Christmas Eating in Chicago - Help Needed

Hi there,

My husband and I have just moved to Chicago (and the US) and want to go out either on Chritsmas Eve for a romantic dinner or for breakfast on Christmas Day. Does anyone have any recommendations? Christmas breakfast is a big deal where we are from and the local Hyatt slapped on a good fare, but I can't find anything here. Re the dinner option, we really hate paying for bad food, and would love something special, but not fussy.

Thank you so much! Oh, we live in Hyde Park and don't mind driving if the food is good.

zee

Well, I hate to wuss out and simply point you to another site, but this is the sort of thing the Chicago Tribune always does, and their dining site, Metromix, has a roundup of places here.

To add some value to the equation, I would say Avenues is the finest restaurant on this list, there are many reviews here, though its atmosphere does not completely overcome the hotel-dining feel. Still, if you can swing the $150 per person, that would be exceptional.

I don't feel qualified to comment on the food at MK, not having been there in 5+ years, but it has a hipper loft-like space and a generally good reputation for food (a now-closed suburban one got some negative reviews, though). For less expensive and a nice, intimate place, Cafe Matou is a very pleasant neighborhood French restaurant. If romantic is the main criterion then that's probably the choice. Also fitting that bill (nice neighborhood place), but not on their list, is Brett's-- you can see the Christmas menu here: http://www.brettscafe.com/

Cy's is just on the list for the folks who only care about steak, I guess.

I'm begging you--do not under any circumstances go to Cy's. I will admit I haven't been for a few years-but it was a hell-hole. Unless things have drastically changed, which I have no interest in finding out, it was not acceptable in any way shape or form.

If you want fine dining, you might want to try Restaurant michael in Winnetka (north shore) . Most hotels on Michigan avenue have christmas eve dinner.