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22 Perfect Restaurants & Bars in Chicago
"Sometimes first-timers visit Chicago and expect every meal to be meat-centric and heavy. And while the food at The Publican can be both of these things (this place is known as a pork and beer hall), the menu actually has a lot of seafood and vegetable options, too. More importantly, all of it is incredibly good."
"The Publican's focus on bringing a sense of delicacy to farmhouse fare shines through in each of its menus but brunch here is especially charming. You'll find plenty of sausage and other iterations of pork on the menu, but vegetarians will never leave hungry either."
"Traditional Japanese cuisine meets forward-thinking fare at this six-time Bib Gourmand award-winning restaurant, where two kitchens work together to offer eaters a comprehensive dining experience. For a front-row vantage point of the team’s handiwork, grab a seat at the sushi counter. It’s here where guests can watch as their plates are prepped, from tuna tartare with pickled Asian pear and black tobiko, to the beloved trio maki roll, complete with tuna, salmon, hamachi, cilantro, and chili oil."
"Description: Arami, which just reopened after a kitchen fire, is a great spot for both their sushi and hot dishes. Be sure to try the Maguro Spicy Sake under "Speciality Roll," which contains "tuna, torched spicy salmon, jalapeño, cilantro, avocado, ikura, fried shallots and yuzu.". #SpoonFunFact: The restaurant has earned Bib Gourmand designations from the Michelin Guide."
"Arami is an elegant restaurant with a unique modern design for its interior. Its bright and vibrant setting and delicious menu options are some of the reasons why the restaurant is always packed with hungry foodies. Arami is a gem on the Chicago Ave strip."
"Don't miss this James Beard-honored monument to smoked fish on the far South Side, in business since 1948. Get a paper bag of salmon, shrimp, or black cod and be prepared to eat in the car or on the sidewalk. View this post on Instagram"
"Chicago’s quintessential cash-only seafood smokehouse, located just north of the Indiana border. Why we love it: Remember the bridge-jumping scene in Blues Brothers?. It happened right next to Calumet Fisheries."
"Pick up some smoked salmon or fried shrimp at this old-school seafood shack that was a favorite of Anthony Bourdain's."
"Half Shell started their story when Danny, his daughters, Deborah and Candie, along with boy, Ali, functioned alongside establishing a loyal and dedicated restaurant. Their customers cherished the food, but also the warm and fun setting in the small, corner-street restaurant given. It became exactly what Danny always wanted: a family group of owners, employees, and clients who treasured to have pleasure, break bread, and also create fantastic memories."
"Half Shell Oyster Bar is a great restaurant in Chicago that prides itself on its no-frills approach to dining. Half Shell specializes in great seafood–without having to hide behind fancy techniques or ingredients. The restaurant is family owned and has been passed down through generations."
"McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks is located in the Loop on Wacker Drive within minutes of the Oriental Theater, the Chicago Theater, shopping, Millennium Park and some of the best hotels in Chicago. The restaurant offers some of the best seafood in the city featuring fresh seafood and shellfish, aged steaks, and garden-fresh salads. The menu features standard steak and seafood fare along with signature seafood items, a wide variety of classic drinks, trendy cocktails, wines, and beers."
"Restaurants Italian Streeterville. Nestled on the corner of Michigan Avenue and Oak Street, this Michelin-starred Italian restaurant is best known for its impeccable wine list and next-level dishes. But no one's complaining about the dining room's epic views either."
"Located within sister steakhouse Swift & Sons, Cold Storage aims its harpoon at seafood and its efforts result in towers of shellfish with oysters, scallop ceviche, clams, mussels, shrimp, and lobster. The space feels a bit like one of the old ice storage rooms that populated the Fulton Market neighborhood up to just a few decades ago. Chef Chris Pandel steers this light-filled ship that offers a compact yet nonetheless alluring menu."
"The dessert menu at Cold Storage is all about ice cream, served in the style of a classic ice cream parlor. “Part of the fun of Cold Storage is the nostalgia factor,” Pastry Chef Leigh Omilinsky says. “It’s really playful.” You can try to tackle the epic narwhal sundae with eight scoops of house-made ice creams and sorbets, or opt for one of Omilinsky’s new summer sundaes."
