Top Best American Restaurants in Blue Island

"John Daley, an Irish ironworker who came to Chicago to work on building the elevated line, saw a need for a restaurant to feed all the men constructing the University of Chicago, The World's Columbian Exposition and the Rapid Transit Line. More than 100 years later, hungry diners are delighting the "famous" club breakfast ordered by the number. The Number 1 is an egg with your choice of meat (including sausage, bacon, salt pork, chopped steak, hot links, smoked ham or a well-seasoned salmon patty) plus toast or biscuits."

"This no-frills soul food diner is a South Side institution and the oldest restaurant in Chicago, opening in 1892 and becoming its current incarnation in 1918. Breakfast is served all day while the dinner menu includes fried chicken, jumbo shrimp, melt sandwiches, and burgers, all of which can be spiced up with the red pepper vinegar found on every table. Daley’s moved across the street in 2019."

"Restaurants American Woodlawn. Depending on how you look at it, Daley’s restaurant has been around since 1892 or 1937 (the first, the original opening date; the second, the current incarnation). Either way, it’s one of the oldest restaurants in the city."

"President Obama cites Valois, a cafeteria-style restaurant, as one of his favorite spots in the city. He likes their breakfast, specifically the eggs and turkey sausage. Open since 1921 (making its home in a few locations over the years), the open kitchen churns out daily specials like prime rib, corned beef and cabbage, patty melts, rice pudding, and peach cobbler."

"It's counter-service only but Hyde Park’s beloved institution has all the makings of a greasy spoon. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served cafeteria-style and customers should look forward to reliable omelets, a mean plate of steak and eggs, and daily specials like lamb shank spaghetti. Need more convincing?"

"The Parrot Cage, steps from the picturesque South Shore Beach, is run by one of the most highly acclaimed culinary schools in the country. Students from Chicago’s Washburne Culinary Institute use the restaurant to hone their skills in the kitchen, where they create highly rated modern American cuisine. The Parrot Cage is housed inside the landmark South Shore Cultural Center that provides a refined setting for your waterfront meal."

"With more than three million visitors per year, the Taste of Chicago is the largest food festival in the world. It’s an absolute smorgasbord of everything from sloppy street food to elegant, restaurant-quality dishes. If you like getting your grub on, it should be at the top of your bucket list!"

"The Stockyard Coffeehouse brought terrific options to the Bridgeport neighborhood. I’ve lived in Bridgeport for several years now, and the cafe scene seemed nonexistent until the Stockyard came around. I love having a place nearby to get delicious coffee."

"Before the pandemic, the confectionary company was open 24 hours a day for late-nighters to grab a sugary nightcap before heading home. However, due to the circumstances Dat Donut has had to reduce their hours to keep things safe — which just means you’ll have to stay up until 5:30 in the morning to end your night on the best decision you’ll make all day."

"Dat Donut is next on our list of the best desserts in Chicago. Dat Donut is one of the most famous donut places in Chicago, and it’s a city institution!. They have a huge range of flavors, and the donuts are absolutely delicious."

"I always want to talk up South Shore because it is a stunning lakefront neighborhood with a ton of hidden gems, the perfect place to ride your bike to via the lakefront trail and full of colorful, quirky buildings for photo ops. The coffee is perfect for a pick-me-up after your ride, but the food here really steals the show. The chicken jerk panini is a favorite, and their grilled cheese with kale and red onions is a unique spin on this staple sandwich that will offer vegetarians something a little different."

"South Shore Brew is a bright and modern spot to grab a cup of coffee or a sandwich. With plenty of seating it’s a great place to spend some time with a friend or a good book. Order ahead for an easy pickup."

"Southern comfort at this Burbank Cafe ranges from barbecue to Tex-Mex, including ribs, po' boys and fried chicken, but the pulled pork is one of the true standouts. It cooks for 12 hours in a garlic-infused achiote paste before spending another hour in the smoker. After being shredded and getting doused in pan juice, it's ready to be served."