tourist food places in chicago

North America Chevron

United States Chevron

Illinois Chevron

Chicago Chevron

The 29 Best Restaurants in Chicago

By Nicole Schnitzler and Brad Japhe

It’s true that at one point, Chicago may have been best known for its deep-dish pizza , seven-ingredient hot dogs, and Italian beef. But in recent years, the scope of Second City dining has broadened significantly, ushering in a number of restaurants with destination-worthy status—and plenty of accolades (take one look at the town’s Michelin-starred or James Beard Award-winning spots to prove it). Credit the unflappable industry workers for that coveted reputation (to be sure) and they’ll likely turn your attention to all that supports their endeavors—the farmers markets, the Midwest's seasons (and the creativity behind such timeliness), and the tight-knit community here—a rare bond that so many restaurant pros in these parts admit to cherishing.

And the fact that Chicago is home to one of the busiest, most connected airports in the world only further reflects the industry’s ability to keep a finger on the international pulse—as evidenced by the culinary landscapes sweeping the city now. From those offering Ethiopian platters or pristine omakase menus to venues showcasing Indian-inspired street food or traditional Beijing duck dinners, here are the best restaurants in Chicago right now.

Read our complete Chicago travel guide here .

Every restaurant on this list has been selected independently by Condé Nast Traveler editors and reviewed by a local contributor who has visited that restaurant. Our editors consider both high-end and affordable eateries, and weigh stand-out dishes, location, and service—as well as inclusivity and sustainability credentials. We update this list as new restaurants open and existing ones evolve.

Modern Mediterranean is a delightfully malleable cuisine: It offers full flavors to vegans, vegetarians, and carnivores alike. And no place in Chicago has mastered the style quite like Aba. Hot and cold mezze sit beside house-made spreads and bread. A raw section is as popular as the flame-charred kebabs. Tamarind-Braised Short Rib arrives at the table next to Smoky Garlic Hummus and Heirloom Tomato Orzo. No one leaves hungry. And with an expansive rooftop patio and light-filled atrium (replete with plants and trees), it’s also a prime spot for drinks with a view.

Pequod’s Pizza Arrow

Pequod’s is a mainstay in the competitive Chicago pizza scene, but don't call it deep dish. Developed by the late Burt Katz (before he opened Burt’s Place ), a legend in Chicago food lore, the style features a fluffier dough that is airier than most, with a dark ring of crispy caramelized cheese, thanks to the high-sided pan the pizza is cooked in. Prepare for a wait, or request a table online ahead of your visit.

Claudia Arrow

Born in 2015 as a twice monthly pop-up in Chicago’s West Town, this restaurant finally got its brick-and-mortar footing earlier this fall—and a Michelin star shortly thereafter. Those pop-up days gave chef Trevor Teich and team time to garner some sweet accolades and local love, and fans are now flocking here on the nightly for a taste of what Teich does best—contemporary fine dining highlighting his training in French and Japanese cuisine—and his natural knack for storytelling. Discover it by way of his 10-course tasting menu, a whimsical culinary journey that functions, just as the restaurant suggests, like a chapter from one of your favorite childhood books.

Spacca Napoli Arrow

Chef-owner Jonathan Goldsmith, who formerly worked in social work and real estate before dedicating himself to the craft of Neapolitan-style pizza, has mastered the art of that iconic style. No deep dish here—these discs of golden crust and seasonal toppings are the real deal. Spacca Napoli pizzas earned their legendary reputation, thanks to high-quality ingredients and a dedication to technique. With ambiance that’s casual, homey and approachable, it’s the perfect spot for families, and even take-out.

Shannon McMahon

Chris Schalkx

Mark Ellwood

Alex Erdekian

Andros Taverna Arrow

At this Logan Square newcomer, chef Doug Psaltis serves contemporary Greek cuisine that is rooted in thoughtful sourcing and sustainable practices. Born of a love for the cosmopolitan taverns of Greece, the restaurant is an homage to the Mediterranean and its flavors, situated in culinary heritage and welcoming hospitality. Kick things off with pork shoulder gyros and char-grilled octopus, then save room for dessert courtesy of pastry chef Hsing Chen. Wine is the co-star here, and the list spotlights 25 Greek labels in proud, abundant fashion (boasting one of the more robust programs in the city).

Monteverde Arrow

This is a temple to pasta and chef Sarah Grueneberg (former Top Chef contestant and Tony Mantuano’s protege at Spiaggia) is the high priestess. Every dish is affordable, inviting multiple orders and revisits of the seasonally-driven menu. The boisterous, airy dining room is full of clinking glasses and a healthy buzz as guests reach over each other for tastes of one another's dishes. In the center, a slightly raised bar—or stage, depending on how you're looking at it—features Grueneberg and her team of pasta-makers hard at work on that night’s eight or nine offerings.

Proxi Arrow

Chef Andrew Zimmerman’s Mad Men-style outfit is like the younger sister to Sepia, his popular upscale restaurant next door. The varied menu reads like an Asian hawker market, showing off Zimmerman’s global street food influences: hamachi crudo with blood orange nahm jim, smoked pumpkin tamales with goat cheese and pasilla piloncillo, or Vietnamese beef stew with lemongrass and Thai chili. The smorgasbord of flavors and preparations range from Indian and Mediterranean to Thai and Mexican. And whereas Sepia is known for its wine list, Proxi focuses on adventurous cocktails—ingredients like compressed pineapple, toasted cashew orgeat, and chamomile-infused Lillet Blanc offer flavorful surprises.

The Duck Inn Arrow

Kevin Hickey, chef-owner, is a neighborhood native done good, returning to his haunts at this homey-yet-luxe “gastrotavern” that feels at turns personal and superlative. The Duck Inn is named after Hickey’s great-grandmother’s Depression-era restaurant, once located not far from the tavern’s present location—and the food is a nod to that history. Depending on your dining style, opt for the Ultimate Duck Experience, a five-course tasting featuring tableside preparation (along with a tableside dessert and cocktail presentation), or spring for several upscale comforts a la carte. 

Elske Arrow

Elske’s enclosed courtyard, complete with fur-caped benches, folded fleece blankets, and a roaring outdoor fireplace, is the picture definition of hygge. The name, too—Danish for “love”—hints at what to expect from wife-husband duo Anna and David Posey. They offer two options for dining, so you’re not locked in to an hours-long meal if you don't want to be, and the reasonably-priced-for-its-quality tasting menu ($125) features eight courses of new American dishes that are kissed with Danish touches. It’s truly a special restaurant, serving intensely personal dishes showcasing a mastery of ingredients, presentation, and subtle flavors

Alinea Arrow

The cuisine is a lesson in mastery, but also a blend of modern science and practical magic. Air-filled balloons are edible, senses of taste, touch, smell are tested, mental and emotional boundaries are pushed. The menu, an ever-shifting chameleon, is a reflection of the wizards in the kitchen, led by chef Grant Achatz himself—no two meals are ever alike.

El Che Steakhouse & Bar Arrow

A short black-tile walkway beneath a millennial pink neon sign—a modern “X marks the spot”—brings you into El Che Bar’s sexy, darkly decorated space. Dark tile, dark walls, dark furnishings: It's all surprisingly welcoming, given its ultra-cool vibes. Wanting to pay homage to Argentina’s grilling culture, chef John Manion enlisted dramatic crank-controlled grills to serve up meaty, smoky fare of all types. Splurge on steak, to be sure, along with items like East Coast oysters, empanadas, and (whatever you do) the quail.

Honey Butter Fried Chicken Arrow

Honey Butter Fried Chicken’s interior feels artsy and industrial. The full menu is listed on a blackboard behind the register, and the unmistakable aroma of freshly fried poultry permeates the air. Steer clear of the tofu and the salads, and find peace with your poultry. The O.G. sandwich, a fine place to start, is swaddled with candied jalapeño mayo and crunchy slaw. But if strips between bread isn’t your thing, stick with a straightforward basket of breasts and thighs.

Smyth + The Loyalist Arrow

Smyth + The Loyalist is not your typical name-ampersand-name hipster restaurant. In this case, the name actually denotes two distinct restaurants in a bi-level space, run by a husband-and-wife duo. Spacious and modern Smyth serves a tasting menu in a modern, bright, cozy room. The Loyalist, on the other hand, is a subterranean, moody bar with concrete floors, dark walls, and amber-hued lighting (and one of the city’s best burgers). Both execute seasonal fare with aplomb, thanks to pedigreed chefs who work closely with a 20-acre farm just outside of Chicago.

Step into this West Loop destination and feel instantly cocooned in a space that breathes equal parts high-octane creativity and relaxed energy, complete with wood structures, plush wool carpet, and leather chairs. Helmed by chef Curtis Duffy (who earned three Michelin stars at his former restaurant, Grace), the constantly evolving tasting menu features seasonal ingredients and progressive techniques. Don’t miss Duffy’s signature dish: Curled and thinly sliced hamachi frozen in liquid nitrogen with black rice pudding, crispy shallots, lime, and mint. Following your dinner, head next door to After, the team’s new cocktail lounge. Its mirrored bar, which reflects deep blue hues, is as mesmerizing as the drinks themselves. 

Au Cheval Arrow

Hipsters, global travelers, and suburbanites flock to Au Cheval for Chef-owner Brendan Sodikoff’s burger, highly publicized as one of the country’s best. A single cheeseburger actually comes with two prime beef patties, grilled to medium, topped with weepy, slowly melted cheddar, bright dijonnaise, and a housemade dill pickle. The soft, buttery bun is the perfect blank canvas for the intense beefy flavor. But don’t miss out on the other creative plates: The menu also includes crispy, thickly sliced bacon, umami-rich marrow with beef cheek marmalade, foie gras scrambled eggs, and a wickedly good fried bologna sandwich.

Sun Wah BBQ Arrow

Before you even walk into Sun Wah, crisp-skinned poultry beckons from hooks behind the front window display. A massive, open floor plan with room for well over a hundred diners declares its status as a Chicago institution for Hong Kong-style Chinese barbecue. The menu is immense, with more than 150 items. Pick and choose as you please, but don’t leave without sampling the Beijing (Peking) duck. It has remained the signature dish here for more than 30 years.

Osteria Langhe Arrow

Between the stylish-casual digs and the elevated Piedmontese cuisine, Osteria Langhe offers a superb Italian experience on a quiet stretch of hip Logan Square. Owner Aldo Zaninotto mans the Italian-focused wine list, which includes indigenous grapes like freisa, timorasso, and erbaluce, plus classics from Barolo and Barbaresco. In the kitchen, Culinary Director Michael Lanzerotte's and Chef Fabian Hernandez’s thoughtful takes on northern Italian and Piedmontese cuisine go above and beyond standard red-sauce joints; they turn out laser-focused regional specialties that are at once familiar and novel. Plin, a beloved, hand-pinched ravioli, is filled with creamy La Tur cheese and served in a butter and thyme sauce, while Piedmontese beef comes raw and poached, with a crispy egg that’s not too dissimilar from a Scotch egg. Entrées like prosciutto-wrapped rabbit loin are immensely shareable, as is dessert—especially the Panna Cotta, with blueberry compote, candied lemons, and a shortbread cookie.

El Ideas Arrow

There’s no bad seat in El Ideas—every vantage into the tiny space breaks down the fourth wall between chef and diner, allowing guests a front row view of the magician-scientists in the open kitchen. From liquid nitrogen French fries-and-ice-cream to inventive Caesar salad (with regular anchovies and romaine, plus caviar and, um, gold leaf), Chef Philip Foss and his team rethink the modernist aesthetic, allowing diners to witness the method and the madness.

Demera Ethiopian Restaurant Arrow

Step into this Uptown restaurant and travel the globe, thanks to a menu and aesthetic inspired by owner Tigist Reda’s native country of Ethiopia. Opt for one of the combination platters, a customary order in Ethiopian culture and one that evokes a traditional practice (to share with others off of the same plate). The Demera Messob features three different vegetables and three meats of different preparations, while the Beyanetu serves as a tasting platter of the team’s entire vegetable medley—popular with meat and veg lovers alike. There’s a variety of wine and cocktails available, but regulars always relish the chance to order the team’s signature: Tej, traditional Ethiopian honey wine made in-house from a centuries-old family recipe.

Kasama Arrow

After teaming up with chef Noah Sandoval to open fine dining venture  Oriole (and helping the venue earn two Michelin stars in its first year), chefs Genie Kwon and Timothy Flores decided to open their own restaurant with Kasama, where they put forth updated, personalized takes on Filipino cuisine. The restaurant started with brunch and garnered consistent praise for standouts like the longanisa sausage breakfast sandwich, mushroom adobo (with soy braised mushrooms and garlic rice), and transcendent pastries (don’t miss the croissants). Little did  Chicago ’s dining scene know it was just a taste of what was to come with the team’s 13-course dinner service, which books at least 45 days out. That experience has already earned the restaurant a Michelin star, making them the first Filipino restaurant in the world to receive the accolade. 

Mi Tocaya Antojería Arrow

Mi Tocaya’s sunny corner spot is vibrant and art-filled, with murals celebrating chef-owner Diana Davila’s Mexican heritage. Colorful tile floors, bright green painted succulents, and large floor-to-ceiling windows create an inviting, convivial environment. Davila dishes out personal takes on flavorful Mexican cuisine. The supremely shareable menu features the usual suspects like tacos (fried oyster and grilled Amish chicken thighs en adobe number among the fillings), while the larger antojos section provides interesting departures from the expected. It’s an inviting, buzzy date spot that does serious, modern Mexican cuisine.

This long-time West Loop favorite is a pioneer in the business-oriented district, drawing crowds with vibrant Mediterranean cuisine. Small and large plates almost demand ordering extra, just to sample as many flavors as possible. The whole roasted fish is exemplary of the kitchen’s finesse with seafood, while memories of chorizo-stuffed medjool dates will keep you up at night.

Eden pulls inspiration from nature, European cafes, and California-coastal style. With a mix of eclectic elements, dark walls, and foliage, consider it your dream home away from home. Fresh, local, and sustainable fare is the focus, an approach that chef Devon Quinn accomplishes with an onsite greenhouse. The team picks from more than 40 herbs, greens, and edible flowers daily (with no refrigeration), while also regularly sourcing from local farmers markets. For dinner, don’t miss the pork tagliatelle, vegan wild mushroom tamale, or wood-grilled berbere spiced carrots. Brunch here is equally satisfying—staples include gluten-free quinoa pancakes, vegetarian eggs benedict, and avocado toast. 

Dusek's Arrow

This restaurant shares a cozy, cool space with beloved music venue Thalia Hall. A granite-topped bar, hand-stamped ceilings, and original stained glass all exude the 19th-century charm of this historic space (originally a Bohemian opera house)—and the speakers help bring diners up to speed, regularly shuffling the greats that grace their upstairs stage (from Japanese Breakfast to Yo La Tengo). Culinary director Ryan Pfeiffer oversees two distinct dining experiences—elevated comfort fare at Dusek’s Tavern and a multi-course seasonal menu in the Dining Room (led by chef de cuisine Geoff Thompson and pastry and sous chef Aja London), where a wood-fired oven serves as focal point. In the Tavern don’t miss the Smash Burger, oysters, or cast-iron mussels (a house favorite). In the Dining Room, make your selection across four courses, ranging from steelhead trout with cucumber and dill, pork belly with almond and burnt lime, or dry aged duck breast with green garlic and piquillo pepper.

Oriole Arrow

Executive chef and owner Noah Sandoval has a flair for elegant-yet-stripped down design. It's evident in the composition of his cuisine, but also immediately felt from the moment you walk in the door at Oriole. Traversing a nondescript West Loop alley, you emerge into a dining den defined by exposed brick and wooden beams. It exudes an almost Scandinavian sort of vibe—or hygge, if you like. The two Michelin stars hanging from the wall are well-earned. A parade of small bites on the tasting menu skew towards seafood—smoked roe gracefully adorns sablefish belly; raw oysters are swathed in pork consomme; seared loup de mer is a perennial standout. All of it is rendered as high-art on the plate. But it's more than just a feast for your eyes. At $295 a person—exclusive of tax, tip, and wine—this is definitely a special occasion splurge.

The Omakase Room at Sushi-san Arrow

Situated above River North’s Sushi-san, diners will find this 10-seat sushi den, where chef Kaze Chan serves an adventurous, pristine omakase menu. Between the welcoming team and modern loft space, replete with custom ceramics, stone masons, and bespoke Hinoki cutting boards, the experience feels more dinner party than restaurant booking (especially by evening’s close, when you’ve made at least a friend or two). The team puts forth 18 impeccable courses of line-caught fish, with Chef’s expert (and often glam) finishing touches. Examples include Japanese snapper with Kanzuri and lime, Spanish mackerel with ginger and soy, and fatty bluefin tuna belly with caviar and wasabi. You’ll want to save room for every bite—right down to dessert, a serving of salty-sweet uni ice cream with arare rice crackers and mint.

Valhalla Arrow

The always bustling Time Out Market now has one more reason to visit—this upscale dining venture from chef Stephen Gillanders—his third, after successes in Pilsen (S.K.Y.) and the South Loop (Apolonia). Situated on the second level of the market, the space allows diners to feel the overflow of energy—all while taking in sights of the open kitchen from any of the chef’s counter seats or tables surrounding it. Choose between an à la carte and 11-course tasting menu—you’re in excellent hands with either. For the latter, buckle up for exciting arrivals like the Savory Pastry Basket (featuring black truffle biscuits and green garlic madeleines) or the wagyu arrachera (with green apple kosho and polenta elote). Don’t miss a la carte dishes like the kombu cured fluke or Queen Crab Arroz Caldo (with crunchy garlic and green chili butter—an order inspired by Chef’s Filipino heritage that is also available on the tasting menu).

Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Chicago Arrow

After debuting their flagship restaurant Scratch Bar & Kitchen in Los Angeles a decade ago and several spots nationwide since then, Michelin-starred chefs, owners, and husband-and-wife team Phillip Frankland Lee and Margarita Kallas-Lee debuted their Chicago Sushi by Scratch location, where they put forth a 17-course tasting menu for 10 diners per seating (three times a night). Guests enter via a secret door within a bar called The Drop In, where they’re then greeted in an intimate, speakeasy-style space for a welcome cocktail and beginning bites. Guests are guided to a main dining space, meet the three dedicated sushi chefs, and settle in for an impressive array of cocktails and sake and a multi-course omakase that features fish flown in from Tokyo's world-famous Toyosu Fish Market. 

The Coach House by Wazwan Arrow

Head to Wicker Park for two dining experiences from James Beard Award-nominated chef Zubair Mohajir—Wazwan, for Southeast Asian-inspired street food, and The Coach House, for those same flavors in tasting menu form. It’s here, in a historic coach house outfitted with urban art and just 22 seats, that Mohajir serves multi-course menus exploring his ancestry and the culinary traditions rooted in South India’s spice roads. Visit on different nights of the week for different experiences—on Friday and Saturday for the team’s signature, seasonally rotating 8-course menu, and on Wednesday and Thursday for their Millenia Menu, a five-course offering inspired by ancient recipes, met here with Southeast Asian influences. Regardless of the day, you’re in for bold flavors, elegant execution, and warm hospitality throughout. Do snag a seat at the chef’s counter—it makes the night (already accompanied by lively groups and hip-hop sounds) all the more fun.

Recommended

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

The best of Chicago for free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy Chicago without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

• Things to Do
• Food & Drink
• Time Out Market
• Coca-Cola Foodmarks
• Attractions
• Los Angeles

Get us in your inbox

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

The 30 best restaurants in Chicago you have to try in 2024

There's no shortage of fantastic food in this city, but these Chicago restaurants make our list of top eats.

The best restaurants in Chicago come in all shapes and sizes, from pizza joints and Michelin-starred heavyweights to some of the best cheap eats Chicago has to offer. The cuisines are just as varied, with every corner of the globe represented through Korean, Mexican, Italian, Mediterranean and Japanese fare. Whether you're a lifelong resident or simply visiting for the weekend, stuffing your face at one of these restaurants is easily among the best things to do in Chicago . This belt-busting food scene shows no signs of slowing down, so we cut to the chase and ranked our essentials—the absolute best restaurants in town.

Our editors scour the city for great dishes, excellent value and insider info. We hope to provide an authentic snapshot of Chicago's ever-evolving dining experiences by updating this list constantly with the best new restaurants in the city as well as decades-old stalwarts that keep us coming back for more. It could be a mega-hyped destination restaurant or a remarkable hole in the wall: If it’s on the list, we think it’s terrific, and we bet you will, too. Many of the city's best chefs and restaurants are in Time Out Market Chicago as well, and you can scroll through the full vendor lineup at the bottom of this page.

An email you’ll actually love

Time Out Market Chicago

• Restaurants

We've rounded up the best chefs in the city to join us at Time Out Market Chicago, a culinary and cultural destination in the heart of Fulton Market.

