Located at 601 Skokie Blvd in Northbrook, Illinois, Prairie Grass Cafe stands as a cornerstone of the local culinary landscape. Since its inception, the restaurant has dedicated itself to providing a welcoming environment where guests can enjoy thoughtfully prepared meals. The philosophy here is rooted in the belief that great food begins with high-quality ingredients and a genuine passion for hospitality. Whether you are a long-time resident of Northbrook or a visitor passing through the area, the cafe offers a space that balances comfort with a refined approach to American dining.
The atmosphere at Prairie Grass Cafe is designed to be versatile, making it an ideal destination for various occasions. From casual weekday lunches to more celebratory evening gatherings, the setting is intended to foster conversation and connection. The team behind the restaurant places a strong emphasis on maintaining a consistent standard of service, ensuring that every guest feels valued from the moment they walk through the doors at 601 Skokie Blvd.
What Defines the Experience
Several core principles guide the daily operations at Prairie Grass Cafe, contributing to its reputation within the community. These elements are central to the identity of the establishment and reflect a commitment to excellence in every aspect of the dining experience:
Commitment to Quality Ingredients: The kitchen prioritizes sourcing fresh, seasonal components to create dishes that highlight natural flavors. By working with reliable suppliers, the culinary team ensures that the menu remains vibrant and reflective of the current harvest.
A Welcoming Community Atmosphere: The restaurant serves as a gathering place for the Northbrook community. The interior design and service style are crafted to create a relaxed, approachable environment that encourages guests to linger and enjoy their time.
Consistency and Culinary Integrity: A focus on well-executed, classic techniques ensures that the food remains reliable and satisfying. The chefs strive to balance traditional flavors with contemporary presentations, appealing to a wide range of palates.
Dedicated Hospitality: The staff at Prairie Grass Cafe is trained to provide attentive and professional service. This focus on the human element of dining helps to build lasting relationships with patrons who return time and again.
A Destination for Every Occasion
The location of Prairie Grass Cafe in Northbrook makes it a convenient stop for those navigating the bustling Skokie Blvd corridor. Its accessibility, combined with a menu that emphasizes variety and freshness, allows the restaurant to cater to diverse groups, including families, professionals, and friends looking to catch up over a meal. The kitchen team is constantly evaluating their offerings to ensure that the menu remains engaging while staying true to the core values that have defined the establishment since it first opened its doors.
Ultimately, Prairie Grass Cafe is more than just a place to eat; it is a reflection of the vibrant spirit of Northbrook. By focusing on the fundamentals of good cooking and warm service, the restaurant continues to play an active role in the local dining scene. We invite you to visit us at 601 Skokie Blvd to experience the dedication and care that go into every plate we serve. Whether you are joining us for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner, our team looks forward to providing you with a memorable experience that highlights the best of what our kitchen has to offer.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating
Service options
Takeout
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Fast service
Great cocktails
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Great wine list
Serves local specialty
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Hard liquor
Healthy options
Organic dishes
Private dining room
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine
Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom
Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy
Upscale
Crowd
Family-friendly
Groups
Planning
Lunch reservations recommended
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu
Parking
Free parking lot
Free street parking
Usually plenty of parking
Menus
Photos
Reviews Prairie Grass Cafe
