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.

95ate5 It’s a family affair at 95ate5, where woodwork is courtesy of general manager Bill Mix’s father, while Mix’s brother supplied the tree strung with Edison bulbs. The restaurant seats 100, with live entertainment on the weekend, open mic on Tuesdays and trivia on Wednesdays. Eight beers are on tap daily, with the rotation including Wildrose Brewing Co., Trumpet Brewing Co. and Burn ‘Em Brewing. Open: Lunch and dinner Tuesday-Sunday. Prices: Entrees start at $7.9585 N. Industrial Drive, St. John, Ind., 219-365-6506. — 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. Open: Lunch and dinner daily; late-night Friday-Saturday. Prices: Entrees $9-$20. 2101 Calistoga Drive, New Lenox, 815-717-6068. — Vickie Jurkowski

Bear Down Barbecue & Catering Company Bear Down Barbecue is always smoking, even when a certain Chicago team isn’t. What started as a farmers market favorite is now this brick-and-mortar shop, which smokes meat daily using a combo of cherry and oak wood. Meats can come either dry-rubbed or sauced in a blend of sweet heat and tang. Open: Lunch and dinner Tuesday-Saturday. Prices: $6-$25. 20857 S. LaGrange Road, Frankfort, 779-324-5256.

— J.V.

Bella Mia The folks at Bella Mia in Midlothian strive to make every diner feel special, offering friendly service in a homey mom-and-pop environment. House-made pastas include lasagna, linguine and baked mostaccioli. Open: Dinner Tuesday-Sunday. Prices: Entrees $14-$28. 4648 W. 147th St., Midlothian, 708-925-0239. — V.J.

Black Oak Restaurant and Tavern The moniker of one of Oak Lawn’s newest establishments comes from the earliest-known name for what became the village: Black Oak Grove. Breakfast is served daily but goes a step beyond traditional — instead of corned beef hash, for example, try burnt brisket ends with green peppers, onions and potatoes. Open: Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Prices: $4.95 and up. 9630 S. Pulaski Road, Oak Lawn, 708-572-4500. — J.V.

Bohemian Joe’s The worst-kept secret in Lansing is that the family that used to run Popolano’s at the corner of Torrence Avenue and Thornton-Lansing Road is back in business. Bohemian Joe’s has five entrees on the menu, including a 14-ounce blackened rib-eye and beer-battered pollock with honey-jalapeno tartar sauce, plus five salads, six appetizers, a dozen sandwiches and nine pizzas. Dark woods, mismatched light fixtures and funky textiles give the place a warm feel. Open: Lunch and dinner Tuesday-Sunday. Prices: Entrees $11-$26. 17940 Torrence Ave., Lansing, 708-872-4700. — Phil Arvia

Elwood Alehouse The menu at this neighborhood bar and restaurant highlights sandwiches, grass-fed burgers and hand-cut fries. Ask about off-menu items, including braised short ribs, chicken marsala, chicken Vesuvio, jambalaya and meatloaf. The warm, friendly space seats about 50. Open: Lunch and dinner daily. Prices: Entrees $8-$12. 6 Elwood St., Frankfort, 779-324-5589. — J.V.

Enrico’s When Enrico’s Italian Dining closed in 2012, some were skeptical about the Frankfort staple reopening in a new location. Fast-forward approximately four years to the Vineyards of Frankfort shopping center, where the restaurant has found a lovely new home. The new Enrico’s is rooted in the original, which the owner’s late father, Harry D’Ercole Sr., opened in 1974. One favorite: baked mostaccioli served with a rich meat sauce, a family recipe developed in 1958. Open: Late lunch and dinner Tuesday-Saturday. Prices: Entrees $11-$15. 20535 S. LaGrange Road, Frankfort, 815-469-4187. — 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

The Loft Located above Evil Horse Brewery, this pizzeria features deep-dish, stuffed and thin-crust options, plus a variety of sandwiches and pastas. Some 24 pizza toppings include sauerkraut, banana or jalapeno peppers, feta cheese, artichoke hearts and zucchini. Open: Lunch and dinner Tuesday-Sunday. 1336 Main St., Crete, 708-414-9113. — V.J.

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.

— P.A.

Old Town Restaurant Polish and other European fare are the specialties at Old Town Restaurant, which opened in 1993 in downtown Lemont, where owners Ted and Geraldine Kapusta eventually settled after emigrating from Poland to the Chicago area about 50 years ago. While the Polish, Lithuanian and German plates are popular, Old Town also is known for its breaded pork tenderloin, roasted duck and fish entrees. Daily specials might include Bavarian chicken breast, Black Forest schnitzel or baked salmon in lemon sauce. Open: Lunch and dinner daily. Prices: Sandwiches and entrees $7-$16. 113 Stephen St., Lemont, 630-257-7570. — Shonda Talerico Dudlicek