50 Best American Restaurants near Highwood

“First time eating at Greenwood. The food was very good. We ordered calamari, which tasted unique in a good way, with the chopped marinated veggies. The beef filet was melt in your mouth tender. The only complaint is it was too salty. Brussels sprouts were also delicious.

The old fashion and manhattan were well made. It was a nice touch that the waiter asked us what bourbon or whiskey we wanted them made with.

We reserved in the dining room and the hostess could not find our reservation. We offered to show it to her, and she said no need , then put us at the very corner of the patio which was noisy, with uncomfortable chairs. For the first 15 min there was no one on the patio of in the restaurant. We couldn’t hear each other over the street traffic.

It was nice to be able to valet.“

“My Aunt Marcia Hoffman turned 90 and is a rehab center where she is confined to her room . We wanted to do something special so we call Scotty’s and the made a meal to order for pick up. It worked out great and she loved it . Thank you Scott and the entire staff for making her 90th as special as it could be under the circumstances !“

“Fried chicken on Wednesday night is delicious.“

“A literally perfect restaurant. Steak, ribs, moneybags, calarami, martinis… you can’t miss with the food. The service is super friendly and the atmosphere is swanky and reminiscent of a better time in dining etiquette. Would be a regular if I lived closer to“

“Tried it today for the first time! Very delicious, I loved the chicken mac & cheese. (Toddler approved too) The Cajun chicken sandwich is pretty good! I expected it would be spicy but sadly it wasn’t 🥲 Still was a great sandwich though! The cornbread muffins are amazingggg

Kid-friendliness: They have kid menus that come with crayons 🖍️“

“The food was so phenomenal. Very well seasoned, cooked to perfection ?. So happy we decided to have our breakfast here. We got the egg skillet made to our liking. Thank you so much "Sandy's" daughter and family for continuing to open your doors for us to eat this delicious food. And as the slogan says that hanging in the diner, "it's all good." It really is!!! You must come here to eat.“

“Stopped in for a farm to table experience and found just that. Every bite was impeccable. Highly recommend to anyone traveling through the area. Great cocktails and appetizer selection.“

“My first visit to Inovasi and it did not disappoint! Our server Lucia was fantastic- knowledgeable friendly and she helped me find just the right cocktail! We started with their delicious bread, and then had the crispy pork belly for appetizer. For entree we had a filet with shaved truffles and a blackened cod with lime and whipped edamame. Both were superb as was the dessert of flourless chocolate cake with raspberry purée and shipped goats cheese, and a pumpkin cheesecake. All was delicious, and the ambiance and decor was warm and inviting. We will be back!“

“Food was very good. Server was pleasant and available whenever we needed. Very nice atmosphere. Beer selection is fantastic.“

“Amazing service ! Bar tender Jimmy was absolutely great. My boyfriend and I stopped by for a quick drink and soup before the movies and had a Good time thanks to him!“

“The service and food were awesome! I'd definitely recommend to friends and family!“

“Best burgers in the area!“

“Just ate here and we will be back every time we visit the area. From the incredible food, to the on-point staff, to the owner who was engaged with all of the patrons. Just every element not only provided a great meal, but a great experience and served to build a relationship with us that I hope will continue into the future. 5 out of 5!“

“Bluffingtons has THE best Reuben’s, THE best BLT with over easy egg sandwich and THE best Greek salad on the North Shore. They aim to please!“

“Our favorite restaurant,great food and our server Karen B. Was fantastic!“

“Had a great dinner here before our concert at Ravinia. Our server, Tobyn, was friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient. We had the Roasted Beets with goat cheese fritters, the Rigatoni, and the Eggplant Flatbread. It was all delicious!! And what a fun winelist.“

“A decently inexpensive place to go if you're craving some breakfast! The menu is pretty delectable overall, save for a few misses. I wouldn't recommend diverging from the classic's here. The service is quick and attentive, leaving no real room for complaint. Finally, for atmosphere, this establishment perfectly embodies the feelings of a small town diner. Decorative walls, booths all around, and a cozy place to be“

“I will drive across the state for the fries with garlic aioli. Yummy!!“

“The staff is very friendly. The food was good. The atmosphere was wonderful. I recommend you guys to get the hamburger there they have different ones.“

“First time at Valley Lodge Tavern and it was an outstanding experience. Cozy atmosphere, great service, top notch management, impressive menu and food. Thank you!“

“DO NOT SLEEP ON THIS PLACE!!! My husband and I moved to the area a few years ago and since we have found this place, we rarely go anywhere else. He had a kidney transplant and is extremely particular about what he will eat and Union Ale House ALWAYS accommodates! Michelle, who is honestly, the most amazing bartender, knows our orders by heart. She welcomes EVERYONE and makes us all feel like we’re sitting at Cheers! The atmosphere is so friendly and the patrons all become friends.
The only time I am bummed is when Michelle isn’t working…“

