These arerestaurants within a mile of the hotel (720 South Michigan Avenue). Street numbers are reckoned from agrid. N – S numbers aresimple. E-W numbers are cityblocks east or west of State Street, which is 2 blocks west (away from thelake) of the hotel. It is a good idea to telephone the hotels in advance.  Information on this page is from theChicago Reader.

312 Chicago 136 N. LaSalle St., Chicago (312) 696-2420.

Inviting Italian-American restaurant next to the Hotel Allegro. $$$$$. Food: 7. Service: 6.9. Ambience: 7.5.

437 Rush 437 N. Rush St., Chicago (312) 222-0101.

Phil Stefani's sleek, deco steak house in the spot formerly home to the legendary Riccardo's. $$$$$. Not rated.

65 Seafood Restaurant 336 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago (312) 372-0306.

Good, quick Chinese food in a less-than-alluring setting. $$$$$. Not rated.

Ada's Famous Deli & Restaurant 14 S. Wabash St., Chicago (312) 214-4282.

Typical lox and bagels, sandwiches, and pastries; one of a chain. $$$$$. Food: 6.3. Service: 6.3. Ambience: 6.5.

Artists' Restaurant 412 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago (312) 939-7855.

Diner nestled in the Fine Arts Building; standard food, spectacularly located sidewalk cafe. $$$$$. Not rated.

Artopolis 306 S. Halsted St., Chicago (312) 559-9000.

Multifunction cafe, bar, and retail store in Greektown. $$$$$. Food: 7.8. Service: 6. Ambience: 8.4.

Athena 212 S. Halsted St., Chicago (312) 655-0000.

Greek Town newcomer with inviting outdoor garden. $$$$$. Food: 7.5. Service: 7.8. Ambience: 8.2.

Atwood Cafe 1 W. Washington St., Chicago (312) 368-1900.

Sleek Contemporary American cafe in the Burnham Hotel. $$$$$. Food: 7.5. Service: 6.8. Ambience: 8.8.

Bacino's 75 E. Wacker Dr., Chicago (312) 263-0070.

Downtown location of this stuffed pizza chain offers a bit more ambience than the others. $$$$$. Not rated.

Bar Louie 123 N. Halsted St., Chicago (312) 207-0500.

River West location of Restaurant Development Group's casually hip bar-restaurant. $$$$$. Not rated.

Bar Louie 47 W. Polk , Chicago (312) 347-0000.

Loop location of Restaurant Development Group's popular bar-restaurant chain. $$$$$. Food: 7.2. Service: 6.4. Ambience: 8.4.

Ben Pao 52 W. Illinois St., Chicago (312) 222-1888.

Chinese cuisine as interpreted (and reinterpreted) by Lettuce Entertain You. $$$$$. Food: 7.3. Service: 7.5. Ambience: 8.5.

Berghoff 17 W. Adams St., Chicago (312) 427-3170.

Loop landmark past its prime, perhaps, but still popular for schnitzel, private label beer, and old world bustle. $$$$$. Food: 6.9. Service: 7.3. Ambience: 7.4.

The Big Downtown 124 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago (312) 917-7399.

Inventive Chicago-themed American restaurant in the Palmer House Hotel. $$$$$. Food: 6.4. Service: 6. Ambience: 7.

Billy Goat 430 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago (312) 222-1525.

Legendary burger joint famous for "cheezborgers!" and eclectic, journalist-heavy clientele. $$$$$. Not rated.

Billy Goat Tavern II 309 W. Washington St., Chicago (312) 899-1873.

Washington Street spinoff of legendary burger joint famous for "cheezborgers!" $$$$$. Not rated.

Bin 36 339 N. Dearborn , Chicago (312) 755-9463.

Contemporary American bistro devoted to demystification of wine. $$$$$. Food: 7.7. Service: 7.7. Ambience: 7.5.

Blackbird 619 W. Randolph St., Chicago (312) 715-0708.

A soaring success on West Randolph, featuring the eclectic American cuisine of chef Paul Kahan (Topolobampo, Erwin). $$$$$. Food: 9. Service: 7.7. Ambience: 7.2.

Blackie's 755 S. Clark St., Chicago (312) 786-1161.

