If you're any kind of foodie, you're well aware Chicago is one of the best cities in the country for food. I have to admit, it's my absolute favorite eatin' city. As a matter of fact, Tres and I love it so much we go every summer. One of the best trips we have ever taken was when I got him Pearl Jam tickets for his birthday. They are his favorite band of all time and happened to play on his 35th birthday at Wrigley Field... Couldn't have been more perfect! It was one of the most amazing concerts ever and the entire trip sold us on Chicago summers. We are going back this weekend, so I thought, why not share my Chicago favs with yall. Here they are, in no particular order:
BEST. PIZZA. IN. CHICAGO. I literally dream about this pizza all year until we visit again. I've had pizza at Gino's and Lou's and love them both but this tops the Chicago pizza scene! The same thick crust you love about Chicago pizza, but what they're really known for is their caramelized crust... There's just nothing like this pizza anywhere! Go here and thank me!
I love this place for dinner. It's one of the first restaurants I ever went to in Chicago when I decided Chicago was my favorite food city. Its a tiny little "shoebox" of a place - literally you could throw a rock from one end to the other but the food will make you scrunch in and enjoy it every time! Small and large plates with very interesting selections! It's communal seating so hope you like meeting strangers... We do!
If you're a food person, you've heard the hype of this restaurant, and its all true! Call ahead and TRY to get a seat. Good luck though.. It can be tough! We went at the end of the night and literally waited until almost the end of the night just to eat here, but oh my goodness, is it worth it!! I highly recommend letting your waiter order for you... The food is so innovative and everything is wonderful!
The Terrace gives you the most amazing city views you'll ever see! Forget the the tourist building rooftops, this is the one to go to... Plus cocktails added to the mix is a huge bonus! Step inside and have a fancy dinner at Sixteen. Beautiful views, a grand tasting menu, and all-out elite service. This restaurant is a splurge but great if you're a foodie!
Favorite rooftop bar ever! Beautiful city and water views and fun cocktails... If I had a top 5 Chicago list, this one would go on it! We go here every time we visit the city!
An upscale, lovely rooftop bar with a fabulous crowd, great little bites to eat, and fun drinks!
If you go to a Cubs game, a concert at Wrigley, or are just in the area, you have to stop here! Great patio with a vast beer selection... I love the taste tester. Also get the Paulina Brat if you're hungry... Yum!
Favorite brunch place by far in Chicago, but great for dinner too! The menu is fantastic and I love this place so much I follow them on Instagram just to always be updated on all their deliciousness! They focus on seafood (omg oyster selection) and pork (omg slab of bacon) with a large selection of international beers.
It's ALLLL about the experience here! Extremely unique cocktail menu with some of the most creative cocktails you will ever see or experience. Yes, I keep saying experience because it's all about the presentation here! Very happening spot for locals and tourists alike. Try to get reservations or you will wait in line for hours.
Such amazing beers in a homey, local feeling tasting room. Highly recommended for beer lovers.
Sit on the patio for lunch and do a meat and cheese plate with champagne or wine. An interesting menu where it's difficult to pick what you want-- try as much as you can! We rarely repeat restaurants but this is one we will!
I have my morning coffee and pastry here at the Lavazza cafe every morning I'm in Chicago, but there's so much more to it than that!! It's a specialty food store and market downstairs, and upstairs is an array of modern Italian eateries and a wine and beer selection that will blow your mind! Taste the wine, try the beer, eat the food, shop for goodies --- you could stay in here all day!
I cannot say enough about this place... Their food, cocktails, and everything they do is the love of my life next to Tres! My
was a recreation of a small plate at this place because their sliders were literally one of the best things I've eaten in my life! We first heard of Sable from a local guy who insisted we go there for cocktails, and while their drinks were spot on, I cannot say enough great things about the food! Small plates with a flair... Some of the best little bites of food ever! We went here 3 times last year and plan to go back!
Amazing dinner in a vintage atmosphere! The place used to be an old bath house and now it's a perfected restaurant with an outstanding menu and on-point cocktail selection.
This is the seafood place to go in Chicago! Delicious, fresh selection. Their Caviar service is amazing!
Great brunch with a fantastic little patio! It's kind of far away from the city center but you can take a cab and it's not too bad! If you're a bruncher, next to The Publican this is the spot!
It's so touristy but just do it. Please do it... At least once. You won't be sorry. I can't even put into words how much I love these sandwiches.
I have a lot of good things to say about this little "off the beaten path, hole in the wall." If you like just a random, local dive bar where you can belly up and drink beer, this place is pretty solid. Tres and I found it by accident after getting caught in the rain, and we ended up staying for hours and drinking, and drinking, and drinking more. The atmosphere is cozy and they have a Juke box with a strong music selection which always makes for a fun time!
Great Italian food and atmosphere. Good date night spot.
Good brunch spot. It's fun with a group of gals because you can do all kinds of different wine flights, and they even have a mimosa flight!
Extremely long, awesome beer list. We followed a local here... Perfect place for a beer lover. And all I have to say is, just come here for the pork fries. Just do it.