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AFRICAN

FIE (4 forks)

3911 N. Sheridan Rd.

773-248-6490

The fiery food and exotic trappings at this lavish little West-African restaurant will transport diners to some inconspicuous nook on the periphery of a Ghanian or Nigerian bazaar. Don’t miss the delectable fufu dishes: A combination of yams and plantains, they’re meant to be eaten by hand, and should be pressed into service scooping up the thick, savory stews.

Recommended: Nkate kwan, akara, eko okuko, kaza sabongari, fufu dishes.

Open: Dinner Mon.-Sat.

Entree prices: $10-$16.50

Credit cards: A, DS, DC, M, V

Reservations: Accepted

Noise: Conversation-friendly

AMERICAN CLASSIC

CITY

ATWOOD CAFE **

Hotel Burnham

1 W. Washington St.

312-368-1900.

An ideal drop-in-anytime spot in the heart of the Loop, featuring an unintimidating menu of updated comfort-food classics. The decor is formal enough to be taken seriously, but humorous enough to be comfortable and inviting, and the 18-foot ceilings and large windows let in lots of natural light.

Recommended: Duck and manchego quesadilla, smoked salmon, ahi tuna salad, pot pie, banana-white chocolate bread pudding.

Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun., breakfast and lunch Mon.-Sun.

Entree prices:

$11-$16.50

Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V

Reservations: Strongly recommended

Noise: Conversation-friendly

Other: Wheelchair accessible, valet parking available, formal tea served daily.

CHICAGO FIREHOUSE RESTAURANT **

1401 S. Michigan Ave.

312-786-1401

Built in a converted firehouse (you can still see the fire poles and the gleaming brick tiles in the bar), this South Sider is a model of restraint, from the tasteful decor to chef Charlie Brown’s straightforward American menu. Service is especially very good.

Recommended: Vegetable terrine, wedge salad, New York strip steak, coriander-crusted salmon, strawberry trifle.

Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun., lunch Mon.-Fri.

Entree prices: $15.95-$26.95

Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V

Reservations: Recommended

Noise: Conversation-friendly.

Other: Wheelchair accessible; valet parking available.

MITY NICE GRILL *

Water Tower Place

835 N. Michigan Ave.

312-335-4745

Adjacent to Foodlife, Mity Nice’s warm interior and diner-esque menu beckon us back to a simpler, more considerate time. Yet amid the meatloaf and pot roast are quite a few contemporary dishes, as well as a heartening emphasis on low-fat, low-cholesterol and vegetarian options.

Recommended: Flatbread pizza, crispy calamari, French onion soup, garlic-crusted whitefish, turkey steak, apple pie.

Open: Dinner and lunch Mon.-Sun.

Entree prices: $4.95-$19.95

Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V

Reservations: Recommended

Other: Wheelchair accessible

SUMMER WEST BEEFSTRO (2 forks)

10234 S. Western Ave.

773-239-5060

This is a prime place to meet friends for a beer or take the family for burgers and ribs. Beef dominates the menu, but there also is a selection of seafood and a few Italian items.

Recommended: Jumbo shrimp cocktail, steaks, barbecue ribs, bleu cheese and garlic burger

Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun., lunch Sun.-Fri.

Entree prices: $9.95-$29.95

Credit cards: A, M, V

Reservations: Accepted

Noise: Conversation-challenged

Other: Wheelchair accessible

TWISTED SPOKE (4 forks)

501 N. Ogden Ave.

312-666-1500

Small-town diner fare meets biker-bar ambience here. Everything is made from scratch, so meals can take some time to arrive; the delicious food (in gargantuan portions) is well worth the wait. Service is attentive and friendly.

Recommended: Onion rings, Fatboys (hamburgers), Alber-to’s jumbo burrito.

Open: Dinner, lunch Mon.-Sun.

Entree prices: $6.95-$8.95

Credit cards: A, M, V

Reservations: Not accepted

WILDFIRE **

159 W. Erie St.

312-787-9000

270 Oakbrook Center Mall, Oak Brook

630-586-9000

235 Parkway Dr., Lincolnshire

847-279-7900

A very simple, very effective concept in which nearly everything on the menu is cooked over wood – including the fire-roasted prime rib, the restaurant’s specialty. Focal point of the dining room is a triple hearth with roaring fires visible from every seat.

