27 Best Restaurants in Chicago

Our Chicago trips are always a blast, and we’ve gone three times in a single year at this point. There’s no denying that Chicago has a ton of fun activities and sightseeing to offer (see our list of the Best Things To Do In Chicago!), but when hunger sets in, there’s an unending list of restaurants to try. We snuck in some tours, a magic show, and hit up farmer’s markets but hit up so many good restaurants in between.

In previous years it seemed the coffee scene was not as bustling as Orange County, Portland, Austin, or other cities, but after revisiting in 2025, I’m happy to see the offerings are slowly growing. If you don’t care for coffee, Chicago is definitely worth a visit just for the incredible food. Below are some of the best restaurants in Chicago we are grateful to have tried and would definitely revisit.

1. Green Street Smoked Meats

After the third time I visited Chicago, I finally made time to visit Green Street Smoked Meats, and I was not disappointed. This popular BBQ spot is located in the same building as Sawada Coffee and has the cool vibe of an industrial building with hanging lights, picnic tables, a full bar, and access to the alley of tables and other restaurants. 

I’m so used to waiting hours for good BBQs in Austin and even in Orange County, but I was really surprised that I just walked into a small line of five people at 11 A.M. on a Saturday. Within 15 minutes, I had a plate full of brisket, beef short rib, and sides. I was even more surprised at the reasonable prices. For three people, we paid about $88 for 2 lb of meat and three sides. 

We did request the fattier part of the brisket (and I ALWAYS request this to help avoid the drier, leaner portion), and it was full of flavor and extra tender. The beef rib was the star of the show because it was super tender and savory. It cost $35 per pound, and we ended up with a one-and-a-half-pound piece. I don’t think I would order the cornbread again because it lacked flavor, but the broccoli salad paired perfectly with its tangy and sweet flavor. 

Green Street Smoked Meats is located in West Loop, and it’s easy to get there on the Metro from North River using green or pink cars. 

Type of food: American BBQ
Price: $$ ($30 pp)
What to order: smoked brisket, beef short rib, broccoli salad
Address: 112 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607 (West Loop)
Website | Yelp

2. Armitage Alehouse

Stepping into the Armitage Alehouse is like getting transported to another time and place. 

As you walk through the door, you’re enveloped in a world filled with rich and eclectic interiors, cozy booth seats, and intricate wood details throughout the bar and the back dining room. It does feel like you’re in London during the 1920s. 

This British Indian gastropub is perfect for date night or a fun time with a small group of friends. Armitage Alehouse is located in Lincoln Park and a 15-minute drive from downtown Chicago, but you can easily take the metro to this restaurant since it’s only a two-minute walk from the nearest station. 

Order any pot pie specials, and you won’t be disappointed, mainly because they bake it with a hunk of bone marrow. For dessert, the sticky date cake was melt-in-your-mouth good and easily shareable between 3-4 people. Since this is a pub, we recommend getting a pint of beer and the Queen’s cup if you like cocktails. 

Type of food: British Indian gastropub
Price: $$$ ($65 pp)
What to order: any pot pie specials, tandoori-style roasted chicken with lentil daal, sticky date cake, queen’s cup cocktail
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
Address: 1000 W Armitage Ave., Chicago, IL 60614
Website | Yelp

3. Three Dots and a Dash

Three Dots and a Dash is much more fun than I thought it would be. I’ve been to plenty of tiki bars in Orange County and Southern California, but this was definitely bigger and offered a more lounge and restaurant vibe than previous places I’ve been to. 

Finding Three Dots and a Dash might be a little difficult because the entrance is behind the alley on Hubbard St. All you have to look for are the straw hatched overhand and murals to know you’ve found the right place. It’s easier to find in the daylight, but it was hard during the night time–if we hadn’t been with someone who previously went, we would’ve circled the block. Note that once you enter, you will need to go downstairs to reach the bar. There’s also a speakeasy attached called the Bamboo Bar next door, and I am definitely making a reservation there next time. 

