Best senior dining options?

My parents are in their 70-80's - Dad is 86 and doesn't get around very well. My mom wanted to go out for their wedding anniversary...what would be a good place? The last time we took them out, we went to Wildfire. I thought it would be a good bet but I was SO wrong. I'm afraid an option like Maggiano's or other chain would have the same effect.

They're pretty basic as far as cuisine is concerned. Anyway, any thoughts appreciated.

What was wrong with Wildfire or Maggiano's? I mean, I understand why I wouldn't care to go to those places, but what did your parents find objectionable?

What price range are you going for? What area of the city or suburbs would be best?

Also, what was the problem with Wildfire? Too loud and too busy would be my guess, but maybe it was something food or service related?

With a bit more guidance I bet we can come up with some nice options.

North: Myron & Phil's
South: Petey's Bungalow
West: Kevil's (Forest Park)

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
190 S Roselle Rd
Schaumburg, IL 60193
(847) 843-3900
www.medievaltimes.com

"With clockwork precision, legions of serving wenches and serfs deliver four courses to hungry guests in minutes. The meal begins with savory garlic bread and a steaming hot vegetable soup ladled into pewter bowls: then come roasted chicken, spare rib, a seasoned potato and pastry of the Castle. Two rounds of beverages are included with the feast. Cash bar service is also available throughout the show. To the special delight of the guests, the feast is served "medieval style" - without silverware, but with plenty of extra napkins."

How about Sabatino's? Well prepared old school Italian served in a room that reminds one of a restaurant era gone by.

www.sabatinoschicago.com
4441 W Irving Park Rd
Chicago, IL 60641
(773) 283-8331

I'm so glad Tri Girl posted this topic. I also have an issue taking out my 79-YO Mom, who can barely walk, even with a walker, out for a meal. I'm assuming that TriGirl might mean to be saying, and I may be way off base here, is where are there good restaurants for elderly, disabled people to get in and out of easily.

For instance....I'd love to take my Mom to Smak-Tak and I actually drove down Elston to check it out to see if it would be accessible for my Mom....it's not. I can only take her to establishments with plentiful handicapped parking and a very short walk into the restaurant and to the table.

She (my Mom) lives at Asbury Assisted Living and we go to WonTon Express quite often because it's easy for us to get her in and out of there.

Won Ton Express is located on Elmhurst road, just north of Oakton

Klas, perhaps...? They have parking right next door and are, I believe, accessible by those who have trouble walking.

http://lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t= ... light=klas

Renga-Tei.

Park close by, no steps.
Teriyaki for elders.
Of note: orange jello.

3956 W. Touhy Ave
Lincolnwood, IL 60712
847.675.5177

Judy wrote:For instance....I'd love to take my Mom to Smak-Tak and I actually drove down Elston to check it out to see if it would be accessible for my Mom....it's not.

I take my 92-year-old grandmother to Smak-Tak regularly. Nine times out of ten I get a parking spot within 20 or 30 feet of the door, much closer than a handicap spot in a restaurant parking lot. Also, the tables inside are a maximum of 10 feet from the door, the place is tiny.

Best,
Michael

I wonder if the OP is interested more in age-appropriate cuisine, an accessible venue, or (most likely), both. While Sabatino's is certainly old-school of the highest order, it's really loud, and it can be quite hard to navigate through the tables and carts of flaming dessert.

Myron & Phil seems ideal, especially with the complementary valet.

Judy wrote:Won Ton Express is located on Elmhurst road, just north of Oakton

Wonton Gourmet - lest you google map the wrong location on Milwaukee.
1405 Elmhurst Rd
Des Plaines, IL 60018
(847) 427-1183

Also the website is wontongourmet.com (vs wontonexpress.com)

Hi,

If you are by yourself escorting an elderly guest, then why not let your fingers do the walking? Call the restaurant in advance advising your estimated arrival time. Upon arrival either use your cellphone or a tap on the horn to alert them you arrived. They will come out to help your elderly guest into the restaurant while you park the car. No business wants to be accused of being less than accomodating to handicapped or elderly visitors.

