Upscale Birthday Dinner in the North 'Burbs

My birthday is quickly approaching and my family is clamoring for a decision on where I want to go.

I guess I'm at a bit of a loss. I am looking for something on the nicer side, price is not a huge issue, somewhere between the Wisconsin Border and Evanston (will be departing from Libertyville).

We went to Inovasi last year, which I really enjoyed. My dad is more of a meat and potatoes guy, and I think he was a little taken aback by the tasting menu and the style of the food. I'd like to find something a little more traditional American to help him feel comfortable.

I dug through a number of threads and it seems like the two options I am coming up with are Prairie Grass Cafe in Northbrook and Benjamin in Highland Park. I've been to neither restaurant.

I wanted to see if there were any more suggestions I might be missing. I'd like to stick to American, so I've already considered places like Campagnola, Froggy's, and La Casa de Isaac.

We also just did a dinner at Ruth's Chris, so nothing in the straight-up steakhouse vein either. Although I wouldn't mind a place that does a good job with steak - would offer a solid choice for a few picky members of my family.

I'm leaning towards Prairie Grass, only because there isn't much info on Benjamin I can find (tons of info on PGC). Though I'm wondering, if Praire Grass is maybe a little too casual? We definitely like to have a long meal and feel like we're getting more than just good food out of the experience.

Any input would be great!

I've read really good things on here about Restaurant Michael in Winnetka.

Sharona wrote:I've read really good things on here about Restaurant Michael in Winnetka.

Restaurant Michael is pretty good but before you even said it what came to mind was Benjamin. I've enjoyed a few meals there and my mother has as well (and she really doesn't like anything). I'd also look into John des Rosiers' other restaurant Moderno (which is across the street of Benjamin in Highland Park).

I really love Michael, where I've had several of the best meals I've enjoyed anywhere in the past few years. It's also more upscale than any of the other places mentioned.

I would also recommend not ruling out Campagnola or Moderno for being "too Italian", because the Italian influence is not pervasive at all. Check out their website menus; aside from the presence of some pasta/pizza dishes, the rest of their menus are as American as any American bistro type restaurant. If Campagnola has their vanilla bean bread pudding on the menu, don't miss it; it's the best I've ever had anywhere. I've been to both several times recently and both were thoroughly excellent, in a friendly, approachable way.

Another option is the quartet of new-ish restaurants in Highland Park; I've had a very disappointing dinner at Benjamin and a very good lunch at M, and have not yet been to Second Street Bistro or Abigail's.

I used to like the Tavern in Libertyville, but I had dinner there recently (when Inovasi experienced a power failure) and it was not good at all. That's in addition to your not wanting a "straight-up steakhouse", which it is.

IMO - Second Street Bistro should not be considered upscale. However, Abigail's would be a good option.

I agree on Abigail's being a good choice. I think it's better than Prairie Grass. Only issues being, it doesn't take reservations after 6pm, and it's sort of small, so the size of the group if more than 4 might be a problem when coupled with the no reservation policy.

Another option is The Tavern in downtown Libertyville. I have not been there in a year or two, but they do a very nice job with steaks, yet have a lot of other things. It is fairly dark and formal (though in a festive way, if that makes any sense), but it is still fairly casual in atmosphere. They have a great wine list if that is important.

-Will

Sharona wrote:I've read really good things on here about Restaurant Michael in Winnetka.

I was here recently and it was quite good. They are very attentive and friendly there, and the dining room is pretty but not stuffy, so if you're dining with people who don't like fancy joints they won't feel out of place.

Moderno isn't really upscale and would almost certainly be loud and crowded. If a destination within Evanston is acceptable, I'd highly recommend Quince at the Homestead, in the former Trio/Trio Atelier space. The hotel itself is a bit run-down, but the restaurant's ambience is comfortable, and the food is top-notch. Pairings, in my experience, are outstanding, and there's a private room, though not a large one.

For a touch of whimsy, also in Evanston, I'd throw Chef's Station into the mix. For more traditional French, maybe Jilly's, too.

One thing I'd mention about Abigails-while the food is good,
when I was there I found it very loud-
for a group dinner that can be off-putting for me-I'd like to have a conversation.
If it's just 2 of us not such an issue.

I also like Cafe Central in HP, but it isn't super fancy.

I would strongly agree with the recommendations of Restaurant Michael in Winnetka, but I also would recommend Quince at the Homestead and Oceanique, both in Evanston.

I've been pleasantly surprised by the innovative cooking at Quince, and as a wine focused diner, I really appreciate some righteous pricing on the Quince wine list.

Although sometimes the service is sometimes a bit snooty, and the menu is expensive, I have had several very nice anniversary dinners at Oceanique.

Michael is pretty good, but Quince is better.

Dave148 wrote:IMO - Second Street Bistro should not be considered upscale.

Well it shouldn't be considered anything. The Bistro, Enoteca, and Stash's closed this week.
I know, you are all as shocked as I am that a BYOB "Enoteca" failed.

Thanks for all the suggestions so far!

I totally forgot about Quince - I actually had a great meal there about 3 years ago. I guess my problem with Quince is that I'm just not a big fan of seasonal fall ingredients like squash, beets, etc - they seem to be all over the menu currently posted online. Things don't really pop out to me like they did when I dined there last time, which was over the summer.

Still, I do like the restaurant so it would be worth a shot. Or, they certainly could make some changes to their menu over the next two weeks I suppose.

I also didn't even think of Avil Estilatorio - I have been wanting to go there for a while. Would you say it might be too casual?

DClose wrote:I also didn't even think of Avil Estilatorio - I have been wanting to go there for a while. Would you say it might be too casual?

It depends on what you're looking for. I don't think of it as upscale, the way Michael and Quince are. The atmosphere is more along the lines of "neighborhood bistro", similar to Campagnola. Whether or not that is too casual for your occasion, you'll have to decide.

Hi- I also posted this on the professional forum, but on restaurant.com right now there is a $25 for $10 coupon for Quince. When I entered in my zipcode, I pulled up three pages of restaurants all within a five mile radius of 60201, and so you might find another restaurant there too. Hope this helps, Nancy

Found Kitchen opened in the old Gio space on Chicago Avenue in Evanston last week.

Another vote for the Tavern in Libertyville.