I would recommend making a reservation ahead of time because this place is popular.  If you don’t have a reserved table, you will still be able to grab a drink at the bar, but you might be standing by the DJ booth or the bar through the night. It’s super huge, though, and I didn’t feel too packed by the bar. Their drinks are fresh and high quality – nothing worse than getting artificial banana flavors in your tiki drink. It changed the way I thought about bananas in anything I eat. Prices were mid-level, and each cocktail was about $15-$20, which are prices that are similar to Los Angeles. This was definitely our favorite bar we’ve visited. 

Type of food: Tiki bar
Price: $$ ($35 pp)
What to order: Tequila Blue Hawaiian, Toasted Coconut Chi Chi, Three Dots & A Dash
Address: 435 N Clark St Back alley on Hubbard St Chicago, IL 60654 (North Side)
Website | Yelp

4. Kasama

Eating at Kasama was one of my favorite Michelin star experiences. It’s the first Filipino American restaurant that’s received the coveted award, and its innovative and delicious dishes deserve it. Located in the East Ukrainian Village, this restaurant is a little bit farther away from central Chicago, and you may need to take a car ride to visit. 

They offer brunch and a prix-fixe dinner at different price points, so it’s great to experience Kasama cuisine if you’re on a budget or want a fancier meal. But, hands down, my favorite pastry to try at brunch was the ube huckleberry basque cake. This isn’t just your typical pastry with ube extract–it’s a treat with a buttery crisp crust and sweet and tangy filling. 

The pre-fixe dinner gave me a new experience with Filipino American cuisine. I’ve spent years eating Filipino food in many family homes, US restaurants, and even in the Philippines, but eating at Kasama felt like a contemporary take on traditional dishes done in the most respectful way. My favorite courses were the nilaga made with bone marrow, adobo with mushroom and mussel emulsion, and halo halo granita.   

Type of food: Filipino American 
Price: $$-$$$ ($30 pp for brunch or $235 pre-fixe dinner pp)
What to order: pre-fixe dinner, ube huckleberry basque cake
Address: 1001 N Winchester Ave., Chicago, IL 60622 (East Village)
Website | Yelp

5. Kasama (for pastries)

Kasama is already on this post, but Kasama’s incredible French pastries deserve its own section. We’ve been to this Michelin-starred restaurant for lunch and dinner service, and for pastries you really need to reserve a separate day for it so you can try more offerings. They’re that good!

We’ve tried many items here including the ube and huckleberry basque cake ($8.50, also served at dinner service), black truffle croissant ($15), fois gras Danish ($15, comes in other flavor varities), banana tart ($12) and more.

The puff pastry in their lineup is delicious—a great balance of fluffly, flaky, and rich, rivaling the best I’ve had which happens to be in Paris and San Francisco. Everything is upscale and refined without being pretentious. I would say the pastries are very rich and sweet, so if it was just me going alone, one or two would be plenty, but luckily we usually travel in groups so we order more to share everything. They sell more familiar sweets like chocolate chip cookies and brownies, which are all delicious. Pricing is a bit more than a regular shop but well worth it.

Chef Genie Kwon co-owns, and leads Kasama’s pastry team to a packed shop. They’re open 9am to 3pm Weds-Sun and every time we’re there in the afternoon we’re met with a line out the door. You can place an order online for same day pickup to avoid the lines, but items often sell out and sometimes specific items aren’t available online.

Type of food: Filipino American 
Price: $$ ($10-20pp)
What to order: croissant, Danish, ube and huckleberry basque cake
Address: 1001 N Winchester Ave., Chicago, IL 60622 (East Village)
Website | Yelp

6. Girl & the Goat

Even though there’s a nearby location in SoCal, I wanted to try the original Girl & the Goat restaurant in the West Loop of Chicago. This restaurant is the brainchild of Stephanie Izard, the first female winner of Top Chef. Girl & the Goat labels itself as a modern restaurant serving global cuisine. All dishes are served family style, so it’s best to bring friends or family!

Our favorite dishes were the wood oven-roasted pig face with potato stix, salmon poke with strawberries, and confit goat belly with quinoa crunchies. You know it’s a great meal when you bring a non-foodie guest who mentions how this experience changed how they look at food. Unfortunately, this place is pretty popular and books out quickly, so I recommend making reservations ahead of time (about two weeks).

