This list is not all-inclusive.
American Contemporary
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
15690 S. Harlem Ave., Orland Park,
708-633-0200
Come in for fine dining and pick up a bottle of handcrafted wines from this Napa-style winery and upscale eatery. Diners appreciate wine pairing suggestions next to such items as short rib risotto and seafood cannelloni. Stop in the Tasting Room to sample wine. $$$
Lunch and dinner daily
The Cottage on Dixie
18849 Dixie Highway, Homewood,
708-798-8263
This farm to table concept in a rustic setting purchases locally grown food to create its American contemporary menu. Try a charcuterie board with imported and house made meats. $$$
Lunch and dinner Mon.-Fri.; dinner Sat.; brunch Sat. and Sun.
Tallgrass
1006 S. State St., Lockport,
815-838-5566
Located in Lockport’s historic district, Tallgrass serves guests three-, four-, five- or seven-course meals under original gas chandeliers. Selections include roasted capon and wild diver scallops. All breads are organic and made in house. Reservations are a must. $$$ Dinner Wed.-Sun.
American Traditional
Bennett Curtis House
302 W. Taylor St., Grant Park, 815-465-2288
This historic 18-room mansion serves as a lovely backdrop for romantic by reservation only lunch and dinner, as well as weddings and other special events. Enjoy grilled steaks, stuffed shrimp and vegetable lasagna. $$$
Lunch and dinner Tues.-Fri.; dinner Sat. and Sun.
Boston’s Restaurant & Bar
7216 W. 191st St.,Tinley Park,
815-464-9844
Boston’s is a pizza-themed, casual dining restaurant and sports bar offering gourmet pizzas and pasta, along with such items as ribs, burgers, sandwiches and a kid’s favorites menu. $
Lunch and dinner daily
Flavor Restaurant
3315 Vollmer Road, Flossmoor,
708-798-3220
Flavor strives to excite the palate for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Enjoy chicken and waffles, breakfast at night, jerk chicken and seafood. $$
Breakfast lunch and dinner Wed.-Mon.
Lucky’s Drive-In
16200 S. Cicero Ave., Oak Forest,
708-687-8700
Lucky’s is the culmination of years of experience and customer service that reflects it. Dine in or drive through and choose from breakfast to burgers to beer on tap, as well as ice cream. $
Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily
Public Landing
200 W. 8th St., Lockport, 815-838-6500
Housed in the historic Gaylord Building, the restaurant matches its unique locale with American comfort food. Start off with Creole calamari. Choose a comforting entrée such as pot roast or roasted turkey breast with sage stuffing. $$
Lunch and dinner Tues.-Sun.
Asian
Dragon Palace
7122 W. 171st St., Tinley Park,
708-532-8883
An elegant atmosphere awaits customers with a yen for Szechwan and Cantonese entrees and an assortment of noodles, chow mein and vegetable dishes. $
Lunch and dinner daily
Fuji Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi
15132 S. LaGrange Road, Orland Park,
708-403-1580
Skilled chefs freshly prepare meats and seafood platters in front of diners’ eyes as they experience the steam and sparks of hibachi grills. Combinations include chicken, steak, and seafood. $$
Lunch and dinner daily
Ichiro Sushi Restaurant
15866 S. LaGrange Road, Orland Park,
708-364-1234
Within this contemporary Japanese setting, patrons eat artful sushi, makimono rolls, traditional udon, bento box and combination entrees. $$
Dinner Tues.-Sun.
Jewel of Siam Restaurant
9216 W. 159th St., Orland Park,
708-349-9922
This jewel shines with its seaworthy catches such as spicy catfish, deep-fried sole with ginger sauce and a special egg noodle and seafood mixture. $
Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat.; dinner Sun.
Kitaro Grill and Sushi Lounge
1224 State St., Lemont, 630-257-2205
An array of sushi awaits you from sashimi to maki rolls. The Lemont Queen is avocado over spicy albacore tuna, cucumber, and jalapeno. $$
Lunch Mon.-Fri.; dinner Mon.-Sun.
