by Christine Malcom

Created on: April 11, 2008   Last Updated: December 08, 2008

Chicagoans should be gratified by their inclusion on Food & Wine Magazine's "10 Best Restaurant Cities" list (http://www.foodandwine.com/articles/the-worlds-10-b est-restaurant-cities-go-list-2008). Southsiders can be particularly proud of the nod to fantastic newcomer Cafe 103 in the "Where to Go Next: Chicago" section. Food & Wine, as usual, has the high-profile picks among the Second City's restaurants well covered. But here are a few more choices that often go unnoticed, 2 on the near north side, and 2 well on the Sox side of town:

1. West Town Tavern (http://westtowntavern.com/). Susan and Drew Goss have been living the dream of a small, neighborhood restaurant since 2001. Susan's upscale comfort-food menu is on the small side, but it's so practically perfect one hardly notices. Favorites from their late, lamented River North gem, Zinfandel, are reliably available, and weekly specials mean that something new is almost always available for frequent customers. And for those who just can't get enough of the dish they love, West Town also offers weekly traditions, including Fried Chicken Mondays and Wagyu Beef Burger Tuesdays. The atmosphere is warm and intimate, the staff are knowledgeable and professional, and the wine and liquor offerings combine quality standards with marvelous off-the-beaten-path finds.

2. Salpicn (http://www.salpicon.com/). It's a travesty that this Old Town spot is often a brief mention in the context of yet another paean to Rick Bayless's Frontera Grill (Chef Priscilla Satkoff started out in nonchef related roles). The quality and presentation of the food at Salpicn are unsurpassed in Chicago. This is a place to relax, place yourself in Satkoff's expert hands, and try foods and combinations you never dreamed of. The 7-course tasting menu is an unbelievable experience (beware the generous pours of unusual and exquisitely matched wines, if you do the pairings!), and the restaurant's flexibility with regard to individual needs and tastes makes it particularly accessible. Although their award-winning wine list is superb, don't overlook the tequila and mezcal flights, as well as their liquid dessert offerings. As with West Town, part of Salpicon's charm is found in being surrounded by beautiful artwork and friendly, informed staff who seem genuinely to enjoy their work.

3. Maple Tree Inn (http://www.blueislandbiz.com/mapletree.html). Although the first two options definitely underscore the casual in "dressy casual," Maple Tree Inn drops the

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>