Diners' Choice: Contemporary American restaurants in Chicago

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Contemporary American cuisine in Chicago? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Slightly Toasted

5.0

5 (3)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

West Loop

About the restaurant

Award-winning cocktail and bourbon bar that is home to one of largest whiskey collections in Chicago with over 900 selections, 30+ private barrels, and 200+ vintage and rare bottles. Also home to 18 taps & 80+ cans of craft beer, and chef-driven comfort food.

Top review

Dmitriy

Dined on Nov 21, 2024

Great place! Great whiskey selection! John & Tyler (and the rest of the staff) are very knowledgeable and also very helpful and attentive, adding to the welcoming atmosphere!

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Experience

Pappy New Year!!

Experience

Pappy New Year!! Preview Night

Tala House

4.8

4.8 (166)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Andersonville

About the restaurant

We pride ourselves in offering only the best ingredients with an impeccable service. Whether you're joining us for dinner or weekend brunch, our dishes reflect a modern take on Chicago's melting pot of cultures where we celebrate our diversity and embrace flavors from around the globe. From locally sourced ingredients to unique flavor combinations, be ready to discover Tala’s story: cooking with no boundaries!

Top review

Michelle

Dined 1 day ago

Wow this was such an incredible dining experience. The food was incredible - we started with the charmoula shrimp and shaved Brussels sprouts salad. The salad was so fresh and delicious. I had the sea bass with mushroom risotto and the fish was maybe the best cook on a piece of fish I have ever had. The risotto was delicious. My partner had the ahi tuna main and it was so good. The service was pretty perfect - there when we needed something but not fussy at all. We will definitely be back to try all of the things on the menu that we couldn’t eat at one meal!

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Experience

Community Table: Free Shots or Tequila Bottle

Sepia

4.8

4.8 (5374)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

West Loop

About the restaurant

Seamlessly melding refined and rustic, vintage and contemporary, Sepia has the feel of an instant classic. The stylish space is warm and inviting, comfortable yet lively. The easy elegance of the room serves as the perfect backdrop for the inventive American cuisine. Chef Andrew Zimmerman's product-driven, seasonal menu showcases the purity and quality of the ingredients, letting both the ingredients and his passion for what he does shine through. Sepia celebrates tradition – with a modern twist.

To book reservations of 10 or larger, please email info@sepiachicago.com!

Top review

PamelaVIP

Dined 3 days ago

One of the best meals I've ever had. I ordered the duck as my main entree which was outstanding. The starter and appetizer was so delicious and creative I wanted another. The dessert was a perfect finish to the meal. I can't give enough stars for this meal.

Brasero

4.8

4.8 (340)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

West Town

About the restaurant

Named by Robb Report as one of the Top 10 Best New Restaurants in the country, Brasero combines South American passion with midwestern grit and brings Chef John Manion's talent for wood-fired Latin cooking to West Town’s bustling restaurant row. This sultry 120-seater draws inspiration from across Latin America, honed through Manion’s decades of experience. Think flame- roasted, whole young chickens slicked with garlic-chili oil, steaks cooked over an open fire alongside chimichurri, and moqueca teeming with clams, shrimp & Mahi Mahi with coconut-scented rice—all washed down with quenching caipirinhas, locally brewed, Latin-inspired beer and 100 bottles of wine under 100 dollars.

For parties of 6-10, enjoy our Family Style Hearth Experience!

Top review

JasmineVIP

Dined today

Amazing. We loved everything we tried. Great food and service was impeccable! Will be back.

The Franklin Room

4.8

4.8 (1890)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

River North (Chicago)

About the restaurant

The Franklin Room celebrates the sense of connection one can only find in the neighborhood taverns of Chicago. Offering classic American tavern fare and no shortage of whiskey flair, our sophisticated speakeasy is your local go-to for quality meat dishes, fresh seafood, classic cocktails and the neighborhood tavern experience our city has perfected.

Our menu of delectable turn-of-the-century inspired American tavern fare starts there, then elevates the experience with a modern twist that creates a culinary experience you simply have to taste to believe. It's perfectly complimented by our beverage program, which showcases creative cocktails and a meticulous selection of spirits, wine and beer with a strong focus on independent distillers and limited-edition rare releases. Bring them together and you've got a uniquely Chicagoan experience, centuries in the making.

Top review

JoeVIP

Dined today

A true, local, hidden gem of a restaurant in Chicago.

