Great chicago restaurants ~$80/person?

I've never been to Chicago but I've heard good things about Avec. On second thought I'm not 100% sure that it's in Chicago. Hmm......

mk is okay. Riccardo Trattoria is probably the best meal under $80. Also check out Grocery Bistro and the Bristol. Have heard good things about the Publican, never been, don't feel like I'll ever want to go. I think Schwa has their shorter tasting menu under $80. Green Zebra is pretty damn good too.

Avec will easily be under $80, unless you're just totally blowing it out. Amazing, easily worth more than what you pay.

I think you could get a fun tasting menu at Green Zebra for that much. Tasting menu at Bonsoiree is that much as well - the December underground menu on Saturdays looks quite good (it's byob, too).

Why no love for the Publican?

Depends on what kind of vibe you're going for. Is this for a date? Dinner with friends? Something professional?

You've been to Schwa, right? I think you told me you had. If you haven't, you have to check it out. Since the dinner is for yourself and your interest, and not a date w/ your fiance or anything, I think you'll really enjoy it.

the first one to come to mind was riccardo.

Mundial Cocina Mestiza's in Pilsen comes to mind, too.

you can get a pretty good vietnamese meal at Tank for far under 80 bucks.


when you get the, publish it please.

Yeah, definitely hit up Schwa if you can. Probably one of the most enjoyable meals I've had in Chicago. Plus it's byob, and the wait staff is really friendly and attentive. Terragusto has really amazing pasta. I'm an absolute pasta snob, and it's easily some of the best cooked home-made pasta I've ever had. Topolobampo is another great place, and it's gotten even more buzz since Bayless won top chef masters. I've heard very good things about Spiaggia, although I have not been there myself. Nice views from the north side of the loop. Avec and the Publican are great, but they're both very communal. Not sure if that's what you're looking for, but Paul Khan is one of the biggest up and coming chefs in the country. Avec has great greek inspired tapas, and the Publican is the only place I've ever been to that does "upscale bar food" right. If you're into the whole "sustainable food" scene, North Pond is great. Excellent views of downtown, and superb food. Other excellent spots to hit up for less expensive meals: Tac Quick - Outstanding Thai....some of the best in the country. Mixteco Grill - Excellent new Mexican cuisine that gives Rick Bayless's restaurants a serious run for their money Kuma's Corner - Awesome, huge burgers, in a metal dive bar. Hot Dougs - Best hot dogs in the world (yes, the world) Lula's Cafe - My favorite breakfast spot in the city Big Star - New Paul Khan venture that is essentially an upscale bar with modern Mexican cuisine (like pork belly and pineapple tacos). Lou Malnatis - If you MUST have Chicago style pizza, this is where to get it without going to the burbs.

Just had the pizza at Burt's Place in the northern suburb of Morton Grove - it was featured in the October 2007 issue of Saveur magazine (which was all about Chicago restaurants). Burt's has the sine qua non of pan pizza, about 3/4 inch thick and thus thinner than traditional Chicago deep dish. Burt himself prepares all the pizzas - he was the pizza maker at the original Pequod's in Morton Grove back in the day. This place is way out of the way but worth the trip - the staff is great, but it's cash only and you need to call ahead for your order.

I'd add MK in River North, the "little" Three Happiness in Chinatown (not to be confused with the "big" and unrelated Three Happiness across the street), Smoque on the northwest side (terrific Memphis-style ribs and Texas beef brisket), Think Cafe on Western Avenue (a BYOB place), the Bristol in Bucktown (a gastropub) and Folklore in Wicker Park (grass-fed Argentine beef; owned by the same people who run Tango Sur on Southport).

Been to Publican once and it was good enough that I would recommend it but it does have unusual seating.
Frontera Grill and Topolobampo are favorites. A new Bayless restaurant just opened on the corner south of his other resauarants.
Crofton on Wells
Oceanique in Evanston for seafood
David Burke's at the james Hotel

West Town Tavern usually runs about $65-80 a head with one or two drinks - (we really need to clarify the drink situation). Spring Takashi Osteria Via Stato Hot Chocolate The Bristol (+ a bunch) Frontera (not Topolo for this limit) It's not the greatest French food in the city, but for an inexpensive night, I love Bistro Margot or Le Bouchon (and I kind of miss Brasserie Rhulmann) Mixteco is also pretty awesome on the mexican front, and It's been a LONG time since I've been to either of these two, but... The cafe at the Four Seasons and Cafe Absinthe Also... shout-out to the gone, but not-forgotten Meritage on the much cheaper end --------------------------------- Lao Sze Chuan Kang Nam Kuma's Pequod's

Two drinks are never enough.