River North

Chef Erling Wu-Bower puts all of the California feels right in the heart of Chicago.  The food is focused on coming out of the two hearth ovens that are in the beautiful, exposed kitchen - really, the entire restaurant is beautifully designed.  Here, there are dishes ranging from whole-grain flatbread pizzas to coal-roasted vegetables, and even some fresh pasta dishes (if you were a fan of his at Nico Osteria).  The beverage program is inspired by the same west coast vibes.  Don't be surprised if you hear music with similar roots embedded in Laurel Canyon and beyond.  

Chef Rick Bayless celebrated Frontera Grill's 30th Anniversary in March of 2017, and we respectfully credit him with starting what is today's River North restaurant scene. This casual spot will satisfy cravings for authentic Mexican food and introduce you to regional variations of Mexico's cuisine.

Frontera Grill's upscale sister restaurant, Topolobampo just took home a James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant. It offers a refined, elegant take on Mexican cuisine with dishes organized into three tasting menus (two 5 course options and one 7 course option). Don't miss the equally impressive wine list by sommelier Jill Gubesch.

Thirteen years after the debut of Naha, Carrie and Michael Nahabedian opened their second restaurant, Brindille, in the heart of River North. The atmosphere and menu both reflect Chef Carrie's love of France, each month focusing on a particular region. The wine list is also exciting, as it follows the regional path of the menu in addition to highlighting versions of French classics from around the world.

Think classy French decor meets timeless steakhouse menu. This is a sexy atmosphere to enjoy seafood towers, flavorful ribeyes, classic side dishes, and house made desserts. The cocktails are strong and the international wine list will have something to please everyone at the table.