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a real taste for garlic
April is national garlic month and Chicago is a great place to taste it in different cuisines. Dao (230 E. Ohio, 312.337.0000, pictured top left) is a good place for authentic Thai. Their Kai Kra–Tiem (pepper and garlic chicken) is sure to please garlic lovers. Vora (1028 N. Clark, 312.929.2035), a recently opened Gold Coast Asian-fusion establishment is another place to try. This contemporary hot spot serves a number of Japanese and Taiwanese dishes certain to tickle your garlic taste buds. For a classic, Italian meal, The Village in Italian Village Restaurants (71 W. Monroe, 312.332.7005, picture bottom left) is an excellent choice. Italian Village Restaurants have three separate eateries featuring a number of garlic dishes. No matter what cuisine you prefer, there is something garlicky to stimulate everyone’s tastes...
american
AMERICAN JUNKIE
Two-level stocked bar and grill boasts an large menu, drink list, and retractable roof. Sun.–Fri. 4:30pm–2am. Sat. 4:30pm–3am. $$. 15 W. Illinois, 312.239.0995, americanjunkiechi.com (I–30)
ARTIST’S CAFÉ
Located in the Fine Arts building, the Artist’s Café has been a favorite among artists around the globe since 1961. Serving up a mix of American and ethnic cuisine, including Greek, Sicilian, and French dishes, guests will find a cool, diner vibe with a great selection of spirits. Sun.–Mon., 7am–9pm; Tue.–Sat., 7am–11pm. All major cards. $$. 412 S. Michigan, 312.939.7855. New location in the South Loop: 1150 S. Wabash, 312.583.9942. artists-cafe.com (J-38)
CASTLE CRAFT PUB & EATERY
Housed inside of former Excalibur and Vision nightclubs, first-floor pub serves a wide variety of high-quality shareable dishes, small plates and microbrews. All major cards. Sun.–Fri., 4pm–4am; Sat., 4pm–5am. 632 N. Dearborn, 312.266.1944. (H-29)
DAVE & BUSTERS
There is tons of big kid fun to be had at this Gold Coast arcade. Besides boasting a large selection of simulators, video games, and billiards and shuffleboards, Dave and Busters scores high with a full-service kitchen serving tasty American fare with a twist. Sun., Wed.–Thurs., 11:30am–11pm; Mon–Tues., 4pm–11pm; Fri.–Sat., 11:30am–2am. 1030 N. Clark, 312.943.5151. daveandbusters.com (I-26)
ED DEBEVIC’S
Shake, rattle, and roll at this 1950s-style diner that serves American classics such as burgers and milkshakes from a witty cast of characters that serve and entertain. Ed’s serves breakfast on weekends. Mon.–Thu., 11am–9pm; Fri., 11am–11pm; Sat., 9am–11pm; Sun., 9am–9pm. All major cards. $$. 640 N. Wells, 312.664.1707. eddebevics.com (H-29)
GOOSE ISLAND BREWPUB
Chicago’s original craft brewer offers locally sourced lunch and dinner items, including charcuterie, duck Reuben sandwiches, and its legendary Stilton burger. Sunday brunch also served. Also offering innovative, small-batch specialty ales only found at their pubs. Open daily at 11am and serving late. All major cards. $. Free parking at 1800 N. Clybourn, 312.915.0071. Second location near the Addison Red Line: 3535 N. Clark in Wrigleyville, 773.832.9040. gooseisland.com (D-19) (D-4)
THE GRILLROOM CHOPHOUSE & WINEBAR
With a warm ambiance, this urban chophouse and wine bar is a great destination for power lunches, business meetings, or intimate dinners. Enjoy prime steaks, fresh seafood, pasta, salads, and more. Mon., 11am–9 pm; Tue.–Fri., 11am–10pm; Sat., 5–10pm. All major cards. $$. 33 W. Monroe, 312.960.0000. restaurants-america.com (I-36)
HARD ROCK CAFE
This legendary institution boasts the largest collection of rock ’n’ roll memorabilia and serves up the best in American cuisine, including juicy burgers, tasty barbecue, sandwiches, pasta, and steaks in a friendly, high-energy atmosphere. Food served Mon.–Thu., 11am–12am; Fri.–Sat., 11am–1am; Sun., 11am–11pm. All major cards. $$. 63 W. Ontario, 312.943.2252. hardrock.com (H-29)
JOHN BARLEYCORN