In 2023, I revisited Girl & the Goat with friends who hadn’t tried the Chicago location, and I’m so happy it was just as amazing as the first experience. This was our favorite meal of the trip because the food was delicious, and the service was top-notch. I originally ordered a pickled martini drink that was just a little too strong for me, and our server caught on quickly and offered to make me a new drink and guided me to a better choice.

Our favorites from this trip were the pork shank that offered a ton of meat and sides, any salad in season (truly! This place knows how to make a good salad with nuanced flavors like pairing salmon and strawberries), green beans seasoned with fish sauce, and their seasonal desserts.

Type of food: American
Price: $$$ ($60 pp)
What to order: wood oven-roasted pig face, ora king salmon, goat belly, pork shank, any salad in season, green beans, seasonal dessert 
Address: 809 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607 (West Loop / Fulton Market)
Website | Yelp

7. Oriole

The fine-dining landscape of Chicago is full of many options, and Oriole is one of our favorites. Chef Noah Sandoval offers new American cuisine at his West Loop restaurant. Oriole offers a tasting menu that incorporates Japanese influences, and the experience allows you to move throughout the restaurant during the beginning courses, making it an interesting dinner format. Some of my favorite courses were the uni on a rhubarb tartlet, foie gras with pickled strawberries, and razor clams.  

We ordered one non-alcoholic drink pairing with our tasting menu, and they allowed us to split it between two people, which was very thoughtful! The non-alcoholic pairing was so unique, and the majority of each ingredient was made in-house. It felt like its own tasting menu, thanks to the complex flavors and layering. One of my favorite drinks was called Husk, made with smoked corn husks and toasted corn tisane that tasted light but had a depth of complex, savory flavor. 

After visiting multiple two and three-star Michelin restaurants, we definitely believe the service and quality of food at Oriole felt like a true three-star experience, even though it’s currently a two-star Michelin restaurant.  

Type of food: New American
Price: $$$$ ($500+ pp)
What to order: tasting menu, non-alcoholic drink pairing
Address: 661 W Walnut St, Chicago, IL 60661 (West Loop, Near West Side)
Website | Yelp

8. Milly’s Pizza In The Pan

Milly’s Pizza in a Pan has two locations in Uptown and Berwin. They specialize in Chicago pan-style pizza, which refers to the cake pan in which the pie is made, creating the perfect caramelized outer crust. 

We ordered the “Craigslist.org” pizza in-store and waited about 35 minutes for our fresh pizza. The “Craigslist.org” pizza comes with peppadew peppers, sausage, mushrooms, red onions, toy box tomatoes, spinach, ricotta cheese, and we added pepperoni, too. Milly’s Pizza in a Pan is known for its extra-caramelized ring of mozzarella crust, and eating it fresh out of the oven was incredibly satisfying. 

Milly’s has limited quantities, so it’s best to order ahead of time for your pie; otherwise, you’ll end up having to order a larger size in person, as we did. If you have plans to see a magic show at the Magic Lounge in Uptown, Milly’s Pizza in a Pan is an easy and local pizza spot to try. 

Type of food: Chicago-style pan pizza
Price: $ ($20 pp)
What to order: “craigslist.org”
Address: 1005 W Argyle St, Chicago, IL 60640 & 6737 Roosevelt Rd., Berwyn, IL 60402 (West Town & Berwyn)
Website | Yelp 

9. Del Sur Bakery

Del Sur Bakery is a new Filipino-inspired viennoiserie in Lincoln Square. As an avid Kasama-lover, I wanted to try out new pastries with Filipino flavors. We ordered their well-known turon danish, pandan basque cake, toasted rice croissant, and adobo brownie. 

My favorite among the set was the pandan basque cake because the texture was perfectly chewy and soft, and the guava jam on top was fresh and ripe. I would skip the croissant because the texture was too chewy and less flaky than I’d like. The turon Danish is a crowd favorite; however, they ran out, and I accepted an imperfect leftover piece, so I couldn’t honestly critique it properly (I wouldn’t order it again because I’d want more texture and a stronger jackfruit flavor). 

