Few champion pit masters have achieved the level of celebrity of Mike Mills, whose postmodern barn on a strip of suburban sprawl provides a range of... Read More
Since 1994, A Taste of Heaven has been delighting the residents of Andersonville with award-winning scones, specialty cupcakes, made-from-scratch... Read More
The flagship location of an ever-growing national chain, this sandwich shop was first established in 1938 as a curbside wooden food stand in Little... Read More
At the forefront of the groundbreaking molecular gastronomy movement, Alinea offers meals that are quite simply unlike any others. Dedicated followers... Read More
Located in the Four Seasons Hotel, Michelin-starred Allium’s chefs source ingredients from local farmers to create seasonal farm-to-table American... Read More
Although it may look like a typical old-fashioned diner, Ann Sather is actually a Chicago institution. Named after its founder, who established this... Read More
In the Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park's signature restaurant, the evocative design incorporates mahogany walls, red and orange linens, clean-lined... Read More
Opened in 1924 (and not much changed since), this is the oldest restaurant on Route 66. Read More
Au Cheval is a feel-good diner with a hipster edge that’s all about celebrating the simplicity of the burger. A “single” is two prime beef patties... Read More
What do you get when you cross -exposed brick, softly ambient lighting, the sexy thrum of Nina Simone and classic steakhouse fare? A dining experience... Read More
Go for the creative bar food, like Benjamin’s Pizza with chicken, buffalo sauce, jalapeños, and cheddar. Read More
Don’t miss the fat, juicy burgers. Read More
Under the shadow of the L sits Chicago’s reigning king of tacos; an always-packed 1950’s style diner serving up some of the tastiest Mexican street food... Read More
Immortalized by the 1970’s Saturday Night Live skit in which a short-order cook (John Belushi) screamed “Cheezborger! Cheezborger! No fries,... Read More
Established in 1934, this classic Chicago tavern was immortalized by comedian John Belushi's Saturday Night Live skit, where he demanded a “cheezeborger... Read More
Serving contemporary American cuisine, this River North restaurant and wine bar focuses on seasonal ingredients and wine pairing. Known as The Tavern,... Read More
Reminiscent of a small Parisian bistro, this restaurant brings rustic French cuisine to the Lincoln Square neighborhood. Inside, the date-worthy dining... Read More
The bread and butter alone are worth the trip to this quaint French bistro with Provençal-yellow walls, tin ceiling, and zinc-top bar. While its... Read More
Behind an all-glass storefront, Blackbird’s interior is sleek and minimalist, adorned with bare white walls, hardwood floors, and metallic chairs... Read More
For more than 15 years, Blackbird has been a Midwestern culinary shrine. It’s no small feat to keep a decades-old restaurant fresh. The key? Low key... Read More
For more than 15 years, Blackbird has been a Midwestern culinary shrine. It is no small feat to keep a decades-old restaurant fresh. The secret? Low-key... Read More
Founded by Polish immigrant Frank Bobak, this Chicago-based company has been manufacturing artisan sausages and deli meats since 1967. Inside a large... Read More
With a menu that changes with the season, Boeufhaus highlights grass-fed and responsibly raised animals. Read More
Located in Lincoln Park and recipient of a Michelin star in 2010, this restaurant offers inventive New American cuisine from Italian-born chef Giuseppe... Read More
Hawaiian-born Shin Thompson synthesizes high art and fine cuisine at Bonsoirée, an American Nouveau hotspot that began as an undergound operation... Read More
Authentic and affordable, this family-owned Puerto Rican café in Humboldt Park is a local favorite despite its no-frills, cafeteria-style... Read More
Kevin Hickey is the burly chef you want to kick back and have a beer with. His burgers reflect that persona: inviting, oversized, and packed with flavor... Read More
Chef Kevin Hickey’s “kick back with a craft beer” persona is half the draw of his meat-centric bar and kitchen. The other half is the crazy,... Read More
A block from DePaul University, The Pig, so-called by locals, offers baked goods, as well as large selection of sandwiches with names like The Catcher... Read More
Deep-dish pies are a Chicago phenomenon, and Burt Katz is quite possibly the master of this bready variation. For the past 20 years, kitschy Burt&rsquo... Read More
This little rectangular, white building with big yellow signs near the Sheridan El stop on Irving Park Road is popular with baseball fans headed to... Read More
