Mentioned by Eater Chicago
38 Standout Dining Destinations in Chicago
"A chic, brick-accented spot inspired by red-sauce joints of the 1950s The B. Hospitality guys (The Bristol, Balena, and Nonna's) opened the doors to their sprawling Randolph Street restaurant back in 2015 and have been serving up well-executed takes on mid-century, southern Italian cuisine ever since -- even with a menu overhaul leaning toward lighter, seafood- and veggie-focused fare a year later. The dining room's old-school vibe -- complete with crimson banquette seating, white tablecloths, and black-and-white photos -- invites diners to try pasta dishes inspired by the classics like rigatoni, in which the ricotta-topped pasta covered in a pork neck gravy is accompanied by spicy fennel sausage and fluffy meatballs."
"Situated in the hip and busy Fulton Market District in Chicago's West Loop, Formento's is, at its core, a homage to traditional Italian home cooking. Executive Chef Todd Stein features the light and bright flavors of Italy with the best ingredients he can get his hands on. Meanwhile, the recipes are all based on traditional family recipes from the owner's grandmother, while Chef Todd contributes new-age dishes to the menu as well."
"925 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607 Situated in Chicago’s West Loop, Formento’s dons a classic look complete with white interiors and leather boots combined with an intimate kitchen filled with Italian American staples. The aromatic scents that fill the air near Formento’s attract many diners who find this spot becomes a new favorite."
"The restaurant's kitchen will feature a residency from chef Jonathan Zaragoza (owner and operator of Birrieria Zarragoza) through the end of the year. The short term concept, titled El Oso, will feature wood-fired dishes with a focus on masa, a corn-based dough most commonly used to make tortillas. The restaurant is open Wednesday through Sunday and offers counter service so you can take your meal to go or site in The Promontory's dining space."
"Chef Rodolfo Cuadros of pan-Latin restaurant Amaru responded to the pandemic with Bloom Vegetarian Kitchen, a new virtual venture based in Wicker Park. Inspired by the Indian dishes he grew up eating n New Jersey and New York, Cuadros offers samosa chat with tamarind and cashew crema, Peruvian tacu tacu (crispy rice and chickpea cake, achiote) and crispy hand-pulled noodles (Beyond ragout, cumin, radishes). Order carryout and delivery via Grubhubor DoorDash."
"m.henry is a well-known and trendy neighborhood gathering place on Clark Street for casual breakfast, lunch, and brunch. Hailed as one of the top spots for weekday breakfast and weekend brunch, the cozy café serves mainstay dishes such as “Fannie’s killer fried egg sandwich,” which is served with eggs, bacon, gorgonzola cheese, sliced plum tomatoes, and fresh thyme. Other comfort foods on the menu include homemade black bean cakes served with tortillas stacked with chorizo, eggs or scrambled tofu and adobo sauce, and vegan tofu scrambles with rapini, sweet onions, and tempeh strips."
"Of all the fantastic brunch spots in Andersonville, the historic Chicago staple M Henry is a frontrunner dedicated to using mostly organic and meat-free options. If bacon is an essential member of your dream brunch setup M Henry might not be for you. But if you’re looking for a place to satisfy a number of different tastes and tendencies, you can’t go wrong with M Henry."
"Urban Vegan Chicago is a vegetarian and vegan eatery that serves authentic Asian and Thai fare with an international twist. The menu features vegetarian meat alternatives that are healthy and tasty, prepared with the highest quality meat-free and organic ingredients and products, and created from original recipes from every corner of the vegan lifestyle. Signature and favorite dishes on the menu include cashew nut stir-fry, spicy eggplant with sweet basil, Pad Thai rice stick noodles with bean sprouts, red and green Thai curry, lentil loaf packed with a variety of vegetables and spices, and spicy noodles."
"They would like to grab this opportunity to greet you to your home for the great combination of Thai dishes. They give only the freshest and finest ingredients. at Urban Vegan, you will experience the liveliness and excitement of their exhibition kitchen."
