Special Report: 2008 Top 100 Independent Restaurants

The 100 highest-grossing independent (non-chain) restaurants in the United States had combined 2007 food-and-beverage sales of $1.53 billion, a solid if not spectacular 4.8% increase from the $1.46 billion total for last year’s Top 100 Independents.

By Staff -- Restaurants & Institutions, 4/15/2008

MORE: Top 100-The Long View

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The 100 highest-grossing independent (non-chain) restaurants in the United States had combined 2007 food-and-beverage sales of $1.53 billion, a solid if not spectacular 4.8% increase from the $1.46 billion total for last year’s Top 100 Independents. This year’s total is nearly 31% greater than the Top 100’s $1.17 billion sales in 2000.

What was spectacular was the record $66.6 million in sales for top-ranked Tao Las Vegas Restaurant & Nightclub (above) in Las Vegas. Helped by the addition of its top-floor Tao Beach venue, Tao Las Vegas boosted its sales by $11.3 million (20.5%) from 2006 to 2007.

Coincidentally, $11.3 million was the minimum for inclusion in this year’s ranking. Five years ago, the restaurant that was ranked as No. 100 had sales of $8.3 million.

More than half of this year’s Top 100 restaurants are located in one of two markets: New York City is home to 32 members of this year’s list; Las Vegas is second—but continuing to close the gap—with 24 of the 100 largest. Chicago claims seven of the top restaurants; San Francisco has four.

The average dinner check for this year’s Top 100 was $64.73, a 10% increase from the $58.82 average for last year’s list.

**R&I estimate
1	Tao Las Vegas Restaurant & Nightclub, Las Vegas ’07 sales: $66,636,546 Avg. dinner check: $70.00 Meals served: 750,000 Seats: 400 dining; 100 bar Square footage: 62,000 The buzz: Last year’s addition of the Tao Beach Club lounge atop the nightclub helped boost sales even higher. Web: taolasvegas.com
2	Tavern on the Green, New York City ’07 sales: $37,636,999 Avg. dinner check: $63.36 Meals served: 531,792 Seats: 1,500 dining Square footage: 27,000 The buzz: Owner LeRoy Adventures Inc. plans to extend the Tavern brand to other cities. Web: tavernonthegreen.com
3	Joe’s Stone Crab, Miami Beach ’07 sales: $29,680,810 Avg. dinner check: $65.00 Meals served: 347,423 Seats: 450 dining; 30 bar Square footage: N/A The buzz: The lunch counter Joe Weiss opened in 1913 developed into an American icon. Web: joesstonecrab.com
4	Smith & Wollensky, New York City (Third Avenue) ’07 sales: $28,702,000 Avg. dinner check: $86.00 Meals served: 394,000 Seats: 390 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: The original Smith & Wollensky restaurant wasn’t included in the sale of the chain. Web: fourthwallrestaurants.com
5	TAO Asian Bistro, New York City ’07 sales: $26,842,734 Avg. dinner check: $74.00 Meals served: 427,000 Seats: 300 dining; 35 bar Square footage: 10,500 The buzz: Since it opened in 2000, Tao has been among New York City’s hottest hot spots. Web: taorestaurant.com
6	Old Ebbitt Grill, Washington, D.C. ’07 sales: $22,851,237 Avg. dinner check: $24.00 Meals served: 800,000 Seats: 430 dining; 75 bar Square footage: 18,000 The buzz: Washington, D.C.’s top- grossing restaurant celebrates its 152nd year of operation. Web: clydes.com
7	Gibsons Bar Steakhouse, Chicago ’07 sales: $20,846,253 Avg. dinner check: $35.95 Meals served: 344,404 Seats: 170 dining; 60 bar Square footage: 8,725 The buzz: An additional 60 private-dining seats generate 10% of total food-and-beverage sales. Web: gibsonssteakhouse.com
