Philly foodie 40th birthday in Chicago

[kasha21]

I am meeting up with friends in Chicago in September to celebrate a 40th birthday and we are looking for somewhere for a casual dinner for about 8 people. If I were hosting this in Philly, I would choose somewhere like 20 Manning (neighborhood-y, diverse food choices and reasonably priced) or maybe Garces Trading Company. Any similar suggestions in Chicago? We're not looking for anything over the top, as I think some of the people may not be as adventurous as others. Thanks so much for your help, Chowhounds!

[nsxtasy]

Where is everyone coming from? With a bunch of people, you probably ought to make it convenient for most of them, if that's possible.

When I hear "neighborhood-y, diverse food choices and reasonably priced", places I think of include Deleece on Southport in Lakeview (north side of Chicago), Campagnola in Evanston (just north of Chicago), Inovasi in Lake Bluff (far northern suburb), Perennial Virant in Lincoln Park (near north side), and Nightwood in Pilsen (near south side).

[camusman]

Garces has a restaurant just south of downtown called Mercat a la Planxa that should work well for your occaion.