 |
||||||||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||||||||||||||||
Chalkboard, 4343 N. Lincoln, 773.477.7144. American. Dinner Mon. and Wed.–Sat., brunch Sun, tea Sat.-Sun. The setting recalls an elegant French tea room, but the ambience is family-friendly. The seasonal menu of chef/owner Gilbert Langlois is inspired by his Italian roots and experience with French, Asian and Creole cooking. An oversized chalkboard announces specials such as soy roasted cod, quail coq au vin, fried chicken with collard greens, his weekly version of a Kobe burger and a fennel-scented chocolate cake.
Charlie Trotter’s, 816 W. Armitage, 773.248.6228. French/American. Dinner Tues.–Sat. Chef/owner Charlie Trotter has received worldwide acclaim for his cuisine, which reaches the pinnacle of perfection. He is a master at marrying ingredients in unique ways to create a harmonious balance of flavors, and he presents them with artistry.
Chicago Chop House, 60 W. Ontario, 312.787.7100. Steakhouse. Lunch Mon.–Fri., dinner daily. Piano bar nightly. Vintage photos of meatpackers, politicians and gangsters who gave Chicago the reputation as a rough-and-tumble town adorn the walls of this Victorian brownstone. Aged prime steaks, including a signature slab of roasted prime rib seared on the grill accompanied by a horseradish dip, are hand-cut to feed gargantuan appetites.
C-Hous, Affinia Hotel, 166 E. Superior, 312.523.0923. Seafood. Breakfast, dinner daily, lunch Mon.-Fri., brunch Sat.-Sun. Marcus Samuelsson, who has received accolades at New York's Aquavit and Riingo, arrived in Chicago to create a menu that uses top-of-the-line ingredients in simple seafood dishes whether it be a whole fish paired with sauces ranging from a chutney to a salsa, a lobster BLT, small plates, or sushi at the raw bar served in a spacious sleek, chic setting with rustic accents.
Coast Sushi Bar, 2045 N. Damen, 773.235.5775. Japanese. Dinner daily.
This popular, hip spot in a sleek setting merges the traditional and the contemporary. Sushi, tempura and teriyaki share the menu with trendy signature dishes such as a maki ceviche of lime-marinated scallop with mango, jalapeno and cilantro, the popular crab roll and
the White Dragon, shrimp tempura in a spicy sauce, and desserts such as fruit on
skewers dipped in chocolate. Diners bring their own alcoholic libations.
Coco Pazzo, 300 W. Hubbard, 312.836.0900. Italian. Dinner daily, lunch Mon.–Fri. The name of this rustic place with elegant touches means “crazy chef,” but new executive chef Chris Macchia knows what he’s doing. He trained at the Culinary Institute of America and takes his inspiration from his Italian heritage. His traditional Tuscan dishes are prepared with the freshest of seasonal ingredients so the essence of their flavors stands out and he likes to present them with simplicity. Pastry chef Maria Selas prepares classic desserts and her own contemporary creations.
Copperblue, Lake Point Tower, 580 E. Illinois, 312.527.1200. Contemporary Mediterranean. Dinner Tues.–Sun. This intimate spot, done in earth tones with copper accents, blends
sophistication and playfulness and fuses the classic culinary traditions of southern France, northern Italy, Morocco and Spain with contemporary creativity and artistry. Chef/owners Michael Tsonton and Victor Newgren offer dishes such as chicken, spiced rice and apricots wrapped in phyllo dough and loin of pork paired with garlic and fennel sausage.
Cru Cafe & Wine Bar, 25 E. Delaware, 312.337.4001. Contemporary American with European flair. Lunch, dinner daily. This conversation-friendly, sophisticated place is now in an enlarged locale done in lush spice tones. Wines pair well with a charcuterie plate, a lobster and beef tenderloin club sandwich and other small plates. The sidewalk terrace has a Parisian feel.
