8 Famous Chicago Restaurants You Must Visit
Locals know that the food scene in Chicago is endless. From Wicker Park’s trendy takes on the modern fare to random neighborhood dives that are generational favorites, there’s plenty to choose from. Our top picks for the Windy City, here are eight famous Chicago restaurants you have to try.
1. The Berghoff
17 W Adams St, Chicago, IL 60603 & O’Hare International Airport
(312) 427-3170
First up is Chicago’s most famous German restaurant. This legacy was officially established in 1898 but started with Herman Berghoff’s beer stand at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893. His success led him to open The Berghoff where he sold beer and a sandwich for a nickel. Berghoff’s restaurant received the first liquor license in Chicago after the prohibition. Since then, it has been given the America’s Classics award from the James Beard Foundation and recognized for being family-owned for over a century. Today you’ll still find classic German dishes such as spätzle, Bavarian pretzels, and German-style beers brewed in-house.
2. Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen
1141 S Jefferson St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 939-2855
Manny’s Cafeteria and Deli is the ultimate Chicago classic. They serve Jewish deli favorites like corned beef sandwiches, pastrami, and hot entrees. Manny’s even has an excellent breakfast, making it a go-to any time of day. Did we mention they served Guy Fieri and multiple presidents? Passed down since 1942, the generational recipes and award-winning meats are nationally famous. While they offer a full menu of deli classics, Manny’s is best known for its corned beef. Locals order it between slices of rye bread, tucked into Manny’s eggs Benedict, or as an entree with potato pancakes. If you’re there for some history with your food, the dining room showcases 75 years of family memorabilia.
3. Lou Mitchell’s
565 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 939-3111
Since 1923, patrons have visited Lou Mitchell’s in Union Station for brew and candy. This iconic diner-style eatery serves breakfast and their signature coffee. Lou Mitchell’s leveled up in 1958 when they began offering donut holes and complimentary Milk Duds to ladies and children. Now, Lou’s is recognized nationally and internationally with accolades from USA Today and major food critics. Patrons travel from miles away to experience classic brunch, burgers, and warm hospitality.
4. Superdawg Drive-In
6363 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60646
(773) 763-0660
Founded by the Berman couple in 1948, Superdawg Drive-In serves a twist on the classic Chicago-style dog. Their famous version includes thick, house-made beef sausages. Instead of the “drag it through the garden” toppings featured on traditional Chicago dogs, Superdawg keeps it simple with yellow mustard, relish, and chopped onions. Though it started as a little hot dog stand, Superdawg’s quickly grew into a successful business. When the electronic speaker system was invented in 1950, Mr. Berman designed their own control tower for carhops to answer and take orders from. Today, the traditional car-hop method is still in use and Superdawg’s signature burger recipe is exactly the same.
5. Green Door Tavern
678 N Orleans St, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 664-5496
The Green Door Tavern is one of the most historic restaurants and bars in Chicago. The building dates back to 1871 and has been serving food since 1921. This light-hearted neighborhood bar sticks to its Chicago roots with an iconic speakeasy that rebelled the prohibition. Back then, locals knew that restaurants with a green-painted door indicated a speakeasy.
With a warm interior and plenty of memorabilia on the walls, the Green Door Tavern offers a down-to-earth atmosphere that remains a local favorite today. There’s a wide beer selection and the menu features brunch, burgers, and sides that are reminiscent of the Roaring Twenties.
6. The Walnut Room
111 N State St, Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 781-3139
One of the first-ever restaurants to open inside a department store, the Walnut Room is on the 7th floor of the famous Macy’s on State Street. Despite being taken over by Macy’s, the space is beautifully covered in ornate touches. One of the oldest restaurants in America, the Walnut Room is popularly known for glamorous Christmas décor and Mrs. Hering’s chicken pot pie. Their menu serves well-known throwbacks that have been favorites since 1905. Aside from great food, the Walnut Room is also famous for a 45-foot tree display during the holidays.
7. Marie’s Pizza & Liquors
4129 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60630
(773) 725-1812
Despite its fame for deep-dish, Chicago locals also love tavern-style pizza. Marie’s vintage pizzeria has dished out classic Italian fare and thin-crust pies in Albany Park for eight decades. The retro dining experience showcases red vinyl booths and weekly live jazz. The restaurant has an entire liquor store attached to it, making it an essential BYOB choice. Whether it’s wine, beer, or spirits, Marie’s has it covered. For those of us that want to crack open a bottle and bring the rest home, there are Wine Doggy Bags available. Marie’s prides themselves on their friendly, family-welcome atmosphere. We say bring the kids and enjoy your beer with no shame.
8. Girl & the Goat
809 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 492-6262
Girl & the Goat is the culinary masterpiece of Stephanie Izard, the first female chef to win Bravo’s Top Chef. The West Loop spot was an instant hit, earning a finalist slot for the Best New Restaurant in America at the 2011 James Beard Awards. A decade later, it’s still a top choice among famous Chicago restaurants. The comfy lounge is packed each night with diners enjoying shareable plates and adventurous dishes, like the wood oven-roasted pig face. Izard plays up a family-style menu with bold flavors and global influences. With an extensive list of foods, wines, and local craft beers, there’s a little something for everyone at Girl & the Goat.
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