Superstar Chef Marcus Samuelsson, owner of NYC’s Red Rooster and winner of Bravo’s “Top Chef Masters,” brings his skills to bear... Read More
Although the South Side is not known for its restaurants, Beverly residents rave about the food at Café 103. Just past the faux wood entryway,... Read More
Touted as Chicago’s original tapas bar, Café Ba-Ba-Reba is as festive as it sounds. Enjoy tapas, pixtos (bite-sized tapas), paella, and... Read More
Opened in 1983, Café Selmarie began as a small bakery specializing in European-style cakes, pastries, and breads. Now, the Lincoln Square spot is... Read More
The food is rustic Italian created by a James Beard-winning chef, while the wine list is carefully crafted by an award winning sommelier. Read More
Located in Bucktown, Caffé De Luca offers authentic Italian fare in a setting that resembles a Tuscan alleyway thanks to its high ceilings, rust... Read More
Getting caffeinated beneath an undulating wooden ceiling and an audience of neon taxidermy definitely impacts your buzz. In the best way, of course.... Read More
A vision of restaurateur Jerry Kleiner, this Near West Side favorite aims to provide a carnival experience. From the restaurant’s high ceiling, a... Read More
Cellar Door Provisions works with local farmers to get the freshest food available for the season. The menu is small and rotates, but is natural and... Read More
Specialing in Poblano food, this family-owned café is all about authentic flavors. In fact, the owner often travels to Mexico in order to obtain... Read More
This Lincoln Park bistro is as famous for French classics—such as moules marinieres and profiteroles—as it is for rolling out the welcome mat for... Read More
Since 1965, the Brauhaus has been bringing a year-round Oktoberfest spirit to the Lincoln Square neighborhood, where many German immigrants first... Read More
Food here is seasonal and best paired with one of the specialty cocktails on offer. Read More
The Scene: Supper club veteran and chef Efrain Cuevas (he did time with Ghetto Gourmet in Oakland) launched a new culinary club earlier this year;... Read More
Classic Chicago ambiance, snappy service and zesty dishes are served family-style at this old school Italian eatery in Bucktown. Gargantuan portions of... Read More
Americanizing Neapolitan-style pizza, Coalfire, as the name suggests, cooks their pies in an 800-degree oven heated by coal instead of the traditional... Read More
Known for its simple, seasonal Tuscan cuisine, Coco Pazzo features an award-winning all-Italian wine list, as well as homemade bread and fresh pasta... Read More
Ideal for group dining in Lakeview, Coobah is a lively two-room space with loud Latin music, closely packed tables, and a quirky color palette that... Read More
Taste a corn dog on a stick. The drive-in offers a family basket including four dogs and fries for $9! Read More
In the land of 20-pound pizza and street-seller hot dogs, there’s a new craving in town, and it comes from (and with) Seoul. Crisp, a Korean fried... Read More
The smells of Cumin waft into the streets and beckon in passersby to taste Indian mainstays like tikka masala and vindaloo as well as less common... Read More
Right off Dearborn St and acting restaurant of the Blake Hotel, the Custom House is focused on using farm fresh, seasonal ingredients for its New... Read More
Marbled steaks may be this restaurant’s calling card, but Chef David Burke’s 40-day dry-aged prime steak “burker” makes a succulent statement. A pillow... Read More
Located inside the James Hotel, owner and renowned chef David Burke’s Primehouse is known for its awarding-winning cuts of meat, such as the 55... Read More
Translating to “from scratch,” De Cero lives up to its name by offering dishes crafted entirely with homemade ingredients, from fresh crema ... Read More
Set in the 12th-floor lobby of the Ritz-Carlton, Deca Restaurant + Bar opened in 2010 and offers contemporary American cuisine in an Art Deco-inspired... Read More
Located in an old train car, this Lakeview landmark serves greasy spoon specialties on paper plates 24 hours a day. Popular with the late night, post... Read More
This is the ninth installation of Dinosaur BBQ across the country. Known for their pit-smoked meats, Dino also has sandwiches, salads, and sides that... Read More
The partnership of David Morton (yes, that Morton) and acclaimed chef Michael Kornik yields burger bliss in Lakeview. Nine different dishes ranging from... Read More
The Burger: Duchamp is almost too upscale to deserve mention on this list, except for the fact that in a city famed for its love of red meat, this one... Read More
Chef Jared Wentworth has extended the culinary magic of restaurants Longman and Eagle to Duseks, a gastropub located in a former public hall. The... Read More
