This list summarizes recent restaurant reviews. To recommend a restaurant to be reviewed, email food@ dailyherald.com.

American

Café 31 North,217 Front St., Suite A., McHenry, (815) 679-6630, cafe31north.com/. Amazing homemade buttermilk biscuits. Delicious skillets and international dishes. Friendly service. It all adds up to a winning combo at this comfortable banquet hall that recently opened a breakfast and lunch cafe. Dishes to try: the Polish sausage and pierogies (if available), the loaded baked potato soup, the Mexican skillet and those biscuits. Delicious! Entrees: $6-$12. Hours: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. (Reviewed 1-27-17) — Jennifer Billock

The Craftsman by Two Brothers,16 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville, (630) 615-7100, twobrothersbrewing.com/restaurants/thecraftsman/.

With three levels of dining, it’s the second-floor farm-to-table Modern Tavern that’s drawing the attention of serious diners. Dishes to try: the sweet/savory kale and beet salad, the meat and cheese board, the al dente beer-braised oxtail ravioli, the dry-aged rib-eye, the simple yet satisfying bolognese, and the cinnamon-heavy apple fig tart. Entrees: $17-$43. Hours: Second-floor Modern Tavern: 5 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday. (Reviewed 12-23-16) — Katherine Rodeghier

Elly’s Pancake House,2656 Showplace Drive, Naperville, (630) 420-2300. American breakfast and lunch favorites populate the menu at this comfortable brunch spot. On the sweet side, choices range from specialty baked pancakes like baked apple to sticky bun French toast to stuffed berry mascarpone crepes to the bacon waffle. Savory dishes include huevos rancheros, the Latina omelette, plus skillets, benedicts and morning sandwiches. Salads, bowls and sandwiches (falafel burger, Reuben, Monte Cristo) also grace the menu. Service was efficient yet personable. Entrees: $7-$16. Hours: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. (Reviewed 1-13-16) — Caroline Linden

Farmhouse on North,117 North Ave., Barrington, (847) 387-3408, farmhouseonnorth.com/. Though this cheery, eclectic farm-to-table restaurant opened just a few months ago in Barrington, its creative, fresh dishes are already leaving a lasting impression on diners. If the dining room is full, head upstairs to The Hayloft for a drink, or for dinner. Dishes to try: smoked lollipop lamb chop appetizer (a must), roasted beet salad, chicken noodle soup, free-range chicken breast served with champagne pan sauce and the vegetable risotto, with its cheesy, toothy bite and ample chunks of zucchini and patty pan squash. End with the sweet yet satisfying apple cider doughnuts. Entrees: $12-$25. Hours: 5 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; bar open until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. (Reviewed 11-18-16) — Deborah Pankey

Flappy’s Pancake House,1085 W. Army Trail Road, Bartlett, (630) 213-0700, flappys breakfastbrunch.com/. Hungry for brunch? Diners can choose from more than 150 familiar — and often customizable — dishes from a variety of categories: Belgian waffles, Benedicts, potato pancakes, French toast, frittatas, skillets, crepes and more. Not to mention sandwiches, wraps, salads and gluten-free options can be found in this casual, comfortable storefront space. Dishes to try: made-in-house corned beef hash, breakfast burrito, French toast made with cinnamon swirl bread, and the Big Tex: scrambled eggs with ground beef, sliced jalapeños, melted cheddar, green chiles and pico de gallo. Entrees: $3.75 to $12.95. Hours: 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Other location is at 1406 Sycamore Road, DeKalb. (Reviewed 4-28-17) — Thomas Witom

One Fifty One Kitchen/Bar,151 N. York St., Elmhurst, (331) 979-7198, 151elmhurst.com. Midwestern rustic meets urban contemporary in this upscale yet casual eatery. The smallish menu tips toward American comfort food, but with creative twists that surprised. Dishes to try: baked Brie starter, Waldorf salad, pan-seared trout and brick-roasted chicken. The chocolate mousse is a definite must. Entrees: $15-$26. Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Brunch: 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Also: Reservations recommended. (Reviewed 3-31-17) — Lisa Miner

