Recent restaurant reviews and profiles from Tribune food critic Phil Vettel, Tribune Newspapers staff reporters and freelance writers. No stars indicates a restaurant has been profiled but not reviewed, and does not reflect on quality of dining.

18th Street BreweryAfter being named best new brewer in Indiana in 2013 by RateBeer, 18th Street Brewery launched brew pubs in Gary and, more recently, Hammond. Under head chef Craig Goodall, who spent four years doing catering with the Horseshoe Casino, the menu includes poutine, a cheeseburger with jalapeno bacon jam, chili-rubbed chicharrones, wings, cheese curds, chicken banh mi and more. The draft and carry-out lists are updated regularly online. Open: Lunch and dinner daily. Prices: Entrees $6-$16. 5417 N. Oakley Ave., Hammond, 219-803-0820. — Jessi Virtusio

Arrowhead Ales Brewing Company From the house porter demi-glaze short rib to the beer-candied bacon creme brulee, the secret ingredient is beer, beer and more beer at family-friendly Arrowhead Ales Brewing Company. For instance, Devil's Breakfast, one of the signature brews crafted in the seven-barrel system located onsite, is an imperial oatmeal stout made with chocolate and coffee that's used in the syrup for the IPA-fried chicken and Belgian waffles. There's plenty on the menu beyond the beer as well. Open: Lunch and dinner daily; late-night Friday-Saturday. Prices: Entrees $9-$20. 2101 Calistoga Drive, New Lenox, 815-717-6068. — Vickie Jurkowski

Big Frank's Sausage The more outlandish the sandwich, the better at this East Chicago deli-turned-restaurant. For example: the Swinie, a behemoth of ham, bacon and sausage slathered in horseradish on a bun — probably not recommended by the American Heart Association, but one of owner Stan Stefanski's biggest sellers just the same. Stefanski also whips up traditional Polish food, including his double-fist-sized golumpki (cabbage roll wrapped around minced pork) and Polish hamburger, made from half beef and half pork. “It's the type of food you have to exercise after eating,” he says. Open: Lunch and dinner daily. Prices: $6-$11. 1417 Carrol St., East Chicago, 219-378-9556. — Michelle L. Quinn

Diane's Place This Palos Height spot grew out of moving the longtime Tastee Freez at 119th Street and Harlem Avenue to 123rd Street and Harlem. The new restaurant offers char burgers, sandwiches, cake, homemade candy and, of course, ice cream. Diane's Place also hosts monthly cooking classes and Sunday classic car shows from spring to fall. Open: Daily. Prices: $1.50 and up. 12306 S. Harlem Ave., Palos Heights, 708-923-0010. — J.V.

Harvest Room Chef Jonathan Harootunian manages a nifty balancing act at this eco-conscious south suburban restaurant, presenting cutting-edge dishes with dashes of molecular gastronomy (sweet-pea risotto with yuzu shrimp and a sphere of liquid lemon) as well as comforting pappardelle pasta with bison sugo, and a first-rate hamburger. The ambitious beverage program includes very good craft cocktails, a deep wine list and specialty teas. Open: Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Prices: Entrees $13-$35. 7164 W. 127th St., Palos Heights, 708-671-8905. — Phil Vettel

“Lil” Something Hot CafeLovers of coffee and light fare can take some “me” time at this cafe in Beverly, which serves everything from muffins and cookies to sandwiches and smoothies. Quarterly Hot After Dark evenings feature entertainment such as spoken word or live jazz music. Open: Breakfast and lunch Monday-Saturday. Prices: $2-4 for pastries and treats, $5 for sandwiches and salads. 1455 W. 103rd St., Beverly. 773-239-1339.

— J.V.

Lorenzetti's Called Carlo's by some and Lorenzetti's by others, the restaurant is owned by the family of the late Carlo Lorenzetti, who opened the place in 1986. Rigatoni al forno is the signature dish, with sauteed ham, peas and mushrooms swimming in Parmesan alfredo. Slow-cooked prime rib is available on the weekends. Open: Lunch and dinner Tuesday-Sunday. Prices: Entrees $13-$21. 560 W. Lincoln Highway (U.S. 30), Chicago Heights, 708-747-9480. — J.V.

McWethy's Tavern At some golf courses, dining options encompass a hot dog at the turn, a frozen Snickers bar from a cart and maybe a burger at the 19th Hole Grill. Not so at McWethy's Tavern, which delivers elegant service in a casual setting at the Mistwood Golf Club. Enjoy burgers and a lineup of dishes that nod to owner Jim McWethy's Scottish background, like shepherd's pie and fish and chips (not to mention the 54 Scotches on offer). Open: Lunch and dinner daily. Prices: Entrees $12-$38. 1700 W. Renwick Road, Romeoville , 815-254-7001. — Phil Arvia

Pie Five Pizza Co. This fast-casual pizza chain has opened its first South Side location in Oak Lawn. Diners can choose the cheese, crust, sauce, meats and vegetables to pile on a personal pizza that bakes in 145 seconds. The location's signature pie, the Windy City Works, has marinara sauce with Italian beef and giardiniera. Open: Lunch and dinner daily. Prices: Entrees $4-$8. 10916 S. Cicero Ave., Oak Lawn, 708-346-6129. — J.V.

Rustic Knead At the counter of this bakery and sandwich shop, watch bakers shape, cut and dress the dough for Danishes, kolaczki and more. Breakfast sandwiches come with egg, cheese and bacon; at lunch, BLTs and more tower on house-made baguettes, made from flour milled to order in Wisconsin. Loaves of bread to-go include rye, whole grain, raisin walnut and sourdough. Open: Breakfast and lunch daily. Prices: Breakfast $4 and up, lunch $7 and up. 1130 State St., Lemont, 630-296-0660. — V.J.

Skillets Walk into Skillets, and you'll see customers greeting owner Carol Kirincic as if they were old friends. It's likely because they actually are; the co-owner of longtime favorite Michael's, on 45th Avenue, and her husband had sold the place in 2013 and were just getting comfortable with retirement when the new owners couldn't keep up. Not wanting to see their 28-year legacy disappear, the two got back in the game and reopened as Skillets, with shorter hours but an expanded menu. Hits include a tequila lime chicken sandwich, served on a pretzel bun, and fluffy, simple cinnamon French toast. Open: Breakfast and lunch daily. Prices: Entrees $5-$9. 2040 45th Ave., Highland, Ind., 219-924-7604. — M.L.Q.