Best Southern American Restaurants in Lake Forest

33 restaurants available nearby

1. Authentico

4.5

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Lake Forest

Booked 28 times today

At Authentico in Lake Forest, the essence of Mexican cuisine is celebrated with a healthy, modern twist that consistently delights diners. Featuring fresh, scratch-made dishes daily, including homemade tortillas and sauces, the restaurant ensures a high-quality, authentic dining experience. Patrons rave about the "outstanding guac, delicious adobe shrimp and wonderful rib tacos," highlighting the unique flavors that set Authentico apart. The ambiance, a fusion of rustic and contemporary, complements the culinary experience, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic Mexican and Southwestern cuisine. As one reviewer puts it, Authentico is "the real deal" for upscale, delicious Mexican food, making it a favorite in the Northshore area.

A photo of Scotty's on Sheridan restaurant

2. Scotty's on Sheridan

4.8

Exceptional(1179)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Highwood

Booked 11 times today

Scotty's on Sheridan — your favorite neighborhood dining spot to gather with good friends in a warm inviting atmosphere.Our American Grill menu offers something delicious for everyone, from timeless comfort food to new American classics.Relax with one of Scotty's signature house cocktails in a cozy club chair in our bar lounge. Enjoy a candle-lit dinner and a bottle of wine in our intimate white tablecloth dining room.Discover Scotty's — a hidden gem tucked away on Sheridan Road, across from Fort Sheridan in Highwood, ILPatio seating when weather permits!

A photo of Oaken Bistro + Bar restaurant

3. Oaken Bistro + Bar

4.3

Awesome(225)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Lake Forest

Booked 4 times today

Oaken is a modern, upscale American Bistro + Bar with a global influence. Enjoy all-day dining in Lake Forest with elevated burgers & salads as well as dishes with more unique, worldly flavor trends like our popular Oaken Burger, Cubano with Crispy Pork Belly, or Braised Short Rib. When it’s time for Happy Hour, the sleek lounge features a craft cocktail menu with signature herbal-infused offerings as well as an eclectic wine list and local beers. Enjoy all day drinks and dining in the contemporary dining room, the inviting 25-seat outdoor patio, or order take-out or delivery. Branch out from your ordinary routine and unearth Oaken!

A photo of Nativo Mexican cuisine restaurant

4. Nativo Mexican cuisine

4.4

Awesome(41)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Bannockburn

Booked 2 times today

Dive into the culinary brilliance of Nativo Mexican Cuisine in Bannockburn, where Steak is not just a dish but a celebration of flavor. Praised for its "perfectly seasoned" steak fajitas, Nativo offers an authentic taste of Mexican cuisine with a touch of global flair. Patrons rave about the Steak Quesadillas and the Mole Oaxaqueño with short rib, highlighting the steak's tenderness and rich seasoning. A standout review notes, "Steak was flavored perfect tender and the mole was one of the best I have tried yet." This upscale dining experience is complemented by attentive service and a vibrant atmosphere, making Nativo a must-visit for steak lovers seeking a unique and delicious meal.

A photo of Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille – Vernon Hills restaurant

5. Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille – Vernon Hills

4.7

Exceptional(758)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Vernon Hills

Booked 67 times today

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille in Vernon Hills, Illinois, is a seafood lover's haven, known for its outstanding culinary finesse and quality ingredients. The restaurant boasts a vibrant atmosphere complemented by its exceptional service, as highlighted in numerous reviews. One diner raved about their seafood experience, noting the "Loved the seafood tower" which is just a glimpse into their diverse and exquisite seafood offerings. The dedication to crafting perfect seafood dishes is evident, making every dining experience memorable. Whether it's for a special occasion or a delightful night out, Perry’s provides an unparalleled seafood dining adventure that's both rare and well-done, making it a must-visit destination for seafood enthusiasts.

A photo of Wildfire - Lincolnshire restaurant

6. Wildfire - Lincolnshire

4.6

Exceptional(10271)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Lincolnshire

Booked 90 times today

At Wildfire - Lincolnshire, stepping through the doors transports you into a bygone era where dining out is a grand affair. Known for its exceptional Steak cuisine, Wildfire offers a gastronomic experience that's both nostalgic and delightfully flavorful. Patrons rave about signature steak dishes such as the Horseradish Crusted Filet Mignon, passionately crafted in their open kitchen. One review exclaims, "Everything is good on the menu, but they shine with their steaks and chops more than anything else." This sentiment is echoed by many, who praise not only the perfectly cooked steaks but also the warm, inviting ambiance and outstanding service, making Wildfire a quintessential spot for both special occasions and casual dining in the heart of Lincolnshire.

