Eat Here Chicago 2005: More Eats

302 WEST
Contemporary American
302 W. STATE ST.
630.232.9302
Drawing from America’s rich and deep melting pot of culinary traditions, 302 West is startlingly authentic, honest, and true to the traditions that have inspired this menu.

ALLEN’S
Contemporary American
217 W. HURON ST.
312.587.9600
Located in the heart of the Gallery District, Allen’s offers a contemporary American menu with global influences.

ALIBI
Pizza/Greek
23 W. HUBBARD ST.
312.464.0609
Grab a quick lunch or satisfy late-night munchies at this back-to-basics pizza joint. Grilled subs and salads are also available.

AMERICAN GIRL PLACE
Teahouse
111 E. CHICAGO AVE.
877.247.5223
Take a sip. It’s teatime. Girls and their guests can enjoy lunch, dinner, or a variety of treats in the café, see a musical revue in the theater, and visit the shops.

ARIA
International fusion
200 N. COLUMBUS DR.
312.444.9494
The Fairmont Hotel recently unveiled its version of the “hip hotel” dining experience with Aria and Aria Bar. The space has been completely revamped, leaving no traces of the more formal Entre Nous, and a new separate entrance lets nonguests forget that they are actually dining in a hotel.

ARMY & LOU’S
Soul food
422 E. 75TH ST.
773.483.3100
At age 60, this Southside institution is still one of the best soul-food restaurants in the city.

ATWOOD CAFÉ
Contemporary American
1 W. WASHINGTON ST.
312.368.1900
Located in the heart of Chicago’s Central Business District, featuring seasonal cuisine with creative interpretations of American comfort food, this stylish café serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea.

AVENUES
French/Seafood
108 E. SUPERIOR ST.
312.573.6754
Corporate high rollers and affluent out-of-towners are checking into this swank hotel spot.

BANDERA
American
535 N. MICHIGAN AVE.
312.644.3524
A chain restaurant that doesn’t act like one—lighting is dark, and black vinyl booths with wood tables line the walls.

BIN 36
Contemporary
339 N. DEARBORN ST.
312.755.9463
An extensive wine list; serving by the bottle or one glass at a time.

BISTRO 110
French
110 E. PEARSON ST.
312.266.3110
A bustling atmosphere and a savory menu, with a Sunday brunch that’s très magnifique.

BLUE LINE CLUB CAR
American
1548 N. DAMEN AVE.
773.395.3700
Decked-out like a 1950s railroad dining car and located beneath the Damen stop on the Blue Line, this snazzy spot specializes in eclectic American fare and neighborhood atmosphere.

BOB CHINN’S CRABHOUSE
Seafood
315 N. LASALLE ST.
312.822.0100
The king of crab shacks hits the heart of the city.

BOKA
American Creative
1729 N. HALSTED ST.
312.337.6070
Ambitious menu and wine list from noted chef Giuseppe Scurato.

BUTERA
Italian
2200 N. LINCOLN AVE.
773.525.8400
At this Lincoln Park spot, you can watch the chefs busily rolling out handmade pasta in the kitchen before it arrives, fresh and flavorful, at your table.

CAFE ABSINTHE
Contemporary American
1954 W. NORTH AVE.
773.278.4488
With a menu that changes seasonally, you might want to catch the grilled New York strip steak and white bean casserole with curry compound butter.

CAFÉ DES ARCHITECTES
French
20 E. CHESTNUT ST., SOFITEL CHICAGO WATER TOWER
312.324.4000
Located in the lobby of the new Sofitel Chicago Water Tower is a modern French brasserie with dramatic appointments created by interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon.

CALIENTE
Latin
3910 N. SHERIDAN AVE.
773.525.0129
The traditional full-flavored Latin cuisine at this cozy BYOB eatery is complemented by a colorful interior and friendly service.

CHARLIE TROTTER’S
Contemporary American
816 W. ARMITAGE AVE.
773.248.6228
The ultimate indulgence in fine food and wine for a fantastic and splendid occasion.

CHARLIE’S ALE HOUSE
Pub
5308 N. CLARK ST.
773.751.0140
Chicago’s third Charlie’s Ale House features an expanded menu with items including a “Big Fat Greek Chicken Salad,” six varieties of flatbread pizzas, and an upgraded wine list offering 20 by-the-glass choices.

CHICAGO CHOP HOUSE
Steakhouse
60 W. ONTARIO ST.
312.787.7100
If you are looking for a taste of Chicago, you will find it here. It’s the perfect place to recover from your day.

