Diners' Choice: American restaurants in Chicago / Illinois

OpenTable

Updated April 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall 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!

Bluegrass

4.9

4.9 (2642)

$30 and under

American

Highland Park

About the restaurant

Bluegrass is a casual restaurant located in Highland Park. With a cozy setting nestled into the west side of town it is a true destination dining location. Complete with a warm friendly bar and an American flare, Bluegrass blends in a little Southern influence into its repertoire. The wine and beer selections are all American, along with a full back bar, all hand selected to echo the quality of the fare. Aside from a beautiful setting, the restaurant has extraordinary food and service with a remarkable value.
Check our website for details on the events during the summer, as well as our Facebook page. We have many wonderful, rotating specials therefore consult our online menu regularly.

Top review

FrannyVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Love the food, staff and ambience. A great to have a wonderful meal.

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4.8

4.8 (1030)

$31 to $50

American

Galena

About the restaurant

Oct 2022 - Rated Tripadvisor Best of The Best - Top 10 Date Night Restaurant In The U.S.
Unmatched Old World décor, a diverse wine cellar, and premier personal service are all complemented by our chef's creative cuisine. Enjoy dining in one of our cozy booths, elegant tables with breathtaking views overlooking the Mississippi River or our interactive Chef's Table.

Top review

GerardVIP

Dined 6 days ago

The food was excellent and the service was outstanding. The views are outstanding.

Molly's Kitchen & Bar

4.9

4.9 (515)

$30 and under

American

Mount Carroll

About the restaurant

Located in Mount Carroll, IL, Molly’s Kitchen & Bar serves
Classic Cuisine and Cocktails made from scratch.

Top review

MaureenVIP

Dined on Apr 17, 2025

Molly’s never disappoints. Everything about it is exceptional. Food, service and all staff are wonderful! We always look forward to dining there!

Eight Bar and Patio

4.8

4.8 (68)

$50 and over

American

Gold Coast / Streeterville

About the restaurant

Whether it’s a champagne filled lunch with friends or just a spontaneous Tuesday night out, our Gold Coast gem is where luxury meets ease. From sushi and chops to unforgettable moments, we’re here to take care of you. Experience relaxed luxury, and make your reservation today. (Seating areas can be requested, but may not be guaranteed. Patio seating available on a first come, first serve basis)

Top review

AndreaVIP

Dined on Apr 15, 2025

Marcel always makes our dining experience top notch.

EJ's Place

4.9

4.9 (1815)

$31 to $50

American

Skokie

About the restaurant

Owner, EJ Lenzi, and managers bring over 100 years of combined restaurant experience to Chicago's North Shore. Teamed with a mature, experienced wait staff, and serving the finest food products available, EJ's Place has become the North Shore's premiere supper club. Established since 1997 and selected one of the Chicago Magazine's Best New Restaurants, EJ's menu consists of prime aged steaks and chops, pristine seafood, and traditional Italian specialties. EJ's Place serves only the best, from their family to yours.

Top review

JohnVIP

Dined on Apr 18, 2025

Great steak place. Old fashioned style. Good waiters. Simple cooking. Try the chopped steak-outstanding. Huge pile of beautiful beef.

North Pond

4.9

4.9 (4835)

$50 and over

American

Lincoln Park

About the restaurant

Inspired by the market, Chef César Murillo utilizes exceptional ingredients at the height of their season. His tasting menu reflects the Arts & Crafts approach of the dining room - complex layers of subtle craft beneath a simple decorative style.

We offer a four-course tasting menu with optional wine pairings. The menu is not á la carte, however, it provides options for each of the courses.

North Pond is open for dinner Thursday through Sunday beginning at 5:30pm.
Sunday Brunch begins at 10:30am and is three-course prix fixe.

We do not offer valet parking.
Tables in the front room or patio, overlooking the pond, are seated first come, first serve. We do not hold tables.
All tables for more than 4 people are seated in our main dining room.
We accept reservations for a maximum of 8 people at one table.
A cancellation charge of $25 per person is applied to all same day cancellations.

Top review

Alecia

Dined 2 days ago

We had the best time celebrating my partner’s birthday here. We even had personalized menus wishing him a happy birthday! Each course was tailored to us and spaced out perfectly. It was truly the best meal either of us have ever had. Extra thanks to our server and the other staff, you were incredibly kind and made the experience that much better. We can’t wait to come back!

Ada Street

4.8

4.8 (1083)

$31 to $50

American

Bucktown / Wicker Park

About the restaurant

Located in the Elston Industrial District--not quite Bucktown, not quite Lincoln Park--Ada Street offers dinner service five days a week.

Top review

Zachary

Dined on Apr 15, 2025

Always incredible. Love the new twists to seasonal dishes!

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Experience

Large Reservations

RL Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (7503)

$31 to $50

American

Gold Coast / Streeterville

About the restaurant

If you do not find availability online, please call the restaurant directly at 312-475-1100.

Located adjacent to the Ralph Lauren Chicago flagship store on Michigan Avenue, RL Restaurant features the vision and décor of Ralph Lauren in a modern club atmosphere.
RL Restaurant offers classic American cuisine inspired by Ralph Lauren’s personal favorites. Seasonal dishes range from a chopped vegetable salad to a lobster roll sandwich, grilled fish of the day and steaks. On the cocktail list, guests can choose from classic drinks and a diverse selection of wines and other fine spirits.

Top review

TonyVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Impeccable service and superb food. Just what you would expect from the Ralph Lauren name.

Gale Street Inn

4.8

4.8 (299)

$31 to $50

American

Jefferson Park

About the restaurant

Speak easy vibes set the feel of this old school Chicago tavern. Mix in live music Thursday through Saturday and your environment is cool and complete for a great dining experience. Think Supper Club. Dinner at the bar is also an option with the full menu available. Ribs, Steaks and Seafood front the fare along with fantastic sides and soups. Don't sleep on the Burgers... served with fresh cut fries. The Baby Back Ribs take top billing and you can pair them with your choice of seafood including fried shrimp, steamed crablegs or half a chicken. Quality and consistency in both food and service are worthy of your dining dollar. A recent make over of our side room has inspired Club 45. A perfect private room with a mix of seating arangements for lunch, brunch or dinner affairs. Let us host your next gathering of 20 to 50 guests. Free parking is available right next to the restaurant in the Huntington Bank lot.
We thank you in advance for joining us,

Top review

MICHAELVIP

Dined 7 days ago

Absolutely fantastic food, fantastic ambiance & service!

Seasons 52 - Schaumburg

4.8

4.8 (10154)

$31 to $50

American

Schaumburg

About the restaurant

Seasons 52 is a Fresh Grill and Wine Bar offering a seasonal menu that is naturally lighter and always flavorful. Our seasonal menus feature ingredients at their peak of freshness, oak-fire grilled or brick oven roasted (without a fryer in sight) to be naturally lighter and more flavorful. We also offer an extensive list of wines by the glass and bottle. Here, you'll always feel free to enjoy every bite, every sip, every moment. Lunch and dinner daily with happy hour Monday-Friday from 3-6PM.

Top review

IleneVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Enjoyable lunch with my sister and great service from Heather.

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Popular dish

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