50 Best American Restaurants near River Forest

“Food and ambience at Yolk was great. We were here for a celebratory brunch and enjoyed our time. All the entrees tasted good. The only complaint was that the tables are too close and there was an extra chatty group next to us which was disturbing. Would be nice to keep larger groups in a different section since the restaurant is not that small.“

“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.“

“Love Kasama! I’ve been back each time I visit the city and the breakfast is banging. I know the sandwich + hash-brown is iconic and a must try but their other food is equally as delicious. Would highly recommend ordering online to skip the line if you don’t plan to eat inside.“

“First time at The Whale for a friend's birthday, we ended up there during happy hour (a happy accident) and the drinks and food options were inexpensive and delicious! Emily our waitress was fantastic as well, super bubbly and sweet, thank you Emily!“

“Great location to grab lunch. Solid variety of cocktails and beers to choose from. The short rib sandwich was absolutely perfect with a soft fresh bun and the perfect amount of onions and peppers. Great service, be sure to make a reservation in advance though (there is space to eat at the bar though).“

“The staff at Lula Cafe was incredibly accommodating to our almost 2-year-old toddler. After we met the owner, another server came over and even addressed our son by his first name! It was such a small but thoughtful touch. In addition, the owner knew we were traveling home the next day so she took the liberty to make our last dish a little smaller so we didn't have leftovers that would go to waste. I was just blown away by the attention to details and hospitality. As a huge bonus, the food and cocktails were incredible! Will definitely go back when we find ourselves in Chicago again.“

“Updated review, still a very solid cocktail bar even if the rules on cell phones and dress code have gotten a bit lax over the years.Menu all around is good and the bar tenders are very knowledgeable. Space overall is pretty quiet and arranged in such a way that things feel very private.Worth stopping by at least onceLook for the recessed door, you could walk by without ever knowing it's there!“

“A limited menu with decent food. Had the winter squash which was delish, especially the flavor combinations and goat cheese puree. Our table shared a baguette which was nice with the herbed butter and tiny anchovy. I would say this is a stellar place for whisky and bourbon selections if that's your thing. It's not your place if you're on a budget as the prices were a bit steep. Noisy atmosphere. Cute woodsy inn theme.“

“I haven’t been impressed with Italian food here in Chicago until now. This place is seriously good. The appetizers recommended by our server were outstanding. Superb flavors. Handmade pasta dishes were very, very good. The final course of pork collar was phenomenal. I would definitely recommend this place over others.“

“My guy and I dined there last night and I can only say that every aspect of this visit was, on a scale from 1 to 5, a 10. Atmosphere, service, cleanliness, promptly being seated AND served with a reservation, courteous waitstaff, and last but not least...every dish we tasted was superbly plated and tasted amazing. We had the restaurant week special with 3 entrees. We chose the pot roast, blackened salmon w/creamed spinach, honey chicken with fried pound cake, short ribs /mashed potatoes, shrimp n grits. Well done! We will be coming back!“

“We loved our experience at Giant! We’ve been wanting to eat here for a while and thought what better time than to go out for my birthday. My wife and I can’t say enough great things about the food, our server Bailey and the whole experience. Bailey was the best server ever! We love her and will definitely be back.“

“A not so hidden gem as of late now that reviews are catching up with the imaginative menu and exceptional dining experience Community Tavern has been consistently providing over the past several years. Menu is full of unique dishes… elevated dumpling and noodles are a signature. Beautifully plated and generous- but not overly. Cocktail menu is fun, with zero proof options that are spot on. Save room for baked Alaska. Oh, and ambiance is chic but allows the focus to be where it belongs. On the food. Upscale West Loop experience in modest Portage Park for a lot less and no pretense.“

“I came here with a group of girlfriends and Brian was an amazing server. He gave us great suggestions for the appetizers and entrees. Uli the bartender made us some delicious cocktails. We are coming back. Thank you brain and uli for an amazing experience!“

“My boyfriend and I have been coming here almost every weekend for the last few months because it really is THAT GOOD!! Our favorites are the Nashville Hot Fried "Chicken" sandwich with the Smoked Gouda Mac and the Country Friend Portobella, but we've tried just about every vegetarian thing on the menu and haven't found a dud yet!“

