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Tours in Chicago |
From pizza and hot dogs to ethnic food and haute cuisine, Chicago's restaurants can satisfy any palate. The restaurants selected have been divided into five categories - Gastronomic, Business, Trendy, Budget and Personal Recommendations. They are listed alphabetically within the categories, which serve as guidelines rather than an absolute definition of each establishment.
The restaurants below have been grouped in four different price categories:
$$$$ (over US$70)
$$$ (US$35 to US$70)
$$ (US$20 to US$35)
$ (under US$20)
These are based on the average price of a three-course meal and a bottle of house wine or equivalent, excluding sales tax and tips unless otherwise stated. Restaurants charge sales tax, approximately 10%, and it is customary to add a 15-20% tip to all bills.
The restaurants below have been grouped in four different price categories:
$$$$ (over US$70)
$$$ (US$35 to US$70)
$$ (US$20 to US$35)
$ (under US$20)
These are based on the average price of a three-course meal and a bottle of house wine or equivalent, excluding sales tax and tips unless otherwise stated. Restaurants charge sales tax, approximately 10%, and it is customary to add a 15-20% tip to all bills.
Gastronomic
Arun's
Thai décor, artefacts and craftwork make Chicago's foremost Thai restaurant a Siamese sanctuary. Dinner, an ever-changing fixed-price 12-course meal, is a gourmet sampling of authentic Thai cuisine and carved vegetables, such as lobster with a sweet, spicy and sour sauce. Each course is exquisitely presented and can be customised to suit individual tastes. Closed Monday. No lunch. Reservations are required.
4156 North Kedzie Avenue, North Side
Tel: (773) 539 1909.
Website: www.arunsthai.com
Price: $$$$
Thai décor, artefacts and craftwork make Chicago's foremost Thai restaurant a Siamese sanctuary. Dinner, an ever-changing fixed-price 12-course meal, is a gourmet sampling of authentic Thai cuisine and carved vegetables, such as lobster with a sweet, spicy and sour sauce. Each course is exquisitely presented and can be customised to suit individual tastes. Closed Monday. No lunch. Reservations are required.
4156 North Kedzie Avenue, North Side
Tel: (773) 539 1909.
Website: www.arunsthai.com
Price: $$$$
Charlie Trotters
Menus are seasonal at this popular venue that sets the standard for Chicago's haute cuisine. The dining salons are elegant and understated, and the cuisine, reflecting subtle Asian and European influences, is vibrantly coloured, delicate and exquisite. Unusual pairings create delicious flavour sensations, like parsnip and carrot cake with a carrot and honey sauce served with nutmeg ice cream dessert. Three wine cellars house 25,000 bottles of wine. Closed Sunday and Monday. No lunch. Reservations are required and must be made well in advance.
816 West Armitage Avenue
Tel: (773) 248 6228.
Website: www.charlietrotters.com
Price: $$$$
Menus are seasonal at this popular venue that sets the standard for Chicago's haute cuisine. The dining salons are elegant and understated, and the cuisine, reflecting subtle Asian and European influences, is vibrantly coloured, delicate and exquisite. Unusual pairings create delicious flavour sensations, like parsnip and carrot cake with a carrot and honey sauce served with nutmeg ice cream dessert. Three wine cellars house 25,000 bottles of wine. Closed Sunday and Monday. No lunch. Reservations are required and must be made well in advance.
816 West Armitage Avenue
Tel: (773) 248 6228.
Website: www.charlietrotters.com
Price: $$$$
Everest
Perched on the 40th floor of the Chicago Stock Exchange building, Everest is also tops for French dining in Chicago. Modern décor and an extensive wine list complement main courses that range from halibut wrapped in potato crust to game delicacies such as venison in wild huckleberry sauce. Creative desserts, like a crêpe-filled Moroccan date soufflé, are delicious. Closed Sunday and Monday. No lunch. Reservations are required.
440 South LaSalle Street, 40th floorTel: (312) 663 8920.
Website: www.everestrestaurant.com
Price: $$$$
Perched on the 40th floor of the Chicago Stock Exchange building, Everest is also tops for French dining in Chicago. Modern décor and an extensive wine list complement main courses that range from halibut wrapped in potato crust to game delicacies such as venison in wild huckleberry sauce. Creative desserts, like a crêpe-filled Moroccan date soufflé, are delicious. Closed Sunday and Monday. No lunch. Reservations are required.
