3 Illinois Restaurants Make Best Casual Dining In US List

CHICAGO, IL — Dining out can be a real treat, but it doesn't always have to be a choice between dressing up for a fancy affair or grabbing a bite through a fast-food drive-through. Eating at a casual dining restaurant can be an option, and Chicago has three of the best in the country, according to a food website's ranking.

Recently, the Daily Meal compiled a list of the 101 best casual restaurants in the United States. The list's goal is to feature "amazing restaurants where price is no barrier to entry and you'll feel right at home in jeans," the website explained.

So how does the Daily Meal's define a casual restaurant? Here's a look at the website's criteria:

• "Can two people fill themselves up and get out for less than $50, excluding tip and alcohol?"
• Is there "an overall comfortable and relaxed ambiance"
• Does it have "a 'destination' status (that is, is the place worth traveling for?), and a proven reputation and longevity?"

The following Chicago restaurants fit that description and made the Daily Meal's list of 101 eateries. Here's what the website had to say about its selections:

Little Goat, 820 W. Randolph St. (No. 16)

"The menu includes all-day breakfast featuring items like dark chocolate chip crunch pancakes, Fat Elvis Waffles (with banana, peanut butter, and bacon maple syrup), and the insanely delicious Ooey Gooey Cinnabun. Sandwiches include the Los Drowned (braised beef, avocado, butterkäse cheese, pickled peppers and onions, and spicy mayo); a pork belly scallion pancake with hoisin, bok choy salad, and ginger maple dressing; a sloppy Joe made with goat meat; and a grilled cheese filled with smoked Gouda, MontAmore cheese, pork guanciale, and smoked tomato. And we haven’t even gotten to the burgers, salads, and desserts!"

Au Cheval, 800 W. Randolph St. (29)

"The line to get into this place stretches literally around the block every day, so owner Brendan Sodikoff (who will be bringing Au Cheval to New York at some point in the near future) is clearly doing something right."

Kuma's Corner, 2900 W. Belmont Ave., (58)

"It’s not a quiet place to eat. … But with all the pyrotechnics that go off when you take a bite, the heavy metal doesn’t just make sense — it’s a perfect fit."

Go to the Daily Meal's website for the complete list of the 101 best casual dining restaurants in the country.

Little Goat, 820 W. Randolph St. (Image via Google Earth)