This innovative Northwest suburban American (the name didn't give it away?) restaurant specializes in wild game. Falling into the category of "golden finds," the casual 1776 can quench your carnivorous needs with selections like farm-raised lamb, ostrich and elk. The Winnebago Wild Game Sticks appetizer features skewered wild game with a sun-dried fruit relish, a great intro for those intrigued by less customary meats.

1776 offers a tapas dinner every Thursday, featuring a sampling of nine different appetizers are served for a mere $25.50, $40 with five wine pairings. Wine Wednesdays feature a free wine tasting and 15 percent off all bottles.

There's also a great selection of single-malt scotches and ports, as well as microbrewery beers and 5,000 bottles of wine available for your drinking pleasure.