Random Chicago question for ya: What are your top three restaurant recommendations?
Oh, Nonny. Strap in. You’re in for a ride.
I saw your question this morning and knew I’d have to sit down and really think about it. I thought I’d give you maybe five places I loved because I knew I couldn’t hold myself to just three. Well, you’re getting 18 recommendations and four places I suggest you skip.
A word of warning: I’m a North Sider who lived on the near West Side for years, so most of these places are located in those areas. There are a ton of great places on the South Side (seriously check out Hyde Park - it’s a mecca of great food and culture) that I like, but I haven’t been to often enough to call my favorites. They’re absolutely worth exploring though. Start with Jolly Pumpkin and branch out from Harper Court.
So I guess that means you’re getting 19 recommendations and four skips. Please feel free to reach out and ask me if you have any more questions.
Personal Favorites:
Cafe Iberico - Super authentic Spanish tapas at a great price. There are lots of good tapas places in Chicago, but this is the best.
Folklore - Small Argentine place with great cocktails near my old neighborhood.
West Town Bakery & Diner - This was my favorite brunch place in our old neighborhood. Had to get up early to make sure we got seats, but damn was it worth it.
Bar Eats:
Fatpour Tap Works - Another burger joint that happens to make awesome salads and has an insane selection of beers on tap.
Cleos Bar and Grill - Great place to watch soccer and get a personal pizza at all hours. Definitely a neighborhood kind of place. The Bloody Mary here is trouble. Sometimes in a good way, sometimes in a bad way, but there’ always a good story attached.
Owen & Engine - Best burger in Chicago in an English-style pub. I’m not even kidding. And the rest of the food is great, too. Added bonus? They’re right down the street from Maplewood Brewing.
Brewery Restaurants:
Old Irving Brewing - Hands down some of the best burgers and beers on the northwest side of the city. If I ever leave Chicago, this place will be a must-visit for me. I spend way more money here than I should.
Lagunitas - Yes, I know they’re a California brewery, but they’ve done so much for Douglas Park, they’re honorary Chicagoans. The facility is huge and a lot of fun to just look at (plus they get bonus points for a trippy Willy Wonka theme right as you walk in), and the food is good.
District Brew Yards - Four breweries that allow you to pour your own beer and delicious, delicious Lillie’s Q’s BBQ. It’s a win-win.
Holes-in-the-Wall:
La Pasadita - My personal favorite taqueria, but there a lot of them in Chicago. The fact that it’s right off the Division Blue Line is just an added bonus.
Mario’s Italian Lemonade - Best. Italian. Ice. In. The. City. Don’t try me on this, just go yourself if you get a chance over the summer.
Original Maxwell Street Polish (3801 W. Harrison) - The smell of sauteed onions and kielbasa will tell you that you’re in the right place. Be prepared to sit on the curb or the hood of your car though. You walk up to this joint, order at the window, then chill on the street with the rest of your new best friends as you finish your meal.
Bars:
Queen Mary Tavern - Best cocktails, hands down. Everyone talks about Violet Hour since it’s right under the Damen Blue Line, but this place is a better find. There are some mainstays (the Navy Strength Old Fashioned is godly), but they rotate the menu out with the seasons. Add in Tuesday movie nights with free popcorn and movie-themed cocktails, and you have my heart.
Innertown Pub - This is a typical Chicago bar in what was once clearly someone’s living room. It’s cash only and definitely a local find that’s worth a stop.
Matchbox - Teeny tiny bar that looks totally unassuming but is a brilliant find. Best pisco sour I’ve ever had in the city.
Typical Chicago:
Johnnie’s Beef - Technically not Chicago (it’s in Elmwood Park), but definitely the best Italian beef in the area. Even Alton Brown said so. (Get it dipped if you’re not a coward.)
Fatso’s Last Stand - Greasy, terrible-yet-delicious late-night food and some of the best fried shrimp you could ask for. It’s pretty much everything you want in a Chicago red hot (hot dog) stand without the tamales. (Yeah, our red hot stands sell tamales. It’s a Chicago quirk I wouldn’t give up for the world.)
Tortorice’s Pizza - In my opinion, the best non-chain deep dish (and tavern-style!) you could ask for. I love Lou Malnati’s, but this place is better.
Skip:
These places are good in their own right but are definitely overhyped. If you want to stop by, go for it, but there are better, less crowded places out there.
Pequod’s - The pizza is good, but the caramlized crust is overblown and not worth the wait. Other places do the same thing for a more reasonable price and wait time.
Weiner’s Circle - It’s fun to go to late at night, but a Chicago style hot dog is a Chicago style hot dog no matter where you go. Skip the line and price hike by going further away from Wrigleyville. I’d suggest Jimmy’s Red Hots on Grand.
Al’s Beef - Their gravy is terrible (no flavor) and they’re assholes. Like, super racist POSes at the original location. If you’re going to the one on Taylor Street, skip them and go get yourself an Italian ice across the street at Mario’s instead. You’ll thank me.
Kuma’s Corner - Years ago everyone lost their collective shit over Kuma’s Corner and their burgers. Honestly… They’re meh. I feel like the crazy toppings are covering up for sub-par burgers. They’re okay, but go to Owen & Engine, Old Irving Brewing, or Fatpour if you want a great burger with fewer hoops to jump through.
