I'm looking for a restaurant in the Mag Mile area for a Christmas dinner for 4. We could go either Italian or American (whatever that is, steak/seafood/variety) We're on a budget for Chicago, would like to spend $15 to $25 for entree. I'd hopefully like to get a place we could make reservations as we're just coming in for the day on the train. Any suggestions? I looked at Cafe Spaggai (sp). I don't really have an idea of the atmosphere. I guess for our price we can't expect too much atmosphere. Also want a place where no jacket/tie are required. What do you think? Any suggestions? My girlfriend mentioned the Bistro 110 (I'm not sure that's the name) I think I was there once and not really impressed.

Thanks for your help.

I just went to Cafe Spiaggia and it was great! Not too pretentious, and everything was delicious. You'll probably have a great meal at any restaurant in that chain (www.levyrestaurants.com). Another great chain would be Lettuce Entertain you (www.leye.com) which includes Osteria Via Stato, Shaw's Crab House, and more.

I ate at the Osteria Via Stato. Very romantic place lit by candlelight. Great wine choice.

Thank you for the suggestions. I am checking out the webpages and talking with my friends. They all look so good. I'll let you know what we decide.

You guys are great.

Cindy

Cindy, first, are you talking about a dinner on Christmas Day itself? Or Christmas Eve? Then you should definitely check to see if the restaurants you are mentioning are even open then, as your choices will be limited.

Secondly, a $15-25 entree would mean that the total bill will be around $55-60+ pp, all inclusive, unless your party has a bottle of wine or indulges in several drinks. Is that within your budget?

I believe that Cafe Spiaggia might be outside of your budget. Take a look at the Chicago Reader's website, as it does give some information as to the general total tab for each restaurant, as opposed to Metromix's website that shows the general price per entree (and keep in mind some are a la carte). Note: that information may be a bit dated, in some cases, but you'll get a good idea of which restaurants are more expensive than the others.

For Italian, you might consider Volare instead of Cafe Spiaggia, as it is a little less expensive; and for American, you might consider Mity Nice Grill (a Lettuce Entertain You Restaurant) at Water Tower Place.

As for seafood, McCormick and Schmick's is a chain as well, but has a nice "clubby" feel to it and there are many entrees within your budget. There are two locations - one on Rush at the top of the Magnificient Mile and one on Wacker.

Again, not knowing which date you are coming, cannot give definitive recommendations, but hope this information helps a bit.

Thank you all for your input. We are not going on Christmas Day per se but just a Christmas dinner with friends on December 16th. I've spent a lot of time reading reviews and menus. Thanks for giving me so many options. I can sure spend a lot of time doing this.

We were hoping to spend around $100 per couple for a salad, entrees and a bottle of wine, maybe a couple of beers for our hubbies. I looked at the Cafe Spiaggia webpage and thought maybe we could do that. The menu looks like something a little different than usual and the reviews are pretty good. While I realize we may spend a little more than that, I wanted something a little special.

Having said that, I've made the reservation and will bit the bullet on the cost. Maybe we'll have a glass of wine somewhere else earlier in the day and a snack so we're not famished and want to order everything on the menu

Thanks again for all your suggestions. It's been fun.