Bavette’s is an intimate steakhouse that’s great for date night or dinner with a few friends.

Joe’s is consistently one of the best steakhouses in town, and you shouldn’t even order steak. Stone crabs are where it’s at.

Lou Malnati’s is a classic Chicago deep-dish pizza spot, and the one we rely on.

Chicago Cut is a great steakhouse right on the river ideal for special occasions and power business meals.

Frontera Grill is the most famous Mexican restaurant in Chicago. It’s a classic spot that’s doing excellent food in a casual sit-down place.

We wanted to hate it, but we can’t. RPM Steak can hang with the Chicago steakhouse classics any day.

A rooster thunderdome full of hot dogs, Italian beefs, and chocolate cake shakes.

Gilt Bar is the rare River North spot that’s easy to get into, and also has great food. Prepare for a lot of meat, butter, and salt.

Purple Pig has been around awhile, but it's still a great small plates restaurant that makes for a fun night.

High-end Peruvian food that will cost you a bit but is worth the price.

Good Measure is a divey-looking bar in River North that serves great food.

Sushi-san is an upbeat restaurant in River North with high-quality sushi and tasty small plates.

Shaw’s is like the seafood version of a steakhouse. Come for a nicer dinner and order all the oyster, crab, and lobster.

Roka Akor is a trendy Japanese restaurant in River North that has great food but is also expensive.

3 Greens Market has a lot going on: Small Cheval burgers, Dillman’s pastrami, salad bar, coffee, booze, and ping pong. Feel free to hang out.

Sunda is an Asian-fusion restaurant in River North that’s been around for a while, but still has great food.