Eddis Goodale
30-05-2026
First time diner here. The burger (advertised as award-winning) was a taste explosion in my mouth - delicious. Not a fan of potato wedges with skin still on, but I even devoured those. Attentive wait staff also. Well worth a meal(s) here; stop by! More
Stephanie Cappello
30-05-2026
To go lunch order:
Ancho skirt steak
Cobb salad … More
Jayco J
30-05-2026
Our server, Jolanta, was knowledgeable about what was on the menu. She made certain all of our needs were met. It was my Mom’s birthday and she served her a cupcake and sang Happy Birthday! More
Kristin
30-05-2026
Fine dining. Cloth tablecloths, cloth napkins, personnel waiters are dressed nicely. I wasn't very hungry today so I had their coconut pineapple ice cream for lunch and it was very nice we also had my friend split pea soup. They were both delicious. More
Juliana Peter Engel Storms
30-05-2026
We had a friendly business lunch at PGC. We ordered the Asian chicken salad, housemade veggie burger, and mushroom avocado toast with feta fries. All we're divine. The salad dressing is bright and perfect. Left with apple dessert and these chocolate turtles for later. Hoping to return soon! More
F H
30-05-2026
The food at Praline Grass was sublime. The service is excellent, I ordered my appetizer and it arrived in minutes. The waiter was very friendly and helpful. I would definitely recommend the hamburger known for being Chicago’s #1 burger. The double chocolate cake is delicious. Make sure to visit Praline Grass sometime More
M. Albona
30-05-2026
I had the pumpkin pie as well as the white fish with mash and broccoli. My main dish was perfectly seasoned! Not overwhelming at all so the true flavor of the whitefish could shine. The pie was divine!!! Perfect texture and consistency and I'm a dessert expert! I would highly recommend for both food and service! More
Iris Griselle Ayala
30-05-2026
We was in the Botanical Garden show Magnified...and we selected this place to dinner was nice place, excellent service and delicious food More
Jeremy
30-05-2026
Prairie Grass Cafe is a chic, upscale restaurant in Northbrook, Illinois that serves modern American comfort food made from locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant has a warm and inviting atmosphere, with a large dining room and a more … More
B F
30-05-2026
Went for Easter brunch. The food was good but not even close to being worth the insane price, $77 per person. Then the receipt still recommended a tip of 20% and up to 25%, for a 'serve yourself' brunch. For four people, with drinks it was … More
E Wayne
30-05-2026
The Skirt Steak was amazing! We had a sampling of their wonderful dessert menu! All were delicious!
Anna J.
30-05-2026
Wonderful dinner. Exceptional service, delicious appetizers (dates and brussles sprouts) and mains- my half chicken was prepped just right and its crispy skin was to die for! … More
SERGELATO
30-05-2026
love the concept of farm-to-table. Corn Fritters, Acorn Squash, Crispy Chicken, and all desserts were stand outs! More
Stephanie Hannar
30-05-2026
Amazing. Beautiful space, great food, strong cocktails, quiet atmosphere. The brussel sprouts had this basil paste underneath. Wow. We will be back! More
Roxanne Dunn
30-05-2026
Great family dining experience! Took my 2 year old niece here and she did great - they were also very patient with us! More
Tina McMahon
30-05-2026
Amazing work experience! From the hostess to the server to the spectacular dishes! The food and wine pairings were top notch! Can’t wait to come back! More
Shiungor
30-05-2026
Master chef Sarah 🌟 YOU and the entire magical kitchen knocked it outta the park for our first visit today.
We cleaned house 😆 and loved every single bite of …
^Beet salad - gorgeous plate and super yum
^Squash soup - sooo smooth and with pepitas 😋
^Truffle fries 🍟 with spicy aioli …
^Lamb burger - WOAH that sauce unlocks a new level, it is gonna be hard to eat other burgers…
^French gruyere meatloaf - the perfect charred carrots 🥕 the mashed potatoes , the grilled onions atop the meatloaf …every bite was impeccable
^Toffee date cake with ice cream - I will goto the gym for this
The waitstaff was so attentive and friendly! Pristine white linen in a relaxed setting, this place is so darling , no wonder it is jammed packed the moment it opens.