In this 63,000-square-foot superstore, Mario Batali gives Chicago the ultimate Italian food court. There are 22 eateries, featuring a cross section of... Read More
This infamous retro diner serves up a side of snark with each meal earning its tagline of “sassy servers, tasty burgers.” The waitresses sport quirky... Read More
Traditional Vietnamese flavors get a haute makeover at his West Loop spot, where chef Thai Dang turns out dynamic dishes such as poached egg, pork belly... Read More
Located on the 40th floor of the Chicago Stock Exchange, Everest is known for its French cuisine, award-winning wine list, and views of the city. Atop... Read More
The size of the wood stack outside Fat Willy’s is a solid indication that this place is the real deal. Serving up finger-licking meats like pulled... Read More
Tucked below a psychic shop, Flub A Dub Chub’s is the choice for anyone hankering for dogs, burgers, or hot beefs. Though it’s branded a hot... Read More
“Casual,” “fresh” and “fast” are magical words to parents’ ears. This upscale food court on Michigan Avenue boasts 14 stations with scratch... Read More
Inspired by the street vendors of Mexico, chef Rick Bayless developed Frontera Fresco, a casual restaurant located on the seventh floor of Macy’s.... Read More
The Chef: Rick Bayless is often credited with introducing Americans to more refined south-of-the-border cooking at his Chicago restaurants Frontera... Read More
A casual American grill with distinct notes of Mexican flavor in both the decor and the cuisine, Frontera Grill styles itself as being on the culinary ... Read More
Chef/owner Gabriel Viti has worked at restaurants in France and Italy, which has inspired the dinner cuisine at his own restaurant on Green Bay Road in... Read More
Aside from the absence of cigarette smoke, it’s hard to imagine that this classic steak-and-seafood place has changed much since it first opened... Read More
This wrinkle-in-time steakhouse is adamantly against change; and the mural depicting Chicago as it was when this restaurant was first founded is proof.... Read More
For over 60 years, this mom-and-pop shop has served American and Greek eats. Order a George’s hot dog, made Chicago-style with the traditional... Read More
Whatever the season, Gibson’s is Chicago’s ultimate steakhouse. The outdoor section of this restaurant (outfitted with ceiling heaters, natch) is... Read More
It’s the cheerful piano player banging out Sinatra in the crowded bar.The orgy of marvelously marbled prime ribs, charred chops and colossal... Read More
Housed in the space that was formerly Mister Kelley’s, a nightclub that hosted performances by such artists as Frank Sinatra and Billie Holiday,... Read More
Maybe it’s the cheerful piano player banging out Sinatra in the crowded bar, or the marvelously marbled prime ribs, charred chops and colossal lobster... Read More
Season 4’s understated Stephanie Izard was in the bottom rankings of almost every Quickfire challenge, but she ultimately prevailed—as the... Read More
Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard’s amiable, cool verve shines through everything she dishes up. Her perma-packed restaurant is modern and stylish;... Read More
Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard’s Cool-Chick-meets-girl-next-door verve shines through everything she dishes up—from escargot ravioli to country-fried... Read More
If you've dreamed of eating roasted pig face or braised beef tongue then come to Girl and the Goat, a unique eatery that celebrity chef Stephanie Izard... Read More
Open until 5 a.m., Goose Island Shrimp House has been a local favorite for late night eats since 1974. Despite the remote location on Division Street... Read More
At this tiny Andersonville eatery, a limited menu and extensive wait times are a small price to pay for what's often named the best pizza in Chicago.... Read More
Homegrown seasonal veggies take the limelight at this trendy “flexitarian” (mostly vegetarian) eatery owned by James Beard Award-winning... Read More
Inside an unassuming storefront on Chicago Avenue sits one of the city’s favorite bakeries, Hoosier Mama Pie Company. Run by passionate pastry... Read More
A contemporary American restaurant and dessert bar in Bucktown, Hot Chocolate is the brainchild of Mindy Segal, a former pastry chef at Spago and a... Read More
"The Sausage Superstore and Encased Meat Emporium" is how Doug's describes itself, so you know it takes the item between the bun most seriously. The... Read More
In Chicago, top-tier style mavens have a singular shopping destination: Ikram. On the second floor of this high-end shop is a café serving up farm-to... Read More
