Top Best American Restaurants in Elmwood Park

"West Loop, Streeterville, River NorthHealthy-ish eats when you want to be (kind of) goodThis health-forward mini-chain packs a menu full of flavor and vegetarian-friendly entrees. Favorites include the kung pao cauliflower and vegan tomato basil Soup, plus entrees like the rigatoni with vegetable bolognese. Stop by for brunch to try quinoa cakes with poached eggs or green chili enchiladas and be sure to save room for a trip to the pastry bar where you’ll find plenty of indulgent cakes, cookies, and muffins."

"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."

"The avocado toast is one veggie highlight at Beatrix|© Jeff Marini. Now with three locations, Beatrix continues to serve the Chicago community with vegetable-centric fare. Whether you come for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner, there’s always something for non-meat eaters."

"A post shared by Summer House Santa Monica (@summerhousesm) on Dec 6, 2018 at 11:55am PST. It’s easy to forget the frigid temperatures when you’re inside Summer House Santa Monica, a California-inspired restaurant in Lincoln Park. Each day comes with an assortment of holiday cookies, from reindeer to mittens."

"I’ll admit, the decor of this place is what initially sucked me in – but I kept going back because off their Breakfast Tostadas. I’ve tried a few other things there, but nothing beats those tostadas!. Crunchy and a little spicy and a yolk that spills everywhere?"

"Description: Summer House Santa Monica will transport you to the warmth of California. Try the Avocado Toast with perfectly poached eggs & house made bread!. Location: 1954 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614"

"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."

"If you tell someone you’re coming to Chicago, they’ll probably tell you to go to Au Cheval in the West Loop - whether or not they live here. And they’ll be right. This place has the best burger in Chicago (maybe even the best in the entire country)."

"Known as the restaurant with one of the best burgers in the state, Au Cheval also serves dessert, so save room."

"Craft beer has gained a cult of appreciators worldwide, so make sure you sample the delights of Chicago's craft beer scene yourself at the city's multitude of small, independent breweries. Located in Logan Square, Revolution Brewery is one of our favourite venues. A brewpub like no other you’ll find a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with mouth-watering charcuterie boards and around 20 great-tasting beers on tap."

"In 2017, they became the 40th largest craft brewery and 50th largest overall brewery in the United States. They distribute beer all over the Midwest. In addition to IPAs and seasonal brews, Revolution is home to Straight Jacket — a part of the Deep Woods beer series — which won the bronze award for wood or barrel-aged strong beer at the Great American Beer Festival."

"Earning two Michelin stars in less than two years, the combo tasting menu restaurant (Smyth) and downstairs tavern (The Loyalist) make up a fever dream for which Chicagoans want no cure. Executive Chef John B. Shields, a veteran of Charlie Trotter's and Alinea, and his Executive Pastry Chef wife, Karen Urie Shields (TRU and Charlie Trotters) have created some genuine magic with their seasonally driven multi-course menus at Smyth. This is the place where farm-to-table really lives as the couple sources directly from The Farm, located an hour south of Chicago, that grows ingredients exclusively for the restaurant."

"For more than three decades, this Chatham beacon has earned its place in the community. A popular stop for the Aretha Franklin, Josephine’s Southern Cooking is known for soul food staples like gumbo, fried catfish, and pork chop. But Franklin isn’t the restaurant’s most esteemed celebrity."

"High up there on the other end of the Chicago spectrum, Old Irving resides just east of Portage Park and offers plenty of beers for all kinds of hops lovers. Favorites include the Being Ernest, a Hemingway-inspired Belgian tripel made in collaboration with Forbidden Fruit, Marz, Maplewood, and Off Color, and ‘Til Death, a Pilsner worthy of wedding bells. It’s homey and delightful and a perfect hideaway spot."

"Bars Breweries Portage Park. While you're munching on shishito peppers and charcuterie, the kids will be tucking into crispy chicken tenders, a cheeseburger or buttered noodles at this Irving Park brewery. All kids' meals are just $8 and include a drink and your choice of fries or fresh fruit."

"Indoor seating is available at Old Irving, stop by and grab a burger and brew,  or snag a growler to-go!. Place an order for pick-up."

"Source: Photo by Flickr user Adam Jones used under CC BY-SA 2.0. Situated on the 95th floor of the Hancock Building, Brunch at The Signature Room is a class act. Not only does the venue afford stupendous views and live piano music, but the food is out-of-this-world."

"Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by The Signature Room at the 95th (@signatureroom95) on Nov 10, 2018 at 8:39am PST"

"While a full-priced meal can get pretty costly, the view of the skyline running along the lakeshore is worth at least an appetizer and a drink to see."

"This funky corner spot delivers dishes that are fast, filling and affordably priced. They’ve been featured on the Food Network favorite Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives and their well-lit interior and overstuffed menu means you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for in the best restaurants in Chicago. BIG & Littles | 1310 N."

"Must-Try: Japanese Beef Taco ($3.29) or Soft Shell Crab Po Boy ($7.99). The flavors are BIG and the prices are little at BIG and Little’s. This hole-in-the-wall turned multi-location across Chicago knows how to serve up tacos, burgers, po’boys, and sandwiches."

"Beyond Burgers & Fried Fish, this quick-serve spot was featured on Diners, Drive-ins & Dives & Chicago's Best along with multiply other TV appearances.Order Online for Pickup or Delivery @ bigandlittleschicago.com"

"Ask any vegetarian or vegan in the city of their top restaurant choices and it’s likely Chicago Diner will be one of the first names on their lips. Whilst a motto boasts that The Chicago Diner has been “Meat free since ’83” its reputation is such that The Chicago Diner is loved by meat-eaters and vegans all over the city. A large menu offers anything ranging from pancakes to black bean veggie burgers but it’s what they can do with seitan and tofu that will really blow your mind, and your taste buds."

"Meat free since ‘83” is the slogan at this venerable vegan diner. For 35 years, guests with dietary restrictions have been able to indulge in creative versions of burgers, wings, country fried steak, gyros, and more. In addition, vegan milkshakes and desserts are also available as well as gluten-free options."

"While not completely vegan (completely vegetarian though), the Chicago Diner has a ton of great comfort food options and they have a great brunch selection. Try the milkshakes, they’re vegan!. Location:3411 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657"

"Ongoing weekend programs at the museum include workshops for kids to learn about identifying rocks and minerals or learning how to make jewelry. Collections include gemstones, fossils and an ornate castle. Online activities include virtual jewelry classes and rock identification classes."

"The Arts Club of Chicago is an art museum with public exhibitions and private tours. The club's first floors are open to the public at no admission cost; private tours of the permanent collection can be arranged. The Arts Club, which opened in 1916, was home to the first United States showing of Pablo Picasso's work."

"Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art in Chicago is a non-profit with a mission to share the work of outsiders. The center defines an outsider in the art world as "the work of artists who demonstrate little influence from the mainstream art world, and who instead are motivated by their unique personal vision." Since its inception in 1991, Intuit has become a leader in the field of promoting outsider and intuitive art. The museum's permanent collection, which they began amassing in 2002, has come to include more than 1,1000 works of art."

"It is actually the only nonprofit organisation in the USA that is fully devoted to ‘outsider’ art and self taught art. It’s more than just an art gallery or museum – it’s somewhere to come for inspiration, and it’s actually used a lot by art students in the city of Chicago. There are over 1000 works of art here, so plenty to see!"