Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Skokie

Aboyer (previously Restaurant Michael) has been one of our favorite north shore spots to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. My husband and I have been following Chef Michael all around the Chicago area for decades now, and although the amazing food has been the key reason, we have always been impressed by his professionally trained staff, who are friendly, knowledgeable and pay attention to details. On this visit, we were celebrating my birthday (2 months late) since we cancelled the first reservation when Covid hit us, and the aftereffects stayed around far too long. The evening here was well worth the wait! After stopping at the bar for a quick hello to Sergio and a Champagne (for me) and a Chardonnay we settled in to the cozy banquette for dinner. We ordered our standard starter, the delectable Gougères, a mainstay that we hope never goes away. I switched to a rich Aviary Napa Cabernet for the rest of the dinner. We were delighted to have Sergio Junior as our server! He obviously enjoys his job and is a real ambassador for the restaurant. We took his recommendations for our entrees, and both were fantastic! I never order pork, and rarely make it at home, except for a roast. The Peppercorn Crusted Berkshire Pork Rib Chop with Cognac Mushroom Sauce was by far the best pork I have ever had. Happy Birthday to me. My husband’s decadently delicious Aboyer Burger was an unexpected item for him to order here, except for how much he loved it. Thank you from both of us, SJ!!! Last night was well worth waiting for. ♥️♥️

One of Chicago’s best new Italian restaurants! The food was incredible and the service top notch. The entire staff made us feel so welcome and we look forward to returning to our new favorite neighborhood spot.

Good food. Friendly, fast service. Wide variety on menu

Carmine’s is always my go to spot when I land at O’Hare. If I’m not sitting at the bar talking to Bobby, one of the hardest working bartenders I’ve met, I have business dinners with customers. They’re always requesting that I take them back for dinner whenever I’m in town. Phil greets everyone with his great smile and makes everyone feel at home. Kevin, the valet, hustles in any kind of weather. Everyone on staff are incredible. Just note - their portions are big and will be leaving with a take-out carton. Can’t wait to be back soon.

Casual place with great food and friendly and efficient service. We had Sunday brunch at 11:15. Place was not too busy at that time, but pretty full when we left around 12:30. We found easy street parking within a few blocks. Well worth a trip. Beakfast burrito was a very generous portion and really good.