Regards,

Jay K wrote:

Judy wrote:Won Ton Express is located on Elmhurst road, just north of Oakton

Wonton Gourmet - lest you google map the wrong location on Milwaukee.
1405 Elmhurst Rd
Des Plaines, IL 60018
(847) 427-1183

Also the website is wontongourmet.com (vs wontonexpress.com)

Thanks Jay....I frequent both establishments and got mixed up when I wrote that!

Judy wrote:I'm assuming that TriGirl might mean to be saying, and I may be way off base here, is where are there good restaurants for elderly, disabled people to get in and out of easily.

Thank you, Judy...you understand where I'm coming from.

Wildfire was too turn-'em-and-burn-'em. Our server had no patience for my dad's hearing problem or my mom's questioning menu items. My husband and I both felt he was flat out rude. It was crowded and the tables were so close together - it was hard for them to get around and people just seemed inconvenienced by it. I'm thinking another chain would just be the same experience.

We go with our elderly parents lately to Bonefish Grill in Skokie (on Skokie Blvd. west of Don's Fishmarket which would be another choice where they'd have plenty of company.) Neither are exceptionally stellar, but vastly preferable to Olive Garden.
>>Brent

I second Bonefish. We took my 89-year old mother-in-law there, and she walks with a cane and negotiated inside the restaurant well. It was quiet and, yes, filled with other older people. She liked the food--I thought it was pretty solidly mediocre. There are plenty of choices in saucing and types of fish, but not so many she was overwhelmed.

Jackie, you might want to try Holy Mackerel in the new Westin at Yorktown. The staff did a great job when I took my 89yo dad there, and you can order from the Harry Caray's menu as well as from their own menu. Another option is Carlucci down the road on Butterfield -- I know two other people who have taken their parents there with great success, and they do have a nice BYO policy...

TriGirl wrote:

Judy wrote:I'm assuming that TriGirl might mean to be saying, and I may be way off base here, is where are there good restaurants for elderly, disabled people to get in and out of easily.

Thank you, Judy...you understand where I'm coming from.

Wildfire was too turn-'em-and-burn-'em. Our server had no patience for my dad's hearing problem or my mom's questioning menu items. My husband and I both felt he was flat out rude. It was crowded and the tables were so close together - it was hard for them to get around and people just seemed inconvenienced by it. I'm thinking another chain would just be the same experience.

Whew, thanks TriGirl....I thought I'd totally messed myself up on this thread, but I guess not.

My Mom is, um, 'difficult', but she loves to get away from The Asbury dining room, so here is a list of places we've found to be 'elderly friendly' both in accessibility and in food choices. She's in Des Plaines, we're in Morton Grove, so these are a listing between and around the two suburbs:

Peapod Chinese Restaurant...pretty basic Chinese American but we think the food is just fine. It's in a strip mall with a Jewel-Osco being the main event, it's a large strip mall at the NW corner of Arlington Heights Rd. and Beisterfield. Easy to drop off the seniors/disabled in the fire lane in front of the restaurant at the ramp between the curbed areas (then my husband gets my Mom in the door while I park the car, parking is no problem, huge lot). We love the male waiters who practice their jokes on us. Good seafood dishes and specials. I had the orange beef on Sunday and it was very good, didn't seem spicy at first and then it kicked in. They were really helpful and patient with my Mom, both in ordering and helping her in and out the doors. Pleasant surroundings and they serve alcohol beverages.

Gail's Carriage House Restaurant ....Sort of a pancake house/family restaurant. I've only taken Mom there for lunch and it was easy for her to get in and out and they were accomodating about seating us at a table near the door. The food was very good and plentiful....I think I had a BLT. The decor is old-fashioned early American (think late 60's,early 70's), which seems to appeal to the older crowd as there were plenty of them in there. Located on Elmhurst Rd., in Des Plaines.

