What is a 'must-go-to' restaurant in Chicago?

We're going to Chicago over Thanksgiving weekend to celebrate a special birthday. Which restaurant would be the best to celebrate at? I'm looking for character, not necessarily the most expensive, and someplace unique to the area. Oh and good food of course. Thanks.What is a 'must-go-to' restaurant in Chicago?
The 95th floor of the John Handcock building.

Food is great - priced high for sum But, The view of the city is un-forgetable. The entire floor rotates to see the entire city.
It actually does not rotate. But you can walk around. And- if you go to th elounge for a drink and appetizers- you can have the same experience as the dining room.

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What is a 'must-go-to' restaurant in Chicago?
A few of my personal fine dining favorites:

mk restaurant, 868 N Franklin

http://www.mkchicago.com/



Naha, 500 N Clark St

http://www.naha-chicago.com/



Meritage, 2118 N Damen

Cheaper than all the others here, but the food's just as good. Very small space; reservations essential for weekends.

http://www.meritagecafe.com/



Most unique to Chicago: North Pond Cafe, 2610 N Cannon Dr

http://www.northpondrestaurant.com/

Great food, amazing atmosphere in the heart of Lincoln Park (the park itself, not just the neighborhood), in a historic building. Chicago is famous for its parks (the city's motto is Urbs in horto, city in a garden), many of which were designed by famous architects. This is a great place to take it all in while eating a great meal. Prepare to empty your wallet.



Casual places:

Kitsch'n, 2005 N Damen or 600 W. Chicago

http://www.kitschn.com/



Silver Cloud Diner, 1700 N Damen

Great martinis, comfort food, bustling atmosphere

http://www.silvercloudchicago.com/



Club Lucky, 1824 W Wabansia

Family style Italian; very hip and popular place

http://www.clubluckychicago.com/index.ht鈥?/a>

http://www.silvercloudchicago.com/
my personal favorite is blackbird..it may be a bit pricey but the food is amazing!!What is a 'must-go-to' restaurant in Chicago?
Go anywhere but Mike Ditka's. Overrated, food so-so and expensive.
italian village is very nice in downtown chicago. its not real expensive either. go to the la cantina room upstairs though.
cafe-ba-ba-reeba... a fun Spanish restaurant on Halstead st.
You're not looking for a restaurant that serves Thanksgiving dinner are you (turkey, dressing, etc.)? If not, try Buca de Beppo on North Clark street (http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/searc鈥?/a> There's also another downtown (http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/searc鈥?/a> Sure, it's a national chain restaurant, but it's loud, musical, gawdy and sort of fun, which is what when you're celebrating a birthday. And it's pretty inexpensive too. The servings are huge so a serving for one can actually feed two. Order a bunch of stuff and share it all. If you call the one on Clark street ahead of time, you can reserve the "Pope's table", where you can eat in a domed room with photos of the Popes! Or you can request the table in the kitchen itself for seven.



The House of blues might be another good birthday place. Always great live music in the restaurant and a lively atmosphere.

(http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/dinin鈥?/a>



Of course there are a bunch of other restaurants that people have mentioned but most of them are pretty sedate ... it's supposed to be a birthday party, have some fun!!!
The Chicago Culinary Institute is a great place! That's what I heard.
Gotta have the deep dish pizza with the yummy butter crust at Pizano on State St.



http://www.pizanoschicago.com/
***** last resort - it's a blast !