Father’s Day is coming up. Don’t drop the ball, get planning! If you plan to take Dad out for brunch or dinner, I have rounded up a list of restaurants guaranteed to impress your father. I took a guess that your father isn’t interested in a frou-frou brunch of egg whites, kale, and quinoa, and I picked brunch options that are hearty enough to satisfy even steak and potato loving Dads.
If you are planning to go to brunch, try one of these restaurants – I made a point to recommend restaurants that take reservations.
Frontier in West Town is one of very few restaurants in Chicago that offers large format meats. You can order a whole alligator. Not into alligator? No worries, Frontier has a wide range of large format meats available, and they also serve traditional brunch too. Want to make the event extra special? Reserve the Chef’s Table that can seat up to 12 people.
Chop Shop in Wicker Park has room to handle larger groups, and Dad will like the meat centric menu and the low keep atmosphere. Want a hands on experience? Sign up for a butchering class.
Publican in the West Loop has a plenty of pork on the menu and my bacon obsessed husband has declared their maple glazed bacon the best in the land. It’s also my husband’s favorite spot for brunch.
Bohemian House in River North offers an Eastern European take on brunch serving up Pork Schnitzel Sandwiches and Beef Tongue Hash. The Gouda Bratwurst is one of my favorites.
If you are going to dinner:
Farmhouse is perfect for the Dad that loves beer. Farmhouse has two locations, one in Chicago and another in Evanston, and it has long been one of my favorite neighborhood restaurants. Their cheese curds are the best in Chicago.
River North’s Quartino is classic Italian food, and is a favorite among Chicago locals. If you like Italian food, you can’t go wrong with Quartino, and the small plate format means you can try a few different things. Perfect for the person who can’t make up their mind. I always get two half orders of pasta instead of one full order. Quartino is close to the Magnificent Mile and a good choice if your plans involve being downtown.
Epic in River North is a modern take on a steakhouse with lots of other options on the menu including seafood and pastas.
Gibson’s in the Gold Coast is a classic Chicago steakhouse. You might want to celebrate Father’s Day a day early so you can order the “Meaning of Life” chocolate cake which is only available on Saturday nights.
Have a Dad that loves BBQ? Bub City has beer, barbecue, and live music. You absolutely must try the Thunda Thighs and the Macaroni and Cheese.
Hopefully one of these restaurant options will be perfect for your Father’s Day celebration. Have you started to make Father’s Day plans yet?