A classic Chicago sports bar and restaurant, Barleycorn serves specialty, half-pound burgers, salads, sandwiches, and more. Hours vary by location. All major cards. $$. 149 W. Kinzie, 773.348.8899; 658 W. Belden, 773.348.8899; 3524 N. Clark, 773.348.8899; 1100 American Ln. in Schaumburg, 847.619.5540. johnbarleycorn.com (H-31) (E-15) (D-4) (Suburban)
LLOYD’S CHICAGO
American cuisine served in a Frank Lloyd Wright–inspired atmosphere, Lloyd’s, just steps from the Lyric Opera and Cadillac Palace Theatre, specializes in upscale business lunches, cocktails, and pre-theater dinners. Mon.–Fri., 11:30am–8:30pm. Sat. on opera nights, 5–7pm. All major cards. $$$. 1 S. Wacker, 312.407.6900. lloydschicago.com (G-35)
LOCAL ROOT CAFÉ
Right between Michigan Ave. and Navy Pier, this café serves delicious, organic, and sustainable salads and sandwiches for lunch; poutines, flatbreads, and mussels for dinner, and a full breakfast and brunch menu. Full bar, including local small-batch liquors. Tue.–Sun., 6am–11pm. $$. 601 N. McClurg, 312.643.1145. localrootchicago.com (L-29)
MIDTOWN KITCHEN + BAR
Right in the Loop, Midtown Kitchen + Bar specializes in contemporary American fare, serving an array of mouthwatering burgers and sandwiches surrounded by warm mahogany and oversized light fixtures. The bar offers a large selection of wine, craft beer, and specialty cocktails. Mon.–Fri., 11am–10pm. All major cards. $$. 203 N. LaSalle, 312.379.5086. midtownbarchicago.com (H-33)
ONE NORTH KITCHEN & BAR
Ideal for business meetings, intimate dinners, and pre- or post-opera performance cocktails, One North Kitchen & Bar serves American cuisine with French and Italian influences. Mahogany and slate flooring and deep leather booths add to the urban atmosphere. Mon.–Fri., 11am–9pm. All major cards. $$ 1 N. Wacker, 312.750.9700. restaurants-america.com (G-35)
PARK TAVERN
Serving delicious food, including dishes such as Animal Tots (tater tots with pulled pork, cheese curds, fried egg, and gravy), and craft beer, poured from your own table tap. Near the United Center. All major cards. $$. 1645 W. Jackson, 312.243.4276; Second location at 5433 Park Place in Rosemont, 847.349.5151. parktavernrosemont.com (West of D-37) (Suburban)
PRIMEBAR
Order contemporary American food, from garden fresh salads and two-handed sandwiches to signature specialties such as Three Floyds beer-battered fish and chips. Recycled wood and salvaged lighting create a unique atmosphere in which to enjoy a local microbrew. Mon.–Fri., 11am–11pm. All major cards. $$. 155 N. Wacker, 312.884.0000. primebarchicago.com (G-34)
RAINFOREST CAFÉ
Dine under a tropical jungle canopy featuring cuisine inspired by the flavors of Mexico, the Caribbean, and Asia. Kid-friendly menu available. Mon.–Thu., 11am–9:30pm; Fri., 11am–10:30pm; Sat., 11am–11pm; Sun., 11am–9pm. All major cards. $$. 605 N. Clark, 312.787.1501. rainforestcafe.com (H-29)
RUDY’S BAR & GRILLE
Owned by pizza mastermind Rudy Malnati Jr. (also owner of nearby Pizano’s), this burger place features fresh-cut fries and mouthwatering chargrilled burgers. Open daily, 11am–2am. All major cards. $. 69 E. Madison, 312.332.8111. rudysbarandgrillechicago.com (J-35)
TAVERN AT THE PARK
Just across from Millennium Park, Tavern at the Park offers a French-infused American menu. Try Tavern classics such as the Millennium Burger, a steak burger topped with duck confit, fois gras, dijon aioli, and Emmental cheese on a pretzel bun. Mon.–Thu., 11am–10pm; Fri., 11am–10:30pm; Sat., 12pm–10:30pm. All major cards. $$$$. 130 E. Randolph, 312.552.0070. tavernatthepark.com (J-33)
TOWNHOUSE KITCHEN + BAR
Featuring wood-paneled walls and floor-to-ceiling windows, this restaurant and wine bar provides an elegant yet casual feel. Townhouse's menu offers a large selection of small plates, sandwiches, salads, and entrees to suit any taste. Mon.–Fri., 11am–9pm. All major cards. $$. 111 S. Wacker, 312.948.8240. restaurants-america.com (G-36)
WEBER GRILL RESTAURANT
