Close Icon
Gear IconImportant Notice:We have made the tough decision to say goodbye to the Foursquare City Guide mobile app, effective December 15, 2024, with the web version to follow in early 2025. Visit our FAQ for more information or to download our Swarm app.
Learn more
Anthony Bourdain's Favorite Chicago Restaurants
Piece Brewery and Pizzeria is one of Anthony Bourdain's Favorite Chicago Restaurants.

1. Piece Brewery and Pizzeria

9.2
1927 W North Ave (btwn Elk Grove Ave & Damen Ave), Chicago, IL
Pizzeria · Wicker Park · 350 tips and reviews

Spoon UniversitySpoon University: He absolutely loves how thin Piece makes its thin crust pizza. To get some "very good, wood-fired, non-deep-dish pizza” in Chicago, be sure to stop by Piece. Read more.

Ricobene's is one of Anthony Bourdain's Favorite Chicago Restaurants.

2. Ricobene's

9.0
252 W 26th St, Chicago, IL
Pizzeria · Armour Square · 84 tips and reviews

Spoon UniversitySpoon University: Although primarily a pizza place, Ricobene’s gained fame for their steak sandwich. Bourdain highly recommends you try this mashup of crispy meat, melty cheese, and fresh bread. Read more.

Johnnie's Beef is one of Anthony Bourdain's Favorite Chicago Restaurants.

3. Johnnie's Beef

8.7
7500 W North Ave (at 75th Ave), Elmwood Park, IL
Fast Food Restaurant · 119 tips and reviews

Spoon UniversitySpoon University: Be like Bourdain and don’t leave the city without getting one of Johnnie's gravy-smothered beef and pepper sandwiches. Read more.

Tom Tom Tamale is one of Anthony Bourdain's Favorite Chicago Restaurants.

4. Tom Tom Tamale

4750 S Washtenaw Ave, Chicago, IL
Structure · Brighton Park · 2 tips and reviews

Spoon UniversitySpoon University: Bourdain devoured their signature Mother-in-Law (a tamale in a hot dog bun covered in chili) but he couldn’t handle the Mighty Dog (a hot dog and tamale in one bun). Read more.

Sze Chuan Cuisine is one of Anthony Bourdain's Favorite Chicago Restaurants.

5. Sze Chuan Cuisine

7.1
2414 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL
Chinese Restaurant · Chinatown · 9 tips and reviews

Spoon UniversitySpoon University: It should be no surprise that one of Bourdain’s favorite restaurant is in Chinatown. He describes their Mapo Tofu as “one of my favorite dishes in the world.” Read more.

Tank Noodle is one of Anthony Bourdain's Favorite Chicago Restaurants.

6. Tank Noodle

8.1
4953 N Broadway St (at Argyle St), Chicago, IL
Vietnamese Restaurant · Uptown · 150 tips and reviews

Spoon UniversitySpoon University: Bourdain praised their spicy pho, but with over 230 dishes on their menu, Tank Noodle has something for everyone (even those that hate the heat). Read more.

Calumet Fisheries is one of Anthony Bourdain's Favorite Chicago Restaurants.

7. Calumet Fisheries

8.9
3259 E 95th St (at Calumet River), Chicago, IL
Fish Market · 56 tips and reviews

Spoon UniversitySpoon University: Bourdain marveled at the massive amounts of freshly-smoked fish you could get for such a low price. And he loved everything he tried, stating it was better than the smoked fish he had in Iceland. Read more.

Valois is one of Anthony Bourdain's Favorite Chicago Restaurants.

8. Valois

8.4
1518 E 53rd St (at S Lake Park Ave), Chicago, IL
Breakfast Spot · Hyde Park · 76 tips and reviews

Spoon UniversitySpoon University: If you’re more the steak and potatoes type, Bourdain has got the perfect Chicago restaurant for you. To do it Bourdain-style, keep it simple and get the meatloaf with mac 'n cheese. Read more.