To the delight of Lakeview residents, Doug Zell and his wife Emily Mange established the first Intelligentsia Coffeebar in 1995. Though the small... Read More
This massive new urban roofscape is glamorous, to be sure. There are three distinct indoor/outdoor lounging areas outfitted with Art Deco-style... Read More
On a wood plank sign, colorful markers advertising authentic Costa Rican dishes welcome visitors to this family-owned café in Bucktown. In... Read More
Ixcateco Grill specializes in cuisine from southern Mexico by a chef native to that area. The menu is sophisticated, locally sourced, organic, and... Read More
Upon entering this modern Japanese restaurant, patrons are wowed by a Jeffrey Beers-designed interior adorned with a water wall, oversize mirrors, red... Read More
Molecular meets locavore in the open kitchen of a daring new restaurant by chef Josh Adams, who trained at Chicago’s Alinea. Midwestern farm... Read More
One of the first sushi bars in Chicago, Kamehachi was opened by Mrs. Marion Konishi in 1967 and has since expanded to include three additional... Read More
Neighborhood charm and heaping portions make this a go-to breakfast spot. The eggs Benedict will make your taste buds sing with jalepeno-cured pork... Read More
Touted as a traveler’s café, Kopi has that backpacker vibe. Kopi, Indonesian for coffee, welcomes customers to sit on floor cushions and... Read More
Located in Lincoln Park, this restaurant produces modern seafood that draws flavors from Japan to Maine. Inside the dining room, white leather chairs... Read More
This eatery near the North Side takes pizza to another level. Kids will love it because they can make their own pizzas and watch as they are cooked in... Read More
This stylish pizzeria and wine bar puts a new farm-to-table spin on traditional wood-fired pies. Traditional red-sauced pizzas are on the menu, but the... Read More
Swank French colonial décor studded with palm trees create an enticingly chic backdrop for romance. Sip champagne in the soft candlelight and indulge... Read More
Located within the Hotel Les Armures in the city’s historic Old Town, this restaurant serves traditional Swiss fare in a two-story space that... Read More
Another goat inspired concept from celebrity chef Stephanie Izard, Little Goat takes on the form of a casual comfort-food diner with all the cleverly... Read More
Top Chef and James Beard-award winner Stephanie Izard loves comfort food. She celebrates the concept of the old-school American diner with a massive... Read More
Golden sconces, crisp white linens, and dark wood furniture create a romantic setting for pre-theater patrons at this upscale restaurant in the... Read More
You may feel out of place at this Michelin-starred gastropub if you’re not donning a plaid shirt and a Grizzly Adams-style beard. But, once you... Read More
You may feel out of place at this Michelin-starred gastropub sans a plaid shirt and a Grizzly Adams-style beard. But once you peruse the menu (a... Read More
The poster child of Chicago-style pizza, this deep-dish pie boasts a recipe that has remained unchanged since 1971. Served in blackened and “seasoned”... Read More
This hip Windy City café is another big supporter of fresh ingredients from regional markets and farmers. There's always a "griddle cake" on the... Read More
A favorite of President Barack Obama, this old school deli serves up heaping signature sandwiches, such as the corned beef and pastrami behemoth with... Read More
Just off Michigan Avenue, Mercat a la Planxa offers diners a taste of Barcelona with its authentic Catalan cuisine. The mod-Mediterranean eatery boasts... Read More
A native of the Emilia-Romagna region in Italy where prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano-Reggiano originated, chef Luisa Silvia Marani now offers... Read More
Set in Wicker Park, this Japanese restaurant is known for its pricey but high-quality sushi. Patrons recommend dining on the candlelit outside patio or... Read More
Endorsed by Food & Wine, USA Today and Esquire and even frequented by President Obama, chef Michael Kornick’s Near North Side restaurant... Read More
Cupcakes become art at More Cupcakes, where sweet treats are displayed exhibition-style in glass cases. Each cupcake is a work of art, from simple dark... Read More
Chess sets, Academy Award statues, and life-size high heels are among the unusual chocolate creations crafted by this family-owned company.... Read More
Food and science converge at Moto, a “molecular tasting room” set among the warehouses of Fulton Market. Practicing the art of molecular... Read More
Perched on a bar stool at a communal table in Wicker Park, you may encounter some of the boldest Asian-fusion flavors in the country. Chef Edward Kim’s... Read More
