However you judge a city's dining scene – by ethnic diversity, breadth and depth of high-quality establishments, or nationally prominent chefs – Chicago ranks as one of the nation's finest restaurant towns. Here you'll find innovative hot spots, lovingly maintained traditional establishments, and everything in between. Chicago's more than 7,000 restaurants range from those ranked among the best in the country – and priced accordingly – to simple storefront ethnic places and old-fashioned, unpretentious pubs serving good food at modest prices.

Chicago Restaurant Recommendations

Breakfast

Bongo Room
South Loop
1152 S. Wabash Ave. (E. Roosevelt Rd.)
Chicago, IL 60605
312-291-0100

"Before you die, have the chocolate French toast"; at this "funky", "urban" Wicker Park American pancake palace where the "enormous breakfast", "unforgettable brunch" and "killer lunch" ("wish they had dinner") are "decadent and inventive." Inexpensive

Breakfast Club, The
Near West
1381 W. Hubbard St. (Noble St.)
Chicago, IL 60622
312-666-3166
www.chicagobreakfastclub.com

"Forget all diets" at this "cute and cozy", "cash-only" clubhouse that's "worth trying to find" in its Near West niche for its "good food, smilin' service and neighborhood atmosphere"; look for all-American "breakfast and lunch in the grand tradition" including "wonderful pancakes, waffles and omelets" with "great Bloody Marys." Inexpensive

Chicago Institutions

Allen's - New American Cafe
River North
217 W. Huron St. (bet. Franklin & Wells Sts.)
Chicago, IL 60610
312-587-9600
www.allenscafe.com

"Urban dining" awaits at this River Norther where chef-owner Allen Sternweiler's "innovative, well-executed" New American cooking, including "creative game specials", is brokered by a "knowledgeable staff and wine steward."Moderate

Billy Goat Tavern
River North
430 N. Lower Michigan Ave. (Illinois St.)
Chicago, IL 60611
312-222-1525

Featured in "that famous SNL" "cheezborger" sketch, this "cheap, greasy" "Chicago legend" and its spin-offs may be "rude and crude" with "crummy service" (regulars "love to watch them deal with first-timers"), but stubborn surveyors swear "that makes them all the more perfect"; also, the Lower Michigan "original under Wacker Drive is the real McCoy", with its "walls lined with autographed celebrity pictures." Inexpensive

The Berghoff
Loop
17 W. Adams St. (bet. Dearborn & State Sts.)
Chicago, IL 60603
312-427-3170
www.berghoff.com

"Ach du lieber!" exclaim addicts of this German-American "relic" in the Loop, a "classic, big-shoulders" schnitzel-haus "rich with Chicago history" and "lots of wood and beer" that proves "old is still good"; expect ember: "if you haven't been abused by the waiter, you haven't had the complete experience." Moderate

Carson's Ribs
River North
612 N. Wells St. (Ontario St.)
Chicago, IL 60610
312-280-9200
www.ribs.com

"Sometimes you just have to go back to the source", and "it's the ribs, baby", that have sauce-smeared regulars of this "solid" city and suburban barbecue "classic" raving "who cares about" the "dark, unexciting decor" still. Moderate

Charlie Trotter's
Lincoln Park
816 W. Armitage Ave. (Halsted St.)
Chicago, IL 60614
773-248-6228
www.charlietrotters.com

"If food can be poetic, orgasmic or intoxicating", you'll find it at this "benchmark" New American in Lincoln Park, where "master" chef and owner Charlie Trotter "still reigns", creating cuisine that "can change your life"; believers "bow down before" the "perfect harmony" of "sublime" "food-as-art", a "wonderful wine list" "as thick as a phone book" and "unbelievably attentive", "top-tier service." Expensive

Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
South Loop
1401 S. Michigan Ave. (14th St.)
Chicago, IL 60605
312-786-1401
www.chicagofirehouse.com

Fired-up fans find this "cozy" "old firehouse with original fittings" and a "romantic outdoor patio area" a "hospitable" South Loop home for "good-quality" Traditional American cooking. Moderate