Crust, 2056 W. Division, 773.235.5511. Global. Lunch, dinner daily. Micheal Altenberg, chef/owner of Bistro Campagne, once again demonstrates his commitment to locally grown, organic ingredients in sandwiches and flatbreads made with handcrafted breads baked
in a wood-burning oven. The array of choices is inspired by culinary traditions from around the world. The hip, colorful environmentally friendly furnishings are made with recycled materials.
Cuatro, 2030 S. Wabash, 312.842.8856. Nuevo Latino. Brunch Sun., dinner daily. Late dining and live music nightly. Spice-colored walls and a large aquarium create a tropical setting for this lively spot named for the four
(cuatro) siblings who launched it. Chef Bryan Garcia takes his inspiration from the Caribbean and Latin America for his popular spicy seafood stew in tomato/coconut-milk broth and a pork chop cured in sugarcane juice.
Custom House, 500 S. Dearborn, 312.523.0200. American. Breakfast, Mon.–Sat., lunch Mon.–Fri., brunch Sun., dinner daily. Chef/owner Shawn McClain, who excels in seafood at Spring and vegetables at Green Zebra, turns his talents to preparing braised and roasted artisanal meats with an emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients. The colors of the décor reflect those of the surrounding vintage Printer’s Row buildings seen through panoramic windows.
David Burke’s Primehouse, 616 N. Rush, 312.660.6000. Contemporary steakhouse. Breakfast, dinner daily, lunch Mon.-Sat., brunch Sun. The menu in this chic spot includes steaks dry-aged in-house and Caesar salads prepared tableside as well as dishes that reveal why chef David Burke has won awards in the United States and France. His lobster bisque is flavored with green apple essence and served with a lobster stick. A tuna and salmon tartare is accompanied by trout caviar.
De Cero, 814 W. Randolph, 312.455.8114. Mexican. Lunch Mon.–Fri., dinner Mon.–Sat. The name of this hip contemporary taqueria means “from scratch” because innovative versions of traditional dishes are made with fresh ingredients. Duck nachos and goat cheese tamales are at home in an environment where rustic and industrial elements coexist.
DeLaCosta, 465 E. Illinois, 312.464.1700. Nuevo Latino. Dinner daily. James Beard Award-winner Douglas Rodriguez, credited with pioneering Nuevo Latino cuisine, brings his creative dishes inspired by the culinary traditions of the coasts of Latin-speaking countries to this pulsing cosmopolitan spot. Dishes such as guava molasses lamb ribs and sugar-caned skewered tuna are complemented by a ceviche bar.
Devon Seafood Grill, 39 E. Chicago, 312.440.8660. Contemporary American. Brunch Sat.–Sun., lunch, dinner daily. Devon, which takes its name from the coastal city in England, specializes in fish and seafood flown in daily. Large windows of the bar overlook the busy street; the stylish restaurant is on the lower level. Some fish and seafood dishes are prepared simply, while others are influenced by the culinary traditions of the Mediterranean. Carnivores and pasta-lovers will also find dishes that suit their tastes.
Dinotto Ristorante, 215 W. North, 312.202.0302. Italian. Lunch Mon.–Sat., dinner daily. This small, charming storefront is a popular neighborhood spot. Specialties on the menu, which offers classics and some contemporary dishes, include a crispy risotto cake with shrimp, and chicken with sun-dried tomatoes and mushrooms in a garlic cream sauce. Save room for the award-winning chocolate tiramisu.
Eleven City Diner, 1112 S. Wabash, 312.212.1112. Jewish deli and diner. Break-fast, lunch, dinner daily. This eatery may have opened recently, but it’s a throwback to old-fashioned places from the ’30s and ’40s, with music from that era in the background. The menu doesn’t disappoint, with classics such as pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, bagels and lox and latkes as well as desserts from a real soda fountain. The place is open late on weekends for those who like breakfast before bed.