“Gather is simply my favorite restaurant in Chicago. Every dish is incredible: the ricotta-honey spread and buttery toast, citrus cured salmon with fried egg, carmelized brussels sprouts with aioli...and that's before you even get to the entrees. Truth be told, I've never actually made it to dessert here because I'm already so stuffed from everything else.The decor is classy but comfortable; you'll dine by candlelight with a list of appealing cocktails ready to hand. If you're lucky, you can sit with a direct view of the kitchen where you can watch the magic happen.Incredible spot--if this place ever closes, you can rest assured that I will weep bitter tears for it. Please go eat here so that doesn't happen.“

“Ivonne was a fantastic waitress and the food was immaculately put together. The flavors and textures were incredible and I'm glad to have ventured out of the downtown area to explore. I loved that they attempt to do farm-to-fork on a micro scale... how cool and clever.“

“Worth the wait and must try! Beautiful and unique venue in the unassuming town of Des Plaines. Our server was kind and welcoming, food was delicious, drinks were fun and tasty. The only two items that were less than ideal, the horrible acoustics (incredibly loud) and although it was too on my list to try, the chicken shawarma rolls were underwhelming. Even with those two items, the great service and food quality it's still worth the 5 star review. We sat upstairs, which very much appreciated, being out of the hustle and bustle of the downstairs. Looking forward to trying the brunch and the outside patio... overlooking the water.“

“My wife and I have never been to a Michelin star restaurant and now that we live in Chicago, we had plenty of options. For our second baby moon we decided to treat ourselves to an experience at El Ideas. The whole experience was amazing! The location is really unassuming and not in some pretentious building or area. It was such a laid back yet exquisite experience. Guests were allowed to wonder the space and take in the food preparation. You could ask questions of the chefs. It was really neat and nothing like I've ever experienced. Since there are a limited number of reservations the entire staff is really attune to guests needs. I have no complaints about any of the dishes. Some of the standout dishes were the shrimp dish which was an ode to the history of Chicago fried shrimp. The Swedish style meatball cooked in smoked beef tallow with gnocchi was so well balanced. The smoked duck bahn mi and smoke duck pho was amazing . The Lamb dish was out of this world! I'm still in awe of the vanilla shake and fries dessert. It was truly a work of art. The vanilla with the crunchy potato bits and potato and leak soup just worked. I could take one of those every day. This experience is definitely worth it! I hope to be back in the future!“

“Very kind and careful staff cared about our experience from the moment we booked all the way till we left feeling happy and fat. My beautiful bride and I enjoyed their tasting menu with obvious tweaks to her vegetarian diet. Everything was delicious, surprising, and fun. The NA drink pairings were wonderfully inspired and amazing. 11/10.“

“I recommend this Denys, the attention received by Sandy is very cordial, a kind, friendly person, she is always aware of what we need and what we order, she tries to ensure that we are given the best attention that the food arrives hot and that it is what we One ordered correctly, Sandy is a person who always has a smile for us, she gives her best, she makes us feel like we are with family, her kindness makes us return to this same restaurant. I recommend her, a very good person, her contagious smile, it makes her happy. the day to anyone“

“It was cool. Met some friends on St. Paddy's Day for a happy hour drink. My beer was $6, and her ranch water was $9 (not sure what the happy hour special was), but it was a one and done with no issues. It's super dark inside even on a bright day, so if you are a day drinker, this might be your vibe. Not so much for me.“

“Our 1st time there...Lukas was very knowledgeable about the menu and very attentive. We started with the Santa Fe egg roll appetizer which was okaaa. For mains I had the chimichurri steak which was very tender & juicy and my bf totally devoured the shrimp jambalaya special. After we both enjoyed a couple of coffees with gelato, which were creamy & tasted homemade. I had pistachio and he had mint avalanche. Yum! A tiny tad more $$ than we expected but we will definitely be back to try a few more dishes.“

