Diners can list plenty of reasons for shelling out top-dollar at some of the city's finest eateries— pleasant atmosphere, impeccable service and the chance to sample plates from a top chef. But if you don't want to empty your wallet (or you have an empty wallet), you can still enjoy a swanky spot by being selective about what you order.
Whether you've been roped into an upscale dinner with your high-rolling friends or just want a grown-up evening out, these places offer affordable entree options (no appetizer posing as meals here) that will surely satisfy.
Have a musical meal at Green Dolphin Street
Instead of sitting up straight in the bright, wood-accented dining room, stake out a table in the club next door and lounge all evening with some of the city's top jazz artists. The room is robed in thick red velvet, and the candlelit, white-clothed tables make for a perfect, low-key atmosphere. Though not as diverse as the main menu, the club's spread gives you plenty to love; try the $10 pizzas with toppings like fresh mozzarella, basil chiffonade and vine ripe tomatoes, or an assortment of farmed and foraged mushrooms.
Buck the trend at Black Duck Tavern
This Lincoln Park staple typically brims with cell-phone-toting power couples, and you'll be tempted to match their spending by splurging on the New York Strip ($19) or filet mignon ($18). Save your money, though, and chow down on the steak sandwich for $8. The combination of marinated rib eye, melted blue cheese and chipotle aioli will sate your red-meat fix, and you can use the extra cash for a show at the Steppenwolf down the street (or another martini).
Settle in streetside at Nick's Fishmarket Grill
Nick's Fishmarket in the Loop has some of the city's best fish, but the prices can be a little hard to swallow at up to $55 per entree. Head upstairs to Nick's Grill, where you won't have as great a view of the Chagall mosaic, but you won't care once you savor items like Buffalo Rock Shrimp flatbread ($11) or the Catfish Clarence, served blackened with Cajun butter sauce ($15). Plus, its street-level tables are prime for people watching.
Try the pies at Aigre Doux
Amidst the marble floors and plush leather seating, it's easy to forget that Aigre Doux is a comfort-food spot at heart. While your dining partners fork over $30 plus for their sumptuous entrees, dig into some delectable pizzas at a third of the cost. Try the tuna wasabi or the Greek Pizza, with pulled lamb, olives and French feta, and you'll still have some cash left over for a gourmet cookie to top it off.
Veg out at Green Zebra
The five-course seasonal menu at this River West (mostly) vegetarian favorite may be mouth-watering, but it's also a bit pricey at $55. Besides, it'll be tough to make one choice, let alone five. Instead, work on picking a single $10-$15 entree, like parmesan caraway gnocchi or a chicken egg with smoked potato puree, and fill up on the ambiance (and the free wasabi peas).
Book a food flight at Enoteca Roma
The menu at this lively Wicker Park wine bar is compartmentalized to the max, so it's easy to make a meal on the cheap. Instead of doling out up to $18 for full-size portions, share the bruschetta flight (four topping-heavy varieties for $10), then dip into a tasting-size entree in the $8-$11 range. If you're still feeling thrifty, you can wash it all down with a wine flight ($10-$12) that lets you sample three varietals for about the price of one glass.
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