Eno, 505 N. Michigan, 312.321.8738. Wine bar. 4 p.m. to midnight Sun.–Fri., 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. Fri.–Sat. A trio of fruity, savory and sweet pleasures for the palate is offered at this intimate lounge designed in rich wine-colored hues. Flights of red and white wines from around the world, served at high-top dark wood tables, can be paired with a wide selection of cheeses accompanied by nuts and dried fruits, or luscious gourmet chocolates.
Everest, 440 S. LaSalle, 312.663.8920. French. Dinner Tues.– Sat. The dramatic view from this luxuriously appointed 40th-floor space is complemented by the stellar cuisine of award-winning chef/proprietor Jean Joho. He has earned his reputation in the United States and abroad by creating dishes inspired by his Alsatian roots and ones that combine noble ingredients with earthy, commonplace staples such as turnips or cabbage.
Feast, 1616 N. Damen, 773.772.7100. Global. Brunch and dinner daily. The extensive menu features creative variations of dishes that owner Debbie Sharpe sampled when she traveled around the world as a caterer to globe-trotting rock stars. Asian, Mediterranean and Mexican cuisines compete with American classics. The exposed brick walls of this casual place are enlivened with a colorful multicultural mix of photos.
Fiddlehead Cafe, 4600 N. Lincoln, 773.751.1500. Contemporary American. Brunch Sat.–Sun., dinner daily. Low lighting and muted tones add an upscale vibe to this neighborhood place with a reasonably priced menu. It is named after a fern in tribute to the fact that chef Robert Levitt uses local organic products for dishes with trendy ingredients such as marinated roast beets with goat cheese and candied walnuts and steak with russet, sweet potato and polenta fries.
Fogo de Chão, 661 N. LaSalle. 312.932.9330. Brazilian steakhouse. Lunch Mon.-Fri. dinner daily. Diners at this Brazilian-style, all-you-can-eat steak house start with selections from an abundant hot and cold buffet. Waiters in gaucho attire stroll about with long skewers of more than a dozen cuts of fire-roasted meats and carve them tableside and then return over and over again so plates are never empty. Each table is also laden with servings of polenta, mashed potatoes and fried bananas.
Follia, 953 W. Fulton, 312.243.2888. Northern Italian. Dinner daily. Trendsetters flock here to show off their avant-garde fashion finds and dine on thin-crust pizzas from the wood-burning oven, osso bucco and other Italian fare in a setting inspired by the serene colors of the Mediterranean Sea. They also ooh and aah over works by emerging designers displayed on mannequins.
Francesca’s Forno, 1576 N. Milwaukee, 773.770.0184. Italian. Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner daily. The ambiance of this rustic place feels like the dining room of a big, boisterous happy family, where food is meant for sharing. Plates of cured meats, cheeses and antipasti are meant to be passed around, pizzas pop out of a wood-burning oven, and pastas are waiting to be sampled. Gelato sandwiches make a refreshing finish.
Frontera Grill, 445 N. Clark, 312.661.1434. Mexican. Lunch Tues.–Fri., brunch Sat., dinner Tues.–Sat. The fiesta is nonstop at this colorful, bustling spot, where chef/owner Rick Bayless brings regional Mexican fare to the table. His repertoire includes dishes found in marketplaces and in family kitchens that he prepares with the freshest, seasonal ingredients. Margaritas or a taste or two of the many tequilas are a must.
Fulton’s on the River, 315 N. LaSalle, 312.822.0100. Seafood/Steak. Lunch Mon.–Fri. dinner daily. This spacious, contemporary place has a splendid view of the Chicago River and the city’s skyline. Fish are prepared with simplicity; a shellfish potpie is a signature dish, and sushi and a raw bar are additional options. Carnivores will be more than content with aged prime steaks. Traditional American desserts complete the meal.