Rising Sun
442 LaGrange Road, Frankfort,
815-469-6688
19215 S. LaGrange Road, Mokena,
708-479-9938
100 W. Illinois Highway, New Lenox,
815-462-6688
908 Wilmington Road, Peotone,
708-258-6628
Catering to the south and southwest suburbs, The Rising Sun delivers authentic Cantonese and Mandarin Chinese cuisine in all its locations. This locally owned chain offers a sweet and spicy crispy chicken in tangerine sauce, beef chow fun and walnut shrimp. $
Lunch and dinner daily
Barbecue
Bon a Pit
12200 S. Harlem Ave., Palos Heights, 708-361-9610
Dry spiced-rubbed slow roasted meats and seafood glisten and sizzle in this eatery’s wood burning ovens. Signature smokehouse barbecued staples include baby back and St. Louis ribs, free-range chicken, and beef brisket sandwich. $
Lunch and dinner daily
Nick’s Barbecue
6945 W. 79th St., Burbank, 708-233-7427
15800 S. Bell Road, Homer Glen,
708-645-7427
12658 S. Harlem Ave., Palos Heights, 708-923-7427
649 Independence Blvd., Romeoville, 815-372-0578
16638 S. Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park, 708-444-7427
With more than 100 items on the menu from hot dogs to ribs, this locally owned casual eatery can satisfy any craving. Barbecue lovers will enjoy the 2-lb. full slab rib dinner with three sides. $
Lunch and dinner daily
The Pit Rib House
9430 S. Roberts Road, Hickory Hills, 708-599-7576
A variety of meats are slow cooked over an open wood pit in this colorful and eclectic eatery. Sample The Pit Platter with its generous portions of ribs, chicken and chopped pork or beef. $
Lunch and dinner daily
Smokin’ Joe’s BBQ
6523 W. 127th St., Palos Heights,
708-489-1800
For those who want to go to hickory-smoked barbecue heaven, Smokin’ Joe’s can take you there. Check out the sampler platter including pulled pork, brisket, pulled chicken and ribs. $
Lunch and dinner Tues.-Sun.
Thom’s Turkey Barbecue
4003 W. 167th St., Country Club Hills, 708-206-6060
Thom’s keeps its customers health in mind by placing a big emphasis on turkey and chicken, while still offering barbecue pork and beef items. Sides include green beans with turkey and dirty rice with ground turkey. $
Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat.
Breakfast Plus
Blueberry Field Pancake House & Restaurant
558 E. 182nd St., South Holland,
708-225-1982
Diners can eat their fill at this family friendly breakfast and lunch spot. For breakfast order up a stack of blueberry pancakes. For lunch, choose the San Francisco Delight — roast beef, cheddar cheese, grilled onions on sour dough bread. $
Breakfast and lunch daily
The Country Charm
101 Lincolnway Drive, New Lenox,
815-485-3996
A local favorite that offers “great county cooking and so much more.” Clients come for the basics of pancakes, omelets, chicken-fried steak and the ever popular biscuits and gravy, as well as crepes and blintzes and specialties such as the crab cake Benedict. $
Breakfast and lunch daily
George’s
990 N. State St., Lockport,
815-838-7225
Come here for breakfast, lunch and dinner and peruse a large selection in each category. For breakfast (or any time) choose a Santorini omelet with ham, green peppers, feta cheese, tomatoes and onion. $
Open daily 24 hours
Omega Pancake House
13233 S. Cicero Ave., Crestwood,
708-388-8100
Enjoy stuffed french toast or their famous baked apple slice for breakfast. Enjoy a cocktail and choose from a number of lunch and dinner specials including hot turkey sandwich and chicken Alfredo. $
Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily
Breweries/Grills/Pubs
Ariel’s Bar & Restaurant
18401 N. Creek Drive, Tinley Park
708-928-8080
With its wall of windows and handsome contemporary decor, Ariel’s is a great setting to have drinks and a meal. Start your dining with mussels in white ale or tempting flatbread. Entrees selections include chicken and seafood, pasta and gourmet burgers, such as the Wild Hog — topped with barbecue pulled pork and bacon. $
Lunch and dinner daily
Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery
1035 Sterling Ave., Flossmoor, 708-957-2739
Climb aboard in this relaxing brewpub to peruse the beer list and dishes flavored with ales. Housed in the town’s oldest rail station, diners can choose among such items as beer battered calamari, chili made with Red Ale, a wheat ale beer battered cod, and the Burrito That Ate Flossmoor — a huge flour tortilla crammed full with your choice of stuff. Each selection has a recommended beer choice. $
Lunch and dinner daily
Fox’s Restaurants and Pub
11247 W. 187th St., Mokena,
708-478-8888
9655 143rd St., Orland Park,
708-349-2111
9240 S. Cicero Ave., Oak Lawn
708-499-2233
Fox’s different locations offer varied menus with highlights such as Irish nachos, tomato bruschetta, angel hair pasta, filet mignon, prime rib, pizza, corned beef sandwiches and an Angus beef paddy melt. $
Lunch and dinner daily
Grady’s Grille
18147 Harwood Ave., Homewood,
708-799-4700
Located in downtown Homewood, diners come to Grady’s for the family-friendly atmosphere, outdoor patio, live entertainment and eclectic menu. Choose a pepper bacon and tomato flatbread, mini lobster tacos, or half-pound burger. $$
Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat.
