Whether you live there or you’re just passing by, you’ll soon discover that the city of Chicago is a fantastic place. It’s there where you’ll find some of the nicest thrift shops, the fanciest hotels, and many of the oldest schools in the country. The point is, there are a lot of fun things to do in Chicago, and a big part of that is the restaurants. Today we’ll tell you about some of the best places to eat in Chicago. We’ll discuss the tasty items on the menu and the fun facts that make these establishments so unique. Use this guide the next time you’re in the city and find the best food that The Windy City has to offer.
Aba
This is one of the most incredible Mediterranean restaurants in the state. They have all of the staples, including whipped feta, lamb and beef kafta kebabs, green falafel, and more. This restaurant is not one of the most well-kept secrets in the city. Quite the opposite. It’s very trendy and popular, so you’ll want to make a reservation ahead of time. The restaurant is quite beautiful, and if you’re lucky, you can get a seat on their rooftop patio on those warm summer days.
Bryn Mawr Breakfast Club
If you’re a fan of brunch, you must check out this breakfast club that offers a lot of breakfast favorites, including French toast, pancakes, eggs, and other traditional options. There are also other breakfast dishes that you can’t get just anywhere else, including a chorizo skillet, a skirt steak skillet, and chilaquiles. This is more than your standard sit-down breakfast restaurant. This is a fancy place and the food presentation is without comparison. The restaurant is often busy, so get on the waitlist as fast as you can.
Longman & Eagle
When it comes to the best places to eat in Chicago, consider this restaurant if you love a good gastropub/whiskey bar. You can get your favorite whiskeys in one spot. Stay for dinner because there are some spectacular items on the menu, including the duck confit pierogi, summer squash salad, confit lamb ribs, wild boar sloppy joe, and more. You can also get a standard burger and fries, which is head and shoulders better than at many of the other restaurants in the city.
Bonci
This is a classic restaurant that you’ll find if you visit Rome, and now, the restaurant has a new home in Chicago. Their claim to fame is the Roman-style Pizza al Taglio, which is a type of pizza that’s served in a large rectangular tray. It’s just like the pizza you’re used to, and you can get it in many different flavors at Bonci. In addition to sausage and pepperoni, you can also choose from spicy eggplant, smoked salmon and burrata, lemon ricotta, and more. If you love pizza, then add Bonci to your bucket list.
The Crepe Shop
If you love crepes, don’t waste your time looking at the supermarket, and instead come to The Crepe Shop. They have many awesome flavors, including ham and cheese and wildberry cheesecake. Of course, no crape is complete without a good coffee, and The Crepe Shop also makes some of the finest lattes in the city, so you get the whole package.
Luella's Southern Kitchen
This is the go-to place to be if you love all things seafood. It’s a small restaurant, but don’t let that fool you. Come in, take a seat, and you will be amazed. When you’re there, check out the shrimp and grits, chicken gumbo, or the incredible fried chicken and waffles.
Tortello
If you’re looking for unforgettable Italian food, look no further than Tortello. This is one of the finest restaurants in the city. As you walk down the street, you can watch them make the pasta from scratch right there in the front window, so you know it’s the real deal. They offer all of the classics, from spaghetti and tagliatelle tuna to roasted eggplant salad and their signature handmade tortelli di burrata. There’s also a selection of fine wines, cocktails, and beer to wash down your meal. They don’t require reservations, so check them out anytime.
Lula Cafe
This is your classic cafe that serves amazing American cuisine. You can come here and get both a breakfast burrito and a fresh-baked pastry during the same trip. Go for lunch or dinner. At dinner, you can get roast chicken, beet bruschetta, and other amazing dishes. The restaurant also has an expansive wine list that must not be missed.
Redhot Ranch
Hot dog lovers need to stop by Redhot Ranch, where you can get the Depression dog. That’s a Chicago-style hot dog, which is a dog with fries in the bun. In addition to the hot dogs, you can also order cheeseburgers, fried shrimp, fresh-cut fries, and shakes. There are many burger joints in the city, but this one tastes just a bit better than many of them.
Smoque BBQ
This is a great eatery in the neighborhood of Irving Park, and they serve some of the finest brisket in the city. In fact, some critics say it’s the best BBQ that’s not from Texas. They sell many classics, including pulled pork, chicken, Texas Sausage, and ribs. Combine your brisket with a bowl of their world-famous BBQ gumbo. It’s made with chicken, ribs, and sausage, and it’s served over rice. Get it now. You won’t regret it.
Sweet Maple Cafe
This is another great brunch option, but be careful because blink and you could miss it. This is a smaller restaurant that packs a big punch. They have many tasty options, including their signature Sweet Maple Special, which includes bacon, eggs, toast, and a side of home fries. You’ll devour it in minutes. There are also many different omelets from which to choose.
