Mentioned by restaurantji.com
The Best American Restaurants in Chicago, IL
"The Publican has become a part of the fabric of Fulton Market highlighting farm-to-table fare long before it was a culinary catch-phrase. Among the first to open in the uncharted meatpacking district in 2008, its star has not dimmed. Driven by seasonality with menus shifting constantly, you can always count on some of the best bread in the city fresh from the restaurant's own bakery."
"The Publican has become a part of the fabric of Fulton Market highlighting farm-to-table fare long before it was a culinary catch-phrase. Among the first to open in the uncharted meatpacking district in 2008, its star has not dimmed and The Publican is now serving lunch, Monday - Friday from 11:30 a.m."
"You can be lulled into porky bliss by all the salty-sour-sausagey delights here, but don’t ignore the pristine oysters, clams, and crudo. If you are lucky, the soft-shell crab sandwich will show up as a special.L Mon–Sat (3:30–5:30 p.m.), D nightly."
"After recouping from a recent fire, Arami is back in business serving fine sashimi, nigiri, and maki, as well as tasty ramen, and other large and small plates. Presentation is not an afterthought here; each dish is beautifully plated. They recently received a Michelin Bib Gourmand nomination for the fifth year in a row."
"Always a contender for the top sushi spot in the city, Arami consistently presents what's surely among the best sushi in Chicago. Chef Nelson Vinansaca has garnered acclaim for his..."
"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."
"South DeeringThis humble Far South Side fish shack has been marinating and smoking their prime seafood over specially selected oak logs onsite since 1948 and, unlike pretty much everything else in this crazy world, precious little about their award-winning process has changed. The menu runs deep, of course, but the shrimp, tender and bursting with briny, meaty succulence, remains an absolute no-brainer.How to book: Stop by for counter service."
"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."
"The Albacore Tuna Melt is, without a doubt, a one-of-a-kind at the Franklin Room and it should be in your belly right now."
"Housed on the ground level of Eurostars Magnificent Mile in the busy River North neighborhood, Portsmith is a New England-inspired eatery serving memorable riffs on seafood classics - for example, the signature fish 'n' chips is made with Alaskan halibut (as opposed to cod). The $20 prix fixe lunch offers a choice of clam chowder or charred avocado; fish 'n' chips or seafood-enhanced salads; and petit fours. Add a bevy of seafood to any salad from Alaskan King crab to pan-seared halibut."
"Portsmith is another highly recommended seafood restaurant in Chicago. It is housed in a chic structure with nautical decor and if you visit in warm weather you can take advantage of the seasonal patio for dining. It’s a stylish restaurant that features an elevated seafood and raw bar fare."
"Aside from bearing the name behind one of Chicago’s legendary steakhouses, Gibson’s Bar and Steakhouse in Oak Brook boasts a beautiful outdoor patio landscape. Guests enjoy the waterfall that blocks out city noise and aligns nicely with the restaurant’s assortment of fresh seafood dishes."
"It is rare to find a restaurant solely serving brunch and happy hour, however, Hutch Bistro and its sister venue Hutch Café have this concept down to a science. Hutch Bistro opened in Lakeview in 2013, followed by Hutch Café opening in 2016 in River North. The menu at both focuses on American comfort food and cocktails, made with quality ingredients."
"They are a classic restaurant that is providing breakfast delivery services to guests everyday. You can still basically get their bottomless deal by ordering champagne, wine, or one of their cocktail kits."
"West LoopWhen this West Loop pioneer opened back in 2003, the elegant yet approachable eatery quickly made a name for itself thanks to sleek communal tables, a forward-thinking wine list, and, most importantly, the juiciest medjool date dish the Midwest had ever encountered. Plump dates undergo the full hog treatment here, plied with spiced chorizo sausage before being wrapped in a thick slab of bacon, fired until crisp and crackling, and doused in a warm piquillo pepper tomato sauce that practically demands a hunk of good, freshly baked bread. Don’t think, just order.How to book: Reserve via Tock or order take-out and delivery via DoorDash, GrubHub, and Caviar."
"While age doesn’t always guarantee quality, it is difficult to ignore one of Chicago’s oldest restaurants in Lou Mitchell’s. The restaurant has been serving up breakfasts and brunches for 98 years and will celebrate 100 years in the business in 2023. The family diner was started by ‘Uncle Lou’ back in 1923 specializing in breakfast, brunch, and lunch dishes before being handed down to his son Lou Mitchell."
"Opened by “Uncle” Lou Mitchell in 1923, this West Loop staple claims it’s cracked enough farm-fresh eggs over the years to wrap at least a few times around the world. Beyond the omelets, skillets and pancakes, the best part might be the complimentary homemade doughnut hole you get when you walk in. Oh, and women and children receive mini boxes of Milk Duds—don’t ask why, just smile and chew."
"Restaurants Cafés West Loop. Thinking of spending your Sunday morning at this classic Chicago diner?. Better check the weather: The line snakes out the door and onto Lou Mitchell Way well into the afternoon."
"Known for its limestone gatehouse and highly decorated columbarium niches, which are composed of photographs, artwork, flags, and other mementos of individuals whose ashes are stored there, this cemetery, established by Chicago's Czech community in 1877, also features storied mausoleums, stained glass images and a special dedication to Chicago Cubs fans. It's a quieter, welcome alternative to public parks that often draw rambunctious young children."
"Day 1: Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park, Chicago Athletic Club, Riverwalk, Flamingo Rum Club, Signature Room at the 95th Kick off your Chicago trip in the heart of the action, by wandering past the glittering storefronts lining North Michigan Avenue, AKA the Magnificent Mile. This 13-block stretch in the Loop area hosts more than 460 stores including luxury brands like Gucci, Burberry and Louis Vuitton, nearly 300 restaurants, and some of the city’s top hotels. Art aficionados will want to pop into LIK Fine Art Chicago, which displays incredible pieces from famed photographer Peter Lik."
"Michigan Ave. also referred to as the “Magnificent Mile” is the major shopping district of downtown Chicago. It has all sorts of stores such as UGG, Forever 21, Nike, H&M, Addidas, Marshalls, Zara, and more. The area surrounding the magnificent mile is filled with every restaurant under the sun, Italian restaurants, pizza shops, steakhouses, and any other type of restaurant you can think of."
"The Magnificent Mile is Chicago’s answer to 5th Avenue in New York. It’s a high-end shopping street surrounded by skyscrapers that leads straight into the heart of the business district. Start at the north end and head toward Millennium Park."
"Near West SideCelebrate social change and activism Jane Addams was the first American woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, and the Hull-House Museum celebrates the social change she and her colleagues made in this very space in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Addams founded the Hull House as a social settlement for changemakers. The work that came out of the house includes initiatives for immigrants and juveniles."
"Jane Addams was a remarkable person and a Nobel Peace Prize-winner. Step inside Chicago’s first settlement house and learn the story behind the social reformer. Jane Addams Hull-House Museum is featured in Living Landmarks of Chicago."
"The DuSable Museum of African American History in Chicago highlights African American history, culture, and art. Founded in 1961 as the Ebony Museum of Negro History and Art, the DuSable Museum today has a collection comprised of more than 13,000 different objects to include works by Langston Hughes, St. Clair Drake, and W.E.B. Du Bois."
"It was very informative with regards to the black soldiers during the war & their contributions. The DuSable Museum has jazz in the park and there was plenty of jazz lover’s there. The bands were fantastic and the weather was great."
"This museum features the “Freedom Now” mural, a wooden bas-relief depicting over 400-years of African-American history. Entry is free on Sunday."