8	Fulton’s Crab House, Lake Buena Vista, Fla. ’07 sales: $20,673,932 Avg. dinner check: $44.05 Meals served: 469,329 Seats: 500 dining; 40 bar Square footage: 40,064 The buzz: Watch Executive Chef Ron Cope bring in fresh stone crab at fultonsflightofthecrab.com. Web: fultonscrabhouse.com
9	SW Steakhouse, Las Vegas ’07 sales: $20,500,000** Avg. dinner check: $100.00** Meals served: 190,000** Seats: 284 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: Chef David Walzog’s steakhouse lures guests with prime beef and a view of the “Lake of Dreams.” Web: wynnlasvegas.com
10	Bob Chinn’s Crab House, Wheeling, Ill. ’07 sales: $20,449,151 Avg. dinner check: $35.77 Meals served: 724,678 Seats: 650 dining; 100 bar Square footage: 19,960 The buzz: Customers line up early for a table at this celebration of seafood, just as they have since 1982. Web: bobchinns.com
11	Mix, Las Vegas ’07 sales: $20,300,000** Avg. dinner check: $100.00 Meals served: 200,000** Seats: 250 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: Alain Ducasse’s stylish restaurant/nightclub is in THEhotel at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. Web: mandalaybay.com
12	Buddakan, New York City ’07 sales: $20,000,000** Avg. dinner check: $86.00** Meals served: 235,000** Seats: 260 dining; 34 bar Square footage: 16,000 The buzz: Stephen Starr reportedly invested $10 million in this Big Apple version of his Philadelphia restaurant. Web: starr-restaurant.com
13	Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab, Chicago ’07 sales: $20,000,000** Avg. dinner check: $68.00** Meals served: 400,000** Seats: 293 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: Stone crabs, the 22-oz. porterhouse and other menu items are available to go. Web: icon.com/joes/
14	‘21’ Club, New York City ’07 sales: $19,877,247 Avg. dinner check: $153.60 Meals served: 156,728 Seats: 150 dining; 36 bar Square footage: 21,600 The buzz: The 86-year-old former speakeasy occupies a four-story townhouse in Manhattan. Web: 21club.com
15	Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab, Las Vegas ’07 sales: $19,800,000** Avg. dinner check: $68.00** Meals served: 390,000** Seats: 335 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: The concept’s second location, which opened in 2004 in the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. Web: icon.com/joes/
16	Sparks Steak House, New York City ’07 sales: $19,500,000** Avg. dinner check: $80.00** Meals served: 270,000** Seats: 700 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: The one-page menu isn’t fancy, but Sparks has been a top steakhouse for more than 40 years. Web: sparkssteakhouse.com
17	rumjungle, Las Vegas ’07 sales: $18,600,000** Avg. dinner check: $68.00** Meals served: 310,000** Seats: 433 total Square footage: 20,000 The buzz: Jeffrey Beers’ stunning design begins with a wall of fire and a waterfall that greet guests. Web: chinagrillmgt.com
18	Mon Ami Gabi, Las Vegas ’07 sales: $18,500,000** Avg. dinner check: $64.00** Meals served: 385,000** Seats: 450 total Square footage: N/A The buzz: Chic bistro fare from Chef-partner Gabino Sotelino and Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises. Web: monamigabi.com
19	Blue Fin, New York City ’07 sales: $18,200,000** Avg. dinner check: $60.00** Meals served: 350,000** Seats: 400 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: The restaurant in the W Hotel Times Square serves breakfast, lunch and seafood dinners. Web: brguestrestaurants.com
20	Blue Water Grill, New York City ’07 sales: $18,000,000** Avg. dinner check: $61.00** Meals served: 310,000** Seats: 400 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: Live jazz plays downstairs in the lounge; an outdoor patio is popular when the weather allows. Web: brguestrestaurants.com
