Time out! Restaurant Guide
This list summarizes recent restaurant reviews. To recommend a restaurant to be reviewed, email food@dailyherald.com.
AMERICAN (NEW)
Ad-Lib Geocafe, 475 S. Route 45, Lindenhurst, (847) 245-7328, adlibgeocafe.com. Chef Rick Starr has perfected farm-to-fork fine dining at this intimate, casual eatery. Entrees: $18-$36. Hours: 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 5 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday; closed Monday and Tuesday. (Reviewed 5-30-14) — Jennifer Billock
Milwalky Trace, 603 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville, (847) 530-7172, milwalkytrace.com. The space is modern and casual, and the cuisine is globally influenced where sharing is encouraged at this bright new spot in downtown Libertyville. Chef Lee Kuebler's tuna tartare stands out, as do the pre-Prohibition-era cocktails. Entrees: $8 to $40. Hours: 5 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday; 5 p.m. to midnight Thursday through Saturday; closed Monday. (Reviewed 8-22-14) — J.B.
Niche, 14 S. Third St., Geneva, (630) 262-1000, nichegeneva.com. There's not a bad bite on chef Chris Ayukawa's tightly woven and well-executed menu of seasonal American dishes splashed with global accents. His pork belly with shrimp appetizer is an ample starter, and fish and steaks do well in his hands. Make Niche your go-to spot for dinner with friends, a special date, or burgers and craft cocktails after work. Entrees: $25 to $32; small plates $6 to $13. Hours: 5:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; late-night menu from 9 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. (Best of 2014. Reviewed 8-29-14) — Deborah Pankey
Vistro, 112 S. Washington St., Hinsdale, (630) 537-1459, vistrorestaurant.com. The latest venture from Michelin-starred, James Beard Award-nominated chef Paul Virant (Vie, Perennial Virant) is a comfortable, approachable and family-friendly joint. Hyperseasonal, locally sourced ingredients skip the name-checking in favor of simple, satisfying and familiar preparations. Get the house Armenian string cheese, any of the seasonal salads and the fish 'n' chips with sweet, corn-stippled mayo for dipping. End with the seasonal soft serve, which can be customized with umpteen toppings. Affordable house wines and house sodas are other draws. Entrees: $12 to $27. Hours: 5 to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. (Best of 2014. Reviewed 11-14-14) — Jennifer Olvera
AMERICAN (TRADITIONAL)
Granite City Food & Brewery, 1828 Abriter Court, Naperville, (630) 544-3700, www.gcfb.net. Eclectic pub fare as well as brews crafted on-site share top billing at this spaciously rustic eatery. Entrees can get a bit pricey; the barbecue meatloaf is wonderful and reasonably priced. Entrees: $9.95 to $36.95. Hours: 11 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday; 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday (brunch served until 2 p.m.). Coming soon to Schaumburg. (Reviewed 2-6-15) — J.O.
Grove Kitchen, 795 W. Dundee Road, Palatine, (847) 705-4910, grove-kitchen.com. American bistro faves like andouille sausage-flecked macaroni and cheese and a roasted turkey Rueben stand out at this contemporary, family-friendly eatery across from Deer Grove Forest Preserve. Rumor has it breakfast here is pretty good, too. Entrees: $14 to $18. Hours: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. (Reviewed 1-16-15) — D.P.
Nobel House, 305 W. State St., Geneva, (630) 402-0452, nobelhouse.com. Dave Cilio and Jason Levin have hit on the right formula for restaurant success: equal parts smoked meats, specialty sandwiches, local brews and a casual, comfortable atmosphere. Executive chef Marshall McCarty's creative menu boasts an adult mac-and-cheese entree served with lobster and a vegetarian “cauliflower steak.” Entrees: $9-$18. Hours: 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday; 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Wednesday; 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday. (Reviewed 1-30-15) — Thomas Witom
The Patten House, 124 S. Second St., Geneva, (630) 970-6900 or find it on Facebook.com. Chef Kevin Gillespie's crabcakes and grits appetizer and his garlic cheddar biscuits (served with every entree) are reasons enough to visit this New Orleans-inspired eatery. There's something for every appetite and budget at this new spot set in a restored home in Geneva's historic downtown district. Entrees: $19-$30; small plates: $8-$14; sandwiches: $9-$13. Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. (Reviewed 9-12-14) — T.W.
Pizzeria DeVille, 404 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville, (847) 367-4992 (36-PIZZA), pizzeriadeville.com. Wood-fired pizza isn't the only thing on the menu at this downtown spot, though we do like the eclectic pies — especially the one with brussels sprouts and pancetta. Equally impressive are the salads, bruschetta and meatballs. Entrees: $11-$18. Winter hours: 4 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 4 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday; closed Monday. (Reviewed 2-20-15) — J.B.
Sweet Berry Café, 720 N. McLean Blvd., South Elgin, (224) 238-3057, sweetberrycafe.net. Breakfast and lunch fare are expertly crafted at this warm, charming, family-friendly spot. You'd be remiss in not trying the eggs Benedict and pomegranate mimosa. Entrees: $5-$14. Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. (Best of 2014) — T.W.