Oliver’s
6150 W. 159th St., Oak Forest,
708-687-6500
The slogan at this welcoming spot is “Where food meets sports” and that ‘s exactly what the focus is here. There are plenty of TVs for sports viewing and an extensive menu to please any taste. Wings come with or without bones and South of the Border Eggrolls are a twist on a chicken and bean burrito made with a flaky tortilla. $
Lunch and dinner daily
Sullivan’s Irish Pub
4660 W. 147th St., Midlothian,
708-385-9200
This spacious place with an Irish pub feel of warm woods welcomes diners with Irish and American foods and a good variety of cold beer on tap. It’s also a popular spot for live entertainment with an elevated stage for good viewing. $
Lunch and dinner daily
Cafes/tearooms
Fresh Starts
1040 Sterling Ave., Flossmoor,
708-957-7900
Nestled in historic Old Flossmoor, Fresh Starts has a quaint, European Cafe atmosphere. As its name implies, the menu changes with the season. Its summer menu includes such things as hand-made lobster ravioli and grilled strawberry balsamic glazed salmon. $$
Lunch and dinner Tues.-Sat.
Pickwick Society Tearoom
122 W. Kansas St., Frankfort,
815-806-8140
Based loosely on Louisa May Alcott’s classic “Little Women,” this tearoom provides a tranquil respite from a hectic schedule. Visitors enjoy a menu filled with black, white, herbal and oolong teas and sandwiches such as the “Laurie” — chicken salad on croissant. Full, breakfast, afternoon and dessert teas are available as well as tea accessories and antiques for sale. $
Breakfast and lunch Wed.-Sat.; lunch Sun.
German/Lithuanian/European
Chef Klaus’ Bier Stube
20827 LaGrange Road, Frankfort,
815-469-0940
Surrounded by German memorabilia, this country inn offers diners hearty and comforting dishes, a wide beer menu and German music on weekends. Choose from pork tenderloin schnitzels, beef rouladen, sauerbraten and a specialty — pork shank with natural juices on a bed of sauerkraut. $$
Lunch and dinner daily
Grand Duke’s Restaurant
6312 S. Harlem Ave., Summit,
708-594-5622
Lithuanian food reigns here. Choose a combination plate to get a good sampling of the cuisine. The Lithuanian plate offers kugelis (potato and bacon dish), zeppelin (a football shaped dumpling), potato sausage and Lithuanian sausage with sauerkraut, served with sour cream and bacon-sour cream sauce. $
Lunch and dinner daily
Indian
Taj Mahal Restaurant
14812 S. LaGrange Road, Orland Park, 708-460-5800
Diners who like meat or vegetarian dishes find many choices from this Indian restaurant. They can also come for lunch and dinner buffets. Entrees include lamb in a fiery hot sauce with potatoes, chicken cooked in a sauce with almonds, spiced cauliflower, peas and potatoes, samosas and fish curry. $
Lunch and dinner Tues.-Sun.
Italian
Arrenello’s Pizza
325 E. Glenwood-Lansing Road,
Glenwood, 708-758-6160
9420 W 179th St.,Tinley Park,
708-532-2424
First opened in Glenwood in 1972, Arrenello’s Pizza, with its “sweet sauce,” expanded with two more carryout locations in Tinley Park and Highland, Ind. Stuffed pizza is a house specialty and the menu includes a number of other items, including the popular Buffalo chicken sandwich. $
After 4 p.m. daily
Balagio
17501 Dixie Highway, Homewood,
708-957-1650
An upscale setting with lots of wood and a cozy fireplace, as well as a piano bar, is the backdrop for a menu of Italian specialties, steaks and seafood. Choose a signature pasta, country style rigatoni with sausage or a veal chop. $$
Lunch Tues.-Fri., dinner Tues.-Sun.
