Restaurant Recs in Chicago?

[tandt]

I'm going to Chicago with a biz group and we're trying to decide on dinner.

Here are some options given to us-- any recs of these or others?

Shaw’s Crabhouse

Joe’s Stone Seafood and Crab

Nick’s Fishmarket

McCormick and Schmick

Gibson’s

Hugo’s Frog Bar

Charlie Trotter’s

Everest

Signature Room at the 95th

Green Dolphin Street

[MrsSki]

tandt

You can look at www.metromix.com for general reviews on these restaurants. From personal experience:

Shaw's and Joe's - equally super delish. Especially for seafood lovers.

Nick's - Never been, but heard it's mediocre

Gibson's - VERY loud and cafeteria like.

McCormick - great steak

Signature Room - Way to pricey for OK food

Green Dolphin Street - Superb! Great Ambience.

Have a great time and dress warmly. It's FREEZING here!

[Hello Kitty]

You should check out reviews for those on www.metromix.com to find something that will mesh with your tastes and company. (xposted with MrsSki)

We used to go to Joe's, which was quite good, but DH and I started ordering steak everytime, so we switched to Ruth's Chris. I like the waiting system much better (IMO the maitre'd at Joe's was a total jerk every time we went, even with reservations) and we've always had impeccable service. Because you can get RC in lots of different cities, I would probably suggest you go with one of the more 'chicago' ones off of your list. Hopefully others can give some recs!

[fuzzy]

Cafe Iberico is a must -- yum, tapas!

[jnettie]

I grew up in the Chicago area, but I've never been to any of the places you listed. Here's a list of where we go when we visit my parents:

Andy's Jazz - food and music! Get there by 6pm and there's no cover.

Billy Goat's Tavern - if just for the experience

Giordano's - for good pizza. Mmmm! I miss Chicago pizza.

[Littlelamb11]

The Saloon in the Seneca Hotel. Incredible steak. It's also great if you're into celebrity/sport celebrity watching. :)

[Hello Kitty]

Are you looking for something more high end (or high priced) in particular or just general restaurant recs?

Fuzzy, Iberico is good, and pretty reasonable, too.

[BeakersTrio]

Ooohhh...I'm a huge fan of Shaw's...that would be my recommendation!

[shopaholic]

I enjoy Gibson's, even though its loud, so that is my rec.

[eponymous]

Giordano's - for good pizza. Mmmm! I miss Chicago pizza.

I agree - but recommend Eduardo's instead: fresh, natural ingredients. They're both good, and you can't go wrong with either!

[jnettie]

I agree - but recommend Eduardo's instead: fresh, natural ingredients. They're both good, and you can't go wrong with either!

Oh, yeah, forgot about them! Eduardo's is also very very good!

[Kiley]

Ruth's Chris Steakhouse - yum!
Nick's Fishmarket - yum!

[Jenyfer9]

Don't forget about Lou Malnati's for pizza also!

[Gatsby]

Out of those listed, I would say Shaws (yummy) or Trotters (yummy and a good 'Chicago' experience).

Other favorites (if you want to stay downtown): Emilios (on Ohio), Quartino, and Bice.

[HeatherFL]

Bistro 110 (http://www.levyrestaurants.com/Levy/DiningExperiences/Restaurants/Group4/Bistro+110.htm)

Giordano's is my favorite pizza in Chicago. :D

[moderngal]

If you like Mexican, Frontera is Rick Bayless's restaurant and fabulous.

[amew]

I whole-heartedly second (third?) Cafe Iberico. Love that place! It's cheap, there is always a long wait but a fun scene, and the tapas can't be beat. Trotters, Everest, and Tru are all great if you want to go super fancy. MK, Blackbird, and Spring are great, too -- not quite as fancy, but still in the very, very nice category. For something a little less high dollar, Francesca's on Taylor in Little Italy would be fun. Vong's Thai Kitchen, Ben Pao, and Le Colonial are all good if you want Asian fusion. I think the aforementioned Shaw's is quite tasty, and Giordano's is my favorite for Chicago deep dish.

[BeakersTrio]

Ooohh...I forgot about Francesca's...another good pick.

[marchfamily]

We're foodies. Frontera is probably my favorite.

[nicole]

I was just coming here to post something similar to this, and I thought I'd just post here so as not to clutter things up, but if I should post another thread just let me know.

DH and I are going to be in the Schaumburg area this weekend and I want a place that isn't too expensive (maybe $15 - $20 for an entree). We're both kind of picky eaters, so nothing too, ah, adventurous. My favorite is Italian. Any tips on attire for the restaurants (whether we should dress up or could just wear jeans) would be great too.

[MrsSki]

nicole Schaumburg is in my backyard practically. Based on heresay, Maggiano's has great italian food and is located right in the hub of the mall and Streets of Woodfield. I think the dress code is probably casual to khaki's. Not sure if reservations are needed.