ASIAN
Hayashi Japanese Restaurant, 6641 Grand Ave., Gurnee, (847) 856-0270. You'll find a mix of hot and cold appetizers, sushi dinners and cooked entrees, combination plates and bento boxes and fish-free foods for all to enjoy at this intimate, ethnic eatery. Entrees: $12 to $25; rolls: $4 to $14. Hours: Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday; dinner 5 to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 4:30 to 9 p.m. Sunday. (Reviewed 2-21-14) — J.B.
Liu Brothers Asian Bistro, 1554 E. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 797-5155, facebook.com/liubrothersbistro. It may not be the most Zen of settings, but the contemporary Chinese-leaning cuisine dished out by brothers David and Kevin Liu is well-conceived and well-crafted. Crab rangoon and crispy ducks are must-haves. Entrees: $7-$15. Hours: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; noon to 9 p.m. Sunday. (Reviewed 10-3-14) — T.W.
SakeZake, 1227 N. Route 83, Grayslake, (847) 223-5052, sakezakesushi.com. Dark signage makes it a bit tough to find this place, but once you do you'll be welcomed into an uncluttered and casual space with high-quality sushi and well-crafted entrees. Entrees: $11 to $45. Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4:30 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4:30 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday; closed Monday. (Reviewed 1-23-15) — J.B.
Seasons of Japan, 700 N. Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills, (224) 206-8633, seasonsofjapan.com. Sushi rolls and Japanese-cooked favorites like chicken yakisoba and teriyaki ahi tuna are served fast-casual style in this minimalist shopping center eatery. Entrees: $6 to $10. Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sunday. (Reviewed 9-19-14) — J.B.
Zenwich, 416 N. York St., Elmhurst, (630) 359-5234, eatmyzenwich.com. This is not your run-of-the-mill sandwich spot. Walk into this tiny strip mall space (there can't be seats for more than 12 people) and be prepared to experience lunchtime nirvana. The Asian-leaning sandwiches boast bold flavors and lively textures that will keep your belly happy. All the sandwiches are also available as lettuce wraps, and the side slaws and herb-infused toffee should not be overlooked. Sandwiches: $7.50 to $8. Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday; 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday. (Reviewed 8-1-14) — D.P.
BARBECUE
Park West Restaurant & Smokehouse, 10 E. Roosevelt Road, Villa Park, (630) 530-4600, parkwestsmokehouse.com. High-quality Texas barbecue from Chicago 'cue chef Ted Gianopoulos of Park Ribs teams up with Omega Restaurant group's classic Chicago/Greek diner food at this casual, family-friendly spot. The signature saucy ribs are astounding, if you can get them before they run out of this popular item. Entrees: $8.75-$18.95. Hours: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. (Reviewed 1-2-15) — Martin Cusack
Real Urban Barbecue, 1260 S. Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills, (847) 613-1227, www.realurbanbbq.com. Saucy Southern-style 'cue and traditional sides attract barbecue faithful to this casual, counter-service shack. The meats are the stars of the show here: pulled pork is smoked 12 hours for fall-apart perfection; brisket goes for 14 hours. Entrees: $6 to $19. Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. (Reviewed 10-17-14) — J.B.
Rock 'n Ribs BBQ, 463 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich, (847) 847-1690, rocknribsbbqlz.com. Award-winning barbecue is the star of the show at this music-focused spot tucked into the Village Square Shopping Center. Racks of ribs are available in three sizes. Save room for the pecan pie. Entrees: $7 to $25. Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; noon to 8 p.m. Saturday; noon to 7 p.m. Sunday. (Reviewed 9-5-14) — T.W.
ITALIAN
Chef Vince's Zeal, 680 Mall Drive, Schaumburg, (847) 995-0188, chefvinceszeal.com. Popular chef Vince Pecora has turned up in Schaumburg at this nicely appointed yet casual space where he shows off his Italian-leaning fare, like his signature sausage and broccoli-stuffed ravioli and raisin-studded braciole. Sharing plates encouraged. Entrees: $8-$38. Hours: 11 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday. (Best of 2014) — D.P.
Elio Pizza On Fire, 445 W. Lake St., Addison, (630) 628-0088, eliopizzaonfire.com. The Sicilian-style, wood-fired artisan pizzas steal the show at this comfortable conversation- and family-friendly spot tucked into a tiny strip mall. You'd be remiss not to try the Elio Supreme loaded with fresh mozzarella, spicy prosciutto, Swiss cheese, fresh cherry tomatoes and slices of red onion. The sandwiches and salads hold their own. Sandwiches and salads: $5.25 to $10.25; pizzas $9.75 to $15.25. Hours: 3 to 10 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 4 to 9 p.m. Sundays. (Best of 2014) — Martin Cusack
Gaetano's Batavia, 15 E. Wilson St., Batavia. (630) 406-3009, gaetanosbatavia.com. Authentic seasonal Italian fare finely executed by award-winning chef Gaetano Di Benedetto is a welcome addition to Batavia's revamped downtown. The space is tight and contemporary with Old World charm. Entrees: $19 to $36. Hours: 5 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 4:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday. (Best of 2014) — Susan Stark
Vitorio's, 504 Crescent Blvd., Glen Ellyn, (630) 469-4745, vitorios.net. If you don't mind Frank Sinatra tunes you'll have no quibbles with this warm, cozy, casual spot for southern Italian and Sicilian dishes in downtown Glen Ellyn. The portions are generous. You can't go wrong with the sausage and meatball rigatoni. Entrees: $17 to $28 (10 percent off your bill when paying with cash). Hours: 4 to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday (bar open until 1 a.m.); closed Sundays. (Reviewed 11-7-14) — M.C.