COOBAH
Latin
3423 N. SOUTHPORT AVE.
773.528.2220
Inventive dishes from Spain, Cuba, the Philippines, Colombia, and Brazil. Also featuring Coobah’s signature tamales and sauces.

DRAGONFLY MANDARIN
Chinese
832 W. RANDOLPH.
312.787.7600
Spicy flavors and club beats keep the groove going late into the night.

DUNLAYS ON THE SQUARE
American
3137 W. LOGAN BLVD.
773.227.2400
Recently opened by the owners of Dunlays on Clark, this spot just got a face-lift: the tin ceilings and original 1930s bar have been fully restored, and new glass doors lead out to sidewalk tables. Check out the game on TVs behind the bar while noshing on classic grill items such as burgers, gourmet pizza, and maple-cured pork tenderloin.

GIBSONS STEAK HOUSE
American
1028 N. RUSH ST.
312.266.8999
This megapopular restaurant has been described as both clubby and traditional, but there’s no dispute over its appeal to those craving red meat at its best.

GOLDEN BUDHA CHINESE STEAKHOUSE
Chinese/Steakhouse
312 W. RANDOLPH ST.
312.609.0000
A large laughing Buddha statue watches over this traditional Chinese eatery in the Atrium building. The menu features Szechuan, Cantonese, Hunan, and Mandarin dishes, and includes several specialty steak options.

GREEN DOLPHIN STREET
Contemporary American
2200 N. ASHLAND AVE.
773.395.0066
One of the nation’s most distinctive spots for dining and entertainment, with fresh innovations on classically grounded crea- tions. Come jazz it up!

GREEN ZEBRA
Vegetarian
1460 W. CHICAGO AVE.
312.243.7100
This much-anticipated new spot delivers a sleek, intimate space and an almost entirely vegetarian menu.

HARRY CARAY’S
Steakhouse
33 W. KINZIE ST.
312.828.0966
Named for the late Hall of Fame baseball announcer, this steakhouse is one of the most nationally recognized restaurants in the Midwest.

HOT CHOCOLATE
Dessert
1747 N. DAMEN AVE.
773.489.1747
Sample the sweet creations of pastry chef Mindy Segal at this cool, contemporary lounge. The atmosphere is complete with muted colors, wall mirrors, hardwood floors, and sophisticated light fixtures.

HOT DOUG’S INC.
Traditional American
3324 N. CALIFORNIA AVE.
773.348.0326
Bright yellow walls and cheerful, kitschy decor make this popular hot-dog eatery irresistible to sausage aficionados across the state of Illinois.

INDIE CAFÉ
Japanese/Thai
5951 N. BROADWAY ST.
773.561.5577
Japanese and Thai entrées are presented as elegant works of art at this intimate café. Diners in the main room catch a glimpse of the sushi bar where sushi chef Montra Kaenkumjorn creates maki specialty rolls. Try the “santana,” a wild blend of tuna, scallion, tempura, masago, cilantro, jalape–o, cucumber, spicy sauce, lotus, and lime.

JIN JU
Korean
5203 N. CLARK ST.
773.334.6377
If you crave Korean, you’ll get hip food and a cozy scene at Jin Ju.

KAMEHACHI
Japanese
1400 N. WELLS ST.
312.664.3663
Some say it’s the best sushi in Chicago. It’s a great sharing menu!

KARYN’S COOKED
Vegan
738 N. WELLS ST.
312.587.1050
It’s herbivore heaven at this veggie-friendly spot. The menu features a number of cooked vegan options and several raw choices that rotate daily.

KEEFER’S
American
20 W. KINZIE ST.
312.467.9525
Come for comfort food in a sophisticated setting! Floor-to-ceiling windows, a granite and cherrywood bar, and a collection of vintage radios make for a cozy interior.

KITSCH’N RIVER NORTH
Contemporary Diner
600 W. CHICAGO AVE.
312.644.1500
Step back into the ’70s at this retro-themed diner made groovy with lava lamps, shag carpeting, and red formica tables. The extensive brunch, lunch, and dinner menus offer unique variations on rich, conventional comfort foods.

LE COLONIAL
Vietnamese
937 N. RUSH ST.
312.255.0088
Suggestive of French-occupied Saigon in a gorgeous setting with a seductive second-floor bar area, the Vietnamese dinner menu is complemented by an impressive French wine list.

LOVITT
American
1466 N. ASHLAND AVE.
773.252.1466
Lovitt, a BYOB restaurant featuring seasonal American cuisine, has designed a menu that showcases organic produce and offers plenty of variety.

