I have been coming to Charlie Beinlich’s since I was probably five years old, and my father probably has been going there since he was a teenager.  Charlie Beinlich’s is a family establishment that serves family establishments.  Charlie Beinlich’s is one of the those restaurants you will NEVER have an unsatisfied meal at; I should know I’ve been there at least 50 times throughout my life.  The food is always the same: it’s always delicious, hot, buttery, warm, fresh, primped, perfected, and served.  So try Charlie Beinlich’s restaurant for your next NEW restaurant to try.

This is the sign outside of Charlie Beinlich’s restaurant.  I’m not too sure if it’s original or a new installation.  Either or, the sign gives the restaurant an authentic old school feeling.

The photo above is of the old fashion bar they have at Charlie Beinlich’s Restaurant in Northbrook, IL.  The wood on this bar looks like it has received 100+ coatings of wood treatment over the 50+ years this restaurant has been in existence. Above the bar are t-shirts, hats, and I think…a baby bib (I could be wrong).  I actually purchased one of these t-shirts and wore it in Charleston, SC during college - and a girl came up to me and said she loves Charlie Beinlichs!  One of those “what a small world?” moments.

The Chilli at Charlie Beinlich’s is like no other Chilli I have ever eaten before.  It starts with the cup and the plate that they serve the chilli in, then it goes to the cheese, onions, and crackers they serve with it.  The chilli is NEVER too hot, its always the same!  I have a feeling as if Charlie Beinlichs is run like an extremely efficient restaurant engine turbine of some sort - how can any place keep it so simple!

So this is my favorite hamburger in the world.  I have eaten burgers at nearly every good burger restaurant, that I know of in Chicago (and the few “good” burger places in the world I have observed), and I have to say this is my favorite.  Now a lot of restaurants serve good burgers in the Chicagoland area, but the burger at Charlie Beinlich’s is a strange burger experience.  It’s always perfect, the same, and tasty; and even ordering it is a process involving more questions than most burger restaurants ask you.  Anyhow, this is a damn good burger and I suggest you try it.  I think Charlie Beinlich’s does carryout, but I couldn’t find their number for you.  But don’t bother - witness the perfection and unique atmosphere by visiting this incredible establishment on your own.

290 Skokie Blvd Northbrook, IL 60062

Tues-Sat: 11:30 am-10:45 pm

5 Stars / 5 Stars

Johnny’s Kitchen & Tap has escaped my delicate taste buds for far too long.  With a name like Johnny’s - I couldn’t stay away any longer.

Johnny’s Kitchen and Tap sits in a non-descript corner of a strip mall on Lake and Milwaukee in Glenview, IL.  I’ve seen the restaurant for years, but only recently did I venture into this warm and delicious restaurant.  With a name like Johnny’s! (my name) I can’t believe it took me so long.  Restaurants are like books - never judge them by their cover.

The Chicken Noodle soup came out hot and the bread was served warm.  The bread is nothing special and neither was the chicken noodle soup.

Our waitress was new to the restaurant and didn’t know what entrees were their signature entrees.  The service was excellent and we very much enjoyed their enthusiasm for the restaurant and the food they served.

I cant recall the name of this entree; however, you can watch the video I shot above and learn the name.  The chicken is cooked on wood planks and served with cheese, marinara, and noodles.  This entree stood out to me as the signature dish on the menu.  It was piping hot, delicious, and a real calorie bomb - though I couldnt manage to eat it all.  Definetly try this entree if you make it out to Johnny’s Kitch & Tap.

The bar seemed lively, clean, and full of every alcoholic drink you could possibly want.  I don’t believe there were any televisions to watch the evening news or a sporting event.

I always through Johnny’s Kitchen and Tap was part of the strip mall it shared the parking lot with.  Sadly, I think this restaurants location limits their visibility and thus their client base.  The entree (as pictured above) was one of the best Italian dishes I have ever had.  I will certainly be making my way back some time soon.

