Grad dinner recommendations?

Well, I'm (finally) graduating from college and my parents want to take me out to a nice dinner to celebrate. My mother and I really wanted to try Alinea but with graduation in mid-May we've missed the 2-month lead time for a reservation there. Me being a poor college student, my meals out are usually around $10-15 a person, so I'm a little at a loss for where to go that's a little more upscale.

So, parameters. This dinner is 5 weeks out so we have to be able to get a reservation within that timeframe. The graduation itself is happening in the Loop, so something within the city would be nice. Not necessarily in the Loop (we'll have a rental car) but not way out in the 'burbs, please. There's no price limitations on this dinner, but simply being expensive isn't a requirement either. My parents are coming in from out of town for this so we want great food and a memorable experience. No one in my family is a particularly picky or unadventurous eater. We considered Blackbird but have already eaten at Avec (we enjoyed it) and thought the menu might be too similar. My mom suggested Frontera Grill as a possibility but I've heard it's a little touristy and overrated...I'm just kind of at a loss here. Please help!

This list should help you get started - viewtopic.php?f=28&t=20908

Here are a few threads that cover your question pretty well
Graduation Dinner?

The Parents Are Finally Meeting...

Birthday dinner

You might also be happy with the GNR's

The GNRs are great but most of them are probably a little too casual, since we'll all be in suits and dresses.

Going through the other threads currently, there are so many New American restaurants in the top spots and their menus are all starting to blur together for me. Is there one that stands out from the others, or are we back to Blackbird again?

Sorry, but this thread sort of applies to me too....so I am going to post my question too!

I am in the same boat as rafflesia, except price IS an issue for me.

My parents can't (won't?) pay for dinner at Alinea for 7. Or even really any other top tier sort of place...basically everything mentioned above and everything mentioned in the Graduation Dinner? thread.

I (they) would like to keep it definitely under $50 a person.

Any suggestions on where to go? There has to be at least a few vegetarian options, as my mom is vegetarian (although she does eat cheese and eggs). The rest of us are carnivores through and through.

The place doesn't have to be super fancy. Just killer food, with at least some semblance of atmosphere.

Ya know what I'm sayin'??

I was thinking maybe Sabatinos? I've always dug the food and it is on the nicer side...but not all that pricey either.

I also just mentally added Carnivale to my list. I've always liked the food and the room itself is so visually dazzling. The mojitos are overrated, but they do serve a killer Caipirinha.

DClose you might want to check out Osteria Via Stato. Been there several times and always had an excellent meal. They do a family-style thing with apps, pastas and meats for around $35/person but I think they've started offering ala carte too.

If you were considering going to Alinea, L2O might be a good option for you. They offer menus from $90 to $165/per person (cheaper than Alinea!). It's not downtown, but it's not in the 'burbs, either. It's near the Lincoln Park Zoo. I've been there twice and flat out loved it both times.

A restaurant that also comes to mind for graduation is Boka. The ambiance has an easy elegance without being stuffy and the desserts are amazing.

DClose, certainly Sabatinos, but also there are a lot of options over on Taylor Street for under $50 a head - Tuscany, Rosebud, Mia Francesca, & also Chez Joel. If you want a location downtown Cyrano's Bistro on Wells or the Rosebud Theater District location are options. You could also try something like VTK - I personally love this place, its fun, a nice atmosphere & the food is reliably solid & you'll have no problems staying under $50 - they also have a family dining option for $25 a head for 3 courses, which is nice if you're bringing a group. A vegetarian should have no problems at any of these, & VTK is particularly accommodating with a variety of tofu dishes.

BroilerBorn wrote:If you were considering going to Alinea, L2O might be a good option for you. They offer menus from $90 to $165/per person (cheaper than Alinea!). It's not downtown, but it's not in the 'burbs, either. It's near the Lincoln Park Zoo. I've been there twice and flat out loved it both times.

A restaurant that also comes to mind for graduation is Boka. The ambiance has an easy elegance without being stuffy and the desserts are amazing.

Thanks for these, I'll keep them in mind for future occasions.

Anyway I ended up just emailing a list of upscale places to my mom and letting her choose since they're the ones paying. She settled on Spiaggia.

I do sort of feel like I am asking for an Italian place, just based on my requirements....nice atmosphere....under $50 a head...

Are there any noteworthy Contemporary American suggestions anybody could make, or will I quickly be going outside of my price zone?

I would be interested in other ethnic places, but I worry that a nice atmosphere and lower price point present confounding characteristics for many place. No hole-in-the-walls...no matter how perfect, but even a place like Topoplobampo would be pushing the $50 limit.

Know what I'm sayin'?

I went to Sweets and Savories for my grad dinner, and it was just great. Heading to Blackbird on Friday for the first time for my birthday dinner, and I've heard nothing but good things about there too.

Sweets & Savories is a good choice, and since $$ are an issue be sure to ask if there are any prix-fixe ($29!) specials in effect. Also, the last time we were there they were very open to BYOB.