10 Ridiculously Fun Restaurants in Chicago
Whether you are on vacation and visiting the city or a Chicago native, one of the crucial aspects you need to know is the eateries in the town. Chicago is one of the cities many people get to explore and enjoy its beauty, and this fun does not exclude trying out new cuisines. There are many eateries for you, but today we focus on the top 10 most fun restaurants in Chicago where you can enjoy your meals and have good times.
1. Deuce’s
3505 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657
(833) 466-3758
Picture a sports bar on steroids, and then you almost have Deuce’s. This spot is decked out floor to ceiling in sports gear, mainly Cubs of course, but they also have string lights and tons of other funky decorations going on in here. There’s also a great outdoor patio that just screams “day drinking!” Whether you’re going to watch the ball game or just to get some drinks, this place has the best atmosphere for casual dining.
Start the afternoon off with some of their delicious cocktails like the Sidecar or the Cooperstown cocktail. For the table, great food options abound! Split the giant pretzel, major nachos, or some loaded tots. If you’re interested in a meal, try the MLB sliders or the meat lovers flatbread. If you like to have fun in a sporty environment, this is the spot any day of the week.
2. Beatnik On The River
180 N Upper Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 526-3345
For some of the best Mediterranean food and one of the prettiest restaurants in Chicago, Beatnik On The River is a place you need to check out. You’ll definitely want to make a reservation because this place gets quite busy, and you’ll understand why once you see what’s going on here. The inside looks like a palace with gorgeous decorations filling the entire restaurant. Beatnik is right on the river so there are endless views, both inside and out.
As for the food, there are tons of delicious options, and you can’t go wrong with any of them. Start off with one of the spreads like the smoked octopus and hummus or the pistachio tzatziki. For the main course, go for something classic like the steak kabobs or something a little less classic like their double cheeseburger, which is also delicious.
3. Somerset
1112 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 586-2150
Somerset is located in the beautiful Viceroy Hotel, which means it is in a great location and is dare I say, trendy? The color scheme is gold and blue giving the spot a very 1920’s vibe. It is picturesque beyond belief, inviting, and they have some incredible menu options. They serve brunch, lunch, and dinner so you can enjoy this great spot any time of the day.
If you are just stopping in for some bites and drinks, try the local burrata mozzarella or the wagyu steak tartare. For dinner you have options from fish, meat, pasta and more. From the mouth watering roasted beef short rib to miso-citrus salmon, you will find something to love on this menu. Try some cocktails like the Sinatra or the Monroe, or go for a nice glass of wine. You will leave this place feeling like a movie star from the 20’s.
4. Three Dots and a Dash
435 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 610-4220
With great music, awesome decorations, hand crafted cocktails, and so much more, Three Dots and a Dash is Chicago’s hottest tiki bar. The experience you’ll get here is unlike any other. The dimmed lights inside add to the incredible ambiance here.
If you’re in the mood for something to eat, the pu pu platter is sure to satisfy you. Want something a little smaller? Try the Thai fried chicken or the coconut shrimp! The main course here: the cocktails. They are as delicious as they are pretty. There are endless options to choose from and the menu breaks it down by drink. Classic cocktails, modern cocktails, mai tais, group drinks, literally anything you can imagine. Even when it’s freezing in Chicago, this tiki bar will make you feel like you’re in a summer oasis!
5. Hampton Social
353 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 464-0500
Although Hampton Social has a few locations around the country, it is always an experience every time you go to one. Known for its adorable neon lights and unique decorations, this is a spot to check out no matter the city! They have an awesome outside patio, and tons of comfortable seating inside on those chillier days. The interior has serious beach vibes, and you can’t leave here without getting a picture under the “rosé all day” sign.
Hampton Social serves brunch and dinner and has an awesome happy hour. For brunch choose from items like shrimp tacos, steak and eggs, the sunrise beach bowl, and so many other delicious options. If you join for dinner, there are so many more wonderful options from the cold bar, pizza, handhelds, large plates and more. You have to try some of their specialty cocktails before you go like the Honeycove and Hampton Vibes.
