River North Eateries

Going to stay in River North around Ohio & State this weekend. Any dining recs?

I am fairly familiar with the area, but haven't been down there in a couple of years. We considered Ho7 because we like Cajun food, but the reviews are kind of spotty. Having Mexican Friday nite, sorry no Asian please for the wife. There is plenty of Mexican/Latin, Steak, & Italian in that area, but we are both in the mood for seafood. Any upscale seafood places?

After living in River North I can tell you that investment in a small cab ride goes a long way in improving your dining options. For good, non-asian seafood I'd recommend Santorini in Greektown. As I write this I wonder, why don't I go there more often? IMHO amazing seafood for not being next to the sea.

Santorini
138 S Halsted/ Adams
Chicago
312-829-8820

Another upscale seafood option near you is:

Joe's Stone Crabs
60 E Grand
Chicago
312-379-5637

Short cab ride away:

La Sardine
111 N Carpenter
Chicago
312-421-2800

Catch 35, just across the river on Wacker, specializes in seafood. The Chilean bass was great when I was there, but listen closely to the waiter's recommendations.

There are a number of other great options in the River North area for seafood:

- Sushi - Naniwa on Wells is one of my favorite Sushi spots in the entire city - always fresh, very reasonably priced, with some house specialities that are really wonderful (anything with the chili spicy sauce for example) and a very pleasant space plus large outdoor patio if the weather cooperates. (asian so perhaps out per your wife's request)

- Bob Chin's - on the river, one of the more famous Chicago area restaurants. I haven't been to the River North location yet, but the original location is quite an experience - not cheap, not formal, but very tasty and extremely well run. (not asian despite the name)

Here are some other great River North area restaurants, not specifically known for seafood but all great places and highly recommended (though not overly cheap):

- Wildfire. One of LEYE's best restaurants, always busy for a very good reason - great food with an emphasis on grilled meats, but also creative appetizers.

- Zealous. ~450 W. Superior. One of my favorite restaurants anywhere with options ranging from a weekday Dim Sum menu (though very upscale Dim Sum) to an ala carte menu to multiple options of tasting menues. The food is very upscale American with the best of fusion - influences and spices from around the world.

Most of my favorite spots in River North are Asian influenced - especially for lunch but there are a few notable non-asian spots.

- Pink Frog - a bar on Huron between LaSalle and Wells. What makes this notable, especially for lunch (but also serves food late into the evening) is that great care is put into every dish especially into the daily specials. Great place for a quick hamburger but with a wide menu and unusual space for your whole group.

- Papagus. LEYE's take on Greek. Okay, but you are better off taking a quick cab ride to Greektown.

- "Pakastani Cab Driver Spots" - perhaps too "asian" for your wife - but really a great meal that is enjoyable. I tend to go to "Baba Palace" which is very easy to reach at Chicago and Orleans. Open 24hrs. Don't miss the Mango Lassi or the rice pudding.

Shannon

Papagus. LEYE's take on Greek.

Closing October 1st at the State St. location.

And how could I forget to mention Pili Pili? French/ North African upscale and they have some great seafood dishes. I'd recommend their skatewing.

Pili Pili
230 W Kinzie/Franklin
Chicago
312-464-9988

Thanks everyone for your input. Had a great weekend downtown. Perfect weather as you all know.
The Comfort Inn on 15 E. Ohio is a good deal. Clean, rooms are like new, and free breakfast.

Did the boat ride, then stopped at the Billy Goat for a cheezborger and a couple of beers. Not so much for the food but for the ambiance and watching the cook harass tourists. It was priceless when a lady with a Southern accent asked the Billy Goat bartender for a frozen strawberry dacquiri. He said nothing and just looked at her like she just stepped off a spaceship from Mars and she finally replied "I guess not then..."

Shopped the Mag Mile, walked over to Anti-Cruelty and fell in love with a mutt who we brushed about a pound of fur out of. (If you're single it would be a great place to stop in with your date!)

Ended up at Catch 35 (35 W. Wacker) for dinner. Excellent! Large order of tuna sashimi for an appetizer and the sea bass special for dinner. Wife enjoyed crab stuffed shrimp and we enjoyed several bottles of Bell's beer. Great ambience and not overly crowded.

Too many restaurants, so little time!