643934 Tue Aug 11 16:55:17 -0700 2009 5 7 Chicago Area 0 4938052 Going to Chicago solo and staying in the River North area. Need some sugestions where to go for dinner & still be comfortable alone. Casual or upscale casual, drinks, inside or out but no seafood please. Thanks. Tue Aug 11 16:55:17 -0700 2009 1101003 scek 1 4938230 Alinea - I was quite comfortable dining solo. Tue Aug 11 18:00:31 -0700 2009 4938052 160718 uhockey 2 4940632 It would be only fair to point out to someone who might not familiar with it (although it is one of the best restaurants in the US), that it is extremely expensive and requires a substantial time commitment Wed Aug 12 13:05:41 -0700 2009 4938230 16942 rjka 3 4940670 True, and definitely beyond casual or upscale casual like OP is asking for. Wed Aug 12 13:14:49 -0700 2009 4940632 276975 ms. chow 1 4940554 I think eating at the bar at Frontera Grill would be fine for a solo diner. It's pretty rocking, but the bartenders are great for advice on food and drinks and you can interact with other people. Avec offers another good experience since everything is communal (tables and bar) and the food is great. There are plenty of non-seafood options. Finally, I really like the bar at Keefer's and the steaks are great. Each of these restaurants has a website for you to check out menus. I have not been to Alinea, but uhockey always seems to know what he is talking about. Wed Aug 12 12:42:51 -0700 2009 4938052 73034 ChemWork 1 4940736 Bar seating will be your best option, but personally i also don't like a bar area that is too crowded. It gets annoying if you're eating, and there's people 2-,3-deep behind you trying to get drinks. Another option would be hotel restaurants where solo diners are probably not as uncommon. A good one is Cafe des Architectes. They have modern French food in a very nice setting. Another is Bin 36, good especially for wine or cheese lovers. Wed Aug 12 13:30:59 -0700 2009 4938052 276975 ms. chow