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Diners' Choice: Contemporary American restaurants in Chicago / Illinois

OpenTable

Updated April 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Contemporary American cuisine in Chicago / Illinois? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

A photo of The Chew Chew restaurant

4.9

4.9 (1809)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Riverside

About the restaurant

The Chew Chew is celebrating 28 years of great food & hospitality in the heart of Riverside, IL directed by original Chef/Owner Scott Zimmer. Located one-mile east of Brookfield Zoo, 5 miles northwest of Midway Airport and 10 miles west of Downtown Chicago. There is a Metra Train stop on our block for safe & easy access in/out of the City. We feature a multi-level dining room, vibrant full-bar & a cozy outdoor patio May-October (weather permitting). Happy Hour daily 4-6pm with beer, wine & cocktail specials. Make sure to try one of our famous Jumbo Martinis during your visit! We appreciate all the great reviews & voting us Chicago's #1 Neighborhood Restaurant on Open Table. If you cannot find a reservation online, please call us direct 708-447-8781. We look forward to serving you.

Top review

K

Kenneth

Dined 6 days ago

A Riverside staple. Always great food and service with a neighborhood ambiance that is rare these days. Highly recommend.

A photo of Atwater's in The Herrington restaurant

Atwater's in The Herrington

4.9

4.9 (1388)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Geneva

About the restaurant

Atwater's is a waterfront, intimate, fine dining experience in Geneva, IL. Our Executive Chef locally sources our menu and creates classical dishes with a modern touch. Our seasonal menu offers recipes that are nuanced to include ingredients that are at their peak of freshness. Atwater's offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner 7 days a week. Enjoy beautiful water and courtyard views, private dining space, and al fresco dining on our patio in season. Atwater's offers afternoon tea quarterly. We are nestled within The Herrington Inn, which is also a wedding venue, boutique hotel, spa, and corporate meeting venue. Open to the public and hotel guests, 365 days.

Top review

T

Todd

Dined 2 days ago

I asked to be seated in front of the fireplace 6 weeks ago and the host sat us at a window seat. It’s Easter….not going to make a big deal; but worth noting! Mary Luna was delightful as was the staff and service. Chef is always fabulous and the presentation delightful.

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A photo of Filet Mignon and Eggs of a restaurant

Filet Mignon and Eggs

A photo of Petit Filet Mignon of a restaurant

Petit Filet Mignon

A photo of 8 oz Grilled Filet Mignon of a restaurant

8 oz Grilled Filet Mignon

A photo of Brasero restaurant

4.8

4.8 (463)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

West Town

About the restaurant

Named by Robb Report as one of the Top 10 Best New Restaurants in the country, Brasero combines South American passion with midwestern grit and brings Chef John Manion's talent for wood-fired Latin cooking to West Town’s bustling restaurant row. This sultry 120-seater draws inspiration from across Latin America, honed through Manion’s decades of experience. Think flame- roasted, whole young chickens slicked with garlic-chili oil, steaks cooked over an open fire alongside chimichurri, and moqueca teeming with clams, shrimp & Mahi Mahi with coconut-scented rice—all washed down with quenching caipirinhas, locally brewed, Latin-inspired beer and 100 bottles of wine under 100 dollars.

For parties of 6-10, enjoy our Family Style Hearth Experience!

Top review

A

AlexanderVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Place is great and is definitely in the running for some recognition if they keep this up.

A photo of Region restaurant

4.8

4.8 (2718)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Barrington

About the restaurant

A true neighborhood favorite and highly desired dining destination outside of the city of Chicago. Utilizing the diverse culinary bounty of this great nation, we aim to exceed your gastronomic expectations every visit.

Top review

J

Jennifer

Dined 2 days ago

Our server Kevin was outstanding. He new the meals and gave great reviews and his opinions on the meals. He was very responsive, polite, and treated our children with respect. Food was amazing chef did an outstanding job.

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A photo of Miso Glazed Chilean Seabass of a restaurant

Miso Glazed Chilean Seabass

A photo of Steak Tartare of a restaurant

A photo of Miller Farms Chicken Schnitzel of a restaurant

Miller Farms Chicken Schnitzel

A photo of Sepia restaurant

4.8

4.8 (5442)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

West Loop

About the restaurant

Seamlessly melding refined and rustic, vintage and contemporary, Sepia has the feel of an instant classic. The stylish space is warm and inviting, comfortable yet lively. The easy elegance of the room serves as the perfect backdrop for the inventive American cuisine. Chef Andrew Zimmerman's product-driven, seasonal menu showcases the purity and quality of the ingredients, letting both the ingredients and his passion for what he does shine through. Sepia celebrates tradition – with a modern twist.

To book reservations of 7 or larger, please email info@sepiachicago.com!

