Monarch & Lion

This British pub in Streeterville comes from the team behind Rooh and Bar Goa. Monarch and Lion isn’t nearly as interesting as those places, and the food (some of which can be made gluten-free or vegan) is just short of being fine. Like the artichoke bhaji, which is spiced well but over-fried. Or the fish and chips, where the fish is perfectly fried in a pleasantly light batter, but comes with a thimbleful of tartar sauce, underseasoned chips, and flavorless, semi-mashed peas.

Maybe it’s the food, the sedate environment, or the proximity to the Embassy Suites next door, but despite being made up to look like an old-fashioned pub with lots of leather and wood paneling, this place feels like your average hotel restaurant. On the plus side, it’s conveniently located by the Streeterville AMC theater. Head to the bar for some drinks, and avoid the small tables up front with bizarrely deep wingback chairs that are only comfortable if you’re 7 feet tall.