I loved that Del Sur Bakery is just steps away from the Brown Line Metro station, making it very accessible. Lines are known to form outside, so arrive early to grab some pastries before they sell out. 

Type of food: Filipino-inspired bakery 
Price: $$ ($20 pp)
What to order: pandan basque cake
Address: 4639 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 (Ravenswood)
Website | Yelp 

10. Schneider’s Deli

A great local Jewish deli just outside the loop, seating only about 15-20 people. Schneider’s has an authentic, old-school diner charm. We had the ¼-pound corned beef Reuben, served with thick-cut meat, toasted bread, and a bag of chips. I’ve had my fair share of deli sandwiches, and this one hit the spot, although I would have opted for a ½-pound next time to get more meat. 

We also tried the matzo ball soup, which was very disappointing–the matzo ball itself had an unappealing texture, and the soup was overall lacking fat and flavor. We don’t recommend the soup, but the sandwich was excellent.

Type of food: deli sandwiches
Price: $ ($20 pp)
What to order: corned beef reuben style
Address: 600 N La Salle Dr., Chicago, IL 60654 (River North)
Website | Yelp

11. Monteverde

For fresh, handmade pasta, visit Monteverde. We got to sit near the bar for lunch at Monteverde and were pleasantly surprised by the cool view we had of the chefs making fresh pasta during our meal. 

I definitely regret not coming here hungrier, because I would have liked to try more options. We chose cacio whey pepe, which was perfectly cooked al dente with just the right amount of creaminess and peppery flavor. 

Another favorite was the spring pea salad–if you love ripe, in-season veggies, then definitely order this dish. It’s full of fresh cucumbers, dandelion greens, strawberries, crispy puffed wild rice, green beans, mild pepperoncinis, and coated with a herby, savory miso green goddess dressing.  

There’s ample seating in the dining room, making it ideal for a large group; a lovely patio area is also available outside. Monteverde is definitely a no-brainer for a return trip, and I can’t wait to try their desserts and dinner menus. 

Type of food: Italian American 
Price: $$$ ($53 pp)
What to order: cacio whey pepe, spring pea salad
Address: 1020 W Madison St., Chicago, IL 60607 (West Loop)
Website | Yelp 

12. Ēma

If you loved Aba in Fulton Market, then you need to visit Ēma. This River North Mediterranean restaurant offers dishes such as hummus, lamb ragu, house-made labne, and even homemade frozen Greek yogurt for dessert. 

I’m a big fan of Mediterranean food and loved that you could add green falafels to the salad as a side. My favorite dish was the cracked farro salad that came with tender and crispy pieces of grains mixed with ripe nectarines and sweet green peas. 

You’ll find Ēma inside Hyatt Place Chicago River North, and they share a lobby. Ēma has plenty of indoor and patio seating, making it a great place for a group meal, as you can make a reservation for lunch or dinner. 

Type of food: Mediterranean, tapas
Price: $$ ($60 pp)
What to order: hummus with lamb ragu, cracked farro salad, green falafel, Greek frozen yogurt
Address: 74 W Illinois St., Chicago, IL 60654 (River North) 
Website | Yelp

13. Metric Coffee

We placed an online order for pastries at the famous Kasama on Winchester and needed coffee to pair with them. Kasama sells coffee too, but we’d have to get in another line to order, then take it to go. What I need is a hot cortado in a glass or ceramic cup, so hot coffee in a paper takeout cup is a non-starter.

Luckily, located 1 mile south was Metric Coffee, here to save the day. This spot checks all the boxes I need for coffee: a simple menu that focuses on espresso and pour-over, and a shop philosophy that highlights the beans’ flavors instead of added flavors. It’s a bonus that Metric Coffee is a certified B-Corp! This is a single-location shop that roasts its own beans, sells them both retail and wholesale, and offers coffee workshops for pour-over, espresso, and milk steaming.

It’s a small shop with a nice outdoor seating area featuring about eight tables, where we enjoyed our coffee on a great summer day. I got my usual oat milk cortado, and it was excellent. Paired with a cute shop, friendly staff, and no upcharge for alternative milks, it’s a spot I’ll revisit. 

