From the November 2012 issue of HealthCare Business News magazine
For many, going to RSNA means a chance to treat yourself – or a client – to a nice dinner. Here are some of the best places I’ve found over the years. Some are well-known, Michelin-starred palaces of fine dining. Others are neighborhood favorites, cherished by locals. All will give you a great meal.
Greek Isles Greek, big nicely designed rooms, classic Greek fare, professional wait staff, always on top of list for Greektown restaurants.
$$ 200 S. Halsted 312-782-9855
Cocco Pazzo Italian, traditional and contemporary Tuscan in energetic, nicely designed space — a favorite of RSNA goers for years.
$$$ 300 W. Hubbard 312-836-0900
Le Colonial French Vietnamese in a leafy, shuttered colonial atmosphere. Exceptional food and service in a lush setting. Wonderful soups, fish especially sea bass, shrimp wrapped sugarcane, good variety of dishes. For smaller and mid size groups.
$$$ 937 N. Rush 312-255-0088
Cafe Iberico Spanish tapas prepared to perfection. You’d think you were in Spain, vivacious, casual environment which can accommodate larger groups.
$$ 737 N. LaSalle Drive 312-573-1510
Frontera Grill Mexican, upscale and creative cuisine by famous PBS chef Rick Bayless. International reputation.
$$$$ 455 N. Clark 312-661-1434
Hatchi’s Kitchen Japanese/Sushi. Out-of way, but among best sushi in Chicago. Attractive, contemporary dining room, topnotch service. Sister restaurant of Sai Café on Sheffield which also has excellent sushi.
$$$ 2521 N. California 773-276-8080
North Pond Café American, renowned for upscale dishes with interesting French influence, use of local farms. In beautiful setting within Lincoln Park.
$$$ 2610 N. Cannon Drive 773-477-5845
Reza’s Persian, wide variety of kabobs, fish, lentil soup, dill rice. Well-suited for larger groups, great Andersonville neighborhood that visitors to Chicago would enjoy.
$$ 5255 N.Clark Street 773-561-1898
Tango Sur Argentinean Steak House, one-of-akind with variety of succulent steak dishes with real Argentinean beef, intimate, convivial environment.
$$ 3763 N. Southport 773-477-5466
Gibson’s American Steak House, a Chicago powerbroker favorite, great food and drinks. Swagger in and out with the big boys.
$$$$ 1028 N. Rush 312-266-8999
La Scarola Italian, hole-in-the-wall and always popular. Fresh pasta, risotto to die for, real Italian. For smaller groups.
$$ 721 West Grand 312-243-1740
Mia Francesca Italian, favorite among Chicagoans near Wrigley field, know their pasta and fish, wonderful salads, leave tourists behind and rub elbows with the locals.
$$$ 3311 N. Clark 773-281-3310
Adobo Grill Mexican, exceptional cuisine in smartly designed space, next to Second City, possibly world’s best guacamole prepared at table.
