Best American Restaurants in Wilmette

64 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Valley Lodge Tavern restaurant

1. Valley Lodge Tavern

4.5

Price: Moderate

• American • Wilmette

Booked 13 times today

Valley Lodge Tavern in a neighborhood tavern serving high quality food and drink to the north shore for 50 years. We serve a variety of food including burgers, ribs, steaks, and delicious salads.

2. EJ's Place

4.8

Exceptional(1747)

Price: Expensive

• American • Skokie

Booked 38 times today

EJ's Place in Skokie is a celebrated gem on the North Shore, exuding the quintessence of Steakhouse cuisine since 1997. As one of Chicago Magazine's Best New Restaurants, EJ's Place specializes in prime aged steaks and chops, with patrons often lauding their meals as "perfection" and "the best Steak House on the North Shore." The restaurant prides itself on a blend of top-notch service and a warm, inviting atmosphere, making every dining experience memorable. Regulars rave about the "stellar experience" and the "best martinis on the North Shore," affirming EJ's Place as a must-visit for anyone craving an authentic, high-quality steakhouse meal.

3. Jilly's Cafe

4.6

Exceptional(670)

Price: Expensive

• American • Evanston

Booked 2 times today

Nestled just outside Chicago, Jilly's Cafe in Evanston is celebrated for its exceptional French cuisine with an American twist, earning it the title of a "North Shore Treasure" by Zagat. The restaurant delights with its French countryside decor and a menu that exudes authenticity and creativity. Patrons rave about the Sunday brunch where "champagne effortlessly flows" and French flavors dance harmoniously with traditional American dishes. Reviews consistently praise the "flavorful" meals like the lobster risotto and the "best seafood" bouillabaisse. With such accolades, Jilly's not only promises but delivers a truly enchanting French dining experience right in the heart of Evanston.

4. The Hampton Social - Skokie

4.4

Awesome(1882)

Price: Expensive

• American • Skokie

Booked 73 times today

The Hampton Social - Skokie is the perfect place to imbibe and enjoy the feeling of summer days. Located at Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Center, just north of Chicago. The Hampton Social offers our signature "Rosé All Day" lounge, a lively bar, outdoor seating, main dining room and private dining spaces. Known for our lively dining experiences featuring exceptional coastal-inspired food, cocktails and live music in a beautifully designed atmosphere. Open for Lunch, Dinner, and Weekend Brunch

5. 501 Local

4.7

Exceptional(243)

Price: Expensive

• American • Winnetka

Booked 23 times today

501 Local in Winnetka is a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, offering a delightful blend of classic and modern dishes that celebrate seasonal ingredients. Diners rave about the exceptional quality of the food and the attentive service, making it a local favorite. "Everything about 501 Local is fantastic," one review exclaims, highlighting the "phenomenal" Butternut Squash Soup and Crispy Shrimp. The charming ambiance, especially on the "award-winning patio," enhances the dining experience, making every visit memorable. Whether it's for a casual lunch or a special occasion, 501 Local stands out for its commitment to delivering both innovative and comforting American dishes with a contemporary twist.

A photo of L. Woods Tap and Pine Lodge restaurant

6. L. Woods Tap and Pine Lodge

4.7

Exceptional(8178)

Price: Moderate

• American • Lincolnwood

Booked 176 times today

At L. Woods Tap & Pine Lodge in Lincolnwood, you're treated to the authentic essence of a Northwoods Supper Club with a standout Barbecue selection that leaves guests raving. Their 12-Hour Smoked Prime Brisket is a crowd favorite, expertly smoked to deliver deep, complex flavors that epitomize true BBQ craftsmanship. Reviews consistently praise the BBQ Ribs, with one guest noting, "The food was wonderful as usual," highlighting both the quality and consistency that L. Woods brings to the table. Whether it's a bustling Tuesday or a special family gathering, the atmosphere and mouthwatering BBQ dishes make every meal memorable. As one reviewer summed up, "Great food and service. Worth going to L. Wood for a great meal." Experience the best of American BBQ at L. Woods, where every dish is a celebration of classic culinary traditions.

7. Bluestone

4.2

Awesome(27)

Price: Moderate

• American • Evanston

Booked 4 times today

Bluestone is a Chicago-style restaurant in Evanston that offers homestyle cooking in a warm and welcoming environment. Owner John, whose obsession with golf led to the more than 250 pin flags decorating the restaurant, opened Bluestone after transitioning from commercial film production. His goal was to create a locale that was filled with friendliness and familiar faces, all while serving a variety of menu options with a hometown feel. Guests can enjoy favorites like crab cakes, or branch out and discover a new one from their wrap, soup, quesadilla or burger menus. Don't forget to try homemade specialties such as the turkey or black bean burgers, or the Bluestone signature smoked wings. There are also several thin-crust pizza options, like the pesto or BBQ chicken offerings. Whether you're just passing through or a long-time resident, Bluestone, at the corner of Central St. and Prairie Ave., is everyone's home away from home.