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Popular dish

Spicy Bourbon Mussels

Popular dish

LAMB CHOPS gf

Popular dish

TRUFFLED TUNA CRUDO gf

Boka

4.8

4.8 (7165)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Lincoln Park

About the restaurant

Michelin-starred Boka Restaurant has been a cornerstone of Chicago’s dining scene since 2003. In 2014, following a major renovation, Chef Lee Wolen joined as Executive Chef and Partner, quickly gaining critical acclaim. Named “Chef of the Year” by both Phil Vettel of the Chicago Tribune and Eater Chicago in 2014, and again in 2015, Lee has helped elevate Boka to new heights. The restaurant offers contemporary American cuisine that highlights seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms. The sophisticated yet inviting ambiance sets the stage for an exceptional dining experience, with daily-changing tasting menus that showcase timeless and seasonal American flavors.

Top review

Brendan

Dined 3 days ago

Incredible food - the beef tartare was zesty and delicious, beef short ribs had body but could still be cut by a butter knife, and the oat financier dessert was a delightful, lightly salty, perfectly balanced dessert - all incredible. The beef short ribs had some of the best umami flavor I've ever had thanks to the roasted puree (I think celery?) they put on the dish. Great drinks as well, try the Bella & Beatrice if you like gin at all.

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Popular dish

Roasted Chicken

Popular dish

Black Truffle Roasted Chicken

Popular dish

Dark Chocolate

Girl & the Goat

4.8

4.8 (14891)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

West Loop

About the restaurant

Girl & the Goat opened in 2010 with the goal of offering a menu of bold, flavorful dishes designed to share in a fun and lively atmosphere. To complement the experience, we offer a curated selection of wines from around the world, focusing on small producers, along with a rotating list of craft beers and a playful cocktail menu crafted by our bartenders. The ever-changing menu, driven by locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, features favorites like sautéed green beans, roasted oysters, crispy short ribs, and confit goat belly. While reservations are encouraged for the dining room, our bar welcomes walk-ins, adventurers, and those who prefer spontaneity.

Top review

Alex

Dined 1 day ago

Everything was delicious, the green beans are must order!

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Matisse Tavern & Grill

4.7

4.7 (166)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Lakeview / East Lakeview

About the restaurant

Matisse Tavern and Grill is a neighborhood tavern with an eclectic Gastropub menu including made-from-scratch items and the best quality meats (Late-night kitchen).
Check out the cozy lounge with TVs, fireplace, Full-service bar including our martinis, craft and specialty cocktails (we use homemade ginger beer and just fresh juices) you won't find anywhere else. Relax with friends all summer long on the outdoor patio with a copper mug of our famous Moscow Mule or a Cold Craft Beer. Our hand-picked wine list changes seasonally so you'll always find a new grape discovery to sample.

Late-nighters welcome for cocktails till close!!!

Top review

JeffVIP

Dined 7 days ago

Good food full bar great martinis fantastic service

Mariposa at Neiman Marcus - Michigan Avenue

4.8

4.8 (526)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Gold Coast / Streeterville

About the restaurant

Laid-back luxe. Experience delightful dishes in a casual, contemporary atmosphere at the MARIPOSA® CHICAGO. Muted lighting and understated, modern décor create the perfect environment for a midday retreat. Whether dining with a group or simply ordering upscale take-out, expect delectable food and exceptional service that is synonymous with Neiman Marcus.

Let THE MARIPOSA® host your next Baby or Bridal Shower. We pride ourselves on creating the perfect menu and ambience for your event in our chic and inviting atmosphere. Pamper the glowing bride- or mother-to-be in your life with the shower of her dreams or a lavish luncheon.

Top review

NancyVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Delicious soup and salmon. Nice atmosphere. Really enjoyed the decorations and view.

Farm Bar - Lakeview

4.7

4.7 (190)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Lakeview / East Lakeview

About the restaurant

Farm Bar is a neighborhood farm-to-table restaurant with locations in Ravenswood and Lakeview. We serve approachable midwestern fair with local, organic ingredients from our own Brown Dog Farm in Mineral Point Wisconsin. Stop by for dinner to indulge in our Classic Burger and famous Wisconsin Cheese Curds, or bring the whole family for lunch. Our mixologists behind the bar will happily shake up handcrafted cocktails or pour a glass of local wine to pair with brunch on the weekends. Join us for homestyle cooking, friendly faces and a table that feels like home. We limit our environmental footprint by using a digital menu linked to our tables with a QR code. We understand that some guests may require a paper menu, and one can be provided with a list of standards items upon request. In order to meet added costs from the city, we've added a voluntary 3% COB fee to our checks. We understand that rising costs affect our guests too, so we will remove this fee upon request.

Top review

Mary Kate

Dined on Dec 6, 2024

The food and drinks were great! The caesar salad was phenomenal and so was the braised short rib. The Christmas ambiance was also so warming. Will definitely be going back!

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