MARRAKECH CUISINE
Moroccan
1413 N. ASHLAND AVE.
773.227.6451
Diners get more than a taste of Morocco at this exotic eatery made complete with a retail shop that sells bazaar items like handcrafted jewelry and decorative hanging lamps. The menu features authentic dishes such as tagines (stews) with lamb, chicken, or beef, and several grilled kebab options.

THE MATCHBOX
Bar/Club
770 N. MILWAUKEE AVE.
312.666.9292
Sit down inside and you could be wedged next to a Bohemian, a yuppie, an artist, a truck driver, an architect, or a public defender.

MEIJI
Sushi
623 W. RANDOLPH ST.
312.887.9999
A semicircular granite and Brazilian steelwood bar brings sleek elegance to this new restaurant, which takes its name from the Japanese Meiji period (1867-1912). Sample a wide variety of sushi, sashimi, and rolls while chatting with the friendly sushi chefs.

MIRAI
Asian
2020 W. DIVISION ST.
773.862.8500
Sip cocktails, eat sushi, and unwind in the futuristic upstairs lounge, where a DJ spins an eclectic mix of drum ‘n’ bass.

MOD
Contemporary American
1520 N. DAMEN AVE.
773.252.1500
Enter into a funky retro setting that is straight out of a comic book—MOD packs a surreal visual punch. The menu offers traditional American fare upgraded with carefully selected high-end organic ingredients.

MYSTIC CELT
Irish pub
3443 N. SOUTHPORT AVE.
773.529.8550
Located in the former Bistro Zinc space, Mystic Celt puts a modern spin on the Irish pub.

NAHA
Contemporary American with Mediterranean Influences
500 N. CLARK ST.
312.321.6242
A world-renowned wine list and foie gras with poached red currants, pineapple quince, green peppercorns, and vinegar jus that tastes as good as it sounds.

NARCISSE
Champagne salon/caviar bar
710 N. CLARK ST.
312.787.2675
This downtown hotspot draws beautiful people with a remarkable champagne collection and four-star meals.

NOMI
French
800 N. MICHIGAN AVE.
312.239.4030
With stunning views from the seventh floor, a beautiful interior, and picture-perfect food, NoMI is the showpiece of the new Park Hyatt on the Magnificent Mile.

ONE SIXTYBLUE
International Fusion
160 N. LOOMIS ST.
312.850.0303
A brilliant infusion of French influence ups the ante at this ultrastylish, contemporary West Loop standout.

OYSY
Japanese
888 S. MICHIGAN AVE.
312.922.1127
Oysy (which means “delicious” ) is a posh restaurant designed by Chicago architect Douglas Garafalo. The creative menu offers 50 varieties of sushi and maki.

PARK GRILL
American
11 N. MICHIGAN AVE.
312.521.7275
The first restaurant in the new Millennium Park is designed to maximize views of the city skyline and the adjoining skating rink (to become outdoor seating in the summer). The menu is broad and diverse and there is also the more casual Park Café, which offers a takeout menu.

PAZZO’S CUCINA ITALIANA
Italian
455 N. CITIFRONT PLAZA, NBC TOWER
312.923.9311
New owners put their personal touch on things—the Italian-themed space has been refreshed with new murals and subtle decor changes.

PHIL & LOU’S
American
1124 W. MADISON ST.
312.455.0070
Upscale comfort food in a cozy comfortable ambiance, in a hot neighborhood.

PLUTON
Contemporary American
873 N. ORLEANS ST.
312.266.1440
The chef’s small plates are beautifully presented for sharing but all too enticing—you’ll want to keep them all to yourself.

P.J. CLARKE’S
American Pub
1204 N. STATE ST.
312.664.1650
Named after the famous Manhattan watering hole, this upscale bistro attracts a more mature clientele than most of its Rush and Division neighbors.

POPS FOR CHAMPAGNE
Lounge
2934 N. SHEFFIELD AVE.
773.472.1000
Upscale but not uptight. Pops has one of the world’s largest selections of champagne and sparkling wine. Complete with a fireplace and dim lighting.

RED GINGER
Pan-Asian
3103 N. NARRAGANSETT AVE.
773.622.5606
Adventurous diners travel the globe at this Belmont Cragin neighborhood restaurant. The menu offers dishes from Japan, China, and Thailand, and includes several Caribbean and Cajun options.

RIVERS
Mediterranean-Influenced American
MERCANTILE BUILDING,
30 S. WACKER DR.
312.559.1515
A rich mahogany wood interior, elegant marble floors, and a spacious bar give this restaurant a sleek, contemporary appeal.

