SousWee, have you ever been to Mr. Benny's out by Tinley Park? We ate there once when we went upstate for a Farm Aid Concert. Their grilled portobello mushroom appetizer was superb, and try as I might, I've never been able to duplicate it. And the steak was the best I've ever had, even in Ft. Worth.
Loved the atmosphere, too. The owner greeted us at the door himself, a short, stocky Italian gentleman who appeared to enjoy his own food. When we left, he was still there, wanting to know if we enjoyed our meal.
Locally, we don't have a lot of choices, but our favorite is a family run bar and steakhouse. The owner tends bar and his wife does the cooking. They have great rib-eyes, prime rib, surf & turf, shrimp, and spaghetti with her homemade sauce.