440 South LaSalle Street, 40th floorTel: (312) 663 8920.
Website: www.everestrestaurant.com
Price: $$$$
Les Nomades
This refurbished mansion is tucked away but there is not-to-be-missed dining in its stylish salons. Service in the award-winning Les Nomades is low-key, but the contemporary French cuisine is upscale. Main courses are sometimes interestingly paired, such as squab and ostrich with vegetables and chocolate-scented squab jus. Closed Sunday and Monday. No lunch. Reservations are required.
222 East Ontario Street
Tel: (312) 649 9010.
Website: www.lesnomades.net
Price: $$$$
This refurbished mansion is tucked away but there is not-to-be-missed dining in its stylish salons. Service in the award-winning Les Nomades is low-key, but the contemporary French cuisine is upscale. Main courses are sometimes interestingly paired, such as squab and ostrich with vegetables and chocolate-scented squab jus. Closed Sunday and Monday. No lunch. Reservations are required.
222 East Ontario Street
Tel: (312) 649 9010.
Website: www.lesnomades.net
Price: $$$$
TRU
A sleek blue and white setting envelopes diners as they savour the progressive French creations of award-winning chefs Rick Tramonto and pastry chef Gale Gand. Main courses vary, but expect delicacies like truffle freeform lobster with lobster mushrooms and emulsion. The Caviar Staircase starter features a different type of caviar on each of its rungs. Superb service, exquisite presentation on Austrian crystal and Versacci-designed china and award-winning desserts are the norm at the four-star TRU. Guests are welcome to tour the kitchen. Set aside about three hours for this dining experience. Menu changes daily. Closed Sunday. No lunch. Reservations are required.
676 North Saint Clair Street
Tel: (312) 202 0001.
Website: www.trurestaurant.com
Price: $$$$
A sleek blue and white setting envelopes diners as they savour the progressive French creations of award-winning chefs Rick Tramonto and pastry chef Gale Gand. Main courses vary, but expect delicacies like truffle freeform lobster with lobster mushrooms and emulsion. The Caviar Staircase starter features a different type of caviar on each of its rungs. Superb service, exquisite presentation on Austrian crystal and Versacci-designed china and award-winning desserts are the norm at the four-star TRU. Guests are welcome to tour the kitchen. Set aside about three hours for this dining experience. Menu changes daily. Closed Sunday. No lunch. Reservations are required.
676 North Saint Clair Street
Tel: (312) 202 0001.
Website: www.trurestaurant.com
Price: $$$$
Zealous
In spite of the austere décor, grey furniture, wood and bare grey walls, this refurbished warehouse is usually cosy and quiet. The friendly staff is well versed on the 20-page wine menu. Chef Michael Taus creates unusual and creative main courses as well as vegetarian offerings on the spot. Though the menu changes, dinner favourites like Hawaiian chopped salad and sesame-crusted Chilean sea bass, roasted roulade of salmon and a 16 oz Black Angus rib-eye steak, with creamed spinach gratin, remain. Closed Sunday and Monday. No lunch. Reservations are recommended.
419 West Superior Street
Tel: (312) 475 9112.
Website: www.zealousrestaurant.com
Price: $$$$
In spite of the austere décor, grey furniture, wood and bare grey walls, this refurbished warehouse is usually cosy and quiet. The friendly staff is well versed on the 20-page wine menu. Chef Michael Taus creates unusual and creative main courses as well as vegetarian offerings on the spot. Though the menu changes, dinner favourites like Hawaiian chopped salad and sesame-crusted Chilean sea bass, roasted roulade of salmon and a 16 oz Black Angus rib-eye steak, with creamed spinach gratin, remain. Closed Sunday and Monday. No lunch. Reservations are recommended.
419 West Superior Street
Tel: (312) 475 9112.
Website: www.zealousrestaurant.com
Price: $$$$
Trendy
Ben Pao
Complementing Ben Pao's Chinese Pan-Asian cuisine is a Zen-inspired décor - bamboo, black wood, red accents and a ceiling-to-floor pillar fountain. The food is tasty and creative. Guests can choose from an array of Mandarin, Szechwan, Cantonese and Hunan items, but should definitely try the Old World egg roll, crispy garlic tofu or black peppered sea scallops. Dinner every night, lunch on weekdays. Reservations are recommended.
52 West Illinois Street
Tel: (312) 222 1888.
Website: www.benpao.com
Price: $$$
Complementing Ben Pao's Chinese Pan-Asian cuisine is a Zen-inspired décor - bamboo, black wood, red accents and a ceiling-to-floor pillar fountain. The food is tasty and creative. Guests can choose from an array of Mandarin, Szechwan, Cantonese and Hunan items, but should definitely try the Old World egg roll, crispy garlic tofu or black peppered sea scallops. Dinner every night, lunch on weekdays. Reservations are recommended.