21	Prime One Twelve, Miami Beach ’07 sales: $18,000,000** Avg. dinner check: $110.00** Meals served: 150,000** Seats: 138 total Square footage: N/A The buzz: Myles Chefetz’s ultra-cool steakhouse; his other venues include Nemo, Shoji Sushi and Big Pink. Web: prime112.com
22	Gibsons Bar Steakhouse, Rosemont, Ill. ’07 sales: $16,289,093 Avg. dinner check: $57.15 Meals served: 269,642 Seats: 200 dining; 60 bar Square footage: 10,500 The buzz: A little larger than the original, with more (150 seats) private-dining space. Web: gibsonssteakhouse.com
23	Scoma’s Restaurant, San Francisco ’07 sales: $16,288,000 Avg. dinner check: $40.00 Meals served: 409,795 Seats: 335 dining; 40 bar Square footage: 15,354 The buzz: Scoma’s takes no reservations, so diners arrive early on Fisherman’s Wharf. Web: scomas.com
24	Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe, Lake Buena Vista, Fla. ’07 sales: $16,273,922 Avg. dinner check: $45.30 Meals served: 624,000 Seats: 500 dining; 75 bar Square footage: 13,509 The buzz: Levy Restaurants runs this restaurant in Downtown Disney across from the Cirque du Soleil theater. Web: wolfgangpuckorlando.com
25	Prime Steakhouse, Las Vegas ’07 sales: $16,200,000** Avg. dinner check: $135.00** Meals served: 138,000** Seats: 180 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: Executive Chef Robert Moore runs the kitchen at Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s steakhouse. Web: jean-georges.com
26	Delmonico Steakhouse, Las Vegas ’07 sales: $15,800,000** Avg. dinner check: $80.00** Meals served: 200,000** Seats: 380 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: Emeril Lagasse brings Cajun cuisine to The Venetian Resort Hotel & Casino. Web: emerils.com
27	Abe & Louie’s, Boston ’07 sales: $15,682,174 Avg. dinner check: $75.05 Meals served: 217,155 Seats: 160 dining; 22 bar Square footage: 10,300 The buzz: Back Bay Restaurant Group opened a second Abe & Louie’s steakhouse in Boca Raton, Fla. Web: abeandlouies.com
28	Bartolotta Ristorante di Mare, Las Vegas ’07 sales: $15,500,000** Avg. dinner check: $90.00** Meals served: 233,000** Seats: 226 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: A 2008 Ivy Award winner created by Paul Bartolotta and Wynn Las Vegas. Web: wynnlasvegas.com
29	Junior’s, New York City (Brooklyn) ’07 sales: $15,205,588 Avg. dinner check: $22.00 Meals served: 800,000 Seats: 400 dining; 20 bar Square footage: 16,000 The buzz: Sell enough sandwiches and cheesecake and even a deli can make it into the Top 100. Web: juniorscheesecake.com
30	Rock Center Cafe, New York City ’07 sales: $15,111,578 Avg. dinner check: $39.75 Meals served: 313,025 Seats: 198 dining; 30 bar Square footage: 7,294 The buzz: Patina Restaurant Group’s stylish spot adjacent to the Rockefeller Center skating rink. Web: rockcentercafeny.com
31	Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House, Chicago ’07 sales: $15,090,226 Avg. dinner check: $55.20 Meals served: 249,983 Seats: 205 dining; 65 bar Square footage: 14,050 The buzz: Initially designed to take the overflow from Gibsons, Hugo’s has developed a loyal clientele of its own. Web: hugosfrogbar.com
32	Spice Market, New York City ’07 sales: $15,000,000** Avg. dinner check: $65.00** Meals served: 230,000** Seats: 280 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: Look for Jean-Georges Vongerichten to open Spice Markets in selected W hotels around the world. Web: jean-georges.com
33	China Grill, Las Vegas ’07 sales: $14,900,000** Avg. dinner check: $68.00** Meals served: 255,000** Seats: 303 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: A sixth location has opened in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., making China Grill a chain in 2008. Web: chinagrillmgt.com
