Best Southern American Restaurants in Lake Forest

32 restaurants available nearby

1. Authentico

4.6

Exceptional(1356)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Lake Forest

Booked 27 times today

Authentico in Lake Forest is a gem for those seeking exceptional Mexican/Southwestern cuisine, blending healthy, traditional flavors with a modern twist. "Outstanding guac, delicious adobe shrimp, and wonderful rib tacos" are just a few highlights that keep diners returning. The restaurant's commitment to freshness shines, with tortillas and sauces made from scratch daily. The ambiance is a delightful fusion of rustic charm and modern flair, offering both indoor and inviting outdoor seating, perfect for warm-weather dining. Authentico is praised for its "amazing service" and "mouth-watering creations," making it a top choice for anyone craving authentic Mexican delights in a vibrant setting.

A photo of Scotty's on Sheridan restaurant

2. Scotty's on Sheridan

4.8

Exceptional(1194)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Highwood

Booked 3 times today

Scotty's on Sheridan — your favorite neighborhood dining spot to gather with good friends in a warm inviting atmosphere.Our American Grill menu offers something delicious for everyone, from timeless comfort food to new American classics.Relax with one of Scotty's signature house cocktails in a cozy club chair in our bar lounge. Enjoy a candle-lit dinner and a bottle of wine in our intimate white tablecloth dining room.Discover Scotty's — a hidden gem tucked away on Sheridan Road, across from Fort Sheridan in Highwood, ILPatio seating when weather permits!

A photo of Oaken Bistro + Bar restaurant

3. Oaken Bistro + Bar

4.2

Awesome(231)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Lake Forest

Booked 11 times today

Oaken is a modern, upscale American Bistro + Bar with a global influence. Enjoy all-day dining in Lake Forest with elevated burgers & salads as well as dishes with more unique, worldly flavor trends like our popular Oaken Burger, Cubano with Crispy Pork Belly, or Braised Short Rib. When it’s time for Happy Hour, the sleek lounge features a craft cocktail menu with signature herbal-infused offerings as well as an eclectic wine list and local beers. Enjoy all day drinks and dining in the contemporary dining room, the inviting 25-seat outdoor patio, or order take-out or delivery. Branch out from your ordinary routine and unearth Oaken!

A photo of Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille – Vernon Hills restaurant

4. Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille – Vernon Hills

4.6

Exceptional(884)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Vernon Hills

Booked 73 times today

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille in Vernon Hills, Illinois, is a shining beacon of authentic American cuisine, renowned for its "unbelievable pork chops" and exquisite steaks. Diners rave about the "outstanding service" and the attention to detail that makes every visit memorable. The elegant setting, complete with a stunning wine wall and vibrant Bar 79®, sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. With signature dishes crafted with precision and care, Perry’s truly embodies the essence of American culinary tradition. Whether you're there for a special occasion or a casual night out, Perry’s offers a "dining experience one has to partake of to believe."

A photo of Wildfire - Lincolnshire restaurant

5. Wildfire - Lincolnshire

4.7

Exceptional(10317)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Lincolnshire

Booked 108 times today

Wildfire - Lincolnshire is a haven for seafood lovers, offering an exquisite and authentic dining experience that's hard to match. The wood-roasted seafood dishes capture the essence of the ocean with every bite, ensuring freshness and flavor that is simply unparalleled. Standout dishes like the Macadamia Nut Crusted Halibut and Cedar Planked Salmon are not to be missed, as they are crafted with precision and a touch of creativity. Dazzling reviews frequently highlight the "delectable food and impeccable service," making Wildfire a must-visit destination for anyone seeking high-quality seafood in a warm, inviting atmosphere. Come savor the taste of the sea!

A photo of Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Wheeling, IL restaurant

6. Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Wheeling, IL

4.6

Exceptional(6329)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Wheeling

Booked 78 times today

Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant in Wheeling, IL, effortlessly elevates the art of Seafood cuisine with an exquisite blend of quality and authenticity. Diners rave about the "pistachio crusted grouper," which is consistently lauded for its fantastic taste, and the "seafood risotto" that is both nicely served and very tasty. Their "seafood bisque" further showcases their expertise in crafting delectable seafood dishes. The restaurant pairs these mouthwatering offerings with award-winning wines, creating a dining experience that is both refined and memorable. With attentive service and a welcoming atmosphere, Cooper's Hawk is a must-visit destination for seafood aficionados.

