Need dinner help, northern burbs, multiple constraints

In my never-ending search for truth, justice…oops…for a restaurant that offers a comfy (meaning relaxed) atmosphere and where hearing will not be an issue for my folks, I am having a bit of trouble. Dad’s not the world’s most adventurous eater (we’re thinking largely steak/potatoes here or something in the cow family) and ages at the table will range from 21 to 91. It will be a Monday evening mid-May (I’m starting early to give myself time to get everyone on board). Dinner will be early (6 pm or so) and the combined occasions are grand-daughter’s college graduation, grandson’s 25th birthday, and Grandma’s 86th birthday. The northern burbs (meaning mostly anywhere between Evanston and Deerfield) are preferable, though not absolutely essential. Oh, and the price point should see entrees topping out in the low/mid 20s.

I’ve been spending far more time doing research than I thought this would take and I ended up with a list of places, none of which I’ve ever been to. So I have two questions: are any of these a good idea and, if not, would you please offer some suggestions. Thanks!

Italian Kitchen, Deerfield
Nieto’s, Highwood
Happ Inn, Northfield
Café Lucci, Northbrook
Jameson’s Charhouse, Skokie
Miramar, Highwood

Gypsy Boy,

You left GNR Prairie Grass Cafe off of your list. That would seem to be a natural fit for your requirements.

No, it was considered and rejected because of concerns about hearing. (That said, it's been a while since I was there and I relied on a certain familially-related person. If she's wrong, by all means tell me.)

Doesn't Prairie Grass have a nice private room? Depending on the size of your party, this might be the easiest option. Also be careful about checking that places are open on Mondays...

Sorry, thought I had said, but now I see that I failed to: eight. Which is usually not quite enough for a private room. And thanks: I mentioned Monday in my original post precisely because of that concern/constraint.

Gypsy Boy wrote:No, it was considered and rejected because of concerns about hearing. (That said, it's been a while since I was there and I relied on a certain familially-related person. If she's wrong, by all means tell me.)

My experience is that she's right about the noise level, if it's at all crowded. I was there for a lunch with 4 other people at a round table in the corner and you couldn't hear anyone except the person next to you.

If not too far south for you, what about L. Woods in Lincolnwood? We found it worked for my nonagenarian MIL, and the menu is very safe and in your price range. The food is LEYE doing what it does well--nothing spectacular, but good, with a few very good items. It's open Monday evenings and can easily accommodate a party of 8. I think it's reasonably conversation friendly and not challenging for hearing impaired folks. It's certainly quieter than Prairie Grass (though the food is not as good). Too bad it's Monday night; surely your Dad would enjoy Myron & Phil's, but they are closed Mondays. Another possibility might be Charcoal Oven, although the entrees might be a little too pricey. It's hard to tell because the website doesn't give menu prices (aargh). Good luck. I always end up planning such family events, and I feel your pain.

So many places are closed Monday, that would have otherwise been perfect (e.g. Campagnola, Libertad, Chef's Station, Yolo, etc).

And too bad you probably don't want to stretch your boundaries past Deerfield; otherwise Inovasi would be perfect. How about Moderno, the new place from Des Rosiers in Highland Park?

Otherwise, Bistro Bordeaux, and the Cellar, would both qualify on your criteria, but my last visits to both were only so-so. Still... The Stained Glass can be very noisy, but maybe not so much on a Monday...? Pete Miller's and Davis Street Fishmarket in Evanston, and Carson's in Deerfield, are also possibles. Also Zingarella, in Glenview; Jerry's, in Winnetka; Avli, in Wilmette; and Convito, in Plaza del Lago, all of which I've been to only for lunch, but would be worth considering.

EDIT: I'll also second Evie's recommendation of L. Woods.

L. Woods is a good suggestion, especially if you can take advantage of the LEYE points.
What about Carson's in Deerfield? Most entrees average around $25. Atmosphere might be good for your party too.
http://www.ribs.com/

Thanks all for the suggestions. Maybe L. Woods is different on Monday, but every time I've been there it has been both packed and loud. In fact, my Dad's been there and liked it; noise was the reason we removed it from the list. I seriously considered Inovasi, but look at their menu closely: there is very little from a cow...everyone else in the party would be fine but Dad would be limited to grilled steak (or teriyaki, I suppose). That's it. (Tartare, no surprise, is not happening.) Zingarella's offers only two cow options as well: short ribs and a cheeseburger. Not even a single veal entree. Sheesh! We thought we should be able to find places with more than two options.

