Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
126
people-watching around. Saturday and S unday you'll find a br eakfast buffet fr om 8 to
11:30am. Come at twilight and y ou'll be treated to a beautiful violet sky.
1001 N. Lake Shor e Dr. (at Oak Str eet Beach).
&
312/915-4100.
H ighchairs, boost ers. Reser vations
accepted for parties of 6 or mor e only. Main courses $16-$25. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. May-Oct (weather
permitting) Mon-Fri 11am-10:30pm; Sat-Sun 8am-11:30pm. Sub way/El: Red Line to Chicago. Bus: 145,
146, 147, or 151.
Ron of Japan
JAPANESE The heyday of teppanyaki dining (you know, Japanese chefs
chopping and grilling at y our table, with the accompanying flashing kniv es and flying
shrimp tails) passed decades ago, but the sho w is still a kid-pleaser . S pecialties include
shrimp with egg-yolk sauce, filet mignon, prime rib served on a samurai sword, and Shogun
dinner (lobster and steak). G rilled on an ir on plate set into each table, the food is cut,
seasoned, and served by chefs who dish up amazing flair as well as flavor. The restaurant has
14 such tables—larger ones accommodate up to 10 diners, the smaller ones, six or so . As
knives and pepper shakers fly through the air, meats sizzle on the hot iron plate. Above each
grill/table is a retractable hood that keeps smoke out of ev eryone's eyes.
230 E. Ontario St.
&
312/644-6500.
Kids' menu, highchairs, boosters. Reservations accepted for parties
of 8 or more only. Main courses $15-$25; kids' menu $13-$15. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Mon-Thurs 5-9:30pm;
Fri 5-10:30pm; Sat 5-10pm; Sun 4:30-9pm. Subway/El: Red Line to Chicago/State. Bus: 151 or 157.
MODERATE
Bistro 110
BISTRO/CONTINENTAL Bistro 110 enjoys a prime location just
half a block w est of North Michigan Avenue. A neighborhood cr owd gathers here for the
bistro's changing weekly specials, posted on a chalkboard, where you can also check out the
weather forecast and other local news. This popular spot opened in 1987, putting it on the
cutting edge of the bistro-style dining trend. The restaurant is much larger than an authen-
tic bistro would be, with plenty of hustle and bustle that helps families fit right in.
The menu co vers a br oad price range and sev eral bistro classics, such as escargots in
puff pastr y, mussels in white-wine sauce, F rench onion soup , cassoulet, and steak au
poivre. Chicago holds B istro 110 dear for the r oasted heads of garlic ser ved with crusty
bread and its wood-roasted meats and vegetables. (The wood-roasted items, including a
delicious, savory half chicken and a bountiful r oast vegetable plate, are among your best
bets here—some of the other items can be inconsistent.) The kids' menu ranges fr om
beef tenderloin to grilled cheese. Sunday brunch, complete with a jazz trio, is a good time
to bring your kids. (Yes, the trio will visit your table and “serenade” you—rather loudly.)
Brunch is extremely popular, so get there early to avoid a long wait.
110 E. Pearson St. (just west of Michigan Ave.).
&
312/266-3110.
www.levyrestaurants.com. Kids' menu,
highchairs, boost ers. M ain c ourses $16-$30; k ids' menu $6-$14. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. M on-Thurs
11:30am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11:30am-11pm; Sun 10:30am-10pm. Subway/El: Red Line to Chicago/State.
5
Cheesecake Factory
AMERICAN It really must take a factor y to pr oduce the 34
flavors of cheesecake offered here. While this restaurant is one of the usual “kid-friendly”
suspects, a handy location on M ichigan Avenue and the pr ospect of outdoor dining on
the John Hancock Center Plaza make this better than y our average chain dining experi-
ence. The restaurant is big and noisy , and be pr epared for y our name to be added to a
long list when y ou arrive. ( You'll be giv en a pager for the wait.) The odd decor , with
copper-colored metal sculpted into aer odynamic shapes that o verhang the entr yways,
gives kids plenty to gawk at while y ou wait.
Even picky eaters will find something to or der on the enormous menu. There's no
kids' menu, but the regular menu features chicken strips and mini cheeseburgers, among
