We are staying at the Swisshotel; enjoy italian, french and indian the most. Any places with a view? Hope to keep entrees under $20; nothing too formal...place we can wear jeans. Thanks.

Ducks53, there aren't too many nicer places where wearing jeans in the evening would be acceptable and places with a view usually come at the higher prices.

However, I'd recommend these: Coco Pazzo Cafe (Italian) on N. St. Clair--wonderful patio area. Bistro 110 (French) on N. Michigan Avenue.

Places with a view: Park Grill at Millennium Park. Oakstreet Beachstro (on the beach just north of the Drake).

Hope these help a bit.

Exiled Princess gave you two of the recommendations I was thinking about, Coco Pazzo Cafe and Bistro 110 both have good reputations and reasonable prices. And although Park Grill isn't in one of your categories it's a really nice spot for al fresco dining, right on Millennium Park where you have a view of the park and some good people watching opportunities and the food is good, lunch will be more reasonably priced than dinner.

Brasserie Jo at 59 W. Hubbard is another reasonable option downtown for French bistro fare.

For Italian, someone recommended Volare at 201 W. Grand to me as an authentic Italian experience, Cafe Spiaggia is critically acclaimed Spiaggia's less formal, less expensive sister although entrees may exceed slightly exceed your limits and you may feel uncomfortable wearing jeans.

I happen to like the Rosebud chain of restaurants for Southern Italian, Carmine's and Rosebud on Rush are in the tourist area up on Rush St. along with Cafe Luciano which serves Northern Italian.

I've found that at most mid range restaurants in Chicago that there is a wide variety of dress, so they won't bounce you out on your ear if you wear jeans.

Frontera Grill is a great, informal, Mexican restaurant. One of the best in the US, actually. Entrees are in the 15-25 range.

Another vote for Rosebud restaurants. Tried Carmine's-excellent- and next time wil try Rosebud on Rush. Also love Giordano's(sp?) which is right across the street from Rosebud on Rush. My favorite is the Capitol Grille, but it's a little dressier.

I also vote for Rosebud but usually go to the one in Little Italy away from all the tourists...(sorry).
Also, you will find jeans especially for women is accepted almost anywhere these days....since it is fashionable.
Also, try Wildfire (no view but good) it is a lettuce entertain you resturant. They have lots of other eateries...I also enjoy Joe's stone crab and Shaws but since they are seafood it is more expensive.

Here is a place that meets all of your requirements, but has gone unmentioned.

Sorriso Ristorante
Solid, red-sauce italian fare with, but for the steaks, all entrees under $20. I consider it one of the best bargains downtown.

It's right on the river with a view of the passing boats. Jeans are not a problem. I would guess that it's a good 15 minute walk west of the Swisshotel or a 3 minute cab ride. Make a reservation if you want to be sure of a table by the river.

http://www.sorrisoristorante.com/