Chef-owner Ryan McCaskey’s South Loop fine dining respite is a study in rich whites, a rare exercise in the restaurant as a space of tranquility and elegance. Flashes of inspiration light up the menu but the overall focus is on food that is rich and satisfying rather than revolutionary. If you don't want to spring for a pricey meal, head to the bar, where you'll find an exceptional lobster roll, burger and ramen.
The South Loop got a little easier to access recently, when the Cermak-McCormick Green Line stop opened. Now, it takes less time to get to Acadia, one of the best fine dining restaurants in Chicago (and which also serves a killer lobster roll), as well as newcomer Spoke & Bird, a cozy cafe. The rest of the great South Loop restaurants include one of the city's best Spanish restaurants, a curry spot and a humble hot dog joint. Here's where to eat on the Near South Side, near the museum campus, McCormick Place and Soldier Field.
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