ROSEBUD STEAKHOUSE
Steakhouse
192 E. WALKTON PL.
312.397.1000
This steakhouse is sure to impress. The classy atmosphere—with its plush berry leather booths and wooden décor—is intimate and inviting.

RUSHMORE
Contemporary
1023 W. LAKE ST.
312.421.8845
Lobster pies made with flaky pastry and caramelized onions are accompanied by brick walls, an open kitchen, and high ceilings.

RUSSIAN TEA TIME
Eastern European
77 E. ADAMS ST.
312.360.0000
Fine dining serves up tea too in this Midwestern answer to New York’s legendary Russian Tea Room.

SAL & CARVAO CHURRASCARIA
South American/steakhouse
739 N. CLARK ST.
312.932.1100
Satisfy that red-meat craving at this expansive, multilevel restaurant. The menu offers a prix-fixe all-you-can-eat array of roasted meats, including filet mignon, leg of lamb, and beef ribs.

SCYLLA
Mediterranean/seafood
1952 N. DAMEN AVE.
773.227.2995
Low ceilings, pillowed banquettes, and rich ruby-colored walls make this inviting spot perfect for romantic evenings and leisurely dinners. Linger over coffee and enjoy!

THE SILVER PALM
American
768 N. MILWAUKEE AVE.
312.666.9322
This new restaurant features seating in a rehabbed 1947 railroad dining car. The primarily American menu features dishes with railroad-inspired names.

SOCCA
French/Italian
3301 N. CLARK ST.
773.248.1155
Pasta, pizza, and steak frites abound at this hopping Lakeview restaurant. Two walls of open windows let diners check out the scene on Clark Street, and the open layout and paper-covered tables lend a casual vibe to an upscale dining experience.

SOUK
Mediterranean Fusion
1552 N. MILWAUKEE AVE.
773.227.1818
A fusion of Middle Eastern, North African, and Mediterranean flavors. Souk serves
both spicy foods and fruit flavored tobac-
co pipes.

SUGAR
Dessert Bar
108 W. KINZIE ST.
312.822.9999
A bizarre combination of nightclub and candy shop. The bar’s candy-colored, Willy Wonka-inspired interior is by local designer Suhail, best known for decorating Mod.

SWK
Contemporary American
710 N. WELLS ST.
312.274.9500
Swank atmosphere is complemented by sophisticated, well-executed offerings at this River North nightclub.

TANK SUSHI
Japanese fusion
4514 N. LINCOLN AVE.
773.769.2600
New hip Lincoln Square spot specializing in innovative sushi with a Latin twist.

TANOSHII
Japanese/Sushi
5547 N. CLARK ST.
773.878.6886
Textured green and yellow walls and cloth-covered light fixtures create a cheerful vibe at this laid-back Andersonville sushi joint. Sushi chef Mike Ham offers a number of unique specialty rolls and combination plates, and cooked Japanese fare is also available.

THYME
Contemporary
464 N. HALSTED ST.
312.226.4300
Hip bistro-chic cooking with seating in one of the city’s best gardens.

TIZI MELLOUL
Mediterranean
531 N. WELLS ST.
312.670.4338
A modern, stylish space with a sultry Middle Eastern flair, Tizi Melloul offers Mediterranean cuisine that is flavorful and exotic.

TOMBOY
American
5402 N. CLARK ST.
773.907.0636
Cool! Unusual! Noisy! This unique restaurant serves creative dishes and demands attention.

TOURNESOL
French
4343 N. LINCOLN AVE.
773.477.8820
It means “sunflower” in French. Come to this romantic neighborhood spot.

TRU
American creative
676 N. SAINT CLAIR ST.
312.202.0001
Tru is known for both its impeccable cuisine and stunning sense of style.

WAVE
Mediterranean
644 N. LAKESHORE DR.
312.255.4460
Stylish, serene, and sleek, this hotel hot-spot offers a Mediterranean menu with an abundance of appealing and creative seafood dishes.

WILD HARE
Bar/club
3530 N. CLARK ST.
773.327.4273
This could be the reggae capital of America. Monday through Saturday, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.

WEST TOWN TAVERN
American
1329 W. CHICAGO AVE.
312.666.6175
The neighborhood’s still rough around the edges, but West Town Tavern has sophisticated global fare in a comfortable, casual setting.

WOW BAO
Pan-Asian
835 N. MICHIGAN AVE.
312.642.5888
This carryout-only spot specializes in steamed buns with a wide array of savory fillings.

YOSHI’S CAFÉ
French-Asian
3257 N. HALSTED ST.
773.248.6160
A casual place with food that is absolutely inspired and keeps the locals coming back.