restaurant in Garfield Park or Lincoln Park

I'm hoping to have a nice little birthday outing to either the Garfield Park Conservatory or Lincoln Park Zoo, and was hoping you could help me out with where to eat afterwards. I'm in my first year of college in Chicago, which means two things: I don't really know my way around those areas yet, and I don't have a whole lot of money to spend.

I'm hoping for something with $15-ish entrees, a little more is ok, but under $20. The goal is simply to eat something delicious (I could really go for some salmon, but I don't know that seafood is one of Chicago's high points). Any suggestions would be very much appreciated!

Search for Erwin Cafe here. You'll find losts of experiences - mostly good. It's in your price range. The food is well prepared. And it is within walking distance of the Lincoln park Zoo.

Garfield Park Conservatory is lovely and well worth visiting, but there's nothing around there to eat. I'm guessing that you don't have a car, and would be taking the el if you go out there? If so, maybe you could get suggestions of places near other stops on the Green Line.

Amata

The Conservatory is actually not all that far away from Edna's. (One stop east and about a two block walk.) Wonderful food, gracious service and some serious Chicago history.

Edna's
3175 W Madison
Chicago, IL
773-638-7079

And Avec is close to the Clinton stop!

Avec
615 W. Randolph
312 377.2002
www.avecrestaurant.com

Ive always liked to end a day at the zoo by going to a Lincoln park staple, RJ Grunts. Grunts is the original lettuce entertain you establishment and not much has changed since they opened, at least im told that, im only 24. I like Grunts b/c I think as far as bar food goes this is one of the best. They do great burgers available in many forms and their chicken sandwich also available tons of ways is one of the best ive found. To go with that they make some darn good homemade chips and their salad bar is one of the better ones in the area. This is a great place to go with a group of people b/c they offer so many different things and ive never really had anything bad there. Put that with a good beer, like fat tire, which they do serve and you got yourself a great meal at a very reasonable price.