High ceilings and Art Deco accents aren’t the only archetypal French elements at this River North fixture. With whimsical French accordion music constantly playing in the background, chef/owner Jean Joho’s bistro has been a Chicago favorite since it opened in 1996, drawing adoring crowds with a casual Alsatian menu that features classics such as coq au vin and a juicy cut of steak topped with a heaping mound of frites. The value-conscious, however, don’t need to venture beyond the tartes flambées, delicious pizzas topped with everything from pears, blue cheese and walnuts to spinach, mushroom and Gruyère. A large beer and wine selection (including the restaurant’s own Hopla brew) makes this the next best thing to being in Paris—in fact, the only way to make this place feel more French would be to add an aloof server or two, but we’re not about to request something like that.

Brasserie Jo Information:

• French menu. Dinner.