Overview
Chicago is widely regarded as a world-class food destination, and rightly so, we say. Midwestern stereotypes of super sports fans inhaling Italian beef and hot links notwithstanding, Chicago is a goldmine for foodies whether they be searching for culinary nirvana at one of the city's big name, high price gastro-palaces where you have to wait weeks, or even months, to get a seat, or at one of the myriad mom-and-pop neighborhood spots where you may be the only English speaker in the place and you know the best dishes aren't always on the menu.
In the past decade, Chicago's adventuresome appetite has come to life. After an era of complacency, during which the city's top dining emporiums basically rested on their laurels, a whole new school of Chicago restaurant has come to the fore. Once fueled by students of the masters: Bayless, Trotter, Gordon Sinclair, and so on, the Chicago dining renaissance is already in its second or third generation, and now the students of the students, those who honed their skills at places like Trio and Tru, are taking the reins as they charge into Chicago's culinary future.
And anyways, you gotta problem with hot links?
What follows is a breakdown of some of our favorite spots, old and new. Of course, with every new restaurant opening, there is likely another one closing. Therefore, we offer this caveat: phone first.
That’s Chicago
Some restaurants are more than just places to grab a bite. They're defining institutions of the city. The original Billy Goat Tavern (Maps 3, 5, 24) is known to baby boomers as the birthplace of John Belushi's "cheezeboiga" skit, but Chicagoans appreciate it as the dank watering hole where reporters from the Tribune and Sun-Times would once gather after work to talk shop. Today it's mostly frequented by wide-eyed tourists who play at slumming it. "The true originator of Chicago-style pizza" is a title claimed by nearly every pizza shack in town. Of the lot, Pizzeria Uno's (Map 2) claim seems the most legit--their recipe dates back to 1943. Other Chicago pizza institutions include Lou Malnati's (Map 2) and Gino's East (Maps 2, 43). Equally important is the Chicago Dog--that is, a hot dog on a steamed bun "dragged through the garden" with a virtual salad on top--onions, relish, tomatoes, pickle spears, sport peppers, mustard (no ketchup, thank you very much), and a dash of celery salt. Post-pub dogs at Weiner's Circle (Map 30) are a Lincoln Park right-of-passage--the servers are infamous for their saucy attitudes. On the Northwest side, Superdawg (West) is a landmark. The vintage dog spot offers classic drive-in (not drive-thru) service. Manny's Coffeeshop (Map 7) in the South Loop is where local politicos go to make deals over meals (breakfast or lunch). For dinner they head to Rosebud (Map 2) for homestyle Italian. Finally, two Chicago institutions put the city on the international culinary radar. Frontera Grill (Map 2) packs 'em in for creative and upscale Mexican fare in a festive environment. For a more subdued experience, Charlie Trotter's (Map 30) pushes the culinary envelope with its own exquisite creations.
Noteworthy Newcomers
In an economic era more defined by business closings than openings, a handful of new spots succeeded in distinguishing themselves from the rest. Rick Bayless's new quick service (this is NOT fast food) restaurant, Xoco (Map 2) taps into a hunger for quality comfort food at affordable prices. Bucktown's Belly Shack (Map 28), by the family that brought us NFT pick Urban Belly (Map 41), offers affordable and well-executed comfort food with a Latin-Asian flair. With Nightwood (Map 52), Logan Square pioneers Jason Hammel and Amalea Tshilds (Lula (Map 27)) are now gambling that Pilsen is ready to support innovative gourmet fare, and according to the accolades, they're right. In a neighborhood with no lack of moderate and upscale casual dining options, East Lakeview's Chilam Bilam (Map 44) offers something new to the scene with their fresh, creative Mexican BYOB. But be warned, the cramped cash-only spot only takes reservations for between 5-6 pm. Otherwise, it's first-come first-served.
