The last few times I’ve been to Hackney’s, it’s been really disappointing, and it was two different locations- the Wheeling one and one of the Glenview ones. Meat was really dry, fries were cold, service was nearly non-existent.

I like Hackney’s on Harms Road. Onion loaf, cheeseburger on rye bread (I think) are the specialties. I’m not sure what neighborhood it’s in. Maybe Skokie.

Go west young man! West on Dempster Street to Milwaukee Avenue in Niles to Rossini’s Italian Restaurant. I’ve eaten there since the day they opened their doors. In fact, in another life, I lived in the town homes across the street on Washington & Dempster. Rossini’s is my favorite restaurant. We ate there last week and I now live in Wisconsin. Take it from someone who’s the same vintage as yourself. Be sure to get there before 5:00pm to avoid the rush, which happens every night. The seniors, not us baby boomers, usually get there by 4:00pm. http://www.rossinisitalian.com

CSD

Born in Chicago
Lived in Niles
Escaped to Wisconsin
Selling Vienna Beef hot dogs & Polish
Business Instructor
http://www.hotdogu.com

Sounds good, iris, I love garlic dressing (Leona’s actually has a good one!) so I’ll have to check that out. A little farther south, at 4907 Oakton St., in Skokie, you should try Toscana. Really good, affordable Italian. The owner/chef used to be the sous chef at The Berghoff (he left there about a year and a half before they closed), and makes the best cream of [insert vegetable here] soups- I’ve had the carrot and mushroom and they were some of the best soups I’ve ever had. Their tomato sauce that they use on the spaghetti & meatballs and lasagna (and probably other dishes too, those are just the ones I’ve tried) is incredible. I don’t know how he does it, but they have this intense tomato flavor without being too acidic or anything.

http://centerstage.net/patronreviews/pr.cfm?ID=8431&which=place

If you are going a little further north another great Itlaina restaurant that’s very reasonable is Tonelli’s in Northbrook. The salad is just old fashioned iceberg, but they serve it with this homemade green colored creamy garlic dressing that is soooo GAHHHHLIC! it’s wonderful. And it’s very old-school Italian- lot’s of families. One of our favorite spots- and it doesn’t break the bank- ALso has a nice semi-private room for larger groups.

Dave’s Italian Kitchen is awesome! So much food (everything’s made there, fresh- bread, dressing, pasta) so reasonably priced, great atmosphere, fabulous wine list with great values. Definitely a fun place for a birthday party (I’ve seen semi-private parties in a section in the back- if you’ll be a big party, you may want to ask about that.)

Whatever you do, don’t go to Prairie Grass cafe in Northbrook….I have a review of the place that I wrote I haven’t gotten around to posting here. Total waste of time and money.

I second Buddy’s recommendation on Dave’s. Casual, family place that is reasonable priced with good food. Don’t know if they take reservations and a line often forms at dinner time. I suggest you call ahead.

"campanola" at 815 chicago in evanston il..great award winning bistro featuring pristine ingredients [many are organic and grown locally].i love this place for special occasions and delicious food simply prepared.
"betise" at 1515 sheridan rd.[evanston adjacent] is refined,elegant and relaxed serving french classics and featuring nice wines by the glass.i go on sundays for their fabulous brunch.
"that little mexican cafe",1010 church st. evanston is another place for you to consider,wonderfull fresh made to order guacamole makes a nice starter.moderatlely priced.
feliz cumpleanos![:o)]

For medium price Italian in Evanston, Dave’s Italian Kitchen is an excellent option. Very popular, very casual, but very nice too.

Buddy