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Best Southern American Restaurants in Lake Forest, Chicago / Illinois

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226 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of The Barn Steakhouse - Highland Park restaurant
1. The Barn Steakhouse - Highland Park
4.5
Awesome(130)
$$$$
• Southern american • Highland Park
Booked 27 times today
The Barn Steakhouse is a “meat-centric hideaway”, a supper club with style. Our new location is housed in an early dwelling on “The First Street” in downtown Highland Park. Hidden away down our alley-courtyard is 1898 Speakeasy and private event space. An homage to owner Amy Morton’s legendary father, restaurateur Arnie Morton (Morton’s Steakhouse), the menu boasts the finest quality ingredients available including heritage black Angus steaks. As The Barn's menu is ever-evolving, the exact menu may be different when you dine. This eatery provides seating for up to 75 guests in its private event space, as well as outdoor seating.
A photo of Oaken Bistro + Bar restaurant
2. Oaken Bistro + Bar
4.3
Awesome(297)
$$$$
• Southern american • Lake Forest
Booked 4 times today
Oaken is a refined Bistro + Bar offering a contemporary American menu that balances creativity with familiarity. Enjoy all-day dining in Lake Forest with elevated burgers & salads as well as dishes with more unique, worldly flavor trends like our popular Braised Short Rib or Tuna Poke Bowl. When it’s time for Happy Hour, the sleek lounge features a craft cocktail menu with signature herbal-infused offerings as well as an eclectic wine list and local beers. Enjoy all day drinks and dining in the contemporary dining room, the inviting 25-seat outdoor patio, or order take-out or delivery. Branch out from your ordinary routine and unearth Oaken!
A photo of Perry's Steakhouse & Grille - Vernon Hills restaurant
3. Perry's Steakhouse & Grille - Vernon Hills
4.7
Exceptional(2116)
$$$$
• Southern american • Vernon Hills
Booked 60 times today
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille in Vernon Hills, Illinois, is a shining beacon of authentic American cuisine, renowned for its "unbelievable pork chops" and exquisite steaks. Diners rave about the "outstanding service" and the attention to detail that makes every visit memorable. The elegant setting, complete with a stunning wine wall and vibrant Bar 79®, sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. With signature dishes crafted with precision and care, Perry’s truly embodies the essence of American culinary tradition. Whether you're there for a special occasion or a casual night out, Perry’s offers a "dining experience one has to partake of to believe."
A photo of Field House Kitchen + Bar restaurant
4. Field House Kitchen + Bar
4.6
Exceptional(219)
$$$$
• Southern american • Deerfield
Booked 60 times today
HAPPY HOUR IS HERESun–Fri • 3–6 PM • Bar and Patio OnlyField House Kitchen + Bar was built around a simple idea: create a space where dinner feels easy, social, and elevated. With high ceilings, rich wood tones, and deep blues, the atmosphere is both modern and inviting.Our menu blends American classics with fresh ideas, paired with a lively bar program of cocktails, curated wines, and craft beer. Whether you’re here for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or just drinks with friends, Field House is where Deerfield comes together.Our philosophy is simple: treat every guest like a regular and every night like an occasion. At Field House, service means more than taking an order. It’s anticipating needs, offering genuine warmth, and making every table feel taken care of. From the first hello to the last toast, we designed Field House to make you feel comfortable, celebrated, and at home.
A photo of Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar - Vernon Hills restaurant
5. Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar - Vernon Hills
4.4
Awesome(218)
$$$$
• Southern american • Vernon Hills
Booked 40 times today
Lazy Dog serves handcrafted American food and drink with seasonally-inspired ingredients. When you walk in, you get a small mountain town vibe from the warm, caring service and the rustic social setting. It's a great place to get together with friends and family.
A photo of Wildfire - Lincolnshire restaurant
6. Wildfire - Lincolnshire
4.7
Exceptional(10645)
$$$$
• Southern american • Lincolnshire
Booked 65 times today
Wildfire - Lincolnshire is a haven for seafood lovers, offering an exquisite and authentic dining experience that's hard to match. The wood-roasted seafood dishes capture the essence of the ocean with every bite, ensuring freshness and flavor that is simply unparalleled. Standout dishes like the Macadamia Nut Crusted Halibut and Cedar Planked Salmon are not to be missed, as they are crafted with precision and a touch of creativity. Dazzling reviews frequently highlight the "delectable food and impeccable service," making Wildfire a must-visit destination for anyone seeking high-quality seafood in a warm, inviting atmosphere. Come savor the taste of the sea!
A photo of Bluegrass restaurant
7. Bluegrass
4.9
Exceptional(2818)
$$$$
• Southern american • Highland Park
Booked 24 times today
Bluegrass in Highland Park is a barbecue lover's paradise, where authenticity and quality come together in a cozy, casual setting. Diners rave about the "delish" BBQ plates, with standout dishes like the BBQ Blue Burger and BBQ shrimp being favorites among regulars. The Southern influence is unmistakable, with dishes like shrimp and grits and smoked chicken adding a unique twist to the menu. Customers consistently praise the attentive service, describing the experience as "outstanding" and the staff as "friendly and attentive." If you're seeking a memorable barbecue experience with an American twist, Bluegrass is a must-visit destination.
A photo of Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Wheeling, IL restaurant
8. Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Wheeling, IL
4.7
Exceptional(6932)
$$$$
• Southern american • Wheeling
Booked 61 times today
Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant in Wheeling, IL, effortlessly elevates the art of Seafood cuisine with an exquisite blend of quality and authenticity. Diners rave about the "pistachio crusted grouper," which is consistently lauded for its fantastic taste, and the "seafood risotto" that is both nicely served and very tasty. Their "seafood bisque" further showcases their expertise in crafting delectable seafood dishes. The restaurant pairs these mouthwatering offerings with award-winning wines, creating a dining experience that is both refined and memorable. With attentive service and a welcoming atmosphere, Cooper's Hawk is a must-visit destination for seafood aficionados.
A photo of Eddie Merlot's Prime Aged Beef & Seafood - Lincolnshire restaurant
9. Eddie Merlot's Prime Aged Beef & Seafood - Lincolnshire
4.6
Exceptional(3475)
$$$$
• Southern american • Lincolnshire
Booked 19 times today
Eddie Merlot's Prime Aged Beef & Seafood in Lincolnshire offers an exquisite seafood experience that stands out for its quality and authenticity. Diners frequently rave about the "fantastic ahi wontons" and the "perfectly prepared seafood dishes" that capture the essence of fresh and flavorful cuisine. The restaurant prides itself on crafting dishes with precision and care, ensuring each bite is an indulgence. With an impressive commitment to freshness and flavor, Eddie Merlot's offers a remarkable seafood selection that complements its reputation for excellence. Whether it’s a special occasion or a casual night out, this is the perfect destination for seafood lovers.
A photo of The Henry - Wilmette restaurant
10. The Henry - Wilmette
new
4.7
Exceptional(129)
$$$$
• Southern american • Wilmette
Booked 182 times today
Welcome to the greatest neighborhood restaurant in Wilmette. You can always count on a warm welcome from our baristas, servers, and bartenders who know your order by heart. Our open dining spaces are full of charm and energy, perfect for your morning coffee, lunch, an intimate date night, or a post-work drink. For everyday occasions, craveable eats, and delicious cocktails, look no further than a place that feels like home: The Henry.
‘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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