Final Bow
Over the past year or so, Chicago diners have bid farewell to a number of old stalwarts, a handful of cult favorites, and more than a smattering if trendy-come-latelys. Of the first category, we mourn the loss of Bridgeport's Healthy Foods Lithuanian, where the kugala and sausages were anything but. Pricey Nick's Fishmarket seemed like it had been a part of the Loop dining scene forever. Johnny Rockets... Well, we'll probably recover just fine. Was the past years culinary focus on meat the downfall of cult vegetarian faves Alice & Friends and the Lake Side cafe? As for shuttered restaurant Fixture, we wonder at the irony. Le Lan, O Fame, Mama Desta's Red Sea, Cafe Suron, and Think Cafe will all be missed. Minnie's, which specialized in petite versions of standard bar food, maybe not so much.
Chicago's Best Dining Bets
Hey Big Spender
If you're one of the lucky suckers still feeling flush in the current economy (we'll assume you work for Goldman Sachs), or if you're just trying to max out your credit cards before filing that Chapter 7, here are some of Chicago’s spendiest special-occasion options. Charlie Trotter's (Map 30) is the classic big bucks splurge--if you really want to go for it, reserve the kitchen table. Other classic spends include Everest (Map 5), Nomi (Map 3), and Les Nomades (Map 3). Tru (Map 3) is renowned for its caviar staircase; Spiaggia (Map 32) for it’s gorgeous lake view. Newcomer on the scene L2O (Map 30) defies recession trends by presenting exquisite foods at exquisite prices. For something a little more, um, unusual, Chef Homaro Canto's Moto (Map 24), and James Beard-winner Grant Achatz's Alinea (Map 30) are known for pushing culinary frontiers with their clever, high-concept approaches to haute cuisine. On the other, neanderthal end of the spectrum, die-hard carnivores empty their wallets at Chicago classics Morton's (Map 32), David Burke's Primehouse (Map 2), or Gene & Georgetti (Map 2).
Hey Cheapskate
Of course, you don't have to spend a fortune to eat well in Chicago. Cheap taquerias, hot dog stands, and corner grills abound. For a more unique meal, without breaking the bank, we recommend Sticky Rice (Map 39) Thai. This super delicious and authentic BYOB Thai spot features such exotic specialties as friend caterpillars and ant-egg omelets along with the usual curry and noodle dishes--all prepared amazingly well, and nothing on the menu tops ten bucks. For a cheap date, La Creperie (Map 44) is loaded with low-price charm. This 40-year-old French classic has the shabby look of Parisian authenticity, a gorgeous outdoor patio, and free live French music on Thursday evenings. Sunshine Cafe (Map 37) hides some of the cheapest, most delicious Japanese noodles in Chicago behind their modest, unassuming storefront.
Pizza Pizza Pizza
Chicago's a pizza city, and classic spots such as Pizzeria Uno (Map 2) and Lou Malnati's (Maps 2) attract tourists and suburbanites in droves. Meanwhile, Candlelite (Map 33) in Roger's Park has been serving fresh, hot pies to the local community for decades. Another neighborhoodie, Pete's Pizza (Map 42), specializes in cracker-crisp crust and sweet sauce. Golden Crust (Map 38) is a family spot in Albany Park that's open (and delivers) very late. Art of Pizza (Map 43) has won numerous awards and acclaim for its scrumptious deep disher. Thin-crust European-style pizzas have taken Chicago by storm. Pizza D.O.C. (Map 39), Chicago's wood-fired pizza pioneer still packs 'em in for excellent, classic pies. Nearby Spacca Napoli (Map 39) gives the wood-fired pizza a Neapolitan twist. Piece (Map 21) offers precious pies to the Wicker Park crowd, and Coalfire (Map 24) is what the name implies--Chicago's first coal-fired pizza joint. And we'd be remiss if we didn't give props to Great Lake Pizza (Map 37). There small-batch artisan pies-of-love have attracted the attention of GQ and national foodie media. Whether it's worth the 3-hour wait is for you to decide.
