Best Restaurants, Must Try Places 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."

"It’s the foodie’s food court, offering a little something for everyone. Aster Hall includes 16 one-of-a-kind menus from the likes of Small Cheval, Doughnut Vault, Sushi Station, Green Street Smoked Meats, Chicago Char-Dogs and more. Order your food from the touch screens on the fifth floor and then head up to the welcoming, trendy décor of the sixth floor."

"Restaurants American Wicker Park. This butcher shop-restaurant-performance venue isn't just for hip concerts and events—it's fun for the whole family, too. Little ones eat free Monday through Friday from 4 to 6pm from the kids menu."

"One of the city’s most unique restaurants, Chop Shop occupies a 100-year-old former auto body shop in the heart of Wicker Park. It features encased meats, craft beers, cocktails, a..."

"The Edison Park neighborhood bistro Café Touche serves generous portions of authentic French cuisine in a light, bright space. Its lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch menus cover the c..."

"A National Historic Landmark, this South Loop church suffered a devastating fire in 1900, so the congregation hired architects Howard Van Doren Shaw and Frederic Clay Bartlett to rebuild the building in the then-popular Arts and Crafts style. Over the years, the church welcomed many famous Chicago families including the Pullmans, Blackstones, and Armours. Open Saturday, October, 19, from 10 a.m."

"Holy Trinity is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Chicago Landmark and is the oldest Orthodox parish in Chicago. Its unique style is typical of Slavic provincial architecture. Designed by Louis Sullivan, it is the famous architect’s only remaining church in Chicago and one of just two in the world."

"Stan’s embraces the vintage vibe of a classic donut shop, with a modern spin. They’ve perfected the classics (glazed old fashioneds, cinnamon sugar cake donuts, massive apple fritters) and added in some of their own creations (peanut butter pockets, croissant-donut hybrids, and gluten-free options). Find the one closest to you here"

"In addition to a wide array of donuts (everything from Glazed to Nutella Banana Pockets), Stan’s Donuts also serves up gelato, shakes and Intelligentsia coffee. Stop by to take in the fun, retro vibe and order one of their most popular creations – Lemon Pistachio Old Fashioned."

"Stan’s Donuts are next on our list of the best desserts in Chicago. Stan’s Donuts is a classic choice for desserts in Chicago, and they’re seriously delicious too!. In fact, if you ask any local Chicagoans they’ll probably have heard of Stan’s Donuts!"

"This place is as cozy as its name suggests — cash only, bright walls, and plenty of that lovely Ravenswood light flowing in through the windows. They added some more indoor seating a few months ago to complement their free WiFi, but note that there is a 3 hour limit. There’s also a small patio available for people watching on this busy stretch of Damen, or just for enjoying one of their waffles or ham & cheese croissant sandwiches."

"Restaurants Mediterranean River North. The posh Langham Hotel sits on the north bank of the Chicago River, affording many overnight guests spectacular views of the water and the downtown corridor that runs along Wacker Drive. Diners at in-house restaurant Travelle enjoy the same luxury—no suitcase required."

"Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing. Reserve a table at this amazing upscale restaurant and indulge in tasty seasonal American cuisines. Furnished with modern Mies van der Rohe’s designed architecture, Travelle takes pride in preparing the finest dishes accompanied by none other than the finest wines."