52 West Illinois Street
Tel: (312) 222 1888.
Website: www.benpao.com
Price: $$$
China Grill
An open kitchen, a see-through bar that is illuminated with psychedelic colours, and black and red décor create a hip atmosphere at this trendy Asian-fusion dining spot. Portions are large and meant to be shared, but offerings like the Caesar salad with spiced cashews or the sweet soy marinated skirt steak with noodles and shitake mushrooms are so luscious you might want to eat them all yourself. If you can't decide what to choose from the menu (it is decorated with quotes from Marco Polo's diary), the friendly waiting staff will be happy to assist you. Lunch weekdays breakfast and dinner seven days.
230 North Michigan Avenue in the Hard Rock Hotel
Tel: (312) 334 6700.
Website: www.chinagrillmgt.com
Price: $$$
An open kitchen, a see-through bar that is illuminated with psychedelic colours, and black and red décor create a hip atmosphere at this trendy Asian-fusion dining spot. Portions are large and meant to be shared, but offerings like the Caesar salad with spiced cashews or the sweet soy marinated skirt steak with noodles and shitake mushrooms are so luscious you might want to eat them all yourself. If you can't decide what to choose from the menu (it is decorated with quotes from Marco Polo's diary), the friendly waiting staff will be happy to assist you. Lunch weekdays breakfast and dinner seven days.
230 North Michigan Avenue in the Hard Rock Hotel
Tel: (312) 334 6700.
Website: www.chinagrillmgt.com
Price: $$$
Green Zebra
It is easy to miss this nondescript, bare-windowed, storefront restaurant but once inside, it is cosy and friendly and uniquely designed. Angles set off the minimalist décor of grey, white and green plants with underside lights that cause their shadowy leaves to reflect on the high ceilings. The food on the seasonally changing menu is an array of elegantly served vegetarian tapas (all mains are small plates). Each diner usually orders three or four, which might include raviolis with goat cheese, hazelnut and dates or parmesan caraway gnocchi. For those who prefer meat, there is a selection of chicken or fish.
1460 West Chicago Avenue
Tel: (312) 243 7100.
Website: www.greenzebrachicago.com
Price: $$$
It is easy to miss this nondescript, bare-windowed, storefront restaurant but once inside, it is cosy and friendly and uniquely designed. Angles set off the minimalist décor of grey, white and green plants with underside lights that cause their shadowy leaves to reflect on the high ceilings. The food on the seasonally changing menu is an array of elegantly served vegetarian tapas (all mains are small plates). Each diner usually orders three or four, which might include raviolis with goat cheese, hazelnut and dates or parmesan caraway gnocchi. For those who prefer meat, there is a selection of chicken or fish.
1460 West Chicago Avenue
Tel: (312) 243 7100.
Website: www.greenzebrachicago.com
Price: $$$
Fogo de Chão
High-beamed ceilings and brick walls create a ranchy effect and prepare the diner for espeto corridor (continuous service). Each diner is given a two-sided chip. If the green side is facing up that means 'go.' A gaucho chef will immediately appear with a long skewer of one of 15 different cuts of meat, which he will carve at your table. Turn the chip to red, and you will be left to savour the numerous tasty morsels on your plate. Accompaniments include a massive salad bar, parmesan-flavoured polenta fries, mashed potatoes, rice and beans, fried bananas and a fine wine selection. This Brazilian steakhouse, a trendy dining craze, is a carnivore's dream come true.
661 North LaSalle Street
Tel: (312) 932 9330.
Website: www.fogodechao.com
Price: $$$
High-beamed ceilings and brick walls create a ranchy effect and prepare the diner for espeto corridor (continuous service). Each diner is given a two-sided chip. If the green side is facing up that means 'go.' A gaucho chef will immediately appear with a long skewer of one of 15 different cuts of meat, which he will carve at your table. Turn the chip to red, and you will be left to savour the numerous tasty morsels on your plate. Accompaniments include a massive salad bar, parmesan-flavoured polenta fries, mashed potatoes, rice and beans, fried bananas and a fine wine selection. This Brazilian steakhouse, a trendy dining craze, is a carnivore's dream come true.
661 North LaSalle Street
Tel: (312) 932 9330.
Website: www.fogodechao.com
Price: $$$
Heaven on Seven on Rush
The walls along the wooden booths are lined with bottles of hot sauce in this New Orleans-style eatery. Tasty Creole and Cajun fare, such as gumbo, jambalaya or barbecue shrimp, toss calories to the wind, especially when finished off with pecan or chocolate peanut butter pie. Open for lunch and dinner Mon-Sat except for Wabash location which is open only for lunch.