“Always incredible - one of the best breakfast sandwiches in the city (I get the pablano/veggie and add sausage ? - which was a staff suggestion). Everyone who works there is friendly and engaging! If they had a yearbook, I would write, "have a cool summer - don't ever change".“

“TL;DR - If you’re even slightly thinking about coming here, just do it. Revolution has the best beer in the city, fantastic food, and incredible staff.A lot of breweries in Chicago excel in making their one or two specialty styles of beer, and that’s it. Revolution, on the other hand, is able to guarantee high quality and incredibly drinkable beer across just about every style you can think of. I normally hate those dark, boozy, 15+% ABV beers, yet I drink every single one that Rev puts out and I love it. Their “Hero”-series IPAs will make even the biggest IPA hater second guess their hatred. And their sours (usually released during the summer) are so good, you will question how something this good can be alcoholic. Revolution doesn’t put out a beer that isn’t incredible, so you can pick a beer at random and be sure to enjoy it.Recently, the Brewpub renovated their space and, with it, re-did a lot of their menu. The space is cozy, yet upscale (the seating is significantly comfier than it once was with new plush seating). The new food is also really high quality - much higher than you would expect from a brewery. A lot of detail is put into plating and presentation (Mushrooms & Tofu, for example, looks like a piece of art), and still it tastes somehow even better than it looks. In addition to more upscale menu items, you’re also able to get a lot of that “typical” bar food here that fully delivers (pretzel, cheese curds, fries, etc.). The only gripe I could possibly have here is on the pricing of some of the food. This does not apply to the whole menu though, just some items that feel like they are priced higher than they should be (e.g. Lion’s Mane mushrooms, a starter, costs the same as the Mushrooms & Tofu, an entree, despite being significantly less food and sharing some similar ingredients. Why?!). If you can view this less as a bar and more like a nicer restaurant (which, with the renovation completed, is easy to do), then the pricing is a lot more palatable.The ambiance, food, and drinks are all great, but it’s the staff at Revolution that keeps me coming back though. They’re all so friendly, personable, passionate, and professional - they are the kind of people that make your night out feel special. My fiancé and I have celebrated birthdays, engagements, job offers, anniversaries, and so much more here because of how wonderful the staff are in celebrating and creating such a fun environment to be in. They make Revolution a place we want to go whenever we want to have a good time out. There are just too many people to name (Magnolia, Drake, Erwin, Makenna, Amy, Matt, just to name a few) - but rest assured that we love just about everyone who has served us here. So much so, that my fiancé and I are getting married here later this year!This is the easiest 5 stars I have ever handed out. I have so little to say about places that are “meh”, so the length of this review should show how much I love it here. I’ve come here at least every week for the last 2+ years, and I don’t have any intention of slowing down anytime soon. If you’re still reading this, please stop reading and start drinking, and do it at the Brewpub! You won’t regret it!Vegetarian options: Plenty of vegetarian and vegan options here. Standouts include the veggie burger (vegan by default), Mushrooms & Tofu (vegan), and a delicious pretzel with beer cheese (vegetarian and oh so good).“

“Diana made our anniversary dinner special. Seasons 52 holds a special place in our heart as the last place we had dinner with one of our beloved grandparents who passed. Our food was delicious and the service made us feel cared for. Thank you for making our night exquisiteDietary restrictions: We’re dairy intolerant and they were accommodating“

“Tony’s pulls no punches when it comes to late night or early morning dining. I’ve never seen such a variety of options from a 24hr restaurant which makes it the clear choice as they have little something for everyone. This is where I’d put a photo of one of my meals…but I ate it too fast to get the chance.“

“Since moving to Cicero in 2020 this has been our spot. Food is always on point, service is super friendly and they have an outdoor patio that we can bring our pup pup.Vegetarian options: There's always something vegan or vegetarian friendly.“

“We made a reservation, arrived on time, were told our table would not be ready for 15 min. There is no where to wait at the restaurant (no room at the bar and we had someone under 21 with us and there is no place else to wait where you are not in the way. We chose to wait outside. Why bother making reservation if the table is not ready? There were several open tables, too and upon return 15 min later those same tables were open! It's just very frustrating and this is the second time something like this has happened. If it happens again I am not so sure I will be as open to returning.“

