decent seafood should keep the crowds happy in the summer months, too.
Recommended: Stone crab claws, shrimp de jonghe, crab cakes, lamb chops, New York strip steak, Key lime pie.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun., lunch Mon.-Sat.
Entree prices: $17.95-$39.95
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Strongly recommended
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: Smoking in bar only; valet parking; wheelchair accessible.
McCormick & Schmick’s **
41 E. Chestnut St.
312-397-9500
A West-Coast-based chain with impeccably fresh seafood and customer-friendly, if quirky, prices, McCormick & Schmick’s Chicago link is handsome and clubby, with just enough Prairie School decor touches to make it look local. The enormous menu reflects the day’s catch, and fresh oysters are a specialty. An early-bird and late-night bar menu offers a handful of dishes at a bargain ($1.95) price.
Recommended: Crab cakes, calamari sausage, cedar-roasted steelhead, cashew-crusted mahi mahi, upside-down apple pie.
Open: Dinner and lunch Mon.-Sun.
Entree prices: $9.95-$39.95
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Strongly recommended
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: Wheelchair accessible; valet parking.
Nick’s Fishmarket **
1 First National Plaza
312-621-0200
This venerable Loop seafooder has a casual grill for light dining upstairs, and a pretty, formal dining room below. Up or down, the restaurant’s strengths are excellent fish and shell fish and extremely attentive service.
Recommended: Seared ahi tuna, Dover sole, mahi-mahi, creme brulee.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sat., lunch Mon.-Fri.
Entree prices: $24.95-$47
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Strongly recommended
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: Wheelchair accessible; valet parking.
Riva *
Navy Pier, 700 E
Grand Ave.
312-644-RIVA
Riva boasts unparalleled views of the lakeshore, flawless creature comforts and an Italian-accented seafood menu. In general, simple dishes outshine the ambitious-sounding ones. Prices may be eye-popping to the unprepared, but there is that great view.
Recommended: Crabcakes, grilled octopus.
Open: Dinner and lunch Mon.-Sun.
Entree prices: $18.95-$52.95
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Strongly recommended
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: Wheelchair accessible; valet parking.
Shaw’s Crab House ***
21 E. Hubbard St.
312-527-2722
Chicago’s best seafood restaurant bears its comfortably aged look gracefully. And week in and week out, the kitchen offers a manageable variety of pristinely fresh seafood, prepared with great care but without great fuss. For dessert, you can’t beat Key lime pie, the best in town. You can find live music frequently in the Blue Crab Lounge.
Recommended: Oysters, blue crab fingers, Dover sole, grilled salmon, N’Awlins spicy shrimp, Key lime pie, pecan pie.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun., lunch Mon.-Fri.
Entree prices: $14.95-$49.95
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Strongly recommended
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: Wheelchair accessible; valet parking.
WEST
120 Ocean Place **
120 Hale St., Wheaton
630-690-2100.
Amid soaring peaked ceilings (the space was once a church, as the stained-glass window testifies) and faux-marble columns, this west-suburban restaurant cranks out terrific seafood. The large menu, which changes daily, offers plenty of variety.
Recommended: Oysters, spicy shrimp, grilled striped bass, pepper-grilled mahi mahi, lime tart, tartufo.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun., lunch Mon.-Fri.
Entree prices: $12.50-$31.95
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Strongly recommended on weekends
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: Wheelchair accessible
Keywester Fish & Pasta House (3 forks)
1975 Glacier Park Rd., Naperville
630-778-8700
Palm trees, manmade lagoons with swans, illuminated geysers – and that’s just the outside of this 500-seat, glitzy seafood shanty, whose menu has predictable Caribbean influences, but also Cajun and straightforward American touches.
Recommended: Rosa del mar, gumbo, blackened tuna, chocolate basket.
Open: Dinner and lunch Mon.-Sun.
Entree prices: $9.95-$32.95
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Accepted
Other: Wheelchair accessible
Parkers’ Ocean Grill **
1000 31st St., Downers Grove
630-960-5701
A strikingly handsome seafood restaurant with mahogany-clad walls, hardwood floors and white linen-topped tables. The globally influenced menu offers few surprises, but most dishes are capably executed, and service is attentive and very well trained.
