This is a good place to get together with friends. Their beer is produced at their onsite brewery, which is pretty good. The food is nothing spectacular, but if you’re up for some decent burgers and other American food, go here. Great for birthday parties with large groups.

Got the late-night munchies in the city? Need a “pick me up” to study? This is the place to go. It’s open 24 hours and is by Wrigleyville. You can get there pretty easily from the Red line. They serve awesome capuccinos, waffles, french toasts, and a variety of other things. It has a very trendy vibe to it, and you’ll find students hanging out playing cards and studying here.

If you’re craving for tandoori chicken or chicken makhani with a South Indian flare, try this restaurant out in Vernon Hills. Their lunch buffet is a good value for the money, but if you’re going there for dinner, be prepared to spend about $60 for 2 people with 2-3 entrees and drinks. Environment is business casual.

Jazz it up at Green Dolphin Street. You won’t miss this place on Ashland with it’s big bright green neon sign outside. In the summer time, tented outdoor seating is available right by the Chicago river. Beautiful jazz music plays in the background, giving the place a sultry feel. I had the halibut,which was absolutely scrumptious. The dishes are pretty pricey, but if you’re in the mood for some good jazz and great upscale food, it’s worth it.

See their menu on their website: http://www.jazzitup.com/

Want to impress your date? Take em here. The mood is very romantic and on certain nights, there’s live jazz. Make reservations as this place can get busy, and try to get the window seats overlooking Michigan avenue if possible. The restaurant serves pan-American dishes that are tasty and well-portioned.

In the mood for some high-class persian food? Reza’s is the place to go. This place serves chock fulls of meat: beef, chicken, lamb, and seafood. The portions are big, the food very flavorful. Their meat dishes could do with more veggie side-dishes, though. Service was GREAT, and the environment is posh. The restaurant is also in a good location on Ontario street where finding parking is not too bad.

I love this place. I come here often with my boyfriend and friends. I’ve tried all their noodle dishes, which are all full of flavor and nicely portioned. The chicken eggplant there is good, too, for something different. Good place to go if you’re out by CMS and need to fill your tummy with some good thai food after exams or something. Also, they have an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet, but I’ve never tried it…

I came here twice. Once I sat outside next to the pond, and the second time I sat inside with a huge group of friends. Having never had Greek food, I thought it was time to give it a try. The first time, I was not a fan….the second time, still not a fan. I think I just don’t like Greek food. But if you feel in the mood for whetting your appetite, the portions are good, the restaurant has a nice airy mediterannean feel, and yes, they Opa! there.

So here’s another romantic place to take a date out to, but be prepared to shell out the cash! The food is good…too bad they don’t give you more. The restaurant is beautiful and so are many of the diners. Come here if you want to feel like one of the elite but not if you want to satisfy your hunger.

I went here with a group of friends for my birthday last year. The food is tasty though a little pricey. The restaurant has a romantic ambience, perfect for taking a date out to. If you’re out with a few friends like I was, though, be sure to try the dessert platter at the end for a sampling of the restaurant’s finest.