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.

BC Osaka This Asian buffet stands out from competitors in every way. Food is served on pretty white ceramic platters from a dark wood buffet complete with intricate carved cork art. On offer: Chinese, American and Japanese cuisine, including a soup buffet and beef, chicken, shrimp and veggies prepared on a hibachi grill. Or, nix the buffet for seating around the hibachi for a show of chopping, slicing and flipping before you eat. Open: Lunch and dinner daily. Prices: Buffet $10-$15, with discounts for children; hibachi menu $22-$38. 2999 E. Lincoln Highway, Merrillville, Ind., 219-947-9888.

— Heather Augustyn

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. — Jessi Virtusio

Doc’s Smokehouse & Craft Bar Chef John Guzman dishes up Southern barbecue at Doc’s in Mokena. All the meats are dry rubbed and then smoked over hickory, with regional sauces on the table. Open lunch through dinner daily. Prices: $9 to $11 for entrees.19081 Old LaGrange Road, Mokena, 708-995-5533. — J.V.

Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery Smoked meats have been added to the menu at this Flossmoor mainstay, and the establishment’s year-round beers are back to their original hoppiness, thanks to head brewer Ryan Czaja. On the updated menu: smoked chicken, smoked ribs and smoked pork. Open: Lunch and dinner Tuesday-Sunday. Prices: Sandwiches $11. 1035 Sterling Ave., Flossmoor, 708-957-2739.

— J.V.

Girl in the Park At this casual, family-friendly restaurant, you’ll find creative cocktails and locally sourced food. The top-selling burgers are made with a blend of 28-day aged brisket and chuck beef, and served on a pretzel, brioche or gluten-free bun. The menu also offers gluten-free pasta, truffle fries, Buffalo chicken pizza, and Southwestern and Greek chicken salads. Open: Lunch and dinner Wednesday-Sunday. Prices: Entrees $10 and up. 11265 W. 159th St., Orland Park, 708-226-0042. — Vickie Jurkowski

Hidden Manna Cafe This cafe is known for its Cajun-Creole fare. Gumbo and rice, and shrimp and grits are customer favorites. But common items like soup, salads and sandwiches are also available. Open: Breakfast through dinner, Monday through Saturdays. Prices: $8 for signature items. 3613 W. 216th St., Matteson, 708-248-5571. — J.V.

Illinois Bar and Grill Juicy patties cooked to perfection and piled high with grilled onions, tomatoes and pickles? Welcome to Illinois Bar and Grill, where the burgers are big and the tabs are not. The 13-ounce burgers are topped with your desired fixings while still on the flat-top grill. Don’t forget the hand-cut fries. Open: Lunch and dinner daily. Prices: Burgers $7 and up. 1131 State St., Lemont, 630-257-0666.

—V.J.

Little Italy Little Italy brings Italian favorites like homemade gnocchi, lasagna, pizza and other classic dishes to patrons. They hope to provide a fresh, rustic experience and their menu changes seasonally. Open: Dinner Monday through Friday, Lunch and Dinner on Sunday. Prices: Entrees $10-$14. 1155 Joliet St., Dyer, 219-865-3040. — J.V.

MyGrain Brewery Thirteen craft beers on tap, friendly service, a gastropub menu and a modern-industrial vibe in a historic setting are what you’ll find here. The menu has vegetarian and gluten-free options and ranges from fresh takes on tacos, burgers and fish to duck poutine with Fresno chilis, octopus with baby bok choy and charcuterie with fig jam. The owners try to incorporate beer anywhere they can. Open: Lunch and dinner all week. Prices: Entrees $9.95-$24.95. 50 E. Jefferson St., Joliet, 815-345-3339. —V.J.

The Original Pancake House At the Oak Lawn location of the national chain, find the basics — pancakes, eggs, waffles and crepes — sticking to the tried-and-true recipes of the Portland, Ore. original. The menu boasts 18 pancakes, but the house specialty is the apple version, baked with fresh apples and a cinnamon glaze. Other traditional breakfasts include oatmeal and corned beef hash. Open: Breakfast and lunch daily. Prices: Entrees $6-$13. 10900 S. Cicero Ave., Oak Lawn, 708-346-9800. — 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.

Reilly’s Daughter The original owners of this Irish pub, a Chicago mainstay from 1976 to 2003, have revived it at its original location, bringing back what they call a “South Side tradition.” The menu offers soups, salads, foot-long grilled cheese and a favorite dubbed Walsh’s Legendary Pocket Sandwiches, served in a tortilla with garlic butter. Meat comes from Whittingham Meats in Alsip. The 200-seat pub has a large copper bar, 15 flat-screen televisions, a stage for live music on Fridays and Saturdays, and a large beer garden. Open: Lunch and dinner daily. Prices: Entrees $5 and up. 4010 W. 111th St., Oak Lawn, 708-423-1188. — J.V.

Sorriso This restaurant has a classic southern Italian lineup featuring mostly family recipes that go back to 1974. They do cioppino (fish stew) and specialties including classic three-cheese lasagna, eggplant Parmesan and veal marsala. Open: Dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Prices: Entrees $12.95 to $21.95, 9500 Lincoln Highway, Frankfort, 815-534-5074. — J.V.