Walker Bros Original Pancake House

***** (5 stars)

Justifiably famous for their apple pancake, which is more of a cross between a tart and coffee cake. Omelets are good too, and come with pancakes, so you don’t have to choose. The sprawling place is always packed, often with a line out the door, and there’s a reason.

Walker Bros Original Pancake House
153 Green Bay Rd
Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 251-6000
http://www.yelp.com/biz/walker-bros-original-pancake-house-wilmette-3

La Cazuela

***** (5 stars)

It’s not fancy, just a store front, and there’s no guarantee you can order in English, but pointing works great, and the food is delicious. Fresh chips and two very different and tasty salsas with just the right kick will show up when you sit down. This is especially the place for fish, prepared in many different ways. My favorite is one of the simplest, Torta de Pescado, a fish sandwich that is almost criminally inexpensive. The delicious fresh made guacamole is also a steal. Highly recommended.

La Cazuela
6922 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60626
(773) 338-5425
http://www.yelp.com/biz/la-cazuela-chicago-3

Moto

***** (5 stars)

Moto is just plain fun. After you’ve tried the other great restaurants, it’s the place you keep coming back to for astounding food and an always memorable meal. Sure, it’s expensive, but you’re getting twenty crazy courses: A Cuban sandwich that looks like a cigar, fruit that looks like cheese, duck confit in the form of a cannoli, and a banana split served with pipets on my last visit. The wine pairing is very good, and the service isn’t stuffy at all. Come to relax and enjoy. It’s a meal you won’t forget.

Moto
945 W Fulton Market
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 491-0058
http://www.yelp.com/biz/moto-chicago