Vegging Out in Chicago
The phrase "vegetarian Chicago" has often seemed oxymoronic, but just as more mainstream restaurants are introducing more veggie items than the token pasta or risotto, so have more bonafide vegetarian restaurants been appearing on our beefy shores. Chicago Diner (Map 44) and Heartland Café (Map 34) (which does serve some meat) are the crunchy, old-school standard bearers. Raw foodies flock to Cousin's Incredible Vitality (Map 38) and Karyn's (Map 30) in Lincoln Park, which attracted such a following for its raw food menu that Karyn opened Karyn's Cooked (Map 2) in Old Town. On Devon, Mysore Woodlands (Map 33) serves vegetarian food from southern India, while Arya Bhavan (Map 33) specializes in Indian vegetarian food from the north and south. Amitabul (Northwest Chicago) does Vegan Thai on the Northwest side, and Soul Vegetarian East (South Chicago) in the Southside Chatham neighborhood. For upscale vegetarian, try the Green Zebra (Map 24), or Mana (Map 21) in Wicker Park. In Logan Square, down-to-earth scenester spot Lula (Map 27) is known for being particularly vegetarian friendly. For a very special night, chose the fixed-price vegetarian tasting menus at Arun's (Map 38) or Charlie Trotter's (Map 30). Finally, vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike line up for breakfasts served by followers of Sri Chimnoy at Roscoe Village's popular Victory’s Banner (Map 42).
Poor Man's Steak and Other Meaty Matters
In the past few years, Kuma's Corner (Map 41) has emerged as the popular and critical favorite for best burger in the city, although northside loyalists still swear by Moody's (Map 37), and southsiders hanker for Top Notch Beefburger (Southwest) and the hand-pressed char-drippy goodness of That's-A-Burger (South). Even the fast food burger has stepped up their game. The Lincoln Park outpost of the California fancy burger chain Counter (Map 44) offers dizzying topping options and the "only-in-California" bunless burger, while in the South Loop, Epic Burger (Map 8) delivers sustainable grilled ground beef on a bun. If, on the other hand, you like your meat served on the bone with tangy sauce, head to the Gale Street Inn (Northwest) in Jefferson Park, street-festival mainstay Robinson's (Maps 4, 30), Southside stalwart Leon's Barbeque (South), hot links king Uncle John’s Barbecue (South) or Logan Square's Calvin's BBQ (Map 27) and Honey 1 (Map 28). Smoque (Northwest) attracts droolers from all over the city for, arguably, Chicago's best 'cue. As for encased meats, Chicago has no lack of options--just follow the Vienna Beef signs. For something different, try encased exotic meats such as ostrich or wild boar at Hot Doug's (Map 41), a destination stop for top chefs from around the world. On weekends, they feature french fries cooked in duck fat (and lines out the door).
Soul Food and Southern Cooking
We say soul food is the most American of American cuisines. On the south side, you can't go wrong with Army & Lou's (South)--it's a Chicago legend. Valois (Map 19) serves no frills, cafeteria-style soul food. Miss Lee’s Good Food (Map 18) offers gut-busting Southern food for carry-out only, or bring your family and eat in at Captain's Hard Time Diner (South). Soul Queen (South) cafeteria may have seen better days, but history is written in the photos on the walls. On the west side, stuff yourself silly at Edna's on Madison (West). For Cajun food, try Chicago breakfast staple Wishbone (Maps 24, 42) or Jimmy Banno's famous Heaven on Seven (Maps 3, 5). Negro League Café (Map 16) serves up soul, Cajun, and Caribbean fare. Yes, please.
