Upscale "Bistro-ish" for weekday dinner?

[Dupont Dude]

Looking for what I would describe as an upscale Bistro for dinner with a friend. Something like Bouchon, Grammercy Tavern or Gotham Bar and Grill. Ideal location would be something relatively convenient to River North or the Loop, but we areI willing to travel. I like Crofton and MK, but have been to both places recently. North Pond is terrific, but maybe a bit more "special event" than we need. I've tried The Gage and Henri -- close to what I'm looking for, but anything new/better?

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North Pond
2610 North Cannon Drive, Chicago, IL 60614

[juliejulez]

Not sure if I'm too late, but I would suggest Gemini Bistro in Lincoln Park or West Town Tavern in West Town. Both are excellent, although West Town Tavern is a bit less "bistro"-ish I would say, it's more homey-comfy. It is nowhere near a Tavern as the name suggests though.

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West Town Tavern
1329 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

Gemini Bistro
2075 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL 60614

[nsxtasy]

I think Boka is a great choice, and it's an often-overlooked gem. It's not a place that hits you over the head; it's more down to earth, but the food is still excellent, and it's exactly the kind of place you describe, where everything just happens so well and so smoothly that you don't even notice. It's in Lincoln Park, a couple miles north of River North.

A couple miles north of that in Lakeview is Deleece on Southport, which is the same kind of place, where the food is superb (maybe even slightly better than Boka) and everything goes smoothly so it's just an excellent experience. Also it's much more residential around Deleece, so it's more "neighborhood-ey", if you know what I mean.

Both of the above serve contemporary American food, not leading edge but reasonably creative and absolutely delicious. There are other restaurants serving other types of food that are equally bistro-ish and equally del-ish (LOL). More specifically, Piccolo Sogno in River West (just northwest of the Loop) serves excellent contemporary Italian cuisine and is simply outstanding. Mexique in West Town serves excellent contemporary Mexican cuisine and is equally outstanding. Of course we also have our traditional French bistros, such as La Sardine in the West Loop and Kiki's in River North.

All of these are pictured on the map to your right.

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Boka
1729 North Halsted, Chicago, IL 60614

Kiki's Bistro
900 N. Franklin St., Chicago, IL 60610

La Sardine
111 N Carpenter St, Chicago, IL 60607

Mexique
1529 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Deleece Restaurant (on Southport)
3747 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago, IL 60657

Piccolo Sogno
464 N Halsted, Chicago, IL 60622

[Dupont Dude]

Thanks, nsxtasy -- I knew I could count on you! I've had my eye on Piccolo, but was not thinking Italian. Nevertheless, we may try that. I will definitely check out Boka and Deleece (both would be new to me). Sounds like you've captured exactly the kind of place we're looking for.. Much appreciaated.

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Boka
1729 North Halsted, Chicago, IL 60614

[nsxtasy]

Great! I love that kind of place - where the atmosphere is lively but casual, in an understated way.

Incidentally, don't discount Mexique, if you haven't been there. It's not your typical Mexican restaurant with enchiladas and such, but rather, serves creative provincial Mexican cuisine with some French influences. Take a look at the menu on their website to get a better idea of what they have to offer. It's as bistro-ish as any of these places.