Boisterous South Loop bar/restaurant with great burgers and other pub grub. $$$$$. Not rated.

Blue Point Oyster Bar 741 W. Randolph St., Chicago (312) 207-1222.

High-ticket seafood at the restaurant-cursed corner of Randolph and Halsted, heavily influenced by the example of Shaw's Crab House. $$$$$. Food: 7.9. Service: 7.2. Ambience: 7.8.

Brasserie Jo 59 W. Hubbard St., Chicago (312) 595-0800.

Big, attractive faux-brasserie serving expertly rendered classics and a few twists. $$$$$. Food: 7.7. Service: 7.3. Ambience: 7.8.

Brio 10 W. Hubbard St., Chicago (312) 467-1010.

Closed. $$$$$. Food: 7.6. Service: 7. Ambience: 8.7.

Buckingham's 720 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago (312) 922-4400.

American restaurant in the Chicago Hilton and Towers featuring pricey but reliable steaks. $$$$$. Not rated.

Burrito Beach 19 S. LaSalle St., Chicago (312) 578-9340.

Unspectacular burritos for the 90s that take the wrap concept to its mediocre conclusion. $$$$$. Not rated.

Cactus 404 S. Wells St., Chicago (312) 922-3830.

South Loop cantina serving Mexican bar food, margaritas and beer to thirsty traders. $$$$$. Not rated.

Caffe Baci 77 W. Wacker Dr., Chicago (312) 629-2224.

Smoky Loop cafe popular for happy hour cocktails as well as a quick lunch. $$$$$. Not rated.

California Pizza Kitchen 414 N. Orleans St., Chicago (312) 222-9030.

Closed. $$$$$. Not rated.

Carmichael's Chicago Steak House 1052 W. Monroe St., Chicago (312) 433-0025.

Nostalgic-feeling steakhouse near the United Center; my-kind-of-town fare. $$$$$. Food: 6.6. Service: 8. Ambience: 8.3.

Catch 35 35 W. Wacker Dr., Chicago (312) 346-3500.

Upscale Loop seafood spot with urban flair and prices. $$$$$. Food: 8.3. Service: 7.8. Ambience: 8.2.

Cavanaugh's 53 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago (312) 939-3125.

Historic Monadnock building bar/restaurant serving salads, sandwiches and other mainstream fare. $$$$$. Not rated.

Celebrity Cafe 320 N. Dearborn St., Chicago (312) 836-5499.

Hotel dining room best known for great views, hotel prices, and Sunday brunch. $$$$$. Not rated.

Ceres Cafe 141 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago (312) 427-3443.

CBOT traders pile into this Loop gem for home-style breakfast and casual lunch. $$$$$. Not rated.

Charming Wok 601 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago (312) 939-0966.

South Loop Chinese place with a somewhat dreary ambience and standard fare. $$$$$. Not rated.

Chicago Firehouse Restaurant 1401 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago (312) 786-1401.

Sprawling American restaurant in the South Loop with multiple dining rooms to suit all tastes. $$$$$. Not rated.

Cityfood 400 N. State St., Chicago (312) 755-1071.

Urban lunch spot with fresh healthy fare that includes wraps and daily soups. $$$$$. Food: 7.6. Service: 7. Ambience: 6.4.

Club Creole 226 W. Kinzie St., Chicago (312) 222-0300.

Funky space near the Merchandise Mart serving reliable Cajun cuisine for Loop lunchers. $$$$$. Food: 7.2. Service: 6.9. Ambience: 6.2.

Coco Pazzo 300 W. Hubbard St., Chicago (312) 836-0900.

Innovative NY transplant serving up some crazy Tuscan fare. $$$$$. Food: 7.7. Service: 6.4. Ambience: 8.2.

Corner Bakery 1200 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago (312) 588-1040.

Innovative counter-service cafe best reserved for quick salads, sandwiches, or pizza. $$$$$. Not rated.

Corner Bakery 78 E. Washington St., Chicago (312) 201-0805.

Innovative counter-service cafe best reserved for quick salads, sandwiches, or pizza. $$$$$. Not rated.

Corner Bakery 224 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago (312) 431-7600.

