Best & Cool Bars in Lyons

"There’s lots to love about Lettuce Entertain You’s quick and casual concept that not only boasts a juice and coffee bar, but also a grab-and-go market. Favorites at both the new Streeterville and original River North locations include a crispy kale salad with persimmon and pumpkin seeds as well as a three-grain salad topped with roasted chicken."

"Originally located in New York’s Chinatown, family-owned Sun Wah Bar-B-Que settled into its current location on Broadway in 2009, much to the delight of Chicagoans. The restaurant specializes in Hong Kong-style BBQ, with incredible roasted meats such as salt baked chicken, roasted pork, and barbecued spareribs. The space is most famous for its Beijing duck feast, featuring crisp and succulent roasted duck served three ways."

"The expertly prepared Beijing roast duck dinner from Sun Wah includes a whole duck with perfectly crispy skin, sliced and served with steamed bao buns, pickled daikon, and hoisin sauce. The rest of the bird is used to make duck fried rice or duck noodles. Finally, the bones are rendered into a duck broth soup with winter melon, cilantro, and eggs as the finishing course."

"This long-time West Loop favorite is a pioneer in the business-oriented district, drawing crowds with vibrant Mediterranean cuisine. Small and large plates almost demand ordering extra, just to sample as many flavors as possible. Roasted skate wing is exemplary of the kitchen's finesse with seafood, while memories of chorizo-stuffed medjool dates will keep you up at night."

"Restaurants Contemporary American West Loop. After more than 20 years in the West Loop, this iconic kitchen is still one of the city's best. In 2019, chef-partner Paul Kahan handed over the keys to the kitchen to executive chef Ryan Pfeiffer, who aims to revive the restaurant's rock 'n' roll soul."

"Roots is known for Quad Cities pizza, a unique style cut into strips. Shortly after Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg died, Roots owners at the Fifty/50 Restaurant Group came up with a plan to honor the liberal feminist icon. Ruth’s Panmade Pizza runs out of the Printer’s Row location and serves Chicago-style deep-dish."

"Photos from any of the three locations of this taco gem look great in just about every Instagram filter, thanks to rustic wood furnishings, chalkboard menus and thoughtful details like striped paper straws, mason jars and chewing-gum freebies. Then, of course, there's the Midwest Mexican fare, from chili cheese curds ($9) with tortillas and cilantro to garlic shrimp tacos ($9) with fried kale, elote-style cauliflower and avocado salsa."

"Each location of Antique Taco is cleverly decorated with cool, unique antiques, but even with the décor, the tacos stand out, with fillings of seasonal farmers’ market finds, like elote-style cauliflower. Kids are always warmly welcomed, and can order their own pork carnitas taco or quesadilla. A horchata milkshake to wash it down?"

"From a national perspective, Chicago sometimes gets ignored for its innovative side. There’s plenty of talented people creating culinary cool, and Julia Momose and her team at Kumiko are the forefront. A sibling to Oriole, a two-Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant, Kumiko takes inspiration Japan (Momose is Japanese American), with a deep whisky list."

"Kumiko brought together a dazzling amount of Chicago’s culinary talent. Noah and Cara Sandoval brought over their knowledge from their two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Oriole. Bartender Julia Momose made her dreams come true with omakase-style drink flights."

"A post shared by K.Cal (@therealkatiecal) on Nov 4, 2016 at 11:10pm PDT. The name of this establishment is quite apt, as it seems to take pains in bringing its brand of service and humor to another level. A buffet is served here and features a variety of food options."

"According to stories, The Revival was the birthplace of improv comedy. In fact, it got its name to indicate the intent of bringing it back to its glory days. As a comedy club, The Revival features a mix of acts and performances, ranging from stand-up and improv comedies to skits and musical acts with a humorous twist."

"Nestled inside two converted streetcars, this 24-hour gem will satisfy your cravings for both retro kitsch and greasy food. (It’s a favorite among Lakeview’s late-night bar crowd.) The specialty is the “slinger,” a plate piled with two burger patties, hash browns, two eggs, and chili, but you can also get a simpler meal of buttered toast and eggs any way."

"Restaurants American Lake View. There are no seats here—just stools. There’s barely a menu, either."