Johnnie's Beef
Johnnie's Beef is one of the best Italian beef sandwich shops in the city. There are actually two of these, and the first one has been open since 1961. You can order some of the best Italian beef, hot dogs, and Italian sausage you’ve ever had at this restaurant. Many of these sandwiches come with hot peppers that provide a nice touch of heat. They also sell a really great pepper-and-egg sandwich that you can order every day.
Rooh
If you love Indian food, then stop by Rooh. This restaurant, which opened in 2019, has many incredible menu options, including scallops with gunpowder pepper, butter chicken, jackfruit kofta, achari monkfish, and more. There’s also an extensive drink menu that includes Ayurveda-inspired cocktails, mocktails, and tasty espresso.
Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
This is one of the best places to eat in Chicago if you love incredible seafood. While the prime steak and stone crab are amazing, so are their crab rolls and the crab bisque soup. They also have a roasted beet salad, fried chicken sandwich, and a filet mignon that should not be ignored. When you’re done with your meal, consider ordering one of Joe's world-famous pies. There’s coconut cream, Havana dream, banana, and many other amazing flavors. The restaurant is a little more expensive, but it’s worth it if you love seafood.
Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen
You can get almost anything at Manny’s, and it’s all delicious. For breakfast, you can get corned beef hash and eggs, pancakes, elevated oatmeal, and more. At lunch and dinner, you can try the meatloaf, superior whitefish, beef stew, and other favorites. There are also plenty of salads, from a wedge salad to a tuna salad. Stay for the awesome desserts. You can choose from mandel bread, macaroons, rugelach, and more. You could come here every day and never run out of delicious options.
The Warbler
This is Chicago comfort food at its finest. They have kale salad, flatbreads, chicken wings, whole wheat bucatini, mushroom agnolotti, and more. Basically, it’s like walking into your grandmother's kitchen, where the food is amazing, and the company is just as great. They’re open every day, and you won’t be disappointed. They also sell cocktails and spirits, so you have everything you need.
HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen
Fans of Vietnamese food must visit HaiSous’ kitchen. There is a huge menu with many favorites of the region, including fried whole fluke, colossal prawns & lump crab, Emperor's rice noodles, and grilled seafood dishes. There are also meatless dishes and sides if you’re interested. Stay for dessert and get the cookie crust cream puff.
Gather
This is easily an entry on any list of the best places to eat in Chicago. At Gather, you can choose from a huge variety of delicious dishes, including steak tartare, sticky buns, fried chicken, apple fritters, and more. Some reviewers say that Gather has the best steak in the city. Others praise the wait staff and the management. The restaurant has a great ambiance. All of the tables are very close together, so beware if that’s not your thing. There is also a fantastic patio section for the warm nights.
Del Toro
It’s undoubtedly one of the best places in the city to get tequila and carne asada. This place has some incredible tacos, including those made with pollo adobado, veggies, grilled shrimp, and marinated pork. There are also burritos, soupes, and their world-famous Del Toro burger, which has black Angus beef, chipotle crema, and a side of jicama skewers. Stay for dessert and get Kristoffer’s chocolate flan cake or tres leches, and you’ll have a meal you won’t soon forget. Del Toro also has an extensive drink menu that has many signature margaritas, wine options, and beer.
Pleasant House Pub
This is a great Chicago restaurant that’s famous for its meat pies that come in a variety of delicious flavors. You can get steak and ale pie, chicken balti pie, mushroom and kale pie, and more. Their other claim to fame is the fish and chips which are extremely flavorful and come in very generous portion sizes. Reviewers really love those meat pies and the fact that Pleasant House Pub has a fully stocked bar.
3 Arts Club Cafe
One of the best places to eat in Chicago if you want to have a great time is the 3 Arts Club Cafe. This is a very classy place, and the food reflects that class. Dishes here include the lobster roll, turkey club, burrata, and a burger, but they are highly elevated. The atmosphere of the restaurant is as elevated as the food. It’s a gorgeous cafe with a lot of natural light, a fountain, and gorgeous greenery. Come here for a nice lunch when you’re out celebrating a promotion at work or another great accomplishment.
Pat's Pizza and Ristorante
Finally, we have another great pizza joint that has some of the freshest pies in the world. The establishment has been around since 1950. In addition to the basics, Pat’s also offers a taco pizza, cheeseburger pizza, and pesto chicken pizza. You can also get tasty meat pasta, including tortellini, gnocchi & prosciutto pasta, and salmon with penne & mushrooms, among others.
Conclusion
These are easily the best places to eat in Chicago. They span many different categories, but they’re all delicious. Whether you live in the city or you’re planning a visit, go to at least one or two of these establishments. You won’t regret it!
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com.