34	The Four Seasons, New York City ’07 sales: $14,900,000** Avg. dinner check: $120.00** Meals served: 150,000** Seats: 220 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: One of New York City’s dress-code holdouts. Jackets are required for men; ties are optional. Web: fourseasonsrestaurant.com
35	Balthazar New York City ’07 sales: $14,600,000** Avg. dinner check: $58.00** Meals served: 250,000** Seats: 180 dining; 25 bar Square footage: N/A The buzz: Keith McNally’s chic flagship concept, housed in what once was a leather wholesaler’s warehouse. Web: balthazarny.com
36	Craftsteak, Las Vegas ’07 sales: $14,600,000** Avg. dinner check: $85.00** Meals served: 130,000** Seats: 320 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: the third Craftsteak opens soon in the MGM Grand at Foxwoods in Mashantucket, Conn. Web: craftrestaurant.com
37	Gladstone’s Malibu, Los Angeles ’07 sales: $14,500,000** Avg. dinner check: $25.50** Meals served: 590,000** Seats: 720 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: Watch the sun set in the Pacific during Friday night “Sunset Live” festivities. Web: gladstones.com
38	Venus de Milo Restaurant, Swansea, Mass. ’07 sales: $14,485,823 Avg. dinner check: $30.00 Meals served: 500,000 Seats: 300 dining; 50 bar Square footage: 71,000 The buzz: Additional 2,150 seats for weddings and banquet account for 65% of revenues. Web: venusdemilo.com
39	RM Seafood, Las Vegas ’07 sales: $14,300,000** SEE NOTE BELOW Avg. dinner check: $105.00 Meals served: 250,000** Seats: 335 dining Square footage: 16,000 NOTE: RM Seafood has advised R&I that the sales estimate is incorrect and too high. Web: rmseafood.com
40	The Manor, West Orange, N.J. ’07 sales: $14,200,000** Avg. dinner check: $70.00** Meals served: 215,000** Seats: 1,200 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: The Knowles family’s restaurant has played host to presidents and countless weddings. Web: themanorrestaurant.com
41	Top of the World, Las Vegas ’07 sales: $14,200,000** Avg. dinner check: $68.00** Meals served: 345,000** Seats: 580 total Square footage: N/A The buzz: The restaurant at the top of the Stratosphere Tower rotates for a 360-degree view of Vegas. Web: topoftheworldlv.com
42	The Milleridge Inn, Jericho, N.Y. ’07 sales: $14,135,279 Avg. dinner check: $42.00 Meals served: 334,750 Seats: 1,080 dining; 40 bar Square footage: 42,600 The buzz: Weddings, banquets and other private events account for 49% of food-and-beverage sales. Web: milleridge.com
43	Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth, Frankenmuth, Mich. ’07 sales: $13,532,607 Avg. dinner check: $13.75 Meals served: 984,190 Seats: 1,025 dining; 75 bar Square footage: 100,000 The buzz: The sprawling, family-run restaurant shows that a huge check average isn’t required for the Top 100. Web: zehnders.com
44	St. Elmo Steak House, Indianapolis ’07 sales: $13,449,305 Avg. dinner check: $74.08 Meals served: 181,550 Seats: 320 dining; 40 bar Square footage: N/A The buzz: A more-casual sibling, Harry & Izzy’s, opened last year to accommodate the customer overflow. Web: stelmos.com
45	Grand Central Oyster, Bar & Restaurant, New York City ’07 sales: $13,300,000** Avg. dinner check: $47.00** Meals served: 385,000** Seats: 269 dining; 65 bar Square footage: N/A The buzz: The raw bar offers more than two-dozen oyster varieties from around the world. Web: oysterbarny.com
46	Chops/Lobster Bar, Atlanta ’07 sales: $13,200,000** Avg. dinner check: $77.00** Meals served: 174,000** Seats: 300 dining; 41 bar Square footage: N/A The buzz: Buckhead Life Restaurant Group opened a second unit in Florida and is looking to expand further. Web: buckheadrestaurants.com