Type of food: coffee 
Price: $ ($7 pp)
What to order: oat cortado
Address: 2021 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60612 (Westside)
Website | Yelp

14. Lyra

Located in the heart of Chicago’s Fulton Market, Lyra features Greek and Mediterranean food with locally sourced ingredients. I love the design of the space because it has an open kitchen and large wood and coal hearth. They also offer indoor and outdoor dining for brunch and dinner.

Our favorite was the slow-roasted lamb gyro because of its ultra-tender and juicy shredded lamb topped with a citrus dressing. During dinner, the roasted lamb is carved at your table. It has plenty of Athenian accouterments like handmade pita bread, tzatziki, hummus, and sliced onions. 

We recommend making a reservation here ahead of time so you can choose where to sit. They offer different seating options like the main dining room, private rooms like the Mykonos sunset or Kava wine cellar, and the oval bar seating. If you love a lively experience, we recommend the standard main dining room or the oval bar seating. But if you have a small party or group with you, we recommend the Kava wine cellar.  

Type of food: Greek, Mediterranean
Price: $$ ($35 pp)
What to order: slow-roasted lamb gyros
Address: 905 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607 (Fulton Market)
Website | Yelp

15. Sawada Coffee

World Latte Art champion Hiroshi Sawada started Sawada Coffee. It’s in an industrial-style cafe connected to a small food hall with ample seating. If I lived in Chicago, this would be my main coffee joint to work in during the week. The two times I got coffee here during the weekend, the line was packed and snaked toward the door.

As a matcha lover, I really liked Sawada Coffee, especially their Military latte, which combines matcha, espresso, and vanilla. They use their blend of matcha that gives you a strong flavor and doesn’t disappear with the bolder flavor of coffee. Another popular drink is the black camo latte with roasted matcha (or hojicha) and espresso. If you end up falling in love with their drinks, you can also order their matcha blends and roasted espresso beans in-store or online. 

Type of food: coffee & tea
Price: $$ ($10 pp)
What to order: military latte, latte
Address: 112 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607 (West Loop)
Website | Yelp

16. Au Cheval

We’re big fans of Hogsalt Hospitality group (Sawada Coffee, Green Street Smoked Meats, and Armitage Alehouse, and Bavette’s in Chicago and Las Vegas), so we were excited to finally try one of their most popular gastropubs, Au Cheval. This restaurant in the West Loop is known for its juicy, chargrilled burgers and elevated pub food. 

Our burger didn’t disappoint. Many recommend adding a fried egg and bacon to your burger, but even without this supplement, it was delicious and very filling. We also ordered the crispy fries, which were extra crunchy, topped with a fried egg, and drizzled with Mornay, a white gravy. I loved that the fries stay crispy even with the gravy, and that they come with an aioli dip for extra flavor. 

Au Cheval is extremely popular, and it’s first come, first served, so try to arrive right when they open. Otherwise, you’ll need to add your name to a waiting list. During the warm months, they also open up patio seating in the front, but I prefer sitting at the bar because you can see the chefs in action making mounds of grilled burgers. 

Type of food: American, burgers, bar
Price: $$ ($40 pp)
What to order: cheeseburger, crispy fries
Address: 800 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607 (West Loop)
Website | Yelp

17. Al’s Beef

Chicago is obsessed with beef. Steakhouses are everywhere, as are the numerous options available for Italian beef sandwiches. Our main experience with Italian beef sandwiches is in Orange County, California, where we happen to have a Chicago-native Portillo’s chain. We were tempted to try Mr. Beef of The Bear television series fame, but ended up going with Al’s Beef.

Al’s Beef has been around since 1938 and vaguely claims “#1 Italian Beef”–whatever that may mean. They have four locations in Chicago and another in Tinley Park, IL. This is a great fast food spot for a quick bite when all you want is beef with no frills.

We visited the spot on the corner of Wells St and got the Regular Beef with a side of the hand-cut fries. Overall, a solid sandwich, good bread, good meat (even if a bit lean), and they serve my favorite type of fries–thick cut and super crispy.

