Just when you thought there was no reason to head to the suburbs, you stumble upon a place like Tallgrass. Opened in 1981 by chef Robert Burcenski and maitre d' Thomas Alves, the acclaimed new-French restaurant is location in historic Lockport, considered the Midwest's best preserved canal town. Housed in a 110-year-old Victorian home, expect the finest in every detail (Burcenski, leaving nothing to chance, even made his own plates and bowls).

Tallgrass offers three-, four- and five-course meals (around $45-$65), with each diner creating his own menu from more than 30 choices (including vegetarian and heart-healthy options). Expect dishes like roasted rack of herbed Australian lamb with proscuitto, sage and soft-mozzarella polenta and flash-fried calamari with summer bruschetta brioche. The intelligent wine list features West Coast, French and Italian producers. In short, this is one restaurant that's well worth the drive. You must call ahead however, this restaurant is reservations only.

Average cost: $31+