"Indulge in some shopping, veer off a couple blocks to grab an espresso at the beloved Italian market Eataly, or continue to the DuSable Bridge for a fantastic photo-op of the emerald green Chicago River surrounded by sparkling skyscrapers. The most iconic spot in the entire city is just a couple blocks further: Millennium Park, a sprawling downtown green space that’s home to Cloud Gate, more commonly known as ‘The Bean.’ The stainless steel plates reflect the surrounding city skyline which makes for some epic shots–especially if you make it there first thing in the morning before the throngs of tourists arrive. Be sure to walk below Cloud Gate’s 12-foot-high arch to snap some cool perspective pics from underneath."
"Start off your morning with a beautiful cruise down the Chicago River. This cruise only runs during the warmer months (and can be a bit too chilly during the early spring and late fall, even if it is running), so we recommend reserving this attraction for the warmest times of year"
"Chicago’s Gothic Revival Catholic cathedral, by Chicago Station on the Red Line, was completed in 1875 after its predecessor burnt down in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Eagle-eyed visitors will be able to spot an overarching Tree of Life Theme in the building’s fittings. On arrival you’ll be confronted by the cathedral’s immense bronze doors, each weighing more than 500 kilos and cast to resemble planks of wood."
"Address: 735 North State StreetSaturday Mass Times: 11:00 am, 1:30 pm , and 3:30 pmA/C: YesCost: Unspecified but there is a cost, along with a cost for the musiciansParishioner?. NoTime for photos after: No photos are allowed on the altar before or after the ceremony. Photos in the courtyard are allowed if weather permitsCan you bring your own priest?"
"Architects:Patrick Keely, Henry Schlacks, Joseph J. McCarthy, Charles Murphy. Architectural style:Gothic Revival architecture. Cathedrals are those churches that are considered- as an official seat of Bishop jurisdiction."
"LoopThis exotic escape from Bonhomme Hospitality is an instant mood enhancer with enough lush greenery and cheery colors to perk up any tired old Instagram account. Besides likes, the joint can be counted on for globetrotting cuisine from baba ganoush and ceviche to steak kebabs and a highly underrated Angus beef double cheeseburger. There will, of course, be drinks involved, so don’t skimp on the Oaxacan Old Fashioned or Two Minutes Turkish.How to book: Reserve viaResy."
"Beatnik has two locations, both with amazing, and unique, patios. Feel the breeze and take in the sights as the boats sail by at Beatnik on the River (pictured above), or pop over to the West town location for some sunbathing in their atrium that features a retractable roof. While it might not be a traditional patio, you’ll still be able to get your daily dosage of Vitamin D."
"Sweeping views overlooking the South Branch of the Chicago River enhance the sense of an Eden-like escape in the middle of downtown. A newly added transparent enclosure protects guests from inclement weather without obstructing views. Patio heaters will keep guests warm, too, allowing them to daydream their way to a tropical destination without chilly disruption."
"With several locations across the city, Golden Nugget has been a Chicago staple for more than 50 years. There’s something for everyone as the expansive menu has buttercream waffles, crepes, fried steak, liver and onions, “Flavors of Italy” and “South of the Border” dishes, and daily specials."
"After announcing that his fine-dining restaurant Ever would pivot to takeout, renowned chef Curtis Duffy is dropping more big (and previously unimaginable) news. He's just launched Rêve Burger, a virtual restaurant that's available for pickup and delivery exclusively through DoorDash and Caviar. The name has a dual meaning: Rêve is a French word that translates to "dream" in English; it's also "ever" spelled backward, a nod to his current West Loop restaurant."
"Chef Curtis Duffy continues to reach for Michelin stars at Ever, but after the indoor dining ban, the sleek Fulton Market restaurant needed an additional revenue stream. Duffy’s burger isn’t genre defying, but the talented chef has put out his version of a griddled double patty, the type of sandwich that customers could enjoy at a diner. Reve Burger has recently expanded the menu to include chicken sandwiches."
"What:A pandemic pivot from fine dining chef Curtis Duffy that’s here to stayWhy:Double cheeseburgers and spicy fried chicken sandwiches will always be in style.Where:1363 W. Fulton St., West Town Website"