Tavern at the Park

Description:

• The "Park" in question is Millennium Park, although -- in the interests of full disclosure -- the restaurant is actually located across the street. Still, this is a convenient spot for lunch or dinner during a day of sightseeing, even if most tables don't have much of a view (from the window seats, you'll look out onto the ribbony steel canopy of the Pritzker Music Pavilion). The staid brown color scheme calls to mind a generic chain-hotel restaurant, but the food itself is more sophisticated than the decor. Executive chef John Hogan is known around town for his skill at creating comfort food with flair, so entrees such as the chicken pot pie, double-cut pork chops with cherry cola barbecue sauce, and the prime rib sandwich are both hearty and tasty; the melt-in-your-mouth-tender braised beef short ribs in red-wine demi-glaze are my personal favorite. The menu has something for all tastes -- such as organic salmon, salads, and pasta -- but the meat entrees are where Tavern at the Park really shines. A planned second-floor terrace was not yet open at press time, but it's worth checking to see if it's ready when you visit, because the views from up there should be spectacular.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Recommended 2010