Situated on the first floor of the Marriott Suites O'Hare (where the median price of a suite is $253 a night) Allies American Grille and Bar reintroduces guests and Rosemont residents to American cuisine done right, adding a morsel of Midwest specialty in any variety of settings.

Visitors preferring a more laid-back evening join Pablo at the bar where he douses them with ingenious drink recipes like the caramel apple martini and pomegranate margarita. Here, you'll find a marble-topped bar, cherry-finished stools and two flat screens, usually tuned to the news or sports. On temperate evenings, utilize the outdoor patio with a river/forest view. Unusual feathered migrants sometimes layover in this reserve, to the delight of avian enthusiasts.

Formal feasts unfold in the dining area, where down-tempo beats play and fine light soothes. Meals pour out of an open kitchen, delivered by well-informed servers willing to accommodate special dietary requests. The manager, Joseph Steiskal, also habitually interacts with diners.

Unconcerned with trekking beyond your suite's doors? Have room service shuffle up a plate of Marriott's mini mo sliders for a small service fee. And for groups or conferences, make use of the Rosemont Room, offering privacy and a repertoire of wines.

Steak lovers discover a ribeye trampling those of even their favorite steakhouses. Fish fanatics find surprises each visit with a featured fish of the day; past options included mahi-mahi, swordfish and mako shark. Counting carbs? Perhaps a "fit-for-you" shrimp nicoise salad works (hard boiled eggs, green beans and black olives in a mustard vinaigrette, $16). On a budget? Side options fill for $5 and include crispy Parmesan potato wedges and fries with horseradish aioli. Meals average at $18.

Average cost: $10-$20

Centerstage Reviewer: David-Anthony Gonzalez