I have one night in Chicago; where should I eat?

[ChelseaGirl]

I will be in Chicago in February to attend a wedding and have one free night. We're staying near the airport, but are willing to go downtown by train. If there are any good places in between the airport and downtown, that's great; if not, we'll go downtown. I'm looking for a place that is mid-priced, with an eclectic and adventuresome menu. Preferably not a specific type of cuisine like Asian or Italian, but more of a continental menu. Any suggestions are appreciated.

[nsxtasy]

Which airport?

[ChelseaGirl]

O'Hare.

[nsxtasy]

On the train line from O'Hare, you could consider Lula or Jam, both of which are near the Logan Square stop on the CTA Blue Line, or Piccolo Sogno, near the Grand stop on that line.

Downtown and near north, there are dozens of excellent places worth recommending, most of which would require a transfer from the Blue Line to another train line or a bus. Some of the best include Sable (contemporary American/small plates), North Pond (contemporary American), Boka (contemporary American), Graham Elliot (contemporary American), Naha (contemporary American), GT Fish (seafood/small plates), David Burke's Primehouse (steakhouse), Piccolo Sogno (Italian), Mercat a la Planxa (tapas), Topolobampo (provincial Mexican), Carnivale (Latin fusion), and Shaw's Crab House (seafood). All of these except Jam and Lula accept reservations, which I strongly recommend making.

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Boka
1729 North Halsted, Chicago, IL 60614

David Burke's Primehouse
616 N Rush Street, Chicago, IL 60611

North Pond
2610 North Cannon Drive, Chicago, IL 60614

Lula Cafe
2537 N Kedzie Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647

Topolobampo
445 N Clark St., Chicago, IL 60610

Mercat a la Planxa
638 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60605

Shaw's Crab House
21 East Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60611

Piccolo Sogno
464 N Halsted, Chicago, IL 60622

Naha
500 North Clark St., Chicago, IL 60610

Carnivale
702 West Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60661

Graham Elliot
217 W. Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60654

Sable Kitchen & Bar
505 North State Street, Chicago, IL 60654

Jam Restaurant
3059 W. Logan Blvd., Chicago, IL

GT Fish and Oyster
531 N. Wells St., Chicago, IL

[ChelseaGirl]

Thanks - wish I had more time to try them all!

[chicgail]

You want to note that Jam accepts cash only.