Best American Restaurants in Lake Forest

32 restaurants available nearby

1. Authentico

4.6

Exceptional(1355)

Price: Moderate

• American • Lake Forest

Booked 19 times today

At Authentico in Lake Forest, the essence of Mexican cuisine is celebrated with a healthy, modern twist that consistently delights diners. Featuring fresh, scratch-made dishes daily, including homemade tortillas and sauces, the restaurant ensures a high-quality, authentic dining experience. Patrons rave about the "outstanding guac, delicious adobe shrimp and wonderful rib tacos," highlighting the unique flavors that set Authentico apart. The ambiance, a fusion of rustic and contemporary, complements the culinary experience, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic Mexican and Southwestern cuisine. As one reviewer puts it, Authentico is "the real deal" for upscale, delicious Mexican food, making it a favorite in the Northshore area.

A photo of Scotty's on Sheridan restaurant

2. Scotty's on Sheridan

4.8

Exceptional(1190)

Price: Moderate

• American • Highwood

Booked 10 times today

Scotty's on Sheridan — your favorite neighborhood dining spot to gather with good friends in a warm inviting atmosphere.Our American Grill menu offers something delicious for everyone, from timeless comfort food to new American classics.Relax with one of Scotty's signature house cocktails in a cozy club chair in our bar lounge. Enjoy a candle-lit dinner and a bottle of wine in our intimate white tablecloth dining room.Discover Scotty's — a hidden gem tucked away on Sheridan Road, across from Fort Sheridan in Highwood, ILPatio seating when weather permits!

A photo of Oaken Bistro + Bar restaurant

3. Oaken Bistro + Bar

4.3

Awesome(230)

Price: Moderate

• American • Lake Forest

Booked 8 times today

Oaken is a modern, upscale American Bistro + Bar with a global influence. Enjoy all-day dining in Lake Forest with elevated burgers & salads as well as dishes with more unique, worldly flavor trends like our popular Oaken Burger, Cubano with Crispy Pork Belly, or Braised Short Rib. When it’s time for Happy Hour, the sleek lounge features a craft cocktail menu with signature herbal-infused offerings as well as an eclectic wine list and local beers. Enjoy all day drinks and dining in the contemporary dining room, the inviting 25-seat outdoor patio, or order take-out or delivery. Branch out from your ordinary routine and unearth Oaken!

A photo of Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille – Vernon Hills restaurant

4. Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille – Vernon Hills

4.7

Exceptional(850)

Price: Expensive

• American • Vernon Hills

Booked 85 times today

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille in Vernon Hills, Illinois, is a seafood lover's haven, known for its outstanding culinary finesse and quality ingredients. The restaurant boasts a vibrant atmosphere complemented by its exceptional service, as highlighted in numerous reviews. One diner raved about their seafood experience, noting the "Loved the seafood tower" which is just a glimpse into their diverse and exquisite seafood offerings. The dedication to crafting perfect seafood dishes is evident, making every dining experience memorable. Whether it's for a special occasion or a delightful night out, Perry’s provides an unparalleled seafood dining adventure that's both rare and well-done, making it a must-visit destination for seafood enthusiasts.

A photo of Wildfire - Lincolnshire restaurant

5. Wildfire - Lincolnshire

4.7

Exceptional(10306)

Price: Moderate

• American • Lincolnshire

Booked 132 times today

At Wildfire - Lincolnshire, stepping through the doors transports you into a bygone era where dining out is a grand affair. Known for its exceptional Steak cuisine, Wildfire offers a gastronomic experience that's both nostalgic and delightfully flavorful. Patrons rave about signature steak dishes such as the Horseradish Crusted Filet Mignon, passionately crafted in their open kitchen. One review exclaims, "Everything is good on the menu, but they shine with their steaks and chops more than anything else." This sentiment is echoed by many, who praise not only the perfectly cooked steaks but also the warm, inviting ambiance and outstanding service, making Wildfire a quintessential spot for both special occasions and casual dining in the heart of Lincolnshire.

A photo of Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Wheeling, IL restaurant

6. Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Wheeling, IL

4.6

Exceptional(6320)

Price: Moderate

• American • Wheeling

Booked 118 times today

Dive into the delightful seafood offerings at Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant in Wheeling, where culinary excellence meets exceptional service. Renowned for its "fantastic" seafood specials, the restaurant tantalizes taste buds with dishes like the "delicious Crab, Shrimp & Lobster Bisque" and the "excellent Pistachio-Crusted Grouper," both of which have received glowing praise from satisfied diners. Patrons rave about the "consistently delicious" meals and the atmosphere that enhances each dining experience. Whether it's a family celebration or a casual outing, Cooper's Hawk in Wheeling stands out as a top destination for seafood lovers looking for quality and authenticity in every bite.

