Beloved Chicago chef Susan Goss and her wine-knowing husband Drew Goss run West Town Tavern, an upscale comfort foodie in a handsome brick-walled storefront that encourages repeats with genuine warmth. If it’s on the menu, start with the beer cheese ball, the kind of spreadable cheddar last seen on New Year’s Eve in the late 1960s. Entrées include roast chicken with red wine vinegar sauce, zinfandel-braised pot roast, and duck confit. Desserts finish charmingly via the classed-up s’mores with homemade marshmallows. West Town’s wine selection roams far and wide on the interesting and largely affordable list.

West Town Tavern Information:

• American menu. Dinner. Closed Sun. Bar. Casual attire. Outdoor seating.