Cheesecake Factory in the mall is good. HUGE selection and the best cheesecake EVER!!! If going on a Saturday night, best to go either early or late.

And there's always Olive Garden!!!

[shopaholic]

I was just coming here to post something similar to this, and I thought I'd just post here so as not to clutter things up, but if I should post another thread just let me know.

DH and I are going to be in the Schaumburg area this weekend and I want a place that isn't too expensive (maybe $15 - $20 for an entree). We're both kind of picky eaters, so nothing too, ah, adventurous. My favorite is Italian. Any tips on attire for the restaurants (whether we should dress up or could just wear jeans) would be great too.

You will be in my neighborhood! Like MrsSki said, Maggiano's is right by the mall and Italian. There are tons of "chain type" restaurants over there. (Joe's Crab Shack, Maggianos, Olive Garden, Cheesecake, Sweet Tomatoes, Big Bowl, Benihanna, etc).

[nicole]

Thanks for your suggestions! I think we want to try something we can't get around here though. Is there anything good in that area, or do we have to go into Chicago? (I have been looking at metromix, but I'd love some opinions!)

[ladyjg]

nicole -- I was going to suggest Maggiano's as well (even though there's one in St. Louis now--across from the Galleria). The food is great, and attire is casual. If I think of other suggestions I'll be back.

[shopaholic]

Thanks for your suggestions! I think we want to try something we can't get around here though. Is there anything good in that area, or do we have to go into Chicago? (I have been looking at metromix, but I'd love some opinions!)

Honestly, you should try little towns around Chicago.

Naperville has a TON of restaurants.
Lombard/Oakbrook area has tons of stuff too (PF Changs, Weber Grill, Tuscany, Pappadeux, some Lettuce Entertain you places that I can't think of the name of right now), Stir Crazy, etc.
There is also a french steakhouse in Oakbrook (I would have to get the name) that I heard is realllly good.
Elmhurst is good too for little independent places.

[nicole]

I'm the only one I can find that feels this way, but I wasn't that impressed with Maggianos. It smelled incredible so we tried it, and I thought it was all right, but not great. We had lunch so maybe they don't try as hard as at dinner?

I've seen the "Lettuce Entertain You" thing a lot on metromix - what is that?

The French steakhouse sounds good, right up DHs alley.

[janders6]

Lettuce Entertain You is a restaurant group. Maggiano's started in that group before it was sold to the company that owns Chili's. I don't think the food is quite as good anymore. The French steakhouse is Mon Ami Gabi. Its more like bistro type food - not bad, but not outstanding. If you don't mind a little drive, Rick Tramonto and Gale Gand (who started Tru) just opened 3 restaurants in the Westin in Deerfield (off of Lake Cook Rd). Osteria di Tramonto is Italian and Tramonto's is a steak restaurant. If your DH likes steak, I would try them.

[Toonces]

If you change your mind and want something other than Italian, then I'd recommend Champp's (http://www.champps.com/Menu/tabid/156/Default.aspx) on Golf Rd. It's a nice sports bar/restaurant with excellent food and a lot of it. It's not like a hole in the wall sports bar. :)

There's also a Morton's (http://www.mortons.com/website/index.html) steakhouse in Schaumburg, but it's a little pricier. Dress code would be business casual.

[petdoc08]

Two Brothers from Italy in Elmhurst is a great mom and pop type Italian rest. I would go there all the time in undergrad. It has reasonably priced food and you get a ton of it. Its casual, but still has a nice atmosphere. It is about 20 minutes away on 90. 128 W Park Ave in downtown Elmhurst

[shopaholic]

Gibson's is also a good steak place...loud and a bit more casual and not stuffy. The closest location to Schaumburgh would be in Rosemont on River Rd. across from the Stevens convention center.

If you are going to be in Elmhurst I suggest Wok N Fire. I love that place. Its pan asian (not sure if you like it) but it has great food.

[Reenie]

nicole You could try Buca di Beppo in Lombard. Very yum. The portions are HUGE, so don't be put off by the prices, because you can definitely share. And the attire is casual.

[Southlooper]

Pan Asian - Joy Yee's (locations in Chinatown, Halsted/UIC and Evanston)
Fashionable/FABulous Pan Asian - Opera (South Loop)
Italian - Giocco (South Loop)
Brunch - Bongo Room (Wicker Park and South Loop)
Americana - Firehouse Resturant (Evanston and South Loop)
Peruvian - Taste of Peru ( Rogers Park)
Eccletic - Tweet (Uptown)

Any noodle shop on Argyle (Vietnamese)

oh and Connie's Pizza

[shopaholic]

nicole You could try Buca di Beppo in Lombard. Very yum. The portions are HUGE, so don't be put off by the prices, because you can definitely share. And the attire is casual.