600 North Michigan Avenue, Second floor
Tel: (312) 280 7774.
Website: www.heavenonseven.com
Price: $$-$$$
Branch: Heaven on Seven
111 North Wabash Avenue, Seventh Floor
Tel: (312) 263 6443.
The walls along the wooden booths are lined with bottles of hot sauce in this New Orleans-style eatery. Tasty Creole and Cajun fare, such as gumbo, jambalaya or barbecue shrimp, toss calories to the wind, especially when finished off with pecan or chocolate peanut butter pie. Open for lunch and dinner Mon-Sat except for Wabash location which is open only for lunch.
600 North Michigan Avenue, Second floor
Tel: (312) 280 7774.
Website: www.heavenonseven.com
Price: $$-$$$
Branch: Heaven on Seven
111 North Wabash Avenue, Seventh Floor
Tel: (312) 263 6443.
Kit Kat Lounge
The Martinis, food and entertainment all feature twists, spice and kicks at this cosy 1940s motif venue. While the Andrew Sisters warble away, diners can delight in such specialities as Caesar Meets Cleopatra (Caesar salad with roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts and blackened chicken), Mommy Dearest (seared pork chop with polenta cake and apple pear compote) or key lime pie. Soon the lights will begin to flash, the music volume will increase, and a female impersonator will provide cabaret entertainment. Except for Fridays and Saturdays, there are nightly specials like the second main course at half price on Wednesday, a bottle of wine for one cent with two main courses on Thursday and half-price Martinis on Sundays and Tuesdays. Closed Monday. No lunch.
3700 North Halsted Street, Lake View
Tel: (773) 525 1111.
Website: www.kitkatchicago.com
Price: $$$
The Martinis, food and entertainment all feature twists, spice and kicks at this cosy 1940s motif venue. While the Andrew Sisters warble away, diners can delight in such specialities as Caesar Meets Cleopatra (Caesar salad with roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts and blackened chicken), Mommy Dearest (seared pork chop with polenta cake and apple pear compote) or key lime pie. Soon the lights will begin to flash, the music volume will increase, and a female impersonator will provide cabaret entertainment. Except for Fridays and Saturdays, there are nightly specials like the second main course at half price on Wednesday, a bottle of wine for one cent with two main courses on Thursday and half-price Martinis on Sundays and Tuesdays. Closed Monday. No lunch.
3700 North Halsted Street, Lake View
Tel: (773) 525 1111.
Website: www.kitkatchicago.com
Price: $$$
Park Grill
Probably the best people-watching restaurant in the city, Park Grill is located on the Michigan Avenue side of Millennium Park. Black chairs and booths accented with dark woods decorate this dimly lit venue. Outdoor summer dining is replaced with an ice rink in winter. Considering the restaurant is situated within one of Chicago's most popular tourist attractions, dishes like the pork tenderloin are surprisingly tasty and reasonably priced. Service is another story.
11 North Michigan Avenue in Millennium Park
Tel: (312) 521 7275.
Website: www.parkgrillchicago.com
Price: $$$
Probably the best people-watching restaurant in the city, Park Grill is located on the Michigan Avenue side of Millennium Park. Black chairs and booths accented with dark woods decorate this dimly lit venue. Outdoor summer dining is replaced with an ice rink in winter. Considering the restaurant is situated within one of Chicago's most popular tourist attractions, dishes like the pork tenderloin are surprisingly tasty and reasonably priced. Service is another story.
11 North Michigan Avenue in Millennium Park
Tel: (312) 521 7275.
Website: www.parkgrillchicago.com
Price: $$$
Petterino's
The retro trend is alive and well at this eating locale adjacent to the Goodman Theatre. White tablecloths, semi-circular red booths and caricatures of famous Chicagoans, like Harrison Ford (who grew up in the Chicago suburbs), decorate the walls, while Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald can be heard in the background. Tuxedoed waiters serve chops, seafood, Steak Diane and other sumptuous steaks. Lunch and dinner weekdays. Open Saturday and Sunday for dinner. Dinner reservations are recommended.
150 North Dearborn Street
Tel: (312) 422 0150.
Website: www.lettuceentertainyou.com
Price: $$$
The retro trend is alive and well at this eating locale adjacent to the Goodman Theatre. White tablecloths, semi-circular red booths and caricatures of famous Chicagoans, like Harrison Ford (who grew up in the Chicago suburbs), decorate the walls, while Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald can be heard in the background. Tuxedoed waiters serve chops, seafood, Steak Diane and other sumptuous steaks. Lunch and dinner weekdays. Open Saturday and Sunday for dinner. Dinner reservations are recommended.