Best restaurants in Chicago

1.  Oriole

• Contemporary American
• price 4 of 4

What is it?  A two-Michelin-starred fine dining experience from chef-owner Noah Sandoval.

Why we love it: Chicago is home to a number of upscale tasting menus but few are able to match Oriole’s deft execution. Upon arrival, guests are escorted into a freight elevator and given a drink before the door opens to reveal the dining room. Though there’s no telling what Sandoval has in store each evening, you can look forward to a minimalist style of cooking that puts the spotlight squarely on the premium ingredients. Acclaimed mixologist Julia Momose and beverage director  Emily Rosenfeld complement the food with inventive cocktails and an Old World-inspired wine list.

2.  Kyōten

• Logan Square

What is it?  An eight-seat sushi counter run by bold and ambitious chef Otto Phan.

Why we love it: Phan left Austin, Texas to come to Chicago with the goal of creating the city’s best sushi. He fulfills those aspirations every night at his nondescript Logan Square restaurant, which is also one of the most expensive experiences in town. Those who are able to secure a seat are treated to a front-row view of the chef slicing raw fish and serving it on extra large rice grains that have been seasoned with aged red vinegar. You’ll pay a pretty penny but Kyoten’s omakase provides some of the finest bites money can buy, made with luxurious products flown in from Japan.

3.  Birrieria Zaragoza

• Archer Heights
• price 1 of 4

What is it? A family-owned Mexican spot in Archer Heights that's the G.O.A.T. when it comes to goat meat.

Why we love it : Thick handmade tortillas, salsas made to order, bright-pink agua fresca—you can get all of that to go. Their only purpose, however, is to accompany the restaurant’s signature platters of chopped goat meat. Unlike other birrierias, this goat doesn’t touch a consommé until it’s plated, when some of the tomato-based broth is spooned over it. At that point, a good dousing of hot sauce, and maybe a squeeze of lime and some onions, is all you need for the city’s best tacos.

4.  Johnnie's Beef

What is it?  An old-school Italian beef and ice stand over in Elmwood Park.

Why we love it: Just like with deep dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs, locals will never agree on the best Italian beef maker. The closest to a consensus is Johnnie’s, a legendary spot that necessitates a pilgrimage to the suburbs. You’ll have plenty of time to decide on what to order as you wait in line behind regulars, but we suggest getting the beef—dipped and with hot peppers. Order a lemon Italian ice to cool your mouth off afterwards.

5.  Monteverde

• price 3 of 4

What is it? Top Chef alum Sarah Grueneberg's pasta playground in the West Loop.

Why we love it: Italian food is meant to be shared, and at Monteverde, that's never an issue. Fill your table with a smogasboard of small plates, handmade pastas and shareable mains (read: they're freakin' huge). You absolutely mustn't skip the burrata e ham starter—which comes with warm English muffin-like rounds called tigelle—nor the spaghetti al pomodoro, a simple but soul-affirming dish that stars Grueneberg's spot-on roasted tomato sauce.

6.  Kasama

• East Village
• price 2 of 4

What is it? A modern Filipino-American bakery and fine dining restaurant from husband-and-wife team Tim Flores and Genie Kwon (Oriole), Kasama boasts both a Michelin-starred tasting menu and a selection of casual daytime dishes that'll have you saying “I'll take one of each.”

Why we love it : Believe any and all of the hype on this one: Kasama really is as good as they say it is. Come by in the morning for brunch fare like a longanisa-topped breakfast sandwich or a full Filipino breakfast (longanisa/tocino, fried egg, garlic fried rice and pickled papaya) and some of Chicago's best pastries. At night, book a coveted seating for the restaurant's 13-course tasting menu, a Filipino-inspired journey that swings from dishes like nilaga with A5 wagyu to a perfect little croissant served with a sprinkling of freshly shaved black truffles.

Time Out tip: If you don't have your heart set on dining indoors, skip the inevitable weekend line and order online for pickup—we promise your meal will taste just as good. 

7.  Virtue

• Soul and southern American

What is it? Chef Erick Williams's love letter to the Southern experience of cooking through passed-down recipes and reimagined expressions.

Why we love it : You can practically feel the soul oozing from the menu at this Hyde Park restaurant. It's because Williams cooks with his heart, whether he's plating fried green tomatoes with tender shrimp and creamy rémoulade or he's fixing his famous collards, which arrive studded with hunks of smoked turkey meat. Second only to the food is the ambiance, which is sexy without trying too hard—perfect for a cozy date night.

8.  Vito and Nick’s Pizzeria

What is it? The king of thin-crust pizza done Chicago-style.

Why we love it: Serving pies since 1949 (although this location opened in ’65), Vito and Nick’s is a Chicago tradition. The cracker-thin, tavern-style crust is loaded up with rich red sauce, gooey mozzarella and fennel-flecked sausage chunks; test the limits with a few more toppings—we like mushroom, pepper, onion and black olives on ours. For the complete experience, stop by to sip an ice-cold Old Style in the dining room while catching a glimpse of the Bears or Sox game on TV.

9.  Smyth + The Loyalist

• American creative

What is it? John Shields and Karen Urie Shields’s two-for-one special in the West Loop: a fine-dining destination upstairs and the city's best burger in the sultry basement.

Why we love it : You can choose your own adventure at this double feature—and neither option will lead you astray. Cozy up on the couch with the Loyalist's famed Dirty Burger, a messy medley of cheesy, oniony goodness that's now available for takeout and delivery. Or splurge for Smyth's multi-course tasting menus, a three Michelin-starred exploration of Smyth County, Virginia. 

10.  Daisies

What is it?  The noodle palace from Joe Frillman that recently moved into a new, larger home in Logan Square.

Why we love it : There's something about tucking into a bowl of handmade pasta that feels like a big, warm hug. That's why we ring Daisies when we've had a long day. The menu is built around a roster of rotating pasta dishes that change with the season to highlight super-fresh ingredients like lentils, stinging nettle and green garlic. Each bite tastes a bit more special when you hear about Frillman Farms, which is owned and operated by Frillman's younger brother, Tim, and provides produce to the kitchen (as well as many other top eateries across the country). The new space is also now open durinig the day, offering coffee and delightful pastries from Leigh Omilinsky.

11.  Red Hot Ranch

What is it? A no-fuss, late-night siren song that slings some of the tastiest burgers in town.

Why we love it : What Chicagoan hasn't found themselves at Red Hot Ranch in the wee hours of the morning in search of sustenance? For less than $7, one of the city's best cheeseburgers is yours—with thick-cut fries to boot! Thin, griddled patties shine with a little help from melty cheddar, LTO and special sauce. It's simple but undeniably decadent. Still hungry? Toss in a half-order of fried shrimp, which arrive golden in hue and accompanied by cocktail sauce for dipping. Then, sit back and let the food coma commence.

12.  Mi Tocaya Antojería

What is it? Translating to "my namesake" in Spanish, Mi Tocaya is a term of endearment that chef Diana Dávila has bestowed upon her neighborhood Mexican restaurant in Logan Square.

Why we love it : Dávila recreates childhood memories through her food, offering guests a lineup of soul-warming dishes like a carne asada burrito and fish in mole blanco. The guac, which is dusted with chile ash, is still on the menu, and a slate of cocktails rounds out the mix (the negroni is a unique twist on the classic).

13.  Jeong

• River West/West Town

What is it?  An upscale Korean restaurant from talented chef Dave Park and his partner Jennifer Tran.

Why we love it: Jeong is the fanciest Korean experience in Chicago, bar none. Park, who previously ran celebrated food court stall Hanbun in the suburbs, uses modern preparations to elevate traditional flavors. His tasting menu showcases gorgeous and inventive plates, like a disc of salmon tartare topped with doenjang yuzu gastrique, crunchy rice pearls and dollops of crème fraiche.

14.  Lem’s Bar-B-Q

• Greater Grand Crossing

What is it? A rite of passage for local and visiting chowhounds alike, Lem's is an institution-status barbecue house that deals in meaty things and fried chicken.

Why we love it : Chicago may not be known as a barbecue destination in its own right, but Lem's single-handedly puts the South Side on the map with its unique aquarium-style smoker, which weighs in at 64 square feet. Regulars love the rib tips and hot links—and luckily, the combo meal gets you a taste of both. It's takeout only at Lem's, so plan on dining in your car or taking this saucy feast home.

15.  Manny’s Cafeteria and Delicatessen

What is it?  Chicago's answer to Katz's Delicatessen, where cooks in paper hats serve gigantic sandwiches, bowls of matzo ball soup and cafeteria classics like meatloaf and pepper steak.

Why we love it: Whether you're showing up for breakfast, lunch of dinner, the Jewish deli fare at Manny's is gonna fill you up. Bring an appetite and order a generous bagel and lox, the signature corned beef or simply ask the folks behind the counter what's good today.

Time Out tip: Love Manny's meats, cheeses and bagels? You can order them in bulk and stock your home deli with everything you need to make the perfect bagel and lox.

16.  Boka

• Lincoln Park

What is it? The fine-dining beacon that started Boka Restaurant Group, one of Chicago's finest culinary collectives.

Why we love it : In its 20-plus years on Halsted Street, Boka has racked up a trophy case worth of awards, including one long-standing Michelin star and a handful of Jean Banchet Awards. But we prefer to let chef-partner Lee Wolen’s impeccable techniques—on everything from dry-aged duck and roasted chicken to ricotta gnudi—do the talking. It'd be a shame to skip dessert from pastry chef Kim Mok, who whips up dreamy, sugar-filled confections with serious range—from chocolate pavlova to mochi brownie.

17.  Bavette’s

• River North

What is it?  A sultry, vaguely French-inspired steakhouse from Hogsalt Hospitality.

Why we love it:  In a city inundated with chophouses, Brendan Sodikoff manages to keep things fresh and exciting. Even if you're not a huge fan of beef (which is top notch, BTW), the menu offers fantastic alternatives like divine fried chicken and shortrib stroganoff. A slice of chocolate cream pie provides the perfect ending to one of the most romantic and chic experiences in Chicago.

18.  Lula Cafe

What is it? A unanimously beloved neighborhood darling that's been doing the whole farm-to-table thing long before it was a thing .

Why we love it : There’s a reason Lula has been a Chicago staple for more than two decades. Chef-owner Jason Hammel and his team present dishes made with the freshest seasonal ingredients, and it shows—from pastries to turkey sandwiches to roast chicken, e verything you'll eat here tastes like it's been thoroughly iterated and perfected.

Time Out tip:  Lula serves brunch every day, so if you're free on a Thursday or Friday morning, your Classic Lula Breakfast Burrito awaits.

19.  La Chaparrita

• South Lawndale

What is it?  A taqueria attached to a corner store.

Why we love it: Focusing on tacos de fritangas, a specialty of Mexico City, La Chaparrita offers tortillas filled with a variety of muscles and organs that have been fried in a circular metal pan. The must-try is the crispy tripe taco, and don’t forget to wash it down with a cup of cold horchata.

20.  Maxwells Trading

What is it? A vaguely “contemporary American” restaurant from acclaimed chef Erling Wu-Bower.

Why we love it: The menu draws on all sorts of influences, making it tough to categorize the cuisine at Maxwells Trading. What’s easy to understand, though, is why we’re smitten with it—suzuki tartare announces its arrival with intoxicating aromas; brûléed sweet potato bathes in a northern Thai-style curry; and a steak salad is delicious in its simplicity. You may have to plan ahead to snag a table, but it’s well worth the effort.

21.  Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings

• Armour Square

What is it?  Known to many as QXY, this Chinatown mainstay is the dumpling authority of Chicago.

Why we love it: When it comes to dumplings, we're of the mindset that more is always better. It's why we flock to QXY for the seemingly endless menu that details dozens of fillings that are sorted by protein—from pork and pickled cabbage to scallop and lotus root. If you can dream it, they probably have it. Place your order with the whole household in mind—that way, you can try a few different flavors in one sitting.

22.  El Che Steakhouse & Bar

What is it?: An Argentinian-influenced steakhouse that pays homage to the country’s beloved asados.

Why we love it: The smells coming from the kitchen’s 12-foot custom-built hearth are intoxicating and serve as a love letter to Argentina. Chef John Manion’s selection of flame-kissed veggies, meats and seafood are unrivaled, boasting premium cuts from sources like Creekstone Farms in Kansas and Michigan’s Vander Farmers. For an authentic South American experience, try the parrillada platter. It’s loaded with sweetbreads, morcilla, chorizo, steak, bone marrow and much more.

Time Out tip: If you want to get up close to the fiery action, book a seat at the chef’s counter. Manion also offers grilling classes.

23.  Galit

• Sheffield & DePaul

What is it? New Orleans chef Zachary Engel's (Shaya) raved-about—and Michelin-starred—entry to Chicago's dining scene: a Middle Eastern eatery in the heart of Lincoln Park.

Why we love it : When we heard that Engel was packing up his bags and moving to Chicago, the anticipation was palpable. And so far, the James Beard Award winner hasn't let us down. Instead of an a la carte menu, guests choose their own four-course adventure. The kitchen orchestrates a parade of hummus, fire-roasted veggies and proteins, balloon-shaped pita and addictive sides. 

24.  HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen

• Lower West Side

What is it? Chef Thai Dang and co-owner Danielle Dang's love letter to Vietnamese cooking, showcasing rich flavors and overlooked dishes.

Why we love it: No matter how familiar you may be with Vietnamese cuisine, there's a good chance that something on HaiSous's menu will surprise you. Stick to standards like crispy wings covered in caramelized fish sauce or branch out by trying an octopus salad with eggplant confit. If you prefer a guided dining experience, order one of the tasting menus served family-style.

25.  Akahoshi Ramen

What is it? A dream realized for home-cook-turned-chef Mike Satinover.

Why we love it: After years of doing pop-ups, Satinover (best known as ramen_lord on Reddit) took the plunge and opened his own noodle shop in Logan Square. Armed with knowledge and experience gained from time spent studying abroad in Japan, he presents a tight menu of ramen and sides. We slurped the namesake Akahoshi Miso ramen—a soulful bowl of rich broth teeming with homemade Sapporo-style noodles, bean sprouts, green onions, bamboo shoots and chashu—until there was nothing left, but Satinover’s monthly specials (spicy miso on our visit) deserve a spot at your table, too.

Time Out tip: The restaurant accepts walk-ins each night starting at 5pm. But if you don’t feel like waiting an hour (or more), reservations go live at noon on Mondays.

26.  Tempesta Market

What is it? A deli and sandwich shop from a father-son duo.

Why we love it: The menu rotates constantly, so your go-to sandwich may be here today and gone tomorrow, but that just means there’s always an opportunity to discover a new favorite. One offering that never leaves the lineup is the Dante, a riff on the Italian sub that’s loaded with six layers of house-cured meats.

Time Out tip: Get some ‘nduja to take home. The spicy, spreadable salami from Italy’s Calabria region is the signature specialty.

27.  Taqueria Chingón

What is it? A tasty homage to the streetside eateries of Mexico City, Taqueria Chingón brings pozole, ceviche and tortilla-wrapped meats to Bucktown.

Why we love it: The tacos al pastor are a must, with tender bits of pork finding their match in creamy avocado salsa, sweet pineapple and flecks of cilantro. Vegetarians aren't left out of the fun: There's a veg-based version of the dish that subs in portobello mushrooms and celery root to create a spot-on rendition that's anything but boring. And if you're feeling extra hungry, the churros are an irresisitible dessert.

28.  Mott St.

What is it?  An Asian fusion spot that serves an eclectic selection of street-food-inspired bites.

Why we love it: The core of the menu is Korean, but influences from other Asian cuisines are littered throughout. You’ll sit down to options such as jumbo everything wings, pork-shoulder-stuffed cabbage and udon noodles with marinated cod roe and kimchi. The ballyhooed Mott Burger is also as good as advertised—an East-meets-West creation packing double patties, sweet potato shoestrings, miso butter onions, American cheese, dill pickles, pickled jalapenos and hoisin aioli.

Time Out tip: If you want to eat the burger at a table, it’s only offered in the dining room before 7pm. Otherwise, it’s available all night long at the bar.

29.  Tanta

What is it?  A Peruvian standout sporting a fabulous rooftop during the summer months.

Why we love it:  Tanta celebrates the cooking of South America with a menu that touches on all of the greatest hits. There are ceviches and tiraditos aplenty, in addition to Nikkei bites, which are a fusion of Peruvian and Japanese flavors. But you also can't go wrong with the heartier items like the pollo a la brasa and the chaufa aeropuerto—fried rice studded with char siu pork and veggies.

30.  Perilla

What is it? A modern Korean barbecue restaurant.

Why we love it: Most of Chicago’s beloved Korean barbecue joints are no-frills, mom-and-pop operations. But Perilla bucks that trend and feels like it was imported straight from L.A. While the meats are the star of the show (the L.A.-style galbi and marinated A5 wagyu never disappoint), don’t overlook other standouts like the silken tofu stew and Korean fried chicken wings.

Local chefs, restaurants and concepts we love so much that we welcomed them into Time Out Market

Restaurateur Louie Alexakis knows a thing or two about Greek cuisine, having spent nearly three decades working in the restaurant biz in Greektown and nearby suburbs. He and partner Lou Canellis drew from that experience to open Avli Taverna—a concept that puts a contemporary spin on regional Greek dishes—in Lincoln Park in 2018. Four years and multiple Chicago locations later, Alexakis has brought a highlight reel of dishes to Time Out Market, with a menu broken into three categories that capture the full spectrum of Avli’s approach to Greek cuisine. Whether you’re in the mood for flaky spinach pie, filo-wrapped prawns or chicken souvlaki served on house-made pita bread, Avli delivers an authentic taste of Greece and its diverse food culture.

When co-owners Manish and Rina Mallick first traveled to Goa, they were captivated by the region’s beautiful white sand beaches and Portuguese architecture. But the coastal Indian state’s delicious cuisine left an even bigger impression, with pristine seafood served alongside spicy curry and fluffy poi bread. The pair founded Bar Goa to share these delicacies with Chicagoans, serving a variety of dishes that just happen to pair nicely with a cold beer or a refreshing cocktail.

Bill Kim Ramen Bar

Steaming bowls of noodles have been a fixture of chef Bill Kim’s menus ever since he opened his first restaurant, and diners have always been eager to slurp his latest creations. Originally launched as a delivery-only concept, Bill Kim Ramen Bar specializes in broths that draw on Korean, Vietnamese and Mexican flavors, garnished with a creative array of toppings. Whether you’re looking for a conventional bowl or ramen or something a bit more adventurous, Kim has something you can enjoy by the spoonful. 

Every morning deserves the perfect start, and that’s precisely what you’ll get at Chitiva Cafe. Backed by award-winning pastry chef Steven Krizman, the extensive all-day menu features an assortment of baked goods, from fresh fruit Danishes to buttery croissants, alongside breakfast sandwiches, caffeinated beverages and more. For those with a sweet tooth, indulgent desserts like the chocolate marquise provide an impeccable ending to any meal. And don’t think twice about grabbing a delightful treat to savor later when the craving calls.

When Bonni Cameron took over County BBQ in 2020, she recognized the importance of preserving a winning formula. For more than a decade, the Little Italy restaurant has been serving up a diverse array of smoked meats, inspired by traditions from all across the country. Here, you can savor melt-in-your-mouth Texas-style brisket, succulent Carolina pulled pork and finger-licking rib tips prepared the Chicago way—each perfectly complemented by three house-made sauces. Of course, no barbecue feast would be complete without the essential sides so don’t forget the mac and cheese—crafted with beer cheese sauce—and creamy corn pudding.

Growing up in Tigray, Ethiopia with 10 other siblings, chef Tigist Reda learned at a young age how to cook for large groups. Her passion for entertaining turned professional in 2007 when she opened Demera to showcase the bold and vibrant flavors of her home country. Prepare to get hands-on as you scoop up dishes like doro wot—spicy and fragrant chicken stew—with the spongy sour flatbread known as injera. It’s the perfect communal dining experience, but we won’t blame you for not wanting to share.

Drawing inspiration from the modest origins of the hamburger, chef Jorge Kauam’s German-American concept offers a variety of smashed creations that blend the comfort of familiarity with striking inventiveness. Through modern techniques and premium ingredients, including a specially crafted spice rub for the beef patties, Kauam presents umami-rich options like the namesake Gutenburg Burger and the indulgent Guten Belly Burger, which comes adorned with luscious caramelized pork belly. And don’t overlook the accompaniments—the sweet potato fries elevated with brown butter and blue cheese are an essential complement to every order.

JoJo’s ShakeBAR

The classic diner gets a dose of ‘80s- and ‘90s-inspired nostalgia at JoJo’s Shake Bar, where visitors can sip decadent milkshakes beneath photos of Biggie Smalls, Bill Murray and other heroes from the era. You can opt for a customized flavor or try a milk bar (essentially a milkshake in popsicle form), but we also suggest one of the shop’s signature Biggie Shakes if you’re feeling adventurous: Topped with a cornucopia of cookies, candy and marshmallows, they’re a delightful sugar rush and a blast from the past all at once. 

