Nightwood

The consistently successful dishes at this understated Pilsen restaurant from the Lula Cafe crew share two traits: first, that fresh-from-the-garden liveliness that’s garnered Lula its cultish status. (See, e.g., marinated Illinois tomatoes with warm chorizo vinaigrette, goat cheese, and purslane.) Second, a distinctive wood-grilled flavor that gives an intoxicating aroma to a juicy half-chicken and earthy cheeseburger. The menu changes daily, so you'll always be treated to the freshest ingredients. The sweet side of the menu hits all the right notes (think mascarpone cheesecake with mascarpone crema and rhubarb sorbet), but the dining room is so cozy you might just linger with a liquid ending.