Top Best American Restaurants in Clarendon Hills

"Beatrix is a favourite spot of ours for an early morning take away coffee and pastry on the way to work, and offers a menu that’s about ‘taste over trend’, featuring an array of interesting options that lean towards the mindful eating end of the spectrum. Coffee is one of the highlights here – the coffee bar at Beatrix serves up quality coffee using locally roasted Intelligentsia and Metropolis beans. If you’re after something more substantial than a pastry, then the dine in menu features a range of healthy, creative dishes such as quinoa cakes with poached eggs, cauliflower grits and eggs, and ten-grain oatmeal."

"519 North Clark Street, River North, Chicago, Illinois, 60654, USA (312) 284-1377. For somebody who does not eat meat, there is always something for you. To serve the main meal of the day, plates of quinoa cakes are set out that are crowned with poached eggs, and you’ll want to snack on burrata cheese that we have prepared with oven-dried tomatoes and an eggplant steak that has been lightly sprinkled with garlic."

"This sunny Lincoln Park outpost continues to serve up Cali swag via a full bill of brunchtime favorites. Hass avocado BLTs, loaded cobb salads, housemade English muffins, breakfast burritos stuffed with fluffy scrambled eggs and sausage, and Guiliana Prosecco-fueled mimosas keep the grown-ups humming while junior takes on a heap of silver dollar pancakes crowned with fresh fruit and maple syrup.How to order: Head to OpenTable for all-season courtyard and indoor dining reservations or grab pick-up and delivery via ChowNow, Caviar, Uber Eats, GrubHub, and DoorDash. Available for Delivery/Takeout"

"Housed in a light-filled room with high ceilings and hanging ferns, Summer House recreates the magic of Southern California even in the dead of a Chicago winter. Using seasonal and local ingredients, trained chefs create fare that’s inspired by California but with a Midwestern heart. Kids can choose from quesadillas, burgers, grilled cheese, chicken fingers, or the ever-popular Breakfast for Dinner option."

"I’ll admit, the decor of this place is what initially sucked me in – but I kept going back because off their Breakfast Tostadas. I’ve tried a few other things there, but nothing beats those tostadas!. Crunchy and a little spicy and a yolk that spills everywhere?"

"For the last couple of years, the wait outside Au Cheval in Chicago’s West Loop could last up to three hours. Most waiting were in search of a legendary burger dubbed one of the nation’s best, though their patience would also be rewarded with maybe the best hash browns, larded with duck heart gravy, and mille-feuille, anywhere. To combat the lengthy waits, owner Brendan Sodikoff opened a spinoff, a tiny shack aptly named Small Cheval, which serves only the burger ($9.95 with cheese, $8.95 without), fries, shakes and some choice cocktails."

"Au Cheval was my last meal in Chicago and the one hour wait was totally worth it. Sometimes the wait can be three hours long. Grab a seat at the bar to witness all the burger magic happening right before you eyes but know that you’ll want to eat everything."

"A menu packed with burgers, fries, and chopped liver might sound like your classic dive, but Au Cheval is no greasy spoon. Exposed brick, dim...Read More"

"Dozens of IPAs, porters, Belgian-style ales, pilsners and the like are made regularly at Revolution, the state’s largest independently-owned brewery. The Brewpub in Logan Square has a huge draft list, which includes favorites like Every Day Hero, Fist City, Anti-Hero, and the double oatmeal stout Café Deth. A pub menu—baked pretzels, cheese curds, wings, pizza, salads, and burgers—is also available to soak up all of that beer."

"While Revolution has branched out and built an actual pub in Logan Square, there’s nothing quite as homely as visiting the taproom in Avondale, where bench seating and large barrels of beer corral you into its rustic setting. Having served hundreds of beer flavors over the years, Revolution is constantly coming up with new brews to present to its fans and they never, ever disappoint."

