Restaurant near Water Tower Place, Chicago
 

Can anyone recommend a restaurant you have enjoyed within a few blocks of Broadway Play House at Water Tower Place in Chicago?

There are a lot of great restaurants in that area. What types of cuisine? Do you have a spending limit?

Hi, Sasha2.

There are many nearby. Assuming (2) adults for a nice dinner (allowing 1.5-2 hrs):
Cafe Spiaggia (Italian), NoMi (American), RL Cafe (American), Bistronomic (French) McCormick & Schmidts (Steak & Seafood).

For family-friendly, Cheesecake Factory.

Casual: L'Appetito (Italian deli)

An idea of what you want to spend and who's dining might help us guide you.

You can search for restaurants at www.chicagomag.com or www.chicagoreader.com by price, neighborhood or cuisine.

More information on restaurant preferences:
Like: Italian, Greek or American restaurants
Price--prefer total price of meal $50 (entree, wine, tip, tax)or less per person but could be more if necessary in that area.

Are you going to see TimeLine Theatre's "To Master the Art"? I saw this about three years ago when it was playing in my old neighborhood (where TimeLine's house venue is located). I think you'll enjoy it greatly.

$50 total bill pp will be a little difficult in that area -and that would be just the entrée (with a side-if you wish), non-alcohol beverage, tax & tip, unless you are interested in going to a chain such as McCormick & Schmick's or Cheesecake Factory (or its sibling Grand Luxe). Café Spiaggia, RL, NoMi, Hugo's any of the steakhouses in the area would definitely be outside your budget range. I thought about mentioning Devon Seafood Grill but it, too, would be outside.

You *might* be able to get within your budget at Le Colonial, depending on what you order, if you were willing to try French Vietnamese fusion. Very nice ambiance.

Not too far away is Chicago q - on Dearborn, just south of Division. I just ate there last week as a matter of fact, for a very late lunch-very early dinner. They have very generous portions. I really like their sweet pickles (and I'm NOT a sweet pickle fan, either) and homemade chip apps. I was quite satisfied with the bbq flight app, Kobe baked beans, watermelon salad and an alcoholic drink. Total was under $45 with tip.

Also, Bistro Zinc..although it's French. Good food, not expensive.

A few more blocks farther south on Michigan Ave is Bandera - it's on the 2nd floor, so be sure to look up! It's casual, but very nice, the food is very good and it's within your price range. It's especially cozy in the winter.

Bar Toma on Pearson & Michigan Ave. It's owned by Tony Mantuano of Spiaggia. Bonus: It's next to Ghiradelli's

Another vote for Cafe Spiagga. We ate there on a visit in May - delicious food, nice ambiance and very good service.