A photo of Boston Fish Market - Wheeling restaurant

7. Boston Fish Market - Wheeling

4.5

Awesome(1187)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Wheeling

Booked 27 times today

Boston Fish Market in Wheeling is a standout destination for authentic American cuisine, particularly for seafood aficionados. Renowned for serving "phenomenal" fresh fish, this restaurant offers generous portions that often leave diners with enough for the next day. The extensive menu ensures that there's something for everyone, from the delectable clam chowder to the succulent Fisherman Platter. Guests rave about the "fantastic" service and the inviting atmosphere, both indoors and on the spacious patio. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in top-notch seafood, Boston Fish Market guarantees a memorable dining experience that truly captures the essence of American culinary excellence.

8. Bluegrass

4.9

Exceptional(2580)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Highland Park

Booked 9 times today

Bluegrass in Highland Park is a barbecue lover's paradise, where authenticity and quality come together in a cozy, casual setting. Diners rave about the "delish" BBQ plates, with standout dishes like the BBQ Blue Burger and BBQ shrimp being favorites among regulars. The Southern influence is unmistakable, with dishes like shrimp and grits and smoked chicken adding a unique twist to the menu. Customers consistently praise the attentive service, describing the experience as "outstanding" and the staff as "friendly and attentive." If you're seeking a memorable barbecue experience with an American twist, Bluegrass is a must-visit destination.

A photo of City Works - Vernon Hills restaurant

9. City Works - Vernon Hills

4.4

Awesome(835)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Vernon Hills

Booked 33 times today

City Works in Vernon Hills is a standout in Contemporary American cuisine, offering a delightful blend of local charm and culinary creativity. With "90 local and global crafts on draft," the restaurant brings a unique twist to American fare, ensuring each dish is as flavorful as it is authentic. Diners rave about the "fantastic beer selection" and the chef-driven menu that transforms classic American dishes into extraordinary experiences. Whether you’re enjoying the "best burgers and salads" or savoring the "cajun linguine," the flavors are consistently praised as "above average with great flavors." City Works is a must-visit for anyone seeking top-notch Contemporary American dining.

10. The Board Room

4.4

Awesome(593)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Libertyville

Booked 24 times today

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Libertyville, The Board Room offers an unparalleled cocktail bar experience that will captivate your senses. Renowned for its exquisite craft cocktails and award-winning wine list, this chic establishment is a haven for enthusiasts of fine drinks. Reviewers rave about the "delicious cocktails" and expansive selection that make each visit a memorable delight. The Board Room's bartenders are praised for their skill, "pouring a mean drink" that perfectly complements their diverse menu. With its luxurious ambiance and attentive service, The Board Room stands out as a top destination for those seeking an exceptional cocktail experience.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

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From verified diners like you

P
PaulaVIP
Chicago / Illinois •4 reviews
4.0
Dined 7 days ago
I recently dined at Delta Restaurant in Chicago, and it was an exceptional experience! I started with the crab Rangoon, and it was absolutely delicious. Crispy on the outside with a flavorful, creamy filling, it set the perfect tone for the meal. For the entrée, I had the shrimp and grits, and it was to die for. The shrimp were perfectly cooked, and the grits were so creamy and flavorful, complementing the dish perfectly. Every bite was a delight, and nothing was left on my plate! The flavors were rich, the presentation was beautiful, and the service was top-notch. I highly recommend Delta for a memorable dining experience!
More info
The DeltaPrice: Moderate• Regional American (Southern)• Bucktown / Wicker Park
•
4.1
J
JosephVIP
Chicago / Illinois •7 reviews
5.0
Dined on 25 Dec 2024
Great service, great food, great wine selection...and they remembered me form a visit a month ago.
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Chicago qPrice: Moderate• Barbecue• Gold Coast / Streeterville
•
4.3
A
AlexaVIP
Chicago / Illinois •44 reviews
5.0
Dined on 18 Dec 2024
Always a pleasure and a treat to dine at Bluegrass. The hosts are so gracious, the food is always delicious, and the service is excellent. Our favorite dishes are the orange chicken and the smoked chicken which is a Tuesday night special. The latter is served with the most scrumptious corn pudding. Our friend had the tilapia which she really enjoyed. You can't go wrong with any menu choice there.
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BluegrassPrice: Moderate• American• Highland Park
•
4.9
Z
ZackVIP
Chicago / Illinois •8 reviews
4.0
Dined on 13 Dec 2024
Get the wings! They are definitely the best thing on the menu.
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Briny Swine - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Barbecue• Lincoln Park
•
4.2

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Lake Forest

Southern american

Best Southern American Restaurants in Lake Forest

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32 restaurants available nearby

1. Authentico

2. Scotty's on Sheridan

3. Oaken Bistro + Bar

4. Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille – Vernon Hills

5. Wildfire - Lincolnshire

6. Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Wheeling, IL

7. Boston Fish Market - Wheeling

8. Bluegrass

9. City Works - Vernon Hills

10. The Board Room

See what locals rave about

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