50 Best American Restaurants near River Forest

“We have dined at First Watch in Florida and were thrilled to find that they opened a location in our neighborhood! There was a wait for tables when we arrived so we sat at the bar for brunch. Our server was so friendly and attentive. My husband had Carna Asada Queso Hash and I had the Million Dollar breakfast sandwich with egg, gouda, sausage, bacon and hot honey on a toasted English muffin. So delicious!!! They habe the most flavorful Bloody Mary's as well. The portions are huge by the way! By the time we left there was an even bigger wait for tables. So glad we have First Watch close by to enhance our brunch options! Worth the wait and every penny spent! We'll be back soon!“

“Absolute dominance from a restaurant that is less than a month old. You thought you've had it all, that Chicago couldn't possibly have yet ANOTHER banger in Wicker Park, but i'll be damned, here we are. The cracklin' shrimp is so well done, I would eat a bowl of it. Lemony, spicy, deep fried deliciousness. The half chicken was among the best I've ever had (whatever that green sauce was, was KILLING IT) not to mention my wife's elote lasagna?!?! I can't wait to go back. THE MANAGER EVEN SMELLED GREAT. Victory!“

“The food sounded fancy and tasted SO good! Our server, Andrew, came up with the most delicious drinks! Superb service! We’ll be back!!“

“We went last night for the first time… Great menu options, food was delicious, portions were perfect, staff was really nice. I had the Grilled Salmon, he had the Braised Pork Shoulder…definitely recommend both.“

“my best friend and I just had the BEST experience at the whale! Our waitress taylor was incredible and the manager (so sorry but we never got his name because he was just being so nice to us) was incredible as well. We will definitely return with friends and recommend anyone to try it out! classy, but not snobby, cool decor, warm kind and accommodating staff, and great food and cocktails are just the cherry on top! try the carrot cake after your meal :) Thank you again to taylor and the manager again <3“

“We’re huge fans of The Bear, which steered us here on our Chicago trip - so glad we found this place! We loved the mushroom adobo and longnanisa breakfast sandwich! The mango tarts were amazing, as were our lattes. We left with an apple hand pie to eat the following morning, which was still had perfectly crispy pastry. Definitely worth the hour wait to get in.“

“Great happy hour daily 5-6pm The burgers are so good !! Always fun“

“Good food, good variety. R&B classics playing in the background. What more could you ask?“

“We stopped in today on a tip and what a delicious treat! Highly recommend!“

“I'm from Iowa, took a little weekend trip to Chicago. A friend told us we HAD to try Lula's. SO thankful we did. I will be traveling back to Chicago just to take my mom here. Outstanding service from every single employee, incredible food, and just overall 10/10. Absolutely recommend.“

“Excellent food and ambiance, The brick chicken is my favorite. Our friends who have lived throughout the country said the pork chop is the best they ever had“

“We had a delicious breakfast and the service was Excellent. Looking forward to coming back for lunch and mock tails.“

“Amazing food. Great atmosphere. What more can be said?“

“Stopped by Philly Bros and tried the Chicago Philly and the Philthy Burger both were absolutely delicious. The food was fresh, flavorful, and cooked perfectly. The service was just as impressive: friendly, welcoming, and quick. Great experience overall, and I’ll definitely be back. Highly recommend!“

“Went there today for the first, but definitely not last time. The food was extraordinary.“

“Excellent customer service. Food was delicious and the prices weren’t bad at all. Highly recommend!“

“Great variety and unique flavors. Great vibe.“

“The Chew was an amazing restaurant! Not only was the food amazing but the owners, Linda and Landy, and the staff were spectacular! We miss it so much! Truly an icon in our community!“

“I had heard Monti's was the best place to get a Philly in Chicago, and since I've been craving one lately, I had to give it a try. I can honestly say it's the best Philly I've had in Chicago and the surrounding areas. It definitely did not disappoint.
I ordered mine with extra mayo and white American cheese, and it was absolutely delicious. The staff was friendly, the service was great, and the whole experience lived up to the hype. I highly recommend giving Monti's a try if you're looking for an authentic Philly cheesesteak!“

“This place has a cool, hip vibe and it’s fun to eat at the communal tables. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Great variety of beer and creative craft cocktails. Food is beautifully plated and delicious - make sure to try the potatoes, baby gem salad and hanger steak.“

“We dined at Topaz in August 2024 and had a wonderful experience. The atmosphere was cozy and welcoming. We were seated in a comfortable booth. A special mention goes to our server, Sasa, who was incredibly attentive and provided great suggestions. He even surprised us with complimentary limoncellos, which were absolutely delicious. For appetizers, we had the grilled octopus and hummus—both prepared to perfection and bursting with flavor. For the main course, we chose the Dover sole and Amish chicken. These dishes were exceptional and stood out as some of the best we've ever had. The potatoes served with the sole were also a delightful surprise. Portions were generous, and the prices were quite reasonable considering the quality and quantity of the food. We highly recommend Topaz and will definitely be returning!“

“Absolutely fantastic, had the pleasure of trying them at sueños music festival. They were really kind and the food hit the spot!

Les recomiendo probar el lugar, y si vuelven a estar en sueños, que los prueben!