We've been to Avli as well and enjoyed it but, once again, it was noisy the night we were there. (Come to think of it, it was noisy for the LTH dinner there as well.) Another day would be great if it were an option--but it's not.

Carson's may be a good possibility as does Pete Miller's; I had considered Bistro Bordeaux and was a little concerned about the food as well. Don't know Jerry's or Moderno but I'll check them out. I'll also check out Davis Street Fishmarket again; it sorta fell off my radar after they redid the inside all those years ago and ruined a perfectly nice place

Does anyone have any experience of that steakhouse in Skokie--the menu is fine but I've never even heard of the place in all the years I've lived in Chicago. Actually, same question for the other places I listed in my first post.

And again--thanks for all the thoughts. Keep 'em coming.

Gypsy Boy wrote:Does anyone have any experience of that steakhouse in Skokie--the menu is fine but I've never even heard of the place in all the years I've lived in Chicago. Actually, same question for the other places I listed in my first post.

And again--thanks for all the thoughts. Keep 'em coming.

I've been to the Buffalo Grove Jameson's. It's not that good. How about Wildfire? It's bustling, but it's also very popular with older people (i.e. my grandmother).

Why don't you just throw in the towel and go to a Wildfire like every other suburban family trying to please someone with a limited palate? Come to think of it, I recently met my parents for dinner at the new LEYE Italianesque place Saranello's in the Wheeling Westin. It wasn't too bad and has a menu that's pretty wide ranging.

Also, on your original list, I've been to Cafe Lucci for a business dinner. I had a pretty good pasta dish, but I can't remember what it was.

Saranello's
Westin Hotel
601 N. Milwaukee Avenue
Wheeling, IL 60090
847-777-6878

stevez wrote:Why don't you just throw in the towel and go to a Wildfire like every other suburban family trying to please someone with a limited palate? Come to think of it, I recently met my parents for dinner at the new LEYE Italianesque place Saranello's in the Wheeling Westin. It wasn't too bad and has a menu that's pretty wide ranging.

Cafe Lucci's a good call.

And speaking of northerly LEYE outposts, my mom and stepdad are big fans of Di Pescara in Northbrook Court. I've been there a few times and it has never seemed too loud to me. The have a wide-ranging, neutral menu, which is likely to offend only the fussy and discerning among us .

I'm not a huge fan of their food but I do like their chopped salad with the blue cheese vinaigrette.

=R=

Cafe Lucci
609 Milwaukee Ave
Glenview, IL 60025
(847) 729-2268

DiPescara
2124 Northbrook Court
Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 498-4321

stevez wrote:Why don't you just throw in the towel and go to a Wildfire like every other suburban family trying to please someone with a limited palate?

Funny. We used to go to Wildfire with the idea that it could have been much worse if we let someone else pick the restaurant! Then we discovered Prairie Fire, which pleases everyone. Wildfire makes stiff drinks, a very good skirt steak, and a family-favorite chopped salad.

Darren72 wrote:I've been to the Buffalo Grove Jameson's. It's not that good. How about Wildfire? It's bustling, but it's also very popular with older people (i.e. my grandmother).

To the best of my knowledge, the Dundee Road Jameson's ( Arlington Heights/Buffalo Grove ) is not affiliated with the other locations. We have visited the Skokie and Glenview locations and have been satisfied with the food/ service/ value that they present. Granted, we're not talking about Morton's here--- Jameson's fits securely in the "value" steak category. If pressed, I would suggest the Glenview (Glen) location.

Cafe Lucci is fabulous-- however if you are looking for a steak they only serve USDA Prime, which would blow the budget. Wildfire ( pricier than Jameson's ) would also be a solid choice, but in my opinion is not substantially better than Jameson's.

I ate at Wildfire in Glenview just a couple of weeks ago, and there were some serious problems, one of those comically regrettable type meals. My experiences at their other locations have been generally positive, albeit not compelling. On a positive note, it was reasonably quiet; we were seated in one of the side rooms, and not the huge main floor room, so I would ask for that if you decide to go to any of their locations.

cito wrote:Cafe Lucci is fabulous-- however if you are looking for a steak they only serve USDA Prime, which would blow the budget.

There's a prime skirt steak on the menu that's 27 bucks. Surely there's a little flexibility in the budget where the esteemed patriarch is concerned. (and maybe hold the chili peppers)

Will he eat chicken?