MEXICAN
Barbakoa, 1341 Butterfield Road, Downers Grove, (630) 852-2333, barbakoa.com. Chef Dudley Nieto has combined his creative cuisine with Jerry Kleiner's riotously colorful design to bring a modern Latin eatery to the Western suburbs. Tacos, guac and offbeat margaritas are unbeatable and worth the drive. Entrees: $12-$65. Hours: 11:30 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday; 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. (Best of 2014) — J.O.
Casa Real, 569 E. Roosevelt Road, Lombard, (630) 560-5757, theoriginalcasareal.com. Classic Mexican comes with a side of flair at this classy hacienda-style eatery with iron and stone accents. The pollo con mole is a bit hit, as is the table-side guacamole service. Entrees: $15 to $18. Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday; 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. (Reviewed 1-9-15) — T.W.
El Jardin, 500 Ela Road, Lake Zurich, (847) 847-1081, eljardin-norte-lakezurich.com/. You'll find all your favorites from the popular Wrigleyville spot at this casual suburban outpost. There's carne asade, tortilla soup and some of the best churros around. And, of course, margaritas and a tequila bar. Entrees: $10-$24. Hours: 4 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 4 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. (Reviewed 11-28-14) — J.B.
POLISH
Qulinarnia, 1730 Golf Road, Mount Prospect, (847) 981-0480, qulinarnia.com. Forget about beige boiled cabbage and bland pierogies. Qulinarnia serves modern Polish cuisine with an accent on seasonal, local ingredients. You'll be blown away by the herring in oil appetizer and the breaded pork chops with horseradish mashed potatoes. Entrees: $13.99 to $24.99. Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; noon to 8 p.m. Sunday. (Reviewed 8-8-14) — Izidora Angel
SPANISH
El Tapeo, 2100 Spring Road, Oak Brook, (630) 828-2044, eltapeorestaurant.com. There's nothing traditional about this dramatic tapas spot nine floors up at the luxe Le Meridien Chicago hotel. Little twists to shareable plates (like marcona almonds tucked into dates and an ethereal butternut squash bisque) make dinner and generous pours of sangria memorable. Small plates: $5 to $35; entrees: $26 to $48. Hours: 5 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; bar (with limited menu) open until 1 a.m. Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday. (Reviewed 12-19-14) — D.P.
STEAKHOUSE
Devon Seafood Grill, 17W400 22nd St., Oakbrook Terrace, (630) 516-0180, devonseafood.com. Seafood may get top billing, but the steaks hold their own at this sleek, bustling eatery. The raw bar alone is worth the trip, and the pretzel-crusted tilapia swathed in bacon-mustard vinaigrette with frisee and herb-roasted potatoes shines. Entrees: $19.50 to $38. Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday; 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday; 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday. (Reviewed 8-15-14) — J.O.
Ditka's, 2000 W. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights, (847) 496-3800, ditkasrestaurants.com. Steaks, chops and seafood rule the menu at this clubby, but not overly so, eatery in the shadow of Arlington International Racecourse. It's a tight race for MVP between the perfectly prepared prime rib (available weekends only) and the ultra moist and tender bone-in pork chop. Dinner entrees: $17.95 to $42.95. Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday; and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. (Reviewed 11-21-14) — D.P.
Grillhouse by David Burke, 1301 American Lane, Schaumburg, (847) 517-1600, dbgrillhouse.com. Celebrity chef David Burke, who made his mark on the New York City restaurant scene, brings his high-quality, dry-aged steaks and farm-to-table focused American fare to the suburbs. While meat is the focus, his signature cake pops are a must-try dessert. The space is contemporary and swanky without overwhelming. Entrees: $14 to $51. Hours: Dinner: 5 to 10 p.m. daily; lunch: 11:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. (Best of 2014) — S.S.
Top Table, 1 W. Illinois St., St. Charles, (630) 945-3740, toptable.com. Seasoned chef Josef Yurisich is the culinary master behind this smart new restaurant along the Fox River. Thai shrimp, from-scratch dressing and slow-roasted prime rib is just a sample of the great things his kitchen turns out. Entrees: $18 to $50. Hours: 5 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday; brunch/lunch 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. (Best of 2014) — T.W.
Walker's Charhouse, 8 W. Gartner Road, Naperville. (630) 637-9688, walkerscharhouse.net. A couple of local guys have taken over this favorite Naperville spot, and while they're not reinventing the wheel, they are serving up classic and modern takes on steakhouse favorites with a heaping side of casual charm. Rib-eye and lamb chops are customer favorites. Entrees: $11 to $39. Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. (Reviewed 10-10-14) — J.O.