Geja's Café, 340 W. Armitage, 773.281.9101. Fondue. Dinner daily. Fondue was created long ago for shepherds on mountainsides and grape pickers in vineyards; variations of this communal meal are on the menu at this lower level hide-away. Couples or groups of friends dip chunks of bread into melted cheese fondue, cook pieces of beef and seafood in a pot of hot oil and dunk morsels of fruits and sweets into melted chocolate while a guitarist plays classical or flamenco music.
Gene & Georgetti, 500 N. Franklin, 312.527.3718. Steak. Lunch, dinner Mon.–Sat. The city’s power brokers have been flocking to this spot in a wood-frame house since the early 1940s to eat prime, aged beef and the signature garbage salad or to fill up on Italian specialties. While the longtime waiters can be grumpy, their attitudes only add to the folklore.
Gibsons Bar and Steakhouse, 1028 N. Rush, 312.266.8999. American. Lunch and dinner daily. Movers and shakers gather here to get their fair share of prime beef or huge lobsters. Side dishes, such as a double-baked potato, and desserts (macadamia turtle pie) are big enough to share.
Gioco, 1312 S. Wabash, 312.939.3870. Contemporary Italian. Brunch Sunday, lunch Mon.–Fri., dinner daily. The décor of this chic spot located in a refurbished speakeasy combines exposed brick with rich mahogany and antique chairs. The menu offers pastas, steaks, chops and chicken enhanced with Italian ingredients and seasonings and wood-fired pizzas.
Grand Lux Cafe, 600 N. Michigan, 312.276.2500. Global eclectic. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sat.–Sun. Magnificent Mile shoppers rely on this cosmopolitan second-floor spot. Expansive menu choices range from sandwiches to Mediterranean-style halibut and Asian salad at affordable prices. Sinful desserts include New Orleans-style beignets.
Greek Islands, 200 S. Halsted, 312.782.9855. Greek. Lunch, dinner daily. Diners feel like they are a part of a boisterous, multigenerational family in this favored spot. Waiters shout “Opa!” as they flambé saganaki cheese tableside. Extra-virgin olive oil, olives, herbs and spices imported from Greece add an authentic flair to classic chicken, lamb and seafood dishes. The country’s culture, which encourages sharing food family style, adds to the joyous atmosphere.
Green Zebra, 1460 W. Chicago, 312.243.7100. Contemporary, vegetarian. Dinner daily. Sunday brunch. Chef/owner Shawn McClain is acclaimed for bringing style and sophistication to the vegetarian dishes he offers in a soothing, intimate setting. His menu for this spot named for an heirloom tomato features small plates that bring out the full flavor of fresh, seasonal produce and several fish and chicken dishes.
The Grill on the Alley, 909 N. Michigan Ave, 312.255.9009. American. Lunch, dinner daily.
At this outpost of the Beverly Hills favorite, mahogany paneling, high-backed booths and white tablecloths recall the masculine ambiance of the grills of yesteryear. The menu is pure Americana: grilled prime steaks and chops, some fish and chicken dishes and retro comfort foods such as chicken pot pie, meatloaf and braised short ribs and old fashioned cobblers, cakes and ice cream for dessert.
Harry Caray’s, 33 W. Kinzie, 312.828.0966. Italian steakhouse. Dinner daily, lunch Mon.–Sat., Sun. lunch in bar only. You can almost hear the exuberant late Cubs announcer, Harry Caray, shouting his signature “Holy Cow!” at this convivial white-tablecloth spot in a 19th-century landmark building. Sports memorabilia vies for attention with steaks and chops prepared with a choice of seasonings and chicken Vesuvio and other Italian classics.
Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark, 773.334.9851. Belgian. Dinner daily. Patrons must come with an I.D. card proving they are at least twenty-one to partake of food and beverage at this tavern which is never lacking for an age-appropriate crowd. The restaurant serves Belgian specialties such as a Flemish beef stew, rabbit legs braised in ale and mussels steamed in Wittekerke ale served with frites (made with transfat-free oil). The bar offers some 100 Belgian beers.