Chicagoland Favorites
Below is an inventory of a few of my favorites, categorized by neighborhood and also indexed according to a few “quick references,” which you’ll see below.
¢ = Reasonably priced
$ = Pricey (but well-worth it, if it’s on my list)
B = Best in a certain category (i.e. pizza, hot dogs, etc.)
S = Great for a special occasion
OOT = Great for out-of-towners
G = Great for groups
BYO = Jackpot
ANDERSONVILLE
· Hopleaf ¢
This bar/restaurant is a staple of Andersonville. Located right at Foster & Clark, it’s in the middle of ‘hood and for good reason. The beer list is lengthy and well-chosen, the atmosphere is casual and unpretentious, and the food is exceptional. You must try the mussels (I prefer the beer broth to the wine broth, always) and the stilton mac ‘n’ cheese side dish is pretty unbelievable. Hopleaf does not take reservations, so going on an off night is best. Otherwise, putting your name in and hangin’ at the bar in the front is the way to go. hopleaf.com
BOYSTOWN
· HB (Home Bistro) BYO
This restaurant has long been a favorite of mine. Its quaint set-up and unbeatably friendly staff make it a pleasure from first entry. The menu is ever-changing and features typically American-bistro fare. On Wednesdays, the chef offers a three-course prix fixe special. The restaurant is BYO with no corkage fee, and on one occasion when our booze had run dry, our server generously brought us an extra glass from his “emergency stock” in the back. homebistrochicago.com
BUCKTOWN
· Hot Chocolate B
Best dessert in the city. I’d like to think that if I owned my own restaurant, it would be almost exactly like Hot Chocolate. This eatery is known for its desserts, and they are spectacularly delicious, but the food is also worth the trip. The wine list is limited, but well-chosen (at this point, I think I’ve sampled every red on the menu and enjoyed all of them!). The understated but thoughtful design offers a nice backdrop to the experience. hotchocolatechicago.com
-->For more on Hot Chocolate, check out our blog.
LAKEVIEW
· Coobah
This Cuban restaurant is located immediately North of the Southport brown line stop. The decor is interesting, making the atmosphere slightly swanky. The cocktails are tasty, but not cheap, which is probably why on Tuesdays Coobah offers $6 pitchers of sangria, and Wednesdays boast half-priced bottles of wine. The fundido appetizer (with chorizo) and the jibarito (jerk chicken with plantains and slaw) are my favorites, although I’ve rarely sampled a dish that missed the mark. coobah.com
· Byron’s B
Best hot dog in the city. I can’t speak for the non-hot dog items on the menu, but the classic Chicago dog is the bee’s knees in my book. yelp.com/biz/byrons-hot-dog-haus-chicago
· Tango Sur BYO, ¢
This Argentinean steakhouse is always swamped, so you know it’s gotta be good. Tango Sur is a BYO establishment with no corkage fee, and the affordably priced menu items make it a cheap, fun destination. The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, but you can give the guy at the door your name and number and hang out nearby until he calls with an open table. If, like me, you’re not a red-meat enthusiast, then order the eggplant lasagna and some empanadas, mmmm. tangosurchicago.com
· Julius Meinl
The perfect coffee shop + café, Julius Meinl serves up both delicious caffeinated beverages and breakfast and lunch items. Try the pikant mocha or another seasonal special. Also, if you’re going there to study or do work, beware that the internet is no longer free. meinl.com
LINCOLN PARK
· North Pond S, $
This Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired resto is nestled in the middle of Lincoln Park, overlooking the North Pond. The location is serene and the delicate cocktails and multi-course offerings make North Pond perfect for celebrating a special occasion. Try the tasting menu and, if you like tequila, the Fleur Blanc cocktail. northpondrestaurant.com
· Sprout S, $
If you watched Top Chef Season 3, you may recall Dale Levitski. After impressing Tom Colicchio and Padma Lakshmi, Dale, a Chicago native, returned to the Windy City as executive chef of Sprout. This newly-redesigned restaurant features primarily French-American cuisine. Serving both dinner and brunch, the fare is not cheap, but the clean yet complex flavors and beautiful presentation are sure to impress. sproutrestaurant.com