47	Junior’s, New York City (Manhattan) ’07 sales: $13,186,839 Avg. dinner check: $15.00 Meals served: 800,000 Seats: 200 dining; 18 bar Square footage: 7,000 The buzz: Second location for the popular deli is catching up to sales of the original in Brooklyn. Web: juniorscheesecake.com
48	Phillips Harborplace, Baltimore ’07 sales: $13,116,769 Avg. dinner check: $28.30 Meals served: 463,509 Seats: 920 dining Square footage: 18,000 The buzz: Visitors to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor find their way to Phillips; locals found it long ago. Web: phillipsseafood.com
49	Carmine’s, Atlantic City, N.J. ’07 sales: $13,100,000** Avg. dinner check: $38.00** Meals served: 300,000** Seats: 480 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: Sprawling, bi-level restaurant in The Quarter at The Tropicana brings iconic brand to Atlantic City. Web: carminesnyc.com
50	AquaKnox, Las Vegas ’07 sales: $13,059,158 Avg. dinner check: $94.39 Meals served: 123,000 Seats: 225 dining; 35 bar Square footage: N/A The buzz: The success of E-Brands’ AquaKnox in The Venetian has spawned a second location in Atlanta. Web: e-brands.net
51	Trattoria Dell’Arte, New York City '07 sales: $12,915,795 Avg. dinner check: $54.25 Meals served: 256,520 Seats: 180 dining; 12 bar Square footage: 7,000 The buzz: Fireman Hospitality Group’s ode to the cuisine and artwork of Tuscany. Web: trattoriadellarte.com
52	Cafe Fiorello, New York City ’07 sales: $12,801,608 Avg. dinner check: $41.88 Meals served: 332,512 Seats: 210 dining; 18 bar Square footage: 5,800 The buzz: Fireman Hospitality Group’s restaurant proudly bills itself as “The longest running show on Broadway.” Web: cafefiorello.com
53	Michael Jordan’s SteakHouse, Uncasville, Conn. ’07 sales: $12,800,000** Avg. dinner check: $74.00** Meals served: 210,000** Seats: 240 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: Housed in the Mohegan Sun Casino and Resort; the casual 23.Sportcafe is next door. Web: michaeljordanssteakhouse.com
54	Fix Restaurant & Bar, Las Vegas ’07 sales: $12,733,323 Avg. dinner check: $83.76 Meals served: 218,647 Seats: 155 dining; 16 bar Square footage: 4,200 The buzz: The flagship concept for Las Vegas-based restaurant/lounge operator The Light Group. Web: lightgroup.com
55	Carmine’s, New York City (44th Street) ’07 sales: $12,700,000** Avg. dinner check: $36.00** Meals served: 525,000** Seats: 340 total Square footage: N/A The buzz: The larger of Alicart Restaurant Group’s two Carmine’s locations in Manhattan. Web: carminesnyc.com
56	Coffee Shop, New York City ’07 sales: $12,655,486 Avg. dinner check: $24.00 Meals served: 380,000** Seats: 225 dining; 47 bar Square footage: 6,500 The buzz: Despite the name, coffee isn’t the only drink: alcoholic beverages account for 65% of sales. Web: N/A
57	The Angus Barn, Raleigh, N.C. ’07 sales: $12,652,604 Avg. dinner check: $54.33 Meals served: 232,887 Seats: 518 dining; 149 bar Square footage: 36,000 The buzz: The family-run, family-friendly restaurant has been going strong since 1960. Web: angusbarn.com
58	Stripsteak, Las Vegas ’07 sales: $12,600,000** Avg. dinner check: $110.00 Meals served: 155,000** Seats: 160 dining; 70 bar Square footage: N/A The buzz: Chef-owner Michael Mina’s steakhouse has made a splash in the country’s most-competitive market. Web: michaelmina.net
59	Boulevard, San Francisco ’07 sales: $12,590,716 Avg. dinner check: $86.00 Meals served: 137,100 Seats: 120 dining; 14 bar Square footage: 5,900 The buzz: The partnership between designer Pat Kuleto and Chef Nancy Oakes hasn’t lost its appeal. Web: boulevardrestaurant.com
