I went here for my birthday and had a fabulous meal! We choose a number of smaller dishes and each one was delicious. Would definately return and bring some friends!

The Old Fashioned is based on the traditional food and spirits of Wisconsin. You can find all sorts of local fare here, from brats to cheese to walleye and cheese curds…not a place for someone on a diet! There is also a great bar that runs almost the whole length of the place. You really can order an Old Fashioned as well as many other beers and drinks.

I recently took a bunch of visiting friends here for brunch and everyone ordered homemade bloody mary’s which were proclaimed the best they had ever had. I always order either the wisconsin fish fry sandwich or the grilled vegetable sandwich. My husband always goes for the burger with a fried egg on top! The good news is that after a meal like that, there is plenty to walk around and see right outside, as it is facing the capital building and only 1 block away from the start of the famous State Street!

This is my favorite place for a special Italian dinner. Everything is made with fresh local ingredients, and the menu changes regularly with the seasons. You can count on this place for a great meal in a cozy environment. They have the best Calamari Fritti in the city, and the pastas and meat dishes are fabulous. Call ahead for reservations as it tends to get busy during peak hours.

This cozy little cafe serves great homemade food. Their soups are always different, but all are great. They also have fabulous quiche and other baked goods.

The concept of this place is that you pick out all of the ingredients you want in a stir fry from a salad bar type of set-up, and then people cook it up right in the middle of the restaurant. You get lots of food, and make sure you put a special request in for their flat bread…it is sooo good! Unlimited trips to the bar is only $1 more than the single serving, so it is kind of fun to make 2 smaller servings trying different flavors.

Based on its reputation, I thought Spiaggia was going to be much better than it was. The portions were really smalI and lacking flavor. One consideration…I was there for a group event so maybe it is better for smaller parties.

I went there last weekend and had the freshest OJ in my life. The rest of breakfast was good too…the omlettes are big and fluffy and have the right combo of fillings. This is a hip, fun place that I would go to every weekend if possible.

This is a nice place for a family breakfast; however, it doesn’t open until 10:30 on Sundays. I’ve forgotten this twice and ended up going elsewhere for an earlier meal.

Pasqual’s has the best tortilla chips, margaritas and burritos in the area. I love the laid back atmosphere…you order at the counter and your food is delivered to you. Service is really friendly and quick to help. I’ve only been for dinner, but I hear the weekend brunch is fabulous. Parking is limited, but you can park in the surrounding neighborhood.

Cafe Iberico is the best place in Chicago for tapas and the prices are terrific. Start off with a pitcher of red sangria and then order away for the table! My favorites…Queso de Cabra and Calamares a la Plancha. Reservations are not accepted on Fri/Sat so either expect a wait, start early, or hope to get lucky and find a table in the bar area.