Lisa Shames 2023-12-09 10:27:32
To truly appreciate Chicago, you need to explore our wonderful mix of neighborhoods and unique restaurants that make the city special. Grab some colleagues and come hungry! LOGAN SQUARE Logan Square offers a beguiling mix of music venues, locally owned shops, and trendy bars, plus treelined boulevards with historic homes. Table, Donkey and Stick leans into that vibe with its whimsical take on Alpine fare, complete with house-made charcuterie, artisan cheeses, and seasonally focused dishes. Small-batch wines and craft beer provide a perfect complement. At Andros Taverna, dine on Mediterranean cuisine inspired by the cosmopolitan taverns of Greece. Authentic dishes include slow-roasted lamb and eggplant moussaka. Eat outdoors on the lively patio in warm weather. WEST LOOP An area once dominated by warehouses and meatpacking facilities is now Chicago’s hippest downtown neighborhood, dotted with hotels and acclaimed restaurants. The West Loop is nothing if not eclectic. Located beneath sister restaurant Momotaro is Izakaya at Momotaro, featuring a Japanese pub menu of small plates, creative cocktails, and Japanese whiskies to go along with its playful ambiance of moody neon lights and Tokyo street signs. Try progressive Indian cuisine at ROOH Chicago, located on Randolph Street’s famed Restaurant Row. The menu draws inspiration from all of India’s diverse states, and includes dishes like the whole sea bass wrapped in a banana leaf and served with saffron rice. HYDE PARK Former President Barack Obama may have introduced Hyde Park to the world, but Chicagoans have long known about the charms of his old neighborhood, full of historic homes, world-class museums, and tranquil parks. Virtue Restaurant & Bar — a Southern American restaurant that earned back-to-back James Beard Awards for both its chef/owner Erick Williams and chef de cuisine Damarr Brown — also calls Hyde Park home. Blackened catfish, buttered grits, and handcrafted cocktails all come paired with Southern hospitality. 14 Parish Restaurant & Rhum Bar serves Caribbean dishes that include jerk chicken and coconut shrimp. The bar offers more than 100 varieties of rum, along with tropical cocktails. 14 Parish is open late on the weekends. BRIDGEPORT When Michelin-starred chef Kevin Hickey was ready to open his own restaurant, he knew just the spot — his own Bridgeport neighborhood, home to the Chicago White Sox and plenty of mom-and-pop businesses. Set inside a historic neighborhood tavern, The Duck Inn, a Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient, features Hickey’s impeccable take on seasonally driven, modern American cuisine. Dishes range from Hickey’s tribute to the Chicago hot dog to his signature rotisserie duck. Franco’s Ristorante has been an Italian tradition in the Bridgeport neighborhood for more than 30 years. The family-run restaurant is known for its homemade gnocchi and meatballs, along with massive pork chops and signature chicken giardiniera. AVONDALE Avondale offers a cool combo of urban vibes, industrial roots, and some of the city’s hippest restaurants. Located on the Chicago River, Soul & Smoke boasts stellar views from its patio, along with equally dazzling barbecue. A classically trained chef with a passion for barbecue heads up the kitchen, where you’ll find house-made sauces to go along with the smoked spare ribs, sausage, and signature sides. Husband-and-wife team Beverly Kim and Johnny Clark have garnered James Beard Awards and Michelin stars for their inventive contemporary Korean cuisine at Parachute. Pair a soju cocktail with dishes such as seafood pancakes stuffed with shrimp and squid or pork bossam with kimchi. ANDERSONVILLE Once an enclave to Swedish immigrants, Andersonville is now home to one of Chicago’s largest LGBTQ+ communities. Here, unique boutiques share real estate with cozy diners and beloved hole-in-the-wall bars. At Big Jones, chef Paul Fehribach’s passion for coastal Southern cuisine is evident in dishes such as crawfish etouffee, skillet cornbread, and some of the city’s best fried chicken. A curated bourbon list adds to the Southern charm. The charmingly rustic Bar Roma features a Roman-inspired menu. Dishes include house-made pasta like the black peppercorn cavatelli filled with ricotta cheese and chicken sausage, along with wood-grilled rainbow trout. BRONZEVILLE A center for African American life and culture in Chicago, Bronzeville is a vibrant neighborhood full of colorful public art and historic landmarks. Norman’s Bistro acts as the tight-knit community’s unofficial gathering place, combining Creole-inspired food with heartfelt service and a laid-back attitude. At The Bar, regulars come for the classic cocktails, smooth jazz, and lively conversation. At Bronzeville Winery, the creative American menu ranges from salmon paired with a sweet potato puree to the vegan seared watermelon steak. An approachable wine list is curated by Anika Ellison, one of the industry’s few Black women sommeliers. Don’t miss the weekly DJ sets. CHINATOWN Chicago’s Chinatown is a whirlwind of ornate architecture, traditional specialty shops, elaborately adorned streets, and authentic restaurants. Since 1996, Joy Yee has been wowing patrons with its extensive menu