Low on contrivance, high on flavor, chef/owner Erwin Dreschler’s “urban heartland” cuisine is right at home in his comfy and convivial North Side restaurant. This is the thinking man’s contemporary American comfort food, served amid a nature-inspired scheme of warm woods, forest green and white walls, fresh flowers, and white tablecloths. The well-chosen wines, including extensive by-the-glass options, are central to the concept of the ever-changing seasonal menu (Dreschler is a champion of local foodstuffs and leads tours of area farmers’ markets). With choices like banana-cinnamon French toast, eggs Benedict, and rainbow trout, erwin is also a popular brunch destination. 

Erwin Information:

• Contemporary American menu. Dinner, Sun brunch. Closed Mon; holidays. Bar. Casual attire. Reservations recommended. Valet parking. Credit cards accepted.