“I really liked it but my girlfriend was more luekwarm. I thought my salad was yummy tummy,? my girlfrined's drink was not very tastyy it might have been the Rose Lemonade?‍?. The Sweet potatos were sooo thick?. And I had yum some bbq plate that was good?. My girlfriend had pasta she said was eeh
☺️ So pretty up in the air. If you are thinking about going here I recommend it, but it may be a bummer. who knows“

“Great service, dinner choices and the wine is amazing! Will definitely be back!“

“Celebrated a birthday here the other night. My sister and I sat outside on the patio. Everything was perfect! Our drinks were delicious, food was fantastic and our server, Dana, was wonderful. We mentioned it was a birthday and she brought a complimentary key lime pie slice for dessert. We will definitely be returning !“

“It is so refreshing to meet an owner who is actively present in his restaurant. Mark Salmon enthusiastically and creatively arranged for my friend and I to dine outside (our request), despite the rain. We stayed dry under umbrellas and thanks to Sandra, our amazing waitress, we celebrated my birthday with fine food (impressive menu choices and food presentation) and great company! It was my first time dining at 501 Local and this restaurant met and exceeded my high standards in every way! It is a hidden gem and our new fav restaurant. Highly recommend!!“

“Went with family for the Friday night fish special. Was pretty good, but the gem was the variety of sizes that came with the platter. Everything could have used a bit more seasoning, except the veggies provided with it were done well. Typical decor for this type of establishment.“

“Very personable people, a family owned restaurant with excellent breakfast/ brunch menu and decent for lunch as well. Ordered chilaquiles with chicken. It was awesome. Service was excellent. Would go there anytime esp for brunch

Parking: Parking is on the backside on Deerfield road“

“Their chicken tortilla soup is amazing and the bartender was very nice. 🙂“

“Grilled cheese with gyro meat was amazing!! There were 11 of us in our group! Service was super friendly and extremely fast! We will be back on our next trip!“

“Awesome food and service. Excellent drinks and cocktails!“

“Had my very first experience here at Butterfields this morning! The service and food was wonderful! Awesome atmosphere, everything was great! Would recommend this restaurant to all!!“

“Really good food with wonderful waitstaff. #iraeats“

“Delicious burgers, fried chicken, ice cream, etc.“

“This was the perfect place for my daughter's baby shower. The room was lovely. The staff was excellent and the food was so good! We opted for the buffet. There was plenty of food. The ice cream sundae bar was a hit. All around? The perfect place. I cannot say enough good things.“

“Let me point out one key detail to why the hotdogs are so good at u dog u. Take a really good look at the photos that I’ve posted. you see that end of that hotdog you see how it’s twisted you see how it overhangs the bun well those are all great signs. Have a wonderful delicious hotdog. Also, I would like to point out the toppings sauerkraut ,sport peppers. These are the two things that we really should have on every single Chicago style hotdog and the only ketchup you see insight is on them fries and let me say ,them fries were crispy delicious warm in the center just the way you expected crinkle cut fries to be. they have mastered the art of the Chicago style hotdog and the crinkle cut fry.

Parking: It’s certain times of a day it might be a little difficult to get a prime spot so you might have to walk about 25 to 50 feet to the door but man is that walk worth it and you’re gonna need it once you leave because the food is so damn good!

Wheelchair accessibility: All the tables are wheelchair height and all the chairs can be moved to accommodate anyone in a wheelchair“

“We loved the dome experience! It was great service! The dome was decorated for St Patrick’s Day and it had blankets and pillows with heaters. It was awesome“

“A must try. Many options. Affordable. Great comfortable seating. Nice decor. Full bar.“

“Never judge a book by its cover. When I arrived, the empty parking lot and the restaurant being inside a hotel initially raised red flags. However, with limited options and an open mind, I decided to give it a try—and was blown away. The cuisine and customer service were exceptional! They even fresh squeezed lemonade for me!

Oaken Bar + Bistro: A Taste of Elegance in Every Bite

Beef Tenderloin Empanadas
The empanadas set the tone with their flaky crust and tender, perfectly seasoned beef filling. Accompanied by vibrant chimichurri and a zesty lemon tomato sauce, this starter balances richness and brightness with precision. Each bite feels indulgent yet fresh, leaving you eager for more.

Oaken Salad
This salad takes simplicity to an elevated level. A mix of fresh greens pairs unexpectedly well with juicy orange segments and velvety whipped ricotta. The lavender vanilla vinaigrette adds a subtle floral sweetness, tying the dish together beautifully. A sourdough crostini provides the perfect crunch, making this a standout plate for anyone craving a sophisticated yet light option.

Atlantic Salmon
A dish that seamlessly combines comforting and refined elements. The salmon, cooked to perfection, sits atop a silky potato purée that practically melts on the tongue. Earthy wild mushrooms add depth, while the buerre rouge sauce lends a rich, tangy finish. Every element works in harmony, creating a dish that’s both comforting and memorable.

And of course, my signature cappuccino…

Oaken Bar + Bistro shows its mastery in weaving together thoughtful ingredients with elevated techniques, making each plate a well-orchestrated delight.