Innovative counter-service cafe best reserved for quick salads, sandwiches, or pizza. $$$$$. Not rated.

Corner Bakery 516 N. Clark St., Chicago (312) 644-8100.

Innovative counter-service cafe best reserved for quick salads, sandwiches, or pizza. $$$$$. Food: 6.8. Service: 5.5. Ambience: 6.

Corner Bakery 140 S. Dearborn , Chicago (312) 920-9100.

Innovative counter-service cafe best reserved for quick salads, sandwiches, or pizza. $$$$$. Not rated.

Costa's 340 S. Halsted St., Chicago (312) 263-9700.

Tries to take Greektown uptown with more refined cooking, service, and surroundings. $$$$$. Food: 7. Service: 7.1. Ambience: 8.3.

Cuisines 1 W. Wacker Dr., Chicago (312) 372-7200.

Mediterranean-inflected Italian restaurant that draws Loop workers and shoppers for solid hotel dining. $$$$$. Not rated.

Cyrano's 34 W. Wacker , Chicago (312) 629-2976.

Chicago River outpost of Cyrano's on Wells. $$$$$. Not rated.

Dearborn Street Oyster Bar 409 S. Dearborn , Chicago (312) 922-1217.

Loop seafood restaurant and oyster bar. $$$$$. Not rated.

Dos Hermanos 233 S. Wacker Dr., Chicago (312) 993-0527.

Margaritas bad? Margaritas good? Opinion is sharply divided on the offerings at this Loop Mexican restaurant. $$$$$. Food: 6.1. Service: 6.7. Ambience: 5.7.

Edwardo's Natural Pizza 521 S. Dearborn St., Chicago (312) 939-3366.

Eco-conscious stuffed pizza; recent franchising makes branches unreliable. $$$$$. Not rated.

Emil's Bar & Grill 101 N. Wacker , Chicago (312) 332-4333.

Loop restaurant serving continental cuisine. $$$$$. Not rated.

Encore 171 W. Randolph St., Chicago (312) 338-3788.

Stylish Loop "lunch club and liquid lounge" serving carved sandwiches for lunch and bar bites in the evening. $$$$$. Not rated.

Entre Nous 200 N. Columbus Dr., Chicago (312) 565-7997.

Fairmont Hotel's subdued, elegant dining room serving fine American cuisine. $$$$$. Not rated.

Estia 306 S. Halsted St., Chicago (312) 454-8380.

Halsted-area Greek newcomer with familiar fare; live piano sets it apart. $$$$$. Not rated.

Everest 440 S. LaSalle St., Chicago (312) 663-8920.

Forty stories high, with refined French cuisine and prices to match. $$$$$. Food: 9.6. Service: 9.7. Ambience: 9.2.

Exchequer Restaurant and Pub 226 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago (312) 939-5633.

Bustling Loop lunch spot for burgers, ribs, pizza, and movie-buff decor. $$$$$. Not rated.

Ferris Wheel Restaurant 120 S. State St., Chicago (312) 236-4842.

Casual, low-key Loop diner. $$$$$. Not rated.

Flat Top Grill 1000 W. Washington St., Chicago (312) 829-4800.

Loop branch of this popular all-you-can-eat stir-fry bar. $$$$$. Food: 8. Service: 6.9. Ambience: 6.9.

Frontera Grill 445 N. Clark St., Chicago (312) 661-1434.

One of Chicago's best and most acclaimed restaurants, featuring sophisticated regional Mexican cuisine in a festive, boisterous atmosphere. $$$$$. Food: 8.5. Service: 7.2. Ambience: 8.

Garden Restaurant 111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago (312) 443-3543.

Art Institute cafe with popular outdoor patio; good for a light lunch. $$$$$. Not rated.

Gioco 1312 S. Wabash , Chicago (312) 939-3870.

Rustic Italian restaurant serving pasta, seafood, and other specialties in a hip South Loop space. $$$$$. Food: 7.8. Service: 7.4. Ambience: 8.2.

Giordano's 308 W. Randolph St., Chicago (312) 201-1441.

Just-left-of-a-fern-bar local pizza chain, the birthplace of stuffed pizza. $$$$$. Not rated.

Grace 623 W. Randolph , Chicago (312) 928-9200.

