Food Courts With Plenty Of Kid
Trendy, new food courts made up of small, local restaurants are all over Chicago. Upside: theres high quality food, and something for everyone. Downside: during peak hours, it can be challenging for families to have everyone get their food at once.
- Block 37, close to the big theaters, this malls yummy options include Gayles Best Ever Grilled Cheese and Latinicity, the upscale Latin American food court.
- Revival Food Hall has everything from Furious Spoon to The Budlong Hot Chicken .
- Traveling on Metra through Ogilvie Station? Go to the basement and youll find the Chicago French Market, with 30 unique vendors serving everything from empanadas to lobster rolls. Some of my kids favorites: Made-onsite mini donuts from Beavers Coffee & Donuts, meatballs in a bowl of sauce from Polpettis, and the Montreal-styled pastrami sandwich at Fumare Meats.
- The posh, new Aster Hall, in the 900 North Michigan Avenue shops , has some digital ordering kiosks and you can get the famous Au Cheval burger, outed not just as the best burger in Illinois, but the best burgers in America. Inside Water Tower Place is foodlife, a not-as-fancy but conveniently located spot that includes a produce-filled grocery store.
TravelingMom Tip:Try to avoid these places between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. on weekdays. They will be jammed with the work lunch crowd and it will be difficult to find seating.
Chicago Fine Dining Restaurants
With 22 Michelin-starred restaurants and multiple James Beard awards, Chicagos fine dining restaurants draw in locals and visitors from all over. And while their food has received national acclaim, many of these spots remain approachable even for the newest fine diners. Heres just a taste of some of the shining stars of the citys scorching hot culinary scene.
Best Restaurants In Chicago
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The Emerald City of Americas heartland benefits from seasonality like few others in the country. Sourcing farm fresh ingredients from all over Illinoisnot to mention neighboring Michigan, Indiana, and WisconsinChicago’s best restaurants are recognized as some of the most exciting in the country, thanks in no small part to the talent in their kitchens. Take Abe Conlon who shares the rather niche cuisine of Macau with an always rambunctious crowd at Fat Rice, or industry giant Grant Achatz, who continues to ascend gastronomical heights at his temple to modern dining, Alinea, or David and Anna Posey who serve up hygge on a plate at Elske. From acclaimed chefs to memorable dining experiences, we’ve lists our favorite Chicago restaurants hereso snag your reservations ASAP.
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Joes Seafood Prime Steak And Stone Crab $80 Average Cost Per Person
Where: 60 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611-3533
It may advertise itself as a casual steakhouse, but theres nothing casual about Joes prices, or its commitment to delivering some of the best surf and turf for miles. If youre a steak aficionado, youll need to check it out- its first-class ingredients, attention to detail , and superlative cuts of red meat are guaranteed to make you glad you made the effort.
The Rooftop At Nobu Hotel
West LoopAfter six full years of bated breath and hungry bellies, this iconic celebrity-endorsed restaurant and hotel has graced Chicago with its presenceand yes, the wait was worth it. While the indoor restaurant features equally date-worthy environs and fare, revel in the late-summer temperatures while youre able with a visit to their rooftop, where youll find an assortment of delectable small plates drawing on Japanese and Peruvian influences , an expertly curated sake collection, and service on par with Tokyos poshest hotel bars. And while the delicately carved Sashimi and Miso-marinated Alaskan Black Cod might initially steal your attention, dont sleep on the cocktailsnamely the Japanese Old Fashioned .How to book: Reserve via OpenTable.
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Cherry Circle Room $180 Average Cost Per Person
Where: 12 S Michigan Ave, Between Madison Street & Monroe Street, The Loop, Chicago, IL 60603-3300
Up next is the Cherry Circle Room, an exquisite fine dining establishment that gives you the perfect excuse to don your dressiest attire and get fancy for the night. The venue itself is a hymn to opulence, while the menu is a masterclass in how to give classic dishes a contemporary twist. If youre a fan of seafood, dont miss out on the Seafood Tower, an epic pile of Mexican blue shrimp, king crab, Maine lobster tail and oysters thatll set you back around $145. If youre more of a meat-lover then a fish-fan, the 40oz Prime Axe Handle Rib Steak at $110 comes highly recommend.
Vie Restaurant $125 Average Cost Per Person
Where: 4471 Lawn Ave, Western Springs, IL 60558
As the lucky holder of a coveted Michelin Star, Vie Restaurant serves up a range of delectable creations from celebrity chef Paul Virant. Fusing contemporary American dishes with classic European flavors, Virant treats his guests to such delights as summer vegetable pot au feu with fermented mushroom and grilled onion broth, dijon-mushroom toast, and pickle relish, vie burger , and pan-roasted rainbow trout in sorrel sauce à la Pierre Trois Gros.
