Help please! An accessible birthday dinner for my mother

Hi everyone,

I'm sorry to bother you with a request for help. My mom's birthday is coming up and she requested that we find a nice place to go for dinner. The past couple of birthday dinners have been hits - Katsu for impeccable sushi; the Publican for, well, what the Publican does best; and La Sardine for classic French. We also really enjoyed Mia Figlia. I've been struggling to find something. I'm looking for inventive but accessible food. Something in the price range of the Publican would be great, and we're looking for a nice atmosphere but not jacket-and-tie nice. Is this helpful? Or am I still too vague.

Thanks,
Max

Any location preference?

Not particularly- north side, west loop, Wicker Park/Bucktown all good.

Nightwood, Perennial, Takashi, and Ceres Table are all favorites that jumped to mind. Pretty broad range of locales as well.

THANK YOU!! All sound like great options.

I'd add Anteprima, Taxim and Arami.

Just had another awesome meal at Anteprima -- especially if you get to sit out on the back patio.

I loved Rustic House -- great roasted meats in a mellow chill atmosphere.

Just a few ideas...

Anteprima
5316 North Clark Street Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 506-9990

Rustic House
1967 N. Halsted St. Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 929-3227

Also a huge Anteprima fan, nice addition.

I'm a huge fan of Nightwood, as are many others here. I just was there to celebrate a friend's new job & had a wonderful meal. Do check out the thread for the restaurant, there's some lovely photography which might induce you to try the restaurant. ;D

You're all too kind, I really appreciate it. I have a lot of great options now.