Jonathan's Charhouse, Lombard

Jonathan’s Char House blends the experience of upscale dining with a casual ambiance. In the kitchen, the chefs pay the same attention to detail when making their homemade soups and potatoes as they do when char-grilling new york strips, rib eyes, and salmon filets. They can prepare all meats blackened or Greek–style, and the menu also features diverse options such as baby back ribs slathered in caramelized barbecue sauce and vegetarian pasta dishes. Friday night, locals pile in for an all-you-can-eat fish fry.

An extensive wine list and selection of craft beers compliments the steak and seafood, which are served in a handsome dining room boasting dark wood furnishings and a built-in fireplace to keep the kittens warm. Headshots of notable dinner guests line the wall above the bar, where crowds gather to watch the game and sip old-fashioneds. Live music wafts through the air on select nights, infusing the formal dining room with an animated spirit.