Best Dinner Places to Eat in Western Springs

"Though Chicago is a city that prides itself on tradition, it is also a city that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible. Enter Alinea, a Michelin-starred restaurant that has consistently been named one of the Top 50 restaurants in the world. Since its opening, Alinea has redefined what fine-dining can be and nothing exemplifies that better than its edible balloon made from green apple taffy."

"Since opening in 2005, the Lincoln Park restaurant has distinguished itself as a premier dining destination. Winning the coveted three stars from Michelin, Alinea is only one of 14 U.S. restaurants to earn this ranking. But the awards don’t stop there."

"We came here with a group of friends and left stuffed and satisfied with the courses that were prepared and presented. There's just something about ..."

"There are now two Avecs - the original in the West Loop, and a newer (much larger) River North location. They have almost identical menus, but the classic Avec is our favorite, mainly because we’ve had so many incredible meals there. The Mediterranean small plates here are consistently delicious, so order whatever sounds good to you."

"Lovers of pecan pie consider the Frontera Grill to serve one of the best desserts in Chicago. You may have had pecan pie before, but you’ve probably never experienced it quite like this. Firstly, the slice you get is enormous."

"In the heart of River North lies Frontera Grill, a Rick Bayless gem that boasts an incredible menu and even better patio. We recommend the chilaquiles. Read all about our brunch experience in our review, here."

"My boyfriend and I particularly enjoyed Fado Irish Pub, simply for the atmosphere (and of course the drinks). My favorite part was actually listening to Aaron Wilhoft perform live on Friday nights. If he happens to not be there when you visit Chicago, you can see what you missed on his website."

"Residents that are looking to find the best brunch buffet in Chicago cannot overlook Nellie’s, a Peurto Rican gem on the edge of Humboldt Park. A brunch buffet is available that beats out your typical trip to Old Country. Nellie’s is the place to be this weekend, 9 am – 3 pm on Saturdays and Sundays."

"Nellie's is a fan favorite for Puerto Rican food in the heart of Humboldt Park!. This family-owned restaurant is best known for its brunches. Order the avena de coco (coconut oatmeal) and thank us later."

"The gist: After splitting from his partnership in the RPM restaurants (he was the P), chef-owner Doug Psaltis teamed with his pastry chef wife, Hsing Chen (French Laundry, Manresa), and restaurateur Ryan O’Donnell (Coda di Volpe, Gemini) to bring modern Greek cuisine to Logan Square. The nightly supper and weekend brunch menus pay homage to his roots growing up around his grandfather’s Greek diner in Queens, N.Y., with added sophistication and attention to seasonal details. The food: Of course you’ll get gyros off the spit with hand-stretched pita cooked in the wood oven, but forget about the theatrics often associated with Greek American spots."

"What:Modernized Greek favorites from Doug Psaltis and Hsing ChenWhy:Order the roasted lamb shank or grilled seabass straight out of a wood-burning oven, but leave room for the baklava-topped Greek-style frozen yogurt.Where:2542 N. Milwaukee Ave., Logan Square Website"

"Located on the lakefront just south of Jackson Park, this park has 65 acres of green space and is home to the South Shore Cultural Center, originally built in 1095 as a country club. Today, the center is a historic landmark maintained by the Chicago Park District and offers a large variety of cultural programs, including classes for all ages in culinary arts, music, dance, and visual arts, as well as special events throughout the year. The parkland surrounding the center includes a golf course, acres of green grass dotted with shade trees, a beach, and the South Shore Nature Sanctuary."

"Originally built as the South Shore Country Club, this South Side icon was penned by architects Marshall and Fox in 1905. Purchased by the Chicago Park District in 1975 and renamed as the South Shore Cultural Center, the landmarked Mediterranean Revival building features painstakingly restored historic details, a grandiose ballroom, and golf course. It remains a popular venue for weddings and other large events."

"Located only a few minutes south from Hyde Park's Museum of Science & Industry, the South Shore Cultural Center has been an iconic structure in the neighborhood since 1905. Throughout the summer it focuses on rich programming that is free to all. Entertainment ranges from West African dance performances to live jazz or classical music."

"Intuit: The centre for intuitive and outsider art is the only non-profit organization in the United States that presents intuitive, outsider and contemporary self-taught art. The Henry Darger Collection holds a permanent spot in this gallery, which also features a permanent collection containing more than a thousand artworks. There is a study centre at the gallery: Robert A. Roth Study Center, which conducts educational programs and is open for the public."

"It is actually the only nonprofit organisation in the USA that is fully devoted to ‘outsider’ art and self taught art. It’s more than just an art gallery or museum – it’s somewhere to come for inspiration, and it’s actually used a lot by art students in the city of Chicago. There are over 1000 works of art here, so plenty to see!"

"This museum and memorial tells the story of Khmer Rouge and the Killing Field through multimedia displays, archives, narratives, and a collection of monumental and authentic artifacts. Guided tours are available so you can learn more about what happened during the Cambodian Civil War. Hours are subject to change, so they advise that you call prior to visiting (773-878-7090)."

"Part of the University of Chicago, the Smart Museum of Art has an impressive collection. This includes works organised by continent – such as Asia and Europe – and works organised by theme – e.g.  contemporary art and modern art. The museum also houses a significant collection of works by the 20th century American sculptor and printmaker H.C."

"5550 S Greenwood AveHours: Galleries are closed for reinstallation until September 11th, 2015. Regular hours (Mon-Fri, 8:30am-3pm; Sat-Sun, 11am-3pm) resume September 12th."

"Originally designed by visionary architect Daniel H. Burnham as horse stables, the DuSable Museum’s 19th-century limestone and timber structure is now one of the South Side's most prominent cultural institutions. Older children will appreciate the museum’s well-curated exhibitions of art, poetry, and notable topics like the experience of black people in the armed services. A post shared by Eric Robinson (@erceo) on Aug 23, 2017 at 11:58am PDT"

"Every Tuesday throughout the year, The DuSable Museum of African American History offers free admission to its Chicago museum. Children under 5 and DuSable members are also free."

"Another among the best museums in Chicago is the Museum of Contemporary Art. It’s located in the city center, next to the historic building and Water Tower Place shopping mall. It has an incredible collection and pieces developed by talented and internationally recognized artists, such as Cindy Sherman, Kara Walker, and Andy Warhol."

"The Museum of Contemporary Art provides free museum days in Chicago every single Tuesday for Illinois residents. Always free for those under 18, MCA members, or who are members of the military, police, or fire department. And here’s a secret: year-round general admission is suggested."

"Much like the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Contemporary Art is an architectural masterpiece containing some of the world’s most important creative gems."

"Residents that are looking to find the best brunch buffet in Chicago cannot overlook Nellie’s, a Peurto Rican gem on the edge of Humboldt Park. A brunch buffet is available that beats out your typical trip to Old Country. Nellie’s is the place to be this weekend, 9 am – 3 pm on Saturdays and Sundays."

"Nellie's is a fan favorite for Puerto Rican food in the heart of Humboldt Park!. This family-owned restaurant is best known for its brunches. Order the avena de coco (coconut oatmeal) and thank us later."

"Street Food delivery spots are open as early as 8am in Chicago. Consider ordering from Taqueria Mi Linda Hacienda in Kelvyn Grove for your early order, or enter your delivery address to browse the places that are open and available near you."