Top Best American Restaurants in Glen Ellyn

"Lettuce Entertain You Enterprise’s all-day eatery is now up to three locations, and that’s because it pleases on many fronts. Whether folks are looking for quick and casual, healthy, or vegetarian-friendly, there are plenty of choices. On the lunch menu, the mushroom and quinoa burger with Swiss cheese and baby kale is a standout."

"Their bounteous pastry bar includes treats both gluten-free (Triple Chocolate Chunk Cookies, Macaroons) and gluten-full (Chocolate Chunk, Butterscotch Oatmeal, Lemon Crisps, Stuffed Nutella Cookies, and more). It’s almost an embarrassment of riches, but cookies feel no shame, nor should they."

"Even in the depths of winter this Lincoln Park restaurant is full of sunshine and joy. Channeling its inner Cali, the food here is light and bright – ahi tuna and watermelon tostadas, handmade local burrata and fresh salads. The kids’ menu mirrors that with fresh berries accompanying most dishes."

"With all the fantastic Chicago diners available in the Windy City sometimes it’s nice to change it up a bit. Lincoln Park’s Summer House Santa Monica will transport you to sunny California with its bright and breezy dining room. If you’re looking for an instant mood boost, this is it."

"When the nickname for a hometown is The Windy City, it’s great to go somewhere that brings the summer vibes all year 'round. The Summer House employs bright décor and greenery to p..."

"Hipsters, global travelers, and suburbanites flock to Au Cheval for Chef-owner Brendan Sodikoff's burger, highly publicized as one of the country's best. A single cheeseburger actually comes with two prime beef patties, grilled to medium, topped with weepy, slowly melted cheddar, bright dijonnaise, and a housemade dill pickle. The soft, buttery bun is the perfect blank canvas for the intense beefy flavor."

"Au Cheval has hands-down the most talked about burger in the Chicagoland area. It is constantly topping lists of best burgers in the country, but everything on the menu is just as show-stopping. The chilaquiles at brunch are supposed to be life changing, but I have yet to try them."

"Logan Square Founded as a brewpub in 2010 by former Goose Island employee and Handlebar founder Josh Deth, Revolution has helped lead the local craft beer revolution to become the largest independently owned brewer in Illinois. Picking up the mantle left by Goose Island following its sale to InBev, Rev’s massive 90,000-square-foot Kedzie facility houses a German beer-hall inspired taproom that starred in the 2013 film Drinking Buddies. Famous for its aggressive flavor profile and hop-heavy creations, Rev is known for year-round core ales like Anti-Hero and Fist City, but its popular seasonals and excellent deep wood series ales showcase its deep pool of talent.Must-try beer: For something a little different from Rev’s typical lineup, dig into their deep wood series to try the award-winning Deth’s Tar barrel-aged imperial oatmeal stout brewed with English specialty malts to create a rich, chocolaty profile with notes of vanilla, toasted coconut, and caramel candy."

"If you’ve seen Drinking Buddies, you probably recognize Revolution Brewing. After all, the fictional characters portrayed by Olivia Wilde and Jake Johnson work at the brewery. Founded as a Logan Square brewpub in 2010, Revolution Brewing has since grown to become the state’s largest independent craft brewery."

"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."

"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."

"Smyth & The Loyalist is not your typical name-ampersand-name hipster restaurant. In this case, the name actually denotes two distinct restaurants in a bi-level space, run by a husband-and-wife duo. Spacious and modern Smyth serves a tasting menu in a modern, bright, cozy room."

"Chicago locals with a taste for Polish cuisine – or for great cuisine in general – love Staropolska for its hearty Eastern European classics. The Logan Square venue is a bright spa..."

"Here is a good, cheap, veggie-friendly restaurant featuring tons of brunchy yumminess. Don’t miss this casual restaurant’s delicious vegan french toast. Pro Tip: There’s a lot of available parking outside in case you decide to drive."

"The gimmick at this Hyde Park landmark is allowing customers to “see your food.” But for loyalists, Valois is no novelty the cafeteria-style restaurant has been an essential part of the community since 1921. This all-day restaurant switches out items depending on the time of day. Church groups assemble for breakfast and politicians make sure to be photographed here during election season."

"President Obama cites Valois, a cafeteria-style restaurant, as one of his favorite spots in the city. He likes their breakfast, specifically the eggs and turkey sausage. Open since 1921 (making its home in a few locations over the years), the open kitchen churns out daily specials like prime rib, corned beef and cabbage, patty melts, rice pudding, and peach cobbler."

"Totally meat-free since 1983, The Chicago Diner has its menu packed with meat alternatives like seitan for staples like the deliciously spicy Thai chili wings and both black bean veggie and sweet potato-tofu patties that you can't miss. Don't forget to try one of its vegan milkshakes in many flavors from carrot cake to vanilla chai."

"Chicago Diner, founded in 1983, is vegetarian from the outset. While the restaurant provides several options for its customers, everything on the menu is entirely vegetarian. Vegetarian choices at this Chicago restaurant are all vegan, or else the menu can easily be modified to suit a vegan guest’s dietary needs."

"Restaurants Vegetarian Boystown. Even carnivores know Chicago Diner. The vibe is normal, everyday diner, albeit with soy milk, tofu and tempeh on the giant menu."

"Outstanding Mediterranean and Lebanese food consistently comes from the kitchen of this longtime Andersonville favorite. The large menu includes a mix of meat and vegetarian options (vegan options too). Roast lamb with couscous, Moroccan chicken with apricots, and Mediterranean eggplant are just a few of the goodies that await."

"Among the 26 different gardens here are the three-island Malott Japanese Garden, the 5-acre Evening Island, and the Grunsfeld Children's…"

"In the heart of Chinatown, Joy Yee is one of the very tastiest restaurants to get all kinds of Chinese cuisine. Located in the Chi’s South Loop district, this place is very popular. Before you hit the bars, you can pre-game and start with some of their shrimp tempura or any of their popular bubble teas, jelly drinks, and freezes."