Recommended: Various steaks, prime rib, barbecued ribs.

Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun.

Entree prices: $12-$25.99

Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V

Reservations: Recommended

Noise: Conversation-friendly

Other: Wheelchair accessible; valet parking available.

NORTH

ASPEN GRILLE (3 forks)

250 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire

847-634-0700

This American restaurant looks like a deluxe ski lodge from the outside and a little bit on the inside, too, given the wide-open interior. The menu accommodates a broad range of tastes and budgets.

Recommended: Grilled salmon, mud pie.

Open: Dinner, lunch Mon.-Sun.

Entree prices: $11.95-$23.95

Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V

Reservations: Accepted

Other: Wheelchair accessible

BRASSERIE T ***

305 s. Happy Rd., Northfield

847-446-0444

Owners Rick Tramonto and Gale Gand offer snippets of tradition – the demibaguettes with mustard, the daily featured entree, dishes such as escargots and steamed mussels – but overall this is an American brasserie, embracing foods such as pizzas, pastas, Caesar salad and a signature burger.

Recommended: Calf liver, grilled pork chop, root beer float.

Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun., lunch Mon.-Sat.

Entree prices: $6.95-$24.95

Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V

Reservations: Strongly recommended

Noise: Conversation-challenged

Other: Wheelchair accessible

THE STUDIO (3 forks)

8717 N. Lincoln Ave.,

Morton Grove

847-965-1962

This former speakeasy is now home to a restaurant whose Art Deco decor and classic menu exude a sophisticated feel.

Recommended: Butt steak, Key lime pie.

Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun.

Entree prices: $11.50-$24

Credit cards: DS, M, V

Reservations: Accepted

Other: Wheelchair accessible

WEST

COUNTRY HOUSE (3 forks)

2095 S. Kirk Rd., Geneva

630-208-8181

These west-suburban establishments (there are locations in Countryside and Lisle as well) have a reputation for quality pub fare. And it’s a well-deserved reputation, given the outstanding burgers here. A full half-pound of sirloin, the burger seems best served on dark rye, topped with cheese, tomato, leaf lettuce and perhaps grilled or raw onion.

Recommended: Burgers, spinach salad, broiled salmon on herb focaccia.

Open: Dinner and lunch Mon.-Sun., brunch Sunday.

Entree prices: $5.95-$16.50

Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V

Reservations: For parties of eight or more.

Other: Carryout available

DELL RHEA’S CHICKEN BASKET (3 forks)

645 Joliet Rd., Willowbrook

630-325-0780

Dell Rhea’s has been around since the 1940s, and its staying power is deserved. The menu has not only the terrific all-American fare that has made the place a Willowbrook institution, but also more contemporary dishes.

Recommended: Whitefish spread, fried chicken, roast turkey.

Open: Dinner and lunch Mon.-Sun.

Entree prices: $6-$16

Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V

Noise: Conversation-friendly

Reservations: Accepted for 5 or more.

Other: Wheelchair accessible; carryout available.

GLEN ELLYN BREWING CO. (2 forks)

433 Main St., Glen Ellyn

630-942-1140

This microbrewery goes way beyond basic pub grub with an ambitious hit-and-miss menu. Beers are well-crafted.

Recommended: Roasted-garlic-and-Beer-Nut-goat-cheese appetizer, steak salad.

Open: Dinner and lunch Mon.-Sun.

Entree prices: $6.95-$22.95

Credit cards: A, M, V

Reservations: Accepted

Noise: Conversation-friendly

J. ALEXANDER’S (4 forks)

1410 16th St., Oak Brook

630-573-8180

A chain that breaks the chain mold, this American concept impresses from its attentive service to its far-beyond-ordinary food.

Recommended: House salad, grilled salmon, lime chicken, Very Best chocolate cake.

Open: Dinner and lunch Mon.-Sun.

Entree prices: $9.95-$26.95

Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V

Reservations: Not accepted

Other: Wheelchair accessible

ZANDER’S CAFE (4 forks)

2241 Maple Ave.,

Downers Grove

630-435-9520

Zander’s Cafe creates homestyle dishes that go way beyond the usual definition of homestyle. And there’s no scrimping on ingredients or portions.

Recommended: Chicken Vienna, whitefish with artichoke hearts, roasted vegetable quesadillas, bananas foster.