LOGAN SQUARE:
· Longman & Eagle
This hipster hangout in the heart of Logan Square comes complete with a bar, restaurant and 6-room inn. The restaurant, in particular, has captured several coveted awards and distinctions since its debut in January of 2010. The cocktail selection is limited, but you’re sure to find something you enjoy. Don’t leave before trying the bone marrow starter (you’ll feel your arteries clogging, but you won’t even care). One caution, this place gets crowded early and does not accept reservations. longmanandeagle.com
LOOP:
· Cibo Motto S
This italian restaurant makes its home in the hip Wit Hotel. The decor is funky, consistent with the rest of the Wit. The large, sculpted metal sheet surrounding the window to the kitchen and the floral mural on the dining room's ceiling were intriguing, but hard to reconcile. That being said, if this place looked like a junk yard, I'd still gladly eat there. Our server was exceptionally personable and all of her suggestions, especially the wine, more than panned out. The crispy guinea hen entree earned the envy of everyone else at the table, but it was the simply-prepared squid ink pasta that was the favorite. And, because we were celebrating a special occasion, the staff presented us with a half-bottle of unconsumed wine worth 150+. Grazie mille, Cibo staff! eatcibomatto.com
RIVER NORTH/GOLD COAST:
· Frontera Grill OOT
Who hasn’t heard about Frontera Grill? What can I say, Rick Bayless + margaritas + mole = Mexican culinary heaven. Make reservations well in advance as this place has become harder to get into after Bayless' Top Chef Masters win than Filene's Basement on Black Friday. rickbayless.com
· Mercadito S
This Mexican/French fusion restaurant provides a swanky, upbeat experience, perfect for a girls’ night. The cocktails are fabulous and the food, especially the guacamoles, will not disappoint. mercaditorestaurants.com
· The Drawing Room OOT
This cocktail haven is located in the heart of the Gold Coast. As your server will tell you, DR is one of two places in the city (the other being the Violet Hour, see below) serving culinary, hand-crafted spirits. The set-up is an interesting mix between a cocktail lounge and a chic eatery. If you like tequila, try the Greystone. If you want something lighter, the Bulesque L'Amour is stellar. As for non-alcoholic consumption, the BBQ pork entrée was to die for, and the tuna appetizer was pretty dang delicious. thedrchicago.com
· Paris Club G, OOT
This new River North hot spot, inhabiting the old Brasserie Jo location, is the latest project from the Melman brothers. The subway tiles, giant mirrors and large steel beams provide a simple setting, allowing the contemporary-takes on French classics to take center stage. While the restaurant offers a variety of entree options, all of the small plate options sounded too good to pass up. Don't leave without trying the steak tartare- simply amazing. The mussels and "drippings on toast" also earn their keep. The cocktail list is surprisingly short, but the wine list is decent. parisclubchicago.com
-->For more on Paris Club, check out our blog.
· Chicago q: G
This upscale barbecue joint is located right in the heart of the gold coast. Only, it’s anything but a joint. The bright and welcoming exterior and comfortable, southern-inspired decor make it a great place to sit and relax. Try the Kobe beef brisket and the St. Louis Champion ribs. The bacon-cheddar hushpuppies, fried green tomatoes and corn bread are just the icing on the key lime pie. chicagoqrestaurant.com
-->For more on Chicago q, check out our blog.
ROSCOE VILLIAGE:
· Frasca Pizza
This Italian-inspired pizzeria and wine bar is located right at Paulina & Lincoln. The interior is large and features interesting accents such as the wood-barrel shaped doorways and birch-tree mural. On summer nights, the large retractable windows open onto the wrap-around patio. The friendly staff, considerable wine selection, and classic Italian food offerings, especially pizza, make it the perfect go-to destination. Also of note, the owner regularly hosts wine tastings and other special events. frascapizzeria.com
· Terragusto B, BYO
Terragusto has closed, but the same chefs behind the place recently opened Ripasso in Bucktown. I have yet to make it over there, but it has been receiving rave reviews.
