If I haven’t disclosed this yet, I live in Chicago, Illinois. Okay, I USED to live downtown Chicago, IL but now I will fully admit I’m one of those people that say they live in Chicago when they really live in the surrounding suburbs of Chicago. I used to hate those people…now I’m one of them. See how things work? Anyway, a little more disclosure, I was born and raised in a suburb about an hour away from the city and officially moved to the city during Grad School. And before I bore you some more, my point is…I’ve eaten at a lot of different restaurants in Chicago in my 20 something years of life and today I want to give you my top 10 restaurants in the city of Chicago (not suburbs ha!) at this time. Lets begin (these are not in any specific order):
- The Allis (of course The Daily Allis loves The Allis. This restaurant is good for groups and if you are alone. It is inside the SOHO house of Chicago and the space is very open and freeing. A lot of individuals come here to work as this also has a coffee shop inside. The food are shared plates and they also have tea time 🙂 Above is the photo of our table at The Allis.
- Beatrix. This is a Lettuce Entertain You restaurant and for good reason. I have eaten here for brunch numerous times (liiiike more than 15-20 probs…) and is my go-to for any occasion. The atmosphere and decoration in this restaurant is very modern-chic and the food is spot on, every time. M and I have also been to have drinks, relax on their chairs/couches and casually plan our future vacations. This place is never not busy.
- Shine. NOW, I love me some sushi. Trust me, and another sushi restaurant might actually be added to this list, but when my younger sister and I both lived in the city we would always meet at Shine for quick bites, simply catch up or to chat about our days. This place was the in between meeting spot for us and to this day we still talk about how delicious their sushi is.
- The Union League Club. Two words: LOBSTER BISQUE. This soup is to die for. I have personally asked for this soup when it is not on the menu and they have made it for me, THAT is how good it is. It is currently back by popular demand I’m sure, so run don’t walk. My parents are members of the ULC of Chicago and if my memory serves me correct, I think you have to Wigwam Room. No Jeans allowed. The burgers in the Rendezvous on the 4th floor is also highly requested by my family members.
- Riccardo Osteria. We recently went here for a friend’s birthday party and it was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. A lot of Italian food and seafood on the menu. Great cocktail list. The restaurant is a bit tiny, so please make resos in advance!
- Federales. I LOVE chips and guacamole and tacos like the next Basic B, but, this restaurant provides such a fun, open, Chicago-y feel it screams YOU’RE RIGHT WHERE YOU NEED TO BE. The retractable roof and large patio sets the tone of a good day in Chicago. The food, margs and the “feel” will woo you over right when you walk in. The parking in the area is poor though, you might want to take public transport or Uber.
- Piccolo Sogno. Speaking of patios and Italian food, this restaurant’s patio, food and atmosphere takes you right back to Italy. The Italian food and wine options are unlimited. The recipes are all made uniquely and is so rich, I am not kidding when I say you teleport to Italy for the night. The food is definitely worth the money. I must say the patio does make the setting as well. We sat at the bar before our dinner and I honestly the minute I stepped outside is when I realized why this restaurant has the reviews it does.
- Pequods Pizza. Okay, okay. If you know Chicago, you know pizza is a huge deal here. We loooooove our pizza. Or should I say I looooooove my pizza, because damn it I do and I don’t know what I’d due if for some reason I could not eat it any longer. Like full disclosure, I can eat a frozen pizza to myself…and do it more often than I am willing to admit it ha!! Anyway, this pizza is thin crust (more like medium, I’d say) and is saucy, cheesy and delicious. If you live in or visiting Chicago, you must try this pizza place. Second running would be Giordannos (but only for deep dish).
- Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House. When I was younger I probably celebrated every birthday and graduation and good grade on a test at this place. Hugo’s Frog has been a staple restaurant for me and my family since as long as I can remember. I love seafood, and this place has fresh seafood ready to be made for you. For some reason I do not have any photos of my food here but trust me when I say their desserts are worth every penny. They’re MASSIVE and are brought out with a huge chef knife to cut it (no joke). Add this one to your list! Also, another Lettuce Entertain You restaurant. Hugo’s sister restaurant is the tasty, Gibson’s Steakhouse (more meat options at this restaurant).
- Small Cheval. I have to add this one on here because have you even been to Chicago if you didn’t eat at Small Cheval or Au Cheval? I personally have not had the opportunity to eat at Au Cheval, due to them not taking resos and it being ALWAYS SO PACKED. Small Cheval is their sister restaurant with the same if not better (so I’ve heard) burgers, fries and beers. They have picnic tables out back, you can choose a lettuce wrap (for my Gluten Free loves) instead of a bun AND you can even bring your pups (outside obvi). This place is low-key, has a patio and dog friendly…what more could you ask for?
-What are some of your favorite Chicago restaurants? Have you eaten at any of the restaurants above? Would they be on your list or not? Let me know!
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-As always, please do not duplicate photos as these photos are my own.
XO
