GeeBear

You can expect a decent wait to dine at the Hopleaf and the food is not inexpensive, but the fare is always hearty and satisfying and the beer is excellent. (The bar area tends to be quite crowded- in case you’re only going for drinks). Brew suggestions- Kwak (smooth, flavorful and served in a crazily shaped glass) and Maudite (mahogany colored, slightly bitter, clean finish)

Pete Miller’s has been a favorite splurge of ours since moving to Evanston- they know how to make a mean medium-rare fillet (favorite variations include blackened with bernaise sauce, and parmesan-crusted), the service is always professional, the bread is amazing, and the live jazz music is a nice touch (though it can be loud if you’re seated at the front of the restaurant). My excitement for this restaurant is dampened by the new menu- which takes away the 8oz fillet option, only leaving a 12oz option for those with bigger bellies and wallets. The expansion of their seafood choices and other new menu items indicates that they’re trying to go more upscale (and they were a bit pricey to begin with). It’s a shame because part of the charm was having great food in a relaxed environment. Worst part- no more “Tosca’s Kiss” – a one of a kind fudgy nutty sweet dessert.

This spot has a hip but unpretentious vibe, and served perhaps the best sushi I’ve ever eaten. Everything was fresh, the flavors were perfectly balanced and every part (including the yummy sushi rice which can often seem like filler to me) was worth savoring (some of our highlights were the Box Sushi, Philly and Tuna Tempura Rolls). You could tell that care was put into the preparation of everything. The service was excellent, and the large menu offers both the creative and some good stand-byes- a yes yes for everyone. The only no-no, we had to use our little votive candle to read the menu because the lighting was so dim at our seats which were far-removed from the restaurant windows.

I have been to this Bonefish Grill at least five times, and I will continue to go because they have dependably fresh, flavorful, never overcooked fish. The dishes are large and very reasonably priced, and the crusty bread with homemade pesto and oil is yummy enough that you’d be glad to fill up on it while you’re waiting, and waiting… It took an hour for our entrees to come out at our last visit, and the place was only half-full. The waitstaff varies- some are friendly and on top of their game, others make it clear that they’re having a bad day, and making reservations seems to mean seating you 15 minutes after your requested time (I guess they want you to buy one of their weak martinis while you wait). Anyway, go for the fish, but only on days when you’re feeling patient.

My husband and I are from New England originally, and he not too far from New Haven’s Pepe’s (as in we’d drive an hour and a half to get there). We love a Chicago deep dish now and then, but if you’re missing or want to try the real deal for thin crust, this is the place. The ingredients are fresh and the crust has a nice crisp crunch without being cracker hard like some other thin crust pizzas we’ve run into. And for you Pepe lovers, clams are on the menu. The atmosphere is great, with tons of HDtvs to enjoy and a partially windowed roof that lets the sun shine in. Oh, and it has a real beer selection to boot. Our search is finally over.

Union Pizzeria’s wood burning oven serves as the centerpiece of a space with exposed brick walls and test-tube shaped light bulbs overhead. Seating is a little cramped, but the dinner music is always awesome. Union is establishing its claim as a unique spot by pushing its idea of sharing small plates and pizzas. I have read other reviews of people receiving poor service here, but they seem to be improving over time (e.g. food comes quickly, and in the order you’ve asked for as opposed to whatever the kitchen decides to finish first). The beer list is extensive and reasonably priced, and the food can range from fair to excellent, though it is on the expensive side for the amount you get. One of my favorites is the Buffalo Mozzarella which comes with full flavored olive oil and amazingly delicious sea-salt ($6); the problem is the inconsistency- I’ve had anywhere from 5 to 9 crostini to accompany the four to six slices of mozzarella on different visits. Union has a lot of potential, but it needs to work out a few kinks.

The Stained Glass specializes in wines- it offers a wide range of wine flights (for tasting) and wines by the glass- but it’s also worth going for the food alone. The space is warm and inviting, and our server was helpful (not snobby) with wine suggestions. The one major drawback was that my medium-rare filet mignon arrived at the table nearly well-done; I’m not one to send my food back but the server noticed the error and it was quickly fixed. This is a great place for a first date or special occasion if you’re willing to splurge a bit.

and I really love Italian food- the more authentic, the better. To be honest, I hesitate to review restaurants that I don’t enjoy because I feel bad to hurt anyone’s business. The server at Gio was friendly, the atmosphere is calm and pleasant, so I wanted to like it. But the bottom line for me is always the quality of the food, and this place just doesn’t make the cut. In a word, the food is bland, and though the price list is not overwhelming, portions are small enough that you’re not really getting a good deal. I have read some positive reviews about their pizza, so maybe there are some hidden gems on the menu, but I was underwhelmed enough that I won’t be going back.