Here’s a bit about the venue:
Oaken Bistro + Bar is a modern, upscale American bistro located in Lake Forest, Illinois. It offers all-day dining with a menu that blends elevated American classics, such as burgers and salads, with globally influenced dishes like Beef Tenderloin Empanadas and the Cubano sandwich.

The restaurant features a sleek lounge serving craft cocktails, including signature herbal-infused options, alongside an eclectic wine list and local beers. Guests can enjoy their meals in a contemporary dining room, a 25-seat outdoor patio, or opt for take-out and delivery services.

Executive Chef Christian Alejandro leads the culinary team, offering a diverse American menu with international influences from Latin America, Italy, and Creole cuisines. Chef Alejandro was recently inducted into the Disciples Escoffier organization, highlighting his culinary expertise.“

“Always a wonderful meal at Meg’s. Food, service, ambience, staff....all are outstanding!!!! A true treasure in Glencoe!!!“

“Our experience was fantastic, thanks to our waitress, Alejandra! She was amazing – extremely attentive and ensured our food was served quickly and correctly. Alejandra checked on us frequently, and we never waited more than a minute for refills or any request. She was friendly, helpful, and went above and beyond to make our visit enjoyable. Highly recommend dining here with service like hers!“

“I ordered delivery for my son for his birthday. Although, they don’t have pasta I was able to get him some wings and a pizza. They gave me an estimated time frame but delivered before it. They also gave me a courtesy call before showing up. He said the food was delicious as well. Therefore, they get a five star from us ?“

“There is a new executive chef and let me just say, it shows, for the good! The food has taken a turn now to farm to table and it is beyond creative, yummy and enjoyable. The menu also changes up by season. If you are seeing a review from over 6 months ago, ignore it. It's a whole new place now. The staff has always been pleasant when we have eaten here and they have an amazing selection of cocktails that pair very nicely with you entree. Here's the bonus, locals. This hidden gem is nestled in a hotel, which means weekends is less crowded then during the week. They do take reservations and even have a very good children's menu. I highly recommend checking this place out!“

“I literally had the best pancakes I’ve ever had“

“a lot of stuff to choosenot that crowded“

“Chef Jonathon Silver cooks a phenomenal meal to perfection! Everything was incredible from the tempura fried cauliflower, the wood grilled pear & vegetable salad, seafood bisque and to the perfectly grilled steaks. What an incredible meal.“

“We picked Maevery last minute for our son's navy graduation dinner and it didn't dissapoint. They accommodated a last minute reservation and put us in a corner great table for easy catching up. Service was great (which we didn't experience in multiple fine dining restaurants downtown) and food was yummy and a good selection. .. they had awesome recommendations and treated us wonderfully! Didn't rush us and from 5-6pm we nearly had the place to ourselves before the dinner rush! Highly recommended by this out of town visiting family! Thank You (from Southern CA) We will be back if we are in Chicago again!“

“This is probably one of the worst food pics I've ever taken only because I knew how super delicious everything was going to be and I took it in a hurry to dive in! My husband and I travel through the area a few times a year on the way to see a medical specialist. We discovered this restaurant about 4 years ago and the roasted Greek chicken dinner is ALWAYS a homerun! You know how you hyper fixate on a certain meal, but eventually it loses its shine so to speak, well I keep thinking that will happen with this chicken. But it is consistently amazing. You get a nice big salad or soup, rice with Greek potatoes, freshly cooked vegetables, half or whole chicken, (the whole chicken order only comes with the sides for one like the half chicken, but it could easily feed two) warm pita and a lemon wedge. I happy dance from the first sprinkle of squeezed lemon over my plate on through the last bite. We always have enough to bring home for lunches as well. Such good food that really makes you feel good. Friends back home always ask if I had the chance to stop by during our trips because they know what a highlight it is for us.
The atmosphere can be a little loud and echoey at times. I had an injury that makes bright lights and loud spaces pretty painful at times. When we can't eat in, we order for carry out and picnic in the very nearby, super beautiful park with great facilities, Sunset Woods Park. Greek chicken in a beautiful park? **Chef's kiss**“

“To the staff at Libertyville Culver’s, thank you so much for taking care of Hanna during her Special Needs Transition Pathways work program. Hanna loved working there. Not to worry, we love Culverts and Hanna will be back!“

“SO MUCH FUN! I absolutely enjoyed working a lovely wedding reception at Pinstripes! As a vendor I see so much. Gerald, Nicole, and ALL of the staff on scene and behind the scenes were accommodating, considerate, and professional to the family & guests. I’m just a vendor, but yes they were just as hospitable to me too! Amazing night, full of nothing but good vibes! Keep creating unforgettable memories, Pinstripes !“

“It was my first time in but definitely won't be my last. I had the tuna melt and tomato bisque and it was delicious! Everything was so fresh and had great flavor. They also had a great selection of spirits and wine! I loved how relaxing the atmosphere was and everyone there was very friendly and welcoming! I can't wait to come back and try everything else on the menu.“