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Jake Melnicks Corner Tap
Jakes might have been voted one of the top chicken wing spots in the U.S. by the Today Show, but thats not all we have! Executive Chef Michael has cooked up some of the best BBQ in the city along with other delicious eats and guilty pleasure treats. Jakes has over 20 TVs, so you can always catch the game!
The 25 Most Unique Restaurant Concepts In Chicago
The most unique restaurant concepts in Chicago can be difficult to pin down, given the city is home to more than 7,000 restaurants. So if youre looking for inspiration for your own restaurant concept, youll find no shortage of ideas within Windy City walls.
But no one wants to scour a list of 7,000. So weve narrowed down the list to the 25 most unique restaurant concepts in Chicago, so you can either refine your own restaurant startup idea or modify your current concept to remain on trend.
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Oriole : $178 Average Cost Per Person
Where: 661 W. Walnut St., Chicago, IL 60661
If you cant resist the siren call of a Michelin star, then head down to Oriole, one of the finest dining establishments in Illinois. The extended tasting menu from executive chef & owner Noah Sandoval and pastry chef & partner Genie Kwon may set you back around $178 per person but seeing as its the kind of gastronomic treat we should all get to experience at least once in a lifetime, were sure youll find some way of justifying it to your other half.
Honey Butter Fried Chicken
A perennial North Side favorite, Honey Butter Fried Chicken comes from a pair of talented chefs who threw underground dinner parties. These crisp and skinless pieces of meat come with the restaurants signature honey butter. But beyond the food, Christine Cikowksi and Josh Kulp are committed to improving restaurant working conditions and have championed a business model where employees receive health care benefits. That explains prices that are higher than the average counter service joint, but HBFC reports strong worker retention, which is a rarity in the industry.
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The Most Romantic Restaurants In Chicago
There are countless reasons to love Chicago, the beloved city on Lake Michiganand one of the best parts about Chicago is its dining scene. The city has restaurants to cater to any occasion or palate, and it is an especially good city for diners who are looking for a romantic night out. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out? Welcome to the Tastemaker 19. Weve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable’s most expert, seasoned diners. These romantic restaurants are great for celebrating an anniversary, toasting a special occasion, or simply impressing a loved one with an unforgettable meal.
- Special Occasion
- Hot Spot
Tao first became famous on Sex and the City. The New York outpost of this trendy Asian fusion restaurant made a splash because of their gorgeous interior and their incredible food. Be like Carrie and …
- Special Occasion
- Great for Outdoor Dining
There’s no question that there is just something inherently romantic about France. That is why Mon Ami Gabi shines as one of the best romantic restaurants in Chicago, offering dependably great French …
- Good for a Date
- Good for Anniversaries
Joes is a restaurant that started in Miami. They have long been legendary for their stone crabs, which are small pink and black crabs that offer sweet, light meat. Luckily for diners seeking the best …
- Romantic
- Good for a Date
- Great for Brunch
- Fit for Foodies
- Good for Anniversaries
- Fit for Foodies
- Fit for Foodies
- Romantic
Homestead On The Roof
Homestead on the Roof is an open-air, rooftop, restaurant. It boasts a secret rooftop, and I confirm that it is a bit challenging to find you have to walk inside of a pizza restaurant to get there.
The patio features fresh flowers and an immersive garden experience. There is also indoor seating in a second-story alcove. Menus at Homestead on the Roof are always changing. Rotating pop-up chefs create globally inspired menus with dishes that have influenced their careers. You can visit many times and always taste something new!
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Best Fine Dining In Chicago
- West Loop
- price 3 of 4
Situated off the beaten path of Restaurant Row, just east of the Kennedy Expressway, Oriole didn’t fall for the traditional trappings of a Michelin-starred restaurant. The cozy, understated dining room is just as welcoming of suits and LBDs as it is of T-shirts and jeans. Chef-owner Noah Sandoval dresses up the table with a parade of edible masterpieceseach bite more spectacular than the last. Do yourself a favor and don’t peep the menu before you goit’s best to be surprised.
- Lincoln Park
- price 4 of 4
Culinary mastermind Grant Achatz uses his three-Michelin-star restaurant in Lincoln Park as a stage. Sit back and enjoy the show, a well-orchestrated ride that plays with textures, temperatures and notions of normal cuisine, while somehow remaining grounded in season, flavor and flawless execution. Past menu stunners have included squab with peppercorn custard, sorrel and strawberries and cocoa-coated watermelon with cubed Kobe beef. But you never know what dish will steal the show when youre in the audience.