In the mid 1980s, Bill Murphy opened a hotdog stand in Lakeview to put himself through architect school. Soon after, though, he realized his calling to... Read More
A staple in the Lakeview community, the Mystic Celt evokes the spirit of a traditional Irish pub with its bright green façade and Sunday brunch... Read More
While seated on plush, dark brown banquettes, surrounded by a floor-to-ceiling water wall, mirrored columns, and color-changing neon lights, patrons... Read More
Located in River North, Nacional 27 serves modern interpretations of dishes from all of Latin America’s 27 nations (hence the name). The dining... Read More
Family-owned, organic, and locally sourced from farmers, the distinctively American cuisine at Nana comes with a Latin flair and is served in a rustic... Read More
Known for their marinated and grilled Portuguese chicken, try "The Cure" which is a half cut of the signature chicken with chips. If you're really... Read More
Theatricality reigns at Grant Aschatz’s haute-moderne, ticket-only restaurant on Chicago’s West side. Every four months, a themed, multi-course menu... Read More
A theatrical atmosphere reigns at Grant Aschatz’s haute-moderne, ticket-only restaurant on Chicago’s West side. Every four months, a themed, multi... Read More
Nhu Lan’s bakers welcome patrons with smiles at this small neighborhood favorite, which serves Vietnamese bánh mì sandwiches made... Read More
Restaurateur Donnie Madia and chef Paul Kahan are Chicago’s hospitality dream team. Their success continues at Nico, serving rustic Italian seafood in a... Read More
Located on the seventh floor of the Park Hyatt, NoMI is a Michelin one-star restaurant focusing on fresh, regional ingredients. Inside the dining room,... Read More
With its swanky teak bar, canopy of oversized sun umbrellas, and precisely pruned shrubbery, Nomi Garden feels like a Midwestern iteration of St. Tropez... Read More
With a book like Takashi's Noodles under his belt, it makes sense to assume that chef Takashi Yagihashi knows his way around a noodle, whether its the... Read More
Occupying a refurbished, 1912 field house for ice skaters right on the edge of a romantic pond that serves as a namesake, this Arts and Crafts... Read More
Enjoying cuisine by James Beard Award-winning chef Bruce Sherman’s at this restored “warming house” for ice skaters in Lincoln Park, and gazing up... Read More
Dining at a restored “warming house,” once for ice skaters—at the edge of a pond in the middle of Lincoln Park gazing up at the Chicago —s a... Read More
When a place serves brunch, and only brunch, seven days a week, it better be good. Orange delivers deliciousness in spades. The standout is the pancake... Read More
Brunch-goers line up for this cute café’s Sassy Eggs (eggs of chorizo-potato hash) and Strawberry Shortcake Fool French Toast (made with... Read More
In a warm, polished-wood atmosphere, Owen & Engine prepares British comfort foods like fish and chips, bangers and mash, and a truly amazing burger... Read More
Set along the Chicago Riverwalk, O’Brien’s outdoor dining area is a terrific place to soak in a sunny day and enjoy views of Old Town. Open... Read More
This tiny paen to street food doles out killer iterations of fried chicken and fish. First order a slushy Negroni. Then, swan dive into a bucket of... Read More
Part bar, part burgers, the owner's parents owned a well-known southside burger shop. This spot serves as an homage to them, and has a variety of... Read More
Designed with slim tree trunks and a tented ceiling, this Lincoln Park room radiates breezy glamour, and so does the food. Fresh from stints at some of... Read More
For an upscale breakfast, the Parisian style brasserie at the ground floor of the Peninsula Hotel is ideal. The menu is small but focused. Embrace... Read More
Naples native Nella Grassana has earned her thin crust stripes. A third generation pizzaiolo, she hand-crafts dough in accordance with the rules of... Read More
Pizza cognoscenti credit Uno’s with the introduction of deep-dish pie in 1943. The Uno’s difference: a thick, buttery, garlic-infused crust is layered... Read More
Unless you knew to look for it, you’d probably never notice the dingy storefront of this local secret—and that would be a shame. The... Read More
Founder Dick Portillo began serving his delicious Chicago-style hot dogs out of a trailer back in 1963, and now this legendary franchise has nearly four... Read More
Established in Lincoln Park in 1977, Potbelly began as an antique store that just happened to serve sandwiches to hungry customers. Soon, the shop... Read More
After rising to fame in the Ritz-Carlton kitchen, James Beard Award winner Sarah Stegner and her co-chef George Bumbaris opened this New American... Read More