A photo of Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Wheeling, IL restaurant

7. Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Wheeling, IL

4.6

Exceptional(6294)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Wheeling

Booked 82 times today

Dive into the delightful seafood offerings at Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant in Wheeling, where culinary excellence meets exceptional service. Renowned for its "fantastic" seafood specials, the restaurant tantalizes taste buds with dishes like the "delicious Crab, Shrimp & Lobster Bisque" and the "excellent Pistachio-Crusted Grouper," both of which have received glowing praise from satisfied diners. Patrons rave about the "consistently delicious" meals and the atmosphere that enhances each dining experience. Whether it's a family celebration or a casual outing, Cooper's Hawk in Wheeling stands out as a top destination for seafood lovers looking for quality and authenticity in every bite.

A photo of Boston Fish Market - Wheeling restaurant

8. Boston Fish Market - Wheeling

4.3

Awesome(1174)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Wheeling

Booked 20 times today

Boston Fish Market in Wheeling is a treasure trove of authentic American cuisine, specializing in fresh seafood that never fails to impress. Known for its hearty portions and exceptional quality, guests consistently rave about their experiences, claiming it's "always a great meal" with seafood that is "fresh and well made." The restaurant's commitment to freshness is unmatched, processing vast amounts of seafood weekly. Patrons celebrate the "fantastic meal" and the atmosphere that makes it perfect for both special occasions and casual dinners. The glowing testimonials highlight dishes like the "delicious and fresh" cajun salmon and the "very good size and delicious" oysters Rockefeller, making it a must-visit for seafood lovers seeking the true taste of American culinary excellence.

9. Bluegrass

4.9

Exceptional(2562)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Highland Park

Booked 20 times today

Nestled in the charming neighborhood of Highland Park, Bluegrass shines as a beacon of Southern cuisine with an American flair. This cozy restaurant is renowned for its commitment to quality and authenticity, offering a menu that beautifully blends Southern influences with classic American tastes. Patrons rave about the standout dishes like the "phenomenal shrimp & grits" and the "deliciously flavorful" New Orleans-style cuisine. The service at Bluegrass matches the excellence of its food, with reviews highlighting the "exceptional service" and a staff that makes diners "feel like one of the family." Whether it's the inviting atmosphere or the mouthwatering Southern favorites, Bluegrass is a true gem that promises a delightful dining experience every time.

A photo of City Works - Vernon Hills restaurant

10. City Works - Vernon Hills

4.4

Awesome(822)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Vernon Hills

Booked 30 times today

City Works in Vernon Hills is a premier destination for those seeking a top-notch sports bar experience. With an impressive selection of 90 local and global craft beers on draft, this venue truly celebrates the best local brewers have to offer. Patrons rave about the quality of both the beverages and the American fare, noting the chef-driven twists on classic dishes. The atmosphere is consistently praised as upbeat and vibrant, making it a perfect spot for watching the game or enjoying a casual outing. Reviews frequently highlight the "exceptional service" and specifically mention the server Grace for her attentiveness and knowledge. Whether it's the "delicious fried pickles," the "great burgers," or the "fantastic beer selection," City Works stands out as a sports bar that goes beyond the norm to create a memorable dining experience.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

R
Randivip
Chicago / Illinois •38 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
service was terrific, cocktails strong and food was tasty (shrimp/chicken with dirty rice, shrimp and grits, BBQ plates, artichoke fritters). oh and the bananas foster. only complaint was that at 7:30, they were out of the grouper and both etouffees. an early dinner crowd - we were almost the last table there at 9:30.
More info
BluegrassPrice: Moderate• American• Highland Park
•
4.9
N
Neil
Chicago / Illinois •16 reviews
4.0
Dined 3 days ago
Overall we enjoyed our meal (second visit for some of us). We specifically visited on Tuesday to take advantage of the half price Champagne and $1 oysters. It was unfortunate that by 8pm they had run out of oysters (especially as it was not that busy)....if you are going to have such a promotion you need to ensure customers can take advantage of it. The BBQ was all tasty and sides were good (one of my fellow diners commented that the sweet potato fries were amongst the best she's had). The drinks were also fun...from the cocktails to the whiskey flights! I'm sure we will be back....just hoping they have ample supply of oysters next time!
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Briny Swine - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Barbecue• Lincoln Park
•
4.3
L
Lisa
Detroit / Eastern Michigan •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Great ambience created by the decor plus the live DJ playing old school music. The food was very delicious and exceeded my expectations.
More info
The DeltaPrice: Moderate• Southern• Bucktown / Wicker Park
•
4
J
Jenvip
New Orleans / Louisiana •16 reviews
4.0
Dined on Nov 10, 2024
We were a little underwhelmed considering we had heard great things before coming here. Service was great and the cocktails we each had were amazing, but the food was just average.
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Chicago qPrice: Moderate• Barbecue• Gold Coast / Streeterville
•
4.3

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Lake Forest

Southern american

Best Southern American Restaurants in Lake Forest

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33 restaurants available nearby

1. Authentico

2. Scotty's on Sheridan

3. Oaken Bistro + Bar

4. Nativo Mexican cuisine

5. Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille – Vernon Hills

6. Wildfire - Lincolnshire

7. Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Wheeling, IL

8. Boston Fish Market - Wheeling

9. Bluegrass

10. City Works - Vernon Hills

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