Northbrook, IL suggestions
 

I am going to be here a c ouple days/week for a while. Can you suggest some good places to head for a reasonably priced dinner with drinks?
Background: like Guinness, Scotch, heady Cabernet, large salads with plenty of dressing, lamb, but with a TV to catch a game.
Dislike: Appleby's style places (meaning Chilis, etc.)

Have never been to that far out of Chicageo so any advice is great!
Thanks

I was going to suggest Ruth's Chris Steakhouse which is in the Marriott, Northbrook. But you'd probably have to eat in the bar if you wanted to watch TV.
Ruth's Chris would, however, meet your other criteria.

Here are a few suggestions, all are located in Northbrook (you didn't specify what part of Northbrook where you'll be located, so these may not necessarily be the most convenient but are all on the same street coincidentally):

Francesco's Hole in the Wall is a top priority while staying in Northbrook, for their delicious italian cuisine. I have been eating the baked rigatoni from there since childhood. Also, excellent salads with incredible homeade dressing! Usually we carry out from there since it's very small (hence the name), and they definitely won't have any games on there as there's no tv. The proprietors also run a full scale, more elegant restaurant next door, aptly named "Next Door".

Forty One North is an "American Grill" with an extensive menu, serving food to "early-bird" clientele, but also to large groups, families and visitors. There is a separate bar with a large screen tv, and additional sets are located above the bar. This is a good place to watch the game while having a meal.

Prairie Grass Cafe is a jewel in the north suburban dining scene, at the bar here you will likely fill your spirits requests, and they usually have a game on the two sets at the bar. The decor is outstanding and well worth surveying if you choose to sit at a table instead. Since opening in early 2005, Prairie Grass has received excellent reviews from national dining publications, and has not disappointed on my visits. You can check out the menus online at http://www.prairiegrasscafe.com/.

Charlie Beinlich's is a locally cherished hamburger joint with very little much else in the way of atmosphere, but stays true to itself, and many drive from the city to eat here. Don't know if you'll be able to view the game there, best to give a call first.

You can also try your luck at The Palm, Ron of Japan, Francesca's North, Dr. Zushi, Pacifc Rim Kitchen, Timbers Charhouse, or any of the several chain properties located throughout the suburb of Northbrook.

Francesco's Hole in the Wall
254 Skokie Blvd
(847) 272-0155

FORTY ONE NORTH : An American Grill
445 Skokie Boulevard
847 753 9111

Prairie Grass Cafe
601 Skokie Blvd.
847-205-4433
http://www.prairiegrasscafe.com/

Charlie Beinlich's
290 Skokie Blvd.
847-714-9375

Wow! Thank you both. This is what makes FT so great.
I am not familiar with Northbrook, so don't even know exactly what part of it I'll be in (find out Tuesday morning, I guess, when I take the cab from O'Hare). Guess it's a bigger place than I thought.
While Ruth's Chris is always a favorite for me, it's nice to see some non-chain options. I will certainly be printing out this list and taking it with me.
Again, thank you. ^

If you are staying in west Northbrook, on Milwaukee avenue between Dundee road and Lake Cook rd, there is restaurant row with about 15-20 places to eat. Bob Chinns(good seafood-can't eat steak all the time), Benihana, and alot more. Let us know where u are staying and what days and we may be able to join you some time. Most of our get togethers are downtown, but we have been know to sray into the burbs every now and then.

[QUOTE=touringuy]Here are a few suggestions, all are located in Northbrook (you didn't specify what part of Northbrook where you'll be located, so these may not necessarily be the most convenient but are all on the same street coincidentally):

Francesco's Hole in the Wall is a top priority while staying in Northbrook, for their delicious italian cuisine. I have been eating the baked rigatoni from there since childhood. Also, excellent salads with incredible homeade dressing! Usually we carry out from there since it's very small (hence the name), and they definitely won't have any games on there as there's no tv. The proprietors also run a full scale, more elegant restaurant next door, aptly named "Next Door".

Forty One North is an "American Grill" with an extensive menu, serving food to "early-bird" clientele, but also to large groups, families and visitors. There is a separate bar with a large screen tv, and additional sets are located above the bar. This is a good place to watch the game while having a meal.

I would also strongly recommend Francesco's Hole in the wall, it has excellent food!!!! Just be careful as they only accept CASH....

Korea71,
Your timing is hysterical. A couple of us wandered to Bob Chinns last night (had an excellent whole sea bass done Bobby's way). Others got King Crab and really liked it. All in all a great meal.
This week I am at the Sheraton Suites at O'hare (it's only about 15 min from the client who is on Willow Rd and 294N). Plan to try some other hotels as well, as I may be here a while. Trying to learn my way around soon so I can be a little more adventurous and find some of the receommended spots.

A little bit farther south of Dundee Road (on Milwaukee Ave) is a place called Prime Minister. http://www.primeministerrestaurant.com/

They have a bar area (with booths for dining) and I think big TVs on both ends.

The steaks are displayed in the case at the front and you choose your own if you want. The Shrimp DiJonghe is fabulous as a starter.

The place is busy for dinner but as an all-hours crowd.

It is listed as Northbrook ... but close to Niles.

Beinlich's, Terrific atmosphere, probably hasn't changed in years, great place for a beer, but only a so-so gray grilled burger.

Here is a link to a site with info on restaurants on "restaurant row" on Milwaukee Avenue in Wheeling:

http://www.wheeling.com/business/restaurant_row.shtml

The ones listed on that page are:

Bar Louie
Bob Chinn's
Bucca di Beppo
Chicago Bagel & Bialy
Crawdaddy Bayou [does anyone know if this is still open ... or rather, reopened?]
Don Roths
Eduardo's
Golden Chef
Hackney's
Le Francais
The Ram
Tuscany

and my personal favorite: The Weber Grill.

But those are just the ones that fall within Wheeling's city limits. A little farther to the north on Milwaukee Avenue are, among others:

Jimmy's Char House
The Cubby Bear
Big Bowl
Wildfire
Red Robin
The Half Day Inn

Ah, Crawdaddy Bajou. My favorite Cajun spot in Chicago. Was even better than Heaven on Seven. Alas, it is gone forever - owner had financial difficulties. New place opened up in it's spot - Steak I think. Haven't been there yet.

yes, Pete Millers : http://www.petemillers.com/wheeling/ :td: :td: :td:

One of the worst meals both my wife and I have ever experienced, terrible quality, stay away!!!

Now I remember why we haven't gone! Went to a different Pete Millers a few years back. Have to agree Sweet Willie, overpriced and truly not worth it.

A new churrascaria opened on Milwaukee in Glenview, just before the Hilton. Haven't been there yet, but it is on the list...

Rio De Churrascaria, 3315 N. Milwaukee Ave

Hehehe, I worked at Bob Chinn's in Wheeling during my college years before moving out to So Cal seven years ago. Can get a little loud though, but you can't beat the food. They have award winning dry-aged steaks, great seafood, and the best mai tais around. Prices aren't bad for the quality, but it's a bit casual. Waitstaff wear fish t-shirts and fish shorts.

Prime Minister in Northbrook is good too, but they are inconsistent. Sometimes they are amazing, sometimes just mediocre.

You might like the Ram, but it's a chain. It's a sports bar type restaurant with decent food.