There's a beer list a mile long, and the food is brash. Samosas with salt cod, lamb dumplings, and sweet & sour cauliflower with Szechwan peppercorns and chiles. Plus, the space itself is beautiful. Read more.
The main course is as it should be: a handsome rib eye, aged 55 days, sliced thick and settled into a slowly forming pool of its beefy juices. Read more.
The must-order entrée is a shatteringly crunchy skate-wing “schnitzel”; and the wok gets a warm welcome into the Italian kitchen, imparting toastiness to everything from chicken livers to strangozze. Read more.
You’ll want the spunky fermented cabbage with roasted pineapple, the whole chicken served with sunchoke hot sauce, and, for a worthy splurge, the absolutely transcendent uni-bathed Japanese wagyu. Read more.
An ode to Northern California, Presidio’s sleek space features a long minimalist bar with recessed and studio lighting, plus plenty of exposed brick. Read more.
Bringing vintage vibe to its bar with bright light fixtures and art deco-inspired details, The Duck Inn is great for enjoying cocktails, local beers or bar snacks. Read more.
A classic cocktail lounge and supper club easily fit for a fun night out, American restaurant Celeste features a long, silver-hued bar lined with tall, comfortable chairs. Read more.
The glossy, marble-topped bar at American eatery Lula Cafe feels modern yet rustic, complete with an approachable chalkboard menu of draft beers and extra-wide mirror. Read more.
The stylish, softly lit bar at Spanish restaurant Salero offers a wide array of creative cocktails, making it easy to sink into the industrial and rustic-chic vibe. Read more.
Located in the Langham Hotel, Travelle Kitchen + Bar offers a sophisticated setting for sipping craft cocktails, regional beers and wines while taking in the stunning river views. Read more.
With modern lighting and graphic, textile floor, The Dawson’s stylish bar is an ideal spot for taking in their handcrafted cocktails, international wines and beers. Read more.
A Chicago institution, Margie's is worth all the hype. The house specialty--"heaven in a white clamshell dish"-- combines three scoops of ice cream, nuts, whipped cream and hot fudge. Read more.
From a custom aquarium smoker, the father and son team pile crackly, chewy, brawny rib tips into a paperboard tub, glazed with exactly the right amount of sticky, vinegar-kissed sauce. Read more.
Don’t miss this icon in Chicago, where you can get served the quintessential Chicago dog by car hop in the city’s last remaining drive-in restaurant. Read more.
Rick Bayless is a world-renowned authority on authentic Mexican cuisine. He's also a genius in the kitchen. XOCO is Rick's love letter to Mexican street food. -- Andrew Zimmern, Bizarre Foods Read more.
When it comes to Mexican food, Chicago is second to none. The proof is in this open-air market. You just don't find this at your typical Tex-Mex taco stand. -- Andrew Zimmern, Bizarre Foods Read more.
Only Chicago could convince me that the New York hot dog was not, in fact, anywhere near the apex of the hot dog arts. (The Chicago Red Hot deserves that honor). – Anthony Bourdain, No Reservations Read more.
What’s my take on the age-old argument: New York thin crust versus Chicago deep dish? Let’s just say, I’m a Brooklyn guy, but Gino's tests my loyalty. – Adam Richman, Man v. Food Read more.
Popular with locals and visitors, Chicago’s Home of Chicken & Waffles serves soul food up in a stylish dining room. Read more.
Local and international legends play here, and Buddy Guy himself graces the stage of his authentic blues club, where memorabilia like B.B. King and John Lee Hooker’s guitars complete the atmosphere. Read more.
Its late hours, regular acoustic blues sets, all-night kitchen, and vibrant neighborhood full of shops, restaurants, and other entertainment recommend this club as a top blues destination. Read more.
This welcoming neighborhood hangout in Logan Square presents renowned local and national bands 5 nights a week. Read more.
Get the Garlic Fries: Skin-on and fried, they get that rich hue of brown, rendering them crispy on the outside and pillowy on the inside, tossed in a perfect amount of fresh minced garlic. Read more.
Order the Foie Gras Fries, hand-cut beauties that have a crisp exterior and soft interior and are bursting with fresh potato flavor. The foie gras was flawlessly cooked with a nice crust. Read more.
Get the Sweet Potato Fries. They have a thin crispy exterior and a sweet interior with a hint of caramel flavor. Served with a lemon-Tabasco aioli - a spicy kick to make things even more interesting Read more.
Order Taylor Street Fries, a standard order of fries, doused in Italian beef jus, topped with sweet peppers and spicy giardinera. The result? A glorious cross between an Italian beef and french fries. Read more.
Get the Cheese Fries. Yes, these are frozen and this is fast food, but that doesn't stop us. Crispy and well salted with a piping hot cup of bright yellow cheese sauce. Sometimes, that's all you need. Read more.
Korean flavors mark the starting point for Beverly Kim and Johnny Clark’s unexpected but always exceptional forays into global flavors. Read more.
Paul Kahan defines the twenty-first century beer hall, serving a raucous excess of craft brews, oysters, and pork. Read more.
Admit it—your life needs more smoked Gouda. This Chicago hot spot’s creamy mac and cheese is coming to the rescue. Read more.
"The ultimate chef-metalhead combo for me is the Metallica Burger at Kuma. This thick, perfectly cooked burger on a toasted pretzel roll satisfies any foodie."- Rick Tramonto Read more.
Start with a Thyme After Thyme, try some sangria and end the day with a Basil Peach Smash or Watermelon Martini. Read more.
3 Arts Club Cafe was voted the Best Instagramable Date Spot by OkCupid users in the first-ever Daters' Choice Awards! Tap Read more for additional date spot categories in Chicago. #daterschoice Read more.
This mom and pop shop has been doling out smooth, custard since day one for its house-made creations like the Elvis (vanilla custard, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, banana — no bacon). Read more.
A beautiful interior, multiple bars and an outdoor space makes it spacious enough to hit the dancefloor or find a quiet corner to sip down a few alcoholic slushies. Read more.
First Slice is not just a great place to get a slice of pie. Buy healthy meals for your busy family, and you'll pay for the same meals to go to Chicago’s hungry and homeless. Read more.