150 North Dearborn Street
Tel: (312) 422 0150.
Website: www.lettuceentertainyou.com
Price: $$$
Roy's
True, this is a chain, but that is a good thing. No matter which Roy's one dines at, the Hawaiian-fusion menu never disappoints. The décor is minimalist, but the food, a combination of Asian spices, European sauces and fresh ingredients, is delicious. The emphasis is on seafood, and dishes like Roy's original Hawaiian blackened island ahi with soy mustard butter will have you smacking your lips. A perennial favourite, Roy's canoe appetizer is a sampling of such tasty treats as shrimp sticks, baby back ribs, ahi poke, pork and seafood potstickers. Try the tasty prix fixe menu and you won't go wrong.
720 North State Street
Tel: (312) 787 7599.
Website: www.roysrestaurant.com
Price: $$$
True, this is a chain, but that is a good thing. No matter which Roy's one dines at, the Hawaiian-fusion menu never disappoints. The décor is minimalist, but the food, a combination of Asian spices, European sauces and fresh ingredients, is delicious. The emphasis is on seafood, and dishes like Roy's original Hawaiian blackened island ahi with soy mustard butter will have you smacking your lips. A perennial favourite, Roy's canoe appetizer is a sampling of such tasty treats as shrimp sticks, baby back ribs, ahi poke, pork and seafood potstickers. Try the tasty prix fixe menu and you won't go wrong.
720 North State Street
Tel: (312) 787 7599.
Website: www.roysrestaurant.com
Price: $$$
Scoozi!
A giant tomato hangs over the door, and inside, brick walls and earthy-tones of the trattoria-styled eatery emit an aura of warmth. The bustling bar and dimly-lit, two-tiered restaurant can be a bit noisy at times, but the din disappears when sampling the pastas, wood-oven pizzas (especially the pizza biancas), the Scoozi trio antipastini (a combination of Sicilian olives, bruschetta and caprese - mozzarella with cherry tomatoes and basil) or, for that matter, anything on menu. Dinner every night. Reservations advisable.
410 West Huron Street
Tel: (312) 943 5900.
Website: www.lettuceentertainyou.com
Price: $$$
A giant tomato hangs over the door, and inside, brick walls and earthy-tones of the trattoria-styled eatery emit an aura of warmth. The bustling bar and dimly-lit, two-tiered restaurant can be a bit noisy at times, but the din disappears when sampling the pastas, wood-oven pizzas (especially the pizza biancas), the Scoozi trio antipastini (a combination of Sicilian olives, bruschetta and caprese - mozzarella with cherry tomatoes and basil) or, for that matter, anything on menu. Dinner every night. Reservations advisable.
410 West Huron Street
Tel: (312) 943 5900.
Website: www.lettuceentertainyou.com
Price: $$$
Sushisamba Rio
Maybe former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori (he was Japanese) was the inspiration for Sushisamba Rio. Offerings are a potpourri of South American/Japanese specialities that go from empanadas, ceviches (marinated raw fish), and churrasco (thick grilled steak) to sushi, sashimi, bento boxes and Kobe steak. The décor is as creative as the menu. Orange and yellow walls are curved and high ceilings are complemented with large puffy cloud-like light fixtures. Long strings of blue beads hang above the big, oval sushi bar and above the rounded red banquette pit. Latin music plays in the background and on Wednesdays after 2200, there are live samba and capoeira (African-Brazilian martial arts) performances.
504 North Wells Street
Tel: (312) 595 2300.
Website: www.sushisamba.com
Price: $$$
Maybe former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori (he was Japanese) was the inspiration for Sushisamba Rio. Offerings are a potpourri of South American/Japanese specialities that go from empanadas, ceviches (marinated raw fish), and churrasco (thick grilled steak) to sushi, sashimi, bento boxes and Kobe steak. The décor is as creative as the menu. Orange and yellow walls are curved and high ceilings are complemented with large puffy cloud-like light fixtures. Long strings of blue beads hang above the big, oval sushi bar and above the rounded red banquette pit. Latin music plays in the background and on Wednesdays after 2200, there are live samba and capoeira (African-Brazilian martial arts) performances.
504 North Wells Street
Tel: (312) 595 2300.
Website: www.sushisamba.com
Price: $$$
Wildfire
Fish and meat glow in the visible ovens, grills and rotisseries of this 1940s-style supper club. Wood, stone, rounded banquettes, martinis and swing music create the mood. The chopped salad is big enough for two and guests are recommended to try anything that is crusted - clams, steak, mussels or fish. Open every day. No lunch. Reservations are recommended.
