Page 149 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Chicago

WHERE T O EA T AND DRINK  147

Most visitors to Chicago spend
the bulk of their time in the
Downtown and River North
areas, where many sights and
attractions are located. The
majority of these listings focus
on those areas. However, many
fine restaurants are located
further off the beaten path.
These include local favorites as
well as renowned culinary
destinations. Whether your
travels bring you farther afield
Gorge on top-notch Italian fare at Café Spiaggia (see p150) or you are seeking out a culinary
adventure, there are enough
Paying and Tipping Children
options here for everyone.
Nearly all restaurants accept Most restaurants in the city are The listings are organized by
major credit cards. Traveler’s happy to serve well-behaved price and location and divided
checks are accepted with children. Many are particularly into different categories to help
appropriate identification. kid-friendly, supplying high users make an informed
Personal checks are not chairs and offering children’s decision. Categories such as
welcome (see p168). portions or menus. However, Mexican, Sushi, and Pizzeria are
A sales tax of 9.25 per cent you may feel uncomfortable self-explanatory. Fine Dining
will be added to meal checks bringing children to some of indicates upscale restaurants
in downtown Chicago; 8.25 the more romantic or high- that use the highest-quality
per cent in surrounding price spots. In general, Greek, ingredients and preparations.
areas. Diners are expected to Mexican, and chain restaurants The Mediterranean category
tip servers 15 per cent for are more family-oriented. encompasses Greece and the
average service, 18 to 20 per Children may accompany Middle East. Brunch restaurants
cent for excellent service. adults to taverns and pubs if specialize in breakfast and lunch,
Calculate the tip before tax. food is ordered. and often close in the early
The gratuity is usually added afternoon. Family restaurants
to the check for parties of offer child-friendly environments
six or more. Recommended and a menu most likely to
Restaurants
An especially helpful wine appeal to diners of all ages. The
steward may be tipped $2 or The restaurants featured Fast Food category indicates a
$3. There is no need to tip the in the pages that follow place to get a quick, no-frills
host or hostess, nor will represent the diversity of meal for cheap, often “to go.”
slipping him or her money Chicago’s culinary offerings: Restaurants marked DK Choice
help you get a better table from favored neighborhood are extra special. We consider
or position on the waiting list. diners, to iconic Chicago them to have historical charm,
institutions, to Michelin-starred especially high standards, or an
fine dining, these choices above average location. These
Dress Codes
showcase the best places are usually very popular, so
Only the most upscale, high- the city has to offer. reserve a table ahead of time.
end restaurants expect men
to wear jackets and ties, or
women to be dressed-up.
At trendier spots, diners
may be expected to be
fashionably attired. Inquire
when making reservations.
Reservations
Try to make a reservation at
any restaurant unless it’s a fast-
food joint. If booking more
than a day in advance, confirm
the booking on the day of
the reservation. Some
restaurants will not accept
reservations for parties of
fewer than six. Goose Island Brewery, brewing beer on the premises (see p153)

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