Restaurants near Lerner Park

Was recently dining at L. Wood's for my Mother's and for my Brother's birthday celebrations. Mom likes to eat early, so the reservation was for 430PM. We got there and the place was PACKED! We were greeted by the hostess----who was very pleasant and professional----and immediately shown to our table. Our server was Flavio (sorry if I am spelling it wrong) and he and his team gave us incredible service. I had a few questions about entrees, and he was very helpful and informative. Food was awesome. We also took advantage of the Early Bird drink special, which was a great value. All four of their specialty premium Old Fashioned's were only $9 until 5PM. Mom and my wife had the house red wine, also on the early Bird menu. My wife and I both had the Walleye Fish and Chips and loved them. My Mom had a cheeseburger and took a LOT of it home for another meal! My brother had the Brisket burger and his girlfriend had a cheeseburger. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their meal. For appetizers we shared the calamari. It was awesome! Two of the guests had the French Onion soup which they loved. My wife and I split a Spinach and Avocado salad and we loved it. I was kind of bummed out that I was so full, because we wanted to have the special Salted Caramel Bread pudding, but nobody had any room! L.Wood's and it's predecessor "Bones" (both Lettuce Entertain You restaurants) have been in that same location for close to 50 years. I can see why! I have been there many times, and will go back many more! Thank you Lettuce, and thank you L. Wood's staff! Last year my Mom and Brother were celebrating monumental birthdays, but covid in the family canceled that. This year we got a "re-do" for Mom and Scott and it was AWESOME!!!

Food was excellent. We were there for lunch & ordered Chicken Katsu curry, Chicken Katsudon, fried oysters & futomaki. Our server Nina always provides great service.

We had a great experience thanks to your waitress Hailey . She is an awesome waitress.

We had a great time. Our spinach pizza was delicious, as always. I'm not sure of the name of our server -- the receipt says "Juanjo U" -- but he was excellent: very friendly and attentive and kept us informed of the status of our order.

From the appetizers to the drinks to the desserts, it was a knockout experience. Many and our party had never been to an Italian dairy restaurant. One of us was even a true Italian and was blown away by the quality and accuracy of the preparations. Those who have never visited before are putting this restaurant on their A-list to return. Our waiter and his assistant could not have been nicer. And everyone appreciated the close in parking.