Reza's doesn't look like the typical Middle Eastern restaurant; housed in a former microbrewery, it has high ceilings and expansive, loftlike dining rooms. But the Persian-inspired menu will soon make you forget all about pints of ale. Specialties include a deliciously rich chicken in pomegranate sauce and a variety of kebabs (make sure you ask for the dill rice). Despite the menu's meat-heavy emphasis, there's a full selection of vegetarian options too. Can't decide what to order? Go for an appetizer combo, a generous sampler of Middle Eastern dishes (including hummus, stuffed grape leaves, tabbouleh, and other standbys, nicely presented in a red lacquer bento box). Reza's has another location in Andersonville, at 5255 N. Clark St. (tel. 773/561-1898), but the River North spot is the most convenient for visitors staying downtown.