Top Best American Restaurants in Lyons

"There’s lots to love about Lettuce Entertain You’s quick and casual concept that not only boasts a juice and coffee bar, but also a grab-and-go market. Favorites at both the new Streeterville and original River North locations include a crispy kale salad with persimmon and pumpkin seeds as well as a three-grain salad topped with roasted chicken."

"With all the fantastic Chicago diners available in the Windy City sometimes it’s nice to change it up a bit. Lincoln Park’s Summer House Santa Monica will transport you to sunny California with its bright and breezy dining room. If you’re looking for an instant mood boost, this is it."

"Never again choose between a chocolate-chip cookie and a Rice Krispie treat. This slightly salty and super-fudgy cookie is studded with chunks of the classic bar. The whole thing is massive, yet you’ll find yourself refusing to share."

"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."

"If you tell someone you’re coming to Chicago, they’ll probably tell you to go to Au Cheval in the West Loop - whether or not they live here. And they’ll be right. This place has the best burger in Chicago (maybe even the best in the entire country)."

"This place spoiled me I swear they burgers soooooooo good that other places just all seem like they don't hit- like this place."

"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."

"This brewery, which opened in 2010, appeals to the younger, more bohemian denizens of Chicago. Revolution produces about 50 varieties of beer each year and is located in Logan Square. They offer a selection of specialty beers, deep-wood beer, and year-round staples."

"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."

"This rooftop lounge / cocktail bar / nightclub is located right in the city center, 27 floors up, with magical views of all the sky scrapers and the Chicago skyline. Open year round thanks to an adjustable roof, the ROOF has a stylish chic terrace offering different settings depending on when you visit. Early night you can enjoy al fresco dining from a Mediterranean-influenced menu, along with crafted cocktails in a more relaxing lounge atmosphere."

"The absolute best time to visit the Roof is in the middle of summer, when it buzzes with DJs and special guests. After all, it’s located on the 27th floor of theWit hotel, meaning there are unparalleled views of the Chicago River and Cloud Gate. Drinks run the gamut from house spritzes to bottle service, rounded out by a Spanish-leaning food menu: gnaw at potato croquettes, chicken and chorizo paella or pear and goat’s cheese flatbread."

"Drinkers here are treated to runway models striding down the catwalk in the summer’s hottest fashions that expose a lot of skin. The view hits the river and the beautiful Bean, but a huge projection screen offers digital entertainment if you’ve seen enough of the women and the city."

"This critically acclaimed restaurant is cozy and inviting, with a seasonal menu by executive chef, Ken Carter (who used to work for Charlie Trotter). We still haven’t been for dinner yet, but their brunch is OUR FAVORITE brunch in Lincoln Square. Every single thing we’ve ordered there has been knock-your-socks-off good."

"Grill & Bars are notoriously known for being a great place for cheap meals, and Flamingo’s Bar & Grill does not disappoint on that sentiment. This family-owned haven has all the wings, hot dogs, burgers, breakfast foods, and drinks with great potions at that."

"There was a time in the 90s when a seat at the United Center was the hottest ticket in town. The Chicago Bulls moved to this arena in 1994 when Michael Jordan was on his strange hiatus in Minor League Baseball, and he’d return to lead them to three straight titles between 1996 and 1998. Out on the east side of the building is a statue in his honour, named The Spirit and showing him mid-dunk."

"Even when the Bulls look lifeless, the “Madhouse on Madison” is always a top contender for most Instagrammed place in the city."

"For an upscale and elegant dim sum experience, no place in the city rivals the Shanghai Terrace, perched on the top of the Peninsula Chicago Hotel. With an emphasis on Cantonese dishes, the dim sum menu features delicate plates with high-end ingredients such as dumplings with lobster and black truffle, bean curd rolls with scallop and fresh rice crepes. The Terrace also offers Peking duck prepared three ways – roasted and sliced according to tradition, cooked in a Chinese green mustard soup and finally, mixed with braised noodles."

"Chinese is perched curiously atop the list of cuisines that seem to resist the high-end treatment. Maybe it’s the long association with greasy delivery dishes and Chinatown dives, who knows, but it’s a shame, because the bevy of flavors seem like they would be perfect in the hands of a sophisticated chef. At least Chicago has Shanghai Terrace, which sports a luxurious atmosphere atop the Peninsula Hotel with a sublime view of city."

"A groovy modern vibe permeates the dining room at Chi Café, with its colossal menu of budget-friendly selections, perfect for a deep culinary dive into Chinese food in Chicago at any time of the day or night — literally, the kitchen is open until 2:00 a.m. No need to go hungry when a midnight snack like this awaits you in one of the best restaurants in Chicago."

"Chi Cafe not only has beautiful ambiance, but they have a menu full of fresh soups, fried rice, special snacks, and so much more. Stop in for a light lunch, snack, or super satisfying dinner. I must add that they are open until 4 am on weekdays and 24 hours on weekends."