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Unless stated, all restaurants accept credit cards, recommend reservations, and are open for lunch and dinner.
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Charlie Trotter’s One
of Chicago’s top gourmet eateries, and one of the nation’s best,
Charlie Trotter’s serves the exquisite and rarefied fare of its
eponymous chef. The menu changes daily but expect creations such as
venison loin with semolina cake, braised kale, and Niçoise olive boudin. Reservations must be made many weeks in advance though a last-minute call often turns up a table due to cancellations . Ambria With
its Art Nouveau detailing, cozy leather banquettes, and dark woods,
Ambria is among the city’s most romantic dining options. And the dining
experience matches the style here as chef Gabino Soltelino prepares
contemporary French meals with a sophisticated understatement. Service
is formal and the sommelier is one of the best in Chicago . Gibson’s Steakhouse Boisterous
and convivial, Gibson’s exudes a good time. A regular crowd of
politicians, sports figures, and conventioneers packs the place nightly.
The steakhouse fare is in every way a match to the atmosphere – big and
bold. Huge lobster tails vie for attention with large slabs of beef. A
reservation is critical, but for a more casual, walk-in experience try
the burgers next door at Hugo’s Frog Bar. 1028 N. Rush St. 312 266 8999
Gibson’s Steakhouse
Blackbird Foodies
and the fashion set both agree on Blackbird, an eatery that sports
minimalist decor and shoves the tables so close together that
eavesdropping becomes part of the experience. Chef Paul Kahan generates
the buzz, preparing sophisticated American dishes with French leanings.
Menus change seasonally but reservations are perennially a must.
Blackbird
North Pond Café Hidden
from the road in leafy Lincoln Park, North Pond is a treasure – once
you find it. Lodged in an Arts-and-Crafts-style building, the café
offers a seasonal menu with an emphasis on produce sourced in the
Midwest. Though dinner is the star, lunches of sandwiches, soups, and
salads are equally creative and well presented . Spring Spring
brings the sort of fine cooking you’d expect only to find downtown out
to Northside’s bohemian Wicker Park. Occupying a former bathhouse, the
sunken feng-shui-inspired interior makes for a chic gourmet experience.
The menu features seafood prepared with Asian and French influences and a
light approach. 2039 W. North Ave. 1 773 395 7100 Dinner only, closed Mon
Mia Francesca The
hearty, rustic fare of Rome and its surrounding regions distinguishes
Mia Francesca from the Italian pack. Large portions and reasonable
prices help draw legions of fans to this Wrigleyville rave. A former
candy shop, the storefront eatery is casual but stylish with
paper-topped tables and black-and-white photos of rural life on the
walls. Lines form early and often . Frontera Grill Signature
restaurant of chef Rick Bayless, Frontera Grill is credited with
bringing authentic regional Mexican food – rather than Tex-Mex taco fare
– stateside. Chili-roasted salsas and rich moles
accompany grilled meats and delicious seafood. Since reservations are
only available for parties of more than six, seats in the colorful, folk
art-filled room go early as smaller groups try to avoid disappointment . Pizzeria Uno Uno’s
has been baking deep dish pizza since 1943 – about as long as
Chicagoans have debated whose pie is best. Its version comes several
inches deep, filled with cheese and toppings of your choice, truly a
meal in one slice. The smallish Victorian brownstone strains under
demand, sending the overflow down the street to its spin-off Pizzeria
Due. Uno’s individual pizza served at lunchtime is a bargain. 29 E. Ohio St. 312 321 1000
$
Lou Mitchell’s A
classic diner in the Loop where the waitresses call you “Honey” and the
coffee is bottomless, Lou Mitchell’s has been around since 1923. Its
trek-worthy meal is breakfast, highlighted by double-yolk eggs and
homemade hash browns served in a skillet. Tables turn quickly and the
staff doles out free donuts and candy to those waiting on line with good
cheer. 565 W. Jackson Blvd 312 939 3111 No credit cards No dinner
Lou Mitchell’s
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