Let's face it: Dad already owns every tool known to man, he's seen enough handmade cards and he's not as crazy about flowers as mom. So skip the gifts and take pops to one of these restaurants where you won’t have to worry about him returning a thing.
Take Your Cubs-Crazed Dad to Harry Caray's Tavern
There aren't many things that scream dad like free food and sports, and this Wrigleyville restaurant is serving up both on Father's Day. Just stop in between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. and Harry Caray's will comp dad’s meal (up to $15), leaving you extra cash to buy pops another round. The two of you can also catch the Cubs game on the restaurant's 123-inch flat-screen while you nosh on sliders, paninis and pizzas. But get there early, because reservations are not accepted. You can also enjoy the Harry Caray's experience in the 'burbs, as both the Rosemont and Lombard restaurants have Father's Day specials – including the chance to win a baseball signed by Ernie Banks or Ryne Sandberg.
Get Grillin' at Marigold
If dad had his way, he'd probably be slappin' some steaks on the grill and kickin' back with a cold one. But it's time to let someone else do the work, and if you're not as skilled at the grill as the old man, Marigold's has you covered. Dad can get all his favorites with the restaurant's Mixed Grill Thali, a huge mess of meaty fare including lamb chops, chicken and shrimp ($22.95). Pair it up with a Kingfish beer and the only thing missing is the backyard.
Share the Love at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba
You and dad can share the love and the small plates at this tapas restaurant. The festive menu features Spanish tortillas with ham and Manchego, wild mushroom omelets, French toast with caramelized apples and goat cheese crepes (all under $6). Dad can also take advantage of the build-your-won bloody mary bar stocked with 10 different hot sauces, fresh radishes, jalapeno-stuffed olives and an assortment of vodkas. Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba will also be shaking up Cava cocktails with dad's choice of blood orange, passion fruit puree, blackberry puree or peach nectar. And the restaurant has a large outdoor patio, so here's to sunny weather.
Hit the Lanes at 10pin Bowling Lounge
Let 10Pin make up for years of bad Father's Day gifts by giving dad the chance to win a trip to the Bahamas. All he needs to do is bowl a strike when he sees a red pin and his name will be thrown into the drawing. In addition, the whole family can bowl up to three hours, $15 per person, and watch baseball on eight theater-size screens. Specials include baby-back ribs with bourbon BBQ sauce and lamb chops with mint demi-glace and wilted greens ($13 and $15, respectively). The bar will also be shaking up its signature Kingpin (bourbon, sweet vermouth and grenadine) and Daddy-O (gin and lime juice) martinis, $9.50 each. The full menu at 10Pin is also available.
Score Cubs Tickets at The Ritz-Carlton Cafe
It doesn't get any manlier than brunch and baseball -- especially when the brunch menu includes items like smoked seafood, garlic-crusted prime rib, Belgian waffles and a dunking doughnut. While dad is relishing his hearty meal, he'll have the chance to win four tickets to the Cubs home game on June 22. Brunch is available from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Treat Pops to Brunch and Bartending at Shaw's Crab House
Show dad how you've been paying the bills by putting your bartending skills to good use. Pops can hit up the brunch buffet while you take care of the drinks at Shaw's DIY bloody mary bar ($5). The buffet runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ($49.99 for adults and $19.99 for children) and features breakfast classics like croissants, cinnamon rolls, bananas foster French toast and scrambled eggs. There's even an omelet station in case you want to show off your cooking skills as well. If dad's already had breakfast, he'll enjoy the buffet's lunchy items, including shrimp cocktail, seared salmon, lobster brie penne pasta and roasted beef tenderloin. Or head to Cy's suburban location in Schaumburg, where they’re offering dad a $25 gift card with his meal.
Feed Dad for Free at Ai Sushi Lounge
Want to take pops somewhere nice without splurging? All you have to do is pay for your meal and Ai will take care of dad's with its signature maki sushi, dessert and a bottle of Japanese beer. The restaurant will also offer its weekly “all you care to eat” menu, $31.95 per person.
Take Your Sushi Lovin' Dad to Tsuki Japanese Restaurant & Lounge
Because nothing pairs better with sushi than Japanese beer, dad gets a glass of the stuff for free when you take him to Tsuki. The restaurant’s regular dinner menu, including chicken teriyaki, California sea bass, Japanese sweet potato fries and an extensive list of sushi, will be served from 5-11 p.m. Reservations are recommended.
