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!“

“Favorite chilakiles mmmmmmm“

“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.“

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

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

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

“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!“

“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“

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

“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!“

“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.“

“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!“

“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!“

“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!“

“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.“

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

“Country House has stood the test of time. I remember going here as a little girl with my grandma, my parents, and now as an adult, and it’s never diminished in quality or decreased in quaint coziness. The service is attentive, genuinely friendly, and assuringly knowledgeable. The atmosphere is that of an old world supper club from the past. The menu has plentiful options without being overwhelming. We plan to come back and bring guests, and have added this to our list of “Hidden Gems for Out of Town Visitors.”“

“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.“

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

“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,“

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

“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.“

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

“The wait staff and cooks are fast and friendly...the owners are outstanding! Can't wait to come back!“

“Great variety and unique flavors. Great vibe.“

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

“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.“

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

“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 💯“

“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!!“

“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“

“Don’t order the short rib mini sandwiches! They were 90 percent fat. When I informed the waitress she indicated that there is always fat on those sandwiches. My sandwich was mostly grizzle and fat. My friend had the same thing but hers at least had some meat.“

“I recently dined at Farm Bar Ravenswood and was thoroughly impressed with the entire experience. From the moment we arrived, the service was top notch. The staff were attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, making us feel welcome and ensuring everything went smoothly throughout the meal.

The food was excellent, and it was clear that a great deal of care goes into both the menu and the overall dining experience. Combined with the warm atmosphere and outstanding hospitality, the restaurant delivered a truly memorable meal. Farm Bar Ravenswood exceeded expectations in every way, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for great food and exemplary service.“

“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.“

“Very professional and the food is amazing“

“Excellent food made from scratch. Love the chicken pot pie 💕“

“Johns is a friendly, always reliable, brunch, lunch or dinner with good food, amazing desserts….(try the skillet cookie), and great service!“

“We've never heard of a Bloody Mary bar before, and we've never been to Highway House before, but everything was great today so we will be back.“

“We had a delicious takeout brunch. The steak and eggs were so flavorful and the chilaquiles were exactly how I like them. The cinnamon roll was an extra special treat. The food tasted just as good as in the restaurant. A great option for takeout!“