60	Mesa Grill, Las Vegas ’07 sales: $12,500,000** Avg. dinner check: $65.00** Meals served: 220,000** Seats: 228 dining Square footage: 8,800 The buzz: Chef Bobby Flay’s Las Vegas outpost of his New York City restaurant is a hot destination. Web: mesagrill.com
61	Ruby Foo’s, New York City (Times Square) ’07 sales: $12,500,000** Avg. dinner check: $50.00** Meals served: 200,000** Seats: 320 dining Square footage: 7,000 The buzz: The location may lure tourists but the food brings locals to this B.R. Guest concept. Web: brguestrestaurants.com
62	Shaw’s Crab House, Chicago ’07 sales: $12,500,000** Avg. dinner check: $46.00** Meals served: 370,000** Seats: 380 total Square footage: N/A The buzz: Seafood is delivered fresh daily at this Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises restaurant. Web: shawscrabhouse.com
63	The Lobster House, Cape May, N.J. ’07 sales: $12,484,079 Avg. dinner check: $28.00 Meals served: 333,547 Seats: 500 dining; 24 bar Square footage: 49,445 The buzz: The place for lobster since 1936; its average check has risen only $3 in a decade. Web: thelobsterhouse.com
64	Redeye Grill, New York City ’07 sales: $12,427,404 Avg. dinner check: $61.54 Meals served: 212,802 Seats: 240 dining; 22 bar Square footage: 8,300 The buzz: Fireman Hospitality Group’s seafood-and-sushi concept adjacent to Carnegie Hall. Web: redeyegrill.com
65	Daniel Boulud Brasserie, Las Vegas ’07 sales: $12,400,000** Avg. dinner check: $80.00** Meals served: 200,000** Seats: 304 Square footage: N/A The buzz: Daniel Boulud’s ultra-chic French bistro concept in the Wynn Las Vegas. Web: wynnlasvegas.com
66	Daniel, New York City ’07 sales: $12,300,000** Avg. dinner check: $115.00** Meals served: 105,000** Seats: 260 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: Daniel Boulud’s latest is Bar Boulud, a wine bar that opened in New York City this year. Web: danielnyc.com
67	Lawry’s The Prime Rib, Beverly Hills, Calif. ’07 sales: $12,295,839 Avg. dinner check: $49.77 Meals served: 257,956 Seats: 450 dining; 50 bar Square footage: 20,000 The buzz: The original, opened in 1938 by Lawrence Frank and Walter Van de Kamp. Web: lawrysonline.com
68	Portland City Grill, Portland, Ore. ’07 sales: $12,220,929 Avg. dinner check: $38.39 Meals served: 345,573 Seats: 212 dining; 165 bar Square footage: 18,000 The buzz: Consistently rated as one of Portland’s best restaurants; it certainly boasts the best view. Web: portlandcitygrill.com
69	Harry Caray’s Restaurant, Chicago ’07 sales: $12,210,000 Avg. dinner check: $40.00 Meals served: 485,000 Seats: 200 dining; 133 bar Square footage: 20,000 The buzz: Owner Grant DePorter has opened a third Harry Caray’s location in Lombard, Ill. Web: harrycarays.com
70	The Slanted Door, San Francisco ’07 sales: $12,200,000** Avg. dinner check: $47.00** Meals served: 275,000** Seats: 150 dining; 54 bar Square footage: N/A The buzz: The Phan family’s Vietnamese restaurant relocated to the fashionable Ferry Building. Web: slanteddoor.com
71	Mike Ditka’s Restaurant, Chicago ’07 sales: $12,144,901 Avg. dinner check: $82.72 Meals served: 189,805 Seats: 80 dining; 117 bar Square footage: 13,000 The buzz: The former Bears coach has become a brand with two restaurants, wines, cigars and more. Web: mikeditkaschicago.com
72	Harris Ranch Restaurant, Coalinga, Calif. ’07 sales: $12,118,795 Avg. dinner check: $20.13 Meals served: 602,049 Seats: 350 dining; 130 bar Square footage: N/A The buzz: Dine in The Steakhouse, The Ranch Kitchen or the Horseshoe Bar; enjoy beef from the ranch. Web: harrisranch.com
73	Mike’s American, Springfield, Va. ’07 sales: $12,006,300 Avg. dinner check: $26.85 Meals served: 464,000 Seats: 330 dining; 30 bar Square footage: 14,000 The buzz: Great American Restaurant Group’s celebration of American cuisine. Web: greatamericanrestaurants.com
