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Chicago Dining Guide
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.
Breakfast
Bongo Room
Before you die, try 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.
South Loop, 1152 S. Wabash Ave. ( E. Roosevelt Rd.), Chicago,
IL 60605, (312) 291-0100
The Breakfast Club
Forget all diets at this cute, 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 (great Bloody Marys, too!). Inexpensive.
Near West, 1381 W. Hubbard St. (Noble St.), Chicago, IL
60622, (312) 666-3166,
www.chicagobreakfastclub.com
Chicago Institutions
Billy Goat Tavern
Featured in that famous Saturday Night Live “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 it 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.
River North, 430 N. Lower Michigan Ave. (Illinois St.),
Chicago, IL 60611, (312) 222-1525
The Berghoff
“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 a few fireworks:
if you haven’t been abused by the waiter, you haven’t
had the complete experience. Moderate. Loop, 17 W.
Adams St. (between Dearborn and State Sts.), Chicago, IL
60603, (312) 427-3170, www.berghoff.com
Carson ’s Ribs
Sometimes
you just have to go back to the source — and
it’s the ribs, baby, the ribs that have sauce-smeared
regulars of this solid city and suburban barbecue classic
raving, “Who cares about the dark, unexciting décor?” Moderate.
River North, 612 N. Wells St. (Ontario St.), Chicago, IL
60610, (312) 280-9200, www.ribs.com
Charlie Trotter’s
If food can be poetic, it will find a way to do so 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. Lincoln Park, 816 W.
Armitage Ave. (Halsted St.), Chicago, IL 60614, (773) 248-6228,
www.charlietrotters.com
Chicago Firehouse
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. South Loop, 1401 S. Michigan Ave.
( 14th St.), Chicago, IL 60605, (312) 786-1401, www.chicagofirehouse.com
Mr. Beef
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 folks like Jay Leno rave about.
In fact, the place is filled with photos of celebs who
come for a savory, sloppy, sliced serving of heaven. Cash
only. Inexpensive. River North, 666 N. Orleans St.
(bet. Erie & Huron Sts.), Chicago, IL 60610, (312)
337-8500
Superdawg
This icon of Americana on the Northwest Side is a true
drive-in of the 1950s era, delivering dawgs to die for
plus delicious shakes and fries—all the ingredients
of a perfect summer evening! Inexpensive. 6363 N.
Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL 60646, (773) 763-0660, www.superdawg.com
Italian
Coco Pazzo
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.
River North, 300 W. Hubbard St. ( Franklin St.), Chicago,
IL 60610, (312) 836-0900
Vivere
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. Loop, The Italian
Village Restaurant Complex, 71 W. Monroe St. (bet. Clark & Dearborn
Sts.), Chicago, IL 60603, (312) 332-4040, www.italianvillage-chicago.com
Steakhouses
Chicago Chop House
Mainline
and testosterone-laced (though you may see women smoking
cigars), this old-school River North steakhouse with piano
bar elicits 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.
River North, 60 W. Ontario St. (bet. Clark & Dearborn
Sts.), Chicago, IL 60610, 312-787-7100, www.chicagochophouse.com
Fogo de Chao
Gorging gauchos glory in the 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.
River North, 661 N. LaSalle St. (Erie St.), Chicago, IL
60610, (312) 932-9330, www.fogodechao.com
The Palm
The Chicago Palm has taken the windy city by storm with
its exceptional service and mouthwatering dishes. Located
in the luxurious Swissotel, it has long been a favorite
of Chicagoans. Regulars include members of the Chicago
Bulls and Bears as well as the city’s political notables. Expensive.
323 East Wacker, Drive (between Lake Shore & Michigan
Ave.), Chicago, IL 60601, (312) 616-1000, www.thepalm.com
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
The
steak knives are only for show — the butter-dripping
prime aged beef can be cut with a fork at these sizzling
city-and-suburban steakhouse chainsters. A solid choice
when quality and service are required. Expensive.
