Classic, upscale American food stars in this warmly restored historic building in the South Loop.

The Scene
Built in 1905, this lovely old firehouse has been sumptuously restored with a handsome cherry bar, plush leather booths and club chairs. The real charm of this place, though, comes from the reminders of its old identity as home to Engine Company 104, from the shiny tin ceiling and intact fire poles to the gleaming glazed tile that covers the walls.

The Food
The traditional American menu delivers clean, familiar flavors like plump green onion-studded crab cakes, classic French onion soup brimming with Gruyere cheese and a juicy burger that ranks among the best in town. Popular for comfort-food plates like slow-cooked pot roast and roasted Firehouse chicken with au gratin potatoes, the restaurant also serves up seafood, like pan-fried rainbow trout, mahi mahi and Florida grouper with artichokes, prosciutto and olive tapenade. For dessert, there's pecan pie, Nutella-filled crepes and tempting chocolate chip-banana bread pudding.