Passport to Good Eating
Culinarily, you can travel the world and never leave Chicago. While some of Chicago's dining emporiums fly high on the local radar, we have a soft spot for the ramshackle storefronts where the home cooking’s happening. You don't have to live in Chicago a long time to discover that Devon Street is the place to go if you crave Indian food. We love Hema's Kitchen (Map 33), and the Pakistani fare at Ghareeb Nawaz (Map 34). Pilsen is the destination neighborhood for Mexican muy authentico. Nuevo Leon (Map 26) has been serving revelatory Mexican home cooking for ages, and Birreria Reyes de Ocatlan (Map 26) is a favorite of celebrity chef Rick Bayless. Off the Pilsen path, Birrierra Zaragoza (West) serves a traditional goat stew that really shouldn't be missed. The city's best Vietnamese can be found in the New Saigon section of Argyle Street, right under the L stop, and Albany Park is the place to go for Middle Eastern and Korean fare. Of the former, we think the classic felafel sandwiches at Dawali (Map 38) really are something special, stuffed with potatoes and cauliflower as well as the formed garbanzo balls. Of the latter, Kang Nam (Map 38) may be the best Korean BBQ in the city, but watch out because the shrewd servers will try to get you to order way more food than you want or need. The greater northwest side is bountiful with Eastern European restaurants and supper clubs. We love the insane portions, low prices and cozy vibe of Paul Zakopane's Harnas Restaurant (Northwest). You'll find plenty of great African and Caribbean food behind no-frills storefronts in Roger's Park. Order the delicious Sengalese fare at La Conakry (Map 34) to go to avoid their gloomy dining room. As for Good to Go Jamaican Jerk and Juice Bar (Map 34), the name says it all. We shouldn't have to tell you to head to Chinatown for dim sum, or Greek Town for flaming cheese. Perhaps one of the most surreal ethnic dining experiences in Chicago is the Thursday night-only all-you-can-eat Korean vegan buffet at Dragon Lady Lounge (Map 41), the ultimate dive bar.
Breakfast
Okay, so you're one of those annoying people who manages to be up, dressed, and ready to go before noon. Good for friggin' you. Why don't you get out of my face and go eat at one of these popular breakfast /brunch spots: Sweet Maple Café (Map 26), Orange (Map 43), Ina's (Map 24), Flo (Map 24), Yolk (Map 9), Pannenkoeken Café (Map 39), or Tweet (Map 40).
Diners
Because sometimes you just want a cup of joe and a patty melt. We recommend: Salt and Pepper Diner (Maps 29, 43), Nookie's Tree (Map 44), Ramova Grill (Map 13), Salonica Grill (Map 19), Lou Mitchell's (Map 4), Manny's Coffee Shop (Map 7), Hollywood Grill (Map 22), The Golden Apple (Map 43), The Golden Angel (Map 39), and, last but in no way least, The S&G (Map 43), a.k.a. Sam and George's.
Foodies on the Web
Need a recommendation?
Both professional food critics and the vox populi weigh in on the popular restaurant sites of the Chicago Reader (www.chicagoreader.com) and the Chicago Tribune's Metromix (chicago.metromix.com). Both offer search categories, so you can find places by location, price, type of cuisine, etc. If you’re going somewhere off–the–beaten path, however, be sure to phone first--Metromix, in particular, often seems to be out–of–date.
Chicago Magazine's food editors will deliver the latest Chicago food gossip directly to your inbox every week or so, along with chef interviews, links, and whatever food ephemera amuses them. Subscribe to Dish for free at the Chicago Magazine website (www.chicagomag.com).
Professional chefs and passionate lay folk chat about both the latest hot spots and hidden neighborhood gems on the LTH Forum (www.lthforum.com). The foodie debates, all in the spirit of fun, can get raucous, and sometimes even local celebrity chefs enter the fore to throw down. A warning: Regular posting on the LTH Forum is a tell-tale sign of your descent down the slippery slope of food geekdom.
Get it Delivered
Finally, housebound Chicagoans all hail the arrival on the scene of Grub Hub, an internet site that hooks you up with all the places that deliver to your house, and make it easy to reference past orders, save menus and order online, all from one convenient site: www.grubhub.com.
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Monday, February 14, 2011
Posted By:
Hunter Hicks
Photo:
Hunter Hicks
Snail's Thai Cuisine
Feng Shui buff? Dollar-store Valentines Day decorations alongside a gigantic painted nautical scene alongside some abstract pieces of art alongside traditional carvings make for an adorably kitschy dining experience. Yet miraculously, nothing feels out of place; it's simultaneously as tacky and as comfortable as your grandmother's dining room. The Snail boasts one thing that your grandmother's dining room didn't have (unless of course your grandmother was a Thai restaurant)... orgasmic Thai dishes. If Curries to suit all tastes, adventurous noodle dishes topped with artfully carved carrots, and plates of Pad Thai generous enough to sate an emaciated University of Chicago student bring people to The Snail, it's the versatility of the menu that keeps people coming back. Sick of the same-old, same-old? Try it with shrimp instead (or scallops or beef or chicken or pork or tofu or duck or squid). Have them make it mind-meltingly spicy and then treat yourself to the soothing condensed-milk bliss that is Thai iced-tea. Looking for a real challenge? Order the chive dumplings and try to figure out exactly what's in them (besides unadulterated happiness). No matter what, you're sure to find great food, super friendly staff, and some hearty laughs at The Snail.
