Mentioned by TouchBistro
The 25 Most Unique Restaurant Concepts in Chicago
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Since 1928, Calumet Fisheries has been smoking the tastiest fish on the South Side. Sitting above the banks of the Calumet River, the no frills shack has used the same natural wood-burning practices for over 60 years. There's no seating—except for the car or bicycle you rode up on—for the goods are usually consumed as soon as they're served."
"Calumet Fisheries gives customers a glimpse at a long-forgotten piece of Chicago on the city’s South Side, just seven minutes from the Indiana border and east of the Chicago Skyway. Enjoy precious smoked salmon, trout, and shrimp — the small smokehouse is right outside the restaurant. Each morsel is delicate and sweet."
"Restaurants Seafood River West/West Town. Seafood reigns supreme at this Latin-inspired restaurant near Goose Island, which features an open-air rooftop (called Cielo) overlooking the Chicago River. Get fancy with a seafood tower—stacked high with Alaskan king crab leg, lobster, jumbo shrimp and oysters—or the restaurant's “shot tree,” which arranges 12 artfully mixed shooters into a tree-shaped tower of liquor."
"A Latin-inspired seafood spot has arrived on Chicago's riverfront. Those familiar with the space—which formerly housed Estate—will recall scenic riverfront views and an abundance of outdoor dining areas. Seafood comes in all forms here—raw, fried, baked and grilled."
"Da Coach himself often shows up for wedge salads, Angus rib eyes, and banana cream pies at the manliest spot in the Gold Coast.L & D daily."
"From Business: Yummy Buffet is a Buffet Restaurant located in Chicago, IL. We offer Sushi, Chinese, Hibachi, All You Can Eat, Seafood, Catering, Carry Out, and Dessert!"
"Burnham Park stretches six miles along the shores of Lake Michigan's Oakland Shoal from 14th Street to 56th Street, covering just shy of 600 acres of waterfront. The large Burnham Harbor takes up the shoreline from the park's northern end to 22nd Street, well-protected by Northerly Island. Burnham Park starts at the southern end of Grant Park, and is home to numerous attractions including Soldier Field, home of The Chicago Bears."
"Burnham Park runs for 6 miles (9.7 km) along Chicago's lakefront from Grant Park in the north to Jackson Park in the south, through the neighborhoods of Near South, Douglas, Oakland, Kenwood and Hyde Park."
"Wright designed and built his first home in 1889, on the strength of a $5,000 loan from his then employer and mentor, seminal Chicago…"
"The Riverwalk is exactly what it sounds like: a pedestrian trail that stretches alongside the Chicago River. It’s 1.25 miles, so it doesn’t require a punishing amount of exercise, but it’s long enough to offer a wide range of events and activities for visitors of all types. Are you feeling peckish?"
"For a big city, Chicago has a surprising number of places dedicated to all things green. For example, the Lincoln Park Conservatory, on the shores of Lake Michigan, has a botanical garden teeming with ferns, tropical flowers, and palms."
"Lincoln Park Conservatory has been a beautiful getaway since the 1890s. Inside, you’ll find tropical palms, ancient ferns, and plenty of other exotic plants."
"So come here for the pancakes, but stay for the Gallagher flashbacks. Plus the friendly staff is awesome, and will instantly make you feel like a regular. View this post on Instagram"
"A post shared by elly’s (@ellysbrunchcafe) on Nov 18, 2019 at 5:02pm PST. Do not come here if you don’t plan on ordering the oven-baked pancakes. That’s not to say there’s no other reason to visit—it’s to say you’d have regrets for daaays."