Chef Rodolfo Cuadros refers to himself as a “nomad” after a decade spent working alongside Latin American cooks in Miami, London and France. When he opened Wicker Park restaurant Amaru in 2019, Cuadros set out to serve pan-Latin cuisine and share parts of the various cultures that inspire his recipes. Lil Amaru is a continuation of Cuadro’s mission to explore the soul of Latin American cooking, focusing on delicious dishes that are commonly sold by street vendors in countries like Mexico, Cuba and Colombia.

Lizzy J Cafe

Paying tribute to the influential women in her family who ignited her passion for cooking, Jamie Gilmore delivers Southern-style brunch fare infused with Creole love. At Lizzy J Cafe, the menu boasts all-day specialties like a crab cake Benedict, lemon ricotta pancakes and roasted lamb chops served alongside eggs and breakfast potatoes, complemented by a selection of refreshing teas and lemonades. No matter the hour, come in for a leisurely sit-down experience that satisfies with an array of comforting dishes.

A seasoned veteran of the sushi world, Ismael Lucero Lopez has spent decades meticulously refining his skills in slicing pristine fish. At  Madai , the menu honors traditional Japanese flavors while weaving in elements of Latin and Pan-Asian influences. Satisfy your seafood craving by indulging in inventive maki rolls like the El Baja—panko ebi, tuna and avocado, crowned with marinated jalapeños—or a selection of nigiri, sashimi and chirashi bowls. Whichever you choose, you’ll savor the essence of fresh, open waters through Lopez’s impeccable creations.

Sporty Bird

Art Smith has donned many hats during his illustrious career, from chef to diplomat to sports team owner, but one thing that’s been consistent is his unwavering passion for Southern hospitality. At Sporty Bird, you can get your hands on Smith’s famous fried chicken, which has been a longtime favorite among locals and luminaries alike. Accompanied by decadent mac and cheese, it’s everything you’d expect from a celebrated, two-time James Beard Award winner. If you’re in the mood for a handheld, the array of inventive chicken sandwiches promise to satisfy. And lest we forget, save room for dessert—the hummingbird cake is an irresistible delight that simply can’t be missed.

• Wicker Park

Chef Bill Kim keeps our bellies happy with his playful menu of Asian staples at this sunshine-filled restaurant in Wicker Park. Start with an assortment of dumplings, which are available by the piece in flavors like pork and cilantro and chicken red curry. You'll want to save room for hearty entrees like ramen with braised pork belly, creamy coconut curry pho, fried rice bowls and Thai fried chicken. The youngsters won't feel left out: The kids' menu offers fan-favorites like belly-warming noodle soup and PB&J soft serve.

[image] [title]

Discover Time Out original video

• Press office
• Investor relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Copyright agent
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Advertising

Time Out products

• Time Out Worldwide

Time Out magazine

Where To Eat When You’re Visiting Chicago

photo credit: Kim Kovacik

Sam Faye, Adrian Kane, John Ringor, Veda Kilaru & Nick Allen

April 5, 2024

Welcome to Chicago, a city that’s great for eating and neighborhood-hopping. It’s practically designed to be one big food crawl for visitors, with breaks in between for gawking at skyscrapers, hitting a comedy show, and sleeping.

There’s no doubt that you’ll get some deep dish pizza, which you definitely should (and we have three suggestions below). If you love The Bear , head to Mr. Beef in River North for the sandwich that made “Yes, Chef!” a popular catchphrase. But don't miss out on other highlights, like Doma's smokey cevapi, the chorizo-stuffed medjool dates at Avec, or the steak at Bavette’s. It's possible to hit some of the city's best spots all in the same afternoon, without needing to hop on the elevated train line we call the "L."

This isn’t meant to be a definitive list of Chicago’s best restaurants—it’s just what we’d do if we were in your shoes. Speaking of shoes—hopefully you brought something comfortable. You’ve got a lot of ground to cover.

This Croatian cafe has one of the city’s best english muffin egg and cheese sandwiches regardless if you’re team bacon, sausage, or avocado. We’re also big fans of their breakfast plate with eggs, greens, crispy hashbrowns, and the smokey cevapi. And when it’s too cold to hang out on their isolated back patio, their bright space’s large windows still guarantee that you can get your vitamin D fix.

photo credit: Beatrix

River North

When the morning needs museum-visit strategizing and a solid sit-down meal, consider Beatrix in River North for a power breakfast. The massive and sunny dining room thrives on efficiency, as tourists and families fuel up with safe classics like the soft oven-baked brioche and non-sweet brunch options like the spicy green chili and chicken enchilada. Beatrix also has a large bakery and coffee stand in the center, so grab an apple vegan muffin or lavender honey latte to-go before finally checking out the Chicago Medieval Torture Museum.

photo credit: Christina Slaton

Lou Mitchell's

Before a whole day of landmark hopping between a former “World’s Tallest Building” and a giant handprint-covered metal legume, grab breakfast at another local institution, Lou Mitchell’s. We mean that literally—this West Loop diner has an official spot in the National Register of Historic Places for being at the start of the original Route 66. And it definitely has the old-school diner feel. Enjoy a classic skillet and pancake stack at one of their retro counters and bar stools, and the staff will probably call you some variation of hun, sweetie, or darling as they drop off a slice of their rotating pie of the day.

Mediterranean

Cira benefits from geography—it’s centrally located in the Hoxton at Fulton Market . The Mediterranean breakfast also makes things easy too, with broad enough options for tourists who want to begin their day with a classic American plate of two eggs, or get more spice from their shakshuka. The mezze platter is a solid way to jumpstart a day of strolling the West Loop, especially if the night before involved closing down Lazy Bird , the charming speakeasy in the Hoxton’s basement.

photo credit: Veda Kilaru

Tilly Bagel Shop

Chicago may never beat New York when it comes to bagels, but there are plenty of quality options throughout the city. And the ones at Tilly’s in the South Loop are perfect for a pre-museum day breakfast or to power your stroll up Michigan Avenue. These sourdough bagels are made fresh throughout the morning—a watchable activity thanks to a partially visible kitchen—and come in interesting flavors like cacio e pepe, or a rotating special like pepperoni. Whatever flavor you choose, these fluffy and chewy bagels seem designed to be ripped and dunked in the housemade cream cheese, which are equally delicious and creative.

photo credit: Derrick Koch

J.P. Graziano Grocery & Sub Shop

This iconic family-run Italian deli and sub shop in the West Loop has been around since 1937. J.P. Graziano’s industrial exterior hasn’t changed since the neighborhood was full of meatpacking warehouses, and inside they’re still making the most delicious Italian subs and sandwiches in the city. Specifically, the Mr. G, which has spicy soppressata, prosciutto, salami, hot oil, marinated artichokes, and a surprisingly delicate truffle mustard balsamic vinaigrette.

photo credit: Au Cheval

This leather-clad, diner-inspired restaurant is known for their famous burger and infamous lack of reservations, and attracts both local burger enthusiasts and tourists alike. But unlike dinner where the wait can be long enough to sneak in a game of Monopoly, stopping by mid-day is like catching the Burger Express. The thick-cut bacon and fried egg upgrades are a must, but make sure to also check out other non-burger items like the fluffy scrambled eggs with rich foie gras or bone marrow with beef cheek marmalade.

photo credit: Sandy Noto

MingHin Cuisine

This very popular dim sum restaurant has a bunch of locations, but whether you visit the one in Streeterville or South Loop, each MingHin follows the same format: a large space with plenty of seating, a long menu of consistently well-made dim sum, and an iPad ordering system at the table that helps you wade through the seemingly endless array of choices. The dining room is dark and sleek, but it’s casual enough for a family-style meal. All of the above (plus little to no wait time) makes Minghin one of the best places for groups.

There’s “old school” as in handwritten thank you notes, Old School the cinematic masterpiece, and then there’s Mr. Beef. This iconic River North shop is the inspiration behind The Bear , and despite the show's popularity, still has a no-nonsense vibe and isn’t filled with tourists like yourself. It’s a cash-only spot with politely impatient service, and a sparse dining room with a communal table where you can befriend someone who’s been eating here for decades. Come to Mr. Beef for a well-made, classic Italian beef without a side of selfies and ring lights.

Apolonia is a Mediterranean restaurant conveniently located near McCormick Place and the plethora of hotels in its vicinity. You’ll find couples drinking wine, as well as lanyard-wearing Accounting Association Summit attendees debating which of the fantastic dishes—like the roasted mussels on toast, buttery truffle puff bread, or fiorentini topped with a pork sugo—to order. After dinner, head next door to VU Rooftop for drinks and one of the best views of the city .

We’ve yet to find a scenario where coming to the best Italian restaurant in Chicago isn’t a great idea. But this perpetually-booked spot from a Top Chef alum will definitely need a reservation months in advance for your group dinner—try for a table during weekday lunch to increase your chance of success. Personally, we like to walk-in solo and grab a seat at the bar facing the pastificio and smile maniacally at all the pasta we can’t wait to consume, because nearly every dish is excellent (and reasonably priced). Try the cacio e pepe or ragu alla napoletana (a giant plate full of fusilli, sausage, meatballs, and a large braised pork shank), and attempt to stuff the inevitable leftovers in your hotel mini-fridge.

At this white-tablecloth French spot, it’s common to see couples feed each other buttery escargot for their anniversary while servers expertly fold someone’s napkin shortly after they leave their seat. But you'll also see people popping in for after-work glasses of Beaujolais at the bar, and friends in matching jean jackets attempting to equally split the Korean-inspired tête de cochon. Obelix expertly walks the tightrope of feeling formal without being stuffy—a balance that extends to its menu of classics like French onion soup and playful, fusion-y dishes like foie gras tacos. 

photo credit: Bavette's

Bavette's

Bavette’s is our favorite steakhouse in Chicago. First, because the actual steak is delicious. Second, groups can come here, not order a steak (entrees like the fried chicken and the pork chop are outstanding), and still have a fantastic meal. Third, the 1920s jazz music playing in the windowless dining room makes this place feel like it exists outside of the normal space/time continuum. Just know that everyone also seems to love this place, so for a table that’s not at 3:00pm or 10:00pm, you’ll need to jump on a reservation when they’re available 21 days in advance.

It’s easy to meet strangers with similar great taste at Avec, a restaurant in the West Loop with communal tables and Mediterranean dishes. But accidentally nudging someone while reaching for the last dab of short rib hummus is common here, as consistent as the excellence of their rotating small plates. The space is all about sleek wood—for its stools, tables, and bar—which keeps the atmosphere bright, even when Avec inevitably gets busy with people. Get a reservation in advance, and plan on talking to seat neighbors also fixated on Avec’s must-order chorizo-stuffed medjool dates. 

Sushi-san in River North serves seriously great Japanese food, even if the club-level-loud rap music and poop emoji bathroom sign make it seem somewhat gimmicky. The sushi here is expertly prepared, like their San-Set assortments of nigiri, sashimi, and rolls that have names like Megatron and Mr. Maguro. And like the spicy octopus tacos in a crunchy nori shell or fluffy Japanese pancakes for dessert, they’re perfect for a group to split as they ramp up their night. Sushi-san is an irreverent party with excellent sushi and an exciting bar roster (Asahi, on tap, in a frosted glass), but they also have a great selection of drinks that have nothing with alcohol—AKA their N.W.A. section, naturally.

photo credit: Sammy Faze Photography

Unlike other upscale cocktail spots in the area, Kumiko doesn’t have velvet curtains or decorations that should come with “do not touch” signs. The intimate, pristine space is ideal for anniversary drinks, or relaxed hangs with people whose default speaking voice sounds like they regularly lead guided meditations. The attention to detail starts with menus designed like carefully crafted zines and extends to creative cocktails like a bold-yet-light Old Fashioned with green tea, and dishes like a crispy wagyu katsu sando with pillowy milk bread.

The Berkshire Room

Start off a night in River North at this mid-century-looking lounge in The Acme Hotel, which is great for classic cocktails . But any rebellious, liquor-drinking trailblazers should order the Dealer’s Choice, which doesn’t have complex menu descriptions to parse—just tell the friendly bartenders the spirit, flavor profile, and desired glass. Come early in the night, before the dark nooks and low tables are filled with people trying to impress their party with a tolerance for something strong and stirred when they secretly wish the drink was sweet and sour.

photo credit: Clayton Hauck

The Chicago Athletic Association Hotel’s version of a Dave & Busters has skeeball and shuffleboard instead of a Jurassic Park shoot ‘em up, and while a child or two might be visible, the scene skews toward people who were indeed alive when the first movie came out. The bar food, like their sweet Maxwell Street Polish honoring the classic Chicago sausage, is better than average but it’s the drink specials that make this a fun place to be an adult: co-workers marking another conference survived can split the Victory Lap, a large tequila cocktail for four-to-six served in a trophy. The Game Room is like a reclusive baron’s low-lit kick-back spot, an ideal scene for those who want sports and a good bar, without a rowdy crowd.

photo credit: Nick Allen

Located next to Au Cheval , Lone Wolf is a common waiting room for burger-hungry souls who are patient, determined, and apparently have three hours to kill. But even if you’re not stuck in burger purgatory, it’s a great place to get a taste of the local dive, including a shot of Malört, a Windy City delicacy. Lone Wolf only opened in 2013, but the scratched-up wooden bar and old-school glass block windows could fool you into thinking it’s been a neighborhood watering hole for decades. Along with Old Style tallboys, they also have local beers on tap, cocktails, and even food from local celebrity, The Tamale Guy.

photo credit: The Drifter

The Drifter

Grabbing drinks at The Drifter is a whole experience—assuming you’re able to find it. Spoiler alert: it’s in the basement of The Green Door Tavern, right next to the bathrooms and behind a shelf of tchotchkes. Beyond its secret entrance is an intimate space full of antiques, an old American flag that hangs above the bar, and short burlesque performances that’ll spice up your night more than the peppers at Mr. Beef next door. Throw in their rotating cocktail menu with fun drink names printed on individual tarot cards, and you have a whole night of mystique, intrigue, and maybe a table full of Kimmy Gibbler Gimlets.

DEEP DISH PIZZA

Pequod's Pizzeria

Lincoln Park

Pequod’s in Lincoln Park isn’t the easiest to get to from Chicago’s general downtown area—plan on an Uber fare, a train-to-bus situation, or a 90-minute stroll. But the caramelized crust on the edges of their deep dish alone raises it above its peers. Pequod’s is a two-floor sports bar that’s always busy at night with families and people watching the evening’s game, so walk-ins should expect a wait, and it’s another 30 to 45-minute wait after ordering the pie. But like the journey it took to be in the same building as one of our favorite pizzas, it’s more than worth it.

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria

If you can’t get to Pequod’s, Lou Malnati’s is the next best version of a classic Chicago-style pizza (sauce on top, with cheese and toppings underneath). There are multiple locations throughout the city, which means getting your deep dish fix is considerably easier. The crust is buttery and flaky, there’s a ton of cheese, and the whole thing is pretty much a gooey and delicious mess. You can even order a personal-size deep dish pie. It’s like a slice, except it’s round and weighs eight pounds. After a trip here you might want to make sure your touring schedule is light the rest of the day.

photo credit: The Art Of Pizza

The Art of Pizza

Eating an entire deep dish pizza (even with hungry friends) can be quite the undertaking, so luckily there’s Art of Pizza, which offers some very good deep dish by the slice. Yes, there’s thin crust and pan-style, but the best is their stuffed pizza—it’s the same as Lou Malnati’s, but with way more cheese and an extra layer of dough. The South Loop location is counter-service, BYOB, and has a few tables for small groups that get tired of waiting in line at the Lou’s down the street. But this is an especially good option when you just want to eat your Art’s Special slice in solitude while everyone else spends the afternoon at the aquarium.

Suggested Reading

The Best Restaurants In The Gold Coast

Our favorite places to eat in the neighborhood.

The Best Restaurants In River North

There’s a lot going on in this neighborhood, and deciding on a restaurant can be tough. This is where you should be eating.

The Best Restaurants In The West Loop

Fulton Market

Our favorite places in the neighborhood. Yes, this includes Monteverde.

Where to Eat and Drink in Chicago: A Local's Guide

Layne Dixon

I’ve been chowing down in Chicago for almost 30 years now, but I never get bored with the menu here. Probably because my adopted hometown mixes the depth and worldliness of a big city with all the culinary pluses of a small one. 

First off, you can eat well in Chicago without spending a ton of money. It's also terrifically laid-back. The restaurants I love don't put on airs, and, for the most part, I can turn up in jeans and flip-flops and be welcomed to fork into an awesome meal. Restaurateurs from around the globe have set up shop in the city, meaning I can get a Lithuanian bacon bun or a multilayered Serbian walnut cookie or Senegalese rice and fish stew with equal ease, should the craving arise. 

So, yeah, there's good eatin' here. Sure, big-name chefs have gone wild in neighborhoods like the West Loop, Wicker Park, and Logan Square. And that’s all fine and dandy, especially since even the buzziest restaurants are get-at-able. But my list of essential Chicago food experiences sticks more to classics: a rich and nostalgia-inducing hot fudge sundae, a stiff Martini, a good old-fashioned diner omelette, and—sorry, it can't be helped—a big, doughy, and, yes, deep, Chicago-style stuffed pizza.

My first thought whenever I enter Crisp’s cheerful little storefront is “Glad I’m not a chicken.” Because it seems like every person eating here has a jumbo wing or drumstick in hand, alongside a piled-high plate of gnawed bones.

Korean fried chicken is the house specialty, and Crisp does a bang-up job with it. They cook up a bird with a delicate crunch to its skin, which gives way to super-tender meat beneath. Add the slightly sweet soy-ginger Seoul Sassy sauce, and it’s hard to refrain from going full-on carnivore.

Despite its poultry prowess, my favorite thing at Crisp is a vegetarian dish, and the restaurant’s other claim to fame: the veggie-rich Buddha Bowl, a version of Korean bibimbap (mixed vegetables with rice). I lust for the Bad Boy Buddha, which heaps eight types of chilled, marinated vegetables—bean sprouts, carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, cucumber, spinach, corn, and radish—over steamed rice, with a runny fried egg plunked on top. It’s hot, cold, soft, crunchy, sweet, and spicy all at once.

You can also get a Baby Buddha (with four veggies) or a Big Boy Buddha (with 12), but the Bad Boy strikes the perfect balance. It’s good-mood food, and you can’t help but be in happy spirits here, thanks to the friendly dudes working the counter, the festive lime-green color scheme, and the slew of fizzy drink options that accompany the food.

Crisp , 2940 N Broadway, Chicago, IL   60657 , 773-697-7610

Before there were out-the-door queues for whiskey caramel pecan doughnuts at Doughnut Vault and spiced maple chai doughnuts at Do-Rite, there was Dat Donut. Since 1994, owners Darryl and Andrea Townson have been baking deep on the South Side in Chatham. Dat's confections whirl out on a lazy Susan from behind bulletproof glass—you point to what you want, and whoever’s at the window loads it onto the tray and spins it around.

The device is hardly big enough to contain the shop's pièce de résistance—the Big Dat, a pumped-up glazed doughnut that’s a full seven inches in diameter. Even behind thick glass, under fluorescent light, its icing glimmers and dazzles. Bite into one, and your mouth gets hit with the perfect amount of sweet before the glaze gives way to the fresh, spongy dough, which is remarkably light—less greasy than yeasty.

Dat's thick, tangy, and doughy custard doughnut ranks a close second, with its eggy filling and powdered-sugar exterior. Then there are the chocolate long johns, apple fritters, Boston creams—the shelves hold at least 20 more types, too. Dat makes them 24 hours a day, six days a week, taking a break only on Sunday nights (and, since the staff replenishes the racks frequently, you’re bound to get a fresh doughnut every time).

The shop itself is small, though you can linger and watch the bakers kneading, hand-cutting, and frying the dough behind the big glass window in back. The Townsons do a powerful thing here: They make kickass doughnuts, while also providing jobs and a little extra sweetness to a struggling community that truly appreciates their presence.

Dat Donut , 8251 S Cottage Grove Avenue, Chicago, IL   60619 , 773-723-1002

Margie's Candies

It's easy to imagine this frozen-in-time ice cream parlor scooping up something sweet for Al Capone and the Beatles (which it has). The red-neon-lit shop has been around since 1921, and it looks the part. Kitschy knickknacks clutter the shelves, and mini jukeboxes charm on the tables. Sweet tooths of all ages scooch into the tight vinyl booths, panting for one thing: Margie's sundaes.

They arrive on a silver platter, in a white clamshell bowl, alongside a silver gravy boat of hot fudge. The latter is key. You see, Margie's also makes chocolate, so the shop’s not messing around when it comes to its rich, thick fudge. Margie’s whips up its own 18% butterfat ice cream, too. Regular sundaes contain two or three mighty scoops, plus whipped cream, nuts, and a cherry—add the hot-fudge gravy boat, and you're pretty much guaranteed to fail at eating the whole thing, which is not to say you shouldn't try.