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Monday, November 29, 2010
Posted By:
Joseph Hernandez
Photo:
Joseph Hernandez
Honey 1 BBQ
Savory, sweet BBQ sauce with a kick on the back end. Sweaty rib tips sharing a tight squeeze in a small basket with hot links. Stringy, peppery, soft pulled pork--topped with a tangy coleslaw--spilling from a pregnant bun. This, friends, is Honey 1. A small, blink-and-you'll-miss-it storefront BBQ joint in West Bucktown, Honey 1 makes one glad to be American. Ignore the swine-decorated red walls upon walking in; instead, take in a glorious whiff of hickory, courtesy of the in-house smoker. The Arkansas-style BBQ is the real-deal. You can't go wrong with the brisket lunch special (served w/ fries) at $6.99 or a full slap of baby back ribs at $15.99. God bless America, indeed.
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Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Posted By:
Joseph Hernandez
Photo:
Joseph Hernandez
Big Star
Taquerias are a dime a dozen, yet Big Star takes the familiar formula of cheap street fare and classes it up. Like, a lot. Utilizing organic, sustainable ingredients, the former Pontiac space slings some first class tacos, amongst other things. The borrego is a must: braised lamb shoulder, radish, and scallion come in the perfect corn tortilla, not too dry or meal-y. The panza is just as good, with queso fresco, crispy pork belly and guajillo salsa. Both come in at $3, only a little more than the other taquerias. An all-star cast (Donnie Madia, Terry Alexander, Peter Garfield, Paul Kahan and Edward Seitan) transformed the former Pontiac space into a cavernous garage of sorts (think concrete and wood bar). Classic honky tonk is the music of choice, while whiskey and beer specials (and the patio) keep the beautiful people coming. Unlike other bars in the uber-trendy 'hood, there is no air of pretension, just lots of satisfied bellies. Big Star has a tendency to be busy, but the attached walk-up window alleviate most of the traffic, perfect if you decide to walk your pup and get an inexplicable (inevitable?) craving.
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Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Posted By:
David Donze
Photo:
David Donze
Hecky's Barbeque
Hecky's is one of those places that everyone who grew up around it just assumes you know about. Say the name in Evanston, and most people will understand it means barbecue, and it's that kind of to-the-point description that suits them here. What you see is what you get at Hecky's, and it's a pretty decent view with pork ribs, chicken, hot links, and a host of standard barbecue sides like greens, beans and rice, and mac and cheese. Nothing fancy about the Kansas City style flavors here, but fancy and barbecue don't always get on together anyway.
A couple of things to keep in mind here; get there early for the ribs before they're all gone on the weekends, and the half-order sides are pretty small, so order accordingly if sharing.
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Monday, September 13, 2010
Posted By:
David Donze
Photo:
David Donze
Taco Chino
Among the multicultural culinary delights that dot the Albany Park landscape, this small taco stand has delivered the delicious inevitability of fast food fusion to the north side neighborhood. Visible from the Brown Line train as you reach the last station at Kimball, Taco Chino is a quick trip to Mexico via Korea. Kimchi tacos are the marquee dish here, made with a classic version of the Korean staple, but do not sleep on the Korean beef, al pastor, or chicken varieties. The menu includes familiar taqueria offerings, as well as reworkings of Korean staples into Mexican-style street food. These subtle twists on Mexican classics are served up in a bright, clean storefront by friendly polyglots, and the prices are more than affordable. You can stop by for a full lunch, and easily spend under $10.
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