The 20 Best Restaurants near Howard station

Blind Faith Cafe specializes in vegetarian and vegan cuisine with global influences, from hearty noodle dishes and enchiladas to creative salads and seitan preparations. Pescatarian options and thoughtful handling of dietary restrictions make it welcoming for diverse diners. Flavors are often vibrant and carefully presented, with desserts such as a vegan apricot brandy torte noted as a highlight.

Ward Eight is a cocktail-focused bar known for expertly mixed drinks and carefully crafted flavors, including bourbon-based specialties. The dim lighting, cool jazz, and absence of televisions create a relaxed environment ideal for conversation. Guests can enjoy small plates to share at the bar, at intimate tables, or on the developing outdoor patio. The extensive backbar display adds to the understated, unpretentious character of the space.

Tapas Barcelona serves Spanish-style tapas in a warm, festive dining room with rustic touches and Spanish music. A varied selection of small plates, from seafood to flatbreads, offers bold, authentic flavors meant for sharing. Attentive staff provide thoughtful recommendations, including wines that pair smoothly with the menu.

Sauce & Bread Kitchen is a community-focused bakery and café known for its house-made breads, tartines, and inventive sandwiches accented with original sauces and relishes. Rotating pizza offerings, including a popular Friday pie, showcase smokey, cheesy flavors and crisp crusts. The welcoming team emphasizes carefully prepared, locally minded food in a cozy storefront setting.

Jilly’s Cafe offers French-accented cuisine in a cozy, intimate setting reminiscent of a small Paris bistro. Guests highlight well-executed dishes such as escargot, venison, duck, and seafood, often served with rich, carefully prepared sauces. A focused wine list, including champagne, complements the menu, and attentive service contributes to an atmosphere well suited to relaxed conversation.

LeTour Brasserie offers a refined blend of French and Moroccan cuisine in an elegant, quietly sophisticated setting. Guests appreciate creative dishes such as couscous, tagine, and thoughtfully spiced small plates, along with classic French touches like warm freshly baked bread and rich chocolate mousse. Cocktails and wines are carefully selected, and attentive, knowledgeable service supports an unhurried dining experience where conversation comes easily.

Set in a restored early 1900s firehouse, Firehouse Grill offers a pub-style American menu in a distinctive, wood-paneled space. Diners note fresh, well-prepared dishes, from salads and fish tacos to burgers and gumbo. Firehouse decor, including fire-scene murals and vintage equipment, adds character, while the spacious heated patio provides an appealing option for outdoor seating.

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria offers classic Chicago-style deep dish pizza alongside pasta, salads, soups, and familiar desserts. A low-key, multi-level dining room provides a comfortable space that still allows for easy conversation. Guests highlight the crispy pizza crusts, satisfying portions, and consistently considerate service for a relaxed, enjoyable meal.

Lickity Split Frozen Custard & Sweets LLC is a classic ice cream parlor known for its smooth, creamy frozen custard and wide range of nostalgic treats. Guests choose from concretes, sundaes, shakes, malts, floats, and other sweets in a lively, family-friendly setting. Quick service keeps the line moving, especially on warm evenings when the shop is particularly popular.

Alice & Friends' Vegan Kitchen specializes in creative vegan comfort food with vibrant flavors and varied textures. House-made patties, burgers, and savory stir-fries showcase skillful seasoning that appeals to both plant-based diners and omnivores. The small, lively dining room has a youthful energy, complemented by video screens that add to the distinctive atmosphere.

Greenhouse Inn Restaurant offers classic American diner dishes for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, with both buffet and à la carte options. Set on the Misericordia campus, it is partially staffed by members of that community, creating a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere. The bright, greenhouse-style dining room and selection of homemade waffles, pastries, and desserts add to its appeal.

Rogers Park Social is a cozy neighborhood bar known for inventive, well-crafted cocktails and a thoughtful drink list. Guests appreciate the relaxed, slightly quirky atmosphere, with both indoor seating and an inviting outdoor patio tucked along an alleyway. Attentive bartenders are happy to explain ingredients and offer recommendations, creating an inclusive, welcoming experience that even accommodates dog-loving patrons.

Ken's Diner & Grill serves classic American diner fare with an emphasis on burgers and deli-style sandwiches, including a noted hot pastrami on rye. The kitchen focuses on hearty, satisfying flavors that keep regulars returning. The space has the feel of an old-school diner, with booth seating and TV screens adding to the casual ambiance. Service is upbeat and attentive, contributing to a welcoming, lively atmosphere.

Smack Dab is a casual, modern café in Rogers Park specializing in inventive breakfast sandwiches, housemade donuts, and thoughtfully prepared coffee drinks. Guests highlight the flavorful combinations, including vegetarian options such as grilled cheese and plant-based sandwiches with sweet onion accents. Friendly, attentive service and a relaxed neighborhood feel create an inviting spot for a satisfying morning meal.

Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream Skokie offers a wide range of premium ice cream flavors, from rich Zanzibar chocolate to creative seasonal options. The shop also serves house-made fudge, ice cream cakes, and pies, including custom flavors on request. A few cozy booths and counter seating create a classic ice cream parlor feel for enjoying treats on site.

Red Lobster is a national seafood chain known for a broad selection of shrimp, fish, and shellfish in a casual, family-friendly setting. Guests highlight the consistently satisfying shrimp dishes and range of seafood options for those who prefer fish over meat. A full bar offers cocktails to accompany the meal, adding to the relaxed, sit-down dining experience.

Double Clutch Brewing Company is a spacious craft brewery featuring house-made beers in a range of styles, complemented by a selection of wine. The menu highlights approachable American comfort food, from hearty sandwiches and brats to brunch favorites and soups. An open brewery setup, automotive displays, and ample seating create an engaging setting well-suited to both casual visits and larger gatherings.