River North. 431 N. Dearborn St. ( Hubbard St.), Chicago,
IL 60610. (312) 321-2725. www.ruthschris.com
Seafood
Half Shell
One of the best places for seafood in the city (especially
the raw bar and fantastic crab legs), this Lakeview local
hangout in a stealthy 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.
Lakeview, 676 W. Diversey Pkwy. ( Orchard St.), Chicago,
IL 60614, (773) 549-1773
Redfish
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.
River North, 400 N. State St. (Kinzie St.), Chicago, IL
60610, (312) 467-1600, www.redfishamerica.com
Greek
Costa’s
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. Moderate. Greektown,
340 S. Halsted St. ( Van Buren St.), Chicago, IL 60661,
(312) 263-9700, www.costasdining.com
Greek Islands
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. An atmosphere
that reminds you of the Isles encourages a spirited party
vibe; offers outdoor dining. Moderate.
Greektown, 200 S. Halsted St. ( Adams St.), Chicago, IL
60661, (312) 782-9855, www.greekislands.net
Santorini
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 the Greek island
of Santorini. There’s sidewalk seating in summer,
too. Moderate. Greektown, 800 W. Adams St. ( Halsted
St.), Chicago, IL 60607, (312 ) 829-8820, www.santorinichicago.com
Mexican and Spanish
Cafe Iberico
Go early, hungry, and thirsty, and bring earplugs, say
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.
River North, 739 N. La Salle Blvd. (bet. Chicago Ave. & Superior
St.), Chicago, IL 60605, (312) 573-1510, www.cafe-iberico.com
Frontera Grill
You’ve never stepped into a grill so energetic,
so on the edge, so on the frontier as Frontera Grill. Frontera
swings casual, like an American grill. But it also rollicks
with a vibrant, boisterous, Mexican rhythm. Moderate.
445 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654, (312) 661-1434,
www.rickbayless.com/restaurants/grill.html
Pancho Pistolas Authentic Mexican Restaurant
One of Chicago’s favorite places for margaritas,
Pancho’s serves a wide variety of authentic Mexican
food ranging from simple appetizers to house specialties
like carne asada or pollo asado a la tampiquena. Inexpensive.
700 W 31st St, Chicago, IL 60616, (312) 225-8808
Topolobampo
Topolobampo, a sister restaurant to the Frontera Grill,
shares the front door and bar. Topolobampo is the quiet,
sleek, classy sister. And she invites you into an elegant
Mexican fantasy world and to dress up a notch for its incomparable,
authentic, regional flavors. Moderate. 445 North Clark
Street, Chicago, IL 60654. (312) 661-1434 www.rickbayless.com/restaurants/topolobampo.html
Asian
Dee ’s
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 offerings, noting that it is a Chinese restaurant,
too, after all! Moderate. Lincoln
Park, 1114 Armitage Ave. (Seminary Ave.), Chicago, IL 60614,
(773) 477-1500, www.deesrestaurant.com
Japonais
Superlatives surrounding
this ultrachic Near West Japanese restaurant, one of the
brightest lights on the local dining scene, cover the drop-dead
gorgeous decor that transports the ‘in’-crowd
patrons out of Chicago, the amazing sushi, the innovative
menu items, and the Indochine-sexy bar-cum-patio that opens
up to the river. Expensive.
Near West, 600 W. Chicago Ave. ( Larrabee St.), Chicago,
IL 60610, (312) 822-9600, www.japonaischicago.com
Pizza
The Original Gino’s East
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.
Lincoln Park, 2801 N. Lincoln Ave. (Diversey Pkwy.), Chicago,
IL 60657, (773) 327-3737, www.ginoseast.com
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria
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 that’s
to die for, fans are sure that if there’s a heaven,
they serve Lou’s there. P.S. It ships well, too! Inexpensive.
439 North Wells Street, Chicago, IL 60610, (312) 828-9800,
www.loumalnatis.com
Pizzeria Uno
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.
29 East Ohio, Chicago, IL 60611, (312) 321-1000
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