Currently closed for renovations.
Have a meal perched six stories above Michigan Avenue at Oak Tree, where dining is like picnicking in a whimsical tree house—if tree houses had decorators and picnic baskets were packed by adept chefs.

Located in The 900 Shops mall, the restaurant keeps it country chic (if such a thing exists), with colors like moss green, light blue and pale yellow; branch chandeliers; a replica oak tree and those bird's-eye-view floor-to-ceiling windows. The tables vary from checkered tablecloths to tile mosaics, from wood chairs and benches to plush leather booths.

The menu is extensive and the food, like the decor, is fanciful and eclectic. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the Oak Tree serves the same menu all day long—which means waffles or hot cakes anytime. Get them topped with cranberries, pecans, strawberries and the like, or have eggs benedict, a fresh fruit plate or a stuffed omelet served with hash browns and sesame toast.

If you want something besides breakfast food, the salads are plentiful—there are more than 20 to choose from—and include duck breast and ginger-lime chicken varieties. Homemade soups (like turkey chili and chicken noodle) meet with picnic-worthy dishes like bistro and deli sandwiches and backyard grill food. Prices are reasonable, with most items around $9; the menu tops out at $16.

Centerstage Reviewer: Albrey Nuss