Known for it's delicious food, stellar cocktails, and famous name, Presidio serves American cuisine with a northern California and San Francisco Bay... Read More
Since its opening in the former Ambassador East Hotel in 1938, this Gold Coast landmark has hosted such guests as Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor,... Read More
There are many small-plate Italian enotecas in town. But only one features the tagline “cheese, wine, and swine.” A porcine paradise, menu standouts... Read More
Designed to share, the small plates at Quartino are reasonably priced (around $10 each), making it a popular spot for group dinners. Although the... Read More
Operated by the Lettuce Entertain You restaurant group, R.J. Grunts has a casual ambiance peppered with good humor, from its motto ("catering to the... Read More
The views of Logan Square’s historic, tree-lined boulevards make the pumpkin seed bagels at this rustic breakfast-lunch-dinner spot taste all the... Read More
Authentic Persian and Mediterranean cuisine awaits diners at Reza’s, a small local chain of four restaurants. At this Andersonville location, the... Read More
The lowered ceilings, recessed lighting, and plain wooden tables in Rise's dining room channel attention to the sleek bar area, where the sake display... Read More
Ralph Lauren's fashion vision is perfectly parlayed into food at this classically clubby restaurant. The crisp martinis and American menu (think steak... Read More
Home to what Good Morning America named the best burger in the nation, Rockit Bar & Grill is a River North landmark serving upscale American bar... Read More
Fine dining is broken down to the barest essentials at this 32-seat steampunk bistro on Ashland Avenue in West Town. The menu of Asian-tinged, eclectic... Read More
Priscila Satkoff, who grew up in Mexico City, opened Salpicón in 1995 after realizing the shortage of authentic yet modern Mexican cuisine in... Read More
Opened in 2005, this small, 26-seat restaurant sits on the edge of the Wicker Park neighborhood. Redesigned in 2010, the interior now features chrome... Read More
Built from a 1890s print shop, this West Loop restaurant celebrates both the traditional and contemporary. Inside the dining room, glass encased... Read More
This gourmet Chinese restaurant, located in the Peninsula hotel, successfully evokes the styles and flavors of 1930’s Shanghai. Inside, sleek... Read More
Tucked inside the Peninsula Hotel, Shanghai Terrace is a true urban oasis. While enjoying upscale Pan Asian specialties such as dim sum, BBQ pork buns... Read More
An unusual combination of classic comfort foods and innovative cocktails awaits diners at this retro-style restaurant in Bucktown. Illuminated by... Read More
Appropriately maritime themed, this popular seafood destination also serves other standout dishes. The chef's art school training is evident in both the... Read More
Thirty-foot floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of the Wrigley Building, Chicago River, and Lake Michigan at this fine dining favorite on the 16th... Read More
As you might expect from a Trump property, a meal at this restauarnt in the Trump International Hotel is very much about glamour. Focusing on... Read More
Chef Takashi Yagihashi has a few eateries around town, but the Slurping Turtle is his nod to Japanese comfort food. Featuring bento boxes, binco grill... Read More
Sol de Mexico, under the leadership of chef Clementina Flores and her son Geno (both natives of Guerrero, Mexico), is one of the most popular Mexican... Read More
Leaving her job as a CPA to go to culinary school led Lisa Santos to open this half café, half specialty grocery store in Lakeview back in 2003.... Read More
Inspired by the traditional pizzerias in Naples, this Ravenswood eatery is known for its authentic, fresh ingredients. True to tradition, Spacca Napoli... Read More
For almost a decade, foodies have been drawn to this Ravenswood storefront. Owner Jonathan Goldsmith may not hail from Naples, but everything (Molino... Read More
This romantic Magnificent Mile restaurant, an influential part of the Chicago dining since 1984, features the award-winning Italian cuisine of celebrity... Read More
Located 30 minutes north of Chicago, this Evanston bistro pairs creative New American cuisine with an extensive selection of international wines. The... Read More
This drive-in hot dog joint is as a major throwback. The original 1940’s menu hasn’t been touched, and includes malts, hot dogs, and burgers. ... Read More
Chicago hot-dog lovers tend to lie in one of two camps—the newfangled spot Hot Doug's or this Windy City classic. Superdawg is an old-school,... Read More
An offshoot of the New York original, which was made famous by Sex and the City, Chicago’s Sushi Samba Rio is now part of a small chain (other... Read More