Type of food: sandwiches
Price: $ ($15 pp)
What to order: Italian beef sandwich, side of fries
Address: 548 N Wells St., Chicago, IL 60654 (River North)
Website | Yelp 

18. Nine Bar

Chinatown might be a bit of a trek if you are staying in the North Side or the Loop area, but I would say it’s so worth it for Nine Bar. The inside vibes are dark neon colors with red lanterns flying above the ceiling and bar. The food and drinks were delicious, and my favorites were the mapo hot fries, chili cucumbers, and McKatsu sandwich, which was an Asian twist on the traditional McDonald’s burger. They have Asian-inspired cocktails as well, highlighting ingredients like pandan, coconut, and lemongrass. My favorite was the Paradise Lost cocktail that was made with Thai coconut milk, ube, and pineapple–it was refreshing after the trip down to Chinatown. 

We used the Red Line to get to Chinatown from River North, and it took about 20 minutes. Nine Bar is within walking distance from the Metro Station and is a short two-block walk. Just make sure to look for their emblem or sign that says “Moon Palace,” and you’ll know you’re in the right place when you see a bouncer sitting inside. If you look lost, the nice staff will most likely be standing by the doorway and ask if you’re looking for the bar, this is what happened with us. You are able to reserve seats, however, if you get there early enough, you can walk in easily. We went around 6:00 P.M. and beat the rush. 

Type of food: Asian, cocktail & gastro bar
Price: $$ ($45 pp)
What to order: mapo hot fries, paradise lost cocktail, cucumbers, McKatsu
Address: 216 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616 (Chinatown)
Website | Yelp

19. Professor Pizza

World Pizza Champion, Tony Scardino, opened Professor Pizza to showcase his love for everyone’s favorite savory pie. While Chicago is known for their deep-dish style pizza, you can order five different styles here that range from super thin to deep dish. 

We ordered the popular Deluxe Pepperoni with red sauce, pepperoni, whipped ricotta, and Mike’s Hot Honey on a grandma’s style pizza crust. If you’ve ever had Prince St. Pizza, this is similar to their Naughty Pie. I’m big on texture and loved the crispy olive oil crust because it was similar to focaccia, and the sweet and savory flavor of the pepperoni with honey was a great balance. Note that you can only order whole pizzas in 12” or 18” sizes, so it’s best to go with a group or be really hungry. 

The main location is in Old Town above River North, and if you’ve got tickets to see a fun comedy show at Second City Improv, get your dinner at Professor Pizza next door, especially if you come in a group, because they have lots of seating. You might also see the owner, Tony, running around helping staff and talking to customers! 

Type of food: pizza
Price: $$ ($50 pp)
What to order: deluxe pepperoni, grandma’s style crust
Address: 1610 N Wells St., Chicago, IL 60610 (Old Town)
Website | Yelp 

20. Bar Mar by José Andrés

Bar Mar by José Andrés was my first restaurant by the synonymous chef, and overall, I thought it was a bit overpriced for the experience. Bar Mar features a range of seafood tapas to be shared with your group and is known for its appetizers like Neptune’s Pillows, which are basically fried and puffed pieces of dough topped with spicy tuna on top. While these were decent, I don’t think I would’ve rated it as my favorite dish. 

I much preferred the tinned mackerel and fresh pieces of bread with tomato puree, or the pulpo a la gallega, aka an extra tender dish of sauteed octopus that was perfectly seasoned. I also really loved the flan dessert because there was a balance between sweet and tangy flavors of passion fruit and creme. I was, however, put off by a weird interaction with the server about ordering dessert; She made it sound like she was offering me free dessert but then charged me for it later on. 

Bar Mar has plenty of open reservations and beautifully designed interiors that feature a huge pink octopus structure above the central bar. It’s the perfect place to take photos. It’s located in the Financial District and is a quick walk to the riverfront for an after-meal walk. Overall, Bar Mar has some good dishes, but I wouldn’t rely solely on this place for an entire meal. 

