Chicago Restaurant Tips by Etoile2B

Restaurant Name: Magnolia Cafe

Who knew such a wonderful restaurant would pop up in this neighborhood. It caught my eye on a drive and we couldn't resist. And thank god! What a meal. The ambience is warm and inviting. The service is wonderful. And the food is out of this world. What a gem! Magnolia Café us a great and welcome addition to the neighborhood. Definitely my favorite restaurant in the city!

Favorite Dish: The menu changes often so it keeps me coming back again and again. I have yet to have a bad meal here. I am forever impressed with the food, service and the eclectic wine list.

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Theme: Other
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Phone: 773-728-8785
Address: 1224 W Wilson Ave
Directions: From downtown on the "El" - Take the Red Line North toward Howard to the Wilson stop. Walk West on Wilson. It's about 3 blocks West of Broadway on the North side of the street.

Restaurant Name: Cafe 28

What a wonderful way to spend an evening! This is one of my favorite restaurants in the city! After hearing raves about this place I had to try it myself and I am hooked. The flavors are exceptional. This hip place fills up fast but it's well worth the wait. I have yet to be disappointed by the cuisine. And the service is great. The waiter remembered us months after the first time we dined with him. Definitely on the top of my list of favorite places to eat. Rumor has it the brunch is great, too.

*Update 05/04* They expanded about a year ago and this has cut down on the wait time considerably. The service is not quite what it used to be. It's on the slow side - but what is lacks in service it makes up for in cuisine tenfold. Don't let the mediocre service scare you off. The food is still exceptional and so worth the wait!

Favorite Dish: The cuisine is Cuban-Mexican infusion. Everything is amazing. I have not had a bad meal here yet! You have to try the Papas Rellenas appetizer. Trust me. My favorite old standby has to be either the Cuban Style Chicken or the Blackened Duck. The first time I ate there I tried the Cuban Style Chicken. It was one of the most amazing things I have ever tasted!! The sauce is a burst of flavor on your tongue. It's an incredible dining experience.

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Theme: Other
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Phone: 773-528-2883
Address: 1800 W Irving Park (at the corner of Ravenswood)
Directions: From downtown on the EL: Take the Brown Line North toward Kimball. Exit Irving Park. Make a left out of the station and it's right there on the corner.
Website: http://www.cafe28.com/

Restaurant Name: MK

MK used to be my favorite restaurant in Chicago, hands down. Unfortunately the last time we ate here we were disappointed. I would still recommend MK to people, because we have had great dining experiences here. I am trying not to let one bad one ruin it. We are planning to give it another try next week - so hopefully it will regain the top spot in my mind. But it's difficult, when you're spending so much money on one meal, to look past a bad experience. When it's good, it's extremely good. The service is great. It has a wonderful wine list and the food is delicious. But the last time we dined there (in April of 2002) the waiter was incredibly rude and unattentive. Before we were seated we waited for a half hour before the cocktail waitress even noticed us. And the loungs wasn't busy. The fish was old and one of the appetizers didn't arrive until after the entrees had been served. This is unacceptable at a restaurant of this caliber. I hope that they have their act together again. I'll update this after our meal.

Favorite Dish: When it's good, it's very, very good! Try the tuna. And you MUST try the pomme frites! It's a definite must when you visit MK.

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Theme: American
Comparison: most expensive
Prices: US$31-40  » Currency Converter
Phone: 312-482-9179
Address: 868 N Franklin (between Oak and Chicago)
Directions: By "El" take the Brown Line to the Chicago exit. Walk North on Franklin.
Website: http://www.mkchicago.com/

Restaurant Name: Four Farthings

I have never even been to Four Farthings yet, but after the experience I have just had I don't believe I ever will. I called them to make reservations to one of their wine tastings and was told that they were close to full, but not quite. The host took my name and number and told me that he would call me right back. Two days later I still had not heard from them so I decided to follow-up. The host informed me that I would have to talk to the owner and, again, took my name and number and told me that he would call me right back. Again, another two days passed with no word. So I called again. This time I got the owner directly only to discover that it was completely booked (no surprise) and that not only was my reservation not on the books, I wasn't even on the waiting list. He, of course apologized, and said, "This kind of thing never happens" but I beg to differ. I worked in the industry for a long time and in different capacities and I find this situation unacceptable. If a restaurant is striving for good, friendly service I think it is imperative to have an attentive staff who takes care of the customers. I am not angry that I was unable to get a reservation - that happens. What bothers me is the lack of consideration shown to me as a patron. Simply for this, I will not be visiting this establishment anytime soon. I expect good service all around, and unfortunately, Four Farthings has not proven this is something they can provide.