Asian

Pho Chopsticks,2 W. Golf Center, Hoffman Estates, (847) 882-4260, phochopsticksil.com. When I walk into an ethnic restaurant and it’s filled with happy diners of that particular ethnicity, I know I’m in the right place. Diners will find a traditional Chinese American menu — won ton soup, chop suey, sweet and sour, Kung Pao chicken, egg foo young and more — along with a sizable

assortment of authentic Vietnamese noodle dishes, appetizers, pho, bun and house specials. Dishes to try: Cha gio (Vietnamese spring rolls), summer rolls, any of the dozen renditions of pho and the bun noodle bowls. End with a fresh fruit smoothie — choose from avocado, honeydew, kiwi, watermelon or many more varieties. Entrees: $5.25-$15.95. Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 1:30 to 9 p.m. Sunday; closed Monday. Also: Carry out, delivery and catering. (Reviewed 4-7-16) — Jacky Runice

French

Restaurant Juliette,524 W. State St., Geneva, (630) 402-0288. Ambitious chefs David and Juliette Reyes recently debuted Restaurant Juliette, a contemporary bistro in downtown Geneva serving small and large plates, salads and sandwiches. The menu demonstrates how a pair of creative young chefs can break with tradition and still maintain loose ties with timeless French bistro dishes. Dishes to try: the Moroccan falafel appetizer, the duck confit with grilled frisée and lentils, the salmon rotie and the chocolate cake with a warm, gooey chocolate fondant center. Entrees: Small plates: $8-$22; large plates: $18-$32. Hours: 4 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Also: Reservations, especially on weekends; street parking. (Reviewed 3-10-17) — T.W.

Indian

Siri Indian,401 E. Dundee Road, Wheeling, (847) 808-7474, siriindian restaurant.com. The menu at this upscale Indian restaurant is full of traditional Indian food and has a small section for south Indian specialties, but there’s also a decidedly Chinese flair to the food with Szechwan and stir-fried noodles. Make sure to check out the extensive bread list with different types of naan, kulcha, roti, paratha and more. Dishes to try: vegetarian spring rolls, the lamb keema samosa, the Siri special bread basket with butter naan, garlic naan and kulcha, chicken makhani (also known as butter chicken) and the spicy chicken biryani. Entrees: $10-$22. Hours: Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday; dinner: 6 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 6 to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. (Reviewed 1-20-17) — J.B.

Italian

129 Center Cut,129 Center St., Grayslake, (847) 986-6872, facebook.com/129CenterCut/. With its open-concept modern farmhouse-inspired menu, this new Italian steakhouse is poised to become a dining institution in Grayslake. Dishes to try: yellowfin tuna tartare, oysters on the half shell, warmed goat cheese, rack of lamb, pork chop, chicken piccata and the standout penne arrabiata with bacon and pancetta. And don’t forget the thick and perfectly caramelized creme brulee. Entrees: $13-$59. Hours: 4 to 10 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday through Sunday; closed Monday. (Reviewed 12-16-16) — J.B.

Via Arenella,1609 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights, (847) 873-0049, viaarenella.com/. A second generation of Arlington Heights restaurant royalty has set up shop in an aging strip mall and is serving well-crafted, familiar Italian fare in a family-friendly atmosphere. This modern ristorante with generous bar seating serves specialties like chicken Marsala, linguine gamberi, eggplant crostini, pasta carbonara, the signature veal dish served in a buttery white wine sauce and topped with Fontina cheese and the tortellini and prosciutto with mushrooms and peas, to name a few. Pizzas with hand-tossed crusts also impressed. Finish with the chocolaty cake and vanilla bean gelato. Entrees: $12-$29. Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday; 4 to 11 p.m. Saturday; 4 to 10 p.m. Sunday; closed Monday. (Reviewed 3-3-17) — D.P.

