NICE RESTAURANTS IN NW BURBS -barrington, algonquin, crystal

any recommendations for a nice night out - tablecloths, decent wine list, nice quiet nite

Two words...Port Edward. You can't beat the romantic atmosphere or the fresh seafood. I generally get lobster (they've got a large tank) or crablegs.

Barn of Barrington (Barrington Rd and Dundee)

D&J Bistro 466 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich would be my choice.

stevez wrote:Two words...Port Edward. You can't beat the romantic atmosphere or the fresh seafood. I generally get lobster (they've got a large tank) or crablegs.

I agree with Port Edward, it's been around over 40 years under the same ownership. Very unique setting, excellant service and good food. Also, I have only gone once for lunch, but 1776 in Crystal Lake is also pretty special. Very good use of fresh local seasonal foods with some wild game. They have special wine pairing nights so call for dates.

http://www.portedward.com/
Port Edward
Rte. 62 (Algonquin Rd) at the Fox River Bridge
Algonquin
847-658-5441

1776
397 Virginia (Rte. 14)
Crystal Lake
815-356-1776

I will definitely second D&J Bistro. We've been going there for years and it's always wonderful.

Barrington Country Bistro is another great spot.

http://www.barringtonbistro.com/

Kaminari
21 W Algonquin Rd # 24,
Algonquin, IL 60102

Japanese steakhouse and sushi bar has received a lot of raves from a couple of my employees.

Bistro Wasabi
4590 Algonquin Road,
Lake In the Hills, IL 60102
Phone: (847) 515-2700

Highly recommended for sushi. We entertain clients there periodically.

In addition to 1776, I would also add Porter's Oyster Bar which is across from 1776.

Porter's closed a couple of months ago

bisque wrote:Porter's closed a couple of months ago

When I drove by last week, it appears that they have reopened.

Second Port Edward.
Also, Montarra on Randall in Algonquin/Carpentersville, about halfway between Algonquin rd. and Higgins.
Probably the closest thing to "downtown"-style fine dining I've had in the tertiary 'burbs.

Is it too early to ask about a lunch/dinner on Thanksgiving day around Algonquin? I live in Bucktown and hardly venture out to the burbs, so I really don't know what would be a decent restaurant around that area. I have an aunt who knows nothing about decent food, and I'd rather not trust her ideas.

I would like something more traditional, steaks, decent cuts of meat, etc. not ethnic and something nice, within the $30-$40 a dish range. It doesn't have to be in Algonquin, but at least within a 15-20 minute drive. My aunt is also one of those super picky/grumpy people, so I'd like to make this as smooth as possible.

Here's a thread addressing this question. My recommendation, although it's more seafood than meat focused, is Port Edward.

Port Edward
The Fox River and Algonquin Rd.(Rt. 62)
Algonquin, IL 60102
847-658-5441

Good luck Shaggy. Not much out there. Depending on what side of town she's on, Crystal Lake or Barrington might be options within that distance.

I go with Port Edward too, it's unique with it's setting alone. They do a Sunday brunch and a Friday buffet so I would imagine that's how they would serve Thanksgiving. Both the brunch and buffet are extensive so I think there would be no shortage of options of Thanksgiving goodies. Yeah, some people knock it, it's been around 40 years and could use some updates, but the food is good and you have a nice view of the Fox River. I understand they just did a Check Please segment that hasn't been aired yet.


http://www.portedward.com/

I'll strongly "second" the Montarra rec---

If you want a terrific prime steak with a downtown steakhouse vibe, give Montarra some consideration. We've been there a couple of times and have been impressed with the quality of the food and service
Not sure if they will be open on Thanksgiving Day, but you might want to give them a call.

http://montarra.com

Montarra Grill
1491 South Randall Road
Algonquin, IL 60102

T: 847.458.0505

I would agree with Montarra, however not so much Port Eds. It really has become 'tired' and the food we have had there hasn't been all that good. A place we haven't been for awhile due to this lovely ecomony is 1776 in Crystal Lake. We were pretty regular for about 10 years, but haven't been in a few. When we did go the food was always good, but I can't speak for now.

Shaggywillis wrote:Is it too early to ask about a lunch/dinner on Thanksgiving day around Algonquin? I live in Bucktown and hardly venture out to the burbs, so I really don't know what would be a decent restaurant around that area. I have an aunt who knows nothing about decent food, and I'd rather not trust her ideas.

I would like something more traditional, steaks, decent cuts of meat, etc. not ethnic and something nice, within the $30-$40 a dish range. It doesn't have to be in Algonquin, but at least within a 15-20 minute drive. My aunt is also one of those super picky/grumpy people, so I'd like to make this as smooth as possible.

Many of the places noted above are likely closed for the holidays. Generally, Porters and 1776 would NOT be open on holidays.

Personally, I would head over to Entourage. If I remember right, the cost of their Thanksgiving dinner was about $30 and it included a lot of traditional and upscale items like Turducken. They generally post their menu for Thanksgiving on their website in October. That will be about 25 minutes from Algonquin as I can make it in 40 minutes from Woodstock.


Entourage
1301 American Lane,
Schaumburg, IL
847.995.9400