"2323 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago IL 60647 (773) 227-2739. Trust us when we say to wear your ‘eating pants’ (i.e., pants with a stretchy waistband) when visiting Revolution Brewing. When you see the menu, you’ll be like a deer in headlights as you try to decide between the Pulled Pork Sandwich, Hombre Burger, and the Fish and Chips."

"Earning two Michelin stars in less than two years, the combo tasting menu restaurant (Smyth) and downstairs tavern (The Loyalist) make up a fever dream for which Chicagoans want no cure. Executive Chef John B. Shields, a veteran of Charlie Trotter's and Alinea, and his Executive Pastry Chef wife, Karen Urie Shields (TRU and Charlie Trotters) have created some genuine magic with their seasonally driven multi-course menus at Smyth. This is the place where farm-to-table really lives as the couple sources directly from The Farm, located an hour south of Chicago, that grows ingredients exclusively for the restaurant."

"Nestled in the West Loop, Smyth is part of a dual concept with its sister restaurant, The Loyalist. Named after the chefs’ time spent in the farmlands of Smyth County, Virginia, the tasting menu changes daily to incorporate new, fresh local produce. Sophisticated with a comfortable, tavern-like vibe, Robin Spann says Smyth has received two stars for the third year in a row."

"Beer: Chicago has the most breweries in America, and places like Maplewood, Goose Island, Half Acre, Dovetail, and Hopewell offering beers to-go in cans, crowlers, and growlers. Some also have socially distanced patios. Check out the essential brewery map."

"Funkenhausen is a unique Chicago eatery that opened in 2018 in the city's West Town district, housed within a restored 1920s-era building that once housed a warehouse and gymnasium. The restaurant is helmed by executive chef Mark Steuer, who draws upon his German heritage and upbringing in South Carolina to create unique fusion fare offerings at brunch and dinner. A charming bier hall atmosphere was designed by Daniel Boyd, featuring high arched ceilings, playful brass light fixtures, and unique decor elements like cuckoo clocks and vintage travel posters."

"It may sound like a strange twist to combine “German heritage” with “Southern hospitality”, but Chef Mark Steuer makes it work in the most fabulous way. At this modern beer hall you’ll find German classics like Weisswurst and Sturgeon Pastrami, along with a “whole mess of chicken” under the menu’s “big as funk” category. Enjoy dining in this restored 1920s warehouse featuring cuckoo clocks vintage signage and the restaurant’s wild boar mascot, Ernest “Hamingway”."

"Restaurants Contemporary American Near South Side. Chef-owner Ryan McCaskey’s South Loop fine-dining respite is a study in rich whites, a rare exercise in the restaurant as a space of tranquility and elegance. The service is perfectly orchestrated, too, with staff seamlessly ushering in each course, explaining the chef's vision and refilling water glasses."

"Acadia has been closed since last year following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic but the restaurant retained its two stars in 2021."

"Motor Row Brewery is located in Chicago’s historic Motor Row neighborhood|Courtesy of Motor Row Brewery. Frank Lassandrello, the head brewer of Motor Row, learned the tricks of his trade while at college in Vermont, creating home brews with his roommate. It wasn’t until 2007 that Lassandrello partnered with his son and purchased a space in Chicago’s historic Motor Row neighborhood to start his own legitimate brewery."

"German influence meets Midwestern hospitality at Motor Row Brewing. Located in an historic landmark warehouse building, Motor Row Brewing takes you back in time to when the neighborhood was home to Chicago’s auto industry. It offers extended seasonal releases (including a series of easy-drinking Belgian-style ales, perfect for summer), plus collaborations and experimental one-offs."

"Motor Row Brewing is a microbrewery with a tasting room and taproom. It produces and serves seasonal beers. As it is located in the neighborhood of automobile manufacturers and dealers, their name is conceived."

"There’s just no way to put a list like this together without including The Signature Room, a classic Chicago restaurant with a view. The Signature Room is located on the 95th floor of the John Hancock Building and features well-prepared cocktails, modern American fare, and panoramic views over the lake, skyline, and the city. You definitely pay a premium for the sky-high view here, but oh my what a view it is."

