Your cash goes further than you think at these spots, where you get high-end atmosphere, attentive service and entrees for $20 or less.
Mod
1520 N. Damen Ave. 773-252-1500
Names aren’t the only things dropping at this funky Wicker Park restaurant–menu prices have also come down to earth. But the ultra-cool, Colorform-inspired decor is still the same, as is the menu’s fabulousness factor. Current selections include seared duck breast with polenta and sauteed raspberries; and roasted free-range chicken with cremini mushroom bread pudding.
La Sardine
111 N. Carpenter St. 312-421-2800
This West Side bistro takes the provincial out of Provencal with its warehouse location and trendy open kitchen. The menu features classic French fare like grilled steak with house butter, sauteed veal sweetbreads and bouillabaisse. On Tuesday nights, the three-course prix-fixe dinner (appetizer, entree and dessert) costs a cool $20.
Keefer’s
20 W. Kinzie St. 312-467-9525
You could drop big bucks at this white-linen steakhouse, but why? This contemporary American eatery’s bistro menu is filled with more reasonably priced entrees like Guinness-battered fish and chips, steak frites and a seafood pot pie bursting with lobster, shrimp, scallops and mussels.
Lucia Ristorante
1825 W. North Ave. 773-292-9700
Enter through the North Avenue door and it’s a deli–head to the side door off of Honore Street and you’ll find a charming dining room staffed by attentive, professional servers. The menu is a study in classic Italian offerings, including house-made gnocchi and veal medallions, plus a classic tiramisu that tastes just like it’s supposed to.
Platiyo
3313 N. Clark St. 773-477-6700
This creative Lincoln Park cocina serves up wallet-friendly Mexican specialties in an always bustling, color-splashed atmosphere. Choices include shellfish stew in Oaxacan yellow mole, chipotle-braised lamb shank and adobo-marinated grilled strip steak.
