Kinzie Street Chop House   

There's a cluster of restaurants in this part of River North known for their generous and hearty fare. Gene & Georgetti's (an Italian steakhouse), Coco Pazzo (regional Italian fare) and Kinzie Chophouse (chops and steaks, of course), lead the pack as they all have their loyal followers. The masculine ambiance of Kinzie Chophouse, however, with its clubhouse setting of hardwood accents and iconic hanging photographs (of legendary sports and political stars), draws a large number of powerbrokers. With the Merchandise Mart across the street and East Bank Club (where the powerbrokers go to play) a couple of blocks away, Kinzie Chophouse is an obvious choice. The restaurant's interior is set with warm, earthy tones - like the caramel-colored walls in the main dining room - highlighted by warm, wood-trimmed French doors that open to the streets. In the main dining room, white cloth tables complement the cozy, oversized mocha leather booths. Jazzy background tunes from musicians such as Chet Baker, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billie Holiday play throughout. The Frasca Restaurant Group also owns nearby Mambo Grill, a Latin-focused restaurant. -- Audarshia Townsend