Best Dinner Places to Eat in Lyons

"Chicago’s only three Michelin star restaurant, Alinea has been around almost 15 years and still books up months in advance. The brainchild of acclaimed chef Grant Achatz who became one of the best chefs in the world despite battling tongue cancer, that’s just one of their impressive feats. It was the first restaurant to pioneer the concept of prepaid ticketed reservations, pricing meals on a sliding scale based on date and time (Friday at 7 p.m. would be more expensive than Tuesday at 5 p.m.) in order to show that dining is an experience akin to the theatre."

"Alinea’s website is clear: “Alinea is not a restaurant.” On top of delicious food, Alinea promises a performance, a spectacle of modern cuisine, and “a serving of emotions” over a modest three- to five-hour dinner of 18 to 22 courses. And ever since Head Chef Grant Achatz was featured on Netflix’s Chef’s Table, the restaurant’s notoriety has exploded. Alinea plays with the presentation (driftwood topped with seaweed), sensory experience (an edible helium balloon made of green apple taffy), and sound."

"Chicago's lone three-Michelin-starred restaurant, helmed by the great chef Grant Achatz. Why we love it: Arguably Chicago's finest fine dining restaurant, Alinea is as focused on the experience of having a meal as it is about what you consume. Settle in for an evening of deconstructed dishes, billowing dry ice and edible balloons filled with helium."

"This long-time West Loop favorite is a pioneer in the business-oriented district, drawing crowds with vibrant Mediterranean cuisine. Small and large plates almost demand ordering extra, just to sample as many flavors as possible. Roasted skate wing is exemplary of the kitchen's finesse with seafood, while memories of chorizo-stuffed medjool dates will keep you up at night."

"Restaurants Contemporary American West Loop. After more than 20 years in the West Loop, this iconic kitchen is still one of the city's best. In 2019, chef-partner Paul Kahan handed over the keys to the kitchen to executive chef Ryan Pfeiffer, who aims to revive the restaurant's rock 'n' roll soul."

"Restaurants Mexican River North. Topolobampo is the most sophisticated jewel in Rick Bayless's culinary crown, offering three tasting menus for dinner and an ingenious 60-minute, three-course lunch menu. If you're here for dinner, opt for the Perfect Seven, a seven-course hit list of Bayless's spins on pozole, tacoles, mole and flan."

"This highly-awarded creation from Rick Bayless presents its offerings in an artful menu separated into headings such as Vibrant, Soulful, Enchanting and Luxurious. Read the dish descriptions and you’ll understand why; each selection is a poetic combination of traditional Mexican recipes, modern technique and elevated presentation. Not surprising that it’s one of the best restaurants in Chicago."

"Topolobampo is high-end and you will need a reservation (weeks in advance). Frontera Grillis somewhere in the middle and if you go at an off-peak time, you can probably get in without a reservation."

"The newest entry to the Chicago rooftop patio market, One Off Hospitality’s bar avec is located on the eighth floor up above the street-level avec River North (and Clark Street!), and heavy on the gorgeous greenery, courtesy of the talented Heather Shouse. They are serving up drinks and nibbles inspired by the seaside bars and restaurants of the Iberian peninsula, and with a culinary dream team led by Paul Kahan, Perry Hendrix, and Ross Henke, you know the food will be spectacular. Grab one of mixologist Kate Smith’s enormous G & T’s and get down to some serious summer sipping."

"One Off Hospitality fans who understand the cult following behind Avec, the West Loop’s quaint, small plates staple, understand why its second location—a River North rooftop, no less—is a big deal. Nearly two decades since that opening, the nine-time James Beard Award-winning restaurant group debuts this 8th floor haven, where the team showcases the same dedication to service and to the seaside flavors of Spain and Portugal. Replete with communal picnic tables, ample flora, and striking skyline views, consider it Avec l’original’s big-kid sister."

"One Off Hospitality has opened a bar-centric version of Avec above the Mediterranean stalwart’s second outpost in River North. The new rooftop destination, which replaces the Laurel Room, is inspired by the laid-back seaside cafes found along the Iberian coast. Hang out and soak in the beautiful views and good vibes while savoring Spanish- and Portuguese–inspired bites."

"The Ruby Room's mission is to positively affect the energy & spirit of those they touch. Ruby Room's signature "Healing Ritual" incorporates your chosen intention and selection of a Ruby Room Aroma Infused Flower & Gem Essences to keep your energy positive and clear. This combined with numerology reading ($250) could run you at most $350 if you choose to bring a partner along."

"When your Co-Star horoscope isn’t quite cutting it, head here for an intuitive reading. Depending on your preferences, healers might read your energy or aura or refer to numerology to tell you what’s really going on with your roommate. Afterward, you can get a traditional massage or wax service and pick up a smudge to clear the energy in your home."

"Some of Renee’s monthly specials including bundles for a European facial and Swedish massage or a European facial, Swedish massage, and classic massage."

"Although it’s the oldest traditional bathhouse in the city (and one of the oldest in the country), Red Square is certainly not behind the times when it comes to top-notch spa services and amenities. Red Square is known for its traditional Turkish saunas that are heated up to 200 degrees – perfect for thawing your bones on the coldest of days. When the heat gets too much, you can fill a bucket with ice-cold water for a sobering blast that increases your circulation and opens your pores."

"(Primary Neighborhoods: Various events and locations, city and suburbs). The family-run food truck Aztec Dave’s has been serving mobile Mexican food in Chicago since 2015. The focus is on the family’s grandmother’s recipes but with a modern spin."