50 Best American Restaurants near Winnetka

“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!!“

“Cool place excellent service!!!“

“I had looked at the menu before I came here so I knew I wanted The Cuban Sandwich when I arrived. It was fast and fresh. The meat was mouth watering! Was the best Cuban I ever had. I was not expecting this. Hoping for goodness.. but the best!! ???. The service was fast and friendly.
I give this place 5⭐️
Jerry (the pigeon) gives it 5.5⭐️“

“We were in last week. Had chicken noodle soup and a poultry salad sandwich on a salted pretzel bagel. Both huge and delicious. Great value for what you get and the man at the counter was very kind and patient with these first time visitors!“

“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 food, family friendly!“

“Met for a brainstorming session…their coffee is a catalyst for sure! Great selection of healthy options with just enough sinful options to keep it balanced!“

“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!“

“Vincent is a wonderful place. Love the food and frequently live performers as well.“

“Super…Great service from Ashley!!“

“Honestly one of the best fried chicken spots in Niles! The chicken was super crispy from the outside and juicy inside 🔥 The seasoning is on point and the fries are fresh and well-seasoned.

The place is clean, service is fast, and the staff are friendly. Perfect spot if you’re craving comfort food or a quick bite.

Definitely coming back again and highly recommended! 👍🍗🍟“

“Decided to stop in after seeing how long their line was at Taste of Chicago. Just a rock solid Burger place. Had the Merktz cheese burger, and I quite enjoyed it. I don't have too much much more to say about this place. Its worth the stop“

“One of my favourite breakfast spot! They have grits!!“

“Best burgers in the area!“

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

“Had a short but super nice visit. 10/10 friendly and awesome people. $5 Mimosa get in my belly. Will visit again, will rave about it to anyone who will listen.“

“Bluegrass Restaurant is a wonderful, family-owned restaurant. We have been ordering takeout and eating in since we came to Highland Park three years ago. The owners take pride in managing the restaurant on a daily basis. They prioritize customer service, great food, and a warm, welcoming experience. Last night, they hosted the Highland Park/Highwood Professional Moms group. We had only expected 15 women to attend, but 25 women ended up coming. The owners and the staff were AMAZING. They brought over additional chairs. They provided us with top-notch service, including separate checks. They respected us when we were speaking to the group and quietly took orders in the background. I can't say enough nice things about this restaurant.“

“great food, friendly staff, excellent customer service“

“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 !“

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

“Great experience from start to finish! The customer service was exceptional, and the food was absolutely amazing. Unfortunately, I’m not from the area, but if I’m ever back, I’ll definitely be stopping in again. This is the kind of customer service every restaurant should strive to provide. A special shout-out to Miguel for making the experience even more memorable!“

“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.“

“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!“

“So awesome! Great burgers great service“

“Root beer float was delicious and we also had a chance to try the Italian Ice!! Can’t wait to keep coming back this summer! Staff was so friendly too!“

“Im embarrassed it took us a couple of years to finally dine here but I'm SO grateful we FINALLY arrived and assure you we will be back again soon. Fun cocktail menu, great wine list and an impeccably delivered menu and great service! Thank you for the perfect date night!“

“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!!“

“The Arvin Place, a hidden gem for authentic Mongolian food!
Stopped by The Arvin Place and was genuinely impressed. Ordered the khuushuur (fried meat pies) and a traditional meat platter with boiled beef, potatoes, carrots, and a delicate dough wrap. Portions are generous, the meat is tender and flavorful, and the khuushuur came out golden with a thin, crispy shell, exactly how it should be. The broth on the side was a nice touch.
The space is clean and welcoming, with photos of the Mongolian steppe on the walls that set the mood. Friendly service, fair prices, and a rare chance to try real Mongolian cuisine in the Chicago area. Highly recommend, and I’ll definitely be back to try more of the menu.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​“

“Very friendly and excellent service, highly recommended.“

“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.“

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

“Solid local breakfast spot in DF, the staff is super friendly and good service. The food tastes great and they have a wide menu. I personally love their Mexican breakfast dishes. It’s got a cute diner vibe inside and is easy to just walk in and grab a seat for breakfast. I do enjoy their breakfast but it’s not my #1 spot in the area.“

“that has a splendid attention to its clients and a very variable and very familiar menu I adore it“

“One of the most beautiful meals I have had in a long time. Stunning presentation, thoughtful bite construction, fresh ingredients, and well cultivated flavors. The service was incredibly attentive. Warm and inviting ambience. Can’t wait to go back!“

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

“First time in 10 years since I haven’t had Dennys in general. As my return. Good customer service, staff are pleasant, The Triple Burger is delicious. Highland Park is very safe and I will be coming back!“

“Been coming here since I was a kid! I moved up north and haven’t been back in years and as God as my witness it tastes like I never left. Thank you for the nostalgia!“

“It's hand down one of the best diners around state. Friendly atmosphere, great food and this Hash Skillet is the BOMB. Don't forget to also include a Sunrise Smoothie to your meals, makes the day feel so much better.

Love it since I've been coming here after my early 5am work shifts. Always leave contently full.“

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

“Not a bad item on their entire menu! By far one of the best places in the Sauganash/Edgebrook neighborhood.“

“Grate food and service acutely and fast“

“Great salads!!! Great chicken sandwiches!!! Best cheese fries in the area!!!“

“We love backyard grill as an option for our teachers when ordering lunch. Food is delicious, portions are perfect and with the extensive menu everyone can find something that they love. Thank you!“

“Amazing Enchiladas at Wilmette location! Beautiful outdoor seating. 👍🏻“

“Service and food all outstanding. I will be going back.“

“Best hot chicken in Chicago“

“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!“

“We have visited Cooper Hawks in Morton Grove several times, sometimes for drinks and appetizers and sometimes for dinner and drinks, we have never had a bad experience. Great food and drinks, but we have been able to experience the same waitress Lori P. She is the best great personality food and drinks fast…… she is totally awesome. Thank you Lori for making our experience at Morton Grove Cooper Hawks great! See you next week.“

“This is really a wonderful restaurant. The price point is excellent and the value for money superb. The food was really, really good, and we all enjoyed our meal. The skirt steak, the lamb chops, the beet salad and the ceviche. The poached pear is something different (not sweet at all) and the chocolate cake was very tasty. And for 10 bucks you get a really solid pour of wine (probably around 9 oz), which is just unheard of in a restaurant. Service was good and we really enjoyed ourselves. Highly recommend you try this new place. They deserve to be more busy. It’s new and people need to get the word out.“

“I can't say enough about my whole experience with the staff, accommodations and food!! I must have called 6 times changing the number of people and requesting a round table and they were so patient and accommodating. I'm sorry I don't remember the names I spoke with on the phone but they were wonderful. Our server Miguel was great, we wanted for nothing and the room we were in was outstanding. We all had an excellent time I could not have been happier!!“