Former Outpost chef Ted Cizma's contemporary American entry in the Randolph market area. $$$$$. Food: 8.4. Service: 7.7. Ambience: 7.5.

Greek Islands 200 S. Halsted St., Chicago (312) 782-9855.

Multiroom Greektown institution; late hours, usually speedy service. $$$$$. Food: 6.4. Service: 5.9. Ambience: 6.3.

Harry Caray's 33 W. Kinzie Ave., Chicago (312) 828-0966.

Well-prepared Italian favorites and steaks in a large, high-energy celebrity shrine. $$$$$. Food: 7.2. Service: 6.5. Ambience: 6.3.

Heaven on Seven 111 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago (312) 263-6443.

Cajun-in-a-coffeeshop, Jimmy Bannos's original no-frills Loop location. $$$$$. Food: 7.8. Service: 6.2. Ambience: 7.1.

Hi Ricky 941 W. Randolph St., Chicago (312) 491-9100.

River West outpost of the popular, reasonably priced pan-Asian noodle shop/satay bar. $$$$$. Food: 6.3. Service: 6.6. Ambience: 6.3.

Houlihan's 111 E. Wacker Dr., Chicago (312) 616-3663.

Typical American chain restaurant that draws tourists and local workers. $$$$$. Not rated.

House of Blues 329 N. Dearborn St., Chicago (312) 527-2583.

Folk art and music make for a lively atmosphere, but Raters are unimpressed with food and service. $$$$$. Food: 5.7. Service: 6. Ambience: 7.6.

House of Blues Foundation Room 329 N. Dearborn St., Chicago (312) 527-2583.

Former members-only dining room deep inside the House of Blues. $$$$$. Not rated.

Hudson Club 504 N. Wells St., Chicago (312) 467-1947.

Supermod retro room inspired by 1940s autos, always packed with sleek people. Surprisingly good and artfully presented eclectic American cuisine. $$$$$. Food: 8.6. Service: 7.9. Ambience: 9.4.

J. Randolph's Bar & Grill 155 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago (312) 565-2203.

Loop pub with American grub: salads, appetizers, burgers & fries. $$$$$. Not rated.

Jaipur Palace 22 E. Hubbard St., Chicago (312) 595-0911.

Upscale downtown Indian restaurant with striking decor; Raters go mostly for the lunch buffet. $$$$$. Food: 6.6. Service: 6.2. Ambience: 6.8.

Jaks Tap 901 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago (312) 666-1700.

$$$$$. Not rated.

Kinzie Chophouse 400 N. Wells St., Chicago (312) 822-0191.

Downtown steakhouse with unusually good side dishes and seafood. $$$$$. Food: 7.3. Service: 7.7. Ambience: 7.2.

Kitty O'Shea's 720 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago (312) 922-4400.

Festive Irish bar in the Chicago Hilton and Towers serving classic pub grub. $$$$$. Not rated.

Klay Oven 414 N. Orleans St., Chicago (312) 527-3999.

Upscale River North Indian restaurant that takes its food seriously. $$$$$. Food: 7.9. Service: 7.6. Ambience: 6.4.

Kukla's 509 N. Wells St., Chicago (312) 670-9711.

Rat Pack-era throwback supper club featuring a cigar lounge with walk-in humidor. $$$$$. Not rated.

La Cantina 71 W. Monroe St., Chicago (312) 332-7005.

The casual third in the Italian Village trio of Loop restaurants. $$$$$. Not rated.

La Rosetta 70 W. Madison St., Chicago (312) 332-9500.

Congested Loop location for rustic New Italian fare; a Rosebud relative. $$$$$. Food: 6.9. Service: 6.5. Ambience: 6.8.

La Sardine 111 N. Carpenter St., Chicago (312) 421-2800.

Market-district offspring of Le Bouchon, with more room and a slightly expanded menu. $$$$$. Food: 7.6. Service: 7.3. Ambience: 7.5.

La Strada 155 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago (312) 565-2200.

Elegant, long-standing Loop Italian just right for impressing clients over lunch. $$$$$. Not rated.

Le Peep 1000 W. Washington , Chicago (312) 563-9990.

