The Neighborhood Built On Chicago's Old Money

Le Colonial in the Gold Coast has been serving upscale Vietnamese since 1996, and the space upstairs is still gorgeous: tropical plants, slatted shutters, pressed tablecloths and attentive servers. The food is precise and well made but leans pan-Asian, with stir fries alongside staples like egg rolls and pho, and it rarely brings the heat or punch you want. Prices add up quickly. A good pick for a polished night out with family in the Gold Coast, not for Vietnamese food.

The location is the reason to come and it delivers completely. Lake Michigan in one direction, the Chicago skyline in the other, sand underfoot, and a cold drink in hand on a good summer afternoon. The food is broad beach bar fare at Gold Coast prices — nothing disappointing, nothing exciting. Order something simple, stay for the view, and let the setting do the work it was built to do.

Small Cheval is the focused, casual offshoot of Au Cheval, and the burger might be better. Double patty, medium rare, house pickles, sauce, and a perfect bun. Order at the window, grab a patio seat, eat it immediately. The custard concretes are not optional. Oreo or peanut butter cup is a decision you'll need to make on your own.