Margie herself ran the shop until she passed away in 1995, but her spirit remains, along with her bloodline. Margie’s family still runs the timeless parlor, and here’s hoping they always will.

Margie's Candies , 1960 N Western Avenue, Chicago, IL   60647 , 773-384-1035

Dove's Luncheonette

Walking into Dove's Luncheonette in Wicker Park, I grab a stool at the stainless steel counter, and a waitress with jangly hoop earrings and bright-red lipstick plunks down a steaming mug of coffee before I can even get my coat off. Soul music drifts from the record player, and rows of tequila bottles rattle behind the bar.

The wood-paneled diner time-warps me back a half century to a dusty Rio Grande town, a place where drifters might stop in for a quick sandwich and shot under the lazily spinning ceiling fans. It's like being in a Nelson Algren novel—which is smack where Dove's draws its inspiration from: It’s named after A Walk on the Wild Side hustler Dove Linkhorn, and modeled after the joints of his era.

Here, though, the customers aren't down-and-out types, but rather tattooed and beanie-clad neighborhood folks. And the Tex-Mex menu isn't typical diner fare, but a hot-spiced step up. The chicken-fried chicken , doused with spicy chorizo gravy and accompanied with sweet peas, shows how it’s done. The crave-worthy hash, mixing crazy-crisp potatoes, blistered shishito peppers, and queso fresco , can be scarfed all day. Alas, you’ll need to be an early riser to experience the flapjack covered in granola and bittersweet Mexican-chocolate sauce. Dove’s serves it sizzling in a cast iron skillet, and it's thick enough to merit the “cake” in “pancake.” An extra $1.50 gets you a fried egg atop anything on the menu.

Meanwhile, Dove’s 125 tequilas and mezcals flow from morning to nightfall. I didn’t realize so many Chicagoans drank the hard stuff before 11 a.m., but they do at Dove’s. Nelson Algren would be proud.

Dove's Luncheonette , 1545 N Damen Avenue, Chicago, IL   60622 , 773-645-4060

Giordano's

You've heard of Chicago deep-dish pizza: loved by some, mocked by others. (Jon Stewart famously referred to it as "tomato soup in a bread bowl.") What you might not know is that there's something deeper than deep-dish—a bigger, doughier version known as stuffed pizza.

It stacks up like this: a layer of dough, followed by mozzarella cheese, another layer of dough, then sauce and toppings. Did you catch that? Cheese is packed between two crusts, not laid on top of one, as with traditional deep-dish. Giordano's bakes the mightiest version, an insanely hulking pie whose slices weigh more than a half pound each and whose crust rises two inches off the plate to cradle the mound of tangy sauce. It’s comfort food supreme—soft, warm, and so, so filling.

These pizzas thud onto tables around the city; Giordano's has 50 or so restaurants in the metro area, plus several beyond Illinois. But my favorite location is downtown, on Rush Street—the one where all the tourists go. I love to look around the clamorous room and watch everything, from families with fidgety toddlers to spiky-haired Japanese couples to Urdu-speaking university students. You can almost see panic in their eyes when the pizza arrives, and a waterfall of mozzarella spills down from each wedge as the server spatulas it up from the platter and hefts it onto the plate. Then they have to decide whether to eat the enormous, gooey slice with a fork or by hand. It’s a lot to observe, but since it takes 45 minutes to cook a Giordano’s stuffed pie, I’ve got the time while I wait.

Giordano's , 730 N Rush Street, Chicago, IL   60611 , 312-951-0747

Hopleaf has been pouring suds in the groovy Far North neighborhood of Andersonville since 1992. It was one of the city's first beer bars, and it's still among the best. Beer-a-philes get slack-jawed eyeballing the 68 taps and 200-plus-deep bottle list, and giddy carrying frothing goblets back to their seats.

The cozy front room has a European-café vibe, with close-set tables, the low din of conversation, jazz records playing, and glasses clinking as bartenders wash them as fast as patrons can polish off their pints. While this might all sound like pure perfection, it’s the Belgian-style food served here that takes Hopleaf to the next level.

Ale-soaked mussels and thin-cut frites are the house specialty, but my money goes to the CB&J sandwich. That's house-made cashew butter, fig jam, and raclette cheese, amassed on sourdough bread and pan-fried until crisp and oozing. You couldn't ask for a better beer absorber. The side of black-peppery Stilton mac and cheese is just a happy bonus. It'll take a while to clear the crumbs off your face and wipe the grease from your fingers, but once finished, you're good for another beer or three.

Hopleaf Bar , 5148 N Clark Street, Chicago, IL   60640 , 773-334-9851

The Green Mill

Want to get a glimpse of where Al Capone once hid his bootlegged booze? The Green Mill was Capone's favorite hangout back in the day, when he’d swirl a cocktail and listen to live jazz. His pal, Machine Gun McGurn, part-owned the club, which was central to their bootlegging operation. If it’s not too busy, ask the bartender to show you the trapdoor behind the bar that leads down to tunnels where they hid the hooch.

The art deco décor hasn't changed much since the 1920s. Velvet-cushioned booths curve under paintings in florid scrolled frames. Green candles flicker on white-clothed tables, while scalloped ceiling lights add a low yellow glow.

A couple of seasoned bartenders patrol the glossy wood bar that swoops halfway through the room. They'll shake up a Sidecar or Manhattan or pop open a Pabst for you. But they're best known for their Martini: a crystal-clear, up-with-two-olives, non-fancy-pants gin bracer.

Order that Martini in the afternoon, and it'll be you and a handful of grizzled regulars minding their own business in the dim light. At night, the crowd sharpens, and you'll be drinking alongside serious jazz-heads who will shush you for talking during the sets. Imbibe on a Sunday, and poets will be your companions. The Green Mill is the birthplace of the poetry slam, still held each Sunday evening, which explains why much of the bathroom graffiti is written in verse.

As for sitting where Capone sat, you really can do that, too. His booth is the one at the end of the bar, on the north side—the only seat in the house that has a view of both doors.

Green Mill Cocktail Lounge , 4802 N Broadway, Chicago, IL   60640 , 773-878-5552

Cafe Central

Chicago has given the world many great creations: brownies, the zipper, skyscrapers, deep-dish pizza. Yet people forget about the jibarito . Local restaurant owner Juan "Pete" Figueroa invented the sandwich in the mid-1990s. His big idea? Take two flattened, crisp-fried plantains and use them as "bread" for a Puerto Rican steak, cheese, and garlic-mayo sandwich. The concept spread fast, and soon chicken jibaritos, shrimp jibaritos, curry-mayo jibaritos, and more riffs on the original emerged from neighborhood kitchens.

I like to stay traditional with my jibarito, and Cafe Central makes a steak version that's as classic as it gets. It's a mom-and-pop spot, in business since 1952, where teapot-print drapes hang in the window and mosaics made of multicolored beans adorn the walls. Older Puerto Rican couples slurp pigeon-pea soup in the front booths, while extended families gab over platters of rotisserie chicken and yellow rice at the tables in back.

Regarding the jibarito: It arrives by its lonesome on a white plate. There are jibaritos in this world piled so high your jaw unhinges to take a bite, and jibaritos so greasy a river runs down your hand, and jibaritos so garlicky you can't speak to anyone for three days after eating. Cafe Central's sandwich is none of those things. Compact and subtle in sauces, it's easy to devour.

Each bite crunches through the plantain and into melted American cheese, two thin slices of steak, and cool tomato and lettuce. The meat is tender and juicy, the ingredients balanced so they don’t slop all over the place. Other cities have discovered the allure, but the jibarito remains best munched here, in a humble hometown restaurante .

Cafe Central , 1437 W Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL   60642 , 312-243-6776

Lou Mitchell's

The waitresses at Lou Mitchell's are for real. They're worldly and wise and wear sensible, thick-soled shoes. They have names like Audrey and Dot and Virginia that are sewn in big letters on their aprons. It's hard to tell their age, but they're not young. They're strong as Hercules, lining heavy plates up their arms and then dealing them on the table like cards: fluffy, feta-packed omelettes; thick-cut Greek toast (made with a dense, rustic sourdough Greek bread); fruit cups; and stacks of airy silver dollar pancakes. They know their regulars ("Hi, Charles. How are the kids?") and call everyone "sweetie."

Lou's is an old-school Greek diner. It opened in 1923 and, three years later, found itself near the start of a new road called Route 66. Hungry travelers fueled up at the counter and in the little booths before setting off on their journeys. Today, locals and tourists still crowd in for the Main Street vibe and jumbo breakfast dishes. People chat, newspapers rustle, silverware clatters—close your eyes and you could be in Winslow, Catoosa, or some other small town instead of downtown Chicago.

Goodness prevails here. If there's a line to get in, the hostess hands out free doughnut holes sprinkled with powdered sugar to ease the wait. Then come the mini boxes of Milk Duds. Once you're at the table, further freebies arrive: dishes of stewed prunes (tastier than they sound) and soft-serve ice cream. By the time I leave—after Audrey calls out, "Enjoy your day, dear!"—all is right in the world again.

Lou Mitchell's , 565 W Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, IL   60661 , 312-939-3111

Di's Den

Di's is my neighborhood bar, a few blocks from where I live, on Chicago's Northwest side. It's not famous or glamorous, or a dive turned hip hot spot; it doesn't even have beer on tap. What it does have is true local character.

There really is a Di. She's a sprightly senior citizen who's often around, sometimes tending bar, sometimes just chatting with customers. Regulars fill the stools, longtime Chicagoans who work as garbage collectors, nurses, and construction workers. These folks take a pull on their Miller High Life tall boys and give you an earful about the mayor, taxes, and potholes. They also throw darts: Di's entire back room is devoted to the pursuit.

That all goes by the wayside, though, if there's a big game on TV. The Blackhawks have a rapt audience, the Bears a grousing one, but the Cubs are the end-all and be-all. Di is a rabid fan. “Son of a bitch!” A cry erupts from the bar when the opposing team hits a homer in the ninth inning. The mood darkens, and insults about the pitcher’s man parts fly the rest of the night. On the other hand, a big win might mean a round of apple pie shots on the house.

Flashy cocktails and slick décor? Not at Di's. An authentic patch of Chicago with cheap liqueurs? Bull's-eye.

5100 W Irving Park Road, Chicago, IL   60641 , 773-736-7170

More Serious Eats Recipes

THE 10 BEST Restaurants in Chicago

Restaurants in chicago, establishment type, special offers, online options, traveler rating, michelin guide, dietary restrictions, restaurant features, neighborhood.

• Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken - Streeterville
• Francesca's On Chestnut
• Bongiorno's Italian Deli and Pizzeria
• Miss Ricky's
• The Polo Inn Bridgeport U.S.A.
• Doughnut Vault

Where to Eat

The 25 Best Restaurants in Chicago Right Now

We scouted the city’s vast food scene, from stellar hot dogs and renowned Italian beefs to refined tasting menus. (And we’re here for your comments.).

Credit... Hsing Chen

Supported by

• Share full article

By Kevin Pang ,  Priya Krishna and Brian Gallagher

Kevin Pang is a writer and former restaurant critic living in Chicago. Priya Krishna is a reporter and Brian Gallagher is an editor for New York Times Food and Cooking.

• Published April 9, 2024 Updated April 24, 2024

In the Where to Eat: 25 Best series, we’re highlighting our favorite restaurants in cities across the United States. These lists will be updated as restaurants close and open, and as we find new gems to recommend. As always, we pay for all of our meals and don’t accept free items.

Akahoshi Ramen

Logan Square

Akahoshi Ramen might be the country’s highest-profile restaurant whose chef earned his bona fides on Reddit. The chef and owner, Mike Satinover, was studying in Japan when a bowl of miso ramen in Hokkaido drove him down a path of obsession. For the next decade, Mr. Satinover fastidiously published his ramen research and recipes on the internet forum Reddit, attracting a legion of fans, including established ramen chefs. He brought that viral momentum into this brick-and-mortar restaurant, where reservations are snapped up within minutes of release. Only four ramens are on the menu (the Sapporo-style miso and soupless tantanmen are superb), and Mr. Satinover’s craftsmanship is present in every bowl: Noodles, tare, broth and toppings are all meticulously prepared from scratch. KEVIN PANG

2340 North California Avenue, Chicago; akahoshiramen.com

Al Bawadi Grill

Bridgeview and Niles

Middle Eastern

Walking into the sprawling Al Bawadi Grill transports you to a sumptuous Bedouin tent — ceilings draped with colorful fabric, the waft of grilled meats ever-present. Applying fire to meat has long been a crowd-pleasing tradition, and here, generous portions of kefta and shish kebabs, chicken, lamb and seafood are cooked over glowing mesquite hardwood. Even hunks of chicken breast stay remarkably juicy, the product of a grillmaster with keen eyes and gut feel. These meats (sure, there are plenty of non-animal options) arrive at the table on banquet-size platters, with enough hummus, rice and grilled vegetables to make leftovers the next day, and possibly the day after. KEVIN PANG

7216 West 87th Street, Bridgeview; 708-599-1999

8501 West Dempster Street, Niles; 847-957-1999; albawadigrill.com

Asador Bastian

River North

Order steak at this Basque chophouse, and instead of choosing rib-eye or filet mignon, you pick which cow you’d like. Maybe it’s Holstein, dry-aged for 18 days and tasting of buttered popcorn. Or Galiciana, a breed raised for more than five years (unlike the 18 months for supermarket steaks), with ruby-red meat and a fat cap so nutty in flavor you’d swear it was Ibérico ham. Whichever of the rotating cattle on the menu you choose, the steaks grilled by Asador Bastian taste like no other beef in town. And they’re not even the best thing on the menu: Seafood dishes, like the creamy paella-esque arroz cremoso, whisk you from this stately townhouse restaurant in the Gallery district to the Bay of Biscay. KEVIN PANG

214 West Erie Street, Chicago; 312-800-8935; asadorbastian.com

West Loop and River North

Mediterranean

When Avec opened in 2003 among the meatpacking houses of the West Loop, it won a reputation for breaking restaurant conventions. The dining space and kitchen were one narrow room, like a shipping container, necessitating communal bench seating with strangers. The food came on shareable small plates bearing ingredients from the Mediterranean, like harissa and labneh. Two decades on (with a larger second location in River North), a night at Avec still feels like attending Chicago’s coolest after-hours dinner party. Bacon-wrapped and chorizo-stuffed medjool dates remain an obligatory starter, as is the melty, luscious potato and salted cod brandade with garlic crostini. It’d be hard, though, to top the focaccia baked with ricotta, taleggio and truffle oil, a dish so luxurious it feels like a quesadilla for owners of superyachts. KEVIN PANG

615 West Randolph Street, Chicago; 312-377-2002

141 West Erie Street, Chicago; 312-736-1778; avecrestaurant.com

Lincoln Park

Modern American

There’s an inherently magical quality to Lee Wolen’s cooking at Boka: the way he transforms beets into something resembling smoked beef tartare, or the exquisite stuffed chicken with impossibly perfect striations of skin, sausage and breast meat. And yet, Boka has always been the kind of refined, modern restaurant that you never feel you need an anniversary or birthday to visit — call it unfussy, relaxed or jeans-casual. Mr. Wolen’s dishes are almost too impressive for a neighborhood spot like Boka, which recently turned 20 years old. His honey-glazed roasted duck — yielding the most lacquered, gossamer-crisp, perfect bite of duck skin in Chicago — is pure culinary prestidigitation. KEVIN PANG

1729 North Halsted Street, Chicago; 312-337-6070; bokachicago.com

In the 1980s, many critics considered Le Francais — 30 miles north of Chicago in Wheeling, Ill. — the finest restaurant in the country. This was a time when high gastronomy in America was almost always associated with classical French cuisine, involving foie gras and pressed ducks served on bone china. Nowadays in Chicago, upscale non-bistro French cooking is rarely seen; Brindille is an exception. The cousins Carrie and Michael Nahabedian (she’s the chef, he’s the wine director) still believe in the power of a beluga caviar course with mother-of-pearl spoons, and that the potato reaches its ideal when puréed as Joël Robuchon would. Lemon madeleines are still baked to order here, and for $30 a waiter will rain down shavings of Périgord truffles on any course you desire. KEVIN PANG

534 North Clark Street, Chicago; 312-595-1616; brindille-chicago.com

Tasting Menu

After closing their three-Michelin-starred Grace in 2017, the chef Curtis Duffy and his partner, Michael Muser, nearly immediately set about expanding upon that restaurant’s vision. Now nearly four years old, Ever is a highly refined but gracious experience. The tables are spaced such that you dine on a private island, only vaguely aware of your neighbors and occasionally visited by installments from Mr. Duffy’s menu. His cooking — he was the chef de cuisine under Grant Achatz at Alinea — is meticulous and often surprising. A compressed carrot terrine shares a plate with flavors of black olive and pistachio. Hamachi is frozen with liquid nitrogen and then shaved into curls that thaw to a pleasing texture and are discreetly accented with a piquant sauce of finger limes. Even the butter service — presented in a stacked ribbon reminiscent of a Frank Gehry building — puts on a show. BRIAN GALLAGHER

1340 West Fulton Avenue, Chicago; ever-restaurant.com

Andersonville

Belgian Beer Bar

No bar in Chicago treats beer with the intense reverence Hopleaf does. For the 125 bottled Belgian beers offered (and another 62 beers on tap), the bar stocks 87 glasses of varying sizes and shapes that best express how each beer should be served. A tall fluted glass, for example, shows off the colors of a fruit lambic. That level of devotion has made Hopleaf, 32 years in Andersonville, a national monument for beer geeks. Even those who can’t tell a dubbel from a saison have a reason to come. The Belgian-inspired food menu features the hearty likes of sausage plates, rabbit confit and steak frites. Naturally, you have a choice of which beer the mussels are cooked in: witbier or lambic. KEVIN PANG

5148 North Clark Street, Chicago; 773-334-9851; hopleafbar.com

Johnnie’s Beef

Elmwood Park

Italian Beef

Italian beef is a Chicago sandwich born of poverty. A century ago, Neapolitan immigrants looking to feed a crowd roasted a flavorless hunk of meat (often bottom round) with heavy seasoning, shaved it thin and piled it sopping-wet into a roll. The sandwich is topped with a spicy bricolage of pickled vegetables called giardiniera. It wasn’t well known outside the city like deep-dish pizza or Chicago hot dogs, but that changed when the FX show “The Bear” romanticized the Italian beef into a culinary objet d’art. For Chicagoans, it remains an Everyman sandwich, a beautiful mess of bread and garlicked beef that resists highfalutin treatments. Johnnie’s Beef has operated in Elmwood Park since 1961; standing in line here, ordering a “beef-hot-dipped,” and eating over the hood of your car remains an indelible Chicago experience. KEVIN PANG

7500 West North Avenue, Elmwood Park; 708-452-6000; facebook.com/people/Johnnies-Beef

East Ukrainian Village

To eat at Kasama is to experience the seamless blending of the talents of the husband-and-wife team Genie Kwon and Timothy Flores. Ms. Kwon, a pastry chef who worked at Eleven Madison Park in New York and Flour Bakery & Cafe in Boston, puts out delicate, inventive treats, including a ham-and-cheese Danish like none you’ve tasted, replete with raclette and topped with dainty shavings of serrano ham. Mr. Flores’s Filipino food, which includes staples like lumpia and adobo, is unpretentious and soul-warming. Try his excellent take on a Chicago-style Italian combo sandwich, made with longaniza. For a more high-end experience, the restaurant offers a tasting menu in the evening. PRIYA KRISHNA

1001 North Winchester Avenue, Chicago; 773-697-3790; kasamachicago.com

Kim’s Uncle Pizza

Tavern-style Pizza

Chicagoans eat deep-dish pizza only on special occasions. The more frequent choice is tavern-style, a thin-crust pie typically topped with sausage and a dash of oregano, then cut into squares. Tavern-style pizzerias tend to be family-run, with recipes that stay unchanged over many decades. At Kim’s Uncle Pizza, three young pizza entrepreneurs opted to tackle tavern pies, applying modern and unconventional techniques like fermenting the dough for a whole week. The result? The Platonic ideal of Chicago tavern-style pizza: crackly crust throughout (even the center squares), deeply flavorful tomato sauce, juicy nubs of spiced Italian sausage. What makes this pie even more desirable is how hard it is to score one, as this shoe-box-size operation usually sells out on weekends by 5:30 p.m. KEVIN PANG

