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., a “stone soup” filled with bright lima beans or a squash salad accented with crunchy purslane.) Second, a distinctive wood-grilled flavor that gives an intoxicating aroma to a juicy half-chicken and earthy cheeseburger. The sweet side of the menu hits all the right notes (think light and simple blueberry cake), but the dining room is so cozy you might just linger with a liquid ending.