Ed Debevic's
River North
640 N. Wells St. (Ontario St.)
Chicago, IL 60620
312-664-1707
www.eddebevics.com

An "irreverent feeding frenzy" of "fair food" at "fair prices" awaits at this River North "'50s diner with attitude", a "noisy" "riot of a good time" "for tourists" where burgers and malts come with "wise-guy" service that may include "tabletop dancing"; those who don't "like shtick" warn "only eat here if you're eight years old." Inexpensive

Mr. Beef
River North
666 N. Orleans St. (bet. Erie & Huron Sts.)
Chicago, IL 60610
312-337-8500

You "can't beat a hot-and-juicy Italian beef" – "wet or dry, with or without peppers" – at this "funky" River North sandwich "shack" that "Jay Leno raves about"; in fact, the place is "filled with photos of celebs who come" for a "savory, sloppy, sliced serving of heaven"; cash only. Inexpensive

Italian Recommendations

Coco Pazzo
River North
300 W. Hubbard St. (Franklin St.)
Chicago, IL 60610
312-836-0900

"A slice of Northern Italy in River North", this "upscale" but "not pretentious" spot pairs "outstanding", "authentic" cuisine with "fine wine" in a "comfortable, sophisticated" "converted loft space" "with golden lighting"; it all amounts to an "absolutely delightful", "truly grown-up experience" for "business or pleasure" that's "expensive, but worth it." Moderate

Klay Oven
River North
414 N. Orleans St. (Hubbard St.)
Chicago, IL 60610
312-527-3999
www.klayovenrestaurant.com

"A range" of "well-presented and tasty" "gourmet Indian foods in a beautiful setting" sums up statements surrounding this "upscale", "quiet" River North "gem" where "you can actually have a conversation"; "knowledgeable service" and an "all-you-can-eat lunch buffet" that's a real "deal" also help make this "a great alternative to [other] city spots." Moderate

The Village
Loop
The Italian Village Restaurant Complex
71 W. Monroe St., 2nd fl. (bet. Clark & Dearborn Sts.)
Chicago, IL 60603
312-332-7005
www.italianvillage-chicago.com

"Picture the Lady and the Tramp Italian restaurant setting and you have" this longtime Loop "standby" (the top floor of its namesake three-restaurant complex), where "old-time waiters make" the "well-prepared" "classic chow" "a little more special." Moderate

Vivere
Loop
The Italian Village Restaurant Complex
71 W. Monroe St. (bet. Clark & Dearborn Sts.)
Chicago, IL 60603
312-332-4040
www.italianvillage-chicago.com

A "hip, romantic" "place to impress" that's "convenient to all of the Downtown attractions", this "magically theatrical", "over-the-top" "Italian experience" offers "more modern", "sophisticated" "choices than The Village", its "upstairs" sibling, but shares the "unbelievable wine list." Moderate

Steakhouses

Chicago Chop House
River North
60 W. Ontario St. (bet. Clark & Dearborn Sts.)
Chicago, IL 60610
312-787-7100
www.chicagochophouse.com

"Mainline" and "testosterone-laced" (though you may see "women smoking cigars"), this "old-school" River North steakhouse with "piano bar" rouses raves from red-meat eaters for its "superb beef" selections – such as roasted or "char-grilled prime rib" – that are "not à la carte" (potato and salad included) and for servers with "lotsa hustle" "who remember what being a waiter is all about". Moderate

Fogo de Chao
River North
661 N. LaSalle St. (Erie St.)
Chicago, IL 60610
312-932-9330
www.fogodechao.com

"Gorging" gauchos glory in the "carnivorous orgy" and "noisy" "carnivale atmosphere" at this international chain outpost in River North, a "stylized take on Brazilian meat-houses" where the "incessant parade of" "melt-in-your-mouth" flesh (most every kind "except brontosaurus") is "hot off the spit and carved at your table." Expensive

The Original Morton's of Chicago
1050 N. State St. (at Rush Street)
Chicago, IL 60610
tel: 312-266-4820
fax: 312-266-4852
www.mortons.com

