Mentioned by Thrillist
Where to Eat in Chicago Right Now
"West LoopWhen this West Loop pioneer opened back in 2003, the elegant yet approachable eatery quickly made a name for itself thanks to sleek communal tables, a forward-thinking wine list, and, most importantly, the juiciest medjool date dish the Midwest had ever encountered. Plump dates undergo the full hog treatment here, plied with spiced chorizo sausage before being wrapped in a thick slab of bacon, fired until crisp and crackling, and doused in a warm piquillo pepper tomato sauce that practically demands a hunk of good, freshly baked bread. Don’t think, just order.How to book: Reserve via Tock or order take-out and delivery via DoorDash, GrubHub, and Caviar."
"End your evening with dinner at Avec, an adorable, modern and warm spot where you can dine tapas-style. You absolutely must order the chorizo-stuffed dates. Holy moly, they are incredible!!!. You can thank me later."
"Go to this Euro-style wine bar when you're feeling gregarious; the rather stark space has seating for only 48 people, and it's a tight fit....Read More"
"Make one large or four minis from the cookie dough balls ($3 each) in chocolate chip, peanut butter or funfetti flavors. The Lettuce Entertain You beach house concept restaurant in Lincoln Park never seemed to make much sense to me as a former Southern California resident, but we can all use a virtual escape right now."
"With all the fantastic Chicago diners available in the Windy City sometimes it’s nice to change it up a bit. Lincoln Park’s Summer House Santa Monica will transport you to sunny California with its bright and breezy dining room. If you’re looking for an instant mood boost, this is it."
"This restaurant was designed with kids in mind, namely the daughter, Crosby, of one of the owners. Her influence served them well — extra-wide doors accommodate strollers, and there’s a sink in the dining room, so kids can wash up. The kids’ menu is pretty standard, but adds a few different dishes like the chicken leg that comes straight off their signature rotisserie."
"This kid- and pup-friendly patio is an ideal spot for people-watching and sipping lemonade with rotating flavors like hibiscus and mango. Popular plates at this Southport spot include lobster deviled eggs, iron-skillet cornbread, and avocado toast studded with lump crab. (And speaking of kid-friendliness, here’s a hot tip: children eat for free from 4 to 6 p.m.)"
"This family-friendly diner offers Midwestern-inspired comfort food that’s sure to please. The staff are very accommodating to children and work hard to make sure they have a good time. You can’t go wrong with their dinner menu, and definitely give brunch a try—no one can get enough of their signature monkey bread!"
"Count on all of the Kanela locations, Andersonville, Lakeview, Old Town, Wicker Park and Streeterville, to be just as impressive as the next. All Kanela locations feature a warm and cozy ambiance amid the zeal of the kitchen and waitstaff turning out indulgent as well as healthy meals made from scratch in-house with lots of local and organic ingredients.. Luscious sweet options include lemon blueberry pancakes; red velvet French toast, monkey bread and Greek doughnuts with honey and toasted walnuts."
"If you feel like having something different for breakfast, head to your neighborhood Kanela. They are popping up all over Chicago, introducing Chicagoans to a modern spin on American breakfast favorites together with some Greek-inspired treats. They serve lunch too."
"I actually haven’t been here in a while, but their Spicy Feta Omelette used to be my go-to brunch. Swooooon, it’s so good!. View this post on Instagram"
"They are a New Zealand roaster that set up shop in Chicago as their first USA location. They have a few cafes all around the loop area serving hand-crafted New Zealand-style coffee. We visited LaSalle St (linked in the title) and ordered vanilla lattes and a flat white."
"Harold’s, in its many, many incarnations, is the fried Chicago natives crave the most when forced to move. There’s a certain serenity to things when walking inside, placing an order, and waiting for cooks to fry up an order. Of course, don’t forget to order mild sauce, a condiment that Chicagoans go bezerk for."
"If you are interested in photography, Stephen Daiter Gallery is a place to go. It offers fine and vintage examples of important classic American and European photography from the 20th century, specializing in avant-garde, experimental and documentary/photojournalism. Their selection includes the Chicago School of Design, the Bauhaus, the Photo League, and the André Kertész Estate."
"Stephen Daiter Gallery offers fine and vintage examples of important classic American and European photography from the 20th century. They specialize in avant-garde, experimental and documentary/photojournalism. Works include ones from the Chicago School of Design, the Bauhaus, the Photo League, and the André Kertész Estate."
"Stephen Daiter Gallery showcases exquisite and vintage examples of important classic American and European photography from the 20th century, including experimental, avant-garde, photojournalistic and documentary work."
"The Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art is a modern art museum in Chicago's Ukrainian village. The UIMA, founded in 1971, hosts exhibits, book readings, film screenings, recitals, and theater. The UIMA has been a fixture in its neighborhood for more than 40 years and is one of 25 members of the Chicago Cultural Alliance."
"The Renaissance Society is a kunsthalle-style museum that presents about 4 exhibits a year from international artists. It focuses on contemporary art and is located at the University of Chicago."
"Plant Based Junkie takes your favorite burgers and other fast food and adds delicious plants to the mix. The "Chicken" sandwich comes in mild or spicy and their vegan cupcakes are the talk of the town!"