207 North Cass Avenue, Westmont; 630-963-1900; unclepizzawestmont.com

Twenty-five years on, Lula Cafe remains as confounding to categorize as ever. The menu reads like roll call at the United Nations: soups from Indonesia, chickpea tagines, French omelets and a bucatini dish by way of Greece, pairing brown butter with feta and cinnamon. In cross-pollinating ingredients from different parts of the world, often together on one plate, the chef Jason Hammel is arguably a key influence for Chicago cooks today. Lula Cafe can claim to other firsts: It called Logan Square home a full decade before it became a desirable dining neighborhood, and was among the earliest Chicago restaurants to adopt a farm-to-table approach, showcasing ingredients from local purveyors as a selling point. The best way to describe Lula Cafe? It serves Lula Cafe food. KEVIN PANG

2537 North Kedzie Boulevard, Chicago; 773-489-9554; lulacafe.com

Maxwells Trading

Eclectic, Global

Reservation sites require that restaurants label themselves with a particular cuisine. The chef of Maxwells Trading, Erling Wu-Bower, begrudgingly agreed to “contemporary American,” but he’d like to make clear that he despises the term. His mother is Chinese, his father Creole. The parents of the executive chef, Chris Jung, are Korean. Both chefs grew up in large melting-pot cities, equally comfortable picking up food with chopsticks as with Ethiopian injera. Maxwells Trading is unconstrained by pithy labels — “city food by city kids,” Mr. Wu-Bower said — which makes a dish like French onion dip with Chinese scallion pancakes both unexpected and obvious. Peruvian and Thai flavors converge in a striped bass ceviche with lemongrass and fermented chile paste. The restaurant feels very 2024, a reflection of the borders-erasing cultural gumbo that Chicago has become. KEVIN PANG

1516 West Carroll Avenue, Chicago; 312-896-4410; maxwellstrading.com

Mi Tocaya Antojeria

The organizing principle here is to treat Mexican cooking as a medium for storytelling. The chef Diana Dávila’s printed menu lists dishes and prices, of course, but it’s also where she often adds a few lines of narrative context. You’d learn that mole de novia, a Oaxacan white sauce made with pine nuts, is served to brides on their wedding days. You might be surprised to find a steak burrito on the menu, until you learn that it’s a homage to the thousands of burritos Ms. Dávila made at her parents’ restaurant (and it’s a fabulous steak burrito). Suffusing food with her stories somehow makes Ms. Dávila’s polished and gorgeous cooking taste even better. KEVIN PANG

2800 West Logan Boulevard, Chicago; 872-315-3947; mitocaya.com

Of the Chicago restaurants pushing Italian cooking beyond the domain of antipasto salads and eggplant Parmesans, Monteverde might be the most popular in town. For one, pasta is treated here as a spectator sport: Perched on a platform behind the bar are two nonnas who lovingly knead and shape dough, visible to diners via overhead mirrors, like live-action Pasta Grannies . From there pasta is handed off to the chef, Sarah Grueneberg, who interprets dishes in ways that are equal parts avant-garde and classic. Ms. Grueneberg can execute a chile oil-slick seafood arrabbiata charred in a scorching wok, or do something as simple as coaxing peak summer sweetness from a basic pomodoro sauce. KEVIN PANG

1020 West Madison Street, Chicago; 312-888-3041; monteverdechicago.com

The chef Noah Sandoval is conducting an exercise in balance. After arriving for your meal in a gated cargo elevator, you will be ushered to an elegant bar for a one-on-one cocktail consultation. The dining room, where the Smiths are a regular on the sound system, is as much artist’s loft as food temple. The menu finds a similarly cosmopolitan level. You may get a buttery sablefish dolloped — that’s bigger than a dab, right? — with osetra caviar. Or a toasted brioche topped with a generous piping of foie gras and ornamented with anise hyssop. But they will be followed shortly by a serving of capellini that you might even call homey, if it weren’t showered in truffle shavings. BRIAN GALLAGHER

661 West Walnut Street, Chicago; 312-877-5899; oriolechicago.com

Shanghai Terrace

Near North Side

Though Chinese restaurants in Chicago span a wide landscape of regional cooking — Sichuan, Guangdong, Taiwan — nearly all are casual enough that you can walk in without a reservation. The one exception is Shanghai Terrace in the Peninsula hotel, overlooking opulent Michigan Avenue (with prices to match). A high-end chain based in Hong Kong, the Peninsula imported to Chicago a style of Chinese luxury dining rarely seen outside Asia. The chef Elmo Han’s shumai emerge from the bamboo steamer as ornate as jewel boxes, each dumpling topped with a different color of tobiko. Fried rice studded with Wagyu beef and taro elevates a humble dish to the realm of five-star exquisiteness. That Shanghai Terrace’s menu features a dedicated section for abalone signals the lavishness diners should expect. KEVIN PANG

108 East Superior Street, Chicago; 312-573-6744; peninsula.com

Norwood Park and Wheeling

In a city where the components of its hot dog are unyielding and sacrosanct, Superdawg — a happy little drive-in halfway between downtown and O’Hare — serves one of the city’s finest Chicago dogs, even if it’s technically not a Chicago dog. Traditional interpretations call for a beef wiener nestled in a poppy-seed bun with mustard, diced onions, neon green relish, sport peppers, red tomato slices, celery salt and a dill-pickle spear. Though Superdawg subs out the red tomatoes for a pickled green tomato wedge, Chicago dog purists tend to overlook this discrepancy. Is there another hot-dog stand frozen in 1950s charm, where two 12-foot wiener statues — sausage-pomorphized versions of the original owners Maurie and Flaurie Berman — perpetually stand guard? KEVIN PANG

6363 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago; 773-763-0660

333 South Milwaukee Avenue, Wheeling; 847-459-1900; superdawg.com

This former food-hall stand serving fare from Kerala, a state on the southwestern coast of India, has found a larger home for its loud flavors, courtesy of the owners Margaret Pak and Vinod Kalathil. Everything here, down to the stainless-steel plates the food is served on, feels home style. Expect fish fries, yogurt rice and coconutty curries whose remnants you’ll eagerly sop up with appam, lacy domes made of rice and coconut. Even the more playful dishes, like Tater Tots dusted with chaat masala, feel like clever snacks devised in a pinch by an enterprising home cook. PRIYA KRISHNA

2601 West Fletcher Street, Chicago; 773-754-0199; thattu.com

The Duck Inn

Kevin Hickey’s great-grandmother once owned a place called the Duck Inn in the South Side neighborhood of Bridgeport, where he grew up. After a few decades cooking for the Four Seasons hotel chain, Mr. Hickey came home to Bridgeport to resurrect his family restaurant. The Duck Inn reopened in 2014 in a pre-Prohibition corner tavern surrounded by bungalows, and it’s safe to say there’s no restaurant of this ambition for many blocks in any direction. Mr. Hickey’s time in the luxury-hotel business is evident in his dishes, none more so than a rotisserie duck with a salad dressed in its jus, served dramatically atop a chopping block. And his fine-dining pedigree shows up in other surprising ways: Mr. Hickey’s Chicago dog features a housemade sausage made with duck fat, and an Italian beef with luscious shavings of prime rib. KEVIN PANG

2701 South Eleanor Street, Chicago; 312-724-8811; theduckinnchicago.com

The Loyalist

As the talk of the town centers on Smyth, which received its third Michelin star last year, its sibling restaurant the Loyalist continues to operate in its shadow, quite literally. Karen Urie and John Shields’s subterranean brasserie shows that dinner omelets, anchovy toasts and trout Grenobloise have a place in Chicago, especially if presented with the elegant touches you’d find one flight upstairs at Smyth. The Loyalist has acquired a reputation as the gateway restaurant to the Shields’s culinary sensibility, and it doesn’t hurt that it serves what might be the city’s most acclaimed cheeseburger: griddled patties, onion aioli, charred onions, double cheese and a Martin’s sesame seed bun toasted golden. KEVIN PANG

177 North Ada Street, Chicago; 773-913-3773; smythandtheloyalist.com

Tortas Frontera

O’Hare International Airport

Mexican Sandwiches

One could experience the Mexican cooking of Rick Bayless, one of Chicago’s most famous chefs, a number of ways: with ceviche and margaritas at his festive flagship Frontera Grill, the quiet artistry of Topolobampo, or via a flight of rare mezcal at Bar Sótano. But his most expectations-defying restaurant is Tortas Frontera, inside the culinary hinterland that is O’Hare International Airport. Why suffer through a stale turkey sandwich made last Wednesday when there’s freshly griddled choriqueso, an audibly crunchy sandwich of oozy Jack cheese, chorizo and avocado? Or a bowl of tortilla soup, the very recipe served on nearly every table at Frontera Grill? Close your eyes and forget that you’re awaiting boarding group 7. KEVIN PANG

Inside Terminals 1, 3, 5 at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, 10000 West O’Hare Avenue, Chicago; rickbayless.com

Uncle John’s Bar-B-Que

South Side Chicago Barbecue

South Side Chicago barbecue is a singular style of smoking meats, brought north during the Great Migration by Black pitmasters from the Mississippi Delta. Pork hot links and rib tips, the often-discarded knobby end of the spare rib, get cooked inside a plexiglass aquarium smoker. Unlike, say, brisket that smokes untouched for hours, Chicago barbecue requires constant monitoring; pitmasters spray down the fire with a hose to control temperature and steam. This explains why the number of Chicago pitmasters has dwindled to a handful. Aja Kennebrew, thankfully, is keeping the tradition alive. Taking over recently from her retired father, Garry Kennebrew, she has kept her family’s succulent rib tips as appealingly crusty and mahogany as ever, while adding smoked turkey to her menu. KEVIN PANG

17947 South Halsted Street, Homewood; 708-960-4612; unclejohnsbbq.com

Hyde Park, bordering Lake Michigan on the city’s South Side, has for years tried and failed to establish a destination restaurant worth venturing from downtown, a place that doesn’t just cater to students from the University of Chicago. Virtue changed everything. Opened by the James Beard award-winner Erick Williams and fronted by the chef Damaar Brown, Virtue’s sophisticated approach to Southern foodways draws huge crowds, who come for the deeply dark and deeply flavorful gumbo, or the exquisitely blackened catfish with barbecued carrots. Given that the South Side is a historically important destination of the Great Migration, Virtue’s success in championing the cooking of the African American diaspora cannot be overstated or overcelebrated. KEVIN PANG

1462 East 53rd Street, Chicago; 773-947-8831; virtuerestaurant.com

The name of a restaurant says a lot, and Warlord conjures a place that is loud and intense, lit two shades above total darkness. You expect a menacing wood hearth radiating fire from the open kitchen. This Avondale hot spot checks those boxes. It’s near-impossible to get in (they don’t take reservations), and in its first year has established itself as one of Chicago’s most thrilling and audacious restaurants. Some menu items read like transcripts from a fever dream, yet turn out unexpectedly brilliant — Bavarian cream doughnuts draped with sea urchin, a mocktail of gochujang and coconut milk with black sesame rimmed around the glass. But the restaurant’s mastery of the hearth is what consistently wows; the dry-aged rib-eye with house-fermented Worcestershire sauce is magnificent. Warlord, all culinary fire and brimstone, totally rules. KEVIN PANG

3198 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago; warlordchicago.com

Follow New York Times Cooking on Instagram , Facebook , YouTube , TikTok and Pinterest . Get regular updates from New York Times Cooking, with recipe suggestions, cooking tips and shopping advice .

Priya Krishna is a reporter in the Food section of The Times. More about Priya Krishna

Advertisement

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Overview: Food & Wine Food Tours
• Los Angeles
• Napa Valley
• New Orleans
• New York City
• San Antonio
• San Francisco
• Travel Guides

Our Favorite Places to Eat, Sleep, and Explore in Chicago

Highlights include the world’s first Michelin-star Filipino restaurant and an unforgettable river cruise.

Tetra Images - Henryk Sadura / Getty Images

Chicago is America’s third-largest city and a global hub for art, architecture, fine dining, and more. This is a city divided into 77 neighborhoods spread across 234 square miles, a place where famous skyscrapers rise from an iconic skyline at the edge of Lake Michigan. 

With more than 7,000 restaurants, 450 live entertainment venues, and countless adventures to be had, there’s way more to do in Chicago than you might expect. Ride a Ferris wheel in the city where Ferris wheels were invented. Head to the top of a towering skyscraper in the city where the world’s first skyscraper was built. Learn what differentiates a Chicago hot dog from the rest, or tuck into a warm, cheesy, deep-dish pizza. 

There’s so much to eat, see, and do in the Windy City that figuring out where to start is going to be tough. But that’s why you’re here — hello, nice to meet you, consider this your friendly guide to doing Chicago right. 

From the world’s first Michelin-starred Filipino restaurant to the most luxurious hotels downtown and the local icons you can’t miss, we’ve rounded up some of our places to stay, eat, drink, and play in Chicago. 

Where to stay

With nearly 1,000 hotels in the city, there is a perfect room for everyone in Chicago. In the Fulton Market neighborhood, Nobu Hotel is just a block from Au Cheval — home to Chicago’s most legendary cheeseburger — and Stephanie Izard’s Girl & The Goat . The hotel is home to 115 Japanese-inspired rooms and an iconic Nobu restaurant. For live music and a nightcap, City Winery is a few blocks away. 

You’ll find one of Chicago’s newest luxury hotels at the edge of Lake Michigan. The St. Regis Chicago soars more than 100 stories, making it the third-tallest skyscraper in the city. This is an ideal home base for exploring the city’s top museums or sampling some of the city’s best Japanese and Italian fare. The St. Regis is home to the sushi restaurant Miru and Tre Dita , a Tuscan steakhouse from chef Evan Funke.

If you’re looking to stay blocks from some of the best steakhouses in Chicago, consider the Park Hyatt on Michigan Avenue. This newly renovated hotel is steps from some of the best shopping on the Magnificent Mile and just a few blocks from Gibsons and Maple & Ash — two of Chicago’s top steakhouses. Alternatively, we’ll never discourage a night in — at this property, you can feast on sushi or a seafood tower at the on-site restaurant NoMI . 

If you prefer historic hotels, the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel is a great option, part of the Unbound Collection by Hyatt. Walking into this hotel is like stepping back in time as the property was constructed for the 1893 World’s Fair and designed to resemble the Doge Palace in Venice. Rooms feature every modern convenience and special touches like boxing-inspired robes. While you’re here, pop into the Milk Room, a tiny speakeasy with one of the finest collections of rare spirits in the world. 

Where to eat 

Chicago is one of the best food cities in the United States. Whether it's fine dining, a beloved local lunch spot, or cuisine from a far-flung nation you’re craving, you’ll find it here. For a Michelin-star Indian meal, head to Indienne from chef Sujan Sarkar. The River North restaurant opened in late 2022 and offers a six-course menu that doubles as an adventure across the subcontinent. Past menu items have included pani puri (a traditional Indian street food), foie gras kebabs, and egg curry with lobster. Even better: vegan, vegetarian, and non-vegetarian tasting menus are available with an optional wine pairing. 

Or try Kasama , the world’s first Michelin-starred Filipino restaurant. By day, Kasama is a buzzy brunch counter serving up hearty Filipino breakfasts, adobos, and sandwiches. Once the sun goes down, it transforms into a fine dining venue with a $265 tasting menu. For an unforgettable fine-dining experience inspired by art, head to Esme in Lincoln Park. This intimate Michelin-starred restaurant from chef Jenner Tomaska works with a new artist every few months to design a tasting menu inspired by their work. Tomaska’s dishes are works of art, sometimes delivered with almost theatrical performances. If you can’t score a reservation for the tasting menu, head to Bar Esme for a craft cocktail and the signature hot Cheetos. 

For a more casual Mexican meal, head to Mi Tocaya Antojeria in Logan Square. Owner Diana Davila, a Chicago native and James Beard-nominated chef, describes her restaurant as an homage to women and ancestors. The menu, inspired by Davila’s culinary training in Oaxaca and travels in Mexico, features items like smoked beer-can chicken tacos and a DIY quesa birria.  

Things to do

From art and architecture to festivals to wineries, there’s always something to do in Chicago — even in the blustery winter months. The Art Institute of Chicago, one of the best art museums in the U.S., is home to some of the most recognizable masterpieces in the world (think paintings you saw in your high school history books). This is where you'll find icons like Grant Wood's American Gothic , Edward Hopper's Nighthawks , and George Seurat's A Sunday on La Grande Jatte . It’s also home to pieces by Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, and Claude Monet. 

Step on board Chicago’s First Lady for a Chicago Architecture Foundation river cruise . Sail through decades of architectural history, passing icons including the Gothic Revival Tribune Tower, the London Guarantee Building, and the Merchandise Mart, once the largest building in the world. Guides will share stories about each building, as well as other design notes, as you cut through town. Tours are 90 minutes long and offered between March and November. 

The city is big on nightlife. Get to know some of the world’s best Black-owned wineries by sipping on wine flights at the Bronzeville Winery . The Black on Black flight, which features wine from four different Black-owned wine brands, is one of the most popular items on the menu. If you come for brunch, try the ube latte. And if you’re a vegan, don’t miss the watermelon nigiri, which is soaked and brined overnight and served over coconut rice. 

If your travel dates are flexible, strongly consider visiting during September, when you can eat your way across Chicago without having to leave iconic Millennium Park. Every fall, the park plays host to Chicago Gourmet , an upscale food and wine festival that features appearances by some of the city’s top chefs. Dig into the city’s best burgers, toast your trip with tacos and tequila, or sample some of the world’s finest wines and spirits. This festival is an embodiment of the festive spirit that exists in Chicago year-round—Midwest Nice is real, and you’ll have no trouble making a friend or two wherever you end up.

Related Articles

These are the 50 ‘most beautiful restaurants' in the US — and 1 is in Chicago

The list spans "mountaintop chalets" and "glammed-up art deco mansions" to find the most beautiful restuarant in each state, published may 9, 2024 • updated on may 10, 2024 at 5:21 am.

Chicago is no stranger to stylish and sophisticated restaurants, and one of them was just named among the "50 Most Beautiful Restaurants in America."

The report, released earlier this month by People Magazine in collaboration with dining reservations website OpenTable, spans "mountaintop chalets with modern rustic touches, glammed-up Art Deco mansions with a view, and mirror-and-glass paneled sky-high stunners" to compile the most beautiful eateries in each state.

Watch 24/7 free news online with NBC 5 Chicago’s stream

In Illinois, Italian restuarant Tre Dita, inside the city's new St. Regis hotel along the Chicago River was crowned the most beautiful.

"Tre Dita’s swanky dining room gazes upon Lake Michigan and the Chicago River through dramatic 40-foot windows," the report said.

In Indiana, The Fountain Room in Indianapolis, with marble bar tops, tufted leather chairs and "cascading chandeliers" earned the title of "most beautiful" for the Hoosier State.

The full report from People Magazine and Open Table can be found here .

Feeling out of the loop? We'll catch you up on the Chicago news you need to know. Sign up for the weekly Chicago Catch-Up newsletter here.

This article tagged under:

Restaurants, Food and Drink | Chicago Gourmet announces 2024 dates and a…

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on X (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Louisa Kung Liu Chu

Things To Do

Restaurants, food and drink, restaurants, food and drink | chicago gourmet announces 2024 dates and a glitzy new theme, with chefs including sujan sarkar and jenner tomaska.

A worker uses a camera phone flashlight to check on burger patties during Chicago Gourmet's Hamburger Hop at the Harris Theater Rooftop Terrace on Sept. 24, 2021, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

People eat taste portions of foods during Chicago Gourmet at Millennium Park on Sept. 29, 2018, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

People attend Chicago Gourmet at Millennium Park on Sept. 29, 2018, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Youngrae Kim / Chicago Tribune

Carlos Cuarta makes a mixed drink.

Crudo di pesce is displayed.

Chef Jess DeGusman of SX Sky Bar offered mini caviar tacos.

Chef Sarah Grueneberg, center, of Monte Verde, helps announce the Chicago Gourmet 2019 lineup at Monte Verde, June 6, 2019. (Abel Uribe/Chicago Tribune)

An attendee grabs a rum-based cocktail.

Lisa Magidson introduces different types of gins to attendees.

Keelen Willis and Aria Wint dance to music by a deejay at Chicago Gourmet's Hamburger Hop at the Harris Theater Rooftop Terrace on Sept. 24, 2021, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

The burger entry from chef Amanda Downing Salas of Recess Chicago is shown at Chicago Gourmet's Hamburger Hop at the Harris Theater Rooftop Terrace in 2021. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Mango Pickle offered chickpea pops: seasoned chickpea puree in edible cups.

The chef pavilions featured hundreds of bites.

Sujan Sarkar of Rooh serves Kashmiri-style lamb ribs.

The Mozzarella Store offered bruschetta layered with fresh stracciatella cheese topped with dates, pistachios and honey.

A brass band performs during Chicago Gourmet.

Saturday's event was sold out.

Chef Carrie Nahabedian of Brindille demonstrates a recipe on the Chicago Gourmet stage.

Boka restaurant's Meg Galus offers cream puffs.

Attendees have lunch despite drizzly weather during Chicago Gourmet.