Open: Dinner Tues.-Sat., lunch Mon.-Sat.

Entree prices: $5.95-$12

Credit cards: A, M, V

Reservations: Not accepted

Noise: Conversation-friendly

Other: Wheelchair accessible; carryout; catering.

NORTHWEST

HAYSTACKS MANOR

(4 forks)

5603 Bull Valley Rd., McHenry

815-344-7919

Though it sounds like a place to go for chuckwagon food, Haystacks Manor is all relaxed elegance inside. Food is pricey, but the skilled kitchen justifies the expense.

Recommended: Shrimp de jonghe, wild-mushroom lasagna, N.Y. strip steak.

Open: Dinner Tues.-Sat., lunch Tues.-Fri.

Entree prices: $14.75-$24

Credit cards: A, M, V

Reservations: Recommended

Other: Wheelchair accessible

THE MILK PAIL (3 forks)

14 N 630 Ill. Hwy. 25,

East Dundee

847-742-5040

Part of the 30-acre Fin `n’ Feather Farm, with its shops, miniature golf, gardens and more, the Milk Pail retains its simple charm.

Recommended: Filet mignon.

Open: Dinner Tues.-Sun., lunch Tues.-Sat., brunch Sun.

Entree prices: $9.95-$19.95

Credit cards: A, DS, M, V

Reservations: Recommended

Other: Wheelchair accessible

ZWEIG’S RESTAURANT

(2 forks)

228 N. McHenry Rd., Buffalo Grove

847-541-3354

Zweig’s has been a tradition since 1918, at its original location on Chicago’s West Side; now (after stops in Skokie and Niles) it resides in the northwest suburbs. The restaurant has as many identities as it has homes; it’s a combination restaurant, delicatessen, bakery and ice-cream fountain. But its strong suit is deli dining.

Recommended: Matzo-ball soup, Reuben sandwich, carrot cake.

Open: Dinner, lunch and breakfast Mon.-Sun.

Entree prices: $4.95-$10.95

Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V

Reservations: Accepted for parties of 6 or more.

Other: Wheelchair accessible.

SOUTH

CHEF KLAUS’ STEAK & SEAFOOD CAFE (3 forks)

679 LaGrange Rd., Frankfort

815-469-0940

What appears to be a nondescript storefront is a delightful restaurant with a variety and commitment to quality worthy of special-occasion status.

Recommended: Crab cakes, mahi-mahi, grilled ahi tuna.

Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun., lunch Mon.-Sat.

Entree prices: $12.50-$23.50

Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V

RESERVATIONS: Accepted

Other: Wheelchair accessible

DUNLAP’S (2 forks)

6513 W. 123rd St., Palos Heights

708-388-5335

A supper-club atmosphere with homestyle food and value pricing.

Recommended: Portobello mushrooms with artichoke hearts, pan-fried chicken, broiled salmon, fruit pies.

Open: Dinner Tues.-Sun., lunch Tues.-Fri.

Entree prices: $13.50-$22.50

Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V

Reservations: Recommended

HOBKNOBS IN THE PARK (3 forks)

8101 W. 123rd St., Palos Park

708-923-1218

A pretty, glittering restaurant that features interesting twists on American standbys. One unusual feature is the supervised children’s play room.

Recommended: Crab cakes, brie en croute, chicken breast Wellington, Lucille parfait.

Open: Dinner Tues.-Sun., lunch Tues.-Fri.

Entree prices: $13.95-$23.95

Credit cards: A, CB, DC, DS, M, V

Reservations: Recommended

Other: Wheelchair accessible

HOUSE OF HUGHES (2 forks)

14300 S. Cicero Ave.,

Crestwood

708-389-4636

Traditional American food is the mainstay of this spacious south suburban restaurant.

Recommended: Baked shrimp, barbecued ribs, orange roughy, strawberry shortcake.

Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun., lunch Mon.-Fri., breakfast Sat.-Sun.

Entree prices: $14.95-$22.95

Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V

Reservations: Recommended

Other: Wheelchair accessible

KEN’S GUEST HOUSE (2 forks)

9848 Southwest Hwy., Oak Lawn

708-422-4014

An unpretentious family eatery with a massive wine list (more than 220 vintages) and a wide-ranging American menu.

Recommended: Oysters Rockefeller, New Orleans crab cakes, fried catfish, N.Y. strip steak.

Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun., lunch Mon.-Fri.

Entree prices: $11.95-$21.95

Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V

Reservations: Recommended on weekends.

PUBLIC LANDING (2 forks)

200 W. 8th St., Lockport

815-838-6500

This sister property to the elegant Tallgrass sits in a landmark building along the I&M Canal. Decor is appropriately folksy, strewn with quilts and tapestries, but though the menu includes a wonderful cornbread, the kitchen veers occasionally from tradition.

Recommended: Blackened chicken spring roll, grilled mahi-mahi, devil’s food cake.

Open: Dinner Tues.-Sun., lunch Tues.-Fri.

Entree prices: $12.95-$34.95

Credit Cards: M, V

Reservations: Recommended

Noise: Conversation-friendly

Other: Wheelchair accessible

SURMA’S RESTAURANT

(2 forks)

17501 S. Dixie Hwy., Homewood

708-798-0327

For more than 50 years, south suburbanites have flocked to this unassuming restaurant for value-priced homestyle food.

Recommended: Onion loaf, prime rib, lake perch, cherry pie.

Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun., lunch Mon.-Fri., brunch Sun.

Entree prices: $7.95-$19.95

Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V

Reservations: Recommended

Other: Wheelchair accessible

THE WILD BOAR (2 forks)

14240 Southwest Highway

Orland Park

708-226-0418

The North Woods meets the south suburbs in this somewhat surreal hunting lodge-style restaurant where the menu always features at least three game dishes, along with steaks and pastas.

Recommended: Wilddish of portobellos, prime rib au jus, chocolate suicide cake.

Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun.

Entree prices: $9.95-$25.95

Credit cards: A, M, V

Reservations: Not accepted

Noise: Conversation-challenged

Other: Wheelchair accessible; carryout; children’s menu; valet parking.

WHITNEY’S BAR & GRILLE (2 forks)

9333 S. Cicero Ave., Oak Lawn

708-229-8888

The fine-dining room of the Oak Lawn Hilton is known for its casually romantic decor and widely varied entrees.

Recommended: Blackened ribeye, Black Forest cake.

Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun., lunch Mon.-Sat., brunch Sun.

Entree prices: $13.95-$29.95

Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V

Reservations: Recommended on weekends.

Other: Wheelchair accessible

AMERICAN CONTEMPORARY

CITY

BIN 36 ***

339 N. Dearborn St.

312-755-9463

Dan Sachs (Spruce) has another hit on his hands with this wine-centric restaurant, which manages to cater to serious and neophyte imbibers alike. The restaurant contains a retail shop, wine bar, casual eatery and a fine-dining room featuring inventive food by chef Bernard Laskowski, whose five-course menu is a terrific option.

Recommended: Gnocchi with mushroom ragout, butternut-squash soup, striped bass, veal paillard, triple chocolate surprise.

Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun., lunch Mon.-Sun., breakfast (coffee bar and pastries) Mon.-Sun.

Entree prices $14-$25

Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V

Reservations: Recommended

Noise: Conversation-friendly

Other: Wheelchair accessible; valet parking available.

BLACKBIRD ***

619 W. Randolph St.

312-715-0708

A tres hot spot along the Randolph Street restaurant corridor, Paul Kahan’s contemporary American cuisine relies on pristine produce and simple, prettily presented preparations though “simple” doesn’t do justice to the depth of Kahan’s food.

Recommended: Ahi tuna tartare, fish soup, venison, cocoa crepe.

Open: Dinner Mon.-Sat., lunch Mon.-Fri.

Entree prices: $14-$26

Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V

Reservations: Strongly recommended

Noise: Conversation-challenged

Other: Wheelchair accessible; valet parking available; smoking in bar area only.

BRETT’S *

2011 W. Roscoe St.

773-248-0999

An eminently civilized Roscoe Village charmer. Decor is not fancy, but it’s warm and appealing: Soft lighting, moderate-volume classical music, wonderful bread at the table this is a nice place to hang out, especially off-weekend. Creative American cooking, solid desserts.

Open: Dinner Wed.-Sun., brunch Sat.-Sun.

