I am going to be working in Illinois for the next few months, including October which will be my wife and I's 10th anniversary. Having never spent time in this part of the world I am interest in a place to eat. I have a soft budget if $500 for the both of us.

Hey hey. I just moved to Chicago last month for work. Where will you be working/staying?

About 90 miles south of Chicago in the middle of nowhere.

Womp womp. Haha.

Well. I so far just know by name and reputation the easily googlable ones.

Alinea (so?) and au cheval (best burger in the country they say) to name a couple.

Ditka's.

the girl and the goat was a great dinner. my wife and I loved it.

schmendeler said:

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the girl and the goat was a great dinner. my wife and I loved it.

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I've heard good things about that place. I can't wait to try it.

I did not, however, enjoy the Little Goat Diner across the street. It was very, very bland. Don't go there. Au Cheval is just down the street though and that place is damn good.

https://texags.com/forums/67/topics/2868129

I never see it mentioned in any Chicago threads, but the wife and I both enjoy Bavette's.

http://bavetteschicago.com/

Avec

BSD said:

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schmendeler said:

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the girl and the goat was a great dinner. my wife and I loved it.

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I've heard good things about that place. I can't wait to try it.

I did not, however, enjoy the Little Goat Diner across the street. It was very, very bland. Don't go there. Au Cheval is just down the street though and that place is damn good.

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I agree with this. Was pretty disappointed with Little Goat and wouldn't recommend it.

I've been to girl and the goat twice and hated it both times.

Gibsons, smith and wolenskis, Chicago cut in that order.

Three steakhouses?

The Publican

Mookie said:

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I've been to girl and the goat twice and hated it both times.

Gibsons, smith and wolenskis, Chicago cut in that order.

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Ate at Chicago Cut about a month ago, was very underwhelmed

Is there anything special about the s&w here? Was very underwhelmed with the one in houston

MichaelJ said:

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Is there anything special about the s&w here? Was very underwhelmed with the one in houston

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If you are hitting steakhouses in Chicago I've been to Gibson's and S & W numerous times, it's good, but not better than what you can get in Texas. A place I've wanted to check out for steak is Bavette's Bar and Boeuf, but haven't been there yet, supposed to be solid.

Quartino is basically Italian tapas, good place.

The Purple Pig is worth going to.

That's my thing as well. Texas steakhouses are so damn good. Chicago has so many great restaurants. I prefer not to use one of my meals for steaks when there is so much great and interesting food in that city.

Heard great things about the pig

Blackbird

Boeuf or Chicago Chop House for Steak. Incredible
Au Chaval or 25 Degrees for incredible burgers
Quartino is great Italian small plates. Italian food is a dime a dozen.
Publican, Blackbird, Green st, Purple Pig are all great.
Coal Fire for the best thin crust pizza
Pequods dor the best deep dish
Maude's Liquor Kitchen is my absolute favorite restaurant, classic French
All of Rick Bayless's places are 5 star and legit, Xoco is the only one that isn't next to impossible without reservation.
Bari and D'amotos for the best sausage, meatball, or Italian subs and Sicilian pizza.
Dimo's pizza is the same family and recipes as Antonio's in CS.
Take the train to the ethnic neighborhoods for top notch Greek, Vietnamese bahn mis, etc.
Big & Littles is great and unique.
Anne Sather for breakfast.
Revolution brewery is badass and in a great neighborhood.

Boeuf, Maude's and Au Chaval are all owned by the same group and that's probably the best group in the business in that city

Max Power said:

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A place I've wanted to check out for steak is Bavette's Bar and Boeuf, but haven't been there yet, supposed to be solid.

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I mentioned it a few posts up, and it's fantastic.

****Tango Sur is an absolute hidden diamond in Lakeview****

It's byob and an incredibly romantic restaurant.

Take your wife there for a casual (cheap) date night and you'll have no problem getting extra lucky that night.

Once your done there, head to Kingston Mines for some blues that will jam your socks off (already helping you get undressed) and a few night cap drinks!!!!

You're welcome!!!!!!!!! <33333333333333

I haven't seen it mentioned but every time I'm in Chicago I have to go to Twin Anchors for ribs.

Tango Sur is badass. Their sister restaurant is Folklore on Division in a great neighborhood to go out in. Folklore has a great patio and their beef is top notch

Thanks for all the recommendations.

Isn't the 3 star Michelin restaurant there? Starts with an "A"...

Alinea

Shaw's

Best Old School Italian restaurants are Rosebud their original location off W. Taylor St in Little Italy and La Scarola off W Grand Ave