"If you surf the internet for similar topics, you will always find this restaurant on top of the list, and there are good reasons for this. It is located on the 95th floor, which means it will give you a spectacular view of the surrounding. Want to know about the food?"

"Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by The Signature Room at the 95th (@signatureroom95) on Nov 10, 2018 at 8:39am PST"

"Sushi The beautiful interior and the equally beautiful presentation of sushi by Chef BK Park are the obvious reasons that Juno is always on Chicago’s best sushi list. However, just like that pretty girl you have crush on happens to be also kind, smart and funny, you’ll pleasantly discover that Juno’s food is also amazing from their appetizers to the omakase menu. The Omakase requires a 24 hour advance reservation, but you are in for a treat."

"Restaurants Japanese Sheffield & DePaul. Want the best sushi deal in town?. It's at Juno, where sushi chef BK Park is doing God's work when it comes to raw fish."

"Ranalli's has heaters for its patio in Lincoln Park, but the pizza and pasta restaurant's website still advises, "Dress warm, Chicago." (Ranalli's/Ranalli's). The famed large patio in Lincoln Park is equipped with heaters for outdoor dining. The hot pizzas should also help."

"The main focus of Ron of Japan Steakhouse is top-quality steaks and seafood prepared teppan-style at the table-side by showman-like chefs. Entree options include steaks, chicken, a..."

"Named for a former first lady of the city who passed away in 2011, Maggie Daley Park is one of Grant Park’s newest treasures. Laid out by landscape architect Michael Van Valkenburgh, the park opened in the northeast corner of Grant Park 2014 and shines for its recreation and family facilities. The whimsical Play Garden, for kids up to 12, is a playground like you’ve never seen, with six different zones like the Watering Hole which has a giant breaching whale, and the Enchanted Forest where you’ll walk under upside down trees ."

"The list of great Chicago parks is long but we’d be remiss if we didn’t include: Washington Park, one of the cities biggest and best parks, which is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places; Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe; Ping Tom Memorial Park (originally a railroad yard) in Armour Square; the 55-acre Horner Park in Albany Park; Portage Park; Northerly Island, where many concerts are held in the summer; and Oz Park in Lincoln Park, a kid-friendly sculpture park featuring "The Wizard of Oz" creations."

"Set in the heart of downtown Chicago, Maggie Daley Park is newly-renovated and full of adventure. From climbing facilities to a massive skating ribbon, there’s no shortage of things to try. The park is beautifully landscaped, too."

"There is a mini-zoo with farm animals including chickens, goats and llamas in this park on the city's north side. While it also includes a playground, unlike other parks, this one is a big wooden castle with slides, bridges and tunnels so kids of varying ages can really enjoy running around. Flanked by large apartment buildings which may give off a cool feel to the space, the pond with geese and ducks on the grounds and large willow trees providing shade is a beautiful, peaceful respite that transports you from the busy city."

"This park is smaller than the others so far on this list; it occupies a square block in a quiet, residential section of the West Rogers Park neighborhood. But if you visit Indian Boundary Park, you might find some surprises – most notably that Lincoln Park isn’t the only city park with a zoo. Bounded by Estes Avenue on the north, Lunt Avenue on the south and Rockwell Street on the west, Indian Boundary Park includes a small lagoon filled with ducks, a children’s spray pool, and a sandbox."

"If you’re looking for a quiet place to unwind, Welles Park can offer a respite from all of the lights, noises and crowds of Chicago. It isn’t without amenities. Its centerpiece is an ornate, wire-topped gazebo where bands can play outdoor concerts and community leaders can give rallying speeches."

"Welles Park is a 15.84-acre park located in the heart of Lincoln Square. It is a gathering place for musicians and sports & fitness enthusiasts. The park was created in 1910 and named after Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy from 1861 to 1869."