Top Best American Restaurants in North Riverside

"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."

"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."

"Make one large or four minis from the cookie dough balls ($3 each) in chocolate chip, peanut butter or funfetti flavors. The Lettuce Entertain You beach house concept restaurant in Lincoln Park never seemed to make much sense to me as a former Southern California resident, but we can all use a virtual escape right now."

"Never again choose between a chocolate-chip cookie and a Rice Krispie treat. This slightly salty and super-fudgy cookie is studded with chunks of the classic bar. The whole thing is massive, yet you’ll find yourself refusing to share."

"A diner-style bar that wraps you in rich décor and a sense of classicism, Au Cheval takes its spot as one of the best restaurants in Chicago by making the most of a bar bites menu. You’ll find burgers, egg dishes and cocktails in addition to an expansive beer and wine list. After you've sampled the fare here, be sure to check out Au Cheval's offshoot eatery, Small Cheval, which is one of the best Wicker Park restaurants."

"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."

"Au Cheval was my last meal in Chicago and the one hour wait was totally worth it. Sometimes the wait can be three hours long. Grab a seat at the bar to witness all the burger magic happening right before you eyes but know that you’ll want to eat everything."

"While Revolution has branched out and built an actual pub in Logan Square, there’s nothing quite as homely as visiting the taproom in Avondale, where bench seating and large barrels of beer corral you into its rustic setting. Having served hundreds of beer flavors over the years, Revolution is constantly coming up with new brews to present to its fans and they never, ever disappoint."

"Nestled in the West Loop, Smyth is part of a dual concept with its sister restaurant, The Loyalist. Named after the chefs’ time spent in the farmlands of Smyth County, Virginia, the tasting menu changes daily to incorporate new, fresh local produce. Sophisticated with a comfortable, tavern-like vibe, Robin Spann says Smyth has received two stars for the third year in a row."

"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."

"Step back in time at The Walnut Room, nestled on the 7th floor of Macy’s on State Street. It’s one of the city’s longest-running restaurants, and the first to ever open inside a department store. The space is covered in ornate touches, like wood paneling imported from Russia and glittering Austrian chandeliers."

"Before Crate & Barrel and Lululemon, Marshall Field’s had the Walnut Room inside its State Street flagship store. Despite being taken over by Macy’s, the space is gorgeous and particularly popular during Christmas time. One of the oldest restaurants in America, the chicken pot pie is a classic dish."

"Located on the 7th floor of Macy’s on State Street in Chicago, the world-famous Walnut Room has served customers since 1907. It’s the first-ever restaurant to open in a department ..."

"Luxbar is a neighborhood saloon in the Gold Coast neighborhood that evokes an elegant simplicity. Decorated in stone, glass, brass, and wood and bathed in tons of natural light, it..."

"This modern Mexican restaurant in Andersonville has one of the biggest selections of mezcal and tequila in the city, but also a stellar kids’ menu, making it ideal for all ages. While grown-up palates partake of lobster guacamole and snapper Veracruz, the kiddos can chow down on tacos, quesadillas and their very own rice bowl. Best of all, they eat free Monday through Friday, from 4:30 to 6:30 pm."

"A post shared by elly’s (@ellysbrunchcafe) on Nov 18, 2019 at 5:02pm PST. Do not come here if you don’t plan on ordering the oven-baked pancakes. That’s not to say there’s no other reason to visit—it’s to say you’d have regrets for daaays."

"With several locations across the city, Golden Nugget has been a Chicago staple for more than 50 years. There’s something for everyone as the expansive menu has buttercream waffles, crepes, fried steak, liver and onions, “Flavors of Italy” and “South of the Border” dishes, and daily specials."

"Dedicated to showcasing the rich culture and flavors of Peru, Tanta serves a creative menu of authentic Peruvian dishes and beverages in a casual, laid-back setting. Created by Peruvian chef Gaston Acurio, the menu combines traditional Peruvian and Spanish flavors with Chinese and Japanese influences, taking diners on an unforgettable international culinary journey. Tanta is committed to supporting sustainable farming and fishing by using locally sourced ingredients and products."

"Restaurants Bakeries Albany Park. Upon entering this small but mighty Latin bakery, you'll grab a basket and a pair of tongs from the folks working the counter. Do a lap and plot out your order before opening the pastry cases and helping yourself to pillowy conchas, stuffed churros and colorful, candy-studded cookies—all made fresh daily."

"Markello's Baking Company produces tons of fresh Mexican, Guatemalan and Greek pastries every day.|© EvelynGiggles / Flickr. This bakery has been family-owned and operated since 1982 when Markellos Res decided to start making and selling Greek pastries. By 1991, Markellos was able to expand his namesake Baking Company to its current spot in Albany Park."

"Everything is made right in Katherine Anne's retail space, so you can see them rolling truffles, pouring caramel and whipping marshmallow. The cafe has 16 seats for enjoying 15 flavors of drinking chocolate or sweets. Chocolatiers make a new truffle and caramel each week just for the shop, and they like to experiment."