Chef Bill Kim of Urbanbelly and The Table At Crate explains his cooking method during at cooking demo on the Chicago Gourmet stage.

Sepia offered yellowtail and pomelo salad.

Servers offer champagne while attendees take turns to take photos with Mayor Lori Lightfoot during Chicago Gourmet at Millennium Park in Chicago on Saturday Sept. 28, 2019. (Youngrae Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Chef Bruce Sherman of North Pond adds sage cream to his dish.

Chef Johnny Besch of BLVD served grilled corn and crab with cotija cheese and aleppo peppers.

Attendees react as Mayor Lori Lightfoot is introduced to help kick off Chicago Gourmet at Millennium Park in Chicago on Saturday Sept. 28, 2019.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot helps chef Rick Bayless prep during Chicago Gourmet.

Youngrae Kim/for the Chicago Tribune

Jasenko Ceric carves prosciutto for Volpi Foods at the Grand Cru tasting.

Chef Sarah Mispagel, left, and Andrew Zimmerman of Sepia and Proxi at Chicago Gourmet.

Nina Cedillo makes chocolate root bear float.

Festgoers dance around Mojigangas dolls brought from Mexico by Moe's Cantina to celebrate National Hispanic American Heritage Month.

Host chefs will collaborate with local businesses, restaurants and drink vendors in “a celebration of the seamless fusion of food and fashion,” according to the Illinois Restaurant Association.

The organization traditionally holds Chicago Gourmet on the fourth weekend of September in Millennium Park for four days, but this year the festival will include additional, as-yet-unannounced ancillary events. This will be the 17th iteration of the event since it began in 2008.

Association President and CEO Sam Toia continues to name Chicago the “culinary capital of the United States,” citing Chicago Gourmet as an example of why.

“In Chicago, we have everything,” Toia said. “You name it, we have it. New York might argue with me, but I still think we are (the culinary capital).”

Guests who attend Chicago Gourmet’s various individual sessions will be introduced to new chefs, old standbys, and high-end wines and spirits. Most returning events will take place in the usual location of the Harris Theater rooftop at Millennium Park with a stunning view of the Chicago Skyline.

Toia described how some chefs — Rick Bayless, Stephanie Izard, Art Smith and Lorena Garcia — return year after year for the festival experience. But the Illinois Restaurant Association also works on developing relationships with up-and-coming restaurants and international chefs.

“Restaurants want to participate in Chicago Gourmet because they want to (get out there and) show the public their new menus or their new plates,” Toia said.

Over 100 chefs are slated to participate, including Rick Bayless (Frontera Grill, Topolobampo), Marcos Carbajal (Tacqueria Chingon), Diana Davila (Mi Tocaya Antojeria), Margaret Park (Thattu), Joe Flamm (Rose Mary), Sujan Sarkar (Indienne), Jenner Tomaska (Esmé) and Lamar Moore (Bronzeville Winery).

Host chefs will be announced at a later date, but for now, many of the main events return from previous years.

Tacos & Tequilas ($120) on Sept. 26 promises colorful salsas and tortillas along with drinks and music.

Hamburger Hop ($130) on Sept. 27 brings back the fan-favorite burger competition, where chefs compete to win the celebrity-judged Hamburger Hop Award and the audience-judged People’s Choice. After the competition, attendees can choose to keep noshing, drinking and dancing at the Late Night Gourmet ($75) after-party from 9 p.m. to midnight.

Grand Cru ($255) on Sept. 28 takes inspiration from fashion sketchbooks with an afternoon “blackout party” or an evening “white party.”

Rise and Shine Gourmet ($105) on Sept. 29 is an afternoon event that will end the weekend with a reimagined brunch.

New this year will be a collaboration with local colleges that will see students making food-inspired fashion, as well as a “Best Dressed Dished” competition, where the public will vote on local chefs’ most beautiful dishes.

The festival will support the Illinois Restaurant Association’s Educational Foundation, which supports the restaurant industry by investing in industry workers and young people in the city. The nonprofit has provided over $3.3 million in scholarships.

Tickets will be available starting July 23 at chicagogourmet.org .

This story has been updated to correct the number of years Chicago Gourmet has run.

More in Restaurants, Food and Drink

Restaurants, Food and Drink | New Wrigleyville Billy Goat Tavern promises cheezborgers but no Cubs curse

Restaurants, Food and Drink | 75 Mother’s Day specials in Chicago and the suburbs, from decadent buffets to afternoon teas

Restaurants, Food and Drink | Review: Gangnam Food Hall isn’t Korean, but serves Asian American style and substance in Chicago

Travel | Indianapolis 500 is a bucket-list experience, even for those who aren’t racing fans

Trending nationally.

• NASA watchdog report: 100+ cracks on heat shield biggest threat to human moon mission
• Babies “R” Us is returning with 200 locations nationwide. Here are the details.
• Catholics last year reported a possible miracle to the Vatican. Why it’s in a ‘holding pattern.’
• Python hunters must humanely kill snakes: How Florida has cracked down in contests through the years
• New COVID ‘FLiRT’ variants are spreading nationwide. Chicago health experts urge up to date vaccination.

• United States
• Chicago / Illinois

Best Historic Restaurants in Vernon Hills

3 restaurants available nearby, 1. mickey finns brewery, 2. enzo and lucia, 3. high tea with gerri, explore opentable.

• Vernon Hills
• Campton Hills
• Ukrainian Village
• Little Italy / University Village
• Norwood Park
• Bucktown / Wicker Park
• Lake Zurich
• Buffalo Grove
• Mundelein / Vernon Hills / Libertyville
• River North (Chicago)
• St. Charles
• Dining Rewards
• Private Dining
• Reserve for Others
• Restaurants Near Me
• Delivery Near Me
• OpenTable for iOS
• OpenTable for Android
• Affiliate Program
• OpenTable.jp
• OpenTable.de
• OpenTable.es
• OpenTable.ca
• OpenTable.hk
• OpenTable.ie
• OpenTable.sg
• OpenTable.nl
• OpenTable.com.mx
• OpenTable.co.uk
• OpenTable.com.au
• OpenTable.ae
• OpenTable.co.th
• OpenTable.it
• OpenTable.com.tw
• OpenTable.fr
• Restaurant reservation software
• Industry insights
• Hospitality resources
• Marketing resources
• Operation resources
• How to open a restaurant
• For restaurants
• For restaurant groups
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
• Cookie Preferences

Asian American, Pacific Islander restaurateurs can apply for up to $25K in funding

The grubhub community fund has opened up applications for its $1.2 million aapistrong restaurant fund, aimed at helping aapi-owned small businesses..

Parachute, 3500 N. Elston Ave., received a grant in 2023 through the AAPIStrong Restaurant Fund. While the restaurant has since closed, the owners said they plan to introduce a new concept.

Restaurants owned by Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in Chicago and across the state can now apply to receive up to $25,000 in funding through the Grubhub Community Fund.

Launched during the pandemic, the $1.2 million AAPIStrong Restaurant Fund helps struggling AAPI-owned small businesses. Funds are distributed by the National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce & Entrepreneurship (National ACE), based in Washington D.C.

Grants range from $5,000 to $25,000 and eligible restaurant owners have until May 31 to apply, or if the program receives 5,000 applicants, whichever comes first. Three restaurateurs will receive the $25,000 grand prize at the National ACE’s annual conference in Santa Clara, California in September.

In 2023, several Chicago restaurants won grants: 2d Restaurant in Lake View, Aroy Thai in Ravenswood, the now-shuttered Parachute in Avondale, Subo Filipino Kitchen in Kimball, Vietfive Coffee in West Loop, and Iced in Horner Park.

David Maugaotega, owner of the bakery Iced, said in a statement last year that the grant helped “settle some of the financial debt from my equipment purchases and startup costs of my self-made bakery.” He said the funding would allow him “to focus on the bigger picture instead of the day-to-day by investing more in other areas, such as marketing, new equipment, and staffing.”

Grubhub and the business association National ACE started the grant program in 2021 to support AAPI-owned restaurants that were especially hard hit during the pandemic and neglected by government and other aid programs. Since then, the association has distributed more than $5 million to 351 AAPI restaurant owners nationwide.

Grubhub said by April 2020, “roughly half of the Chinese restaurants in the U.S. had closed because of the pandemic, coupled with consumer prejudice and misperceptions.”

Before the pandemic and a wave of anti-Asian violence, there were few corporate grant programs for AAPI-owned small businesses compared to those owned by other minority groups.

Foundation funding for AAPI communities only accounted for 0.2% of all U.S. grantmaking, according to a 2021 report from the nonprofit Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy. The nonprofit emphasized that “for every $100 awarded by foundations for work in the U.S, only 20 cents is designated for AAPI communities.”

Challenges still remain for restaurant business owners. The National ACE CEO and president Chiling Tong said the AAPIStrong Restaurant Fund received last year more than 1,500 applications with 71% reporting limited cash flow and more than half struggling to find workers.

“AAPI restaurants have faced ongoing challenges stemming from the pandemic, which have been exacerbated by rising costs,” she said.

To be eligible for the grant, for-profit restaurants in the U.S. can’t be a franchise and must be Asian American, Pacific Islander, or Native Hawaiian majority-owned, at least 51%. Also, owners must currently operate in a single location, show proof of their primary licensed activity as “the preparation and serving of food” and demonstrate financial need, among other criteria. Priority will be given to first-time grant applicants.

Grants will be distributed to owners by December.

Application details are in English only at aapistrong.com .

Filed under:

• City Guides

An Eater’s Guide to Chicago

Unofficial and highly opinionated information about the City of Broad Shoulders

If you buy something from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy .

Share this story

• Share this on Facebook
• Share this on Twitter
• Share All sharing options

Share All sharing options for: An Eater’s Guide to Chicago

Table of contents, - culinary innovation with a midwestern heart - where to start with eater chicago's top maps - chicago cures cravings - bars - chicago food neighborhoods to know - chicago glossary of terms - chicago food personalities and groups to know - follow the news - get in touch.

Welcome to Chicago: Where skyscrapers and Midwestern sensibilities mingle, an often misunderstood place by coastal elites where the summers are as hot as the winters are cold. This city desperately wants to prove misconceptions wrong, to show outsiders it is a place where culinary innovation and cheap eats thrive. Chicago is unexpected — diners can find a foie gras taco at a fancy French restaurant or a wagyu hot dog inside a hardware store.

The city is diverse in a sense — the large Mexican population means its cooks run circles around New York. The Eastern European population allows for delicious encased meats. The large Black population means Southern cooking is not in short supply. Locals know how to navigate the city’s 77 neighborhoods, many with borders determined by immigrant enclaves. Tourists might have to be patient if they want to uncover the best bagel or the crispiest samosa. But Chicago is largely a come-as-you-are city. Unless you’ve got a fancy dress and want to wear it out at Alinea or any of its fine dining masterpieces. That includes the world’s only Michelin-starred Filipino restaurant, Kasama.

While the city searches for some sense of normalcy, its chefs, cooks, bartenders, and servers continue to offer a level of sophistication seldom seen anywhere else in the country. This is your guide to the best the city offers.

Culinary innovation with a Midwestern heart

While Chicago is no longer the nation’s meatpacking capital — the famous ( or infamous ) Union Stockyards closed in 1971; Fulton Market’s slaughterhouses have been replaced by food halls, swanky cocktail bars, and gastropubs, the city’s steakhouses remain bustling, mostly due to tourists, as well as businesspeople and conventioneers armed with buoyant expense accounts. But let’s not forget street food: the city’s hot dog stands have no match, with variety beyond Vienna Beef’s monopoly. Protip: Many local Home Depots have stands, operated by a third party, that have premium hot dogs , including wagyu wieners.

Tourists fixate on deep-dish pizza , a complicated topic for locals who tend to reserve the heavy stuff for special occasions. Instead, most regularly consume the city’s signature square-cut thin-crust pizza, known as tavern style . But Chicago is more than a two-pie town. The city’s variety — from grandma slices, to Detroit squares, to Neapolitan — demonstrates that pizza is something Chicago excels at, no matter the form.

Street food remains a vital part of the city’s dining culture, and visitors should spend time getting to know Italian beef sandwiches and tacos . Don’t forget to ask for extra mild sauce when stopping at a Harold’s Chicken Shack or any of the many fried chicken specialists on the South and West sides.

The Michelin-starred restaurants in America’s third-largest city offer top-notch fine-dining experiences, ranging from experimental tasting menus ( Alinea , Esmé , Ever ) to omakase ( Mako , Omakase Yume ) to foragers to the only starred Filipino restaurant in the world (Kasama).

Then there’s the storied beer scene. The eclectic community isn’t just made up of bearded dudes who like flannel, but women-owned breweries like Eris Brewery & Cidery, and Metropolitan Brewing. From dark and heavy stouts to all the hops an IPA fan could want, the city’s breweries from Revolution Brewing to Goose Island Beer Co. (inventors of barrel-aged beer, now a subsidiary of Budweiser) to Maplewood Brewing — are humming.

Of course, this is the city of Malört, the divisive bitter spirit born out of Chicago that’s available at dives and cocktail bars alike; get used to it, or just quietly sip a hard seltzer.

Where to Start with Eater Chicago's Top Maps

Eater publishes a massive number of maps to guide diners through all of Chicago's can't-miss foods, drinks, restaurants, and bars. From patios to takeout and dine-in, this is where to start when plotting out a visit.

Essential restaurants : To ensure an authentic Chicago experience, visitors should dive into Eater Chicago's Essential 38 Restaurants , which is updated quarterly. Can’t-miss spots include Diana Dávila Boldin’s genius Mi Tocaya Antojeria , Jason Hammel’s all-day masterpiece Lula Cafe , or Rose Mary, Top Chef alum Joe Flamm’s Italian and Croatian combo in Fulton Market. Virtue in Hyde Park is another splendid restaurant with its own spin on Southern food from James Beard winner chef Erick Williams. Chicago is also home to Paul Kahan’s Publican and other members of the One Off Hospitality family. On the Northwest Side, in Albany Park, check out the Korean-Chinese cuisine, particularly at Great Sea Restaurant, one of the originators of the unique lollipop chicken wing with sticky and spicy sauce.

For pastries, peruse Lost Larson in Andersonville and Wicker Park, Loba Pastry + Coffee in North Center, and James Beard award nominee Justice of the Pies , which finally has its own cafe. Pastry chef Mindy Segal, who worked with Williams at MK The Restaurant, is also back. The James Beard Award winner in 2022 opened a bakery in Wicker Park. Those who watched FX’s The Bear might want to visit Avondale where Loaf Lounge serves the chocolate cake featured on the show. Co-owner Sarah Mispagel was a consultant on Season 1. Finally, Daisies , a Logan Square favorite, recently relocated for a larger space. During the day, it’s a great spot for an ace pastry and coffee or a sandwich.

New standouts : The Eater Chicago Heatmap , updated every month, showcases popular new restaurants. Recent additions include Maxwells Trading, an ode to second-generation immigrants in West Loop. Then there’s Warlord , a long and narrow room that’s walk-in-only, where a friendly yet brash attitude produces grounded yet boundary-pushing burgers, steaks, and seafood. Anelya in Avondale is another eye-widening option, putting the spotlight on Ukrainian cuisine from the owners of Parachute, a now-shuttered Korean restaurant. Bronzeville Winery , a new upscale restaurant on the South Side, is also a revelation.

Chicago Cures Cravings

The pandemic gave Chicagoans new appreciation for baked goods and the city has seen dozens of new operations slinging cookies, cakes, muffins, and more pop up. But there’s a real quality to these treats. Chicagoans already know about James Beard winner Mindy Segal. She grew a huge fandom thanks to Mindy’s HotChocolate. She’s closed the restaurant to focus on sweets, and around the corner in Wicker Park, she opened Mindy’s Bakery with all types of carb goodness.

Kasama may attract Michelin attention for dinner, but Genie Kwon’s creativity — foie gras danishes shaped like a cigar — makes mornings memorable. The salted-caramel chocolate tart is a can’t-miss. 

Another Beard winner, Greg Wade, took his bakery skills to the next level when Publican Quality Bread opened inside a larger location in West Town. There are all kinds of daily specials which makes every trip something new.

Loaf Lounge’s Sarah Mispagel’s chocolate cake paid homage to Portillo’s famous item on The Bear . Visit her Avondale cafe and find much more. Nearby, in Logan Square, Sugarmoon’s chocolate cookies are stupendous, with the perfect ration of chips and a texture second to none. 

There are others — Daisies and Good Ambler — that are also worthy of attention. While names, like Dinkel’s, are no longer with the city , Chicago’s in very good hands when it comes to the next generation of bakeries.

Burgers : Ten years after Bon Appetit anointed it the best burger in America, Au Cheval continues to draw long lines of visitors (Small Cheval, a spinoff, recently opened near Wrigley Field). But explore the essential burger map for more variety such as the East-meets-West-flavored burger at Mott St , Red Hot Ranch ’s sublime burger for under $6, and the extra-thin, extra-caramelized cheeseburger at the Region . There’s also the Big Baby , a double cheeseburger that originated on the Southwest Side, and, for non-meat eaters, the burger at I Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat .

Coffee : Chicago is home to an exciting and diverse local coffee scene that’s free of the pretentiousness too often associated with the industry. The city is packed with friendly, knowledgeable baristas and roasters eager to show novices that there’s more to coffee than Starbucks . For an essential coffee shop experience, visit specialty cafe and roaster Gaslight in Logan Square or Japanese-influenced Sawada in West Loop. There are also unique drinks at Oromo Cafe in both Bucktown and Lincoln Square.

Doughnuts : Get your fluffy, crunchy, sweet fried dough rings at Firecakes , Doughnut Vault , Brite Donuts , or any of the other spots featured on the essential doughnut map ; there are even vegan options. For a classic experience, go to Old Fashioned Donuts in Roseland where owner Burritt Bulloch has been rolling and cutting doughnuts in the front window since 1972. He’s a master artist at work.

Fried Chicken : Fried chicken in this city is no joke, as evidenced by the selections on the essential fried chicken map . Head to one of the many original Harold Chicken Shacks or Avondale’s Honey Butter Fried Chicken . Don’t forget Cleo’s Southern Cuisine in Bronzeville or Big Jones in Andersonville, where the chicken is fried in leaf lard and bacon fat according to Edna Lewis ’s original recipe. Chicago hasn’t fetishized spicy options like other cities, but there’s still plenty of Nashville hot chicken to be found. One newcomer, Hot Chi Chicken & Cones , fuses American, Middle Eastern, and Indian spices for a tasty bird with plenty of heat if that’s what’s craved.

Hot dogs : Anthony Bourdain begrudgingly admitted that Chicago bests his native New York when it comes to hot dogs. Lately, imitators are popping up across the country as Vienna Beef amps up its distribution. But don’t be intimidated by the Chicago-style hot dog, a Vienna Beef wiener “dragged through the garden” with mustard, neon green relish, raw or grilled onions, tomatoes, and celery salt with optional sport peppers. But never, ever order it with ketchup; it’s sacrilege here. Eater’s essential hot dog map includes icons like Superdawg Drive-In , and Wiener’s Circle (which in late 2021 added a bar ). Red Hot Ranch and Gene & Jude’s serve a variation stuffed with fries called the “Depression Dog.” And don’t forget those Depot Dogs .

Start with these seven best-in-class bars compiled by our companion publication Punch , which range from tropical cocktail havens to trusty neighborhood bars to one very legendary jazz club.

Beer: Chicago has the most breweries in America (101 in 2021 by one count ), and many of them, including Maplewood , Goose Island , Half Acre , Dovetail , and Hopewell offer their beer to-go in cans, crowlers, and growlers. Some also have patios for those who are concerned about social distancing or want to bring their dogs or simply want to drink outside. Check out the essential brewery map . There’s also a strong scene in the suburbs .

Cocktails : Chicago’s mixologists and bartenders are as inventive as its chefs in settings as diverse as a gilded underground lounge, a rooftop with a view of the lights of downtown, or a corner neighborhood joint where everyone is treated like a regular. At bars like Estereo , Weegee’s Lounge , Osito’s Tap , Nine Bar , Moonflower , and 2022 James Beard finalist Nobody’s Darling (which just unveiled an expansion), enjoy cocktails mixed with high-quality spirits — or not; it’s now possible to enjoy a great non-alcoholic cocktail in Chicago — and creative ingredients from around the world, from fruit and herbs to Korean milk soda.

In fall 2022, the owners of Michelin-starred Ever opened a bar in the same building . Called After (get the joke?), it’s a hyper-futuristic space with creative drinks, vintage spirits... and even affordable (for the area) beer. There’s also caviar, skewers, and duck wings. Every seat in the bar can be reserved, so it’s easy to plan a night. Ever also was featured in Season 2 of The Bear .

