Mentioned by Spoon University
The 25 Best Restaurants in Chicago, According to a Local
"An homage to oysters, pork, and beer, The Publican’s eclectic menu is inspired by simple farmhouse fare in a space evocative of a European beer hall.” While The Publican is chiefly a seafood and pork restaurant offering hand-selected and sustainably raised fish, the rustic West Loop spot also offers a charming brunch with various meat and vegetarian options. More information can be found here."
"Arami‘s cuisine can be something of classic ingredients and forwards thinking procedure, having a focus on quality and freshness. Representing the civilization and maintenance drawn in Western cuisine, Arami prides itself on attracting enjoyment and art. In Arami’s entry is really a torii gate, conventional in Japan to indicate a transition, originally found out shrines."
"Arami is the rare Japanese restaurant that offers a wide ranging menu, yet somehow, expertly maintains the quality of their food. There are sushi, ramen and even robata (charcoal) grilled items on the menu to choose from. Thanks to having two executive chefs, Arami is able to focus both sushi and hot food from the kitchen."
"And none of us would exhibit our robust appetite full-on while a potential lover is across the table. Arami is the perfect eatery where the nigiri and sashimi are as good as it gets. The menu at Arami is far from fancy, but the food is authentic."
"South DeeringWhat you’re getting: Smoked or fried shrimpThis family-owned smoke shack fed hungry day laborers of Chicago’s once-thriving steel industry, and a trip down to the historic waterfront today still offers the quintessential seafood eating experience in a paper bag. The little white box at the base of The Blues Brothers bridge churns out fried and oak-smoked shrimp, salmon, trout, catfish, and sable -- all of which you can eat while gazing out at the river barges from the hood of your car."
"Calumet Fisheries is seafood that offers a barebones approach to serving some of the best-fried seafood platters in town. They are among the few who still use a smoker and the seafood is fresh and smoked on-site with natural wood in their smokehouses. There are no artificial flavors used and the smoked fish has first been marinated in brine overnight then smoked with special oak logs."
"Tacos Tequilas is a new spot to enjoy some excellent tacos and other Mexican dishes. It was created by two long time residents, Jorge Manzano and Jorge Pizana. Located in the northeastern neighborhood of Avondale, this is a good place to stop and get some late-evening grub."
"Although fairly new to the North Shore, this downtown Evanston spot has quickly become a favorite. We love their Pan-Fried Chicken and Cabbage Potstickers and the Spicy Beef Noodle Soup, but I also encourage you to look in the “Shang’s Authentic Flavors” section, where you’ll find the Sichuan Fish Casserole (sea bass and napa cabbage in a Sichuan peppercorn broth), Tomato Stir-Fried with Egg (real comfort food!), and Northern-Style Peking Pork Chop with Sweet & Sour Glaze."
"Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is a seafood chain restaurant that is known for being family-friendly while offering a choice of tasty seafood menu items along with American fare. Seafood lovers and those who are not can dine together and both be satisfied at this versatile restaurant. It offers a fishing boat themed setting that appeals to both young and old."
"An alternative to Lincoln Park is Chicago Zoological Society's Brookfield Zoo, located in the nearby western suburb of (you guessed it) Brookfield. Brookfield Zoo is spread out over 200 acres and offers larger, cage-less exhibits such as Tropic World, a massive indoor habitat with three distinct environments, filled with primates from around the globe. 1st Avenue and 31st Street, Brookfield, Ill., 708-688-8000."
"Brookfield, IL—25 minutes from The Loop Opened in 1934, this 216-acre park is home to more than 2,300 animals of 450 species. In 2021, the zoo welcomed a pair of new lions, brothers Brutus and Titus, who are easily visible near the north side of the zoo. The Dinos Everywhere exhibit features more than 40 animatronic dinosaurs, showing kids what these giants may have been like millions of years ago."
"Lincoln Park Zoo is a renowned 35-acre zoo in Lincoln Park and a hotspot for tourists. It’s the zoo’s pavilion, designed to provide shelter for open-air on-site classes, that offers such a fantastically picturesque snap. With the design drawing inspiration from the appearance of a tortoise’s shell, the stunning curved wooden pavilion elegantly frames the Chicago skyline."
"The Helen Brach Primate House is yet another extension of the Lincoln Park Zoo and is home to primates of varying shapes, sizes and colour. The area is made in a way to imitate the natural habitat for the primates to make them feel safe and familiar at the place that they are residing in. It was opened back in 1927 which finally underwent an extensive renovation in the year 1992."
"The intimate, Michelin-starred restaurant grows its own herbs and produce in a basement hydroponic garden, using water mixed with a mineral nutrient solution, instead of soil. In addition to the basement garden, each of the custom-made wood tables in their 20-seat Chicago restaurant has its own miniature garden built right in. This allows servers to garnish dishes tableside so your meal truly is garden-fresh."
"Restaurants Contemporary American River West/West Town. The first thing you'll notice about Temporis is the noise level—or lack thereof. Even when it's filled to capacity, the handsome 20-seat dining room maintains a hushed tone."
"This upscale spot is now offering food for carryout and delivery. You can get a dinner for two (with dishes like short rib with jasmine fried rice and an arugula salad) or order a la carte."
"Restaurants Contemporary American Lincoln Square. Chicago has a few far-flung places where chefs have carved out personal enclaves for high-level fine dining. But perhaps none were born with the maturity and finesse of this 34-seat, off-the-beaten-path BYOB from husband and wife Chris and Nina Nugent."
"Be fast to sample some of the amazing signatures dished prepared by a highly skilled gourmet chef. Select one of the sophisticated meals from the food menu and don’t forget to check out the amazing beverage menu filled with thirst-quenching drinks and wine collection selected from the best boutique wine, the perfect food accompaniment. Reserve a table and come and experience the true meaning of fine dining."