Spring is finally here! Can you say excited? Nothing is more exciting than discovering some of Chicago's best restaurants and sharing them with our readers. Therefore, check-out seven of the best restaurants we visited over the last few months that we think you'll just have to try throughout the Spring season and beyond!
Home Run Inn - 3215 N. Sheffield Avenue, Chicago, IL.
We visited the newly opened dine-in, family-friendly restaurant in December. Everyone is familiar with the Home Run Inn brand we find in grocery stores, but their restaurants are even better! This location is sports-friendly. Flat screen tv's line each wall around the restaurant ready to broadcast all the exciting action of any game. A bar sits in the center of the room for a quick drink during the game or before a sit-down dinner.
The Fare - Got Pizza? Of course! The list doesn't stop there! Jumbo wings with 12 sauces ranging from gluten-free-to-fire with everything in between. Six delicious salads and soups made from scratch, a variety of appetizers and main dishes including burgers, chicken sandwiches, homemade lasagna and HRI's mac-n-cheese skillet. By the way, save room for one of their yummy desserts including their Signature Cookie Monster!
What To Watch - Home Run Inn offers gluten-friendly dishes, carry-out, delivery and online ordering. To make a reservation, place an order, secure catering for your next event, visit them online at www.homeruninnpizza.com.
Busy Burger - 1120 W. Taylor St., Chicago
Located in Chicago's Near West area, Busy Burger is an off-the-beaten-path short-order restaurant.
The Fare - If you're into large, fresh, meat -y burgers, Busy Burger is your place! Busy Burger's philosophy is to serve a few items well. The Busy Burger is made from all-natural beef with leaf lettuce, tomato, red onion or grilled onion, dill pickle and spicy busy sauce on a butter toasted bun! Try it single or double. Busy Burger also serves up a Turkey Burger, Beef or Turkey Stuffed Burger and a Mini-Burger. If you find yourself not in the mood for a burger, you can also try a variety of other sandwiches including the Chicken BLT, Fish Sandwich, Busy Blob Dog, "Flame-Broiled" Jumbo Dog or Polish! Cutting calories? No problem. Skip the bun and wrap your burger or sandwich in leaf lettuce, or try their Portobello or Tofu Sandwich.
What To Watch - Busy Burger has awesome milkshakes! Busy Burger's seating is limited, so while you can dine-in, carry-outs may be more convenient. Busy Burger is open until midnight. To check-out Busy Burger, go to www.busyburger.com
Fogo de Chao - 1824 Abriter Court, Naperville, Illinois
The newest location for Fogo de Chao is easily located in Naperville, Illinois (just a short drive from Chicago). The Brazilian-themed steakhouse provides the perfect setting for an evening out with family and/or friends.
The Fare - Whether you're looking for a quick lunch or a full meal, Fogo de Chao doesn't disappoint. The restaurant provides several wonderful options for your dining pleasure. Start with the Market Table which is laden with hard-to-get fresh items including Hearts of Palm, sun-dried tomatoes, imported cheeses and Mango Chilean Sea Bass. One not-to-be-missed item is FdC's corn bisque soup (made in-house)! When you're ready, flip your card and let the meating begin! Choose from delectable bite-sizes of beef, pork, chicken and lamb along with several sides that complete the main meal deliciously! If you can stand anymore, share (yes, it's that big) a dessert of New York Style or Turtle Cheescake, Key Lime Pie or Molten Chocolate Cake (to name a few)!
What To Watch - Fogo de Chao has a wonderful selection of wine (ask your server to suggest a bottle or try the Malbec - exquisite!), Lunch and dinner service has different pricing and there is a special price for children dining. Reservations are definitely suggested. For complete dining information for any of Fogo de Chao's three Chicago-area locations, go to www.fogodechao.com.
Kinfork - 5 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, Illinois
Great dining in the heart of a shopping mall? Forget about it! Not so with the recently opened Kinfork. Kinfork opened late 2015 in Chicago's very busy Woodfield Mall and supercedes one's expectations! Rustic, woodsy and homey at the same time. Kinfork gives one the feeling of being on a cool camping trip!