Type of food: Seafood, Latin American
Price: $$ ($60 pp)
What to order: mackerel en aceite de oliva and pulpo a la gallega
Address: 120 N Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606 (The Loop)
Website | Yelp

21. Aba

Aba features Mediterranean tapas for brunch and dinner. They have locations in Miami, Austin, and Chicago. I would definitely recommend making reservations because they book out many weeks in advance. I was able to book a brunch reservation for Chicago a month ahead, and I was so glad I did because we got better seats on a sunny day on the roof. For the Chicago location, you get to choose indoor or outdoor seating, and I recommend outdoor since it’s a rooftop restaurant if the weather permits. 

When you arrive at the building, you’ll need to take an elevator to the roof, and you’re instantly assaulted by a heavily perfumed lobby. The decor is really pretty, filled with rustic wood and greens throughout the restaurant – even live trees in the middle of the restaurant–it’s a great place for celebrations. 

Come in groups so you can share more dishes because each of them is rather filling, like the crispy short rib hummus, khachapuri, and other spreads. There’s plenty of pita bread to go around, but don’t make the mistake like we did and fill up on bread before the main entree of basmati rice and kebabs. For three people, we shared five dishes, and we still had leftovers. We stayed full for hours and didn’t eat until dinner because this meal was so delicious. 

Type of food: Mediterranean, tapas
Price: $$ ($55 pp)
What to order: crispy short rib hummus, house-made stracciatella, khachapuri, and avocado & sweet pea spread
Address: 302 N Green St, Fl 3, Chicago, IL 60607 (Fulton Market)
Website | Yelp

22. Chiu Quon Bakery & Dim Sum

Chiu Quon Bakery & Dim Sum is known for its dim sum and has a long-running gallery wall of famous politicians and celebrities who have eaten at this shop for decades. We couldn’t miss this opportunity and came back to Chinatown right before our flight. They’re known for their melon buns and pork BBQ buns, so of course, we ordered a LOT of these and many more things. 

Our favorites were the BBQ pork buns, BBQ pork melon buns (basically similar to the baked buns, but they have a sweet crackly coating on top), red bean mini mooncakes, and turnip cakes. Each item was priced very affordably, so if you’re on a budget, this is a great place to eat. It’s open from 7:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. too. 

This spot is a no-nonsense place without any tables, chairs, or bathrooms, but you can prop up and eat on the standing counter to eat your food immediately. It’s also cash only, so make sure you bring some with you; otherwise, you’ll need to use the ATM inside. We brought about $30, and that was enough for three people and more. 

Type of food: Dim Sum, Chinese 
Price: $ ($5 pp)
What to order: BBQ pork buns, BBQ pork melon buns, moon cakes, turnip cakes
Address: 2253 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616 (Chinatown)
Website | Yelp

23. Cafe Cremerie

I wasn’t expecting to visit Cafe Cremerie at all, but I just happened to stumble into this cute, Parisian-inspired coffee shop while walking on State Street. Let me tell you, I was so happy to stop by because the owner knew exactly how I wanted my coffee when I explained my adjustments–and it was one of the best cups of coffee I had the entire trip. She even asked if I needed any other adjustments after making me an iced flat white. 

Cafe Cremerie also offers food options like tiramisu and savory dishes like pizza. There are tables and chairs towards the back of the shop, where there’s a cute window view of a lush courtyard. This cafe was a little expensive at about $6 per coffee, but being used to California’s specialty coffee scene, we’re used to seeing these prices. Cafe Cremerie is next door to one of my favorite souvenir shops in Chicago called P.O.S.H., so make sure you stop by if you need cute household boutique items to take home. 

Type of food: Cafe
Price: $ ($10 pp)
What to order: iced latte, pastries 
Address: 615 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654 (North Side)
Website | Yelp

24. Cindy’s Rooftop

If you want a nice rooftop bar that showcases Millennium Park and Chicago’s skyline, go to Cindy’s Rooftop. The bar is located in the Chicago Athletic Association building, and you need to take the second elevator to the highest floor. This will take you to the glass atrium, where the bar is located. From Cindy’s Rooftop, you can easily see Millennium Park, Navy Pier, Cloud Gate, and Lake Michigan. 

