Bruno’s Quick Bites

Recently reviewed restaurants by dining critic Pat Bruno. (Star ratings: ★★★★ Extraordinary; ★★★ Excellent; ★★ Very Good; ★ Good; Zero stars: Poor)

Perennial Virant, 1800 N. Lincoln; (312) 981-7070; perennialchicago.com. Chef Paul Virant (Vie in Western Springs) is serving up contemporary American cuisine with an emphasis on farm-to-table. Comfortable, casual atmosphere. Try the crispy Carnaroli rice, gnocchi, sockeye salmon, honey nougat glace (if available; the menu changes frequently). ★1/2 (Reviewed July 29)

Bridge House Tavern, 321 N. Clark; (312) 644-0283; bridgehousetavern.com. Head down from Clark Street to the riverside restaurant with great views of the skyline. The contemporary American cuisine is plagued with inconsistencies, though. Try the mussels, salmon BLT, tavern chicken and steak frites. ★ (Reviewed July 29)

South Branch Tavern Grille, 100 S. Wacker; (312) 546-6177; southbranchchicago.com. Located smack dab on the Chicago River, with dining both outside and inside, South Branch has a good vibe. The contemporary American cuisine (salads, sandwiches, burgers, wraps, eclectic entrees) has some surprisingly interesting and tasty moments, and the prices are reasonable. Try the "Black & Bleu Wedge" salad, fish tacos, burgers and pork chops. ★★ (Reviewed July 22)

Dawali Mediterranean Kitchen, 1625 N. Halsted; (312) 944-5800; dawalikitchen.com. This new and pleasing eatery has it together right from the start. The space is bright and pristine, with seating for about 60. The menu has just about every dish you could ask of a Middle Eastern restaurant. Try the salad sampler, appetizer sampler, lamb shish kebab, beef/lamb shawerma and baklava. ★1/2 (Reviewed July 22)

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