Extreme And Totally Over-the-Top Restaurants in Chicago
Every now and then, you need to treat yourself to an over-the-top dining experience, and we’ve found that Chicago has quite a few of these spots. Whether it’s an extreme atmosphere or simply unusual and overwhelming food, you’ll find plenty of exciting, over the top restaurants to explore in Chicago.
Cindy’s
12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 792-3502
Cindy’s is continuously listed as one of the best venues in Chicago, and that’s because of the epic rooftop bar. The location is found in the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, and the stylish rooftop is enclosed while still offering unparalleled views of the skyline. The hip vibe can be explored with cocktails that are shaken to order or while grabbing a seat for the New American cuisine. Reservations are nearly a must if you want to access this place.
Three Dots and a Dash
435 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 610-4220
Three Dots and a Dash is a complete shock as it’s not what you’d expect as you walk through the Salesforce Innovation Center to access the cocktail bar. It’s a speakeasy-meets-tiki-bar kind of establishment, and most of the menu items are rum-based. Some are even set on fire before being placed in front of you, which is a feature we love. You will be transported to a private island, making you forget that you’re in Chicago. And the food menu is just as fun, with options like coconut shrimp and tuna poke.
BLVD Steakhouse
817 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 526-3116
You’ll feel a bit “extra” when you walk inside BLVD Steakhouse because of the swanky décor. Oversized booths, stunning chandeliers, and more invite you in to relax for a few hours. You’ll enjoy New American fare with classic dishes such as a seafood tower, a porterhouse, and more. Sides are served family style, and you won’t want to miss out on the beef fat fries. They’re just as decadent as they sound. And as you’re exploring all of the food, don’t forget to have a drink in your hand, all with top-shelf liquors, of course.
SafeHouse Chicago
60 E Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 313-1007
You can tap into the history of Chicago at SafeHouse, and it’s fun for the whole family. The restaurant has a spy theme throughout, complete with “agents” who will take you to your table. There are spy gadgets for you to play with, and a scavenger hunt that leads you to a red door. Sandwiches, tacos, and more grace the menu. And you’re bound to have a few good photo ops. At night, the restaurant turns into a nightclub with upscale bar fare and plenty of dancing.
Carnivale
702 West Fulton Market Street, Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 850-5005
With a name like Carnivale, you know it’s going to be fun. And the eatery doesn’t disappoint with its vibrant colors on the wall, the linen-covered tables, and the festive vibe felt throughout. The menu is eclectic, offering flavors from not only South America but also Spain and the Caribbean. Found in the West Loop of Chicago, the restaurant offers impressive signature cocktails like a Cotton Candy Martini and a Samba Sidecar. As for food, you can explore steaks and chops, specialties, as well as their seafood bar and cevicheria.
Frontier
1072 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
(773) 772-4322
Frontier is a nose-to-tail style of cooking where they believe in the motto of “waste not, want not.” You can eat an entire meal with you and 10 of your closest friends (known as whole animal service) or simply stick to some of the dishes that are on the menu. The rustic setting allows you to sit back and relax with what’s on one of the many TVs. And there’s always something delicious being poured at the bar. Game is what’s plentiful on the menu, ranging from antelope sliders to oxtail gnocchi. Eating here is definitely an experience.
Alinea
1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 861-0110
Some will argue that Alinea is not a restaurant. It serves food, therefore we’re going to categorize it as one. However, you’ll quickly find that it’s more of an experience than anything else. You’ll likely spend at least three hours and enjoy over a dozen courses. If you’ve ever seen someone eating a “helium balloon” made of green apple taffy, it was likely from Alinea. Sounds, sights, and more will put your senses into shock as you explore the menu.
Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club
3700 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 525-1111
Where can you go to enjoy delicious food and see a drag show at the same time? Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club may be one of the most over-the-top places in Chicago. Their Hollywood meets South Beach décor is fun, and the crew works to engage all of your senses. The menu features such delights as Yoko Ono (a salmon filet) and Marlon Brandon (steak frites). Be aware that Saturday nights are busy, so there’s a two-hour limit on tables during this dining period.
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