Barraco’s Pizzeria & Ristorante
5740 W. 87th St., Burbank,
708-636-9594
13445 S. Cicero Ave., Crestwood,
708-385-2002
3701 W. 95th St., Evergreen Park,
708-424-8182
8915 W. 159th St., Orland Hills,
708-873-2540
18040 S. Wolf Road, Orland Park,
708-478-1500
Reaching far and wide in these suburbs is Barraco’s thin-crust and deep-dish Chicago style pizzas. Beyond the pizza ovens, Barraco’s broadens its large menu to include beef or spinach tortellini, shrimp Tetrazzini, chicken piccata and salmon Rockefeller. And it offers family favorites of barbecued ribs, broasted chicken, and focaccia sandwiches. Burbank and Orland Hills are carry out and delivery only. $$
Lunch and dinner daily
Bella Mia Ristorante
4648 147th St., Midlothian,
708-925-0239
At this neighborhood spot, start with steamed mussels with red or white wine sauce. Choose the linguini Carbonara with cream or the Bella Mia lasagna. Steaks, chops and fish are available as well. $$
Dinner Tues.-Sun.
Capri Ristorante Italiano
12307 S. Harlem Ave., Palos Heights, 708-671-1657
Capri offers a cozy atmosphere with northern Italian fare. Entrees include baked lasagna, shrimp with artichoke hearts and mushrooms and gnocchi surrounded in a four-cheese sauce. $$
Lunch Tues.-Fri.; dinner daily
Chesdan’s Pizzeria & Grille
15764 S. Bell Road, Homer Glen, 708-301-8300
This local favorite traces its roots to Brighton Park and two brothers, Chester and Dan, who combined their names and talent to come up with a winning formula of good pizza and great fellowship. Family members continue the tradition in Homer Glen. $
Lunch and dinner daily
Isabella Italian Café and Catering
17211 S. Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park, 708-444-8555
A quaint white house named in honor of an Italian patroness of arts, Isabella showcases Northern Italian dishes. Main entrees include stuffed eggplant, grilled wild caught salmon, and penne porcini. $$
Lunch and dinner daily
Little Joe’s Famous Pizza & Restaurante
1300 N. Cedar Road, New Lenox,
815-463-1099
7976 W. 167th St., Tinley Park,
708-532-2240
Enjoy house specialties such as eggplant Parmigiana, sliced tenderloin in a wine sauce and angel hair pasta with fresh bail, tomato and cheese. Choose from a wide list of pasta preparations and meats such as steak Sinatra made with peppers, onions, mushrooms and vermouth. $
Lunch and dinner daily for both locations; breakfast only at New Lenox
Osteria Ottimo
16111 S. LaGrange Road, Orland Park, 708-403-3366
Ottimo features an open kitchen, an antipasti area and Italian comfort food with a modern twist. Dishes include rigatoni Bolognese, grilled chicken breasts marinated in red chili flakes, oregano and roasted garlic, cedar planked wild salmon with lentils. $$
Lunch Mon.-Fri.; dinner daily
Papa Joe’s
14459 S. LaGrange Road, Orland Park, 708-403-9099
Sit down in a cozy dining room and choose from many Italian creations from thin and stuffed pizzas to full meat, seafood and pasta entrees. $
Lunch Mon.-Fri.; dinner daily
Salina’s Catering & Pizza
7551 W. 175th St., Tinley Park,
708-614-9100
When planning to dine in or throw a party, Salina’s prepares pizza, housemade Italian sausage and other Italian specialties to serve a family or a crowd. $
Open Tues.-Sun.
Sanfratello’s Pizza
17823 S. 80th Ave., Tinley Park,
708-444-0055
This family friendly place specializes in pizza and other Italian favorites. Look for portobello ravioli, sausage stromboli sandwich, thin and pan crust pizzas, barbecue ribs, soups and salads. $
Dinner daily
Latin
El Coco Mio
17344 S. Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park, 708-444-1380
This sister restaurant to Isabella ItalianCafe offers the many flavors of Latin cuisine and a lounge. Start with tapas, such as empanadas or coconut shrimp served with spicy tamarind glaze. Platos Principales include such entrees as grilled pork tenderloin with house made orange mole. $$
Dinner Mon.- Fri.; lunch and dinner Sat. and Sun.
