Best American Restaurants in Gold Coast / Streeterville

For a jam packed Friday lunch during Holiday break, I was beyond impressed with the speed of service at Luxbar. Everything was great from the food to the service. They had a manager floating filling water and delivering drinks. Really great experience.

The lobster and cauliflower Stilton bisque were very nice. They could have been a little warmer. The chicken sandwich and chicken Milanese were excellent. Our service was amazing. Unfortunately we did not get his name so that we could thank him personally in this report.

My experience at NoMi was exceptional! From the very pleasant hostess to my extremely kind and attentive waiter. The view is spectacular and my holiday meal was scrumptious! I dined alone and never felt hurried or rushed. I had the sea bass for my entree and it was delicious! My only suggestion would be considering a spirit free pairing. They offer a wine pairing to enhance your meal but as someone who does not drink alcohol, this is something I’d enjoy and appreciate.

We had the absolute pleasure of dining at Alpana on Christmas Eve, and it was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. Nestled at 831 North State Street, this gem delivered a meal and an extraordinary dining experience. The ambiance struck a perfect balance between elegance and comfort. The warm lighting and chic decor made it feel festive yet relaxed—ideal for a memorable holiday evening. From the moment we arrived, the service was impeccable. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about perfecting every detail. Now, let’s talk about the food—truly phenomenal! We started with the Butter Chicken Meatballs, which were tender, flavorful, and downright addictive. Then came the Whipped Feta & Truffle Honey platter, featuring house-marinated olives, pistachios, roasted peppers, rustic sourdough, and prosciutto. It was an absolute standout—if we could eat this daily, we would! The Kale and Farro Salad was a burst of flavor, refreshing and hearty all at once. For our mains, we shared the delectable Short Rib Bucatini with its luscious red wine-braised short rib ragu, herbed ricotta, and parmesan. Paired with the Red Wine Braised Short Ribs, every bite celebrated rich, savory perfection. The wine and cocktail list deserves its applause. My son and I enjoyed a glass of bold Cabernet while my daughter sipped on Prosecco, which perfectly complemented the meal. The selection is thoughtfully curated, with something for every palate. As tempting as the dessert menu was, we had no room left—but we’ll return to explore it next time. This was hands down the best meal I’ve had in a long time. Alpana is a must-visit for anyone seeking incredible food, top-notch service, and a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere. We can’t wait to come back!

Gibson's is one of my favorite restaurants of all times. We live in San Antonio but make it a point to make reservations when in Chicago, Because of the holidays, I scheduled reservations 3 months in advance. Service was superb, as always. I ordered the W.R.'s Chicago Cut and was very disappointed. The steak was cold and did not appear anywhere close to 22 oz. My son ordered a 7 oz Filet Mignon, and he was disappointed as it was very dry and overcooked. I know I could have said something at the table, but I didn't want to ruin the moment as we were having such a great time being together. The service was outstanding, and hope that next time it will be the same Gibson's experience.