of Asian dishes, ranging from Szechuan egg rolls and Korean barbecue ribs to fruity, Taiwanese-style bubble teas. Enjoy dim sum all day, every day, at MingHin Cuisine, a Chinatown staple. Try the shrimp dumplings, short ribs with pepper sauce, and puffy egg custard tart. LINCOLN PARK This picturesque neighborhood lives up to its name with lots of lakefront green space, a hidden lily pond, a free zoo, and a beautiful namesake park. Lincoln Park is also home to Avli Taverna, a sophisticated neighborhood restaurant serving modern Greek cuisine. A Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient, this intimate spot suits a variety of occasions, from celebrations to a night out with friends. Galit earned a Michelin star for its fabulous Middle Eastern flavors. Butter-poached and grilled lobster, falafel with Persian pickled turnips, and silky-smooth hummus are all accompanied by fluffy pita for dipping. LAKEVIEW Located in Lakeview, a charming tree-lined neighborhood full of indie boutiques and off-Loop theatre, a trifecta of new sister restaurants comes with plenty of culinary star power. At Little Goat Diner, Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard dishes up a gourmet take on comfort food. GG’s Chicken Shop offers tasty rotisserie chicken in a variety of dishes from Michelin-starred chef Lee Wolen. And at Itoko, acclaimed chef Gene Kato pairs creative sushi with a laid-back ambiance. PILSEN An area rich with Latino murals, museums, and restaurants, Pilsen provides a vibrant experience for visitors and locals alike. Embracing the neighborhood’s strong sense of community, HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen, from husband-and-wife owners Thai and Danielle Dang, pairs Vietnamese street cooking and family recipes with modern touches. Try dishes like papaya salad with homemade beef jerky and grilled ribeye with lemongrass. Dusek’s Tavern is a neighborhood favorite, located inside historic Thalia Hall. Try the smash burger, crispy fish and chips, or cast-iron mussels. Or opt for the wood-fired tasting menu of seasonal courses that have included pork belly and dry-aged duck breast. SOUTH LOOP Colorful public art, the Museum Campus, and celebrated jazz clubs can all be found in the South Loop. Located in the area’s Prairie District, known for its historic mansions, Chicago Oyster House serves up some of the city’s freshest oysters, seafood, sushi, and steaks. Its proximity to McCormick Place and Soldier Field makes it a popular spot for convention-goers and sports lovers. Just steps from Wintrust Arena is Il Culaccino, serving traditional and modern Italian favorites ranging from calamari and baked clams to house-made gnocchi and chicken Milanese. During warm-weather months, dine on the covered outdoor patio strung with twinkling lights. LITTLE ITALY Chicago’s Italian American past is alive and well in this neighborhood with an abundance of family-owned restaurants, small specialty markets, and Italianate architecture. Located on Little Italy’s bustling Taylor Street, Rosebud has been dishing out generous portions of authentic Italian food, including some 14 pasta dishes, for more than 45 years. House-smoked meats and craft cocktails are on the menu at County BBQ Chicago. Try the Chicago-style rib tips or Texas brisket sandwich with grilled onions. And don’t forget sides like corn pudding and mac ‘n’ cheese. Wash it all down with a negroni or raspberry-lime rickey. Brunch is served on the weekends. WICKER PARK Funky, trendsetting, and artsy, Wicker Park is always buzzing with activity, from its cool boutiques and unique restaurants to lively bars. Featuring an indoor-outdoor setting, Jack’s Wicker Park is a welcome addition to the neighborhood. Serving classic French bistro dishes with contemporary touches, Jack’s also features an impressive wine and cocktail list, as well as live music from a baby grand piano. Located inside the Robey hotel, Cafe Robey offers all-day brunch every day. Select from an expansive menu of dishes, including duck hash spiked with poblano peppers, shrimp and grits in a buttery Cajun sauce, and spicy chilaquiles with sunny-side up eggs. Discover Chicago’s Michelin Guide winners. CHICAGO GIFT IDEAS Discover Chicago-centric gifts that celebrate our kind of town. Women-owned Basketworks crafts built-to-order gift baskets for a variety of occasions. The custom leather goods at Laudi Vidni include everything from chic purses to handsome briefcases. Packed with Purpose offers gift boxes with products from over 55 nonprofits and purpose-driven companies. Mini bundt cakes and decadent cupcakes from Silver Spoon Desserts never fail to delight. Fudge, caramel corn, and brittle are just a few of the nostalgic handcrafted treats from Kilwins. Since 1949, Garrett Popcorn Shops’ addictive popcorn flavors have been delighting its many fans. Black-owned boutique The Silver Room features local jewelry, artwork, and home goods. Here Here Market finds inspiration in food and beverage products from top purveyors and chefs. Focused on wine and entertaining, woman-owned Love Cork Screw offers unique gifts for wine lovers. Chicago is the proud home of the James Beard Awards. Check out our local winners.
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