Lettuce Entertain You enterprises runs a stable of "concept" restaurants, but it's places like Mon Ami Gabi that set it apart from soulless corporate chains like Applebee's. Even with multiple locations (in addition to this mall location, there are restaurants in Vegas, Maryland and Lincoln Park) it manages to provide a unique dining experience, not to mention a solid menu.

Bistro standards like frisee salad, French onion soup and thick, juicy steaks are spot-on, but it’s the seafood that really makes a splash. Eschewing pomp and circumstance in the form of overwrought sauces, flaky skate comes topped with a simple, brown butter-lemon sauce, and crouton-encrusted trout grenobloise tastes as if it was just pulled from the river by a cunning fly fisherman. Appetizers range from $5-$12, and entrees from $15-$25.