Where is the Best Upscale Casual Dining in Chicago, Illinois?
Dunlay’s has become one of our “go-to” places when we want a nice, casual dinner. The burgers here are absolutely the best, the individual pizzas are yummy, and the caesar salad is a wonderful treat for a light dinner on a hot humid night. The waitstaff are very friendly and attentive. Don’t forget to try D.O.C. wine bar next door, which is another Dunlay’s enterprise…the best part is after sampling a wine flight or two, and sharing a cheese plate, you can order your dinner from the Dunlay’s restaurant.Pros + Convenient location for drinks and a casual mealCons – None
Hi there – I celebrated my 40th bday there with close friends. He had a WONDERFUL TIME. Great service and excllent food! The Prime Rib was the best I’ve ever had and I’ve dined at the best rated Steakhouses inthe city. Gibson, Capital Grille, Magnums, Rosebud, Chop House, Gene’s. We had drinks and gathered in the bar lounge while waiting to be seated and we had so much fun. I don’t remember the bartenders name, mike or bob or something, he was hysterical and told us how much HE loved working there. So that says a lot about the place. I had the best birthday in forever there and the staff all came and sang to me. I think the entire restaurant knew it was my birthday cause even the host wished me well when I passed the front desk. It was really busy though so I don’t think I’d just show without a reservation. my boyfriend also got kind of jealous with all the cute guys in the bar trying to buy me drinks. Too bad. haha I am going back for sure
Three of us went on a Friday around 6:30pm – place was busy but service was quick. We had the special appetizer (shrimp&lobster ravioli) and calamari. My favorite was definitely the calamari – it’s tossed w greens (cilantro – yum) in a spicy citrus vinaigrette so it doesn’t feel as heavy as the standard fried calamari w tartar sauce deal. For entree, we had the mahi mahi (special) on potatato pancake w bok choy, the pott roast w mashed potatoes & brussel sprouts, and the scallops w mushroom risotto. Mahi mahi had a nice spicy “crust” but potato pancake could have been a bit more flavorful. The pott roast was definitely tender melt in your mouth but the flavor was not as complex as it could have been. (a tad too sweet and bbq sauce flavor one dimensional). The scallops were seared very nicely but the mushroom risotto was a bit grainy and bland. Overall pretty descent though (i’m just picky). We did notice that the dishes were not as salty as at other restaurants – which is prob
Unfortunately, we went on a Saturday night.Our first hour was aweful – waiting in a smoky,crowded bar for our reservation.I have not seen a bar this crowded since I was in college.Once our reservation was called we could barely get to the reservation desk to accept our table.Once we were at our table, they immediately gave us their delicious pizza bread, which calmed us down.My main course was a little salty (veal Marsala), but I loved the appetizers (pizza bread, proscuitto & parmesean cheese, and grilled calamari) and dessert (baked Alaska).I also enjoyed the spinach soup that came with my meal.If you dont mind the smoky wait it s a great deal. We ate like pigs, each had a glass of wine, and got out for $85 + tip (2 appetizers plus complementary pizza bread & Italian bread, soup, salad, meat entree, dessert).Once seated, the service was good. I did not feel rushed or forgotten.
This is a four star hidden away in a three star setting. Rarely does one find high cuisine at a golf course country club evening dining establishment but, this one fits the bill. Standard lunch and evening diners shouldn’t be afraid of the price, but neither should high cuisine seekers shy away because of the low/meduim price range.Meat is top rate and fresh salads are crisp and of higher quality. Romains and leaf lettuces are used where expected; none of that bitter ice berg just to save a few pennies per plate.Appetizers are interesting, somewhat flamboyant and very tasty. Many apps could be a meal for two or more.Best Waitress; Racheal. Tip her well.Pros + Thumbs Up in all areas.Cons – Not near the city, but who cares.