"Cold Storage is a unique Chicago seafood and raw bar brought to Chicagoans by BOKA Restaurant Group. Located on the ground floor of the Fulton Market Cold Storage Facility, the res..."
"The Field Museum of Natural History owes its existence to the World’s Fair that was held in Chicago in 1893. Originally designed as way to showcase exhibits from the Fair, the museum quickly evolved into a collection of natural history artifacts and exhibitions. The collection was moved to its current location in Grant Park in 1921 and is part of the Museum Campus."
"The Titanosaur Máximo greets you as soon as you step inside the Field Museum. Start by taking a selfie with the biggest creature to walk the Earth. Then continue your exploration by going through the museum galleries."
"Children under 3, K-12 teachers, and active-duty military are always free. Illinois residents are admitted free on select days throughout the year. Proof of residency is required."
"This new kid on the South Side block has officially stepped into recently-departed neighborhood institution Monnie Burke’s shoes as Pilsen’s latest Latin-inspired charmer. The patio is even more welcoming this time, a mass of exposed brick, soft lighting, and rustic exposed beams setting the tone while the poured cement floor radiates heat beneath diners’ feet. Food-wise, you’re looking at equally warm and cozy options like concha toast jazzed up with tres leches cream and strawberry-mezcal compote, nachos laced with cheddar and mango-braised beef, and steak and eggs topped with snappy chimichurri.How to order: Head to OpenTable for patio and indoor dining reservations or grab pick-up via Toast."
"Restaurants Mexican Lower West Side. Named after a bygone lumberyard in the area, Pilsen Yards replaces Monnie Burke's with a casual, music-fueled concept that specializes in tacos and other Mexican eats plus a long list of cocktails and beer. Guests can plan their visit around a jam-packed calendar of live DJs and art shows that promise to grace the space all year."
"What:An airy neighborhood hangout with a Mexican-ish menu and plenty of drinksWhy:Think piña colada ceviche, asada and frites, and $8 house margs.Where:1163 W. 18th St., Pilsen Website"
"Located in one of Chicago’s quieter neighborhoods, Ada Street is a stylish and contemporary restaurant that serves New American-Mediterranean cuisine in a refined and elegant setting. Owners Michael Kornick and David Morton provide guests with a menu of Mediterranean-inspired dishes such as pan-seared Arctic char, grilled baby octopus, and agave glazed lamb ribs. Ada Street also has an eclectic selection of handcrafted cocktails, local and imported brews and beers on tap, and fine red and white wines."
"Twinkly nights and a pretty patio are pretty much a slam dunk for any successful date night, and Ada Street delivers on it all. Sit outside and share small plates in a cute little courtyard if you can, but know that the inside offers a similarly pleasant experience."
"If you weren’t actively looking for this restaurant, you wouldn’t find it. But you should look for it, because the food is delicious and the cozy interior is the perfect escape on a winter night."
"Named for Marchesa Luisa Casati, an Italian muse and patron of the arts renowned for hosting parties teaming with interesting people, food, wine and song - this is your romantic sweet spot. The Main Salon is inspired by the Peggy Guggenheim Museum in Venice or dine in The Apartment modeled after a Parisian pied-a-terre. Start with European cheese and charcuterie, caviar service or medallions of foie gras for moments of sheer decadence."
"Restaurants French North Center. Robert et Fils sends us time-traveling into the depths of chef-owner Rob Shaner's childhood, when his late father's job took the family to Paris when Shaner was a teenager. In addition to falling in love with the food and culture, father and son (Bob and Rob) dropped their American names in favor of the more French-sounding Robert."
"Restaurants French Rush & Division. You didn't think this upscale French restaurant in the Gold Coast would skimp on desserts, did you?. At Margeaux Brasserie, the last course is a show, with options like a giant chocolate macaron stuffed with fresh raspberries and milk chocolate crémeux or the banana tarte tatin with warm citrus caramel that's poured tableside."
"Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing. Visit Margeaux brasserie and experience classic, French dining at its best. Nestled on the third floor of The Waldorf Astoria Chicago, this restaurant features an exotic menu filled with exquisite food devoted to retaining the classic French vibe while the bar is filled with a dynamic cocktail menu."