Opened in 1978, this Chicago institution launched the nation's premier steakhouse group. Morton's is famous for its animated signature tableside menu presentation: steaks, whole Maine lobsters and other main course selections. Thankfully, Morton's is located close to the Sheraton Hotel, Navy Pier and the beachfront on lake Michigan. Expensive

The Palm
323 East Wacker Drive at the Swissotel
Chicago, IL 60601
tel: 312.616.1000
fax: 312.616.3717
www.thepalm.com

The Chicago Palm has taken the windy city by storm with their exceptional service and mouthwatering dishes. Located in the luxurious Swissotel, it has long been a favorite to Chicagoans, regulars include members of the Chicago Bulls and Bears as well as Chicago's political notables. Expensive

Ruth's Chris Steak House
River North
431 N. Dearborn St. (Hubbard St.)
Chicago, IL 60610
312-321-2725
www.ruthschris.com

"The steak knives are only for show" since the "butter-dripping prime" "aged" "beef can be cut with a fork" at these "sizzling" city-and-suburban steakhouse chainsters, "a sure choice when quality and service are required." Expensive

Seafood

Half Shell
Lakeview
676 W. Diversey Pkwy. (Orchard St.)
Chicago, IL 60614
773-549-1773

"One of the best for" "seafood in the city" ("especially the raw bar" and "fantastic crab legs"), this Lakeview "local hangout" in a "stealth location" is equally known for its "rough service" and "the world's worst decor" ("a dank basement" setting); "prices are dirt cheap" but "bring cash", because they don't take credit cards. Moderate

Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House
Gold Coast
1024 N. Rush St. (bet. Bellevue Pl. & Oak St.)
Chicago, IL 60611
312-640-0999
www.hugosfrogbar.com

In addition to "fantastic" aquatic fare and "humongous desserts", this "loud, fun and friendly" Gold Coast "fish version of Gibson's" also offers the latter's meat-centric menu from their mutual kitchen; it's "brash", "packed to the gills" and folks "love the [nightly] piano." Moderate

Redfish
River North
400 N. State St. (Kinzie St.)
Chicago, IL 60610
312-467-1600
www.redfishamerica.com

For fans of Cajun and Creole seafood, this "informal" River North "hangout" slings "huge portions" at "reasonable prices" in a "tavern atmosphere" (or "stay in the lounge and watch the blues" and jazz bands on weekends). Moderate

Greek and Ethnic Dining

Costa's
Greektown
340 S. Halsted St. (Van Buren St.)
Chicago, IL 60661
312-263-9700
www.costasdining.com

"Real Greeks eat" at this "upscale", "authentic Greektown gem" and its West Suburban sequel, where "excellent", "honest" "versions of the standards" are presented amid a "warm, inviting" environment that's "quieter and more sophisticated than the typical" competitor - though a "roaring fireplace" at both locations and a weekend "piano player" at the Oakbrook Terrace branch make "nice" noise. Moderate

Greek Islands
Greektown
200 S. Halsted St. (Adams St.)
Chicago, IL 60661
312-782-9855
www.greekislands.net

Socratic surveyors support the Grecian formula of this Greektown "institution" and its West Suburban sequel for their "extensive menus" of "great" "traditional food", "served with flair"; "atmosphere that reminds you of the Isles" encourages a "spirited", "party" vibe; N.B. both locations offer outdoor dining. Moderate

Santorini
Greektown
800 W. Adams St. (Halsted St.)
Chicago, IL 60607
312-829-8820
www.santorinichicago.com

The "friendly" folks at this "superb Greekster" ("the best fish place in Greektown") are "true to their roots", with a "great array of" "consistently" "fresh" and "good-quality" fare, "efficient service" and rustic, white-washed "decor that will make you think you are actually on Santorini"; there's sidewalk seating in summer. Moderate