China Chef ....Long time Morton Grove establishment, another Chinese-American restaurant with good food. Very accomodating to seniors, which is, actually, a feature of many Chinese restaurants. Pretty good handicapped parking and easy in and out. Great seafood, especially the steamed fish. Alcohol drinks available

Amici Ristorante .....Our favorite Italian restaurant. Good parking, easy access for elderly/disabled and excellent food. The fried calamari is our favorite. Fun, Italian atmosphere. This one's a treat for my Mom, the staff is courteous, respectful and patient with her.

Hamilton's Restaurant .....wouldn't know by the name but it's kind of a Greek family restaurant that serves booze. My Mom and her friends love this place and, well, we like it too. Great service, good food, good portions and huge menu. Ample handicapped parking along with a large general parking lot. If the handicapped parking is full it's easy to drop off the senior, get them settled and then park the car. Easy in and out and good food for the money. This one's in Glenview.


This is a very short list and I'm sure I'm going to think of more and come back here and add on. When I'm thinking of taking Mom out for a meal, I usually try to think of places that have (1) good handicapped parking (2)no stairs to get in and out (3) no long walk to the table area.

Peapod Chinese Restaurant
Elk Crossing Shopping Center
84 Biesterfield Rd.
Elk Grove Village, IL
847-357-9999

Gail's Carriage House Restaurant
1145 Elmhurst Rd.
Des Plaines, IL
847-758-9407

China Chef
5920 Lincoln Ave.
Morton Grove, IL
847-967-6050

Amici Ristorante
7620 Milwaukee Ave.
Niles, IL
847-967-0606

Hamilton's Restaurant
1913 Waukegan Rd.
Glenview, IL
847-998-0366[/b]

TriGirl, after re-reading your original post, of the restaurants that I suggested, Amici Ristorante would be really nice for an anniversary meal.

It sounds like you are looking in the suburbs? I would second the Bonefish Grill recommendation and add Chef's Station in Evanston. It's quiet, intimate and yet not too formal. Plus I think they'd get lots of personal attention.

Also L Wood's in Lincolnwood is a favorite of my grandparents. It has parking and is certainly able to cater to the 80+ crowd while still providing a good experience for you.
They also enjoy The Noodle in Wilmette and Szechwan North in Glenview

With regards to Wildfire and Maggianos, perhaps it's safe to say that any place with beepers would end up being too crowded, rushed and impersonal.

But if you provide more specifics about location, price, etc we can give more suggestions.

Despite having only one brief mention on LTH before, Matty's Wayside Inn is very senior-friendly, as you can tell by the clientele. It's an old-school Supper Club type of place, complete with relish trays, and it's been in its location, probably virtually unchanged, since 1931. You can drop off your seniors at the entrance, then proceed to the ample parking lot.

Matty's Wayside Inn
1727 Waukegan Rd.
Glenview, IL 60025
847-724-1314

In many ways, it's similar to (but much larger than) Charcoal Oven - also very senior-appropriate. There's a report of the recent LTH dinner at Charcoal Oven here.

I need help - not with dining recommendations so much, as with strategies to sell recommendations. My brother, from Dallas, is coming here for Christmas - he asked for ideas for Christmas Eve dinner, for a group that includes several 70 and 80 year olds. I suggested Sabatino's as someplace interesting yet safe, that the older ones might appreciate. (I also suggested Lutnia, but the idea that it was Polish was rejected as "too weird.") I was surprised when my brother came back and asked about Tango Sur - apparently he was interested in a steakhouse, and found it online somewhere. So I wrote back, saying that was fine, and El Llano and Rios D'Sudamericano might be other interesting options (with the latter being slightly more upscale). I think he was scared off when I described Tango Sur as Argentinean. So he's now hopelessly focused on Wildfire, since, as he notes, it's rated as the most popular restaurant in Chicago by Zagat. I think Wildfire might be adequate, but my experience is that it might be a bit too noisy and crowded for the older ones. Plus, Sabatino's or another old-school place, like Gene & Georgetti's might be more interesting and a bit more true-Chicago style.

