Gather

Gather is the type of place that would be impossible to get into if it were in River North, but since it’s in Lincoln Square, it doesn’t end up on everyone’s list. That’s a shame, because Gather is great. Its seasonal menu of new American food will please just about everyone, and the chef used to work for Charlie Trotter, and that experience shows because even the boring sounding dishes end up being interesting. The space is low-key but nice enough for a celebration or date night, and there is also a back patio which is fantastic for large groups.