Top Best American Restaurants in Burnham Harbor

"This coffeehouse and restaurant has such stellar options for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner that it’s tempting to spend the whole day at Beatrix. In the morning, order the chia cereal bowl, the light and fluffy lemon pancakes, or opt for something in their tempting pastry case. During dinner, you’ll find plenty of options where vegetables are the star of the show, like the asparagus and pea risotto made with farro or the eggplant steak."

"Located on the Northside in Lincoln Park, Summer House Santa Monica comes from our friends at the ever-growing Lettuce Entertain You Restaurant group. There’s a front patio, but the whole vibe is like you’re outdoors. With whitewashed wood walls, gauzy white curtains, and a huge atrium in the middle open to clouds and sun, there is so much natural light in here, it truly feels like  you are in Santa Monica."

"Sticking with the theme of escaping the cold, another option if you’ve landed in Chicago at the wrong time is to go to Summer House Santa Monica, where the plants and California vibes will make you forget (albeit temporarily) where you are. The glass ceilings provide the perfect amount of lighting for the perfect #nofilter photos."

"American , Bakery/Cafe"

"For the last couple of years, the wait outside Au Cheval in Chicago’s West Loop could last up to three hours. Most waiting were in search of a legendary burger dubbed one of the nation’s best, though their patience would also be rewarded with maybe the best hash browns, larded with duck heart gravy, and mille-feuille, anywhere. To combat the lengthy waits, owner Brendan Sodikoff opened a spinoff, a tiny shack aptly named Small Cheval, which serves only the burger ($9.95 with cheese, $8.95 without), fries, shakes and some choice cocktails."

"The only indication Au Cheval is a diner is the bologna sandwich and root beer float on the menu. The space itself, however, looks more like Hemingway’s favorite watering hole. With dim lighting and dark leather booths, it’s a place well suited for cocktails called Horse’s Neck and Bee’s Knees."

"Revolution Brewing is the largest independently owned brewery in the state|Courtesy of Revolution Brewing. Exposed brick walls, orb lights and rich mahogany wood create a cozy ambiance at Revolution Brewing – the largest independently owned brewery in Illinois. Owner Josh Deth’s first foray into the world of craft brewing came in the mid-1990s with stints working at local breweries."

"Revolution Brewing, a brewery, bar and New American spot in Logan Square, is another high-traffic go-to, with four stars out of 2,102 Yelp reviews. Head over to 2323 N. Milwaukee Ave. (between California and Belden avenues) to see for yourself."

"Revolution Brewing has a 60-barrel facility tour and a taproom. The large local brewery is an innovator in the brewing industry. It is treated as the largest independently-owned brewery in Illinois."

"The gist: Two Michelin-starred husband-and-wife team John Shields and Karen Urie Shields peddle two different dining experiences out of their multi-level West Loop locale, each serving a winning combination of generous hospitality and high-quality ingredients sourced directly from nearby farms.The food: The Loyalist features casual French fare (with a drool-worthy burger and impressive sundae, complete with kombu ice cream and caramel). Big sister Smyth is the spot for upscale eats, offering intricate tasting menus spanning multiple refined courses and loaded with local gems.The cost: Smyth tasting menu $225 with optional wine pairings $125-$335, “Smyth at Home” packages from $125 per person, The Loyalist a la carte sides and appetizers from $5, entrees from $19, cocktails from $11, wine by the glass from $14.How to book: Reserve via Tock (Smyth, The Loyalist) or order take-out and delivery via Tock and Caviar."

"Before the pandemic, the Smyth was poised to improve up on its two-Michelin-star status, as John and Karen Shields had successfully brought the farm to the big city. The tasting menu restaurant combined creativity, skill, and deliciousness. In the basement, the Loyalist is a bar for regulars with one of Chicago’s best burgers."

"This Irish stalwart in prime real estate downtown is where it's at for people in the Loop or walking down Michigan Avenue. Impeccably run with a beautiful design, the Gage is always a massive hit for after-work drinks and great Irish food, and a mix of tourists, professionals, and people taking in downtown attractions."

"Ask anyone for recommendations and they’ll likely already have a list of their favorites locked and loaded. That’s what makes narrowing down the best brunch spots in the city so hard. It’s nearly impossible, but you’ll never go wrong with these classics."

"But I would recommend stopping by here after a long day of shopping for a drink and the crab cake!"

"Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. A post shared by Tyler (@neurhoe_) on Feb 18, 2017 at 2:33pm PST. There is Spring magic in the air!"

"I have been going here for as long as I can remember; it may be my original first favorite restaurant in Chicago. Fun fact, I posted that first picture to my feed back when I started my account back in 2014!. Eataly can only be described as an Italian food mecca… With several different restaurants, markets, wine bars, even a nutella bar, this place is a true destination and SO much fun."

"Description: Nutella® and Eataly are iconic Italian brands that share a common belief in amazing food. The Nutella Bar at Eataly Chicago is unreal. Be sure to try their all-natural gelato served in a crunchy waffle cup."

"Nowhere else can you find the most authentic Italian gelato outside of Italy. Skip the Nutella bar and head straight for Eataly’s gelato this summer."

"Officially known as a “pedestrian pathway system,” the Pedway is actually more of a sprawling underground network of halls, tunnels and corridors that connect different streets in Chicago. You can enter and exit at various points to get back to the world above, but since lots of businesses have set up shop in the Pedway, it’s become a destination in its own right. Stores are available for shopping."

"Under the city streets and spanning more than 40 blocks north to south, Chicago has a vast network of pedestrian tunnels, as an answer the vicious winter weather and to provide easy links between “L” stations. The oldest sections, between State and Dearborn streets date back to before the Second World War. The rest of the network was begun in the 1950s and expanded in the 60s and 70s."

"Celeste is a contemporary, chic lounge, restaurant and bar that echoes the glamorous era of turn-of-the-century Chicago. Beautifully designed interiors, stylish décor, and tranquil lighting combine to create an elegant and refined ambiance while three separate dining spaces offer multi-faceted atmospheres. The bar serves a range of classic and inventive cocktails, wines and craft brews, as well as a selection of refined small bites of sophisticated, seasonal American cuisine."

"Ivy covers the walls and Louis Sullivan tile adorns the floor for an experience that bears a throwback to the Victorian era. You can sip on average-sized libations if you choose, but do your party a favor and order up a massive round of their giant cocktails served in vintage punch bowls."

"With three floors of cocktails, dancing and incredible food, Celeste is one of Chicago’s most fun and romantic destinations. Each of Celeste’s three floors has its own mood and menu. The first floor is full of energy and good music, especially on weekend nights."

"Great service and an excellent environment; Logan square is a nice slice of heaven on earth. The employees and staff are always friendly and attentive, a..."

"The early bird not only gets the worm, it also gets the breakfast deal at Cozy Corner. Stop in between 6 a.m."