- American
- West Loop
This West Loop darling’s decidedly sexy interior sets the scene for an extra-special date night or anniversary dinner. Chef-partner Jimmy Papadopoulos specializes in artistic American food that only elevates the experience, with exquisitely plated dishes and mind-blowing flavor combinations. An order of cloud-like Hawaiian rolls to start is an absolute must, as is a pair of after-dinner amaro daiquiris to end the meal.
Perfect Restaurants & Bars In Chicago
Chicago, Illinois, is a fun destination for foodies, where you will get to taste delicious culinary creations showcasing flavors from around the world. Sample dishes from Peru, Italy, Ethiopia, Eastern Europe, Belgium, Brazil and Japan. Order amazing seafood, New American dishes, barbecue, burgers and creative farm-to-table cuisine. Some of the restaurants on our list are casual eateries, a perfect lunch stop between sightseeing, while others are elegant establishments where you can celebrate a romantic occasion in style. Here are the best romantic restaurants in Chicago, IL. Certain attractions may be temporarily closed or require advance reservations. Some restaurants are currently offering pickup only. Hours/availability may have changed.
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Other Popular Restaurants In Chicago
- Monteverde Italian restaurant
- Blackbird Restaurant popular American restaurant for its fixed-price lunch menu
- avec Meditteranean and Midwestern restaurant
- Boka American cuisine with a garden patio
- Smyth if youre looking to splurge on a fine dining experience, this high-end New American restaurant has tasting menus and wine pairings
- The Loyalist also by Smyth, is The Loyalist thats a bi-level New American kitchen and bar
- The Purple Pig Mediterranean restaurant that just reopened on Magnificent Mile known for its pork dishes
- Mi Tocaya Antojería neighborhood Mexican restaurant located in Logan Square with small plates and tacos
- Xoco Chef Rick Bayless owns several restaurants in Chicago and Xoco is the casual Mexican street food spot
- The Publican American restaurant with seafood and pork entrees served on communal tables
- Lula Cafe farm-to-table American restaurant in Logan Square
- Oriole high-end restaurant in West Loop with an extended tasting menu by a Michelin star awarded Chef that includes caviar
- Pequods Pizza one of the best spots for deep-dish pizza in Chicago. I had the little 7 pan cheese pizza right before a flight and it hit the spot! Good option if you need takeout.
- Momotaro modern Japanese restaurant with sushi and robata
- Smoque considered as Chicagos most acclaimed barbecue restaurant with good brisket
- Acadia upscale New American restaurant inspired by coastal Maine that has two Michelin stars
Take Your Chicago Rooftop Dining To The Next Level With These Fantastic Venues To Mix Grand Views With Tasty Food
Amazing views over the impressive Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan are best served with a fine meal. Step in: rooftop restaurants Chicago. Here you can indulge in some of the city’s finest cooking, all while getting a new perspective on the Windy City.
From upscale downtown venues to charming rooftop gardens, the best rooftop restaurants Chicago offers something for everyone. Perfect for al-fresco wining and dining when the Chicago winter is finally over.
While these Chicago rooftop restaurants are perfect for a filling rooftop lunch or dinner, you should also check out our complete guide to the best rooftop bars in Chicago, where the food menus might not always be as impressive, but the views and drinks for sure are.
Here’s our list of the 7 best rooftop restaurants Chicago
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Smoke Daddy Bbq Mordecai Dutch & Docs
Hotel Zachary offers a number of great dining options with terrific Wrigleyville views. For example, Smoke Daddy offers barbecue and beer, Matthias Merges bi-level Mordecai has extensive cocktails and elevated food, and Boka Groups Dutch & Docs contemporary American restaurant all look out to Wrigley Field and Gallagher Way.
This rooftop draw from the Boka Group and 90/94 Groups location north of downtown gives bird’s eye skyline views with excellent cocktails and small plates. A retractable roof makes it comfortable year-round.
Mid-century-designed indoor/outdoor terrace bar and lounge the Up Room is situated 13 floors up, within Wicker Parks chic Robey hotel. In addition to curious cocktails like Duck Fried Rice patrons snag sweeping views of the city skyline. And its also worthwhile to note that Cabana Club, on the Robeys sixth floor, has a pool, two bars , plus fab views of Wicker Park and the Chicago skyline.
Tony Mantuano’s Italian fine dining gem continues to evolve after more than three decades, and a gorgeous renovation a few years back adds to the scenery that includes great views of Michigan Avenue and the lake from the swanky Gold Coast.
A post shared by The Signature Room at the 95th on Feb 5, 2019 at 7:53am PST