6. Au Cheval
800 W Randolph St Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 929-4580
Wondering where you can take your friends who have never been to the town for lunch? Worry not, the Au Cheval has you sorted. With various meals ranging from gluten-free meals to takeaways and cocktails, this is the place to be. As Chicago is famous for meat and all associated with it, the Cheval burger is an irresistible kind in Chicago. With the precision used in making it, their food quality makes it second to none. As an accompaniment, the luscious side of fries or deep-fried potatoes will fill you to the brim. Additionally, the place is suitable for good brunch to dinner meals ranging from fried bologna sandwiches to pork porterhouse.
An upside to this joint is the flexibility in running hours; therefore, even after leaving the club, you can be able to grab yourself a good meal before calling it a night.
7. Virtue
1462 E 53rd St Chicago 60615
(773) 947-8831
Whenever you are in the mood of trying out new and unique styles of cooking, this is the place to be. Virtue is well-known for the fantastic Southern Cuisines with various meals like pork chops in barbecue and seafood. The quality of the shrimps and other kinds of seafood made will make you come back for more. The restaurant also has cocktails, which are made based on your preference. The drink of choice’s versatility will complete that night out you had in store for your friends. This is undoubtedly a joint you should try out.
Moreover, the restaurant’s calm and peaceful ambiance makes you enjoy the culinary, accompanied by exemplary customer satisfaction. It is essential to make an early booking as it can fill up quickly. Making an early reservation for your friends will undoubtedly be the perfect decision.
8. Lula café
2537 N Kedzie Blvd Chicago 60647
(773) 489-9554
Chicago is the steak home; if you are a meat lover, this is the place to be. Lula café is celebrated due to the excellent quality Italian steak. Being one of the signature foods in the restaurant, its preparation is very top-notch. The restaurant also has one of the best contemporary pasta that can be a good accompaniment for your fish or steak. The originality in the cuisines makes the restaurant among the top picks for anyone looking for an excellent savory meal enriched in good flavors. Nonetheless, they have accommodated all the vegans as the menu contains different veggies and salads.
Additionally, the restaurant offers pre-orders delivered right at your home’s comfort if you don’t want to eat out. The varied menu allows you to choose from breakfast, brunch, and dinner.
9. Piece Brewery and Pizzeria
1927 W. North Ave. Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 772-4422
Nothing beats the joy of having a pint of beer and some good pizza with friends or colleagues. The Piece brewery and pizzeria is where you get to hang out with your friends while having good conversations. The diverse choice of pizza flavors allows you to enjoy rustic to contemporary pieces of pizza. This includes the red pizza and hot Doug’s atomic pizza. The restaurant is a haven as they also have different kinds of dips and toppings for you. Additionally, when you are having a good night out, the place is open till late, and you can also enjoy their happy hours.
The pizzeria ambiance is one of the best places to chat because of the large spaces where groups can be accommodated. Additionally, there are different activities you can partake in or watch while enjoying your pizza, making this a super fun restaurant!
10. 5 Rabanitos
1758 W 18th St Chicago, IL 60608
Whenever you want to enjoy Mexican delicacies, this is the ultimate plug. Rabanitos offer different Mexican cuisines such as tacos, which have various kinds of fillings you can choose from. These filings are versatile; hence they have a vegetarian type of tacos. This allows your vegan friends to enjoy them.
Additionally, they have queso fundido, accompanied by chorizo and poblanos with a side of tortillas. This tasty meal is enriched with melted cheese making you enjoy every bite. It is significant to note that the restaurant also offers gluten-free meals, which can be delivered right to your home.
11. Ed Debevic’s
The service at a restaurant can make or break your experience, and somehow at Ed Debevic’s, it does both…? For some kitschy fun, check out this retro 50s style diner. The servers are rude and sassy as part of their shtick.
Conclusion
These most fun restaurants in Chicago have some of the best delicacies suitable for your whole vacation or exploration. We have taken a good analysis of their menus and observed the serenity, and we assure you that you will have the most memorable moments created in these unique food joints.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on January 26, 2021 and last updated on May 23, 2023. Please refer to restaurant websites and social media pages for the most up-to-date information.
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