Blasts from the Past for me, the following are all regular places my parents and grandparents would take my brother and I to as kids, I view these as "traditional" places.

Topper's Restaurant on Milwaukee Ave in Wheeling, IL - closed

Jimmy Wong's Cantonese Restaurant, IIRC on Wabash in Chicago - closed

Binyon's Restaurant 327 S. Plymouth Court in Chicago - closed

The Old Original Bookbinder's in Philadelphia - original is closed

Two that are still open and sad to say I haven't been to for decades.

The Milk Pail http://www.themilkpail.com/ in East Dundee, IL

White Fence Farm http://www.whitefencefarm.com/chicago/index.htm in Romeoville, IL

FWIW, if looking for Continental fancy schmancy "traditional" classics done quite well in the Chicagoland area, you can try Cafe La Cave in Des Plaines. FYI, there is usually a coupon in the Entertainment guide to get one of the main courses for free. The main dining room is made to look like a cave so quite kitschy but the food and dinnerware (big heavy plates/servingware/silverware) are the real thing. http://www.cafelacaverestaurant.com/

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