The immediate area around the intersection of Waukegan Road and Route 176 in Lake Bluff, dominated by gas stations, strip malls, and fast food, is not a likely spot for an upscale bistro, but this incongruity is what has helped to make Grille No. 43 so popular with families as well as the corporate crowd, and the type of place to earn the designation “hidden gem” of restaurant review websites.
“It’s the perfect location,” counters Kelley Palmer, marketing director. “The area was missing something like (us). It’s inviting for families but with an intimate atmosphere that’s great for nearby corporations to bring clients for lunch or dinner.”
The restaurant, which opened six years ago, has about 30 tables — both booths and high-top tables that can comfortably seat at least four. Dining also is available at the bar.
Palmer describes the menu offerings as globally-inspired American cuisine. Chef Khammays is formerly of Karma in Mundelein, Irea 60 in Vernon Hills and also served as sous chef at Le Francais.
The signature appetizer is Don Julio’s drunken shrimp ($17). Also popular are three incarnations of sliders: Angus beef ($12), veggie-burger ($11), and pulled pork ($12).
Entrees range from chicken 43, a stuffed free-range chicken breast ($23) to a seared Norwegian salmon ($27) and duo of beef tenderloin ($34). The dinner menu also includes burgers and sandwiches, including the prime burger ($18), the pulled pork sandwich ($14) and the bistro steak sandwich ($19).
In addition to burgers, the lunch menu features an applewood BLT ($10), turkey wrap ($13) and reuben grille ($14). All sandwiches are accompanied by hand-cut fries or seasonal fruit.
Grille No. 43 also serves an eclectic Sunday brunch. Omelettes start at $10. Other egg items include huevos rancheros ($9), breakfast nachos ($12) and three Benedict incarnations, pulled pork ($11), smoked salmon ($12) and lobster ($16). Brunch also offers thick-cut brioche French toast ($9) and blueberry pancakes ($10).
All three menus also feature a selection of rotating daily specials (such as a shrimp and scallop salad) as well as entrée salads, including a mixed greens Grille’s salad ($10), Asian c hicken ($11), tuna Nicoise salad ($17).
Grille No. 43 is more intimate than intimidating with personable servers.
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“We offer a welcoming environment,” Palmer said. “You don’t have to worry about being over- or under-dressed. We want people to remember us as ‘that place we go where they know us.'”
The parking lot can be tricky to navigate, but complimentary valet parking is offered.
Hours: Mon.-Fri.: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sat.: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Sun: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Grille No. 43 is at 28800 N. Waukegan Rd., Lake Bluff. Contact 847-234-7643 or visit www.grilleno43.com.
Donald Liebenson is a freelance writer.