74	Asia De Cuba, New York City ’07 sales: $12,000,000** Avg. dinner check: $64.00** Meals served: 200,000** Seats: 170 total Square footage: N/A The buzz: Asian-Latin fusion food and Philippe Starck’s stunning design make for memorable dining. Web: chinagrillmgt.com
75	Park Grill, Chicago ’07 sales: $12,000,000** Avg. dinner check: $40.00** Meals served: 300,000** Seats: 375 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: Facing Michigan Avenue and adjacent to Millennium Park, Park Grill has an enviable location. Web: parkgrillchicago.com
76	N9NE Steakhouse, Las Vegas ’07 sales: $11,900,000** Avg. dinner check: $95.00** Meals served: 175,000** Seats: 200 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: N9NE Group has opened a third location of its steakhouse concept in Dallas. Web: n9negroup.com
77	Maloney & Porcelli, New York City ’07 sales: $11,880,000 Avg. dinner check: $86.00 Meals served: 144,000 Seats: 410 total Square footage: 14,000 The buzz: One of three Top 100 operations owned by Alan Stillman’s Fourth Wall Restaurants. Web: maloneyandporcelli.com
78	China Grill, New York City ’07 sales: $11,800,000** Avg. dinner check: $65.00** Meals served: 220,000** Seats: 185 total Square footage: N/A The buzz: The flagship of Jeffrey Chodorow’s China Grill Management empire. Web: chinagrillmgt.com
79	Cliff House, San Francisco ’07 sales: $11,800,000** Avg. dinner check: $50.00** Meals served: 334,000** Seats: 186 dining; 58 bar Square footage: 25,000 The buzz: Includes two dining rooms, two lounges, an oyster bar and The Terrace Room for brunch. Web: cliffhouse.com
80	Emeril’s, Orlando ’07 sales: $11,800,000** Avg. dinner check: $60.00** Meals served: 290,000** Seats: 275 total Square footage: N/A The buzz: Emeril Lagasse’s restaurant caters to locals and visitors to Universal Studios Park. Web: emerils.com
81	Montgomery Inn at the Boathouse, Cincinnati ’07 sales: $11,800,000** Avg. dinner check: $28.00** Meals served: 512,000** Seats: 600 dining; 120 bar Square footage: N/A The buzz: Ribs so popular that both of its Cincinnati locations qualify for the Top 100. Web: montgomeryinn.com
82	Del Posto Ristorante, New York City ’07 sales: $11,750,000** Avg. dinner check: $100.00** Meals served: 110,000** Seats: 120 dining; 70 bar Square footage: 24,000 The buzz: Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich opened this restaurant in the Meatpacking District in 2005. Web: delposto.com
83	Aureole, Las Vegas ’07 sales: $11,700,000** Avg. dinner check: $105.00** Meals served: 110,000** Seats: 450 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: Designer Adam Tihany gave Chef-owner Charlie Palmer’s restaurant a stunning look. Web: aureolelv.com
84	Morimoto, New York City ’07 sales: $11,700,000** Avg. dinner check: $110.00** Meals served: 106,000** Seats: 164 dining; 18 bar Square footage: 11,000 The buzz: Restaurateur Stephen Starr and Chef Masaharu Morimoto have won over New Yorkers. Web: starr-restaurant.com
85	Zeffirino, Las Vegas ’07 sales: $11,700,000** Avg. dinner check: $69.50** Meals served: 170,000** Seats: 280 dining; 50 bar Square footage: 10,900 The buzz: The bi-level restaurant’s Italian menu and décor are perfectly suited to The Venetian. Web: zeffirinolasvegas.com
86	Eiffel Tower, Las Vegas ’07 sales: $11,600,000** Avg. dinner check: $82.00** Meals served: 190,000** Seats: 230 total Square footage: N/A The buzz: Chef Jean Joho’s restaurant is 11 stories above the Strip in the Eiffel Tower replica. Web: leye.com