Mexican/Tex Mex
EL Cortez Mexican Restaurant
18250 Cicero Ave., Country Club Hills, 708-798-4223
10128 191st St., Mokena,
708-478-7766
El Cortez’s prides itself on authentic Mexican cooking and hospitality. Familiar dishes of tacos, enchiladas and tostadas reside here along with warm, rustic chips and salsa. Specialties include a fresh and creamy guacamole, steak and combination plates. $
Lunch and dinner daily
Front Street Cantina
319 Front St., Lemont, 630-312-8636
This is a sister restaurant to those in Geneva, Naperville, Plainfield and Wheaton and just like its siblings it keeps the focus on authentic Mexican cuisine with a touch of Tex. Enjoy one of its signature margaritas with popular items such as fajitas, shrimp ranchero, steak enchiladas and tamales. $
Lunch and dinner daily
Seafood/Steaks/Chops
Bonfire
15905 S. Bell Road, Homer Glen,
708-645-4440
This eatery has crafted a menu of classic and creative dishes, whether steaks, chops or seafood. Classic Maryland crab cakes are served with mustard remoulade sauce. On the creative side, look to the shrimp Creole fettucine or the smothered rib-eye steak covered with sautéed mushrooms, onions and provolone cheese. $$$
Lunch and dinner daily
Dancing Marlin
20590 S. LaGrange Road, Frankfort, 815-464-6646
This is a good place to “eat, drink and share,” as its mission states. The menu is eclectic and interesting offering a number of seafood items such as the seared sea scallops with corn and brown butter puree, caramelized leeks, pickled corn and pistachios. Flatbreads and sliders also available. $$
Dinner Mon.-Fri.; lunch and dinner Sat. and Sun.
Glenwood Oaks Rib & Chop House
106 N. Main St., Glenwood,
708-758-4400
This big but inviting restaurant has an equally inviting menu. Starters include perennial favorites Oysters Rockefeller and shrimp DeJonghe. Steaks are plentiful but baby back ribs star here, baked in a customized oven, slowly hickory smoked and served on a patented metal platter. $$
Lunch and dinner daily
Jenny’s Steakhouse & Pub
11041 Menard Ave., Chicago Ridge, 708-229-2272
Try one of Jenny’s prime steaks with Jenny’s blue cheese and garlic sauce. Pasta lovers will enjoy the Sally’s Stuffed Tuffolis — sausage and ricotta stuffed shells. $$
Lunch and dinner daily
Jenny’s Southside Tap
10160 191st St., Mokena,
708-479-6873
No matter your craving, you’ll find something to choose from here. For starters, choose Buffalo shrimp. Fresh from the pizza oven, pick a specialty pizza, such as the blackened chicken Alfredo. $$
Lunch and dinner daily
Longhorn Steakhouse
9530 S. Pulaski Road, Oak Lawn,
708-636-6800
15531 S. LaGrange Road, Orland Park, 708-403-2206
Grilled steaks star here whether the signature Flo’s Filet or the bone-in Outlaw rib eye. Fish and chicken is grilled as well, such as grilled trout topped with shrimp and lobster or Sierra chicken — grilled chicken breasts with tomato basil salsa. $$
Lunch and dinner daily
Mr. Benny’s Steak and Lobster House
20857 S. Cicero Ave., Matteson,
708-481-5800
19200 Everett Lane, Mokena,
708-478-5800
Both locales have an inviting steak house feel and menus that focus on fine steaks and seafood. Begin with a house specialty: blue chips — potato chips made in house and topped with blue cheese. Feast on porterhouse steak, rack of lamb, or two-eight ounce pork chops grilled or Vesuvio or Marsala style. Seafood entrees include pan-fried or blackened walleye and lobster tail. $$$
Matteson dinner Tues.-Sat.; Mokena dinner Tues.-Sun.
Tin Fish
18201 S. Harlem Ave., Tinley Park,
708-532-0200
Creating a 1940s seafood house with modern touches, Tin Fish brings in the freshest catch with seafood flown in six days a week that can be prepared in many ways to diners’ tastes. For starters pick some fresh-shucked oysters or a spicy shrimp cocktail. Select Lake Superior whitefish, have it grilled, sautéed or cornmeal crusted and choose smashed potatoes for a side. $$
Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat.; dinner Sun.
Southern/Cajun/Creole
Chuck’s Southern Comforts Café
6501 W. 79th St., Burbank,
708-229-8700
It’s hard to pinpoint this casual dining spot with its eclectic menu of Mexican, Tex Mex, Cajun and American barbecue offerings. All items spring from the creative mind of chef/owner, and Burbank native, Chuck Pine. So, whether you’re craving pulled pork, jambalaya, fried catfish, enchiladas, Chicago chicken wings or Mexican eggs Benedict, you’ll be happy to pull into Chuck’s and chow down. $
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Maple Tree Inn
13301 Old Western Ave., Blue Island, 708-388-3461
Located in a historic building that dates back to 1890, this Louisiana brasserie emphasizes authenticity and makes its smoked andouille sausage in-house. Specialties include Hickory Buttered BBQ Shrimp, bisques and gumbos and oysters served several ways including the Jambalaya Raw Oyster Shooter. $$
Dinner Tues.-Sat.