Dine on award-winning KettleBurgers, grill-fired pizzas, wood-smoked barbecue, thick juicy Black Angus steaks, and seafood, all grilled to perfection on authentic Weber kettles. Sun.–Thu., 6:30am–11pm; Fri.–Sat., 6:30am–12am. All major cards. $$$. 539 N. State, 312.467.9696. webergrillrestaurant.com (I-30)
WEST EGG CAFE
Everything from eggs Benedict and taco salad to rotisserie chicken grace the menu of this cozy café. Tasty, heart-healthy dishes also available. Mon.–Fri. 6:30am–3pm; Sat.–Sun., 7am–3pm. All major cards. $. 620 N. Fairbanks, 312.280.8366. (K-29)
Two-level stocked bar and grill boasts an large menu, drink list, and retractable roof. Sun.–Fri. 4:30pm–2am. Sat. 4:30pm–3am. $$. 15 W. Illinois, 312.239.0995, americanjunkiechi.com (I–30)
ARTIST’S CAFÉ
Located in the Fine Arts building, the Artist’s Café has been a favorite among artists around the globe since 1961. Serving up a mix of American and ethnic cuisine, including Greek, Sicilian, and French dishes, guests will find a cool, diner vibe with a great selection of spirits. Sun.–Mon., 7am–9pm; Tue.–Sat., 7am–11pm. All major cards. $$. 412 S. Michigan, 312.939.7855. New location in the South Loop: 1150 S. Wabash, 312.583.9942. artists-cafe.com (J-38)
CASTLE CRAFT PUB & EATERY
Housed inside of former Excalibur and Vision nightclubs, first-floor pub serves a wide variety of high-quality shareable dishes, small plates and microbrews. All major cards. Sun.–Fri., 4pm–4am; Sat., 4pm–5am. 632 N. Dearborn, 312.266.1944. (H-29)
DAVE & BUSTERS
There is tons of big kid fun to be had at this Gold Coast arcade. Besides boasting a large selection of simulators, video games, and billiards and shuffleboards, Dave and Busters scores high with a full-service kitchen serving tasty American fare with a twist. Sun., Wed.–Thurs., 11:30am–11pm; Mon–Tues., 4pm–11pm; Fri.–Sat., 11:30am–2am. 1030 N. Clark, 312.943.5151. daveandbusters.com (I-26)
ED DEBEVIC’S
Shake, rattle, and roll at this 1950s-style diner that serves American classics such as burgers and milkshakes from a witty cast of characters that serve and entertain. Ed’s serves breakfast on weekends. Mon.–Thu., 11am–9pm; Fri., 11am–11pm; Sat., 9am–11pm; Sun., 9am–9pm. All major cards. $$. 640 N. Wells, 312.664.1707. eddebevics.com (H-29)
GOOSE ISLAND BREWPUB
Chicago’s original craft brewer offers locally sourced lunch and dinner items, including charcuterie, duck Reuben sandwiches, and its legendary Stilton burger. Sunday brunch also served. Also offering innovative, small-batch specialty ales only found at their pubs. Open daily at 11am and serving late. All major cards. $. Free parking at 1800 N. Clybourn, 312.915.0071. Second location near the Addison Red Line: 3535 N. Clark in Wrigleyville, 773.832.9040. gooseisland.com (D-19) (D-4)
THE GRILLROOM CHOPHOUSE & WINEBAR
With a warm ambiance, this urban chophouse and wine bar is a great destination for power lunches, business meetings, or intimate dinners. Enjoy prime steaks, fresh seafood, pasta, salads, and more. Mon., 11am–9 pm; Tue.–Fri., 11am–10pm; Sat., 5–10pm. All major cards. $$. 33 W. Monroe, 312.960.0000. restaurants-america.com (I-36)
HARD ROCK CAFE
This legendary institution boasts the largest collection of rock ’n’ roll memorabilia and serves up the best in American cuisine, including juicy burgers, tasty barbecue, sandwiches, pasta, and steaks in a friendly, high-energy atmosphere. Food served Mon.–Thu., 11am–12am; Fri.–Sat., 11am–1am; Sun., 11am–11pm. All major cards. $$. 63 W. Ontario, 312.943.2252. hardrock.com (H-29)
JOHN BARLEYCORN
A classic Chicago sports bar and restaurant, Barleycorn serves specialty, half-pound burgers, salads, sandwiches, and more. Hours vary by location. All major cards. $$. 149 W. Kinzie, 773.348.8899; 658 W. Belden, 773.348.8899; 3524 N. Clark, 773.348.8899; 1100 American Ln. in Schaumburg, 847.619.5540. johnbarleycorn.com (H-31) (E-15) (D-4) (Suburban)
LLOYD’S CHICAGO
American cuisine served in a Frank Lloyd Wright–inspired atmosphere, Lloyd’s, just steps from the Lyric Opera and Cadillac Palace Theatre, specializes in upscale business lunches, cocktails, and pre-theater dinners. Mon.–Fri., 11:30am–8:30pm. Sat. on opera nights, 5–7pm. All major cards. $$$. 1 S. Wacker, 312.407.6900. lloydschicago.com (G-35)