Recommended: Crab cakes, cedar-roasted sturgeon, cioppino, chocolate gateau.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun., lunch Mon.-Fri.
Entree prices: $17-$35
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Recommended
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: Wheelchair accessible; no smoking in dining room; complimentary valet parking.
Philander’s **
1120 Pleasant St., Oak Park
708-848-4250
Chef Ryan Stewart has breathed new life into this hotel dining room since taking over the kitchen last year; signature seafood dishes are exciting and well-prepared. The decor is more than a little dated and service needs work; nightly jazz is a plus, even if it does add to the noise level.
Recommended: Macadamia-crusted shrimp, crab cakes, horseradish-crusted salmon, sauteed snapper, stuffed quail.
Open: Dinner Mon. – Sun., brunch Sun.
Entree prices: $14-$28
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Recommended
Noise: Conversation-challenged
Other: Wheelchair accessible; valet parking
NORTHWEST
Bob Chinn’s Crab House **
393 S. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling
847-520-3633
A visit to this place makes it readily apparent why this is the highest-volume restaurant in the area (and one of the highest in the nation). Bob Chinn serves the freshest possible seafood (his bills of lading are posted for all to see) at very reasonable prices. Cooking isn’t fancy – nearly everything is steamed or grilled – but it suits the ingredients. The sprawling dining room is similarly low on frills, but friendly, expeditious service and quality components are ample compensation.
Recommended: Dungeness crab, fried fish sampler, blue crab claws, cheesecake.
Open: Dinner and lunch Mon.-Sun.
Entree prices: $15.95-$40
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Preferred seating for parties of six or more.
Noise: Conversation-challenged
Other: Wheelchair accessible
Porter’s Oyster Bar (2 forks)
446 Virginia St., Crystal Lake
815-477-0340
Take a left at the entrance and there’s a string of elegant dining rooms; take a right and there’s a long bar featuring Chicago blues on Fridays and Saturdays and jazz Sundays. Despite slow service, seafood, steaks and sandwiches are pretty good.
Recommended: Oysters Jarlsberg, grilled swordfish, creme brulee.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun.
Entree prices: $13.95-$35.95
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Recommended
Other: Wheelchair accessible
SOUTH
Phil Smidt’s (3 forks)
1205 N. Calumet Ave., Hammond, Ind.
800-376-4534
This 450-seat, Northern Indiana mainstay has been drawing Chicagoans to its pan-fried perch and frog legs specialties for decades. One taste and you’ll know why.
Recommended: Perch, frog legs, baked salmon, walleye pike, gooseberry pie.
Open: Dinner and lunch Tue.-Sun.
Entree prices: $11.50-$46.95
Credit cards: A, DC, M, V
Reservations: Accepted
Other: Wheelchair accessible
Soul/Southern
CITY
Army & Lou’s **
422 E. 75th St.
773-483-3100
This place is a South Side treasure. The handsome features linen-topped tables and a soothing red-and-cream color scheme. Walls are adorned with African and Haitian art. Yet prices remain low, entrees averaging about $10. Ribs are very good, and the fried chicken is arguably the best in town.
Recommended: Mustard and turnip greens, fried chicken, barbecued ribs, fried catfish, peach cobbler.
Open: Dinner, lunch and breakfast Mon., Wed.-Sun.
Entree prices: $5.95-$19.95.
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Recommended on weekends
Other: Wheelchair accessible; small parking lot adjoins building.
Dixie Kitchen & Bait Shop (3 forks)
5225 S. Harper Ave.
773-363-7723
825 Church St., Evanston
847-733-9030
With its weathered trim, motley collection of wooden kitchen chairs and old porcelain-enameled stoves, the Dixie Kitchen & Bait Shop could be at home along a Mississippi bayou.
Recommended: Fried green tomatoes, peach-glazed chicken wings, blackened chicken breast salad, New Orleans-style oyster po’boy, gumbo, jambalaya.
Open: Dinner and lunch Mon.-Sun.
