North Shore Chicago Restaurant Reviews

Good Eats Up North

We get it – Chicago has great places to eat. We all grin and bear it when out-of-towners come to visit and rave about Pizzeria Uno and Garrett’s popcorn. And we know – one of the best advantages of living near the City means we can take advantage of a quick trip downtown for a great meal. We say, let the city have the tourists. It keeps the wait at some of our favorite North Shore haunts much, much shorter.

If you’re having a brain burp and can’t think of where to go for dinner tonight, maybe this quick roundup of just a handful of great places will give you an idea or two:

Casual

Looking for a place to go where you won’t get the evil eye for wearing a pair of flip flops and jean shorts? Why not try:

Portillo’s – They’re everywhere, and for good reason. It’s the holy grail of Chicago-area Italian beef. Go for the hot peppers – you won’t regret it. And can we also suggest the chocolate cake?

Yard House – If you’re a beer snob, you don’t want to pass this up. Located in the Glen Town Center in Glenview, the bar alone is home to more than 100 taps, meaning your petty much guaranteed your favorite brew. Let’s not forget the food, either. We’re partial the Chicken Rice Bowl.

Cubby Bear – Can’t miss the big game? You don’t have to here in Lincolnshire, with plasmas plastering the ceilings and small flat screens in just about every booth. Live music on the weekends can inject some serious fun into a date night. Check out the flank steak!

Charlie Beinlich’s – Craving a visit to a dive somewhere waaay up north? Charlie Beinlich’s will leave you feeling like you just walked in from your fishing shanty. A bar’s bar, it serves precious little, meaning the cook in back can pour all his love into the Beinlich’s burger. A Northbrook fave.

That Little Mexican Cafe – Located in Evanston, this was the first place we ate just prior to moving to the North Shore, and it remains a family favorite. The burritos? Ahhhh.... and the margaritas are hands-down best we’ve had.

Bluegrass – A Highland Park haunt, Bluegrass is the place to go if you’re craving a visit to New Orleans, but...you don’t want to go to New Orleans. Try the Bluegrass Martini!

Get a sitter

Do mom and dad need a night to themselves? Try a restaurant where you can hang with some big kids and dress like one, too:

Pete Miller’s – Located in Evanston and Wheeling, this is a chance to kick back and relax in a big comfy booth while noshing on some great steak. Live music keeps the tone upbeat while you’re polishing off some creme brulee.

Flight – While this Glenview establishment has made a name for itself with wine connoisseurs, don’t count them out when it comes to simply stunning meals. You’ll come for a drink and end up staying through dessert.

Ruth Chris’ Steak House – why go downtown when you can get free parking in Northbrook? If you’re looking for a great steak, you’ve met your match.

Metropolitan Cafe – Highland Park has a hidden gem just off the main drag, and it’s worth walking a couple of blocks south. The relaxing yet upscale vibe will make you forget your parental duties, even for just a few hours. Grabbing a lunch? Try the soup with a chicken Caesar salad!

Skip the sitter...

and spend the money on dinner for them, too. There’s a bevy of great restaurants on the North Shore that’ll have the kids forgetting there ever was a place called McDonald’s:

Bob Chinn’s Crab House – On Restaurant Row in Wheeling, this is the best place to go with kids when you want to keep them entertained and have some great seafood at the same time. It’s huge – be prepared to snake through multiple dining areas on the way to your table. and don’t leave without taking the plates for the kids and a jug of mai-tai mix for yourself!

Red Star Tavern – Free food! Free food! Hey – put a sign up that the kids can eat free, and we’re there (it’s on Monday or Tuesday night, we believe.) Located in Glenview and Deerfield, this is a kid favorite in our household, and I like it because I can get my spicy cashew chicken fix.

Mustard’s Last Stand - if the kids are screaming for a dog, but you still want to get some Central St, shopping done, head east in Evanston and swing by Mustard’s Last Stand first. Just outside the football stadium, legend has it visiting teams all make a stop before heading out of town.

Redhots and Fries is another kid-friendly hot dog joint, located in Glenview. Remember that place that made the news for reindeer dogs over the holidays? Yep – this is it.

Michael’s Red Hots – if you just can’t get your fill of processed meat, try a dog in Highland Park at Michael’s. A great diner atmosphere will keep the kids giggling while you can sate the appetite and get back to the business of shopping!

Grab some sunscreen or a sweater

Tapas Barcelona – Sangria on a Saturday night, gentle breezes blowing over your back? Oh yeah...come check out Evanston’s famous tapas restaurant – just get there early for that outdoor seating!

Eggsperience – Who says outdoor dining is just for lunch and dinner? come check out Eggsperience’s newest breakfast and lunch location in Glenview. An egg isn’t sunny-side up until you eat it under the sun!

Yardhouse – One of the premier outdoor hotspots in Glenview. Get there early, early, early for a great spot to people watch while eating. Seriously – it was an hour long wait on an early Wednesday night. Oh, but worth it!