Gibson's- The quintessential Chicago steak house. A great place to see the rich and famous while eating an enormous steak and drinking a huge martini. One of our favorite places for a splurge dinner. The twice baked potato is an indulgence and big enough for 2. The banana cream and cherry pies are sensational. 266-8999, 1028 N. Rush, L D, $$$$ Website
Crofton on Wells- Creative and tasty American ingredients in new and inventive ways without being too experimental. 755-1790, 535 N. Wells, D Mon-Sat, $$$ Website
Spring- Chef Shawn McClain uses a wide variety of ingredients to make food of many different style. Not strictly American food. Most options are seafood based. The pork belly appetizer is one of my favorites, but I would take a pass on the oysters. Served in a sophisticated, trendy setting. McClain also has the more meat based Custom House and vegetable based Green Zebra. 773-395-7100, 2039 W. North Ave., D Tues-Sun. $$$, Website
Gage- A gastro pub with a mix of American and British classics along with more inventive foods based on those two countries. Also has a good wine and beer list. One of our favorite places for lunch near Millennium Park. The pulled pork sandwich is great if you do not mind a 1000 calorie lunch. A good, lower calorie option is the mushroom sandwich. Can be loud and crowded and is a bit overpriced. 372-4242, 24 S. Michigan, L D, $$$ Website
Ditka's- Well made, large steaks and chops with good sides in a less stuffy atmosphere make this a good steak house. Coach Ditka is often there. My favorite pork chops in the city. The creamed corn is beyond decadent. 587-8989, 100 E. Chestnut, L Mon-Fri, D, $$$ Website
Park Grill- Under the bean in Millennium Park. Has good food in a nice setting with good service. A good place to watch figure skaters in the winter or the hoards at the park in the summer. We eat there often after going to either Millennium Park or the Art Institute. The Texas chili, more of a stew than chili is on of the best winter dishes we have found. 521-7275, 11 N. Michigan, D L, $$$ Website
Atwood Cafe- Upscale comfort food in an interestingly sophisticated Dr. Suess-for-adults decor. A good place for lunch for those shopping on State Street. Try the grilled cheese for a smaller lunch. 368-1900, 1 W. Washington, L D, $$$ Website
Bandera- Very well made food. Much of which is grilled. A good place for a nice lunch or a hearty dinner. Best service for it's price range and nice decor. Our favorite place for lunch in Chicago. The only veggie burger I will ever order. 644-3524, 535 N. Michigan, L D, $$$
Wildfire- Good steaks, chops, ribs etc. Usually crowded and fairly lively. Similar to Bandera but less romantic and better for a group. 787-9000, 159 W. Erie, D, $$$ Website
Weber Grill- Yes it is a restaurant based on the outside grill in your back yard and it sounds crazy but the food is good. Is usually crowded and noisy. They do a surprisingly good slow roasted pork or beef BBQ. 467-9696, 539 N. State, L D, $$ Website
Cheesecake factory- A fun place especially for kids and teens. Has a huge menu of fairly good food that comes in big portions. We always order lunch sized portions when possible. No reservation and the wait can be long. 875 N. Michigan, L D, $$ Website