Breakfast and lunch spot west of the Loop, part of a national chain. $$$$$. Not rated.

Lloyd's 200 W. Madison St., Chicago (312) 407-6900.

FLW-styled hideaway serving upscale, eclectic American cuisine heavy on the meat. $$$$$. Not rated.

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria 439 N. Wells St., Chicago (312) 828-9800.

Wells Street location of a family-run pizza chain popular for deep-dish pies. $$$$$. Not rated.

Lou Mitchell's 565 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago (312) 939-3111.

Venerable downtown breakfast spot famous for cheesy omelets, crispy hash browns, thick slabs of toast. $$$$$. Not rated.

Maggiano's Little Italy 516 N. Clark St., Chicago (312) 644-7700.

Clark Street outpost of this well-trafficked chain of family-style Italian restaurants. $$$$$. Food: 7.6. Service: 7.1. Ambience: 6.9.

Mambo Grill 412 N. Clark St., Chicago (312) 467-9797.

River North spot with spicy pan-Latin food and after-work bar scene. $$$$$. Food: 6.9. Service: 5.8. Ambience: 6.6.

Manny's Coffee Shop & Deli 1141 S. Jefferson St., Chicago (312) 939-2855.

Classic old-Chicago deli/cafeteria: corned beef sandwiches, potato pancakes, brisket, bustle. $$$$$. Food: 7.1. Service: 6.6. Ambience: 5.1.

Marche 833 W. Randolph St., Chicago (312) 226-8399.

Superchic, noisy, and crowded. The food is simple French brasserie fare with a contemporary twist. $$$$$. Food: 8.5. Service: 7.3. Ambience: 9.2.

Mercury 221 W. Van Buren , Chicago (312) 427-1774.

Opulent financial district restaurant-nightclub fusion. $$$$$. Not rated.

Mia Torre 233 S. Wacker Dr., Chicago (312) 474-1350.

Italian restaurant in Sears Tower convenient for tourists and business lunches. $$$$$. Food: 5.8. Service: 5.7. Ambience: 6.3.

Millennium 832 W. Randolph St., Chicago (312) 455-1400.

Pricey steakhouse in the Randolph market area featuring house-cut and -aged beef, unusual sauces. $$$$$. Food: 7. Service: 7.2. Ambience: 7.8.

Miller's Pub 134 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago (312) 263-4988.

A Loop institution: broad menu, late hours, cozy atmosphere, Bears-oriented crowd. $$$$$. Food: 6. Service: 6.5. Ambience: 6.8.

Mio Mezzo 230 W. Kinzie St., Chicago (312) 644-1161.

Closed. $$$$$. Not rated.

Monday's 203 N. LaSalle St., Chicago (312) 629-0444.

Simple, uncomplicated American fare at reasonable prices. $$$$$. Food: 5.6. Service: 6.8. Ambience: 5.

Monday's on the Park 75 W. Harrison St., Chicago (312) 663-3647.

South Loop American offering simple food at uncomplicated prices. $$$$$. Not rated.

Moonraker 733 S. Dearborn St., Chicago (312) 922-2019.

Sandwiches and daily specials on Printer's Row. $$$$$. Food: 6.5. Service: 6.9. Ambience: 6.3.

Mossant Bistro 225 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago (312) 236-9300.

Bustling upscale bistro in the Hotel Monaco; crowd includes lots of shoppers and out-of-towners. $$$$$. Food: 8.4. Service: 7.2. Ambience: 8.4.

Naha 500 N. Clark St., Chicago (312) 321-6242.

Elegant contemporary American restaurant in the River North space long-occupied by Gordon. $$$$$. Not rated.

Nana's Cafe 7 W. Kinzie St., Chicago (312) 527-0300.

Casual, inexpensive Italian stranded behind Marina City. Lunch and carryout are brisk, dinner quiet. $$$$$. Food: 6.3. Service: 7. Ambience: 6.3.

Nick & Tony's 1 E. Wacker Dr., Chicago (312) 467-9449.

"Old neighborhood" decor and rustic Italian food at downtown prices. $$$$$. Food: 6.6. Service: 6.4. Ambience: 6.6.

Nick's Fishmarket 21 S. Clark St., Chicago (312) 621-0200.