A photo of Boston Fish Market - Wheeling restaurant

7. Boston Fish Market - Wheeling

4.5

Awesome(1182)

Price: Moderate

• American • Wheeling

Booked 49 times today

Boston Fish Market in Wheeling is a treasure trove of authentic American cuisine, specializing in fresh seafood that never fails to impress. Known for its hearty portions and exceptional quality, guests consistently rave about their experiences, claiming it's "always a great meal" with seafood that is "fresh and well made." The restaurant's commitment to freshness is unmatched, processing vast amounts of seafood weekly. Patrons celebrate the "fantastic meal" and the atmosphere that makes it perfect for both special occasions and casual dinners. The glowing testimonials highlight dishes like the "delicious and fresh" cajun salmon and the "very good size and delicious" oysters Rockefeller, making it a must-visit for seafood lovers seeking the true taste of American culinary excellence.

8. Bluegrass

4.9

Exceptional(2580)

Price: Moderate

• American • Highland Park

Booked 3 times today

Nestled in the charming neighborhood of Highland Park, Bluegrass shines as a beacon of Southern cuisine with an American flair. This cozy restaurant is renowned for its commitment to quality and authenticity, offering a menu that beautifully blends Southern influences with classic American tastes. Patrons rave about the standout dishes like the "phenomenal shrimp & grits" and the "deliciously flavorful" New Orleans-style cuisine. The service at Bluegrass matches the excellence of its food, with reviews highlighting the "exceptional service" and a staff that makes diners "feel like one of the family." Whether it's the inviting atmosphere or the mouthwatering Southern favorites, Bluegrass is a true gem that promises a delightful dining experience every time.

A photo of City Works - Vernon Hills restaurant

9. City Works - Vernon Hills

4.4

Awesome(829)

Price: Expensive

• American • Vernon Hills

Booked 37 times today

City Works in Vernon Hills is a premier destination for those seeking a top-notch sports bar experience. With an impressive selection of 90 local and global craft beers on draft, this venue truly celebrates the best local brewers have to offer. Patrons rave about the quality of both the beverages and the American fare, noting the chef-driven twists on classic dishes. The atmosphere is consistently praised as upbeat and vibrant, making it a perfect spot for watching the game or enjoying a casual outing. Reviews frequently highlight the "exceptional service" and specifically mention the server Grace for her attentiveness and knowledge. Whether it's the "delicious fried pickles," the "great burgers," or the "fantastic beer selection," City Works stands out as a sports bar that goes beyond the norm to create a memorable dining experience.

10. Main Street Social

4.6

Exceptional(1644)

Price: Expensive

• American • Libertyville

Booked 37 times today

Main Street Social in Libertyville is a gem for Contemporary Italian cuisine enthusiasts. Patrons rave about the "fresh from scratch pasta" and the "flavorful menu" that keeps them returning. The restaurant's industrial chic ambiance complements its innovative dishes, such as the praised "mushroom and garlic flatbread" and the "burrata and jam on crostini," which a delighted customer described as "absolutely to die for." The commitment to quality and authenticity shines through in their scratch kitchen, where every dish celebrates the harmony of good food. Main Street Social not only promises a delightful dining experience but also ensures every visit is unique with its proprietary wine and vibrant atmosphere, making it a must-visit for anyone in Libertyville looking for top-notch Contemporary Italian fare.

‘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

L
Linda
Chicago / Illinois •52 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
My favorite, local restaurant. Great menu. Best quality food that's delicious from steaks, burgers, to their famous chopped salad. The service is always top-notch. I feel Lincolnshire is the best Wildfire. A bit too pricey, but the food is delicious.
More info
Wildfire - LincolnshirePrice: Moderate• American• Lincolnshire
•
4.7
Q
Queenie
Chicago / Illinois •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
The enchiladas with mole sauce is my favorite! The black beans and rice side is delicious too.
More info
AuthenticoPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Lake Forest
•
4.6
L
Laura
Chicago / Illinois •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
We went there for Christmas Eve dinner. They had sugar cookies waiting at the table. It made my sons night! Great food and service.
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Scotty's on SheridanPrice: Moderate• American• Highwood
•
4.8
M
monikaVIP
South Carolina •12 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
We came here for Christmas Eve and were seated promptly. Our waitress, Lauren, was very good. The food came out at reasonable times until dessert - we waited 45 minutes! Lauren apologized and said it was due to a backup in the kitchen . What I do not understand is that the menu was preset and the desserts should have been plated well in advance. When we left, we heard people complaining that they had reservations and were waiting for over 30 minutes past their reservation time. We enjoyed the atmosphere and food, but the service could have been better. We will definitely come back! I am sure with it being Christmas Eve, the kitchen was backlogged. Hopefully, they get things figured out for next year!
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Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille – Vernon HillsPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Vernon Hills
•
4.7
D
Debbie
Chicago / Illinois •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
The atmosphere is very pleasant at the Oaken Bistro and Bar. Service was excellent and the food was great. We had the wild mushroom and sausage penne, salmon and chioggia beet salad.
More info
Oaken Bistro + BarPrice: Moderate• American• Lake Forest
•
4.3

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Best American Restaurants in Lake Forest

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32 restaurants available nearby

1. Authentico

2. Scotty's on Sheridan

3. Oaken Bistro + Bar

4. Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille – Vernon Hills

5. Wildfire - Lincolnshire

6. Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Wheeling, IL

7. Boston Fish Market - Wheeling

8. Bluegrass

9. City Works - Vernon Hills

10. Main Street Social

See what locals rave about

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