WEST LOOP:
· Girl and Goat S, OOT
In the words of a wise friend, “I like everything about this place.” Despite the hype, Stephanie Izard’s restaurant cannot possibly disappoint. From the décor to the edibles to the open-faced kitchen, it’s quite an experience. Try the green beans with fish sauce, trust me. Also, our server suggested we each order 2-3 dishes, since the restaurant is more of a small-plate concept, but we stuck to 2 dishes per person and ended up waddling out of the place, promising ourselves that we would go to the gym the next morning. Make reservations at least 2 months in advance. Yes, it’s that good. girlandthegoat.com
· Greek Town G, OOT
I love Greek town. Greek Isles is widely considered by my Greek counterparts to be the best restaurant food-wise, but I tend to turn to the Pegasus Rooftop in the summertime. Conveniently located just west of downtown, Greek town is ideal for big groups, and a fun and enriching experience for out-of-towners. greekislands.net, pegasuschicago.com
· the Publican OOT
Paul Kahan strikes gold again with the Publican. A recent James Beard Award winner, this Fulton Market restaurant is rustic yet airy, filled with lots of wood and right angles. Sunday Brunch is a stand-out, but anytime is a good time to go to the Publican. Whenever you go, be sure to order cocktails in addition to food- the Publican is in the same "family" as the Violet Hour, so you know they can do a cocktail right. thepublicanrestaurant.com
-->For more on the Publican, check out our blog.
· Butterfly Sushi B, BYO, ¢
Best sushi in the city, especially for the price. Butterfly offers a variety of Thai and Japanese dishes, but it’s the sushi that takes the cake. Try the tum yum soup, seaweed salad and any maki that the server recommends. The fish is always especially fresh and the servings generous. There are three locations, but the Grand location is the best. Also, it’s a BYO with no corkage fee! butterflysushi2go.com
WICKER PARK:
· Enoteca Roma
Come here to enjoy a wonderful variety of pizzas, pastas, cheeses, wines... the list goes on. Also, Enoteca has an adorable back patio in the summertime. wix.com/fsorano/enotecaroma
· Cumin G
Best Indian food this side of Devon, conveniently located on Milwaukee, just Northwest of Division & Ashland. The lamb vindaloo is so spicy it made my face swell, but that was a small price to pay for the intoxicating flavor. The classic chicken tikka is also first rate. cumin-chicago.com
· Big Star ¢
Cheap and delicious, it even has a to-go window. bigstarchicago.com
· Violet Hour OOT
This discreet, speakeasy-inspired cocktail lounge creates hand-crafted cocktails starting with house-made bitters, liquors and ice. The establishment is certainly known for its vintage spirits, but they also serve a limited yet delicious set of appetizers and small entrees. Beware, the Violet Hour does not take reservations, but putting your name in and waiting longer for a seat at the bar is well worth it, as watching the bartenders concoct is the best part. www.theviolethour.com
*Photo credit: LongmanAndEagle.com
¢ = Reasonably priced
$ = Pricey (but well-worth it, if it’s on my list)
B = Best in a certain category (i.e. pizza, hot dogs, etc.)
S = Great for a special occasion
OOT = Great for out-of-towners
G = Great for groups
BYO = Jackpot
ANDERSONVILLE
· Hopleaf ¢
This bar/restaurant is a staple of Andersonville. Located right at Foster & Clark, it’s in the middle of ‘hood and for good reason. The beer list is lengthy and well-chosen, the atmosphere is casual and unpretentious, and the food is exceptional. You must try the mussels (I prefer the beer broth to the wine broth, always) and the stilton mac ‘n’ cheese side dish is pretty unbelievable. Hopleaf does not take reservations, so going on an off night is best. Otherwise, putting your name in and hangin’ at the bar in the front is the way to go. hopleaf.com
BOYSTOWN
· HB (Home Bistro) BYO
This restaurant has long been a favorite of mine. Its quaint set-up and unbeatably friendly staff make it a pleasure from first entry. The menu is ever-changing and features typically American-bistro fare. On Wednesdays, the chef offers a three-course prix fixe special. The restaurant is BYO with no corkage fee, and on one occasion when our booze had run dry, our server generously brought us an extra glass from his “emergency stock” in the back. homebistrochicago.com
BUCKTOWN
· Hot Chocolate B
Best dessert in the city. I’d like to think that if I owned my own restaurant, it would be almost exactly like Hot Chocolate. This eatery is known for its desserts, and they are spectacularly delicious, but the food is also worth the trip. The wine list is limited, but well-chosen (at this point, I think I’ve sampled every red on the menu and enjoyed all of them!). The understated but thoughtful design offers a nice backdrop to the experience. hotchocolatechicago.com
-->For more on Hot Chocolate, check out our blog.