Entree prices: $5.95-$10.95
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Other: Parking lot
Gladys’ Luncheonette (3 forks)
4527 S. Indiana Ave.
773-548-6848
Gladys’ embodies the modern manifestation of traditional African-American cuisine, commonly called “soul food.”
Recommended: Chicken smothered in rich brown gravy, spicy barbecued rib tips, sweet potato pie.
Open: Dinner, lunch and breakfast Tue.-Sun.
Entree prices: $5.50-$7.35
Credit cards: Not accepted
Other: Parking lot
NORTHWEST
Biloxi Grill ***
313 E. Liberty St., Wauconda
847-526-2420
The Greenery cofounders David and Catherine Koelling run this rustic charmer on the shore of Bangs Lake, serving regional Southern dishes that have no equal in this part of the world. The main dining room and outdoor deck offer splendid lake views.
Recommended: Sauteed oysters, seafood gumbo, barbecued shrimp, red snapper, berry cobbler.
Open: Dinner Tue.-Sun.
Entree prices: $8.95-$23.95
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Recommended on weekends
Other: Wheelchair accessible
Spanish
CITY
Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! ***
2024 N. Halsted St.
773-935-5000
One of the best places in Chicago to sample tapas, in a convivial if noisy atmosphere. A recent menu expansion has added more entre options, including several new versions of paella, but the wide assortment of tapas dishes, ranging in price from $2.95-$7.95, remains the big draw. During the summer, the 89-seat outdoor garden (with retractable canopy) is one of the most popular destinations in the city.
Recommended: Ternera asada, Spanish omelet, paella Valenciana, suckling pig, profiteroles.
Open: Dinner and lunch Mon.-Sun.
Entree prices: $7.95-$15.95
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Recommended
Noise: Conversation-challenged
Other: Valet parking; wheelchair accessible.
Emilio’s Tapas ***
444 W. Fullerton Ave.
773-327-5100
The dining rooms are comfortable and spacious, decorated with lace curtains and colorful tile murals. The menu is virtually identical to that of Emilio Gervilla’s original restaurant in Hillside.
Recommended: Tortilla espanola, stuffed eggplant, grilled seabass with pistachio butter, grilled quail with sherry, pan perdido.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun., lunch Fri.-Sun.
Entree prices: $6.95-$13.95
Credit cards: A, M, V
Reservations: Accepted
Other: Wheelchair accessible (separate entrance)
WEST
Emilio’s Tapas Bar Restaurant **
4100 W. Roosevelt Rd., Hillside
708-547-7177
This small restaurant has a rustic, cozy Spanish atmosphere with wonderful, satisfying food. Emilio’s menu lists more than 18 different tapas (Spanish for “little dishes”) along with daily specials.
Recommended: Garlic potato salad, spicy chicken wings, paella, sangria, rice pudding.
Open: Dinner and lunch Mon.-Sun.
Entree prices: $14.50-$18.50
Credit cards: A, DC, M, V
Reservations: Accepted; accepted for 6 or more Fri.-Sat.
Noise: Conversation-challenged
Other: Wheelchair accessible
Meson Sabika ***
1025 Aurora Ave., Naperville
630-983-3000
312 S. Happ Rd., Northfield
847-784-9300
The name means “house on a hill,” and here you’ll find excellent tapas and other Spanish specialties. The original Naperville location really is a house on a hill; the Northfield spot, which features essentially the same menu, is in Northfield Village Center.
Recommended: Roasted veal with raspberry vinaigrette, Spanish piquillo peppers stuffed with crabmeat, black bean soup.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun., lunch Mon.-Fri.
Entree prices: $5-$12
Credit cards: A, DC, M, V
Reservations: Accepted
Other: Wheelchair accessible
NORTHWEST
La Tasca 3 forks
25 W. Davis St., Arlington Heights
847-398-2400
Innovative touches and diverse flavors abound in this lively tapas restaurant.
Recommended: Grilled eggplant with seafood salad, champinones rellenos, rice pudding.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun., lunch Mon.-Sat.
Entree prices: $3-$15
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Accepted
Other: Wheelchair accessible
