Lisa Shames 2024-01-06 07:25:24
As diverse as the neighborhoods that make up Chicago, the city’s dining scene is a wonderful mix of everything from award-winning Southern fare to modern Korean cuisine. Known for its hip music venues and bars — as well as its leafy boulevards lined with historic homes — Logan Square also offers some of the city’s most intriguing locally owned restaurants. Table, Donkey and Stick features housemade charcuterie and upscale Alpine fare. Daisies, an all-day cafe, is all about tasty baked goods in the morning and made-from-scratch pastas and dishes crafted with farm-fresh ingredients in the evening. The West Loop was once filled with warehouses and meat purveyors. Today, it’s trendy restaurants and hotels that call the area home. A Japanese pub, The Izakaya at Momotaro features small plates and creative cocktails in an ambiance reminiscent of a Tokyo street scene. If modern sophistication is your desire, head to Michelin-starred Sepia, where the elegant American cuisine matches the chic setting. Featuring world-class museums and the renowned University of Chicago, Hyde Park charms locals and visitors alike. At Virtue Restaurant & Bar, the Southern dishes from chefs Erick Williams and Damarr Brown have earned them both James Beard Awards. Get a taste of the Caribbean at 14 Parish Restaurant & Rhum Bar with island-focused food, festive cocktails, and a late-night menu. Urban savvy, industrial roots, and riverside spaces come together in Avondale. Set along the Chicago River, Soul & Smoke combines stellar barbecue with beautiful views from its spacious patio. At intimate Parachute, husband-and-wife chefs Beverly Kim and Johnny Clark focus on Korean food with subtle modern twists for award-winning results. Home to one of Chicago’s largest LGBTQ+ communities, Andersonville delights with its mix of indie boutiques, laid-back bars, and chic vintage shops. Here, chef Paul Fehribach shares his passion for coastal Southern cuisine at Big Jones, with dishes ranging from crispy fried chicken to crawfish etouffee. A rustic Italian restaurant with handmade pastas and Roman-inspired fare, Bar Roma is a neighborhood eatery where everyone loves to linger. The center for African American life and culture in Chicago, Bronzeville is a tight-knit community full of colorful art and historic landmarks. Channeling the area’s vibrancy, Bronzeville Winery offers an elevated wine experience with creative, seasonally inspired cuisine. Acting as the neighborhood’s unofficial gathering spot, Norman’s Bistro offers Creole-inspired fare and classic cocktails, along with live jazz in The Bar. Located just south of Chicago’s Loop, Chinatown — with its ornate architecture and traditional shops — is a world all its own. Serving authentic Cantonese cuisine with a focus on eclectic seafood dishes and daily dim sum, Triple Crown has been wowing fans for more than 25 years. At MingHin Cuisine, dine on dim sum and other dishes that offer a sophisticated take on Chinese fare. Lincoln Park is home to loads of beautiful green space, as well as prime access to the lakefront and free Lincoln Park Zoo. Tucked away on a quiet neighborhood street, Avli Taverna offers modern Greek cuisine in a sophisticated setting. Timeless and elegant, with a bit of whimsy, Michelin-starred BOKA has been serving up its creative American cuisine for 20 years. History abounds in the South Loop, from the area’s celebrated blues clubs to the notable architecture of Printers Row. Near the scenic Prairie Avenue District, Chicago Oyster House offers some of the city’s freshest oysters, seafood, and steaks. Modern Italian cuisine paired with unique wines is the focus of Il Culaccino, located close to McCormick Place. Artsy and funky, Wicker Park is chock-full of cool boutiques, trendy restaurants, and lively bars. Pairing award-winning New Orleans fare with live music and an outdoor patio, Ina Mae Tavern offers an authentic Southern experience in Chicago. Latin American cuisine, colorful cocktails, and an upbeat vibe lend a festive air to Amaru. FUN FOODIE EVENTS Held in January at the Field Museum, the First Bites Bash tasting event is the official kick-off for Chicago Restaurant Week, when hundreds of restaurants offer special prix fixe menus. Art, music, lucha libre, and dishes featuring the classic Mexican sauce all come together at the three-day Mole de Mayo Festival, held annually in May in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood. Held every summer, the popular Taste of Randolph features restaurants from the West Loop, one of the city’s hottest dining neighborhoods. Combining top barbecue pitmasters with country music superstars, July’s multiday Windy City Smokeout has been drawing crowds for more than 10 years. Taste of Chicago, the city’s signature summer food festival, is held every year in Chicago’s Grant Park and features some of the city’s best-loved restaurants. Each year in September, top chefs and sommeliers from around the country gather at Chicago Gourmet in Millennium Park for tastings, special events, and demonstrations. Check out Chicago’s latest Michelin-awarded restaurants at choosechicago.com/michelin.
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