TWO (CLOSED)

1132 W. Grand
Chicago, IL 60642
(312) 624-8363
Premiered

TWO uses locally sourced products so the creative menu changes with the seasons. Tapas style, dishes are served on medium plates perfect for sharing with more than one person. The food is fabulously flavorful, the cocktails are incredible, and the desserts are divine. 

JP Palmares
College Administrator, Chicago

JP recommended TWO and says they let their ingredients shine.

JP recommends:
TWO (CLOSED)

Candice Gatlin
Online Community Manager, Chicago

Candice said it was the best restaurant she’s been to this year and can’t wait to go back.

Candice recommends:
Ttowa

Dino Travlino
Retired Firefighter,

Dino thought the portions were a little too small, but he loved everything he ate.

Dino recommends:
Flo & Santos

details

Hours
Sun, Tue-Thu: 5 pm – 10 pm; Fri & Sat: 5 pm – 11 pm Closed Mondays
Cuisine
Price Range
Reservations
Call the restaurant for reservations at (312) 624-8363
Attire
Takeout
Delivery
Outdoor Seating

Ttowa

161 W. Wing Street
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
(847) 749-4493
Premiered

Ttowa means “come again” in Korean and you will for this traditional Korean cuisine with a modern twist. Bulgogi beef, crispy marinated pork belly, rice bowls, dumplings and a range of spicy flavors await you in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. The friendly, helpful service makes this a great place for first-timers to Korean cuisine

Candice Gatlin
Online Community Manager, Chicago

Candice recommended Ttowa for the delicious Korean cuisine.

Candice recommends:
Ttowa

JP Palmares
College Administrator, Chicago

JP enjoyed his meal, but thinks you can find better options elsewhere.

JP recommends:
TWO (CLOSED)

Dino Travlino
Retired Firefighter,

Dino is fairly new to Korean cuisine and enjoyed the experience.

Dino recommends:
Flo & Santos

details

Hours
Mon-Thu: 11:30 am – 9:30 pm; Fri-Sat: 11:30 am – 10:30 pm; Closed Sundays
Cuisine
Price Range
Reservations
Call the restaurant for reservations: (847) 749-4493
Attire
Takeout
Delivery
Outdoor Seating

Andy’s Thai Kitchen

946 W. Wellington
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 549-7821
Premiered

Bold, authentic Thai flavors are on the menu at Andy’s Thai Kitchen. You’ll find a selection of perfectly prepared classic Thai dishes, many packing a heated punch. To keep their prices competitive, credit cards are not accepted – cash only. BYOB. 

Matt Davidman
Account Sales Representative, Chicago

Matt recommended Andy's Thai Kitchen and loves the unique Thai cuisine.

Matt recommends:
Andy’s Thai Kitchen

Jane Lohmar
Veterinarian, Chicago

Jane was excited by the interesting dishes.

Jane recommends:
Gather

Erika Chavez
Development Coordinator, Chicago

Erika thought the food was great, but felt rushed by the service.

Erika recommends:
Gorditas Aguascalientes

details

Hours
Mon-Fri: 11 am – 9:30 pm; Sat & Sun: 12 pm – 9:30 pm
Cuisine
Price Range
Attire
Takeout
Delivery
Outdoor Seating

Gather

4539 N. Lincoln
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 506-9300
Premiered

Gather offers a locally sourced menu in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. A season menu is paired with an excellent wine selection. The ambiance is enhanced by the open kitchen design. A restaurant that is perfect for any occasion.

Jane Lohmar
Veterinarian, Chicago

Jane recommended Gather for the amazing food prepared in an inviting atmosphere.

Jane recommends:
Gather

Erika Chavez
Development Coordinator, Chicago

Erika loved everything about Gather.

Erika recommends:
Gorditas Aguascalientes

Matt Davidman
Account Sales Representative, Chicago

Matt enjoyed the experience at Gather.

Matt recommends:
Andy’s Thai Kitchen

details

Hours
Sun–Wed: 5 pm – 10 pm; Thu: 5 pm – 11 pm; Fri-Sat: 5 pm – 12:00 am. Brunch Sun: 10 am – 2 pm
Cuisine
Price Range
Attire
Takeout
Delivery
Outdoor Seating

Gorditas Aguascalientes

2106 S. Cicero
Cicero, IL 60804
(708) 656-8933
Premiered

Gorditas Aguascalientes is a cafeteria style restaurant with authentic Mexican dishes. Their specialty, gorditas, are made from scratch daily with a variety of meat and vegetable fillings to order. Enjoy amazing gorditas, tacos and enchiladas follow it up with a refreshing horchata.

