Don't overlook the restaurants in Evanston. I love downtown Chicago (focus on River North), but have only recently come to appreciate the breadth and depth of what Evanston has to offer.
Here are a few of my favorites:
Blind Faith. Vegan restaurant, but you wouldn't know it by the taste. I'd swear the delicious pot pie actually has chicken in it.
Dave's Italian Kitchen. Great down-home atmosphere that makes you feel like you are in Iowa, not snooty Evanston. Argh. It's closed.
Prairie Joe's. Northwestern funky at its best.
Walker Bros. Pancake House. Historic and oh-so-delicious.
Hecky's BBQ. Carryout only, but worth it. This is vintage BBQ like you would expect on the near west side of Chicago. Make sure to read the articles on the walls and say hi to Hecky. He is what I want to be like when I grow up! Seriously, he is a local benefactor of the highest order and even cancer couldn't keep him down. If only the world had more men like Hecky!
Mustard's Last Stand. Right next to the stadium. It will be packed, but they have several outstations where you can buy food. Great game day food.
Gino's East. If you want the best Chicago-style pizza, go to the Gino's East on Huron in downtown Chicago. I recommend the sausage patty pizza with a slab of sausage, not little chunks. This is a man's pizza. There are Giordano's knock-offs all over town, but the best is Gino's East on Huron, just off Michigan Avenue.