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$60–70
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Noise level
Moderate noise
Wait time
No wait
Recommendation for vegetarians
Somewhat recommend
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot
Voula V
30-05-2026
The cauliflower soup was so velvety and smooth, the lamb burger was as good as any I've had abroad in Greece, and the scratch made coconut pie with fresh coconut was the best I've had. This gem is worth a trip to Northbrook. More
A Thermos
30-05-2026
We had another lovely meal here at Prairie Grass. The food, and drinks were delicious and service was superb! More
D MT111
30-05-2026
Delicious lunch today at Prairie Grass Cafe! The most difficult task was to decide between the many interesting and mouthwatering options. Service was impeccable as always and the atmosphere was friendly and relaxed. I can’t wait to return soon… and nor should you… More
Marc
30-05-2026
The crispy duck special was very good with a large portion size and a light sauce along with a plum and corn slaw. Pecan crusted pan fried tilapia on creamed spinach was also good.. Both the beet and fig salads were good. The service … More
ska
30-05-2026
A scrumptious dinner venue hidden away in the corporate building. The service is very fast!
The food - the sirloin burger is truly a delight. It’s soft and tender topped up with a blue cheese topping of sorts. The wedge potato’s are a whole other delight! Crispy and substantial. I always order an extra side of these. It’s a perfect blend of crispy outside and edges with a warm, soft middle.
The half baked chicken was wonderful: the skin was perfectly crispy and the wild rice gave nice texture. The true star of the show was the pumpkin it was served with - buttery sweet with a crunch from the sunflower seed it was served with. It complimented the savory chicken dish so nicely.
The shepherd’s pie was hearty and delicious! Soft creamy mashed potatoes in the top with piping hot meat and veggies!
The desserts are always the perfect close to the night. Not too sweet but perfectly savory. I recommend the warm cake.
Other recommendations: filet mignon, skirt steak, and crispy Brussels sprouts.
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Potato Wedges
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot
Russell from R. Kassman
30-05-2026
As a native Chicagoan, when I visit I am always looking for a meal to satiate my midwestern cravings. Prairie Grass went beyond my expectations in both food and service. As a San Franciscan, I am admittedly somewhat snobbish about food, … More
jane val
30-05-2026
We recently had take out dinner from Prairie Grass Cafe.
Crispy Breaded Halibut with apple slaw, potato wedges, cocktail sauce and tartar … More
Daniel Silver
30-05-2026
Prairie Grass is a wonderful restaurant for a special occasion or if you feel like having a slightly fancier night out. The food and service are excellent! I got the date and fig salad as an appetizer, the Lake Superior White fish with … More
Lauren Penson
30-05-2026
I do not recommend the Rosh Hashana meal. It was just thoughtlessly put together and overpriced. They didn't even include appropriate bread for a Jewish holiday meal. The soup didn't have a matzo ball in it. The meat was good, but a … More
Rebecca Fyffe
30-05-2026
We had a wonderful dinner at Prairie Grass Cafe. The spring rolls were loaded with delicious perfectly cooked shrimp and the accompanying sauce (sweet chili with garlic and cilantro) plays nicely with them. The flounder with roasted carrots … More
ska
30-05-2026
A scrumptious dinner venue hidden away in the corporate building. The service is very fast! … More
Vito Brancato
30-05-2026
Dinner was fantastic. I enjoyed a flavorful juicy skirt steak and the mushroom strudel. The steak was perfectly cooked, and I loved the grilled onion they served with it. I asked Pierre, their sommelier, for a wine recommendation to … More
Laura Ŵ
30-05-2026
Didn't expect this to be as exceptional as it was! Their specials are fabulous and fresh. 'Ancho marinated skirt steak' was incredible, as was the 'Creamy sexy blue cheese wedge salad'. Each item is unique from any other restaurant fare. … More
food_from_the_usa
30-05-2026
This place is awesome. Wasn’t aware of it but we will be going back for sure. Fresh food and super friendly staff! Short rib special was made with extra care. So good. Filet was cooked perfectly. White fish was fresh and perfectly cooked. Burger- with out a bun- was flavorful and delicious. Get the banana cream pie. This is a must stop!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Noise level
Moderate noise
Group size
3-4 people, 5-8 people
Wait time
No wait
Reviews Prairie Grass Cafe