Favorite Loop/Near North/LP/Lakeview Restaurant? (Chicago, Golden: neighborhoods, live in)

[alexm23]

My intention was originally to have a "which restaurant should I go to?" thread, but then I realized that the question would be way too broad and it wouldn't help very much.

I'm thinking of doing a day trip to downtown/north Chicago and want to receive suggestions for places to try some good food. Not too formal, and not too expensive though.

So...what are some of your favorite restaurants in these areas (or all of Chicago)?

EDIT: Just looked through the restaurant threads in the "New to Chicago?" Sticky post. Still curious to hear other suggestions.

[Vlajos]

I like Bonsoiree for something funky, tasty and byo.

[sydbarrett]

Originally Posted by alexm23

but then I realized that the question would be way too broad

Your question still is.

[emathias]

Originally Posted by Vlajos

I like Bonsoiree for something funky, tasty and byo.

It's not in any of the OP's requested neighborhoods, though. And personally, I think it's cute that the chef is stretching but it's not nearly as good as the initial buzz was, which I think is why the buzz has died down.

To the O.P.:

You MUST define your price limits. In the neighborhoods you mentioned, "not too expensive" can mean meals that cost $100 - it really is relative (I live in River North, and I spent $150 on dinner tonight, just me eating at the bar in Graham Elliot's - I don't do that every night, but I wasn't the only individual eating at the bar there and spending in that range). Chicago has 6 of the 20 most expensive restaurants in the U.S., and they're all in the neighborhoods you mentioned. You should probably also specify whether the price you mention needs to include drinks.

And at least try to narrow the possibilities for us a little. Tell us anything you absolutely won't consider, or a style of food you've heard about that you'd like to try. There are hundreds, possibly even thousands, of restaurants in the area you defined, so at least a few criteria would be helpful.

[Jandur]

That's a lot of neighboords with 100s if not 1000s of restaurants. It's hard to pick one. Chilam Balam is a really solid Mexican restaurant in Lakeview (BYOB). Dinotto in Old Town is pretty good Italian, but is such a nice little location. Toro Sushi on Clark in LP is generally considered to be one of the best sushi places in town.

[Vlajos]

The op said anywhere.

[Irishtom29]

Golden Nugget. Not as good as Huck Finn but the best on the North Side.