Swanky, clubby seafood restaurant that draws mostly business accounts. $$$$$. Food: 8.9. Service: 8.8. Ambience: 9.3.

Nicolina's Cucina 455 N. City Front Plaza Dr., Chicago (312) 832-2600.

NBC Tower's Mediterranean/Italian restaurant owned by Taste America Group (Catch 35, Lloyd's. $$$$$. Not rated.

Nine 440 W. Randolph St., Chicago (312) 575-9900.

Swanky West Loop steak house from the owners of Drink. $$$$$. Food: 7.7. Service: 6.9. Ambience: 8.7.

The Palm 323 E. Wacker Dr., Chicago (312) 616-1000.

Chicago location of this NYC restaurant famed for massive steaks. $$$$$. Food: 6.4. Service: 6.4. Ambience: 6.9.

Parthenon, The 314 S. Halsted St., Chicago (312) 726-2407.

Boisterous Greek Town standby rates high in bang-for-buck. $$$$$. Food: 6.5. Service: 7. Ambience: 6.3.

Pazzo 100 S. Wacker Dr., Chicago (312) 372-2700.

Loop Italian with great river views; popular for business lunches. $$$$$. Food: 7. Service: 6.3. Ambience: 6.

Pegasus 130 S. Halsted St., Chicago (312) 226-3377.

A reliable choice in Greektown, distinguished by strong seafood selections and a bright, sunny atmosphere. $$$$$. Food: 7.3. Service: 6.7. Ambience: 8.

Plaza Tavern 70 W. Monroe St., Chicago (312) 977-1940.

Contemporary American restaurant in the old Nick's Fishmarket space. $$$$$. Food: 6.9. Service: 6.7. Ambience: 8.

Potbelly Sandwich Works 190 N. State St., Chicago (312) 683-1234.

Loop outpost of this popular sandwich shop. $$$$$. Not rated.

Prairie 500 S. Dearborn St., Chicago (312) 663-1143.

A truly contemporary twist on midwestern American food, in an attractive Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired dining room. $$$$$. Food: 8.4. Service: 8. Ambience: 8.8.

Primavera 200 N. Columbus Dr., Chicago (312) 565-6655.

Elegant Fairmont Hotel Italian restaurant where waitstaff belt out arias during dinner. $$$$$. Not rated.

Printer's Row 550 S. Dearborn St., Chicago (312) 461-0780.

Chef Michael Foley's elegant regional American, offering exquisite cuisine and fine service. $$$$$. Food: 8.8. Service: 8.3. Ambience: 7.8.

Quincy Grill on the River 200 S. Wacker Dr., Chicago (312) 627-1800.

West Loop American noted for decent business lunches and pre-opera dining. $$$$$. Food: 7.5. Service: 7.7. Ambience: 7.

Red Light 820 W. Randolph St., Chicago (312) 733-8880.

Pan-Asian cuisine, market-district scene; from the creators of Marche and Vivo. $$$$$. Food: 8.1. Service: 7.1. Ambience: 9.1.

Redfish 400 N. State St., Chicago (312) 467-1600.

Bold Cajun food, loud decor, blaring music. $$$$$. Food: 7.1. Service: 6.5. Ambience: 7.1.

Restaurant on the Park 111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago (312) 443-3543.

Elegant Art Institute dining room; Continental cuisine and a great view. $$$$$. Not rated.

Rhapsody 65 E. Adams St., Chicago (312) 786-9911.

Elegant contemporary French restaurant behind Symphony Hall now under the direction of Roland Liccioni. $$$$$. Food: 8.2. Service: 7.7. Ambience: 8.1.

Rice Fields 318 W. Adams , Chicago (312) 630-9588.

$$$$$. Not rated.

Rivers 30 S. Wacker Dr., Chicago (312) 559-1515.

Eclectic Continental restaurant nestled inside the Merc; convenient for power lunchers and opera buffs. $$$$$. Food: 7.5. Service: 7.3. Ambience: 7.3.

Rodity's 222 S. Halsted St., Chicago (312) 454-0800.

Venerable Greektown favorite where "Opaa!" rings loud in the large room and fresh food is abundant. $$$$$. Not rated.