LAKEVIEW
· Coobah
This Cuban restaurant is located immediately North of the Southport brown line stop. The decor is interesting, making the atmosphere slightly swanky. The cocktails are tasty, but not cheap, which is probably why on Tuesdays Coobah offers $6 pitchers of sangria, and Wednesdays boast half-priced bottles of wine. The fundido appetizer (with chorizo) and the jibarito (jerk chicken with plantains and slaw) are my favorites, although I’ve rarely sampled a dish that missed the mark. coobah.com
· Byron’s B
Best hot dog in the city. I can’t speak for the non-hot dog items on the menu, but the classic Chicago dog is the bee’s knees in my book. yelp.com/biz/byrons-hot-dog-haus-chicago
· Tango Sur BYO, ¢
This Argentinean steakhouse is always swamped, so you know it’s gotta be good. Tango Sur is a BYO establishment with no corkage fee, and the affordably priced menu items make it a cheap, fun destination. The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, but you can give the guy at the door your name and number and hang out nearby until he calls with an open table. If, like me, you’re not a red-meat enthusiast, then order the eggplant lasagna and some empanadas, mmmm. tangosurchicago.com
· Julius Meinl
The perfect coffee shop + café, Julius Meinl serves up both delicious caffeinated beverages and breakfast and lunch items. Try the pikant mocha or another seasonal special. Also, if you’re going there to study or do work, beware that the internet is no longer free. meinl.com
LINCOLN PARK
· North Pond S, $
This Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired resto is nestled in the middle of Lincoln Park, overlooking the North Pond. The location is serene and the delicate cocktails and multi-course offerings make North Pond perfect for celebrating a special occasion. Try the tasting menu and, if you like tequila, the Fleur Blanc cocktail. northpondrestaurant.com
· Sprout S, $
If you watched Top Chef Season 3, you may recall Dale Levitski. After impressing Tom Colicchio and Padma Lakshmi, Dale, a Chicago native, returned to the Windy City as executive chef of Sprout. This newly-redesigned restaurant features primarily French-American cuisine. Serving both dinner and brunch, the fare is not cheap, but the clean yet complex flavors and beautiful presentation are sure to impress. sproutrestaurant.com
LOGAN SQUARE:
· Longman & Eagle
This hipster hangout in the heart of Logan Square comes complete with a bar, restaurant and 6-room inn. The restaurant, in particular, has captured several coveted awards and distinctions since its debut in January of 2010. The cocktail selection is limited, but you’re sure to find something you enjoy. Don’t leave before trying the bone marrow starter (you’ll feel your arteries clogging, but you won’t even care). One caution, this place gets crowded early and does not accept reservations. longmanandeagle.com
LOOP:
· Cibo Motto S
This italian restaurant makes its home in the hip Wit Hotel. The decor is funky, consistent with the rest of the Wit. The large, sculpted metal sheet surrounding the window to the kitchen and the floral mural on the dining room's ceiling were intriguing, but hard to reconcile. That being said, if this place looked like a junk yard, I'd still gladly eat there. Our server was exceptionally personable and all of her suggestions, especially the wine, more than panned out. The crispy guinea hen entree earned the envy of everyone else at the table, but it was the simply-prepared squid ink pasta that was the favorite. And, because we were celebrating a special occasion, the staff presented us with a half-bottle of unconsumed wine worth 150+. Grazie mille, Cibo staff! eatcibomatto.com
RIVER NORTH/GOLD COAST:
· Frontera Grill OOT
Who hasn’t heard about Frontera Grill? What can I say, Rick Bayless + margaritas + mole = Mexican culinary heaven. Make reservations well in advance as this place has become harder to get into after Bayless' Top Chef Masters win than Filene's Basement on Black Friday. rickbayless.com
· Mercadito S
This Mexican/French fusion restaurant provides a swanky, upbeat experience, perfect for a girls’ night. The cocktails are fabulous and the food, especially the guacamoles, will not disappoint. mercaditorestaurants.com
· The Drawing Room OOT
This cocktail haven is located in the heart of the Gold Coast. As your server will tell you, DR is one of two places in the city (the other being the Violet Hour, see below) serving culinary, hand-crafted spirits. The set-up is an interesting mix between a cocktail lounge and a chic eatery. If you like tequila, try the Greystone. If you want something lighter, the Bulesque L'Amour is stellar. As for non-alcoholic consumption, the BBQ pork entrée was to die for, and the tuna appetizer was pretty dang delicious. thedrchicago.com
· Paris Club G, OOT
This new River North hot spot, inhabiting the old Brasserie Jo location, is the latest project from the Melman brothers. The subway tiles, giant mirrors and large steel beams provide a simple setting, allowing the contemporary-takes on French classics to take center stage. While the restaurant offers a variety of entree options, all of the small plate options sounded too good to pass up. Don't leave without trying the steak tartare- simply amazing. The mussels and "drippings on toast" also earn their keep. The cocktail list is surprisingly short, but the wine list is decent. parisclubchicago.com
-->For more on Paris Club, check out our blog.