Cross Rhodes in Evanston has the right prices, there is a burger on the menu if he won't eat the chicken and the food is good.

First and most important: again, my thanks for all the suggestions. It's truly been helpful.

On the chicken question: yes, he'll eat chicken. He might even eat fish. But he'll be a whole lot happier eating beef.

A special tip of the hat to TomInSkokie: I love the "esteemed patriarch." And, since he's paying, you're probably right. He always insists on paying for these dinners and we won't deprive him of the pleasure he gets in doing so. At the same time, we don't want to end up costing him a fortune. I tried to strike a reasonable balance in my price point.

Wildfire is a possibility but I'll confess I like the menu more than the, um, ambiance. The big room in Glenview makes me feel like I'm on the floor at a big hotel in Vegas. The side room, though, is a great location.

Sounds like Cafe Lucci is another wise choice. If I can get a selection of places, I can always give them a choice--which wouldn't be a bad thing, either.

Again, my thanks. You've all been a terrific help.


[Edited once to avoid making me sound like more of an idiot than I am.]

Please let us know how it all turns out. Some of us will be facing similar scenarios at some point down the road.
Good luck

Blue Grass in Highland Park is also popular with the older set. Quirky - they have Cajun, Italian, Mexican and comfort food on the same menu, so they literally have something for everyone - but pretty good overall.

Avli has a private dining room where I have sat in with a party of 8.

I SO feel your pain- my folks are always an issue when we eat out too...
I think Avli was a good suggestion...
re: your previous ideas.
I find Italian kitchen to be nothing special
My hubby loves Cafe Lucci
I have not tried Jameson is Skokie but have gotten dismal reports from travelers in my company who have
and Miramar I have enjoyed but it was kind of cheek by jowl and noisy...not where I would take the elders...
I haven't tried and have nothing to say about the others.
I do love Prairie Grass...

have you tried Ristorante Abruzzo in Deerfield? I think their food is good, with a variety of prices...
(they are near the Drivers liscense place.)
http://www.abruzzodeerfield.com/

We also like Giacomo's on wolf in Des Plaines a lot and it is usually quieter from a noise perspective.
and the food- mmmmm
http://www.mygiacomos.com/

irisarbor wrote:have you tried Abruzzi in Deerfield? I think their food is good, with a variety of prices...
(they are near the Drivers liscense place.)

Note that "Abruzzi" is a Rosemont restaurant that is closed.

The Deerfield place is Abruzzo.

bummer- it seems like every other place I drive by recently is closing-
wicked economy

If you end up settling on Wildfire, I'm sure they would accommodate a request to put you in one of the side rooms.

I agree, the main room is sort of Las Vegas-y. Sometimes that's not necessarily a bad thing, but with older people who can't hear, maybe not.

All things considered, I think Jameson's is a very safe bet that will leave you pleased, although I do suggest the Glen location over Skokie...it's more spread out and has a more upscale feel (Slokie was a Boston Blackie's while The Glen was the higher end Mitchell's Fish Market). There is something for everyone on the menu (important for a group that has a 70 year age span) and they do it consistently...not gonna blow your mind but satisfying and a good value. Esteemed Patriarch would enjoy the butt steak as well as the fact that soup AND salad comes with every entree...old school supper club style (it's only a cup of soup but still a nice touch getting both). Bread also pretty good and comes in loaf form with a steak knife so you can cut yourself. Typically they have at least a dozen specials on any given night, most of which are fresh fish such as Walleye. Classic Greek-owned charhouse offering a solid value and consistent quality...it says something that this local mini-empire continues to expand in the face of a brutal economy (I think they are nearing 10 locations)...not to mention they pour a nice cocktail (wine and beer lists are serviceable but not extensive).

Separately, I love Cafe Lucci but am not a big fan of the dining room layout. Someone suggested Giacomo's, which I give four thumbs up to (hidden Chappelle Show joke) but it is too far west of the vicinity you are targeting.

Good luck with your decision and have a great night.

Amici Ristorante
7620 n milwaukee
Niles


Pretty good and won't blow the budjet.

sqbronco wrote:Amici Ristorante
7620 n milwaukee
Niles


Pretty good and won't blow the budjet.

I haven't been there in some time, but I always liked this cozy, little, red-sauce place. It's definitely underrated.

charcoal oven