159 West Erie Street
Tel: (312) 787 9000.
Website: www.wildfirerestaurant.com
Price: $$$-$$$$
Fish and meat glow in the visible ovens, grills and rotisseries of this 1940s-style supper club. Wood, stone, rounded banquettes, martinis and swing music create the mood. The chopped salad is big enough for two and guests are recommended to try anything that is crusted - clams, steak, mussels or fish. Open every day. No lunch. Reservations are recommended.
159 West Erie Street
Tel: (312) 787 9000.
Website: www.wildfirerestaurant.com
Price: $$$-$$$$
Budget
Chicago Flat Sammies
Flatbread 'sammiches', pizza and people abound at this afternoon hotspot, just off Water Tower Square. Inside Chicago's Historic Pumping Station, posters decorate Flat Sammies' oak walls. Grilled pesto chicken covered with mozzarella and sammie splash (an oil, vinegar and herb combination) is extra delicious when accompanied with fresh kettle chips and a nut-filled, fudge brownie. Open until 1700.
811 North Michigan Avenue
Tel: (312) 664 2733.
Website: www.lettuceentertainyou.com
Price: $
Flatbread 'sammiches', pizza and people abound at this afternoon hotspot, just off Water Tower Square. Inside Chicago's Historic Pumping Station, posters decorate Flat Sammies' oak walls. Grilled pesto chicken covered with mozzarella and sammie splash (an oil, vinegar and herb combination) is extra delicious when accompanied with fresh kettle chips and a nut-filled, fudge brownie. Open until 1700.
811 North Michigan Avenue
Tel: (312) 664 2733.
Website: www.lettuceentertainyou.com
Price: $
Gold Coast Dogs
Hot dogs are a Chicago lunch favourite and the diner-like Gold Coast serves up the finest. A steamed poppy seed bun, wrapped around a juicy frankfurter, topped with mustard, relish, onions, peppers or ketchup, is best accompanied by French fries and a soda. Open daily 1000-1800.
159 North Wabash Avenue
Tel: (312) 917 1677.
Website: www.goldcoastdogs.net
Price: $
Hot dogs are a Chicago lunch favourite and the diner-like Gold Coast serves up the finest. A steamed poppy seed bun, wrapped around a juicy frankfurter, topped with mustard, relish, onions, peppers or ketchup, is best accompanied by French fries and a soda. Open daily 1000-1800.
159 North Wabash Avenue
Tel: (312) 917 1677.
Website: www.goldcoastdogs.net
Price: $
Lou Mitchell's
The exterior neon sign is straight out of the 1950s, and, for that matter, so is the interior. Since 1923, customers have been attracted by the variety of freebies given here, such as doughnut holes or Milk Duds (caramel-covered chocolate candies) while waiting to be seated, a prune and orange wedge for breakfast and, for lunch, soft-serve ice cream. Both the food and service are good at this landmark restaurant, located near Union Station. Breakfast and lunch. No dinner (closes at 1500).
565 West Jackson Boulevard
Tel: (312) 939 3111.
Price: $
The exterior neon sign is straight out of the 1950s, and, for that matter, so is the interior. Since 1923, customers have been attracted by the variety of freebies given here, such as doughnut holes or Milk Duds (caramel-covered chocolate candies) while waiting to be seated, a prune and orange wedge for breakfast and, for lunch, soft-serve ice cream. Both the food and service are good at this landmark restaurant, located near Union Station. Breakfast and lunch. No dinner (closes at 1500).
565 West Jackson Boulevard
Tel: (312) 939 3111.
Price: $
Pizzeria Uno
Chicago deep-pan pizza was born at Pizzeria Uno. Its cellar-like atmosphere has not changed much since it opened in 1943. Customers still clamour for Uno's crunchy-crust pizza topped with fresh tomatoes, a thick layer of sausage and lots of mozzarella cheese. Be prepared to wait, because reservations are not accepted at this ever-popular restaurant. Open every day for lunch and dinner.
29 East Ohio Street
Tel: (312) 321 1000.
Website: www.pizzeriauno.com
Price: $
Chicago deep-pan pizza was born at Pizzeria Uno. Its cellar-like atmosphere has not changed much since it opened in 1943. Customers still clamour for Uno's crunchy-crust pizza topped with fresh tomatoes, a thick layer of sausage and lots of mozzarella cheese. Be prepared to wait, because reservations are not accepted at this ever-popular restaurant. Open every day for lunch and dinner.
29 East Ohio Street
Tel: (312) 321 1000.
