Mike Ditka's: River North Comfort Food

Being from Wisconsin and also being loyal to the the state's professional football team, I found it a bit uneasy stepping inside Mike Ditka's restaurant.  However, it was tempting given the rave reviews we have heard about the place.

For starters the tables were spread out and the place was surprisingly roomy.  We decided to not to eat at the bar, and the decor reminded me of a place where my grandparents would eat. I felt either underage or under-dressed.   As you would expect, the place has tons of Mike Ditka's personal memorabilia, as well as lots of Chicago Bears knicknacks.

I was put at ease by the menu, however.  I don't consider me to be much of a steak person, but I gravitated instantly toward the pot roast, which I have not had since growing up.  And, oh, was it good; the meat was very tender, and was mixed with corn, peas, mashed potatoes, and "Bourbon maple glaze".   At $15 on the lunch menu it is good value for money.  (The entree goes up to $19 for dinner, though I'm not sure if the portion size increases as well.)  Service was friendly, with our waiter saying it was "Grandma Ditka's recipe". I'm guessing he was joking, but you never know....

Mike Ditka's
100 East Chestnut
312-587-8989