2018 top independent restaurants in Chicagoland

Fifteen of the country's highest-grossing independents are located in Chicago and the surrounding area, an increase of three from last year's list. The number is bolstered by a group of steakhouse newcomers including Maple & Ash, RPM Steak and Swift & Sons.

Top 100 Rank: 9

Annual Sales: $25.4M

Average Check: $78.23

The Buzz: Parent Gibsons Restaurant Group opened an Italian steakhouse, Gibsons Italia, in Chicago in October 2017.

Top 100 Rank: 20

Annual Sales: $21.3M

Average Check: $82.00

The Buzz: The result of a 2000 partnership between Joe's Stone Crab's family owners and Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises.

Top 100 Rank: 24

Annual Sales: $20.3M

Average Check: $85.00

The Buzz: A second Maple & Ash, at the Scottsdale, Ariz., Waterfront development, will open by early 2019.

Top 100 Rank: 26

Annual Sales: $20.3M

Average Check: $98.00

The Buzz: RJ, Jerrod and Molly Melman—children of famed Chicago restaurateur Rich Melman—are among partners in RPM Steak.

Top 100 Rank: 37

Annual Sales: $18.3M

Average Check: $76.96

The Buzz: Even though McDonald's corporate headquarters, formerly across the street, moved downtown, this Gibsons is doing just fine.

Top 100 Rank: 40

Annual Sales: $18.1M

Average Check: $42.32

The Buzz: Spotlighting the beer/seafood compatibility, Chinn's has expanded its craft beer selection and organized beer dinners with brewery partners.

Top 100 Rank: 41

Annual Sales: $18.1M

Average Check: $74.81

The Buzz: Parent Gibsons Restaurant Group has opened ChiSox Bar & Grill at Guaranteed Rate Field where the White Sox play.

Top 100 Rank: 48

Annual Sales: $17.4M

Average Check: $88.00

The Buzz: Owners David Flom and Matthew Moore closed sister concept Ocean Cut in 2018 after a three-year run.

Top 100 Rank: 49

Annual Sales: $17.4M

Average Check: $68.00

The Buzz: At 34, Shaw's Crab House is one of Lettuce Entertain Your Enterprises' longest-running concepts.

Top 100 Rank: 66

Annual Sales: $15.1M

Average Check: $98.42

The Buzz: Opened by Boka Restaurant Group (Girl & The Goat, Boka and others) in 2016, Swift & Sons makes its Top 100 debut.

Top 100 Rank: 68

Annual Sales: $15.0M

Average Check: $76.95

The Buzz: It opened in 1997 next door to sister restaurant Gibsons Steakhouse.

Top 100 Rank: 71

Annual Sales: $14.9M

Average Check: $55.00

The Buzz: The historic Dutch Renaissance Revival-style building that houses Harry Caray's was built in 1895.

Top 100 Rank: 77

Annual Sales: $14.5M

Average Check: $95.00

The Buzz: A stylish steakhouse from the owners of Chicago hot spots Bull & Bear, Siena Tavern and Public House.

Top 100 Rank: 86

Annual Sales: $14.1M

Average Check: $30.53

The Buzz: A restaurant and wine bar famed for its Italian small-plates menu, from the Gibsons team.

Top 100 Rank: 89

Annual Sales: $13.7M

Average Check: $75.00

The Buzz: Seat yourself in the restaurant, patio cafe or tavern sections of this classic Chicago steakhouse.