Mexican

Salsa Street Mexican Restaurant & Cantina,1025 W. Main St., Sleepy Hollow, (847) 551-5489, salsastreetsleepy hollow.com/. A conga line of

Mexican food fans have found their little slice of Veracruz by way of Sleepy Hollow. This modern eatery’s menu leans more toward the Rick Bayless school of South-of-the-border flavor. Dishes to try: the tasty queso fundido chili dip starter and delicious street tacos like the crispy fried fish (with lime cabbage, cilantro slaw and pineapple pico de gallo), chicken tinga cooked in onions, tomato and Chipotle sauce, and the steak version. Plus, consider ordering the chile relleno, the recently added sizzling pork chops and the fabulous homemade churros filled with caramel and drizzled with chocolate. Entrees: $8.99-$14.99; tacos: $3-$4 each or a two-taco platter with rice and beans is $7.99, a three-taco platter is $9.99. Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday and Monday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. (Reviewed 2-10-17) — Jacky Runice

Alejandro’s Mexican Restaurant,163 W. Belvidere Road, Round Lake, (847) 886-7777. Mexican breakfast specialties, tacos, burritos, soups, salads and more fill the menu at this casual, yet colorful eatery. Table service was top-notch; the staff is extra-friendly and very proud of their food. Dishes to try: ensalada de nopal (a hearty salad with cactus strips), the plate-size veggie burrito and the chicken enchiladas with homemade mole sauce. Entrees: $10-$15. Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. (Reviewed 5-5-17) — J.B.

En Fuego Mexican Grille,17W648 22nd St., Oakbrook Terrace, (630) 613-8899 or enfuegomexgrill.com. Diners will find fresh upscale, handmade Mexican specialties in the hacienda-like dining room. Dishes to try: the cheesy steak quesadillas, sizzling chicken fajitas and the pastor tacos. Don’t pass up the delicate, warm cinnamon sugar churros. After dinner (or before), visit Los Caballos Cantina, the separate bar offering live music on Friday nights

and the owner’s own brand of tequila, El Nacimiento. Entrees: $10-$21. Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Sunday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. (Reviewed 2-24-17) — C.L.

Jalisco,4949 Grand Ave., Gurnee, (224) 637-8616, eatjalisco.com/. Walking into this restaurant is like stepping into the Mexican state of the same name — lively music, lots of colors and a distinct western theme. The breakfast, lunch and dinner menu is massive, and drinks are oversized. Dishes to consider: queso fundido with chorizo, the pozole soup (a meal in a bowl), the enchilada dinner with mole sauce, the taco al pastor and the nopales guisados taco. Entrees: $7-$29. Hours: 9 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. (Reviewed 12-2-16) — J.B.

Las Gorditas de Don Angel #4,165 E. Highland Ave., Elgin, (847) 468-0330, facebook.com/gorditaselgin/. This bright taqueria will satisfy your craving for Mexican street food like gorditas. Here, the pastry is made with masa and then stuffed with cheese, meat, peppers, eggs, cactus, potatoes and sauces. Favorites included gorditas filled with poblano peppers with fresh cheese; beans with cheese; cactus with eggs in red sauce; ground beef with potatoes in a green sauce; and steak in red sauce. And don’t miss the tasty steak taco, too. Prices: Gorditas: $1.90-$2.25; tacos: $1.40. Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. (Reviewed 4-21-17) — J.R.

Spanish

El Tapeo,2100 Spring Road, Le Meridien Chicago-Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, (630) 828-2044, eltapeorestaurant.com. Executive chef Matthew Cappellini has put a new spin on the tapas menu. Dishes to try: datiles, albondigas, calcot, coles de Bruselas, pulpo, seafood paella and leche frita. Entrees: $25-$44, tapas $6-$18. Hours: 5 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, closed Sunday. (Reviewed 10-14-16) — K.R.

Vegetarian

Cinnamon Bistro,751 W. Route 22, Lake Zurich, (224) 662-4138, cinnamonbistro.com. Tucked into a hidden nook of the Village Square Shopping Center, this cozy spot with its inventive vegetarian cuisine, exquisite presentation and leisurely paced service will make you feel like you’re miles away from home. Dishes to try: the chef’s variety appetizer, the portobello mushroom cap stuffed with ricotta cheese and herbs and paired with two potato cutlets, polenta and mushrooms and mango mousse. Entrees: $18-$19. Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday. (Reviewed 6-24-16) — Lisa Miner