Entree prices $9-$19

Credit cards: A, DC, M, V

Reservations:

Recommended on weekends

Noise: Conversation-friendly

Other: Wheelchair accessible

CHARLIE TROTTER’S ****

816 W. Armitage Ave.

773-248-6228

A fine-dining masterpiece that enjoys a national reputation, Charlie Trotter’s is one of the city’s treasures. Chef Trotter, winner of the James Beard Foundation’s 1999 Outstanding Chef Award, is as experimental as they come, creating extraordinarily complex dishes whose range of tastes and textures can be mind-boggling even to sophisticated palates. The printed menu lists only degustation dinners, consisting of seven to 12 courses in petit portions, designed to expose patrons to the widest range of tastes. Trotter’s all-vegetable degustation, in particular, is a singular and revelatory experience. The sophisticated yet very friendly service is top-notch. The expansive wine list, though pricey, offers excellent values.

Open: Dinner Tue.-Sat.

Entree prices: Vegetable menu, $100; Grand menu, $110

Credit cards: A, DC, M, V

Reservations: Required

Noise: Hushed

Other: Wheelchair accessible (entrance ramp on east side of building); jacket required; no smoking in dining room; valet parking available.

D’VINE **

1950 W. North Ave.

773-235-5700

Griffith Finch, sous chef under Don Yamauchi at the late Gordon, runs the kitchen of this wine-focused Bucktown spot, producing interesting food that is somewhat Gordonesque, though at lower prices. Low-lit tables and softmusic contribute to a seductive atmosphere, only slightly undermined by the clamor from nearby tables.

Recommended: Calamari steak, squab breast with risotto, cider-glazed lamb shank, sea scallops in curry cream.

Open: Dinner Mon.-Sat.

Entree prices: $15-$23

Credit cards: A, DS, M, V.

Reservations: Recommended

Noise: Conversation-challenged

Other: Valet parking available.

ENA (3 forks)

2920 N. Clark St.

773-871-8846

Dramatic in appearance and striking in culinary scope, chef-owner Marshall Ziehm’s restaurant (named after his great-grandmother) is an exceptional find. For a small (14-table) place, Ena’s wine list also shows particular depth.

Recommended: Tartlet of Black Angus filet and wild mushroom hash with gorgonzola, grilled New Zealand venison, grilled Pacific ono.

Open: Dinner Tues.-Sat.

Entree prices: $11-$16

Credit cards: A, DS, M, V

Reservations: Recommended

Noise: Conversation-friendly

Other: Carryout

FAHRENHEIT **

695 N. Milwaukee Ave.

312-733-7400

With its Miami-cool pastel hues, soaring walls and nightclubby feel, Fahrenheit has plenty of sizzle. Backing up the style is substance from chef Patrick Concannon, whose French-accented American menu is boldly flavored.

Recommended: Coriander sea scallops, lamb carpaccio, swordfish steak, venison, polenta cake.

Open: Dinner Tue.-Sun.

Entree prices $12-$29

Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V

Reservations: Recommended

Noise: Conversation-

challenged

Other: Wheelchair accessible; no smoking in dining room; valet parking available.

FEAST **

1835 W. North Ave.

773-235-6361

The former Eat Your Hearts Out (and sister to Confusion) has morphed into a likeable

neighborhood spot with vaguely Middle Eastern decor and a globe-trotting menu that includes several veggie-friendly dishes. A beatiful atrium space in back is one of the city’s best summertime dining environments.

Recommended: Tuna wonton napoleon, wild striped bass, wild-mushroom stroganoff

Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun., lunch Mon.-Sat., brunch Sat.-Sun.

Entree prices: $12.50-$18.50

Credit cards: A, DC, M, V

Reservations: Recommended

Noise: Conversation-friendly

Other: Valet parking available.

GREEN DOLPHIN STREET ***

2200 N. Ashland Ave.

773-395-0066

Unquestionably the best place in the city to enjoy fine dining and high-grade entertainment, albeit not simultaneously.

The dining room (and, weather permitting, the sheltered riverfront patio) offers globally inspired but classically grounded dishes by chef Rick Gresh; the adjacent lounge is a spacious, sensual environment with live music (no cover for dinner guests).

Recommended: Seared scallops, asparagus-mushroom risotto, oyster-stuffed tenderloin, horseradish-glazed tuna, strawberry-chevre tart.

Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun.

Entree prices: $16.50-$28

Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V

Reservations: Strongly recommended

NOISE: Conversation-friendly

Other: Valet parking available; wheelchair accessible.