Mexican and Spanish

1492 Tapas Bar
River North
42 E. Superior St. (Wabash Ave.)
Chicago, IL 60611
312-867-1492|
www.1492tapasbar.com

A sangria-swilling segment of "the Michigan Avenue crowd" supports this River North Spanish spread over "three floors" in a "cozy" "old brownstone", saying "come with a group and share" its "exotic array" of "upscale tapas" served by a "personable." Moderate

Cafe Iberico
River North
739 N. La Salle Blvd. (bet. Chicago Ave. & Superior St.)
Chicago, IL 60605
312-573-1510
www.cafe-iberico.com

"Go early, hungry, thirsty and bring earplugs" comment conquistadors craving the "inspiring creations" and "yummy" "red and white sangrias" at this "jam-packed" River North Spanish small-plate specialist "where the action is with the younger crowd" for "an informal dinner" or "group outing". Moderate

Pancho Pistolas Authentic Mexican Restaurant
700 W 31st St
Chicago, IL 60616 
(312) 225-8808

One of Chicago's favorite places for margaritas, they serve a wide variety of authentic Mexican food ranging from simple appetizers to house specials like Carne Asada or Pollo Asado a laTampiquena. Inexpensive

Asian

Dee's
Lincoln Park
1114 Armitage Ave. (Seminary Ave.)
Chicago, IL 60614
773-477-1500
www.deesrestaurant.com

Gourmands gush about this "reliable" Lincoln Park Asian hybrid's "inventive and elegant" Mandarin and Szechuan menu augmented with a "good selection" of "fine sushi" and "fresh sashimi"; others experience it as "expensive", and choose to pass on the Japanese profferings, noting "it is a Chinese restaurant after all!" Moderate

Japonais
Near West
600 W. Chicago Ave. (Larrabee St.)
Chicago, IL 60610
312-822-9600
www.japonaischicago.com

Superlatives surrounding this "ultrachic" Near West Japanese, "one of the brightest lights on the local dining scene", cover the "drop-dead gorgeous" decor that "transports" "the ‘it'-crowd" patrons "out of Chicago", the "amazing sushi and innovative menu items" and the "Indochine-sexy" "bar"-cum-"patio that opens up to the river." Expensive

Star of Siam
River North
11 E. Illinois St. (State St.)
Chicago, IL 60611
312-670-0100
www.starofsiamchicago.com

"Huge portions" of "no-frills", "authentic" "Thai food" fill up fans of this River North "favorite" known for its "quick, professional service", "reasonable prices" and "spare space"; some feel the fare is "pretty standard". Moderate

Chicago's Favorite Food - Pizza!

The Original Gino's East
Lincoln Park
2801 N. Lincoln Ave. (Diversey Pkwy.)
Chicago, IL 60657
773-327-3737
www.ginoseast.com

Still a "worthy competitor", this "classic" chain bakes up what some call "the gold standard of deep dish", with "incredible tomato sauce" and "fluffy cornmeal crust"; fans also have "fun" "creating graffiti decor while dining." Moderate

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
439 North Wells Street
Chicago, IL 60610
312-828-9800
-or-
85 South Buffalo Grove Road
Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
847-215-7100
www.loumalnatis.com

Chi-town pizza fanaticism is alive and well, with delirious devotees dubbing this "enduring" "A-list" "institution's" "dangerously addictive deep-dish" pies the "only Chicago-style 'za worth eating" ("you won't be disappointed" by the "fantastic thin crust", either); whether it's the "just-right mix of ingredients" or the optional "butter crust to die for", fans are "sure that if there's a heaven, they serve Lou's there"; P.S. it "ships well, too." Inexpensive

Pizzeria Uno
29 East Ohio
Chicago, IL 60611
312-321-1000

In 1943, when Ike Sewell opened a restaurant at the corner of Ohio Street and Wabash Avenue in Chicago, Americans ate pizza primarily as a snack. Ike figured that if you combined some of Italy's old, authentic recipes with impressive quantities of the finest meats, fresh cheeses, ripe vegetables and flavorful spices, pizza would become a hearty meal. It was the start of an American tradition - the Chicago Deep Dish Pizza. Ike's Original Deep Dish Pizza has been imitated many times, but never quite duplicated. Inexpensive