“I recently visited Volo Wine Bar and I must say, it exceeded all my expectations! The ambiance of the patio was simply amazing, providing a perfect setting to enjoy a glass of wine. The happy hour deals were fantastic, offering a wide selection of wines at great prices. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable, making the experience even more enjoyable. I highly recommend Volo Wine Bar for anyone looking for a cozy and inviting spot to unwind and enjoy quality wine. A definite 5-star experience!“

“This was our first time in as we just moved to the neighborhood and we loved it! We had come from dinner but decided we wanted some snacks. We had the fried pickles, pretzels, & ice cream with churros-- I was surprised but oh so happy they had some kind of dessert. The bartender was a super nice guy-- very friendly. He checked on us often and never left us waiting for anything. The interior was really cute and about what you expect for a corner/ neighborhood bar. We will for sure be back-- so glad we gave it a try!“

“A latin style brunch place with delicious food. Chilaquiles are spicy, hearty. The rice and black beans are good, also different compared to most Mexican restaurants. The maduros and orange slice cuts are notable and unique. Also, don't confuse the leafs 'veins' for a hair, as I freaked out pulling one from the eggs. Restaurant decor is modern, food was ready quick, and the server was nice This place also serves pumpkin spice coffee year round.“

“I went today…I did not get the name of the person who attended us. I believe he is the owner, he is very nice and welcoming. The chefs are kind with good vibes too. Overall Good vibes. The chicken is not dry, and the friendly fire fries are very well served and delicious. I know a lot of food places get promoted in the city, but I am happy to know that there is a good chicken place here in Forest Park, IL. The food is well priced, and not expensive. To anyone who wants a delicious chicken sandwich and amazing fries please go here. - Ramiro“

“We went to Farm Bar last night with another couple and it was so delicious I had to write a review. We started with the cheese curds and we all agreed that they are the best we have ever had. Then we had the salad that was on the Specials list. It was a smear of ricotta cheese with butter lettuce, peas, asparagus, watermelon radishes and a very light, tasty vinaigrette dressing. So fresh and flavorful. The owner came by our table and has a huge farm in Wisconsin so everything is so fresh and menu changes with seasons. My husband had the catfish. He is a southern boy and he loved it. Huge portion as well! Two of us had the cavatelli. Fresh pasta and layered with textures and flavors. And one of us had the burger. He said it was a great burger. Service was very friendly and we didn't feel rushed. Highly recommend Farm Bar!! Can't wait until the summer and the rooftop opens.“

“Oh ATN, you have turned my husband and I into bad people. We bought snacks for the weekend and they looked so good we dug into them tonight. The smoked trout and meat and cheese tray are absolutely amazing! I've never had anything there that wasn't top notch. I'm looking forward to the day we can enjoy the ambiance again.“

“Great place and a great addition to the neighborhood. I’ve been here a few times now and enjoyed everything I’ve had. Great cocktails too. The couple that opened it are wonderful people. The staff and owners are super friendly and attentive.“

“Phenomenal breakfast. Brought our two toddlers and they loved the scrambled egg plate and smoothies. Very good omelette sandwich and avocado toast. Highly recommended.Dietary restrictions: Gluten free toastKid-friendliness: Super friendly staff and comfy booths“

“This is an absolutely spectacular spot to stop. Quick service, terrific food and incredibly great prices. I wanted to get myself an italian beef while I was here in Chicago and Frannies helped me accomplish that goal in the best way possible. Thank you for the terrific experience and I will certainly be back.“

“Recently found Mary's thanks to my sister & Brother in-law and I love it! Only been there 2x but both times the food has been great!, I had the same server and she was very attentive and friendly, but not "annoyingly" attentive. Haven't had to wait more than 10.15vminutes for food, but I was also there during slow periods both times. The interior is ...Fun! And colorful!, BTW, the Jalapeno Bacon is awesome!“

