From the November 2011 issue of HealthCare Business News magazine
Chicago has more than 18,000 restaurants. These are my favorite.
For many, going to RSNA means a chance to treat yourself - or a client - to a nice dinner. Here are some of the best places I've found over the years. Some are well-known, Michelin-starred palaces of fine-dining. Others are neighborhood favorites, cherished by locals. All will give you a great meal.
Greek Isles Greek, big nicely designed rooms, classic Greek fare, professional wait staff, always on top of list for Greektown restaurants.$$
200 S. Halsted. 312- 782-9855
Cocco Pazzo Italian, traditional and contemporary Tuscan in energetic, nicely designed space a favorite of RSNA goers for years. $$$
300 W. Hubbard. 312-836-0900
Piccolo Sogno Neighborhood atmosphere with unusually good food. $$$
464 N. Halsted Street. 312-421-0077
Le Colonial French Vietnamese in a leafy, shuttered colonial atmosphere. Exceptional food and service in a lush setting. Wonderful soups and fish, good variety of dishes. For smaller and mid size groups. $$$
937 N. Rush. 312-255-0088
Cafe Iberico Spanish tapas prepared to perfection. You'd think you were in Spain, vivacious, casual environment which can
accommodate larger groups. $$
737 N. LaSalle Drive. 312-573-1510
Frontera Grill Mexican, upscale and creative cuisine by famous PBS chef Rick Bayless, international reputation. $$$$
455 N. Clark. 312-661-1434
Hatchi's Kitchen Japanese/Sushi. Out of the way, but among best Sushi in Chicago. Contemporary dining room, top notch service. $$$
2521 N. California. 773-276-8080
North Pond Café Renowned for upscale American dishes with interesting French influence, use of local farms. $$$
2610 N. Cannon Drive. 773-477-5845
Reza's Persian, wide variety of Persian Kabobs, fish, lentil soup, dill rice. Well-suited for larger groups. $$
5255 N.Clark Street. 773-561-1898
Tango Sur Argentine Steak House, with variety of succulent steak dishes with real Argentine beef, intimate, convivial environment. $$
3763 N. Southport. 773-477-5466
Gibson's American Steak House, a Chicago power-broker favorite, great food and drinks. Swagger in and out with the big boys. $$$$
1028 N. Rush. 312-266-8999
La Scarola Italian, hole-in-the-wall and always popular. Fresh pasta, risotto to die for, real Italian. For smaller groups. $$
721 West Grand. 312-243-1740
Mia Francesca Italian, favorite among Chicagoans near Wrigley field, know for their pasta and fish, wonderful salads. $$$
3311 N. Clark. 773-281-3310
Adobo Grill Mexican, exceptional cuisine in smartly designed space, next to Second City, possibly world's best guacamole prepared at table. $$$
1610 North Wells Street. 312- 266-7999
Twin Anchors Ribs, perhaps country's best in restaurant/bar setting. Was frequented by Sinatra. $$
1655 North Sedgwick Street 312-266-1616
Kiki's Bistro French, classic fare in relaxed environment. Run by French family with high standards, like a visit to French countryside. $$$
900 N. Franklin Street 312-335-5454
Gene and Georgetti's American Steak House, loved by Chicagoans. $$$$
500 North Franklin Street. 312-527-3718
Salpicon Mexican: Highly Innovative chef, for aficionados, low key, mostly locals. $$$
1252 North Wells Street. 312-988-7811
Tru Contemporary/Fusion/Eclectic, for serious foodies and those who really appreciate creativity. $$$$
767 N. St. Clair 312-202-0001
Texas De Brazil Brazilian Steakhouse,Huge variety of grilled meats, great starter buffet, and woman who fetches wines on trapeze from three story wall. Good for large groups who want to be entertained. $$$$
51 E. Ohio. 312-670-1006
Arun's Thai: Highly Creative, menu changes daily, legendary chef known far and wide for innovation and range of flavors. $$$$
4156 North Kedzie. 773-539-1909
Lao Hunan Chinese, wide range of Hunan dishes a favorite of the Chinese themselves. In Chinatown near McCormick Place, simple setting. $$$
2230 S. Wentworth 312-842-7888
Mon Ami Gabi French Bistro, solid classic bistro in beautiful look out onto lush green Lincoln Park. Steak au Poivre very satisfying. $$$
2300 N. Lincoln Park West. 312-348-8666
Blackbird Contemporary/Regional. Fine dining, part of Chicago restaurants in vanguard of cuisine, chef from celebrated restaurant Alinea. $$$$
690 W. Randolf. 312-715-0708
Boka Contemporary/Regional. Creative, innovative cuisine, chef from world-famous Charlie Trotter's.$$$
1729 N. Halsted. 312-337-6070
Chicago Q Bar-b-que specialty bar-b-que with creative flair. $$$
1160 N. Dearborn. 312-642-1160
L20 Contemporary/Regional/Seafood, in very elegant contemporary setting. Michelin rated and for those serious about food. $$$$$
2300 N. Lincoln Park West. 773-868-0002
Marigold Indian/Pakistani Fusion, a contemporary treatment of classical dishes. Near world class jazz club The Green Mill. $$
4832 N. Broadway. 773-293-4653
RIA Seafood, Global, Fusion, a newer member of the thriving Chicago restaurant scene with young highly inventive chefs. $$$$$
11 E. Walton. 312-880-4400
Russian Tea Time Russian Old World, classic Russian in classic old world setting. Must try classical vegetable platter. $$$$
77 E. Adams. 312-360-0000
Spiaggia Italian. Chicago Reader calls it "Stunning Setting, Stunning Food, Stunning Bill." For those with expense accounts. $$$$
980 N. Michigan Avenue. 312-280-2750
Takashi Contemporary/Region Japanese/Sushi/French in hip/artsy Bucktown location. Wonderful food - loud setting. $$$
1952 N. Damen. 773-772-6170
Getting around: If you need a car service during your stay in Chicago, I highly recommend Moe Zats at Midwest Livery Service, Inc. I have used Moe's service for the past six years and have found even if he's busy, being an old time Chicagoan, he has plenty of connections and can always arrange to have someone pick you up from the airport or after the show to take you to dinner. He can be reached by email at midwest.livery [at] uscellular.blackberry [dot] com or give him a call at (312) 217-0800 and tell him Phil sent you.
