My Top 10 Chicago Eats

Everything from no frills to...well....frills.

Sep 16, 2024

After 2 years of living in Chicago, I’ve tried over 100 restaurants and can confidently say these are my favorites. It was hard to narrow down, but these are my must visits that hit the nail on the head every time:

Lao Peng You (Chinese)- Neighborhood: Ukrainian Village
Perfect for a cold, rainy, or gloomy day when you’re craving dumplings & noodles. Every bite feels like getting a hug on the inside.
Frills Level: 0/5 frills
My order: Pork & Dill Dumplings
https://www.oldfriendchicago.com/
JJ Thai Street Food (Thai) - Neighborhood: West Town
Unassuming, hole in the wall restaurant & the best Thai food in the city.
Frills Level: 0/5 frills
My order: R6 - KHAO LARD KA PRAW GAI (Basil chicken with rice)
https://www.jjthaistreetfood.com/
Chef’s Special Cocktail Bar (Chinese)- Neighborhood: Bucktown
Right alongside Lao Peng You, this is one of my favorite Chinese restaurants. A great place to dress up and get a cocktail. The bar is spectacular.
Frills Level: 3/5 frills
My order: Crab Rangoon, Kung Pao Chicken, Lo Mein Noodles
https://chefsspecialbar.com/
3 Arts Club Cafe (American) - Neighborhood: Gold Coast
Call me basic, but 3 Arts is a Gold Coast staple. Not only is the interior breathtaking, but the food is excellent every time. By far, my favorite restaurant for a solo date.
Frills Level: 4/5 frills
My order: Caesar salad with chicken and avocado & a side of fries. The Lox Platter is great to share with someone too.
https://rh.com/us/en/chicago/restaurant/menu
Armitage Alehouse (British, Indian) - Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
I would have to say this is the Hogsalt Group’s best restaurant in Chicago. The minute you step inside, you’re transported to 1920s London. Just a top to bottom fabulous spot. If you are looking for lavish & ornate, this is the place to be.
Frills Level: 5/5 frills
My order: Butter Lettuce Salad, Chicken Tikka Masala + Naan, Chocolate Mousse, Key Lime Pie
https://armitagealehouse.com/
Cabra (Peruvian) - Neighborhood: West Loop
Love the tapas style ordering here and great for groups. The rooftop is gorgeous.
Frills Level: 3.5/5 frills
My order: Avocado dip, fried shishitos, goat empanadas, tuna tataki, salmon ceviche
https://www.cabrachicago.com/dinner-menu
Bixi Beer (Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese) - Neighborhood: Logan Square
Another of my absolute favorite Asian spots. I love going here in the summer because their rooftop is adorable. It is hard to go wrong with their dishes.
Frills Level: 3/5 frills
My Order: Rangoon Royale, Potstickers, Scallion Garlic Noodles
https://www.bixi.beer/dining-room-food
Butcher and the Bear (Steakhouse) - Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
Butcher and the Bear is one that surprised me. Everything we ordered here was phenomenal and the restaurant made me feel like I was in NYC. Very cozy, intimate, upscale vibes. The service was also top of of the line.
Frills Level: 4.75/5 frills
My Order: Salmon, Spicy Mezze Rigatoni Pasta
https://www.butcherandthebear.com/menus/#main-plates
J.P. Graziano (Italian Subs) - Neighborhood: West Loop
When you want a sub, what do you do? You get up, text your friend, put on shoes, and go to J.P. Graziano.
Frills Level: 0/5 frills
My Order: “The Veggie” but hold the eggplant & add turkey.
https://jpgraziano.com/order-online/#/restaurants/jpgraziano/4561
All Too Well (Sandwiches) - Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
This was one of the first places I went to when I moved to Chicago. Two years later, it has maintained its well deserved spot on this list. Every sandwich is hearty, flavorful, and unique.
Frills Level: 0/5 frills
My Order: “Tatanka” or “I Make You Lamb”
https://www.alltoowellchi.com/