Dive Bars : Grab a can of PBR (or better yet, a cheap local brew) and a shot of Jeppson’s Malört at one of Chicago’s great dives . Bars to know include Old Town Ale House , Woodlawn Tap , Delilah’s , Lange’s Lounge , and Rossi’s .

Essential bars : The beauty of Chicago’s bar scene is its variety. It’s possible, in a single session, to down a Guinness at an Irish pub, then wander into a brewery taproom, and finally cap things off at a cocktail lounge or a late-night dive — all without having to leave the immediate neighborhood or even the block.

Chicago has lifted all of its COVID restrictions, the regulations that devastated the bar industry by keeping patrons away. Mask-wearing is up to the discretion of the owners who hope customers are honest about their vaccination status.

For a fancy cocktail, Meadowlark in Logan Square has been turning heads. Kumiko on West Loop is a Japanese-inspired spot that bartender Julia Momosé (who recently won a James Beard award for her book The Art of the Cocktail ) has built into a contender for best bar in the country. The Wicker Park speakeasy the Violet Hour remains one of the city’s most influential bars. These taverns and many others are featured on the Essential Bar Map .

Can’t pick between beer or wine? Try James Beard nominated Bungalow by Middle Brow in Logan Square, Chicago’s only natural winery where they have a killer tavern pizza on Tuesdays.

Chicago’s skyline, one of the prettiest in the country, makes spending some time on a rooftop bar a priority during the warmer months. Many have long lines during peak weekend hours. Try BiXi Beer in Logan Square, Cabra in Fulton Market, or, for a spectacular view of the lakefront, Cindy’s inside the Chicago Athletic Association hotel on Michigan Avenue. Lettuce Entertain You recently opened Miru , a Japanese restaurant inside the St. Regis, at the end of Upper Wacker Drive and overlooking Navy Pier.

Chicago does pizza exceptionally well; it’s a place that welcomes variety far beyond deep dish. That’s what some outsiders can’t fathom, and while they whine, Chicagoans dine, devouring tavern-style, stuffed, pan, deep dish, and Neapolitan pies. Piece Pizza in Wicker Park is one of the best places outside of Connecticut to enjoy New Haven-style pizzas.

Deep-Dish Pizza

Deep-dish pizza is a Chicago invention that has tourists lining up, waiting hours for a bite of tomato-topped mozzarella with a buttery pie crust. Feel free to grab a fork and knife. Lou Malnati’s , Bartoli’s , Gino’s East , and My Pi are some of the best sources, while George’s Deep Dish in Edgewater is an exciting newcomer (though it’s pickup and delivery only)

New-School Pies

Paulie Gee’s , a Brooklyn import, serves stellar Detroit squares and Neapolitan pizza in Logan Square and New York-style slices in Wicker Park. Pizza Friendly Pizza has the muscle of a Michelin-starred chef behind it.

This pizza has a thick crust with cheese on the bottom and sauce on top and is cooked in a pan. It differs from deep-dish pizza in that the dough is thicker and rises higher. The outside of the raw crust is also sprinkled with cheese, which becomes caramelized in the oven.  Pequod’s Pizza  and Burt’s Place  are the most acclaimed purveyors of this style, though newcomer Milly’s Pizza in the Pan in Uptown features those decadent caramelized corners. Another new-school pan pizzeria is George’s Deep Dish in Edgewater where the crust takes on a quality like a Greek pastry.

Tavern-Style Pizza

Chicago is known for more than one style of pizza. Tavern-style pizza is crispy with toppings edge to edge, cut into small squares. It’s designed to be a bar snack, but it’s become a way of life for many Chicagoans. The classic toppings are fennel-heavy sausage, green pepper, and onion. Vito & Nick’s Pizza  on the South Side is the most iconic example. Although deep dish is its specialty, Lou Malnati’s also does a great version. Other spots to know include Pat’s , Phil’s , and Aurelio’s .

Also, keep an eye out for an exciting new pop-up called Crust Fund Pizza . It’s not a traditional restaurant: a limited number of pies are available each week, and customers have to order them through Instagram, promise to make a donation to a specific charity, and then pick them up in an alley on the North Side. It’s worth it: the thin-crust pizza, perfected by home cook John Carruthers, is among the city’s best.

Ice Cream : After surviving those long, cold winters, Chicagoans take their summers — and their ice cream shops — seriously. Peruse the essential ice cream map ; throwback destinations Margie’s Candies (North Side) and Original Rainbow Cone (South Side) should not be missed. There are also plenty of playful new-school vendors like Pretty Cool Ice Cream in Logan Square and now Lincoln Park and Kurimu , a Japanese-style soft-serve shop with locations in Little Italy and Wicker Park. One of the country's finest vegan ice cream stands, Vaca’s Creamery , is in Lincoln Square and Noble Square. Also, Shawn Michelle’s Homemade Ice Cream may provide the best ice cream experience in the city with flavor combos not seen anywhere else. Those seeking a classic Chicago dessert experience should also browse the essential Italian ice map .

Japanese : Chicago has seen an influx of elegant Japanese omakase meals and fine dining experiences, often housed in sleek, intimate spaces. Explore the essential sushi map and book a spot at the eight-seat sushi haunt Kyoten in Logan Square (or the less-fancy sibling, Kyoten Next Door) or find a pristine box of nigiri from Mako in West Loop. More casual sushi and izakaya-style spots are also popular, including TenGokyu Aburiya and Sushi Hall. The city is also home to a bustling ramen scene: the essential ramen map lists some of the best destinations, including Chicago Ramen (which is actually in suburban Des Plaines). Crowds formed outside the door in Logan Square when a ramen-obsessed Reddit user opened Akahoshi Ramen .

Jewish Delis: Despite nervous rumblings to the contrary, the Jewish deli is alive and kicking in Chicago. Longtime favorites like Manny’s Deli in the South Loop, founded in 1942, and neighborhood stalwart the Bagel in Lakeview, are still slinging nostalgic Ashkenazi comfort food like matzo ball soup and massive corned beef sandwiches to hungry hoards. But that old-school approach isn’t the only game in town: Chicagoans can also find creative and heartwarming contemporary spins at spots like Schneider Deli (River North), Steingold’s (Lakeview), Zeitlin’s (The Loop), and Sam & Gertie’s (Uptown), the latter of which bills itself as the world’s first vegan Jewish deli. Peruse the Jewish deli food map for more schmaltzy inspiration.

Michelin : Chicago has its share of world-renowned restaurants. Check out the map of Michelin-starred restaurants for fine dining , or the more affordable Bib Gourmand list , which recommends spots where diners can get a full meal, with wine or dessert, for $50 or less per person.

Pierogi : Chicago's Polish and Eastern European heritage plays a major part in the city's present. The number of Polish restaurants has dwindled some, but check out the pierogi map and head to Smak-Tak for more modern cuisine or the throwback time-capsule Podhalanka for some comforting dumplings straight out of a Polish grandmother's kitchen. Pierogi Kitchen , a recent entrant in Bucktown, puts its spin on the classic dumplings by stuffing them with smoked brisket.

Steakhouses : Yes, every major city has many steakhouses, often for business travelers and the expense-account crowd. But Chicago’s steakhouses offer a variety of meats (grass- or corn-fed), aging (dry or wet), cuts, and price points. Gibsons is a true Chicago classic, but the city also boasts South American steakhouses ( Tango Sur and El Che ), Japanese tappanyaki ( Ron of Japan ), and an international steakhouse where diners cook their own meat ( Holu ). Off the beaten path for beef is Bonyeon , which offers a Korean-style steak tasting menu with lots of wagyu.

Steak Hoagie : If one asks for a steak hoagie in Chicago, one is asking for a specific type of sandwich with thin-cut beef, green peppers, and a sweet sauce that turns the whole thing into a glorious mess. Home of the Hoagy in Morgan Park has one of the best.

Tacos : The tacos in Chicago, which has one of the country’s largest Mexican populations, are severely underrated on the national scene and often take a backseat to those in Southern California and Texas. Do yourself a favor and try as many on the essential taco map and hottest taco map as you can, particularly goat birria specialist Birrieria Zaragoza in Archer Heights or one of the many carnitas specialists in the South Side neighborhood of Pilsen, notably Carnitas Uruapan . Also, run to La Chaparrita , a Mexican grocery store in Little Village, for some delicious Mexico City-style tacos de fritangas, or “fried tacos” (it’s the fillings that are fried, not the tortillas). A new contender recently arrived on the border of Bucktown and Logan Square: Taqueria Chingón , which serves a combination of the tried-and-true (a truly excellent al pastor), the more rare (squash blossom, duck carnitas, suadero), and the experimental (raclette cheese, bradade). Vegetarians have great options with Don Bucios and El Hongo Magico inside the XMarket vegan grocery store.

Vegetarian/Vegan : Amazingly, and contrary to the tired stereotype, there are vegetarians in the Midwest. The first vegetarian restaurant in Chicago opened at the turn of the 20th century, and now, with the advent of plant-based proteins, meat-free options are more abundant than before, thanks to vegetable-forward restaurants like Soul Veg City , Manjani , I Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat , and B’Gabs Goodies . There’s also Bloom Plant-Based Kitchen in Wicker Park from James Beard-nominee Rodolfo Cuadros.

Chicago Food Neighborhoods to Know

There’s a distinction between the areas that make up downtown (Loop, River North, Mag Mile, Gold Coast, Streeterville, the West Loop), and the rest of the city. Those areas are considered the city’s business district. But the soul of Chicago resides in the outlying neighborhoods, which have distinct identities and are sources of pride for their residents. Public transportation connects most places (though there’s an infamous coverage gap on the city’s South Side). Though only a portion of CTA trains ride on elevated tracks, locals have nicknamed the system “the El.” Buses are also mostly reliable, if not as speedy. There are also rideshares and a robust bike-share system called Divvy that’s linked via Lyft.

Still home to a large percentage of Chicago’s Chinese immigrants, this Near South Side neighborhood is also home to the vast majority of the best Chinese restaurants in town. Get dim sum at MingHin Cuisine or Dolo , or hot pot at Mrs. Gu Skewers Hot Pot . Tony Hu, who brought Mrs. Gu to Chicago, is considered one of the city’s most successful restaurateurs. His first restaurant, Lao Sze Chuan , continues to thrive in Chinatown with locations off Michigan Avenue and in Uptown and the suburbs. Check out this map for more . There are also wonders inside the Richland Center Food Court, and don’t forget to grab a Portuguese egg tart from Chiu Quon , the city’s oldest Asian bakery, or make a late-night visit to Nine Bar , the neighborhood’s first cocktail bar, recently opened behind the takeout counter at Moon Palace Express .

The city’s Chinese community has expanded to Bridgeport, the neighborhood immediately west of Chinatown. There, visitors will find the exciting new 88 Marketplace, a Pan Asian grocery stuffed with restaurants including Qiao Lin Hotpot and Holu, a fancy Asian steakhouse.

There are plenty of regional Chinese restaurants outside Chinatown, too, such as Lao Peng You in West Town and Chengdu Impression in Lincoln Park and Wicker Park.

Devon and Indian food

The city’s South Asian hub is located on Devon Avenue in West Ridge, about 10 miles north of downtown, and the pandemic hit it hard . While fine dining options are in short supply here, South Indian vegetarian cuisine shines at Uru-Swati , and Udupi Palace , Other standouts include Sukhadia’s , Annapurna , and Sabri Nihari . Many South Asian restaurants have a complicated relationship with serving meat, but one spot that has no such qualms is Khan B.B.Q. , a spicy casual spot that’s carnivore-friendly. And FYI: Locals and their immigrant families simply call this area Devon, so don’t try to call it Little India. Many locals are also partial to Pakistani spot Ghareeb Nawaz and rave about the value for the money.

Elsewhere in the city, visitors can find stellar South Asian eats at a variety of places including Rooh Chicago in Fulton Market, Lilac Tiger and the Coach House by Wazwan in Wicker Park, and Superkhana International in Logan Square. Newcomer Indienne offers an elegant tasting menu with French influence; it’s the only Michelin-starred Indian restaurant in town. Thattu in Avondale offers a take on South Indian food from the state of Kerala with fried chicken sandwiches and rotating vegetarian specialties. There’s even a roasted pork chop.

Greater Grand Crossing

The area around 75th Street and the Dan Ryan Expressway has long been full of wonderful restaurants that go toe-to-toe with any area in the city. It’s hard to dismiss Lem’s Bar-B-Q ’s rib tips, ribs, and hot links underneath that retro sign. But for vegans, Soul Veg City (formerly Soul Vegetarian) has delivered meat-free gyros, chicken nugget substitutes called protein tidbits, and more for decades. The quality at Harold’s Chicken Shack locations vary, but one of the city’s best locations sits on 75th, right near Brown Sugar Bakery , where turtle cakes and more sweet treats are available.

Logan Square/Avondale

These adjacent neighborhoods continue to draw top talent, starting with Honey Butter Fried Chicken .

Lula Cafe has been a neighborhood anchor for more than 20 years and paved the way for some of the city’s most exciting restaurants, including Andros Taverna, a lively Greek spot; Bixi Beer, Chicago’s only Asian-inspired brewpub; and Mi Tocaya Antojeria where chef Diana Dávila Boldin dazzles customers with deliciousness while managing to teach them a thing or two about Mexican cuisine. Also, don’t forget about Lardon and Union, a charcuterie and beer one-two punch, along with its sister cocktail bar Meadowlark.

Hermosa/Belmont Cragin

Hermosa and Belmont Cragin, west of Logan Square and not directly on any El lines, don’t get the attention they deserve, even from locals, but these two neighborhoods are home to some of the tastiest fare in the city. Meanwhile, one taste of the arepas at Rica Arepa will make you dream of returning. The newish kid on the block is Hermosa Restaurant, by day a sandwich shop that serves a mind-blowing Cambodian-style chicken sandwich, and by night a multi-course Cambodian tasting menu.

Hyde Park will always be shaped by the University of Chicago, but restaurateurs have never felt the need to cater to the academic community alone. While local residents who love the insular nature of their community may cringe that the neighborhood is listed on a city dining guide, it’s hard to ignore the draw. The aforementioned Virtue is a revelation — a celebration of Black culture with a unique approach to southern cuisine that pushes boundaries. Erick Williams also recently opened a sports bar, Daisy’s. Don’t forget one of the most iconic restaurants in the city, Valois Cafeteria , where customers can find an honest meal for an honest price. (It remains Barack Obama’s go-to when he comes back to town.) There’s also Medici on 57th , home to one of the city’s best burgers, and Caribbean standouts Ja’ Grill and 14 Parish .

Mexican culture is prevalent in Pilsen, where standout selections include Carnitas Uruapan , Don Pedro Carnitas , and 5 Rabanitos . But longtime residents worry that recent changes will lead to gentrification and higher rents that will force them to move elsewhere. Thalia Hall , a building originally built in 1892, was a harbinger of change when it reopened a decade ago with a live music venue and a now-shuttered restaurant, Dusek’s, that brought new visitors to the neighborhood. It’ll soon be replaced by Mariscos San Pedro, a Mexican seafood spot from the team at Taqueria Chingon. Now, there’s also an abundance of non-Mexican spots: S.K.Y. brings fun Asian-inspired fare, including memorable dumplings stuffed with Maine lobster, Hai Sous has a memorable Vietnamese tasting menu, Honky Tonk BBQ serves great barbecue with a background of live music, Skylark has standout burgers and tater tots, and Pleasant House Pub sells delicious savory pies and other British pub fare.

River North

Not everything downtown is an office, government building, hotel, chain restaurant, or tourist trap. And not everything shuts down after happy hour. This neighborhood across the Chicago River from the Loop is now home to many of the trendiest nightlife and see-and-be-seen spots in Chicago. Some acclaimed restaurants are holding it down — including Rick Bayless’s Frontera Grill , Topolobampo , and Bar Sotano, and Carlos Gaytan’s revelatory Tzuco — as well as Lettuce Entertain You ’s RPM Seafood , RPM Steak , and RPM Italian . Or keep it simple with a hot dog, Italian beef, or milkshake at Portillo’s or deep-dish pizza at Uno’s or Due’s.

Celebrity chef José Andrés partnered with Gibsons Restaurant Group on a trio of restaurants inside Bank of America’s pristine new Chicago headquarters right on the river. Bar Mar and Bazaar Meat , which specialize in seafood and steak respectively, while Cafe by the River is a cute spot for coffee or a casual lunch.

West Loop/Fulton Market

Developers have feasted upon real estate in West Loop and Fulton Market. There’s no doubt the feel of the neighborhood has changed now that companies like McDonald’s and Google have set up corporate offices. The area immediately west of the Loop and the Chicago River remains home to Restaurant Row, lined with spots like Stephanie Izard’s Girl and the Goat , Little Goat , and Duck Duck Goat ; Paul Kahan’s The Publican and Avec ; and the Alinea Group’s Next , the Aviary , and Roister . Time Out Market is a giant food hall filled with local restaurants that attempt to give tourists a curated one-stop shop for Chicago eats. It’s worth a trip if your visit is short.

There’s also a bounty of upscale Japanese restaurants such as Mako, Kumiko, and Omakase Yume . Other highlights include Boka Restaurant Group’s Momotaro and Swift & Sons , and Monteverde from Sarah Grueneberg of Top Chef fame.

Wicker Park and the Surrounding Area

In the ’90s, this area west of the Kennedy Expressway was the center of the city’s counterculture, with its nexus at the Milwaukee/Damen/North intersection. Since then, it’s been thoroughly gentrified. One-Off Hospitality’s anchors, honky tonk taqueria Big Star and cocktail spot the Violet Hour , which opened in the aughts, remain neighborhood standbys. Other bright spots include Mott St which fuses Korean and other Asian flavors into a uniquely American experience. Then there’s Kasama in West Town, recently awarded its first Michelin star, where French pastries and sandwiches feed customers during the day, followed by lumpia and Filipino smoked meats in the afternoon, and a fantastic tasting menu for dinner (for that, you’ll need to book months in advance). Frontier in Noble Square specializes in full-animal service that’s great for groups. For great bagels and pastry, head north to Bucktown, where James Beard Award winner Mindy Segal has reopened Mindy’s Bakery .

Uptown/Argyle Street

Argyle Street, which runs through the neighborhood of Uptown, is home to one of Chicago’s most destination-worthy dining strips of Vietnamese restaurants, where every chef has their own specialty. Pho shops like Pho Viet and Hai Yen are impressive. But also don’t forget Immm Rice & Beyond , which offers an abundance of hawker center-style Thai food, and Sun Wah Bar-B-Que , honored as one of America’s Classics by the James Beard Foundation, for Peking duck (be sure to order in advance). The best Thai in Chicago might be at the unassuming In-On Thai .

Chicago Glossary of Terms

Breaded steak sandwich.

An Italian-American classic from the South Side of Chicago, the breaded steak sandwich is not for the faint for heart. This sloppy concoction involves deep-fried and battered pieces of meat, melted cheese, and marinara sauce on a French roll. Gio’s , Ricobene’s , and Punky’s Pizza are among the establishments that sell this delicacy.

Chicago-Style Hot Dog

Hot dogs in Chicago are their own entity. They shouldn’t be confused with New York hot dogs or Detroit-style Coney dogs. Here, they’re “dragged through the garden,” i.e. covered with toppings and condiments: sliced tomatoes, a pickle spear, diced onion, neon green pickled relish, sport peppers, yellow mustard. and celery salt, and served on a steamed poppy seed bun. Never ask for ketchup on your hot dog in Chicago (unless you’re visiting Gordon Ramsay Burger in River North, which was widely mocked for offering this on the menu). Also, look for dogs with natural casings for the perfect snappy texture.

Note: Chicago also serves Polish sausages, affectionately called “Polishes.” Sized a little larger than a hot dog, these are served with grilled onions and mustard. Jim’s Original takes credit for inventing this treat when it was still located in the old Maxwell Street Market .

Giardiniera

Giardiniera is an Italian condiment consisting of pickled peppers, celery, carrots, cauliflower, and other vegetables packed in oil in spicy or mild versions. It’s not totally unique to Chicago, but is ubiquitous here due to its prevalent use on Italian beef. Fans of giardiniera from other American cities should note the local version often includes sport peppers. Also, it’s pronounced “jar-din-air-ah.”

A tribute to Chicago’s European immigrants, this South Side special stacks gyro meat on top of corned beef on top of roast beef for a multicultural melange. Add cheese and giardiniera to the roll, and this is one serious sandwich. Find the iconic version at Stony Sub on the Far South Side.

Italian Beef

Yes, the Italian beef sandwich is more popular than ever because of Carmy and the gang on the Bear . But don’t accept inferior beef — especially with those put together in other cities with inferior ingredients. Most old-school beef stands believe their craft is an art, a three- or four-day process where the beef is seasoned and marinaded, slow-cooked, trimmed, frozen, and then thinly sliced. The drippings are used for the gravy, a step that a lot of big chains skip. It’s easier to mix up gravy separately. This isn’t a mere roast beef sandwich.