Russian Palace 24 E. Adams St., Chicago (312) 629-5353.

Closed. $$$$$. Not rated.

Russian Tea Time 77 E. Adams St., Chicago (312) 360-0000.

Opulent Loop dining room offering top-notch fare, friendly service, lotsa vodka. $$$$$. Food: 7.7. Service: 6.8. Ambience: 7.8.

Ruth's Chris Steak House 431 N. Dearborn St., Chicago (312) 321-2725.

River North outpost of this chain famous for melting butter on steaks; lively atmosphere. $$$$$. Food: 8.5. Service: 8. Ambience: 7.2.

Salvador's 73 E. Lake St., Chicago (312) 346-8457.

Reasonablly-priced Loop Mexican restaurant with colorful, dependable food. $$$$$. Not rated.

Santorini 800 W. Adams St., Chicago (312) 829-8820.

Warm, rustic decor sets this Greek seafood place apart; grilled octopus brings raves. $$$$$. Food: 6.3. Service: 6.9. Ambience: 7.1.

Shaw's Crab House & Blue Crab Lounge 21 E. Hubbard St., Chicago (312) 527-2722.

Well-regarded, atmospheric seafood places from Lettuce Entertain You. $$$$$. Food: 8. Service: 7.9. Ambience: 6.9.

Singha 350 N. Clark St., Chicago (312) 467-0300.

Reasonable River North Thai place with sidewalk seating, tasty fare, crowded lunches. $$$$$. Not rated.

Smith & Wollensky 318 N. State St., Chicago (312) 670-9900.

New York's entry in the upscale steakhouse derby. $$$$$. Food: 7.4. Service: 7.1. Ambience: 7.7.

Snap's Creole Restaurant & Bar 727 W. Randolph , Chicago (312) 207-1718.

Creole newcomer on the Randolph Street restaurant strip. $$$$$. Not rated.

Sopraffina Marketcaffe 10 N. Dearborn St., Chicago (312) 984-0044.

Italian-style Loop cafeteria for a quick hot lunch, an after-work snack or carryout. $$$$$. Food: 7.2. Service: 6. Ambience: 6.3.

Sopraffina Marketcaffe 222 W. Adams St., Chicago (312) 726-4800.

Italian-style Loop cafeteria for a quick hot lunch, an after-work snack or carryout. $$$$$. Not rated.

Sopraffina Marketcaffe 200 E. Randolph St., Chicago (312) 729-9200.

Italian-style Loop cafeteria for a quick hot lunch, an after-work snack or carryout. $$$$$. Not rated.

Sorriso Restaurant 321 N. Clark St., Chicago (312) 644-0283.

River North Italian restaurant with a great river view. $$$$$. Not rated.

Standing Room Only 610 S. Dearborn St., Chicago (312) 360-1776.

Semi-fast Printer's Row eatery with sports theme, healthy focus, self-proclaimed "home of the turkey burger. $$$$$. Not rated.

Star of Siam 11 E. Illinois St., Chicago (312) 670-0100.

Temporarily closed due to a fire on 11/12/00. Better-than-average Thai specialites; takeout is popular with Reader employees who toil upstairs. $$$$$. Food: 6.9. Service: 6.8. Ambience: 6.7.

Streeterville Grill & Bar 301 E. North Water St., Chicago (312) 670-0788.

Grill in the Sheraton Hotel lobby where guests stop for steaks and chops. $$$$$. Not rated.

Sullivan's Steakhouse 415 N. Dearborn , Chicago (312) 527-3510.

Expensive saloon-type steakhouse, one of a national chain. $$$$$. Food: 7.8. Service: 7.3. Ambience: 8.3.

Sushi Wabi 842 W. Randolph , Chicago (312) 563-1224.

Boisterous, market-district sushi bar with DJ. $$$$$. Food: 8.9. Service: 7.4. Ambience: 8.1.

Taste of Siam 600 S. Dearborn St., Chicago (312) 939-1179.

Printer's Row Thai. No surprises, but predictable fare and quick takeout. $$$$$. Food: 7. Service: 6. Ambience: 6.5.

Taza 39 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago (312) 425-9988.

Hip, funky, quasi-fast-food chicken joint. Loop location, global fare. $$$$$. Food: 7.4. Service: 5.6. Ambience: 6.3.