87	Gotham Bar and Grill, New York City ’07 sales: $11,600,000** Avg. dinner check: $92.00** Meals served: 153,000** Seats: 175 total Square footage: 5,000 The buzz: After 24 years in charge, Chef Alfred Portale’s menus still wow New Yorkers. Web: gothambarandgrill.com
88	III Forks, Dallas ’07 sales: $11,599,226 Avg. dinner check: $80.88 Meals served: 143,411 Seats: 500 dining; 25 bar Square footage: 23,000 The buzz: The cattle-country steakhouse that defined Tex-French cuisine. Web: croinc.com
89	George’s at the Cove, La Jolla, Calif. ’07 sales: $11,561,975 Avg. dinner check: $75.00 Meals served: 250,176 Seats: 180 dining; 70 bar Square footage: 10,000 The buzz: The tri-level contemporary-Californian restaurant has been remodeled and updated. Web: georgesatthecove.com
90	SkyCity at the Needle, Seattle ’07 sales: $11,559,900 Avg. dinner check: $61.66 Meals served: 244,767 Seats: 260 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: Work up a hunger climbing the 832 steps to the restaurant atop Seattle’s Space Needle. Web: spaceneedle.com
91	Harley-Davidson Cafe, Las Vegas ’07 sales: $11,500,000** Avg. dinner check: $32.00** Meals served: 450,000** Seats: 400 dining Square footage: 20,000 The buzz: A celebration of burgers and motorcycles that draws fans of both. Web: N/A
92	Spago, Las Vegas ’07 sales: $11,500,000** Avg. dinner check: $54.00** Meals served: 360,000** Seats: 300 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: A fourth Spago has opened in The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, in Avon, Colo. Web: wolfgangpuck.com
93	Salty’s on Alki Beach, Seattle ’07 sales: $11,421,753 Avg. dinner check: $50.25 Meals served: 210,000 Seats: 279 dining; 149 bar Square footage: 22,675 The buzz: The restaurant’s 240 private-dining seats bring 21% of total revenues. Web: saltys.com
94	California Grill, Lake Buena Vista, Fla. ’07 sales: $11,400,000** Avg. dinner check: $52.32 Meals served: 226,759 Seats: 256 dining; 60 bar Square footage: 5,842 The buzz: A dining experience that rewards parents for bringing the family to Walt Disney World. Web: disneyworld.disneygo.com
95	Megu, New York City (Thomas Street) ’07 sales: $11,400,000** Avg. dinner check: $95.00** Meals served: 85,000** Seats: 205 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: Japanese restaurateur Koji Imai’s first U.S. concept; a second location already has opened. Web: megunyc.com
96	Daniel’s Broiler, Prime Steaks & Chops, Bellevue, Wash. ’07 sales: $11,396,485 Avg. dinner check: $85.30 Meals served: 93,430 Seats: 134 dining; 87 bar Square footage: 12,800 The buzz: The star performer of Schwartz Brothers Restaurants’ three Daniel’s locations. Web: schwartzbros.com
97	Quality Meats, New York City ’07 sales: $11,311,000 Avg. dinner check: $95.00 Meals served: 118,000 Seats: 138 dining Square footage: 25,000 The buzz: One of the concepts now owned by father-son restaurateurs Alan and Michael Stillman. Web: qualitymeatsnyc.com
98	Bryant Park Grill, New York City ’07 sales: $11,300,000** Avg. dinner check: $47.00** Meals served: 252,000** Seats: 180 dining Square footage: 25,000 The buzz: In warm weather, this Ark Restaurants venue adds 820 outdoor seats in Bryant Park. Web: arkrestaurants.com
99	The Modern, New York City ’07 sales: $11,300,000** Avg. dinner check: $76.00** Meals served: 310,000** Seats: 240 dining; 98 bar Square footage: N/A The buzz: Union Square Hospitality Group’s additional reason to visit The Museum of Modern Art. Web: themodernnyc.com
100	Montgomery Inn, Cincinnati ’07 sales: $11,300,000** Avg. dinner check: $27.50** Meals served: 500,000** Seats: 700 dining; 120 bar Square footage: N/A The buzz: The Gregory family operates the two highest-grossing rib restaurants in the United States. Web: montgomeryinn.com