Chicago, IL Restaurant Guide
They call it the Second City but in Chicago, the food is First Class. Of course, we all love the Windy City classics, but with all of those planes coming in and out of O’Hare, you know Chicago’s an incredibly international city, too. Folks from all over the world follow the winds to the shores of Lake Michigan and bring mouthwatering flavors from Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, Latin American and more. We won’t lie to you, it does get cold there, but it makes those summer months that much sweeter – and the vibes at rooftop bars and outdoor seating restaurants that much better. Plus, they have plenty of fun during the cold months too, thanks to world-class food halls, some of the best sports on the planet, and the most charming neighborhoods in the country.
Let’s start with what everyone knows about Chi-Town – the Deep Dish Pizza is epic. Whether it’s Malnati’s or Giordano’s, the Chicago Deep Dish pizza is a one-of-a-kind, unique bit of culinary artistry, brought to the city by Neapolitan immigrants at the turn of 20th century. We do our best to weigh in on what’s the best between the classics and new up and comers. Plus, the influx of Italian immigrants to Chicago at this time brought about another classic meal the town is known for – The Italian Beef Sandwich. With access to cheap, tougher cuts of meat thanks to the City’s thriving meatpacking business, these immigrants would slowly braise them in a flavorful, spicy broth and place them atop freshly baked Italian bread. Now, there are literally dozens of Italian Beef restaurants around the Chicagoland area.
As we mentioned before, O’Hare is one of the busiest airports in the world, acting as a major hub for United Airlines and American Airlines. Combine that access with a world-class city like Chicago, and it’s no wonder immigrant communities from around the world want to move there. We cover some of the best restaurants from these communities, including Puerto Rican, one of the largest Latino groups in the City traditionally, Indian, Korean, Mexican and more. It won’t take you long to discover something you love from any of our lists, whether you’re looking for Jibaritos or Hotteok.
Whether you watched Michael Jordan become the most recognized athlete in the world, caught the Cubs end their historic 100 year drought, or saw the classic SNL “Da Bears” sketch, Chicago’s sports iconography has been permeating throughout the planet for decades. And since every good fan may want to lubricate their vocal chords with a beer or few during the game, you know there are some great restaurants by the stadiums, both for pre and post game. We share a few on our lists for Wrigley and Soldier field.
During the late Spring, there may be no place on earth that is buzzing more than Chicago (in more ways than one). As mentioned previously, Chicago has an epic amount of rooftop bars and outdoor dining options throughout the City, that’s only grown since the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve shared a few of our faves, including places like the Up Room, Bernie’s Chicago, J. Parker and more – along with some Dog-Friendly places since there’s a good chance you’ll have a canine companion with you in the summer months. And when fall starts to rear its ugly head again, you can go back to the food hall for some beers and a hang if that’s what you’re looking for.
Chicago is famous for its neighborhoods – there are more than 200 distinct neighborhoods in the whole city. We’ll do our best to cover all of them in time, but to start we’re looking at River North, Lincoln Park, Koreatown, Chinatown and more. We also cover some of the parts of town that cater to out-of-owners, like the River Walk neighborhood and Downtown Chicago.
8 Must-Visit Chicago Chinese Restaurants (Outside Chinatown)
Chicago is one of the best places for delicious Chinese food, but you don’t have to necessarily go to Chinatown to satisfy your craving for Chinese takeout. Here are some Chicago Chinese restaurants outside of Chinatown that offer appetizers and entrees you won’t soon forget.
Chicago Riverwalk Restaurants: The Ultimate Guide
The Chicago River is a picturesque way to see the city and explore the various communities in Chicago. Having a meal at one of the best Chicago Riverwalk restaurants is a great way to tour the city if you’re visiting or explore more of Chicago if you’re a resident. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual meal or prefer a more refined dining experience, here are a few eateries to check out.
Lincoln Park Restaurants: The American Eats Guide
If you’re planning a visit to Chicago, you don’t want to leave to city without checking out the popular Lincoln Park area. Here are some of the best Lincoln Park restaurants in Chicago, no matter what you’ve got a taste for.
8 Famous Chicago Restaurants You Must Visit
Locals know that the food scene in Chicago is endless. From Wicker Park’s trendy takes on modern fare to random neighborhood dives that are generational favorites, there’s plenty to choose from. Here are eight famous Chicago restaurants you have to try!
7 of the Best Chicago Restaurants With Outdoor Seating
Chicago has some of the best restaurants in the country. Here are some of the best Chicago restaurants with outdoor seating.
7 Fancy Restaurants in Chicago Worth Getting Dressed up for
Those who like to get dressed up for a night out on the town will be particularly at home here, as there is no shortage of fancy restaurants in Chicago. Here’s a list of Chicago’s fancy restaurants that are worth getting dressed up for!
The 5 Best Restaurants in Downtown Chicago
Known as one of the best restaurant cities in America, Chicago’s food season continues to evolve to stay near the top of the country. We will stay away from the big restaurants because you know what you are doing there so here are some of what we think are the best restaurants in Downtown Chicago.
10 Chicago Rooftop Restaurants to Combine Views & Delicious Food
Did someone order food with a view? Chicago has one of the most beautiful skylines in the U.S., and there’s nothing quite like sipping on a finely crafted cocktail or eating some phenomenal food while taking it all in. Here are some excellent spots in the Windy City that deliver on both fronts!
The Best Italian Restaurants in Chicago, IL
Heavily influenced by Italian heritage and history, Chicago has a myriad of enamoring restaurants serving hefty bowls of pasta and Italian fare that everyone enjoys. Choosing from the wide array of Chicago Italian eateries challenges even the biggest and best foodies.
There are only so many cities in the United States that have history and a story to tell. Chicago may be at the top of that list, especially when it comes to its culinary history. Between being known as “the Hog Butcher for the World” and having 24 Michelin-rated restaurants in the City, there is more to know about Chicago every day you spend there. So whether you’re digging into deep dish pizzas, bingeing on Italian Beef, or making a face after a shot of Malört, a night in Chicago will always be unforgettable – for both you and your stomach.