\There is no shortage of restaurants on the North Shore… good thing, since there is no shortage of opinions, either! We asked you to vote for your favorite places and you responded.
While there were a few clear winners for each category, it’s obvious that you feel passionate about many places. Let’s face it… we like to eat, and we like to share information. It’s a perfect match! Here are your winners, along with many honorable mentions:
Best Asian: Sushi Kushi (Lake Forest) and Sushi Kushi, Too (Highland Park)
There’s something for everyone at this favorite mini-chain; huge menu, super-fresh sushi.
Runners-Up: Lemongrass (Winnetka), Lulu’s Dim Sum (Evanston), PF Chang’s (Northbrook), Pine Yard (Evanston)
Best Bar Food: Bluestone and Tommy Nevin’s (both in Evanston)
From burgers to salads, artichoke dip to onion strings, lots of crispy and salty choices, perfect to wet your whistle for the next beer!
Runners-Up: Bridie McKenna’s (Highwood), Ruth’s Chris (Northbrook), The Cellar (Evanston), Champps (Skokie)
Best Bistro: Bistro Bordeaux (Evanston), Café Central (Highland Park), Bank Lane Bistro (Lake Forest)
Newcomer Bistro Bordeaux already impresses; stalwarts Café Central and Bank Lane continue to rack up the fans with their consistency.
Runners-Up: Abigail’s (Highland Park) and Jacky’s on Prairie (Evanston)
Best Breakfast: Walker Brothers (Wilmette, Glenview and Highland Park)
Two words: Apple Pancake. Need we say more?
Runners-Up: Lucky Platter (Evanston), Café Buongiorno (Winnetka)
Best Burger: Charlie Beinlich’s (Northbrook) and Prairie Grass (Northbrook)
Mmmmm… red meat good.
Runners-Up: Edzo’s (Evanston), Hackney’s (Glenview), Happ Inn (Northfield)
Best Comfort Food: No clear winner here… there were as many nominees as there were voters! Among those mentioned were Prairie Joe’s (Evanston), The Noodle (Wilmette), Dixie Kitchen (Evanston), Happ Inn (Northfield), Maggiano’s (Skokie), Pita Inn (Skokie and Glenview), and Michael’s (Highland Park)
Best Cosmos: Pete Miller’s (Evanston and Wheeling) and The Bar at the Deerpath Inn (Lake Forest)
Served up and frosty, just we like ‘em. Ask for extra lime.
Runners-Up: McCormick and Schmick’s (Skokie), Quince (Evanston)
Best Date Night: Sage Grill (Highwood) and Quince (Evanston)
Great food, romantic rooms, attentive but unobtrusive service, and flattering lighting. Score!
Runners-Up: Oceanique (Evanston), Bank Lane Bistro (Lake Forest), Union Pizzeria/SPACE (Evanston), The Tavern (Libertyville), and my personal favorite, “Anywhere!”
Most Decadent Desserts: Many opinions, many calories, but no champion. Try Maggiano’s (Skokie), Cheesecake Factory (Skokie), Pete Miller’s (Evanston and Wheeling), Carlos’ (Highland Park)
Best Italian: Campagnola (Evanston) and the Mia Francesca Empire (Rogers Park, Northbrook, Lake Forest, and many others)
More than your basic red sauce restaurants, these favor the authentic flavors of Italy combined with organic and sustainable ingredients.
Runners-Up: Va Pensiero (Evanston), Convito Italiano (Wilmette), Anteprima (Chicago/Andersonville) and Hole in the Wall (Northbrook)
Most Kid-Friendly: Little Ricky’s (Winnetka) and Walker Brothers (Wilmette, Glenview)
They don’t care how messy you are; menus and crayons abound.
Runners-Up: IHOP (multiple locations), Egg Harbor (Glenview), Yard House (Glenview), Bluestone (Evanston), Trax (Deerfield)
Best Mexican: That Little Mexican Café (Evanston) and Depot Nuevo (Wilmette)
Margaritas, fresh guacamole, and homemade corn tortillas. En fuego!
Runners-Up: Lalo’s (Glenview and Des Plaines), Casa de Isaac (Highland Park), Wholly Frijoles (Skokie), Don Juan’s (Chicago/Edison Park)
Best Splurge: Carlos’ Restaurant (Highland Park)
Expensive, but well worth it. The standard bearer of fine dining on the North Shore.
Runners-Up: Gabriel’s (Highwood), Sage Grill (Highwood), Restaurant Michael (Winnetka) and Oceanique (Evanston)
Best Wine List: Stained Glass (Evanston)
Love their inventive wine flights and the food is fantastic as well.
Runners Up: Union Pizzeria (Evanston) Cellar Gate (Highwood) and Carlos’ (Highland Park)
