Check this list for some of our recent favorites in the Chicago area. You're sure to find one (or more) to try. Picks range from hot-dog stands to fine-dining establishments.

Downtown

Artopolis Bakery, Cafe and Agora This bright cafe features Mediterranean and Greek specialties. 306 South Halsted Street (312/559-9000).

Big Downtown Chicago Savor steak and pizza in a setting that resembles a 1940s club car on the Union Pacific's Silver Streak. 124 South Wabash Avenue (312/917-7399).

Bistrot Margot A traditional French menu tantalizes diners at this cafe in the revived Old Town neighborhood. 1437 North Wells Street (312/587-3660).

BluePoint Oyster Bar A nautical feel pervades this seafood restaurant in the market district. Best bets include the baked crab cakes. 741 West Randolph Street (312/207-1222).

Cape Cod Room This Drake Hotel classic is famous for Bookbinder Red Snapper Soup. High tea is served every afternoon at the hotel's upper-lobby Palm Court.140 East Walton Street (312/440-8486).

Costa's Restaurant A menu of Greek delicacies such as grilled octopus draws diners back time after time. 340 South Halsted Street (312/263-9700).

Ed Debevic's Short Order Smartalecky waiters and dependably good standard diner fare make a great combination at this River North eatery. 640 North Wells Street (312/664-1707).

Gold Coast Dogs This hot dog house is so close to the theater district that you can go AWOL at intermissions to satisfy cravings. 159 North Wabash Avenue (312/917-1677).

Greek Islands There's room here for dancing, as well as dining. Order the family-style combos for a taste of a dozen specialties. 200 South Halsted Street (312/782-9855).

Hard Rock Cafe Kids love this River North icon, part rock "n" roll museum, part MTV and part barbecue joint. 63 West Ontario Street (312/943-2252).

Harry Caray's Steaks and pasta dominate the menu at the beloved Chicago Cubs' broadcaster's restaurant. There's also a wide selection of beers. 33 West Kinzie Street (312/828-0966).

L'Appetito Lunch on a slice of pizza, a panini or a crunchy tostino (grilled flatbread and cheese). 875 North Michigan Avenue (312/337-0691).

Le Bouchon This bistro in Bucktown rekindles the romance of France, with specialty dishes such as veal kidneys in mustard sauce. 1958 North Damen Avenue (773/862-6600).

Nick's Fishmarket Asian accents and fruit flavors brighten this luxuriously formal Loop seafood restaurant. 51 South Clark Street (312/621-0200).

North Pond Settle in by the massive Wisconsin river-stone fireplace at this homey Lincoln Park restaurant and dine on seasonal dishes prepared with the freshest of ingredients. 2610 North Cannon Drive (773/477-5845).

O'Brien's Steakhouse This Chicago classic is best known for wellprepared prime steaks, its piano bar and lively beer garden. 1528 North Wells Street (312/787-3131).

Parthenon Restaurant This revered Greektown landmark claims to have invented the flaming cheese appetizer called saganaki. 314 South Halsted Street (312/726-2407).

Pegasus Restaurant & Taverna Diners here rave about the spanakopita (spinach-cheese pie) and the souvlaki kabobs (marinated pork tenderloin). 130 South Halsted Street (312/226-3377).

Rhapsody You can sit outdoors at this restaurant at the Symphony Center to enjoy dishes such as French onion soup and goat-cheese salad. 65 East Adams Street (312/786-9911).

Shaw's Crab House At this eatery in River North, you can slurp fresh oysters, then dine on savory grilled salmon and signature Key Lime pie. 21 East Hubbard Street (312/527-2722).

Signature Room at the 95th A lavish Sunday brunch here comes with a view from near the top of the John Hancock Center. 875 North Michigan Avenue (312/787-9596).

Spiaggia In addition to a reputation for inventive Italian fare, this finedining restaurant boasts a spectacular view of Lake Michigan. 980 North Michigan Avenue (312/280-2750).

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