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Theme: Pub/Brewery

Restaurant Name: Frontera Grill and Topolobampo

Fantastic Mexican food in the Magnificent Mile area. You need reservations for Topolobampo (which is known for unique, upscale Mexican). Frontera is their less expensive "Cantina" and they don't take reservations so plan to wait. Owner, Rick Bayless, takes the staff of Topolobampo to Mexico every Summer to learn more about the cuisine and work on his new menus, which are constantly changing. The staff is well versed in the culture and menu and happy to help if you can't make up your mind!

Favorite Dish: The menu changes occasionally so you can always try something new. They also feature an extensive tequila menu, so go ahead and order that second margarita!

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Theme: Mexican
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$31-40  » Currency Converter
Phone: (312) 661-1434
Address: 445 N Clark St
Directions: River North
Website: http://www.fronterakitchens.com/restaurants/

Restaurant Name: Rosebud on Rush

Great old-world Italian joint with big portions. It's always busy so you'll need reservations. It's got a dark, vintage Chicago feel. The bar is below street level. The service is good, but the tables are close together and it is loud and crowded. Come hungry.

Favorite Dish: It's your typical Italian menu. The portions are huge and the wine list is large.

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Theme: Italian
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Phone: (312) 266-6444
Address: 720 N Rush St
Website: http://www.rosebudrestaurants.com/rosebudrush.htm

Restaurant Name: Coco Pazzo

A great, upscale Italian place. You'll feel like you're in a little Tuscan villa when you step into the restaurant. The waitstaff is friendly and knowledgeable without being overbearing. The Tuscan-style food is always delicious.

Favorite Dish: I've never had a bad meal here. I recommend ordering a bottle of wine and trying it all.

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Theme: Italian
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$31-40  » Currency Converter
Phone: (888) 628-7597
Address: 300 W Hubbard St
Directions: River North, corner of Hubbard and Franklin

Restaurant Name: Heaven on Seven

Cajun food and Great drinks! This is such a fun place. You'll feel like you're in New Orleans. Jimmy Bannos' flagship restaurant became so popular in Chicago circles that he had to open four of them. The Michigan Avenue location is probably the most popular, but the one in Wrigleyville is easy access before or after a Cubs game. (The original on Wabash is only open for lunch.) They celebrate Mardi Gras all year long - but really step it up the entire month before the New Orleans event. The walls are also lined with bottles of hot sauces from around the globe. If you bring in a bottle they don't have they'll add it to their collection and give you a free T-shirt. Try to stump them, I dare you!

Favorite Dish: Have a Hurricane or a Green Apple Martini handy if you're brave enough to try the "Hot as a Mutha". I recommend only the appetizer portion on this one because "hot" doesn't even come close to describing it! Their cheese grits are to die for - so rich and creamy. If you're in the mood for something a little lighter you can't go wrong with one of their Po' Boy snadwiches.

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Theme: Other
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Phone: (312) 280-7774
Address: 600 N Michigan Ave
Directions: Original: 111 N. Wabash Avenue, 7th floor (312) 263-6443

Wrigleyville: 3478 N. Clark Street (773) 477-7818

Naperville: 224 S. Main (630) 717-0777
Website: http://www.heavenonseven.com/

Restaurant Name: Shabu-ya Restaurant

The art of Japanese Shabu Shabu style dining is practiced here. It's an unique, healthy and tasty dining experience and one of the only Shabu Shabu restaurants in the US. You're seated around a low bar with a pot of boiling water set in between every other dining station. You have the option of ordering veggies, seafood, beef or a combo. They bring the food raw and you cook it yourself in the pot of water - sounds a little strange but very tasty! They also have sushi appetizers.


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Theme: Japanese/Sushi
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: (773) 388-9203
Address: 3475 N Clark St
Website: http://www.shabu-ya.com/

Restaurant Name: Wildfire

This trendy, upscale steak house is a part of the Lettuce Entertain you family. But don't let that scare you off. When you step into this dark, oak panelled dining room you're bound to feel a bit nostalgic for the days of the Rat Pack. Personally I don't eat red meat, but my fellow diners raved about the steaks. I opted for some fish, which was equally appetizing. The portions are huge. We took half it home. So come hungry. And make reservations because this joint fills up fast and the waits are long. We had to swim through a crowd of hungry folks on our way out the door.


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Theme: Steakhouse
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$31-40  » Currency Converter
Phone: (312) 787-9000
Address: 159 W Erie
Website: http://www.leye.com/restaurants/rest_home.jsp?id=22