Johnny’s Kitchen & Tap

1740 Milwaukee Ave.

Glenview, IL  60025

847-699-9999

4 Stars / 5 Stars

Jack’s Restaurant is a family diner that has an extensive menu and hard working waitresses.  Jack’s has an extensive history in Skokie, IL.  Jews love it because they have Locks and Bagels, and everyone else loves it because it has a huge menu.  If your kids are a picky eater, there is no way they won’t be able to find something at Jacks.

Jack’s Restaurant has a large bar that you can sit at and enjoy your food.  I grew up in the area and have been in this restaurant at least 50 times.  You can always see George managing the place, or the man himself: Jack.

I can’t remember the name of this delicious melon.  The waitresses suggested it to me as a substitute for a half of Canteloupe.

There were a large number of older customers eating this rainy afternoon.  This area used to be stomping grounds for Niles West and Niles North students late into the hours.  With recent smoking bans, Jack is no longer a 24 hour diner.

There is always plenty of candy, and there used to be cigars, for sale at the front of the restaurant.  After you finish eating you can pay with credit card or check.  Don’t forget to tip your waitress.  If you are looking for high quality food and good customer service, at a reasonably fair price - try Jacks today!

Jacks Restaurant

5201 Touhy Ave.

Skokie, IL 60076

3 Stars / 5 Stars

McCormick and Schmick’s opened a new restaurant location in Rosemont, IL (right down the street from Gibsons) - so we decided to try it out.  I wasn’t impressed with quality of food, wine, or price, but the service was top-notch.  McCormick and Schmick’s has one of the largest selections of fish I have ever seen.  The interior of the restaurant is composed of a large dome with curved chandaliers hanging around its circumference. There was a cute blonde hostess who promptly sat us.  There is no parking, but valet is free and quick.

You can eat at the bar, the small tables accompanying the bar, or sit in the main dining room.  The bar is absolutely huge and custom made for the location.  Every type of alcoholic beverage you could ever want to consume is fully stocked.  Expect to meet hotel guest staying at The Hotel Intercontinental and other business travelers.

This is the spinach salad with cranberries, pine nuts, onions, and a light dressing.  The salad was not too big and not too smal - it was just right.  This was probably the best course we ordered.

The New England Clam Chowder soup was creamy and delicious.  The cup was extremely small and gone in just a few bites.

The Tilapia tasted like it came out of a kitchen at TGI Fridays.  There was no overwelming taste and it was a rather bland entree, though it was filling.

I was unable to resist the coffee and apple turnover pie.  The coffee was standard and so was the desert; again, no significant tastes here.  The Cinnamon ice cream tasted like Vanilla ice cream.

McCormick & Schmick’s new restaurant in Rosemont is beautiful inside and out.  However, the quality of food and price needs to be improved.  I don’t think that prices will come down as a majority of their customers are probably traveling for work.  The two glasses of wine we ordered were hardly filled and cost over $10 each.  For locals, like myself, I don’t think I will be going back anytime soon - at least till The Capital Grill nextdoor opens up.

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant

5320 N River Road

Rosemont, IL 60018

2 Stars / 5 Stars

Whats Cooking? Restaurant has been a staple restaurant in the Chicagoland area for a very very long time.  Many powerful and well known politicians and celebrities have visited Whats Cooking? Restaurant over the years; like myself.  Whats Cooking? is widely known among the Jewish community as a Jewish Delicatesan style restaurant.

I don’t believe this is the original Whats Cooking?  I know they changed out their iconic sign and moved about a block down into a newer retail location.

When you go to Whats Cooking? you absolutely have the try their Matzah Ball soup.  Some of the best Matzah Ball soup outside your mama’s kitchen!

If you like to sit at a bar and eat your food Whats Cooking? Restaurant is a great place to do it at.  The service at Whats Cooking? is quick and extremely professional.  The waitresses work hard for their tips and will insure you enjoy your food.

Whats Cooking? Restaurant has a wide variety of baked goods that will make you salivate as you walk by them. Waitresses and bus boys quickly fill up your coffee so why not indulge yourself?

Whats Cooking? Restaurant

6181 N Lincoln Ave.

Chicago, IL 60659

773-583-3050

4/5 STARS