Mentioned by Time Out Chicago
The 23 best waterfront dining spots in Chicago
"A favorite of the late Julia Child and a beloved date spot for a young Barack and Michelle Obama, Le Bouchon has been a sanctuary of sumptuous French fare for a quarter of a century in Chicago. Serving lunch and dinner, the menu is in French and English and includes many of the best traditional dishes: soupe a l'ognion, steak frites, confit de canard and moules frites. Favorites among diners include crisp duck for two, rabbit, escargot, steak frites and bouillabaisse."
"Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Le Bouchon (@bouchonchicago)"
"Celebrity chef Michael Mina made his Chicago debut over the summer inside the Waldorf Astoria. His sultry brasserie combines 1920s glam with traditional fare for lavish dining experience. Nibble on duck wings à l'orange and escargots à la bordelaise or indulge in a pristine shellfish tower."
"Three floors above the lobby of the swank Waldorf Astoria is restaurateur Michael Mina's ode to 1920s-era Paris. Classic Parisian bistro fare (escargot, steak frites, duck breast) gets a contemporary spin. Foie gras comes as parfait with preserved cherries and cornichons."
"With the look and feel of an authentic Parisian bistro, it’s easy to imagine yourself in the City of Light at Bistrot Zinc. Take a culinary trip overseas with classics like escargot, mussels steamed with white wine, salade Lyonnaise, steak frites, and roasted chicken. On the weekends, start the day off right by cozying up at the zinc-topped bar and ordering sweet or savory crepes for brunch."
"France comes to Hyde Park thanks to this upscale eatery located in a South Side strip mall. Chef and owner Mary Mastricola’s menu promotes seasonality and diners can look forward to rabbit pate, trout grenobloise, lavender-honey roasted chicken, and an all-French wine list. Early birds will also get the best bang for their buck as a three-course prix fixe special, priced at $38 per person, is offered daily between 5 p.m."
"When it comes to a romantic date night, it’s hard to beat a classic French restaurant. La Petite Foliebrings you a piece of Paris in Hyde Park, serving classically prepared French food and an all-French wine list in an elegant space. Dishes reflect the changing seasons, incorporating the best produce available at Chicago’s farmers markets."
"A warm and comforting bowl of pho can make for the perfect lunch. At restaurant-shop hybrid Phodega, owners Nathan Hoops and Anthony Ngo simmer up two exceptional versions — a beefy pho bo teeming with brisket, meatballs, and rib eye, and a lighter pho ga consisting of chicken broth and poached chicken thighs. They’re joined by other remarkable bites like Hainanese chicken rice, fried chicken skins, fiery crab rangoons, and a Viet dip sandwich."
"Even though their brunch food menu is a little light, there’s nothing light about their drink packages. You can order a DIY Bloody Mary package that comes with a liter of vodka, bloody mary mix, tabasco and garnishes."
"American , Pizza"
"A giant fist clenching eating utensils invites guests into this popular Lakeview eatery. Inside, they’ll find a warm dining room and items ranging from stuffed French toast and marvelous milkshakes to giant quesadillas and zucchini parmigiana. Go during off-peak hours or be prepared to wait since there’s usually a line."
"Stella’s has a pretty eye-catching exterior, and pretty hunger-smashing food. This place has been in Lakeview for around 50 years and despite many changes over the decades, it’s still around. Boasting classic diner breakfast favorites and delicious shakes at low prices, Stella’s has no trouble bringing in the crowd."
"Old School Breakfast Favorites: Coffee Simple Shake (Coffee + Milkshake!) ($5.50) or 2 Eggs with a Side and Toast ($6.95). Chicagoians have loved Stella’s Diner since the 1960s. This Lakeview institution offers the kind of breakfast your parents and grandparents probably love."
"This Wicker Park favorite is not just surviving but thriving. Maybe it’s the still-kickass menu, filled with craveable treats like chorizo and cheese-stuffed Empanadas with serrano-dill aioli, the Pan-Seared Halibut with market succotash and paprika beurre blanc, or the Berbere Spice-Grilled Chicken with coriander jasmine rice. The seasonally inspired cocktails make an impression — like the gin-forward Serendipity with Campari, cassis, lavender, and prosecco, just what I want to be sipping in late spring/early summer."
"Hidden behind a fence at the busy intersection of Grand, Milwaukee, and Halsted, The Dawson is a sweet gem. The bi-level restaurant can get crowded and busy, but the leafy, outdoor oasis is a real pleaser with lots of greenery and twinkling lights under a grand pergola."
"Butcher & The Burger is a burger bar that stands alone in the Windy City. Customers get to build their own burger by choosing the type of patty, spices, bun, toppings and extras. No matter the combo, the ingredients are fresh and undoubtably delicious."
"This place is located in Lincoln Park on the glamorous Armitage Avenue. If you haven’t visited here, you should certainly take the time to check it out. The multi-million dollar mansions are breathtaking!"