Top review

M

Mark

Dined 2 days ago

Great food and amazing service! The timing of each course was perfect. Great experience!

A photo of The Franklin Room restaurant

The Franklin Room

4.9

4.9 (1955)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

River North (Chicago)

About the restaurant

The Franklin Room celebrates the sense of connection one can only find in the neighborhood taverns of Chicago. Offering classic American tavern fare and no shortage of whiskey flair, our sophisticated speakeasy is your local go-to for quality meat dishes, fresh seafood, classic cocktails and the neighborhood tavern experience our city has perfected.

Our menu of delectable turn-of-the-century inspired American tavern fare starts there, then elevates the experience with a modern twist that creates a culinary experience you simply have to taste to believe. It's perfectly complimented by our beverage program, which showcases creative cocktails and a meticulous selection of spirits, wine and beer with a strong focus on independent distillers and limited-edition rare releases. Bring them together and you've got a uniquely Chicagoan experience, centuries in the making.

Top review

C

ChunweiVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Very nice, the service stuff are friendly, the food are amazing

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A photo of Spicy Bourbon Mussels of a restaurant

Spicy Bourbon Mussels

A photo of LAMB CHOPS gf of a restaurant

A photo of TRUFFLED TUNA CRUDO gf of a restaurant

TRUFFLED TUNA CRUDO gf

A photo of Tala House restaurant

4.7

4.7 (268)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Andersonville

About the restaurant

We pride ourselves in offering only the best ingredients with an impeccable service. Whether you're joining us for dinner or weekend brunch, our dishes reflect a modern take on Chicago's melting pot of cultures where we celebrate our diversity and embrace flavors from around the globe. From locally sourced ingredients to unique flavor combinations, be ready to discover Tala’s story: cooking with no boundaries!

Top review

J

Jack

Dined today

Our server, Blake, was incredible and knew the menu front and back. The service was great and the food was to die for. Definitely will be returning soon. Excellent music choices too.

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A photo of Community Table: Free Shots or Tequila Bottle of a restaurant

Community Table: Free Shots or Tequila Bottle

A photo of Parkers' Restaurant & Bar restaurant

Parkers' Restaurant & Bar

4.8

4.8 (4393)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Downers Grove

About the restaurant

The Very Best of Land & Sea. Zagat Rated and a four-time recipient of the Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence award, Parkers’ is a full service restaurant and bar serving lunch, Sunday brunch, dinner, and private functions. We are open for lunch Monday - Friday 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Sunday brunch 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM and for Dinner on Sunday - Thursday 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, & Friday - Saturday 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

Great happy hour specials in the lounge, Monday - Friday, 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Live music in the lounge, Wednesday - Friday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM & Saturday 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Our Crooners Thursday series features Lenny Capp, Randy McCallister, & Gary Ward. If New Orleans inspired food & jazz are more your style, come see McCrackin's Oysters and the Fred Cantu Dixieland Trio during during Sunday Brunch.

Top review

R

robertVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Wonderful service; superb meal; what more can you ask for ?

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A photo of Lobster Bisque of a restaurant

A photo of Clam Chowder of a restaurant

A photo of Caesar Salad of a restaurant

A photo of Boka restaurant

4.8

4.8 (7321)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Lincoln Park

About the restaurant

Michelin-starred Boka Restaurant has been a cornerstone of Chicago’s dining scene since 2003. In 2014, following a major renovation, Chef Lee Wolen joined as Executive Chef and Partner, quickly gaining critical acclaim. Named “Chef of the Year” by both Phil Vettel of the Chicago Tribune and Eater Chicago in 2014, and again in 2015, Lee has helped elevate Boka to new heights. The restaurant offers contemporary American cuisine that highlights seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms. The sophisticated yet inviting ambiance sets the stage for an exceptional dining experience, with daily-changing tasting menus that showcase timeless and seasonal American flavors.

Top review

S

Sneha

Dined 3 days ago

It is was our anniversary dinner and we thoroughly enjoyed the drinks, food, ambience

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A photo of Roasted Chicken of a restaurant

Roasted Chicken

A photo of Black Truffle Roasted Chicken of a restaurant

Black Truffle Roasted Chicken

A photo of Dark Chocolate of a restaurant

A photo of Slightly Toasted restaurant

Slightly Toasted

4.8

4.8 (13)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

West Loop

About the restaurant

Award-winning cocktail and bourbon bar that is home to one of largest whiskey collections in Chicago with over 900 selections, 30+ private barrels, and 200+ vintage and rare bottles. Also home to 18 taps & 80+ cans of craft beer, and chef-driven comfort food.

Top review

J

JohnVIP

Dined on Apr 10, 2025

Whiskey Wednesday at Slightly Toasted is the best!

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