The Fare - Kinfork delivers hearty, well-portioned meals that satisfy the stomach quickly! Kinfork offers an extensive list of wines, beers and cocktails but the highlight of their drink menu are the Moonshine Cocktails! We had several of the blackberrylicious Front Porch Punch delivered in a Mason Jar! Try any of their starters including the KF Nachos. Beware! This starter is a meal in itself! Follow-up with a hearty main meal of Brick (Miller's Amish) Chicken, Pork Chops, Meatloaf or anything from the Smoker (translation: Ribs, Carolina Pulled Pork and Brisket).
What To Watch: Woodfield Mall is extremely busy so come early to avoid having to park far away from the front entrance. Pace Bus service runs to the front door of Kinfork if you're using public transportation. To see all that Kinfork has to offer visit their website at www.kinforkrestaurant.com.
Buona Beef - 10633 S. Western Ave., (Beverly) Chicago, IL
In celebration of its 35th year, Buona, The Original Italian Beef, opened its first Chicago location in the Beverly neighborhood in Southwest Chicago on March 21st! Beef lovers everywhere rejoiced that now city dwellers can enjoy the same delicious slow-roasted beef enjoyed by thousands across Illinois.
The Fare - The Buona Beef sandwich is second-to-none! Whether you like it plain (just the taste of delicious roasted beef), piled high with various peppers, or juicy, you won't be disappointed. But don't stop here. Buona offers other mouth-watering fare including burgers, dogs, paninis (we loved the Turkey Club) and delicious salads including the Cobb (with added chicken or shrimp). Quench your thirst and satisfy your sweet tooth as well as you and your friends and/or family dine-in and catch a game on one of the flat-screens. You'll probably want to get a carry-out for later, too!
What To Watch - Buona Beef offers free parking adjacent to the restaurant. Service is friendly and fast. Lines are short so check-out the menu behind the cashiers before you order to keep the line moving. To peruse the menu and hours of operation go here www.buona.com.
Weber Grill - 539 North State St., Chicago, IL
A Chicago staple revisited, this location of Weber Grill sits at street level of the Hilton Garden Inn. No worries, the night we visited Weber Grill was packed with locals and visitors alike!
The Fare - First things first, the drinks! Start the night (or afternoon if you're free) with a classic cocktail like a New Orleans-inspired Sazerac, the Housemade Sangria, or one of many Chicago-brewed beers (well-known brands are available as well). Next try a Fire Starter - The Weber FireStarter Sampler delivers succulent portions of Weber's Hickory BBQ Ribs, Grilled Honey Dijon Chicken Skewers, Lemon Garlic Shrimp, Grill-Seared Steak that serves two people.
While you can choose from an extensive list of menu items remember this IS Weber Grill! The "grill" offers kettle cooking without waiting on the weather to cooperate! The Prime Kettle Burger, Fire-Inspired entrees like Bone-In Smoked Pork Chops or Grill-Roasted Crab Cakes. Finally, there's the Backyard BBQ! Choose a 2-or-3 BBQ Combo from Ribs, Pulled Pork, Quarter Chicken, Meatloaf and Beef Brisket combined with any two side dishes offered including Cole Slaw, Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, French Fries and Mac-n-Cheese among others.
Full yet? If not, let's go for the dessert! The Carrot Bundt Cake made our list but feel free to enjoy over seven other delish desserts as well!
What To Watch - Ask the server to make sure your grilled dishes are cooked to your specification. This location is very busy so be sure to make advance reservations. Weber Grill also offers kid menus and offers brunch. Other Weber locations offer grilling classes.
For a complete list of menus, locations, class schedules and more, go online to www.webergrillrestaurant.com.
Photo credits: (1) Courtesy of Fogo de Chao, (2) Busy Burger courtesy of Turon Ivy for C-Style Magazine, (3) Kinfork courtesy of C-Style Magazine, (4) Buona Beef courtesy of Desiree Sanders for C-Style Magazine.
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