The rooftop is perfectly positioned, facing the East Side of the city; During the hot afternoon, it offers you plenty of shade from the nearby towering buildings, and you still feel the nice breeze to cool you off. While the inside tables require reservations, the outside rooftop bar is open for walk-ins, but this can get a bit packed. We opted for Aperol spritzes that were perfect for the hot Fall day. Note that dining is only available indoors. 

Type of food: American, Cocktail bar, Rooftop bar
Price: $$ ($30 pp)
What to order: Aperol spritzes
Address: 12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603 (The Loop)
Website | Yelp

25. Giordano’s

I love pizza, but have always been skeptical about Chicago’s famous deep-dish-style pizza. All the deep-dish pizzas I’ve had in the past were always too doughy and chewy. Well, I was wrong. Our first endeavor with deep-dish pizza in Chicago was Giordano’s, and it changed my mind. 

First, even a small-sized deep-dish pizza is enormous and can easily feed 3-4 people. It comes in a cake pan about 2-3 inches thick. The crust itself is most similar to a pie crust–it’s buttery, flaky, and perfectly crispy. The center is layered with an al dente dough at the bottom, followed by cheesy mozzarella and tangy, bold marinara (and other toppings you may want). It’s best eaten fresh to savor all the textures together. To compare, I’ve also eaten pizzas at Lou Malnati’s (in various locations), and I preferred Giordano’s crust better because it was perfectly crispy and didn’t get soggy quite as fast. 

Each pizza takes about 40-45 minutes to bake in the oven, so I recommend reading the menu beforehand so you can order immediately after sitting down. I would also order appetizers like fried calamari to ease your stomach during your wait, but don’t eat too much! Leave some room for this crispy and saucy slice. 

Type of food: Chicago deep-dish pizza
Price: $$ ($30 pp)
What to order: Chicago classic deep dish
Address: 130 E Randolph, Chicago, IL 60601 (various locations)
Website | Yelp

26. Lazy Bird Cocktail

The Lazy Bird Cocktail bar is a great lounge where you can choose from over 50 cocktails, like an art deco vibe, and want to listen to live music. But first, you need to find it! We had a little trouble locating this bar because they have a neon sign with the bar’s name on the side of the building; however, you will need to enter the Hoxton Chicago Hotel through the lobby and take the stairs down to the cellar. 

Once you’re in, we recommend ordering the paloma, clover club, or mojito to sip on. There’s bar seating, booths, and cocktail tables available. It’s first come, first serve unless you have a group (up to eight) that wants to reserve a VIP table. 

Type of food: cocktail bar
Price: $$ ($30 pp)
What to order: paloma, mojito, clover club 
Address: 200 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607 (Fulton Market)
Website | Yelp

27. The Aviary

The Aviary is part of the Alinea Group, headed by famed chef Grant Achatz. Like Alinea, it’s also focused on experimental and gastronomical techniques, but for cocktails. The menu indicates how extravagant each cocktail is–obviously, I picked King’s Peach because it’s the most dramatic. To make this cocktail, they use a siphon over a fire to brew the ingredients. It’s pretty entertaining and a liquor-forward drink. There are so many options, so talk to your server for suggestions. 

While this drink had some flair, many of the other cocktails didn’t have much drama in the presentation. The vibe for the Aviary is a little more glam than what we expected and seemed like a place for people to make business deals. The Aviary is located in Fulton Market, and we recommend reservations. They offer a la carte reservations, but if you’re in the mood for an adventure, they also have a pre-fixe option to try a set of different cocktails. This is probably the most I’ve ever spent on cocktails, but you get a show with each drink. 

Type of food: cocktail bar
Price: $$$ ($65 pp)
What to order: king’s peach, ferrand’s with benefits
Address: 955 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607 (Fulton Market)
Website | Yelp

See more restaurant travel guides

If you enjoyed my restaurant guide here for Chicago, check out the other cities I have visited and made restaurant guides for!:

• Oahu, Hawaii
• Chicago, Illinois
• Washington, DC
• Mexico City
• Austin, Texas
• Orange County, California
• Costa Mesa, California