There are certain restaurants that just seem to exude class. Restaurants that because of their nature seem like very old and very traditional places. The kind of places that are dark in the bar and have waitresses that look like they have been working there for most of their lives and the food has been the same since the Eisenhower administration. At times this can be a bad thing and I am willing to admit that. However, sometimes it's the fact that it's traditional and classy means that it's good. The old Berghoff restaurant in downtown Chicago was like that for me and my family but the Black Ram restaurant in Des Plaines is very special.
The bar is dark and there always seems to be older gentleman in there watching television. The place is generally quiet but pleasant for families. My family has had several full-family get-togethers there and we have never been disappointed. What brings us back? Well, it's not the prices, but the food.
My favorite is the rack of lamb crusted with bread crumbs and served with mint jelly. Where else do you find mint jelly served. I wasn't even sure they still made mint jelly.
The steak is fantastic, or so I have been told by my father. My mom also loves the chicken dishes. My dad is the most adventurous and he has affirmed that the menu is outstanding.
The restaurant is hidden and tucked away, sort of on a busy street full of hardware stores in Des Plaines and behind the forest preserve. If you blink and try to pay attention to the crazy traffic on Oakton you might drive right past it. I have been there several times and sometime I still drive right past it.
Find it. It's worth the effort. The food is excellent Try the lamb.
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