Homey American Dining on the North Shore?

Chef d'Sprit and I are considering a Fall color drive up the North Shore tomorrow. After all that hard driving, we will of course be looking for a good meal. Have fond memories of a restaurant in Lake Forest - think it was called the Indian Trail Inn? Had very good American food in casual comfortable setting. Anyone remember it? Any recommendations of similar places?
tia, Dan

I loved Indian Trail as a kid - my aunt waitressed there (long story associated with that, which I won't go into).

That space is now La Bella Winnetka, a good Italian place with one of the most outgoing, entertaining owners you'll ever stumble upon anywhere.


La Bella Winnetka
505 Chestnut St.
Winnetka
847-441-6002

For American, my go-to place in Lake Forest has always been South Gate Cafe - especially if the weather's nice, the patio is a great place to dine.

South Gate Cafe
655 Forest Ave.
Lake Forest
847-234-8800

nr706, thanks for the recommendation. We ended up at South Gate Cafe and had quite a nice meal. I had a fall off the bone leg of lamb with guiness reduction sauce and herb risotto. Chef d'Sprit had a spicy pasta with peppers and home made sausage. The desserts were great! We had peach cobbler and cherry cobbler, both with home made ice cream. Nice touch is their small dessert options for $3.25 each, four for $11.00. Lots of tempting choices!

Dan