For an affordable breakfast in Andersonville, locals head to this authentic Swedish diner best known for its traditional pancakes with lingonberries.... Read More
Once a personal chef to Oprah Winfrey, chef Art Smith opened his Table Fifty-Two inside the historic 19th century carriage house of the Biggs Mansion.... Read More
Located in Bucktown, Takashi is a favorite with locals for its unique American-French cuisine with a Japanese flair. Inside, exposed brick is painted... Read More
Bringing the freshest fish to Lincoln Square, Tank has quickly become the neighborhood’s go-to place for sushi. Sleek black furniture fills the... Read More
Marked by a burgundy awning and neon beer signs on the outside, this Irving Park eatery specializes in Mexican fare from the southern state of Oaxaca.... Read More
Quite simply, this is a classic diner in all its glory. Picture thick slabs of raisin studded French toast, frisbee-sized pancakes, and massive bowls of... Read More
The Betty serves small plates, entrees, desserts, and cocktails in a dimly lit, and sophisticated space with elegant historical touches to the design. Read More
Stop by on a Monday night and the place will likely be sprinkled with the city’s off-duty chefs, all wondering what they’ll find on Chris... Read More
Tracking down that authentically cool, off-the-grid restaurant can be tricky. To make like a local, head to West Town, where this former fireplace... Read More
Tracking down that authentically cool, off-the-grid restaurant can be tricky. Make like a local and head to West Town where a former fireplace mantle... Read More
A stone's throw from Millennium Park, the Gage is a gastropub specializing in faithful but wholly unique reinterpretations of comfort food and classic... Read More
Simple halal food in an orderly grab-and-go setting near downtown. On offer are chicken, gyros, or falafel with the white sauce made famous at their... Read More
Perched majestically above Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, the tony J.Parker bar offers spectacular views of the park’s zoo, the Gold Coast, and... Read More
Long before The Publican served the first sweetbread schnitzel and hay-smoked “ham chop” from a menu that reads like a map of boutique... Read More
Featuring American cuisine with a Mediterranean twist, dinner at The Pig is served a la plancha along with a special cheese and cured meat selection. Read More
It’s a party atop this trendy hotel’s 27th floor. Open year-round (thanks to a retractable roof), this sleek 7,000-square-foot space is divided into... Read More
Another one of Rick Bayless' Mexican-inspired creations, Topolobampo offers nouveau Oaxacan cuisine in coursed menus that have an additional wine... Read More
Theater patrons choose Trattoria No. 10 not only for its proximity to the theater district, but also for its fresh, classic Italian cuisine. Try the... Read More
One of Streeterville's most exclusive dining spots, Tru features the creativity of chef Anthony Martin, the Chicago Tribune's Chef of the Year in 2010,... Read More
This is a neighborhood rib institution with a meaty pedigree. The former speakeasy serves the tastiest pork ribs in town, smothered in basic BBQ or a... Read More
Do you like your eggs with edge? The hipsters you’ll encounter at this West Side biker bar/restaurant sure do. Tackle the breakfast tacos or specialty ... Read More
Save room for a wacky dessert, like pineapple upside-down pie or the “sin-amon tortilla.” Read More
The hipster BYO nook with four communal tables sits in an Avondale strip mall between a laundromat and a dry cleaner owned by relatives of Korean-... Read More
An innovative fusion of Indian and Latin American cuisine delights diners at this River North restaurant. Executive chef Maneet Chauhan, also a judge on... Read More
This two-story, red brick eatery offers a contemporary take on American cuisine, while focusing on local ingredients infused with global tastes. Like... Read More
Order Italian meatballs or one of Vinny’s famous sausage “sangwiches.” Read More
Wasabi serves a medley of Japanese dishes, including high-quality sushi and izakaya-style small plates. But the unctuous pork broth of the tonkatsu... Read More
Don't be fooled by its shabby appearance. When Danny Meyer was developing the Shake Shack menu, he turned to this 1980s strip-mall relic for frankfurter... Read More
Just steps away from Oprah’s Harpo Studios, the unfussy Wishbone is a favorite among staffers for southern-inspired fare that tends toward the... Read More
Since it first opened in 1967, Wolfy's has been known for its take on the traditional Chicago-style hot dog. The diner has a retro look, with red -inyl... Read More