LOCAL ROOT CAFÉ
Right between Michigan Ave. and Navy Pier, this café serves delicious, organic, and sustainable salads and sandwiches for lunch; poutines, flatbreads, and mussels for dinner, and a full breakfast and brunch menu. Full bar, including local small-batch liquors. Tue.–Sun., 6am–11pm. $$. 601 N. McClurg, 312.643.1145. localrootchicago.com (L-29)
MIDTOWN KITCHEN + BAR
Right in the Loop, Midtown Kitchen + Bar specializes in contemporary American fare, serving an array of mouthwatering burgers and sandwiches surrounded by warm mahogany and oversized light fixtures. The bar offers a large selection of wine, craft beer, and specialty cocktails. Mon.–Fri., 11am–10pm. All major cards. $$. 203 N. LaSalle, 312.379.5086. midtownbarchicago.com (H-33)
ONE NORTH KITCHEN & BAR
Ideal for business meetings, intimate dinners, and pre- or post-opera performance cocktails, One North Kitchen & Bar serves American cuisine with French and Italian influences. Mahogany and slate flooring and deep leather booths add to the urban atmosphere. Mon.–Fri., 11am–9pm. All major cards. $$ 1 N. Wacker, 312.750.9700. restaurants-america.com (G-35)
PARK TAVERN
Serving delicious food, including dishes such as Animal Tots (tater tots with pulled pork, cheese curds, fried egg, and gravy), and craft beer, poured from your own table tap. Near the United Center. All major cards. $$. 1645 W. Jackson, 312.243.4276; Second location at 5433 Park Place in Rosemont, 847.349.5151. parktavernrosemont.com (West of D-37) (Suburban)
PRIMEBAR
Order contemporary American food, from garden fresh salads and two-handed sandwiches to signature specialties such as Three Floyds beer-battered fish and chips. Recycled wood and salvaged lighting create a unique atmosphere in which to enjoy a local microbrew. Mon.–Fri., 11am–11pm. All major cards. $$. 155 N. Wacker, 312.884.0000. primebarchicago.com (G-34)
RAINFOREST CAFÉ
Dine under a tropical jungle canopy featuring cuisine inspired by the flavors of Mexico, the Caribbean, and Asia. Kid-friendly menu available. Mon.–Thu., 11am–9:30pm; Fri., 11am–10:30pm; Sat., 11am–11pm; Sun., 11am–9pm. All major cards. $$. 605 N. Clark, 312.787.1501. rainforestcafe.com (H-29)
RUDY’S BAR & GRILLE
Owned by pizza mastermind Rudy Malnati Jr. (also owner of nearby Pizano’s), this burger place features fresh-cut fries and mouthwatering chargrilled burgers. Open daily, 11am–2am. All major cards. $. 69 E. Madison, 312.332.8111. rudysbarandgrillechicago.com (J-35)
TAVERN AT THE PARK
Just across from Millennium Park, Tavern at the Park offers a French-infused American menu. Try Tavern classics such as the Millennium Burger, a steak burger topped with duck confit, fois gras, dijon aioli, and Emmental cheese on a pretzel bun. Mon.–Thu., 11am–10pm; Fri., 11am–10:30pm; Sat., 12pm–10:30pm. All major cards. $$$$. 130 E. Randolph, 312.552.0070. tavernatthepark.com (J-33)
TOWNHOUSE KITCHEN + BAR
Featuring wood-paneled walls and floor-to-ceiling windows, this restaurant and wine bar provides an elegant yet casual feel. Townhouse's menu offers a large selection of small plates, sandwiches, salads, and entrees to suit any taste. Mon.–Fri., 11am–9pm. All major cards. $$. 111 S. Wacker, 312.948.8240. restaurants-america.com (G-36)
WEBER GRILL RESTAURANT
Dine on award-winning KettleBurgers, grill-fired pizzas, wood-smoked barbecue, thick juicy Black Angus steaks, and seafood, all grilled to perfection on authentic Weber kettles. Sun.–Thu., 6:30am–11pm; Fri.–Sat., 6:30am–12am. All major cards. $$$. 539 N. State, 312.467.9696. webergrillrestaurant.com (I-30)
WEST EGG CAFE
Everything from eggs Benedict and taco salad to rotisserie chicken grace the menu of this cozy café. Tasty, heart-healthy dishes also available. Mon.–Fri. 6:30am–3pm; Sat.–Sun., 7am–3pm. All major cards. $. 620 N. Fairbanks, 312.280.8366. (K-29)
