Let’s wrap up our week of River North dining with a mix of great restaurants–from casual to elegant to one that doesn’t even have plates.
Heaven on Seven on Rush (600 N. Michigan Ave., 312-280-7774) is chef Jimmy Bannos’ love song to New Orleans, and his Cajun/Creole food always hits the mark. It’s a casual, fun place, brightly lighted and loud–perfect for a group of friends, or a low-pressure date.
For a quieter dinner but with nearly as much spice in the food, try Le Lan (749 N. Clark St., 312-280-9100), where newly installed chef Bill Kim, fresh off a stint at Charlie Trotter’s, is turning out inspired French-Vietnamese dishes.
Here is a recipe for a great lunch: Go to the delightfully old-world Lawry’s at 100 E. Ontario St. (312-787-500), order a sandwich from the afforable carvery, sit in a leather wingback chair in the wooded, chandeliered, swag-curtained lobby and feel like a robber baron (in a good way).
How can you go wrong with a classic Chicago-style pizza from Pizzeria Uno (29 E. Ohio St., 312-321-1000) or Pizzeria Due (619 N. Wabash Ave., 312-943-2400)? Right–you can’t.
This list would be incomplete without a mention of the delicious beef sandwiches at Mr. Beef (666 N. Orleans, 312-337-8500). Eat yours in the side room jammed with picnic tables, or get it to go.
Finally, for some higher-end food and the hands-down most quintessential Chicago view, have dinner at NoMI in the Park Hyatt Hotel (800 N. Michigan Ave., Seventh Floor, 312-239-4030). The food is delicious (French and/or sushi), and a giant wall of windows lets you look out at the glowing historic water tower, the soaring John Hancock Center and lots of horse carriages carrying people here and there. Home run.