Father’s Day Meals 2011

RECOMMENDED: Things to do on Father's Day in Chicago

C-HouseIs Dad a steak-and-ale kind of guy? Take him to the prix-fixe lunch or dinner here, where all three courses—the deep-fried walleye with summer salad, smoked Swan Creek Farm steak with potatoes and asparagus, and malted chocolate cheesecake—come paired with a craft beer. 166 E Superior St (312-523-0923). El: Red to Chicago. Bus: 3, 4, 10, 26, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 151. Lunch or dinner $45.

Club LuckyBrunch? Dinner? If your dad is anything like ours, he doesn’t care as long as he can get his beef on. Fortunately, Club Lucky is doling out prime rib at both meals—as a Benedict during brunch, and as a 12-ounce grilled portion for dinner. 1824 W Wabansia Ave (773-227-2300). El: Blue to Damen. Bus: 50, 56, 72. Brunch $16.95, dinner $24.95.

The CounterCelebrate Father’s Day the absolute best way possible: cheaply. Just tell the server at the Counter that you want a “BFD” (Burger For Dad), and he’ll get a third-pound burger with his choice of toppings for free. (Tip: Truly grateful children will at least buy their father a beer to go with it.) 666 W Diversy Pkwy (773-935-1995). El: Brown, Purple (rush hrs) to Diversey. Bus: 22, 36, 76. Average burger: $8.

Fox and Obel This specialty store makes a special day made easy: fixed menu, fixed price. All you have to do is show up hungry for a "man-sized" portion of marinated London broil. Think you can handle that? 401 E Illinois St (312-410-7301). Bus: 2, 29. After 5pm. $17.99 plus tax.

Hub 51For one day a year, Dad gets to have things his way. That means he doesn't have to choose brunch or dessert. Instead, he gets it all: brioche French toast, short ribs Benedict, sushi and the ultimate dessert bar. 51 W Hubbard (312-828-0051). El: Red to Grand. Bus: 36, 22. 10am–3pm. $30, for kids 12 and under $15.

Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steaks and Stone CrabAt Joe’s, Dad will get to choose between the eponymous stone crabs and filet mignon, both of which come with soup, sides and a slice of pie. But the real reason to go here for Dad’s Day? The $1 Bloody Marys. 60 E Grand Ave (312-379-5637). El: Red to Grand. Bus: 29, 36, 65. Lunch $29.95, dinner $36.95.

Le Titi de ParisIf Pop is the sophisticated type, whisk him away for duck confit, homemade pâté and "Provençal style" seafood. The fromage dessert course will leave him feeling as though he had spent an evening in Europe. (The 40-minute trip to Arlington Heights helps, too.) 1015 W Dundee Rd (847-506-0222). 11am–3pm. $39 4-course, $36 3-course, $15 3-course children's menu.  

Marigold Tell Dad he can skip the golf today because Marigold's Indian-spiced and Hum barbecue–glazed lamb ribs will make him break a sweat. If spice isn't his thing, Sunday's menu also boasts a lamb burger stuffed with housemade paneer cheese. 4832 N Broadway (773-293-4653). El: Red to Lawrence. Bus: 147. Average main course: $16.

Mity NiceFor the simple dad, here’s a simple meal: one burger, one beer, ten bucks. In contrast to this simple promotion, Mity Nice is also running a complicated contest on Facebook (post a photo of your dad, hope he gets the most “likes,” apologize profusely for embarrassing him on Facebook…). Our advice: Stick with the burger and beer. 835 N Michigan Ave (312-335-4745). El: Red to Chicago. Bus: 33, 148, 151. Average main course: $15.

NanaWhat dad doesn't love good, old-fashioned fried chicken? Upgrade from KFC with Southern-inspired brunch or a family-style chicken dinner made with high-quality wholesome meat and a plethora of scrumptious sides. (It all may be organic, but that doesn't mean there isn't creamy mac and cheese). 3267 S Halsted St (312-929-2486). El: Red to Sox-35th. Bus: 8. Brunch 8am–3pm. Average entrée: $17. Dinner 3–9pm. $22 per person.

O’Donovan’sTell Dad to dress in sweatpants (he won’t argue, will he?) for this Father’s Day brunch buffet. Because after unlimited nachos, brats and Philly cheesesteaks (and washing it all down with $5 “Fat Marys”), this meal will end with a lot more Dad to love. 2100 W Irving Park Rd (773-478-2100). El: Brown to Irving Park. Bus: 11, 49, 50, 80. $13.95, kids ages 3–10 $6.95.

Prairie Fire Blueberry lemon coffee cake, Dad's supreme Bloody Mary, BBQ ribs, crunchy slaw—it's all the American comfort food Dad could ever ask for. 215 N Clinton St (312-382-8300). El: Green, Pink to Clinton. Bus: 56. Brunch 9:30am–2pm. Average main course: $13. Dinner after 5pm. Average entrée: $20.

Rockit Forget the fuss. Isn't a burger and beer combo for $15 all you Dad could want? River North: 22 W Hubbard St (312-645-6000) and Wrigleyville: 3700 N Clark St (773-645-4400). El: Red to Grand for River North, Red to Addison for Wrigleyville. Bus: 29 for River North, 22 for Wrigleyville. All day (10:30am–12:30am).

Sunda Roast Dad (the nice way)with a whole pig, chicken or duck, each prepared with Asian flavors. Or try the "East meets West" brunch featuring oxtail and potato "smash" and blueberry French toast. 110 W Illinois St (312-644-0500). El: Red to Grand. Bus: 22. 10:30am–3pm. Average roast: $8 for 1/2 pound of meat; Average brunch main course: $12.