A photo of The Capital Grille - Old Orchard Center restaurant

8. The Capital Grille - Old Orchard Center

4.7

Exceptional(422)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Skokie

Booked 34 times today

The Capital Grille in Skokie's Old Orchard Center is a Wine Bar aficionado’s delight, boasting a majestic selection of over 350 curated wines. Patrons are enveloped in a sophisticated ambiance, highlighted by a striking floor-to-ceiling wine kiosk that houses between 3,500 - 5,000 bottles. This meticulous attention to their wine collection ensures a match for every palate and dish, complementing their famously hand-cut, dry-aged steaks. Reviewers rave about the experience, with one noting, "The food and the service was amazing!" and another exclaiming it’s "the best steak I’ve had in a while." The Capital Grille's commitment to quality and service shines, making it a must-visit for wine lovers and food enthusiasts alike.

A photo of Evanston Corner Bistro restaurant

9. Evanston Corner Bistro

4.3

Awesome(83)

Price: Moderate

• American • Evanston

Booked 2 times today

Welcome to Evanston Corner Bistro! We are thrilled to be an integral part of the Evanston community.Evanston Corner Bistro is an American bistro that specializes in contemporary cuisine that's not only delicious but also approachable. Our menu is a celebration of fresh, locally-sourced, and seasonally-inspired ingredients.Our carefully curated beverage program showcases an array of locally brewed craft beers, complemented by a thoughtfully selected collection of imported beers. We also offer an assortment of unique and affordable wines, along with classic cocktails that come with their own distinctive twist.Evanston Corner Bistro proudly stands as the third installment of LM's beloved bistro concept. Nestled on the ground floor of the historic Hilton Orrington, our bistro is designed to provide a family-friendly dining experience in the heart of Downtown Evanston.

A photo of The Alcove- Evanston restaurant

10. The Alcove- Evanston

4.8

Exceptional(529)

Price: Expensive

• American • Evanston

Booked 7 times today

Nestled under the Metra’s Davis Street stop in Evanston, The Alcove-Evanston offers a transcendent French American dining experience, crafted meticulously by Chef Elio Romero. The menu, constantly refreshed to align with seasonal produce, ensures an exploration of fresh, inventive dishes each visit. Patrons rave about the authenticity and quality, with comments like the food being "absolutely delicious" and the octopus so tender it "could melt in your mouth." The commitment to freshness and the celebration of each season's offerings make every meal a delightful surprise. Whether celebrating a special occasion or seeking a sublime dining adventure, The Alcove-Evanston stands out as a culinary jewel in the French American cuisine scene, making every bite a testament to culinary excellence.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

R
Robert VIP
Chicago / Illinois •45 reviews
5.0
Dined today
We had a wonderful Day After Christmas dinner at the CG. It was a little less busy than usual, but the staff was wonderful and the food was excellent as usual. The restaurant is a little formal looking when you enter, but the feeling is warm and comfortable. Great place for a couple or a family - as in this case for us.
More info
The Capital Grille - Old Orchard CenterPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Skokie
•
4.7
T
Timothy
New Orleans / Louisiana •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Great spot with above average food. The salads were great, the French onion was very average, the ambience was cool. I would definitely go back but wish they can improve on the soup a bit.
More info
Valley Lodge TavernPrice: Moderate• Comfort Food• Wilmette
•
4.5
P
PatrickVIP
Chicago / Illinois •39 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Outstanding ambiance, food & service, as always at this consistently excellent venue. This has become a Holiday tradition for our family.
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EJ's PlacePrice: Expensive• American• Skokie
•
4.8
M
mikeVIP
Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
The food was consistently great. And the server was so great. Friendly and patient with the large group of teens. He deserves a raise!
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The Hampton Social - SkokiePrice: Expensive• American• Skokie
•
4.4
L
laurel
Washington, D.C. Area •32 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 19, 2024
We hadn’t been back to 501 since June. My husband has celiacs and some of the menu choices are limited. We were very happy with our experience. The food was wonderful -I had the tuna and highly recommend. We split lettuce wraps -delicious and each had the butternut squash soup-also delicious. Our server was excellent despite being the only server in the entire dining room. Our one complaint is the cold breeze that completely took over the dining room anytime someone entered the front door. It seems like an easy fix or at least one that a place of this caliber should address. They had a portable heater at the table closest to the door, not a promising sign! We did notice they turned the heat up but it dampened an other wise lovely meal. But when you’re paying nearly $100 per person that shouldn’t be part of the experience.
More info
501 LocalPrice: Expensive• Bistro• Winnetka
•
4.7

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Best American Restaurants in Wilmette

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64 restaurants available nearby

1. Valley Lodge Tavern

2. EJ's Place

3. Jilly's Cafe

4. The Hampton Social - Skokie

5. 501 Local

6. L. Woods Tap and Pine Lodge

7. Bluestone

8. The Capital Grille - Old Orchard Center

9. Evanston Corner Bistro

10. The Alcove- Evanston

See what locals rave about

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