· Chicago q: G
This upscale barbecue joint is located right in the heart of the gold coast. Only, it’s anything but a joint. The bright and welcoming exterior and comfortable, southern-inspired decor make it a great place to sit and relax. Try the Kobe beef brisket and the St. Louis Champion ribs. The bacon-cheddar hushpuppies, fried green tomatoes and corn bread are just the icing on the key lime pie. chicagoqrestaurant.com
-->For more on Chicago q, check out our blog.
ROSCOE VILLIAGE:
· Frasca Pizza
This Italian-inspired pizzeria and wine bar is located right at Paulina & Lincoln. The interior is large and features interesting accents such as the wood-barrel shaped doorways and birch-tree mural. On summer nights, the large retractable windows open onto the wrap-around patio. The friendly staff, considerable wine selection, and classic Italian food offerings, especially pizza, make it the perfect go-to destination. Also of note, the owner regularly hosts wine tastings and other special events. frascapizzeria.com
· Terragusto B, BYO
Terragusto has closed, but the same chefs behind the place recently opened Ripasso in Bucktown. I have yet to make it over there, but it has been receiving rave reviews.
WEST LOOP:
· Girl and Goat S, OOT
In the words of a wise friend, “I like everything about this place.” Despite the hype, Stephanie Izard’s restaurant cannot possibly disappoint. From the décor to the edibles to the open-faced kitchen, it’s quite an experience. Try the green beans with fish sauce, trust me. Also, our server suggested we each order 2-3 dishes, since the restaurant is more of a small-plate concept, but we stuck to 2 dishes per person and ended up waddling out of the place, promising ourselves that we would go to the gym the next morning. Make reservations at least 2 months in advance. Yes, it’s that good. girlandthegoat.com
· Greek Town G, OOT
I love Greek town. Greek Isles is widely considered by my Greek counterparts to be the best restaurant food-wise, but I tend to turn to the Pegasus Rooftop in the summertime. Conveniently located just west of downtown, Greek town is ideal for big groups, and a fun and enriching experience for out-of-towners. greekislands.net, pegasuschicago.com
· the Publican OOT
Paul Kahan strikes gold again with the Publican. A recent James Beard Award winner, this Fulton Market restaurant is rustic yet airy, filled with lots of wood and right angles. Sunday Brunch is a stand-out, but anytime is a good time to go to the Publican. Whenever you go, be sure to order cocktails in addition to food- the Publican is in the same "family" as the Violet Hour, so you know they can do a cocktail right. thepublicanrestaurant.com
-->For more on the Publican, check out our blog.
· Butterfly Sushi B, BYO, ¢
Best sushi in the city, especially for the price. Butterfly offers a variety of Thai and Japanese dishes, but it’s the sushi that takes the cake. Try the tum yum soup, seaweed salad and any maki that the server recommends. The fish is always especially fresh and the servings generous. There are three locations, but the Grand location is the best. Also, it’s a BYO with no corkage fee! butterflysushi2go.com
WICKER PARK:
· Enoteca Roma
Come here to enjoy a wonderful variety of pizzas, pastas, cheeses, wines... the list goes on. Also, Enoteca has an adorable back patio in the summertime. wix.com/fsorano/enotecaroma
· Cumin G
Best Indian food this side of Devon, conveniently located on Milwaukee, just Northwest of Division & Ashland. The lamb vindaloo is so spicy it made my face swell, but that was a small price to pay for the intoxicating flavor. The classic chicken tikka is also first rate. cumin-chicago.com
· Big Star ¢
Cheap and delicious, it even has a to-go window. bigstarchicago.com
· Violet Hour OOT
This discreet, speakeasy-inspired cocktail lounge creates hand-crafted cocktails starting with house-made bitters, liquors and ice. The establishment is certainly known for its vintage spirits, but they also serve a limited yet delicious set of appetizers and small entrees. Beware, the Violet Hour does not take reservations, but putting your name in and waiting longer for a seat at the bar is well worth it, as watching the bartenders concoct is the best part. www.theviolethour.com
*Photo credit: LongmanAndEagle.com