So, how can I sell him on something other than Wildfire ... or should I just let it go, it's only one meal, yadda yadda ...

nr706 wrote:So, how can I sell him on something other than Wildfire ... or should I just let it go, it's only one meal, yadda yadda ...

Why don't you make him read the David Burke's thread. that should do it.

nr706 wrote:So, how can I sell him on something other than Wildfire ... or should I just let it go, it's only one meal, yadda yadda ...

I agree with your assessment of Wildfire. The food is decent enough - not my favorite steakhouse, but adequate - but it is indeed noisy (EXTREMELY!!!). Crowded, not so much IMHO. The reason it's so noisy is that there's one humongous dining room, with tall ceilings and hard surfaces, so all the noise is in one place.

If your relatives are staying with you in Evanston or in a nearby hotel, why not go to Pete Miller's? The steaks are excellent, their new seafood entrees are wonderful, and the dining area is arranged as a bunch of smaller rooms and alcoves, so it doesn't get all that noisy. You can sell it based on its proximity as well as the noise factor.

stevez mentioned David Burke's Primehouse. I like Burke's a lot! However, if you and your relatives are all coming from Evanston, I would be more inclined to choose someplace close to Evanston, rather than shlep the whole group into the city. OTOH, if your relatives are staying in the Michigan Avenue hotel district, it's an excellent choice (as long as the older folks don't have a heart attack when they see the $70 steaks on the menu ).

If you happen to be on the southern side of the city, there are a couple of steakhouses that I can "recommend". In Oak Forest is Jack Gibbon's Garden, the few dinners I have had have ranged from decent to very good. There's an atmosphere that resembles somewhat an old fashioned steakhouse. While Check Please had poor review it can be good, I would say...but will go to:

also on this side of town, I can recommend Krapil's on 111th. The decor is somewhat Northwoods, and a relish tray is complimentary with dinner, they are a real family place and cut their steak on premises and aged steaks are standards. Aged steaks (21 days-dry aged) are excellent (other than the filet which according to them isn't aged). While not quite Gibson's level, is also half the cost, and very good. Checkered tableclothes, fireplace, easy movement throughout the restaurant, and very good steak makes Krapil's a worthy destination, especially for those with "older diners" who should feel right at home. I have been several times, and while I don't care for relish trays and that type of atmosphere, I can say it is exemplary for what they do (especially in the areas of service and cost/value). And I can't tell a true Old Fashioned from a Negroni, but everyone I know thinks their Old Fashioneds are perfection. (I'm sure 1950s style)

Jack Gibbon's Garden
14700 S Oak Park
Oak Forest, IL 60452
708.687.2331


Krapil's
6600 W. 111th St
Worth, IL 60482
708.448.2012

FWIW, we're all staying downtown at the Palmer House.

Are you sticking to downtown and environs then? My suggestion would have been Prairie Grass, and I would purposely neglect to mention anything about how they do local food (we all know that's weird, right?)

I have this struggle whenever my family is in town, too - and to top it off, they consider $25 for an entree to be "extremely expensive," which means that Sweets & Savories, which might otherwise work, is out. I would focus on finding places where the food doesn't make you cringe, otherwise you'll wind up eating at TGIFriday's (as we often do with my family.) I get the impression that a comfortable atmosphere and solicitous service trumps everything else for folks who aren't "food adventurers" (as Sparky and I call ourselves.) My Argentine mother was barely able to enjoy Tango Sur because it was "cramped!" I would play up the noise aspect to direct them away from Wildfire, and maybe talk about the soft upholstery and clean bathrooms somewhere where you'd like to go...

I certainly don't think Tango Sur and seniors go well together... we took my father-in-law (60ish at the time) a few years ago and it didn't go over too well because of the crowdedness and noise. It can be cramped and loud w/ 20somethings, etc. who enjoy the BYOB policy. Not sure how it'd be on Christmas Eve (if they're even open)...

We took 2 young-senior-ish ladies to Tango Sur and they both enjoyed it - they did think it was a little noisy, but not unbearable. We sat in the first room, near to the door. These ladies were 70 and 75.