Suggestions: Birthday Dinner, 6 people, Gold Coast?

Hello all,
I think this is the correct forum.
My brother and I are going to be 24 this week, and he would like to go out with the family for dinner that day.

Of the 6, 2 of us spend most days in the west look, the rest will be driving in from the suburbs. That is why he thinks the gold coast area is a good one to pick a place to eat.

We were thinking of Frontera Grill as an option, but earliest reservation is at 9, if I get there at 5 and put my name down they say they should be able to seat us by 7, and personally, if I was in the mood for mexican, I would go to wholly frijoles on Touhy, yes one is much fancier than the other. Also have not heard the same glowing reviews of the place recently as it used to get.

We are looking for something moderately fancy. Price wise, under 30 dollar entrees would be nice.
Places my brother and family have enjoyed in the past include:
Inovasi in Lake Bluff, Mirimar in Highwood, Royce in Highland Park when it still existed, and Bistrot Zinc in the gold coast

Family as a whole does not enjoy steak houses, like weber grill or morons. Reason I am asking online, is that I am a paper plate kind of guy, fancy places just dont do it for me.

However, we are open to all ethnic kinds of foods, just looking for something a little different. No dietary restrictions. It would be nice to try something different.

Open to any suggestions, and if this is in the wrong forum, lmk

http://www.bistronomic.net

Le Colonial in Gold Coast.

Gilt Bar in River North.

Le Petit Paris
260 East Chestnut
(312) 787-8260

Most entrees under $20

"excellent dinner. It's surprising that this little gem isn't better known" writes one LTHer.

Not sure how it would fit price-wise but I would highly recommend Sumi Robata Bar.

=R=

702 N Wells St
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 988-7864

Gilt Bar. I like Sumi too (mentioned above). I'd say Gilt is moderately fancy, though it has a bit of a bar feel. I like that place

I enthusiastically second Bistronomic. Not stuffy, very good food, not expensive. Perhaps you could discuss doing the private room for six, and get three courses for $45 pp. . .

Italian? Right now there a couple in River North that fit your criteria, but Piccolo Sogno Due is my current favorite.

I'll second the recommendation for Le Colonial, which is Vietnamese (& some French fusion?)... I'd enjoyed it in the past, and then hadn't been there in 6-7 years until recently. On visits Memorial Day weekend and in early August, it was excellent. More upscale than the Vietnamese restaurants you'd find on Argyle, servers who do a good job of guiding people toward dishes they'll enjoy even if they're not familiar with the cuisine. Fresh, bold flavors without being over the top. And surprisingly reasonable for the ambiance and location.

http://www.lecolonialchicago.com/

Le Colonial
937 North Rush Street
Chicago

The suburban spots you listed are up North and I know you're looking Gold Coast, but have you considered a spot like Libertad in Skokie? Not that far North and a great Latin-inspired menu.

What about a traditional French, but unpretentious, bistro style dinner?
Comfortable, serious but not intimidating surroundings, reliable cuisine.
Kiki's Bistro at 900 N. Franklin a few blocks West from Michigan Avenue would be my suggestion.
Call the day before to arrange for the kind of table you need,'Tel:312-335-5454 They are used to acommodate your kind of party.