Topolobampo 445 N. Clark St., Chicago (312) 661-1434.

Next-door sibling of Rick Bayless's renowned Frontera Grill, slightly pricier and more elegant. $$$$$. Food: 9.4. Service: 7.8. Ambience: 8.3.

Toque 816 W. Randolph St., Chicago (312) 666-1100.

Closed. $$$$$. Food: 8.3. Service: 7.6. Ambience: 7.2.

Torpedo Joe's 35 N. State St., Chicago (312) 551-1515.

Sandwiches, soups and coffee in the second floor men's department of the State Street Old Navy. $$$$$. Not rated.

Trader Vic's 17 E. Monroe St., Chicago (312) 726-7500.

Luau in the Loop: bamboo décor, technicolor drinks, one of the original theme restaurants. $$$$$. Not rated.

Trattoria No. 10 10 N. Dearborn St., Chicago (312) 984-1718.

Comfortable subterranean room with impressive Italian food. A Loop standout. $$$$$. Food: 8.3. Service: 7.8. Ambience: 8.1.

Trattoria Parma 400 N. Clark St., Chicago (312) 245-9933.

River North outpost of chef Paul LoDuca (Vinci), serving simple, satisfying pastas and other Italian fare. $$$$$. Food: 6.9. Service: 7. Ambience: 6.8.

Tufano's Vernon Park Tap 1073 W. Vernon Park Pl., Chicago (312) 733-3393.

Old-fashioned family-run bar/restaurant, a survivor of pre-trattoria-boom Little Italy. $$$$$. Not rated.

Tuscany 1014 W. Taylor St., Chicago (312) 829-1990.

Taylor Street standout: excellent Italian food, diverse crowd, bustling, fun atmosphere. $$$$$. Food: 8.3. Service: 7.8. Ambience: 6.8.

Vallarta Mexican Grill and Cantina 431 N. Wells St., Chicago (312) 755-0420.

Traditional cantina with standard offerings, large portions, and reasonable prices. $$$$$. Food: 6.9. Service: 5.7. Ambience: 7.

The Village 71 W. Monroe St., Chicago (312) 332-7005.

Top room of the Italian Village triplex with cozy alcoves and late hours. $$$$$. Food: 7.7. Service: 7.8. Ambience: 8.4.

Vivere 71 W. Monroe St., Chicago (312) 332-7005.

Funky member of the Italian Village family where the decor overwhelms the food. $$$$$. Food: 7.1. Service: 7.3. Ambience: 9.

Vivo 838 W. Randolph St., Chicago (312) 733-3379.

Market District pioneer featuring unique Italian fare and a great upstairs party room. $$$$$. Food: 8. Service: 6.8. Ambience: 8.8.

Voila 33 W. Monroe St., Chicago (312) 580-9500.

Closed. $$$$$. Food: 7.7. Service: 6. Ambience: 8.

Vong 6 W. Hubbard St., Chicago (312) 644-8664.

Rich Melman collaborates with Jean-Georges Vongerichten to bring the latter's acclaimed fusion cuisine to Chicago. $$$$$. Food: 8.7. Service: 8.4. Ambience: 7.8.

Walnut Room 111 N. State St., Chicago (312) 781-3125.

Famous old dining room inside the State Street Marshall Fields. $$$$$. Food: 5.5. Service: 5.3. Ambience: 9.

West Egg Cafe 525 W. Monroe St., Chicago (312) 454-9939.

Casual power breakfast stop in a cheerful setting. $$$$$. Food: 7.4. Service: 6. Ambience: 6.4.

Wham Bongo Bar 111 W. Hubbard St., Chicago (312) 396-9426.

Creative cocktails, live music, and a casual ambience draw the after-work crowd. $$$$$. Not rated.

Wishbone 1001 W. Washington , Chicago (312) 850-2663.

A Rater favorite serving fast, reliable Cajun and southern comfort food. $$$$$. Food: 7.5. Service: 7.2. Ambience: 6.6.

Zoop 212 W. Van Buren St., Chicago (312) 957-1000.

Quick Loop soup; varieties of the hearty, tasty elixirs change daily. $$$$$. Not rated.