The long-time owner of Mr. Beef, the River North beef stand that inspired the TV show, recently died, but his restaurant continues thanks to his son and daughter. He learned the recipe from the founders of the restaurant. Chicago’s thinly sliced Italian beef sandwich has a juicy origin story: it was created by Italian immigrants as a cheap way to feed large parties. This guide , headlined by near-suburban favorite Johnnie’s Beef and iconic local chain  Al’s Beef , shows the best places to find one. Just make sure to specify wet or dipped and with hot or sweet peppers. A “combo” doesn’t come with fries — it’s a combination Italian sausage topped with sliced beef. And no matter what folks say, it’s very cravable.

The jibarito, a sandwich that uses sliced and fried plantains in lieu of bread or buns, was invented in Chicago by Puerto Rican immigrants; usually credit is given to the late Juan Figeroa, owner of Borinquen Lounge in Humboldt Park. Fillings include carne asada (steak), roast pork, and chicken. The sandwich is often topped with cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. Outside of Humboldt Park, find them at Jibaritos y Más in Logan Square.

Another Chicago original that’s beginning to spread to other cities, Malört is an extremely bitter Swedish wormwood liquor that’s a favorite of many local bartenders. Taking a shot is often a right of passage for newbies. For years it was nearly always served in shots, but recently bartenders have started to use it in cocktails , some of which are surprisingly delicious. Jeppson’s is the original brand, but other companies have started making their own, such as Letherbee’s Bësk.

Black Chicago has its roots in the South thanks to the Great Migration , and it’s no surprise that many Southern cooking traditions have found homes here. One of those traditions is fried chicken, and one way Chicagoans have made it their own is with mild sauce, a wildly copied condiment that has a passionate following. Served at chicken spots like Harold’s and Uncle Remus , this is a concoction made from ketchup, barbecue sauce, and a dash of hot sauce.

The Pizza Puff, a frozen food concoction that’s actually a deep-fried flour tortilla filled with mozzarella, sausage, and tomato sauce, is generally sold at hot dog stands in Chicago. This is a Chicago invention, and Albano’s and Terry’s Place are among the spots that make fresh versions. This is good drinking food.

The flavorful cartilage ends of spare ribs are common at South Side barbecue shacks, as well as in other Midwestern cities.  Click here for a primer on Chicago barbecue , which is distinguished by the way pitmasters use smokers made from glass aquariums. Find the quintessential version at Lem’s. There’s also newer spots like Soul & Smoke and Bell Heir.

Slashie or Packaged Goods Store

Packaged good stores are corner liquor stores that also just happen to have bars inside. These spots, often patronized by those working odd shifts, have become an important part of Chicago’s drinking culture. But in the early aughts, a new and younger wave of clientele began showing up and calling them “slashies,” much to the disgust of the old guard. Even before March 2020, the future of the slashie was in doubt, but during the pandemic, bars were permitted to sell alcohol to go, essentially becoming slashies themselves, making the original dives, where one can grab a shot and can of beer in peace, an endangered species.

Chicago food personalities and groups to know

Grant achatz.

Grant Achatz and the Alinea Group preside over some of the city’s most acclaimed restaurants, including namesake Alinea, a pioneer in molecular gastronomy and the city’s only three-Michelin-starred restaurant. A visit to the Lincoln Park restaurant is a theatrical experience, worthy of a bucket list. Achatz’s fingerprints are also on Next, where the menu and scenery rotate every year, and Aviary, the avant-garde cocktail bar. Alinea co-founder, Nick Kokonas is also the co-founder of the popular reservation and ordering platform Tock.

Rick Bayless

Perhaps Chicago’s most famous chef and television personality, Rick Bayless is known for popularizing regional Mexican cuisine in America, beginning with the arrival of his Frontera Grill restaurant in 1987. Bayless went on to open the Michelin-starred tasting-menu restaurant Topolobampo next door a few years later, followed by street food haven XOCO and super-casual Tortazo. Frontera later expanded into packaged food, and its chips and salsa and frozen meals can be found in supermarkets. Bayless, who is white and from Oklahoma, has raised concerns about appropriation within Chicago’s Mexican community. He’s been more open to dialog in recent years and has been a proponent of raising wages to make restaurant work a viable career to properly raise a family.

Look, Chicago is often misunderstood outside of the Midwest. The kind of folks with lazy takes falling back on describing a dish through the lens of another culture. You know, like comparing Italian beef to Philly Cheesesteak, or the endless Chicago pizza slander from New Yorkers. So, when the FX show The Bear landed, locals were a little apprehensive. The show was created by suburban native Christopher Storer and reflects on his experiences in Chicago before he moved away. Sure, a little of it is trapped in what the city felt like in the ‘90s, but nonetheless, these are the creators’ memories, and the show has worked hard in Season 2 to resonate with current residents. Season 2 did a better job at loving Chicago restaurants with cameos galore .

Now that Seasons 3 and 4 are in production, the city has learned to trust the TV show and has wrapped its arms around Carmy and company. So be on the lookout this spring for filming.

Boka Restaurant Group

Another highly acclaimed and extremely successful Chicago restaurant group is Boka, named for its founders Kevin Boehm and Rob Katz, who won a James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurateur in 2019. Boka owns or is a partner in GT Prime , Boka (their original Chicago restaurant), Momotaro , Swift & Sons , Alla Vita , as well as all of Stephanie Izard’s restaurants.

Curtis Duffy

Chef Curtis Duffy is internationally known as the chef behind Grace, which earned three Michelin stars before its closure. Duffy’s follow-up, Ever, has already earned Michelin honors, and the heavy metal-loving Duffy is once again delivering a pristine fine dining experience inside one of the most luxurious spaces in the country. Duffy and collaborator Michael Muser have opened a cocktail bar, After (get it?).

Tony Hu is one of Chicago’s most prominent cultural ambassadors and the unofficial “Mayor of Chinatown.” Chinese cuisine in Chicago was at a crossroads before Hu opened his Lao chain of restaurants, including Lao Sze Chuan in Chinatown, which introduced many Chicagoans to Sichuan food. Hu’s subsequent projects, including an upcoming outpost of the international Xiaolongkan Hot Pot chain, demonstrated how varied Chinese cuisine actually is.

Stephanie Izard

This Top Chef and Iron Chef champion runs three of the most successful (and hardest to get into) restaurants in Chicago — Girl & the Goat, Duck Duck Goat , and Cabra — as well as the Little Goat Diner and Sugargoat , a bakery. Izard is poised to follow Bayless’s steps in growing her brand: a branch of Cabra and Girl & the Goat opened in LA and her This Little Goat sauces and rubs are now found at stores across the country as Izard splits here time between Chicago and the left coast.

Beverly Kim and Johnny Clark

Folks outside of Chicago will know Kim from her Top Chef appearance. Chicagoans know her from Parachute, the now-shuttered Korean-American restaurant she and her husband Johnny Clark have pushed to new heights. Kim has also taken a leadership role with the Abundance Setting , a nonprofit that helps working mothers in the culinary industry, while Clark took an active role in the Chicago Chefs Cook for Ukraine benefit which begot a second restaurant. Anelya is a tribute to Clark’s grandmother, presenting Ukrainian food in an upscale manner.

Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises

Chicago’s most successful and widespread restaurant group, Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises (LEYE), founded by patriarch Rich Melman, has opened more than 130 restaurants since it was founded in 1971. Known for extremely well-run spots that run the gamut from fast food to fine dining, its most noteworthy concepts include R.J. Grunts (the original LEYE restaurant), Aba , Joe’s Seafood Prime Steak and Stone Crab , Three Dots and a Dash , RPM Italian and RPM Steak , Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba !, and Bub City . There’s also new entries like Oakville Grill and Cellar in West Loop. They’ve also opened a pair of restaurants inside the luxurious St. Regis Chicago in Lake Shore East — Miru and Tre Dita.

One Off Hospitality Group

A Chicagoan through and through (he was raised in his family’s fish market in Rogers Park) and the James Beard Award co-winner for Outstanding Chef in 2013, Paul Kahan, along with primary partner Donnie Madia, runs One Off Hospitality Group . The group’s known for Avec , the Publican , Big Star , the Violet Hour , Publican Quality Meats , Dove's Luncheonette , and Publican Quality Bread .

Brendan Sodikoff

Sodikoff and his Hogsalt Hospitality group operate a dizzying array of very successful Chicago spots, including Armitage Alehouse, Au Cheval, the Doughnut Vault, Bavette’s Bar and Boeuf, Gilt Bar , Green Street Smoked Meats , Small Cheval , and High Five Ramen . Hogsalt’s newest restaurant is Armitage Alehouse , an opulently decorated British-Indian pub in Lincoln Park.

Erick Williams

Erick Williams is the first Black person to win a James Beard Award while representing Chicago. He’s the owner of three restaurants, Virtue, Daisy’s, and Mustard Seed Kitchen — all on Chicago’s South Side. He taps into a variety of Black and Southern traditions in his cooking providing unique experiences diners won’t find anywhere else. He’s also a mentor and leader in his communities, opening opportunities to folks who would normally be ignored. He’s about to open another restaurant around the corner from Virtue

Follow the News

Eater Chicago is updated multiple times every weekday with breaking news stories (restaurant openings, closings, etc.), features, guides, and more. Here are a few ways to stay in the loop:

• Keep an eye on the Eater Chicago homepage. New stories will always show up near the top and flow down toward the bottom of the page as they get older, while important recent stories will stay pinned right at the top. Also, check out our big sister, Eater.com , for national and international food news.
• Subscribe to our newsletter , which goes out every weekday evening and includes links to the day's top stories.
• Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for updates on new stories and more throughout the day, and follow us on Instagram for some of the best food photos in Chicago.

Get in Touch

Have questions not answered here? Want to send in a tip or a complaint or just say hello? Here are some ways to get in touch with the Eater Chicago staff:

• Email us at [email protected] .
• Send us a tip, which can be anonymous if you choose, at our tipline .
• Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram .

Maude's Liquor Bar

Chicago cut steakhouse, goose island beer co., urban belly, thalia hall, gt fish & oyster, california clipper, johnnie's beef, immm rice & beyond, 5 rabanitos, pretty cool ice cream, maxwell street market, pizza friendly pizza, sun wah bar-b-que, billy goat tavern, green street smoked meats, piece brewery and pizzeria, green door tavern, emporium arcade bar, gene & jude's, birrieria zaragoza, burt's place, daley's restaurant, don pedro carnitas, small cheval, valois restaurant, kuma's corner, frontera grill, fancy plants cafe, wherewithall, cafe ba-ba-reeba, calumet fisheries, nico osteria, three dots and a dash, little goat, the wormhole coffee, la colombe torrefaction, r.j. grunts, clark street ale house, dia de los tamales, udupi palace, green mill cocktail lounge, red hot ranch, lettuce entertain you, omakase yume, jim's original, rainbow cone, punch house, chicago's gene & jude's hot dogs since 1946, swift & sons, chicken shack, hermosa restaurant, the kennedy, maple & ash, honky tonk bbq, margie's candies, superdawg drive-in, la chaparrita, home of the hoagy, dark matter coffee, sabri nihari, 5 loaves eatery, the publican, topolobampo, rossi's liquors, the doughnut vault, the underground, khan b.b.q., edzo's burger shop, bangers & lace, the promontory, rpm seafood, pizza fried chicken ice cream, billy sunday, lao sze chuan, little lamb, high five ramen, mysore woodlands, ramen misoya, caffe streets, furious spoon, pleasant house pub, tortilleria el milagro, dove's luncheonette, carnitas uruapan, brown sugar bakery, cruz blanca, minghin cuisine, revolution brewing, stan's donuts, duck duck goat, the violet hour, honey butter fried chicken, tank noodle, publican quality meats, rpm italian, half acre beer company, pequod's pizza, medici on 57th, owen & engine, the vibe is off for logan square farmers markets vendors, inside the foxtrot and dom’s kitchen implosion, where to find last-minute mother’s day dinner reservations in chicago.

Armed robbers target restaurants, liquor stores on North, NW sides, Chicago police say

In one robbery, clerk exchanges shots with suspects

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Armed robbers targeted several fast food restaurants and liquor stores across the North Side Thursday night, and shots were exchanged in one of the incidents, Chicago police said.

Police are investigating at least six armed robberies.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

New surveillance video shows the robbery at A &P Liquors on West Peterson Avenue Thursday night. A man enters, flashes his gun, and demands money from the clerk.

The store owner was too shaken to speak on camera, but said more than $10,000 was stolen.

The video also shows another armed man forcing some of the customers to the ground while robbing them of their belongings.

The owner of the cell phone repair shop next door said the increasingly common occurrence of crimes like this has changed the way he does business.

"Now I even changed my business hours," Anas Zeidieh said. "I close early now. I tend to close around six o'clock because all the problems happen after it gets dark."

Surveillance video also captured the frantic moments people ran for cover outside Basil Food and Liquor. Two bullet holes could be seen in the store's front window.

Basil Salaqa said he's owned the liquor store for 15 years. He said his son was tipped off about the armed robberies and was ready to defend himself.

Chicago police said three gunmen walked into the store and one of them fired at the employee working at the time.

Basil said one of the suspects fired at his son multiple times before his son fired back.

Police said no one was injured.

"People have to be on the lookout and protect themselves at all costs," Kelly Gordon, whose family lives nearby, said. "He did what he had to do."

Chicago police said the armed robbery on North Western was one of at least six that unfolded late Thursday night on the North and Northwest sides.

CPD hasn't officially linked the crimes yet, but some of them are similar.

Investigators said two to three men, armed with handguns held up liquor stores Subway restaurants and a 7-11.

The other robberies occurred at the following locations and times:

-5000-block of North Western Avenue at about 9:38 p.m.

-1900-block of West Peterson Avenue at about 9:45 p.m.

-4700-block of North Elston Avenue at about 10:46 p.m.

-1900-block of West Peterson Avenue at about 11:15 p.m.

-5200-block of North Nagle Avenue at about 11:56 p.m.

CPD said the men even stole the wallets of some people inside the businesses at the time of the armed robberies.

Basil also said this is the third time people have attempted to rob his liquor store.

According to police data analyzed by the ABC7 data team, armed robberies are up almost 34% in the last year compared to the average of the three previous years.

Police said there are three suspects they're seeking in connection to all 12 robberies in the last week. They're described as 20 to 30 years old, often wearing a mask, dark clothing and gloves.

Police said no one is in custody as the investigation continues.

INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER Track crime and safety in your neighborhood

Related Topics

• NORWOOD PARK
• IRVING PARK
• LINCOLN SQUARE
• CHICAGO CRIME
• ARMED ROBBERY

Top Stories

Northern Lights visible in parts of Chicago area tonight

5 guns found inside hate crime shooting suspect's wall: police

Video captures gunshot that killed Chicago dad of 2 in broad daylight

Suburban man says USPS auctioned off lost package of heirlooms

Family seeks justice 1 year after mom fatally shot, son badly injured

Woman seriously injured in SW Side fire; man, dog also hurt: CFD

Aldi lowers prices on 250 grocery store items to help shoppers save

4 seriously injured in I-290 crash on West Side, officials say

Experience Chinese culture, cuisine, and more in Chicago

Published on May 7, 2024 by Sharyne Moy Tu

Chinese immigrants first began settling in Chicago in the late 1800s. Since then, the city’s Chinese population has put down deep roots in Chinatown, transforming the neighborhood into a close-knit community where residents and visitors can immerse themselves in Chinese culture and history.

But the influence of the city’s Chinese residents has spread far beyond Chinatown. Today, you can find homages to Chinese culture in almost every corner of Chicago, from restaurants to art museums to cultural events.

Start your exploration with this guide to Chinese culture in Chicago curated by Sharyne Moy Tu , a lifelong Chicago resident and former Executive Director of the Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce.

Explore Chinatown

Chicago’s historic Chinatown has called Wentworth Avenue home for over 100 years. During that time, the neighborhood has grown to include a wealth of authentic restaurants, unique shops, celebrated cultural institutions, striking public art, traditional architecture, and more.

“Chinatown has continued to embrace its cultural heritage since it was established in 1912 at its current location,” says Sharyne. “Community groups work hard to maintain the culture for current and future generations by hosting activities and events. This draws visitors from the city and beyond to attend and participate.” 

Stroll through Ping Tom Memorial Park

Located along the riverfront in Chinatown, Ping Tom Memorial Park is a former train yard that’s been transformed into a public green space with stunning city views. Along with ample amenities like kayak rentals and a swimming pool, the park is home to a pagoda-style pavilion and Chinese landscape design elements to honor the neighborhood’s heritage. 

Dine at restaurants serving Chinese cuisine

Chicago is home to a wealth of options when it comes to Chinese cuisine, from traditional regional dishes to modern fusion styles. Check out just a few of Sharyne’s favorite spots to eat in Chinatown and beyond:

• Dim sum: Phoenix Restaurant , Imperial Restaurant , MingHin Cuisine
• Cantonese: Lee Wing Wah , Chi Cafe
• Northern cuisine: MCCB , Lao Sze Chuan
• Peking duck: Sun Wah BBQ
• Barbecue: BBQ King , Hon Kee 
• Bakeries: Chiu Quon , Sunlight Cafe
• Soup dumplings: Hing Kee
• Desserts: Mango, Mango

Explore the Chinese American Museum of Chicago

The Chinese American Museum of Chicago hosts exhibits that examine and promote the culture and history of Chinese Americans in Chicago, the Midwest, and beyond. Their permanent exhibition Great Wall to Great Lakes explores Chinese immigration to the Midwest through first-hand stories. They also host events like community workshops, screenings, and talks.

Walk through Asia on Argyle

In the Uptown neighborhood, Argyle Street has evolved into a colorful cultural corridor representing a true melting pot of cultures. Known as “ Asia on Argyle ,” the area is home to a wealth of local restaurants and businesses run by immigrants and first-generation Americans. This includes many dining options serving Chinese cuisine, including two family-owned spots: Furama (specializing in Cantonese and Mandarin culinary traditions) and Sun Wah (a top destination for Hong Kong-style barbecue).

Check out the Chinese Fine Arts Society

The Chinese Fine Arts Society is dedicated to enhancing appreciation of Chinese culture in Chicago through music, dance, and visual arts. They host a variety of events designed to encourage cultural exchange and promote the pursuit of excellence in Chinese arts. Mark your calendar for signature happenings like the annual Music Festival in Honor of Confucius, where young musicians present various forms of Chinese music.

Celebrate Chinese New Year

There are a variety of events dedicated to Chinese culture throughout the year in Chicago, and one of the biggest is Chinese New Year . A signature aspect of the celebration is the Chinese New Year Parade that runs through the heart of Chinatown with traditional lion dances, performers, community groups, and more. You can also attend dinner and dumpling-making classes, cultural performances, and special shopping events throughout the city.

Attend Chinese cultural events and celebrations

Celebrate Chinese culture all year long with these unique events spotlighting film, cuisine, local businesses, and more. 

• Chicago Dragon Boat Race for Literacy : This summertime competition is a day of outdoor family fun for a good cause.
• Chinatown Summer Fair : Kick off summer with captivating performances, kung fu demonstrations, cuisine from Chinatown’s restaurants, kids activities, and more.
• Asian Pop-Up Cinema : This ongoing film festival endeavors to increase appreciation for Asian cultures through film.
• Dim Sum & Then Sum 5k/10k : This annual race, hosted by Chinese Mutual Aid Association, kicks off with a traditional Chinese lion dance.
• Mid-Autumn Moon Festival : Come see the streets of Chinatown adorned with lanterns and enjoy traditional treats like moon cakes and chrysanthemum wine.
• Asian American Showcase : This film festival at the Gene Siskel is a showcase of Asian American talent in cinema.

About Sharyne Moy Tu

Sharyne Moy Tu is a lifelong resident of Chicago. She and her family lived and worked in a laundry in the Auburn-Gresham neighborhood on the south side, and later moved to Chinatown. After graduating from the University of Illinois Chicago, Sharyne set off on a career path which encompassed over forty years in management in the corporate, retail credit, banking, non-profit, event planning, association and tourism industries. She has been an active volunteer for many years including the roles of protocol volunteer with the Chicago 2016 Olympic Bid, character balloon handler during the Thanksgiving Day Parades, section lead at Chicago Loop Alliance’s Sundays on State events, Choose Chicago Greeter and Ambassador, and volunteer at the James Beard Foundation Awards. Sharyne is also a photographer and has shown her work in various locations in addition to two solo exhibitions She is currently a concierge at the Chicago Visitor Information Center located at Macy’s on State Street.

From this blog post

Tours & Attractions

Tom (ping) memorial park.

Chinese American Museum of Chicago

Food & Beverage

Minghin cuisine.

Explore hotels, flights, deals, and more

Plan your trip.

Chicago Newsletter

Stay in the know.

Visitors Guide

Start planning today.

Get the guide

Your Favorites

Quick access links.