Mentioned by Thrillist
The 24 Most Essential Food Experiences in Chicago
"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."
"Restaurants American West Loop. Just like there's no need for an alarm on the weekends, there's no reason to be counting calories at brunch. This West Loop institution offers in-person and to-go dining for pigging out on stacked biscuit sandwiches, whitefish-topped bagels and pork schnitzel sandwiches."
"Executive Pastry Chef Erika Chan has a thing for ice cream sandwiches. These “Chan-wiches” are works of art, with rotating flavors of ice cream sandwiched between housemade cinnamon, chocolate spice, or chocolate nib cookies. Black walnut, Irish cream, and lemon gingersnap sandwiches have all been hits, but blueberry cheesecake is Chan’s personal favorite."
"Serving some of the city's best sushi, this warm, cozy room in West Town seems to encourage you to stay for hours, sipping sake and Japanese whisky. Start with appetizers like the chrunchy chicken karaage or the decadent roasted bone marrow served with ribeye tarare before moving on to sashimi, nagiri and maki selections. You'll find everything from bluefin tuna to Alaskan king crab on the menu, along with speciality items that can be accompanited by optional caviar supplements."
"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 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."
"Pick up some smoked salmon or fried shrimp at this old-school seafood shack that was a favorite of Anthony Bourdain's."
"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."
"Two chefs used their life savings to start this gourmet fast-food restaurant, with beer-battered burgers, fish tacos and combinations like foie gras with fries. Po' Boys include medium-rare ahi tuna, soft-shell crab and shrimp banh mi, but the fried pork belly with maple mayo is Guy's pick, described as "chicharrones meets pulled pork.". Watch the Video: Fish and Chips"
"BIG & little’s has been on the national radar since Food Network host Guy Fieri featured it on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” Fans come for its fish tacos and soft-shell crab po’ boys. While some items on the menu are a little pricier, quite a bit of the diner’s choices are $5 or less. Pro tip: Try the truffle fries!"
"A photo posted by Eater Chicago (@eater_chicago) on Jul 27, 2016 at 9:50am PDT. BIG & little's is Guy Fieri-approved, so you know it's good. Definitely go for one of their po' boy sandwiches (the softshell crab is EPIC) or any of the tacos, most of which range between $3-$5."
"King Crab House Chicago is another restaurant in the Chicago area that offers outstanding seafood options. King Crab House Chicago is a seafood staple and is one of the oldest crab houses in the area. Additionally, the restaurant has a diverse menu that will please any guest."
"This funky corner spot delivers dishes that are fast, filling and affordably priced. They’ve been featured on the Food Network favorite Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives and their well-lit interior and overstuffed menu means you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for in the best restaurants in Chicago. BIG & Littles | 1310 N."
"Must-Try: Japanese Beef Taco ($3.29) or Soft Shell Crab Po Boy ($7.99). The flavors are BIG and the prices are little at BIG and Little’s. This hole-in-the-wall turned multi-location across Chicago knows how to serve up tacos, burgers, po’boys, and sandwiches."
"Beyond Burgers & Fried Fish, this quick-serve spot was featured on Diners, Drive-ins & Dives & Chicago's Best along with multiply other TV appearances.Order Online for Pickup or Delivery @ bigandlittleschicago.com"
"Though not technically new, Chinatown classic Ken Kee has taken on new life from new ownership. Eater reports that Kenny Yang—owner of the popular local ramen chain Strings—has taken one of his favorite childhood restaurants under his wings and revitalized the space and the menu with a focus on Hong Kong cart noodles and other regional street food favorites. The menu, which had dwindled in recent years, is back to a robust state giving old fans new opportunities to keep coming back."
"The revival of a longrunning Chinatown favorite, overseen by Kenny Yang of Strings Ramen Shops. Why we love it: With decor and neon accents inspired by he streets and markets of 1950s Hong Kong, Ken Kee is like two restaurants in one. Order crab rangoon, assorted congee and beef brisket caasarole from the all-day menu, or opt for the Noodle Cart offerings (served from a dedicated kitchen)."
"The menu at Ken Kee's does have some familiar items, like pepper beef in black bean sauce and fruit smoothies. But what makes this restaurant stand out among the others in Chinatown is its unusual menu items. That might mean fried spaghetti and sliced lotus root, pork intestine and duck tongue, or duck chins and goose intestines."
"A groovy modern vibe permeates the dining room at Chi Café, with its colossal menu of budget-friendly selections, perfect for a deep culinary dive into Chinese food in Chicago at any time of the day or night — literally, the kitchen is open until 2:00 a.m. No need to go hungry when a midnight snack like this awaits you in one of the best restaurants in Chicago."
"Chi Cafe first commenced in 2008 positioned in the center of China Town Square. They are offering special snacks, soup, Chiu chow style rice soup, noodle roll & sticky rice, noodle soup, congee, house special and more. The restaurant takes pride on dishes and beverages served together that play delightfully in everyone’s tastebuds."