Plan a Picnic at Va Pensiero
Take dad on a trip through Tuscany with Va Pensiero's five course and four wines Father's Day special. The Italian restaurant will be pairing regional wines with BBQ appetizers, picnic-style at 4:30 p.m. on the lawn of the Margarita Inn. Afterward, things will progress into the dining room for a rustic meal featuring authentic pastas, steaks and a dessert promised to "haunt" your dreams—we're hoping that just means it's something cream-laden. The prix fixe menu is $50 per person, $20 for children under 12.
Pair Grilled Fare with Fine Wine at Cafe Matou
Discerning dads will be saying "merci beaucoup!" when they see Chef Charlie Socher's French-inspired fare. Socher will be stepping away from the oven and throwin' down the coals for this one. His Father's Day menu includes all kinds of grilled specials from a brochette of salmon and scallops served with a lemon-zest basil sauce to a New York strip with a cabernet-black olive compound butter and fries ($24 each). Wine director James Rahn will also be around to ensure that dad gets the perfect glass to pair with his gourmet meal.
Save Room for Dessert at Signature Room at the 95th
Dad may have brunch on the brain when he heads to The Signature Room, but he'll be tuning in to his sweet tooth after catching a glimpse of the dizzying dessert selection. These sweet treats include citrus cheesecakes, coconut roulade and chocolate pecan tarts, to name a few. But saving room for all that good stuff will be no easy task with Chef Patrick Sheerin's brunch buffet of slow roasted prime rib, made-to-order omelets and freshly shucked oysters. Of course, Dad could always combine the best of both with Sheerin's banana caramel French toast. Brunch is available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., $58 for adults and $25 for children.
Have an Elegant Brunch at Entourage on American Lane
Take dad over to Entourage in Schaumburg where he can nosh on traditional treats all morning long. The restaurant's brunch buffet, tailored just for dad, includes cinnamon apple and spiced pecan French toast, eggs benedict and plenty of freshly baked breakfast pastries. On the savory side of things, dad can indulge in the carving station which includes salivating selections like smoked beef brisket and herb garlic roasted turkey. Other Father's Day delights include an herb-crusted Atlantic salmon, an omelet station and a whole slew of desserts. The buffet runs from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., $31.95 for adults and $13.95 for children ages six to twelve. Entourage's regular dinner menu will be served from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Grab a Slice of Pie at Frasca Pizzeria & Wine Bar
Frasca's new brunch menu is sure to please dad with its modern take on authentic Italian dishes. Some of these items include a breakfast pizza topped with three over-easy eggs, sausage and cheese, French toast made with a hand-dipped baguette and a bacon, cheddar and onion quiche. Frasca will also be offering a bloody mary bar with all the proper trimmings. Brunch will be served both Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Learn a Little French at Haussmann Brasserie
Slip over to this suburban spot where chef and owner Jacky Pluton will be doling out classic French fare for dad this Father's Day. Brunch items include waffles with caramelized bananas, ham and cheese sandwiches with pistachio paste and pulled beef short ribs. Brunch is served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Celebrate the Night Before at Smoke Daddy
Dad will be the one giving thanks when you bring him to Smoke Daddy's annual pig roast. And you'll be thanking Smoke Daddy for the cheap, fleshy feast of all-you-can-eat pulled pork sandwiches, homemade coleslaw and barbecue chips. The $20 per person roast even includes drafts of Bud Light. You'll have to make this a pre-Father's day celebration though, as the event takes place Saturday, June 14 from noon to 3 p.m.
Unwind Outside at Sweet Baby Ray's
Dad's had a long week and he just wants to be outdoors, preferably near a grill with a six-pack. Take him to Sweet Baby Ray's Elk Grove Village location, where he can unwind in the sun with the restaurant's outdoor grill station, offering garlic mini burgers and brats. The barbecue buffet will feature an omelet station, barbecue ribs and southern style biscuits and gravy. Dad can also mix up a bloody mary with the garnishes of his choice (additional $7.99 charge). The Father's Day brunch buffet is $26.95 for adults, $14.95 for children ages eight to twelve. Seating times are at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
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