Waffle Fries were the best I’ve had since they were perfectly crispy!“

“I loved it. Have been passing by this place since over a decade ago and never had the time. By coincidence I checked it out a few days ago and I ordered a double cheeseburger with onion rings and it was delicious! I also had a chilli which I recommend if you’re into dips! Very good service. Modest prices.“

“Great service and even better food! 10 out of 10 all around! When you go ask for Josh!“

“We recently got married at The Elm this past weekend (10/13/2024) and can't express in words how satisfied we were with their service. Starting from the first day that we went to see The Elm we were treated with the upmost respect and professionalism. We had our ceremony in the Kensington room, and our reception in the Madison room. The atmosphere and vibe of both rooms was everything that we could hope for. The staff was incredible, the food/drinks were AMAZING, and our guests had nothing but positive feedback. WE HIGHLY RECOMMED THIS PLACE FOR A WEDDING AND/OR ANY OTHER EVENT.“

“there is a fantastic rock and roll brunch menu. the service is excellent. and I can highly recommend the Long Island Iced Teas.“

“Great selection of American & Mediterranean. Falafel plate & Kefta kabobs were fantastic & prepared fresh. Unexpected array of dessert options, as well. Win!“

“We rolled in as some sleeveless thirsty travelers late night on a Thursday. We were bathed in nonchalant hospitality. The quality of a bar can stand on the legs of a Strong menu but it’s only excellent when you have exceptional staff. The Scofflaw has the sauce“

“The sweet sixteen is a must have!!!!!“

“Had a burger and it was just ok. It comes open face and I couldn’t get the bread unstuck to make it a sandwich. Asked for blue cheese olives in my Bloody Mary and I got one. Really?!? Couldn’t get refills on my water. The waitress disappeared till it was check time and then she came over. It was very busy though.“

“Really nice place for real good food. My family and I stopped in after a trip into town for an escape room. We had the foghorn chicken sandwich, burger, mashed pot and gravy, tenders, nuggets, and fries. The burger and mashed we're recommended by staff and were terrific.
Everything was delicious, hot, and fresh. Recommend if you're looking for awesome food at a great price too.“

“Such great service (Alex) and food! Fantastic time and we were a large group.“

“30 yr customer, will never see me again, ordered soup of the day chicken with a large pasta noodle, did not care for it at all, 75% broth in large container, expressed my disappointment to Kathy, did not offer apology or to make it right,“

“Pizza was ok, nothing to write home about. I got a slice of sausage, slice of pepperoni, some wings and a cream soda. Wings were also ok. I wouldn’t choose salad dressing as a dipping sauce but hey what are you gonna do. Good crunch on the crust. I bet if I ordered a whole pie and asked for extra sauce well done I would like it more.“

“Shavaonne is one of the sweetest and nicest servers I have come across“

“Never had a bad meal! One of our staples. Love the Red Velvet pancakes, deconstructed lobster eggs Benedict and white chocolate pretzel pancakes!!!“

“Absolutely love Vistro! Amazing staff, delicious food, wonderful atmosphere, and superb customer service. It never disappoints!“

“My Granddaughter 16th Birthday, 12/ 20/2025 The Food Was Absolutely The Best💥💥💥 We Had: Burgers, Salmon, Mashed Potatoes Jerk Chicken, Chicken Alfredo, barbeque Wings. Mmm So Very Delicious 😋 The Staff, PHENOMENAL“

“My wife and I visited Chief O’Neil’s last night for a late drink during a quick trip to Chicago. We were personally greeted and served by proprietor Anluan McKinney who took great care of us and told us about the pub’s history. The food and drinks were wonderful and the pub was clean, comfortable, and authentic. It may be my favorite Irish pub in the US.“

“The food and the service was fabulous!!!“

“This place is amazing no matter your age!! My peeps from England loved it!!!! So much had to goo back a 2nd time before going bk home. Food was Lovely a long with the beverages and of course the train!!! Great service and great food 💯“

“Great food, shakes and beer selection! Fast and friendly service. Wish the fries were thicker but that’s my personal preference. We also enjoyed the music selection.“

“Brought the whole gang. Our hostess was awesome. Got some extra bread and a Blooming Onion. Drinks quick too. And even got in without a wait at 11am on Fathers Day. The manager stopped by to check on us, so nice. Meals were on time and prepared just right. Mine was a wedge salad, six ounce steak, and asparagus. Still, the menu is great, lot's of choices. Thanks Outback.“

“our friend/landlord brought us to you all and it was so good and fresh and juicy and it was the best food I've ever had in a long time! I really recommend this place!!“

“Chicken is very delicious“

“Love this place even though it's pricey. It's for special occasions of which I seem to have plenty! Sat in the bar this time Sunday afternoon. Unfortunately there was a very loud annoying gentleman who had had too much to drink! For and service were great!“

“This is a neighborhood staple! Good food great people!“

“I’m so sorry i forget our servers name but she was so sweet and attentive and you could tell she really cares about the restaurant. We got the carnitas skillet and the chile rellano omelette and both were some of the best breakfasts I’ve had in the city. The carnitas were perfect and the omelette was fluffy and the sauce with the omelette was my FAV. when we left my partner said “this is our new breakfast spot” and I can’t wait to try lunch!“

“This is one of the best family-run restaurants in Des Plaines. Sunrise Grill has been serving the community for 18 years, and you can taste the experience in every dish. Chef Jose cooks with passion, and Sylvia’s hospitality is unmatched. Ask the staff for their recommendations—they’ve never steered me wrong!“

“Awesome atmosphere and possibilities“