Website: www.pizzeriauno.com
Price: $
Wishbone
Located across from Harpo Studios and the Oprah Show, Wishbone is Southern comfort at very reasonable prices. Spacious and friendly, this is a good choice for down-home Cajun, soul and Southern food. The hoppin' John or hoppin' Jack (rice with black-eyed peas or black beans), baked bone-in ham, bacon and mushroomed studded grits and key lime pie all get raves. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday and Monday nights.
1001 West Washington
Tel: (312) 850 2663.
Website: www.wishbonechicago.com
Price: $$
Branch: 3300 North Lincoln Avenue
Tel: (773) 549 2663.
Closed Monday nights.
Located across from Harpo Studios and the Oprah Show, Wishbone is Southern comfort at very reasonable prices. Spacious and friendly, this is a good choice for down-home Cajun, soul and Southern food. The hoppin' John or hoppin' Jack (rice with black-eyed peas or black beans), baked bone-in ham, bacon and mushroomed studded grits and key lime pie all get raves. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday and Monday nights.
1001 West Washington
Tel: (312) 850 2663.
Website: www.wishbonechicago.com
Price: $$
Branch: 3300 North Lincoln Avenue
Tel: (773) 549 2663.
Closed Monday nights.
Personal Recommendations
A La Turka
Engraved copper tables, samovars and traditional musical, belly dancers (on the weekends) and tasty fare will have diners believing they have been transported to Turkey. There are even Turkish-styled eating areas where patrons can recline on cushions. The service is friendly, and ample servings include traditional stews, lamb dishes, and vegetarian items. The sultan's wrap, a filo dough stuffed with chicken breast or beef and vegetables, is mouth-watering. Lunch and dinner daily.
3134 North Lincoln Avenue
Tel: (773) 935 6101.
Website: www.alaturkachicago.com
Price: $$$
Engraved copper tables, samovars and traditional musical, belly dancers (on the weekends) and tasty fare will have diners believing they have been transported to Turkey. There are even Turkish-styled eating areas where patrons can recline on cushions. The service is friendly, and ample servings include traditional stews, lamb dishes, and vegetarian items. The sultan's wrap, a filo dough stuffed with chicken breast or beef and vegetables, is mouth-watering. Lunch and dinner daily.
3134 North Lincoln Avenue
Tel: (773) 935 6101.
Website: www.alaturkachicago.com
Price: $$$
erwin
Although the menu changes, the food is consistently good at this friendly, comfortable, sometimes noisy bistro in the Near North district. The décor is eclectic with window booths and quaint art - a hand-painted mural surrounds the main room. Delicious, homemade bread served with a bean purée accompanies main courses with a Midwest flair, like Great Lakes whitefish. The mushroom cakes are scrumptious. Although erwin does not serve lunch, it does do a fantastic Sunday brunch. Closed Monday. Reservations are recommended.
2925 North Halsted Street
Tel: (773) 528 7200.
Website: www.erwincafe.com
Price: $$$ (On Tuesday certain wines and martinis are half-price)
Although the menu changes, the food is consistently good at this friendly, comfortable, sometimes noisy bistro in the Near North district. The décor is eclectic with window booths and quaint art - a hand-painted mural surrounds the main room. Delicious, homemade bread served with a bean purée accompanies main courses with a Midwest flair, like Great Lakes whitefish. The mushroom cakes are scrumptious. Although erwin does not serve lunch, it does do a fantastic Sunday brunch. Closed Monday. Reservations are recommended.
2925 North Halsted Street
Tel: (773) 528 7200.
Website: www.erwincafe.com
Price: $$$ (On Tuesday certain wines and martinis are half-price)
Russian Tea Time
Located close to the Symphony Center and Art Institute, this venue, with its soft lights, round red banquettes and Russian music, sets the scene for vodka, stroganoff and many vegetarian dishes. Black bread, beet caviar and carrot salad accompany almost every tasty entrée. Ample combination plates for two include croquettes, stroganoff and other tasty morsels. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Dinner reservations are recommended.
77 East Adams Street
Tel: (312) 360 0000.
Website: www.russianteatime.com
Price: $$$
Located close to the Symphony Center and Art Institute, this venue, with its soft lights, round red banquettes and Russian music, sets the scene for vodka, stroganoff and many vegetarian dishes. Black bread, beet caviar and carrot salad accompany almost every tasty entrée. Ample combination plates for two include croquettes, stroganoff and other tasty morsels. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Dinner reservations are recommended.
77 East Adams Street
Tel: (312) 360 0000.