Erika Chavez
Development Coordinator, Chicago

Erika recommended Gorditas Aguascalientes for the best gorditas around.

Erika recommends:
Gorditas Aguascalientes

Matt Davidman
Account Sales Representative, Chicago

Matt enjoyed the gorditas and the authentic experience.

Matt recommends:
Andy’s Thai Kitchen

Jane Lohmar
Veterinarian, Chicago

Jane liked her meal, but said it needed a little more flavor.

Jane recommends:
Gather

details

Hours
Sun – Sat: 8:00 am – 1:00 am
Cuisine
Price Range
Reservations
Call the restaurant to make reservations: (708) 656-8933
Attire
Takeout
Delivery
Outdoor Seating

Log Cabin Steakhouse

201 N. Main
Galena, IL 61036
(815) 777-0393
Premiered

Family owned and operated, Log Cabin is an American steak house with foods prepared in a Greek style. Their specialty: thick, tender, delicious chops, as well as a variety of delicious menu choices. The environment is cozy and the service excellent.   

Alvin Spector
,

Alvin recommended Log Cabin Steakhouse and says it's almost like going to someone's home for dinner.<br><br>

See all of the restaurants featured on <a href="/video/episode/1313"><em>Check, Please! Touring Illinois</em></a>.

Alvin recommends:
Alvin Spector

details

Hours
Opens at 4:00 pm daily
Cuisine
Price Range
Reservations
Reservations accepted
Attire
Takeout
Delivery
Outdoor Seating

Social Urban Bar & Restaurant

509 E. State St.
Rockford, IL 61104
(815) 708-0877
Premiered

Social offers a locally sourced, seasonal menu that is artfully crafted and beautifully presented in a warm and comfortable environment. You’ll find small plates and main courses that are inventive and creative.  The menu also includes perfectly aged, hand-cut steaks and chops. The talented bar staff prepares some memorable cocktails too!

Dr. Bob Thukral
,

Bob recommends Social Urban Bar & Restaurant and says he loves the communal dining experience there.<br><br>

See all of the restaurants featured on <a href="/video/episode/1313"><em>Check, Please! Touring Illinois</em></a>.

Dr. Bob recommends:
Dr. Bob Thukral

details

Hours
Sun & Tue-Thu: 4 pm – 10 pm; Fri-Sat: 4 pm – 12 am; Closed Mondays (Bar has extended hours)
Cuisine
Price Range
Reservations
Reservations Excepted
Attire
Takeout
Delivery
Outdoor Seating

Giant City Lodge

460 Giant City Lodge Rd.
Makanda, IL 62958
(618) 457-4921
Premiered

Southern hospitality in the middle of the park! Giant City Lodge offers a menu of classic down-home cooking. Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, BBQ beans, and a Friday night fish fry are served in a spacious rustic lodge setting. The Lodge also features a historic lounge and bar, gift shop, and guest cabins.

Candace Snapp
,

Candace loves the rustic Giant City Lodge inside the state park!<br><br>

See all of the restaurants featured on <a href="/video/episode/1313"><em>Check, Please! Touring Illinois</em></a>.

Candace recommends:
Candace Snapp

details

Hours
Breakfast: Mon-Sat: 8 am–10:30 am, Sun: 8 am-10 am Lunch: Mon-Sat: 11 am–4 pm; Sun 11:30 am – 4 pm Dinner: Mon-Sat: 4:30 pm – 8:30 pm; Sun: 4:30 pm – 8 pm
Cuisine
Price Range
Reservations
Call for reservations
Attire
Takeout
Delivery
Outdoor Seating

Firefly Grill

1810 Avenue of Mid America
Effingham, IL 62401
(217) 342-2002
Premiered

Firefly Grill rivals the best urban restaurants with its fresh farm-to-table cuisine and modern feel.  A creative and inventive menu, attentive service, and a nice selection of craft beers make this a “must-stop” dining option.

Katherine Wessel
,

Katherine loves Firefly Grill for its big city flavors and small town charm.<br><br>

See all of the restaurants featured on <a href="/video/episode/1313"><em>Check, Please! Touring Illinois</em></a>.

Katherine recommends:
Katherine Wessel

details

Hours
Bunch: Sun: 11 am-3 pm; Lunch: Tue-Sat: 11 am- 4 pm; Dinner: Mon: 5 pm – 9 pm; Tue-Thu: 4 pm – 9 pm; Fri & Sat: 4 pm – 10 pm; Sun: 3 pm – 8 pm.
Cuisine
Price Range
Attire
Takeout
Delivery
Outdoor Seating