Best Restaurants, Must Try Places in Lyons

"Chicago’s only three Michelin star restaurant, Alinea has been around almost 15 years and still books up months in advance. The brainchild of acclaimed chef Grant Achatz who became one of the best chefs in the world despite battling tongue cancer, that’s just one of their impressive feats. It was the first restaurant to pioneer the concept of prepaid ticketed reservations, pricing meals on a sliding scale based on date and time (Friday at 7 p.m. would be more expensive than Tuesday at 5 p.m.) in order to show that dining is an experience akin to the theatre."

"Alinea’s website is clear: “Alinea is not a restaurant.” On top of delicious food, Alinea promises a performance, a spectacle of modern cuisine, and “a serving of emotions” over a modest three- to five-hour dinner of 18 to 22 courses. And ever since Head Chef Grant Achatz was featured on Netflix’s Chef’s Table, the restaurant’s notoriety has exploded. Alinea plays with the presentation (driftwood topped with seaweed), sensory experience (an edible helium balloon made of green apple taffy), and sound."

"Chicago's lone three-Michelin-starred restaurant, helmed by the great chef Grant Achatz. Why we love it: Arguably Chicago's finest fine dining restaurant, Alinea is as focused on the experience of having a meal as it is about what you consume. Settle in for an evening of deconstructed dishes, billowing dry ice and edible balloons filled with helium."

"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."

"Katy’s is best known for its hand-made noodles, which are perfectly crafted and come drenched in flavorsome soups or stir-fried with fresh meat and vegetables. Also on Katy’s menu are traditional cold dishes such as pig ears and thinly-sliced beef, as well as fantastic dumplings. For Chicagoans dropping by on their way back to the city, or for visitors wishing to dine at home, the restaurant sells bags of frozen dumplings and fresh noodles to go."

"26 stories up on the superb Virgin Hotels Chicago you find Cerise Rooftop, which is both a fantastic cocktail lounge and nightclub. From here you get breathtaking views over the city skyline admist all the sky scrapers. With both a chic and trendy indoor lounge and a very stylish rooftop terrace, serving tasty bar bites and well-crafted cocktails, the best part about Cerise Rooftop is (apart from views) the fantastic atmosphere."

"Bars Hotel bars Loop. You'll get a bird's-eye view of the city from 26 floors above the ground at Virgin Hotels Chicago's sleek rooftop space, which has been transformed into a pop-up dining experience this summer. Executive chef Moosah Reaume offers dishes like heirloom tomato gazpacho and a double-patty burger to complement the cocktail menu."

"Cerise is the it-girl of hip and funky rooftop bars in Chi-town. From the never-ending events, killer views, world-class drinks and nonstop tunes that blare; it’s easy to see why Cerise is one of the best rooftop bars in Chicago. Functioning as part event venue part rooftop lounge, when Cerise is open through the summer, there’s always something on for you and your friends to enjoy."

"Sitting just a few blocks west of the Kimball Brown Line stop is a true neighborhood gem, worth the trip to the end of the line and a favorite for anyone within walking distance. Peking Mandarin is Korean-style Chinese, a fusion of Korean ingredients with Chinese dishes that is popular fare in Korea. Regulars come from all over Chicago seeking out spicy seafood noodles and sweet & sour pork, which amounts to comfort food for many Korean immigrants and anyone else who gets to taste it."

"Emperor's Choice is the premier restaurant for your takeout needs. They have classic favorites like General Tso's Chicken as well as more unique menu items like marinated jellyfish."

"(Primary Neighborhoods: Avondale, various events and locations, city and suburbs). Another food truck that demands to be tracked by culinary hunters is Dönermen(A döner is the vertical spit used for roasting meat). German street food is the concept behind this truck; or German by way of Turkey, as Turkish immigrants heavily influenced this mix of spiced meat, vegetables, and bread."

"American , Sandwiches"

"Known to many as QXY, this Chinatown mainstay is the dumpling authority of Chicago. Why we love it: When it comes to dumplings, we're of the mindset that more is always better. It's why we flock to QXY for the seemingly endless menu that details dozens of fillings that are sorted by protein—from pork and pickled cabbage to scallop and lotus root."

"The Chinatown restaurant won the Readers' Choice Award for Best Chinese Takeout. (E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune). “Before the pandemic, we were not really focused on takeout,” says Jesse Li, general manager at QXY Dumplings in Chinatown."

"This center dedicated to the famous artist is located in Jefferson Park, and with its bright mural you can’t miss it. You can check out an iPod at the front desk for a self-guided tour, or visit the first Thursday of the month at 2pm for a thirty-minute guided tour."