Website: www.russianteatime.com
Price: $$$
Trattoria No 10
Trattoria No 10 is a cosy cellar restaurant serving contemporary Italian fare. Dishes, including field greens with candied walnuts, goat cheese and apple raisin vinaigrette and ravioli with lobster, creamed spinach, peas and lobster reduction, are as colourful as they are delicious. Those with a sweet tooth should save room for the dessert sampler that includes goodies such as Grand Marnier pâté and profiterole pastry puffs. Lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday. No lunch Saturday. Reservations are recommended.
10 North Dearborn Street
Tel: (312) 984 1718.
Website: www.trattoriaten.com
Price: $$$
Trattoria No 10 is a cosy cellar restaurant serving contemporary Italian fare. Dishes, including field greens with candied walnuts, goat cheese and apple raisin vinaigrette and ravioli with lobster, creamed spinach, peas and lobster reduction, are as colourful as they are delicious. Those with a sweet tooth should save room for the dessert sampler that includes goodies such as Grand Marnier pâté and profiterole pastry puffs. Lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday. No lunch Saturday. Reservations are recommended.
10 North Dearborn Street
Tel: (312) 984 1718.
Website: www.trattoriaten.com
Price: $$$
Tsuki
One wouldn't expect to find sleek décor (curved walls, brushed stainless steel accents and cobalt lighting) in a Japanese restaurant. Then again, one does not usually find hotate volcano sushi (smoked salmon topped with scallop and torched Japanese mayonnaise) or spicy pinenut tuna, with pistachios and topped with tuna and ginger paste, on the menu, either. Portions are small, allowing the diner the opportunity to sample a variety of the plentiful maki and sushi selections. Service is friendly and the wine list, though not extensive, has some interesting choices. In the warmer weather, there is outdoor seating.
1441-1443 West Fullerton
Tel: (773) 883 8722.
Website: www.tsuki.us
Price: $$
One wouldn't expect to find sleek décor (curved walls, brushed stainless steel accents and cobalt lighting) in a Japanese restaurant. Then again, one does not usually find hotate volcano sushi (smoked salmon topped with scallop and torched Japanese mayonnaise) or spicy pinenut tuna, with pistachios and topped with tuna and ginger paste, on the menu, either. Portions are small, allowing the diner the opportunity to sample a variety of the plentiful maki and sushi selections. Service is friendly and the wine list, though not extensive, has some interesting choices. In the warmer weather, there is outdoor seating.
1441-1443 West Fullerton
Tel: (773) 883 8722.
Website: www.tsuki.us
Price: $$
Vinci
If an Italian villa motif, flavourful Italian fare and low-key, competent service seem appealing, Vinci is the place. A Portobello mushroom atop polenta and broth is the signature appetiser at this pre-theatre stop. Pastas, like linguine with courgette, tomato, garlic and breadcrumbs, are the restaurant's forte. Located across the street from the Steppenwolf Theatre. Closed Monday.
1732 North Halsted Street
Tel: (312) 266 1199.
Website: www.vincichicago.com
Price: $$-$$$
If an Italian villa motif, flavourful Italian fare and low-key, competent service seem appealing, Vinci is the place. A Portobello mushroom atop polenta and broth is the signature appetiser at this pre-theatre stop. Pastas, like linguine with courgette, tomato, garlic and breadcrumbs, are the restaurant's forte. Located across the street from the Steppenwolf Theatre. Closed Monday.
1732 North Halsted Street
Tel: (312) 266 1199.
Website: www.vincichicago.com
Price: $$-$$$
Yoshi's Café
Yoshi Katsamura combines French, Japanese and Mexican cuisine and serves it elegantly in a simple setting. The multicultural, mishmash menu includes tuna tartare with guacamole and tortilla chips, rack of lamb and Kobe beef steak with wasabe mashed potatoes and a nightly selection of fresh fish. Save room for the mille-feuille of chocolate mousse and berries for dessert. Although lunch is not served, the Sunday brunch is excellent. Closed Monday. Reservations are recommended.
3257 North Halsted
Tel: (773) 248 6160.
Website: www.yoshiscafe.com
Price: $$$
Yoshi Katsamura combines French, Japanese and Mexican cuisine and serves it elegantly in a simple setting. The multicultural, mishmash menu includes tuna tartare with guacamole and tortilla chips, rack of lamb and Kobe beef steak with wasabe mashed potatoes and a nightly selection of fresh fish. Save room for the mille-feuille of chocolate mousse and berries for dessert. Although lunch is not served, the Sunday brunch is excellent. Closed Monday. Reservations are recommended.
3257 North Halsted
Tel: (773) 248 6160.
Website: www.yoshiscafe.com
Price: $$$
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