Oh, I forgot about Bucca. Also, right over in that area there are some new restaurants. Claim Jumper (I think that is the name) is fairly new from this summer. You most likely don't have that by you since it is more of a west coast restaurant.

[Littlelamb11]

Lettuce Entertain You is a restaurant group. Maggiano's started in that group before it was sold to the company that owns Chili's. I don't think the food is quite as good anymore. The French steakhouse is Mon Ami Gabi. Its more like bistro type food - not bad, but not outstanding. If you don't mind a little drive, Rick Tramonto and Gale Gand (who started Tru) just opened 3 restaurants in the Westin in Deerfield (off of Lake Cook Rd). Osteria di Tramonto is Italian and Tramonto's is a steak restaurant. If your DH likes steak, I would try them.

I second this. DH and I haven't been yet since they just opened abour 6 weeks ago, but everything Rick Tramonto and Gale Gand turns to gold. They are an amazing team. The Westin Chicago North Shore is actually in Wheeling at 601 N. Milwaukee. If you're not into trying any of the Gand/Tramonto trio of restaurants, you are surrounded by a ton of restaurants right there off Milwaukee in Wheeling. DH and I are huge Bob Chinns fans--an amazing Crab House. http://bobchinns.com/ There is a Bucca Di Beppo over there as well but I highly recommend avoiding it. There's a reason why people call it Bucca di Crappo. If you guys are really wanting Italian, IMO, The Westin/Rick Tromonto restaurants are your best bet in the area.

janders--I had no idea Brinkers bought Maggianos. DH and I dont eat there but all we've heard is complaints lately. No wonder. Did they also buy Corner Bakery because I've noticed that's been sucking, too.

[Missy2U]

Nicole - try Mia Cucina - it's in Palatine, right up Meacham (Plum Grove Road). That is some good Italian! We had our work Christmas party there last year - and when it's decorated for the holidays, it is just gorgeous!

[shopaholic]

Throwing this out there for maybe a quick lunch but try Portillo's since its a Chicago based fast food. Just had a delish hot dog from there last night!

[petdoc08]

Throwing this out there for maybe a quick lunch but try Portillo's since its a Chicago based fast food. Just had a delish hot dog from there last night!

I 2nd this if you are looking for a quick bite during the day! You must get of piece of their chocolate cake, it is the best.

[shopaholic]

I 2nd this if you are looking for a quick bite during the day! You must get of piece of their chocolate cake, it is the best.

Is it bad that I think I am going to have portillos again tonight + their cake!?

[petdoc08]

Is it bad that I think I am going to have portillos again tonight + their cake!?

No way! You should probably throw some cheese fries in for good measure ;) When home for the holidays, we plan on buying an ENTIRE cake and freezing it by the slice. I have decided I cannot live with out it for a year at a time.

[nicole]

Nicole - try Mia Cucina - it's in Palatine, right up Meacham (Plum Grove Road). That is some good Italian! We had our work Christmas party there last year - and when it's decorated for the holidays, it is just gorgeous!

We were doing research on these restaurants, and we both really liked the way this restaurant sounded. We read some great reviews, but then I found this:

Publication: Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL)
Publication Date: 10-MAY-06
Delivery: Immediate Online Access
Author: Faiwell, Sara

Article Excerpt
Byline: Sara Faiwell Daily Herald Staff Writer

Downtown Palatine's Mia Cucina will close later this summer, making way for redevelopment in the area.

The popular Italian eatery won't be gone forever, though.

Owner Dan Heuertz is giving up the Wilson Street location he's had for the past 12 years so the village can own it and redevelop the block.


Is it still around? I'm so sad. It sounded great.

[Toonces]

I haven't been down there in awhile, but they're renovating the whole downtown area. I heard that it was closing, too.

[janders6]

Lisa (littlelamb11) - Brinkers bought Corner Bakery too. I think they bought them both like 3 or more years ago? The Chicago area ones are slightly different than the rest of the country because somehow they're still affiliated with Lettuce Entertain You (like you can use a leye gift card at Maggiano's in Chicago, but not in any other state). The quality has definitely been affected. FWIW, I've been to both Tramonto's and Osteria di Tramonto and they're fabulous...

[Missy2U]

I'll find out nicole - I had forgotten about that. And I listen to all the board meetings, too. :rolleyes:

[Missy2U]

nicole - they gone. :( Sorry! The downtown redevelopment in Palatine has really changed the landscape - I haven't been keeping up like I should have.

Here's another recommendation, though - Vittoria de Roma - just down the street at Smith and Northwest Highway. It's been very highly regarded - here are some reviews. (http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/search/71416,0,7153362,reviews.venue?page=1)