Mentioned by The Infatuation
A Guide To Chicago’s “Super Cute Reasonably Priced Restaurants To Catch Up With A Few Friends” - Chicago
"There are now two Avecs - the original in the West Loop, and a newer (much larger) River North location. They have almost identical menus, but the classic Avec is our favorite, mainly because we’ve had so many incredible meals there. The Mediterranean small plates here are consistently delicious, so order whatever sounds good to you."
"Located on the Northside in Lincoln Park, Summer House Santa Monica comes from our friends at the ever-growing Lettuce Entertain You Restaurant group. There’s a front patio, but the whole vibe is like you’re outdoors. With whitewashed wood walls, gauzy white curtains, and a huge atrium in the middle open to clouds and sun, there is so much natural light in here, it truly feels like you are in Santa Monica."
"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."
"Normally this place will make you feel like you’re in California, but now they are only offering breakfast delivery options near you on the weekends. You can get drink kits to make Bloody Marys and also their silver dollar pancake party, which is basically a charcuterie board for pancakes."
"While the crostini toppings may vary from season to season, they never disappoint. Plus, not only are all their dishes Instagram worthy, but the restaurant itself is just as picture perfect. #SpoonTip: When it’s warm out make sure to request to dine outside on their Oak Street patio."
"Restaurants Bakeries Albany Park. Upon entering this small but mighty Latin bakery, you'll grab a basket and a pair of tongs from the folks working the counter. Do a lap and plot out your order before opening the pastry cases and helping yourself to pillowy conchas, stuffed churros and colorful, candy-studded cookies—all made fresh daily."
"Markello's Baking Company produces tons of fresh Mexican, Guatemalan and Greek pastries every day.|© EvelynGiggles / Flickr. This bakery has been family-owned and operated since 1982 when Markellos Res decided to start making and selling Greek pastries. By 1991, Markellos was able to expand his namesake Baking Company to its current spot in Albany Park."
"Try as I might, I haven’t found a place to top this one no matter which of the best places to eat in Chicago we dine at. Mortal and Pestle is a classic, hipstery, modern-looking restaurant with big windows perfect for people watching. Last time I was there, I felt comfortable seated in the window seats watching the world go by."
"I’ll admit, I haven’t been here yet – but I keep hearing that it’s amazing!. The menu looks super inventive, too. Where else can you find Alaskan King Crab Benedict and Fois Gras + Eggs with truffles?"
"It’s only fitting that one of gay culture’s leading figures, Oscar Wilde, be given a restaurant in his honor in Boystown, Chicago. The Wilde Bar & Restaurant channels Wilde’s Irish homeland with an extensive beer selection and many traditional Irish dishes. For brunch, the restaurant offers a wide variety of breakfast specials along with a host of fruity breakfast drinks, from morning mojitos to blueberry açai with Chambord liquor."
"Because Chicago has non-deep dish pizza too and it is just as heavenly. Their pizza selections are rivaled by none, so good luck choosing just one."
"The outdoor patio at Homeslice is newly redone and looks better than ever, with clever signage and a converted Airstream for your private parties."
"American , Pizza"
"B'Gabs Goodies prides itself on offering the highest quality gluten-free, soy-free, raw, and cooked vegan foods, which are packed with enzymes, nutrients, vegetable based proteins, and vitamins. Everything is beautifully presented. The vegan and vegetarian restaurant promotes and values the practice of clean living by using only local and organic products when available to produce delicious, healthy meals."
"Named after owner Gabrielle Darvassy's, B'Gabs is a great destination for all types of diets. In addition to serving an all-vegan menu, this restaurant also caters to diners with strictly raw, soy-free, gluten-free, nut-free or alkaline-based restrictions."
"Located in the Lincoln Park itself, the North Pond Nature Sanctuary is yet another one of the animal exhibits that is loved and adored not just by the locals but by the tourists alike. It is believed that the same is around 130-year-old pond nature sanctuary, which in itself is an amazing thing to witness. It is located in the N Lincoln Park W, Chicago, IL 60614, USA and opens when the Lincoln Park Zoo opens as well."
"Chiu Quon in Chinatown is the original location of this classic Chinese bakery (the other is in Uptown). And though we love them both, we can’t think of a better place to stop for a snack while walking around Chicago’s Chinatown. Anything from their pastry case will be delicious, such as the pork buns, sponge cakes, sesame balls, egg custards, and much more."
"Chinatown’s Chiu Quon Bakery & Dim Sum hits the spot with their BBQ pork buns and, more importantly, cakes: cream cake, chocolate cake, tiramisu, chestnut cake and more. That said, their mixed fruit cake is a fan-favorite. This cash-only bakery has a counter and some tables off to the side, but otherwise isn’t adorned or decorated in any specific style."
"The oldest bakery in Chinatown has been at it for more than three decades. Peruse the cases to discover rows and rows of Chinese pastries that include barbecue pork buns, egg custard tarts, and butterfly cookies. The affordable price points — most items are a dollar or less — mean folks are able to fill up a whole box with goodies for just a few bucks."
"This sophisticated cake shop in Chicago claims to be the only company in the city using organic butter & eggs. Their cakes are guaranteed to taste as good as they look!. Choose from a variety of flavors, buttercream, and fillings including Belgium Chocolate, White Chocolate Italian Buttercream, or Creme Brulee."