shari

After shopping all day, we'll be famished. What do you suggest for dinner in the downtown area? No chains, not that keen on steak, maybe seafood or mexican. In the $12-$25 an entree range.

Kris

Not too far from Michigan Avenue shopping is one of my favorites, Cafe Iberico at 739 N. LaSalle for Spanish tapas (appetizer size portions of Spanish food). We've walked it before but you could also hop a cab for the short ride. It tends to be busy on the weekends but you can always have a little sangria while you are waiting.

Another idea is Frontera Grill for Mexican at 445 N. Clark. This one's also busy and doesn't take reservations unless you have 5 or more in your party. The wait on a Saturday, even at 5:30, can be an hour or more.

Rachel

I know it's a chain, but we were impressed with The Cheesecake Factory. It's in the lower level of the Hancock Building on Michigan Avenue, near the Watertower. They have a buzzer system so you can pick up a buzzer and go out shopping some more. Huge variety..everyone will find something good. Huge portions. Split things or skip the appetizers. Don't skip the desserts.

Leone

Why not splurge a little bit and try the Dining Room at the Ritz Carlton ... Susan Stegner is the chef, and she's the best chef in Chicago, in the top 10 nationally. If you're that hungry, you'll be ready for a special meal. Ciao

marilyn

Coco Pazzo Cafe, in the 600 block of St. Clair St, one block east of Michigan Avenue. This quieter version of the glitzy main restaurant in River North has a warm trattoria feel and serves the same delicious Tuscan-style Italian food. It's small, intimate, good service, very relaxing, right in your specified price range.

The Ritz Carleton Dining Room IS wonderful, but I personally wouldn't have the energy to appreciate it after a full day of shopping, and I think it's more high-end than you are looking for. Frontera Grill is delicious, but you have to be prepared to wait.

For seafood you might try Shaw's Crab House, 21 E. Hubbard.

pj

Bistro 110 is right by waterplace [complimetary bread and baked garlic yumm] If you want to take a cab Marche on Randolph is a fun and funky place!!

kal

Shari,
Heaven on 7..Cajun cookin'...
Riva's...Navy Pier...great view.
Uncle Julio's Hacienda for Mexican.
Sullivan's. More beef but had some good fish there.
House of Blues was good for a "chain".
Ditto on pj's Marche's.
Gino's East Pizza.
"Chees-boigahs" at Billy Goat for a hoot?