Top Best American Restaurants in Downtown Chicago

"Serving dishes inspired by Lettuce Entertain You’s test kitchen, Beatrix’s caramel pie is a delicious departure from the classic apple or pecan pie."

"American , Bakery/Cafe"

"This sunny Lincoln Park outpost continues to serve up Cali swag via a full bill of brunchtime favorites. Hass avocado BLTs, loaded cobb salads, housemade English muffins, breakfast burritos stuffed with fluffy scrambled eggs and sausage, and Guiliana Prosecco-fueled mimosas keep the grown-ups humming while junior takes on a heap of silver dollar pancakes crowned with fresh fruit and maple syrup.How to order: Head to OpenTable for all-season courtyard and indoor dining reservations or grab pick-up and delivery via ChowNow, Caviar, Uber Eats, GrubHub, and DoorDash. Available for Delivery/Takeout"

"Housed in a light-filled room with high ceilings and hanging ferns, Summer House recreates the magic of Southern California even in the dead of a Chicago winter. Using seasonal and local ingredients, trained chefs create fare that’s inspired by California but with a Midwestern heart. Kids can choose from quesadillas, burgers, grilled cheese, chicken fingers, or the ever-popular Breakfast for Dinner option."

"Even in the depths of winter this Lincoln Park restaurant is full of sunshine and joy. Channeling its inner Cali, the food here is light and bright – ahi tuna and watermelon tostadas, handmade local burrata and fresh salads. The kids’ menu mirrors that with fresh berries accompanying most dishes."

"For the last couple of years, the wait outside Au Cheval in Chicago’s West Loop could last up to three hours. Most waiting were in search of a legendary burger dubbed one of the nation’s best, though their patience would also be rewarded with maybe the best hash browns, larded with duck heart gravy, and mille-feuille, anywhere. To combat the lengthy waits, owner Brendan Sodikoff opened a spinoff, a tiny shack aptly named Small Cheval, which serves only the burger ($9.95 with cheese, $8.95 without), fries, shakes and some choice cocktails."

"Known as the restaurant with one of the best burgers in the state, Au Cheval also serves dessert, so save room."

"American , Burgers"

"Craft beer has gained a cult of appreciators worldwide, so make sure you sample the delights of Chicago's craft beer scene yourself at the city's multitude of small, independent breweries. Located in Logan Square, Revolution Brewery is one of our favourite venues. A brewpub like no other you’ll find a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with mouth-watering charcuterie boards and around 20 great-tasting beers on tap."

"Illinois’ largest independently owned brewery serving dozens of different beer styles every year – IPAs, porters, pilsners, Belgian-style ales, pale ales, barrel-aged beers, and more!. Their Avondale Taproom and Logan Square Brewpub offer delicious food and a diverse community for all beer lovers. Take a look at their keg and tap list and pickup options here."

"After a long day in the sun at 31st Street Beach, head over the the bustling deck at Pier 31 Restaurant—open every day from lunchtime onward—for dinner, drinks and live music performances. The waterfront views are the real star here, of course, but the deck also boasts impressive glimpses of the skyline."

"The Albacore Tuna Melt is, without a doubt, a one-of-a-kind at the Franklin Room and it should be in your belly right now."

"Huck Finn Restaurant serves up hearty American meals all day, but regulars swear by their donuts.|© Salim Virji / Flickr. Huck Finn Restaurant serves up hearty home cooking all day long in three Chicagoland locations. While best known—or perhaps most appreciated—for its donuts, the diner has excellent breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, too."

"This diner mini-chain has three locations on the South Side that provide patrons with a satisfyingly sweet finish to every meal. Chow on golden brown pancakes, club sandwiches, and burgers but make sure to save some room for a donut delight. The signature treat features one of Huck’s donuts topped with choice of ice cream and whipped cream."

"Installation view, Duro Olowu: Seeing Chicago, MCA Chicago Feb 29-May 10, 2020 Photo: Nathan Keay, © MCA Chicago. Now openIn The Magnificent Mile area, Museum of Contemporary Art presents provocative and thought-provoking exhibits by local and global artists. With an emphasis on contemporary works, the museum presents a variety of compelling exhibitions, performances, collections, and educational programs throughout the year."

"We like going to Stan’s when we want a lot of variety or a donut that sounds like it was created by an eight-year-old. For example, they have a caramel marshmallow, Cap’n crunch, and our personal favorite, the biscoff (a.k.a. cookie butter-filled) pocket. If you don’t feel like feeding your inner child, consider ordering something like their pretzel-glazed or the pistachio old fashioned."

"Stan's Donuts has quickly become a Chicago icon with decadent flavored donuts, cookies and delicious beverages. They are currently open every day for takeout and delivery."

"Amazing is the first word that comes to mind when describing these doughnuts (or donuts). We ordered an Apple fritter, glazed pretzel, cinnamon roll, and..."

"If you don’t want to bake, or fry in this case too, then decorate with DIY cookie and doughnut kits ($14) starring colorful icing and sprinkles. You may find inspiration in the bakery’s smiley face cookies and Easter lamb cakes, wearing icing medical masks. Owner Can Lao, who revived the historic bakery in the Bridgeport neighborhood back in February, recently added Chinese egg tarts, plus a few staple items like paper towels, gloves, milk and Yakult, the yogurt-like drink."

"If you’re wondering what happened to Bridgeport Bakery 1.0, it closed. But thankfully version 2.0 has the same delicious treats as the original. And while they have a lot of baked goods besides donuts, we like coming here for their long johns and bismarks."

"Restaurants Bakeries Near South Side. Life's sweet at Veranda Runsewe's South Loop bakery, where the pastries are baked fresh daily and the custom cakes are crafted with love. The muffins and loaf cakes pair nicely with the lengthy list of tea varieties, from cinnamon-plum and jade oolong to matcha-ginger buzz."