Old school - near western burbs

OK, I have a birthday coming up early next month and want to stay fairly close to home for a group dinner. Looking for someplace similar to Jim & Pete's, Saban's, and Petey's Bungalow Lounge, which we've done before and enjoyed. We're not quite old enough for The Flame, which I've always associated with the blue-haired crowd. I was wondering about The Golden Steer or The Pines - never been and they certainly are intriguing since they've been around forever. Anyone been? Worth a trip?

I have only been to the Golden Steer once but everyone who goes there or has gone there always speaks highly of their food. Small joint so if your group is big don't know how well you'll fit. Call and ask.

Not an old time steak joint but what about the new Wishbone over by Fitzgerald's on Roosevelt in Berwyn. Their food is supposed to be pretty good.

On Circle Avenue, near Harlem there is Kevil's Restaurant. They have some good food there. (It used to be Set Back North years ago....it has been updated)

I believe the Pines is history. The family sold late last year. It may still be open but not so sure I'd be in a big rush to go there now.

Good luck and Happy Birthday.

Golden Steer is great! Very "old school," ridiculously low-priced but still quality & tasty steaks, maybe the best French onion soup I've ever had. (that's just my opinion, of course.) But as noted, it might be a rough fit for a large group because it's kind of small & oddly configured. Kevil's would be a good choice, again "old school" in a very fun, convivial atmosphere, great staff, friendly patrons, and the most delicious hashbrown casserole that comes as a side (hashbrown-y potatoes, green onions, cheese....YUM! even better the next day or later that night with eggs!) I think this would be a great choice for what you're describing, because it's kinda half-bar, half-restaurant, real conducive to celebrations. Also, I don't know if it's still open, but Horwath's on Harlem & maybe Grand is real "old-school," soup & salad included w/ entree kinda place, middle aged waitresses pushing your food around on carts, cocktails, & the best blue cheese dressing I've ever had, but it might be too "blue haired crowd" for what you're looking for. Anyway, I'm pretty sure it's closed. there's also some place called Stacy's on Mannheim I think that's in the same vein; I've never been there but people I know went in large groups and "old school" loved it.

But really, I vote Kevil's for you!

A few years younger than "old school" a tad pricier, but cool old school bar, live jazz some nights, and seemingly in the area you're looking at:

Philander's in Oak Park?

The Golden Steer is old school. Its very good and inexpensive. I agree that their French Onion soup is probably the best out there. BUT, its bordering on becoming a tavern that serves great food.

My hubby and were there about 2 months ago. We used to go at least 4-5 times a month about 5 years ago. And the place is really showing its age now. Its boardering on dirty. The bathrooms (I can only speak for woman's) is a mess.

I also agree with PP;s that they might not have a space for a larger group. If you do go, ask for Linda to be your server. She gets it right everytime.

Also, Horwath's has been closed for a couple years now, but that would be the perfect place for what you're looking for.

It appears I didn't post at the time, so I can't give you any details, but since two people have now recommended it I will tell you that I went to Kevil's some time back and found it resoundingly mediocre. So I'd urge you to check it our yourself before committing to an event there (which no doubt you would do in any case).