“I went to Mother's Ruin with a group of my coworkers, and Keith the bartender took the best care of us. He really made all of our nights special. I have also gone to Mother's Ruin for my birthday and graduation, and each time the service is always spectacular. I can't recommend this place enough! I highly recommend the nachos, and the specialty cocktails they have are all delicious.“

“First impression when I walked in was wow very clean place for a small restaurant like this. The ower was behind the register and was super nice. Told me about some of the favorites and how it's made. The burger was amazing. Top quality bacon on the burger. Didn't take long for my food. If your hungry and in the area check it out.“

“Great theater, orchestra and talented cast, singing and dancing. The actresses including the burlesque dance scenes were perfectly cast. Couldn't relate to the story line of this play (guys and dolls) well enough to recommend it, but would love to see the actors in another play to showcase their substantial talents.And hope drury can pick more timely subject matter.“

“This is a newer spot near me that I recently discovered, it overs a different variety of food to the area. Will fulfill that middle eastern craving close to home and they offer other menu items for those not brave enough to venture. Have been here a few times and it doesn't disappoint.“

“Just had lunch here to support a local restaurant and it was delicious! I started with an espresso which was phenomenal. Bit of a wait for the food but definitely worth it. Spinach feta bourek was fresh and perfect. Flakey pastry which wasn't overpowered by the filling. The sudjuk sausage sandwich was insanely tasty and so well priced for both. Highly recommend this place!!“

“My dining experience here was great, our server was Matt, he was very attentive, made sure our experience was great. The food didn't take too long considering they had a big party going on while we were seated. Definitely recommend coming in here ! And ask for Matt he won't disappoint!“

“only came to get some work done and had a coffee but it seems like a nice place to get brunch or dinner! the music was also very very loud but they told me it’s not normally that loud, so i’ll have to come by another time to see how it is.“

“My family and I absolutely love this spot!! Their daily specials are top notch. And their chicken noodle soup is one of the best out there. You can tell it's homemade. We have not had something we did not like from Sunrise grill. The staff here is so wonderful. Always so nice and accommodating. We love the staff there. We always feel so welcomed.“

“Everything about this place has a classic feel, but not like a played-out classic. It's more nostalgic with a twist. The food has an old-school feel that will make your inner child sing while satisfying your adult taste buds and sensibilities. The product is consistently delicious. Pop in if you're in the neighborhood.“

“We recently held our daughter's Birthday party at Logan 11. Everything from start to finish was delightful. Clint and his Staff did an amazing job with every detail. The food and drink selection they created was the perfect fit for our party!Vegetarian options: Good vege options“

“OH MY GOD THIS PLACE MAKES HEAVEN. My favorites: - any of the savory meat croissants - egg sandwich - any of the meat strombolis - salted caramel donut - gingersnap molasses cookie - twice-baked almond croissant - vegan dark chocolate banana bread with pecans - Two falls ago there was this amazing apple cider bearclaw donut thing. I haven't seen it since in the pastry case, but I can still taste its awesomeness in my mouth and hope it will one day return. Everything here is so moist and magical. For me, what sets Mindy's Bakery apart from other bakeries, and makes it clear why Mindy won the Beard award for Outstanding Chef in the US, is that Mindy and crew are always working to improve their craft, always using quality ingredients and making better versions of things all the time and I respect this so much. Also, when you come in through the door, you can see everyone behind the counter, working hard, baking during open hours, and helping you pick things out of the big case in front. They are awesome. If you're from out of town, know there's rarely a line out the door on Wed, Thurs or Fri, but Sat and Sun are busy, so do what I do and bring your kindle or paper to read while you wait in line. It is always worth the wait.“

“Ravenswood Breakfast House is a cute and quite small breakfast and brunch place. Good coffee, great breakfast dishes. My favorite is their Basil Omelette, but everything I have had on their menu has been delicious! Service is fast and friendly. Remember, the dining area is small. Not a place for large groups, but a great breakfast place nonetheless.Kid-friendliness: From my observations, Ravenswood Breakfast House welcomes children of any age. This is a small restaurant with a small dining area, so it's not great for kids who like to get out of the chair and run around, but they are otherwise accommodating for families with kids.“