The Best Places to Eat in Chicago

Anybody who ventures to Chicago, Illinois better bring a big appetite with them. As one of the largest cities in the American Midwest, Chicago has cultivated a well-earned reputation for their eclectic cuisine and extensive lineup of restaurants. From authentic deep-dish pizza to Chicago-style hot dogs (sans ketchup, of course), here are some of the finest restaurants we recommend eating at in Illinois’s Windy City.

Portillo’s

Any trip to Chicago is incomplete without the unique experience of tucking into a world-famous Chicago hot dog. While many places might claim to have the best hot dog in the city, our money is on Portillo’s – the creme de la creme of all-beef Vienna frankfurters. Piled high with yellow mustard, green relish, diced onions, savory peppers, tomato wedges, celery salt, and a dill pickle spear, we guarantee it’s the best glizzy you’ll ever eat, bar none.

Lou Malnati’s

Most people might instantly think of hot dogs whenever they’re encouraged to think about Chicago, but it’s also worth remembering the numerous other specialty dishes closely tied to the city. In particular, Chicago deep-dish pizza has since earned a larger place in the American culinary dialectic, with Lou Malnati’s specifically serving the best deep-dish pie in the city. (Just be sure to let it cool before taking a Cookie Monster-sized bite of it – a mistake we’ve made too many times to count.)

Au Cheval

Au Cheval is all about presenting age-old American dishes in a more glamorous, contemporary light. Though its menu might focus more on drinks and alcoholic libations than it does food alone, Au Cheval nevertheless features a memorable lineup of plates and dinners straight from your grandma’s cookbook, including honey-fried chicken, blueberry muffins, and towering burgers and fried bologna sandwiches.

The Purple Pig

The fact that The Purple Pig’s menus are subject to daily changes should tell you all you need to know about this lauded Mediterranean institution. With fresh ingredients flowing in and out of its restaurant doors on a continuous basis, virtually every dish at The Purple Pig is worth trying at least once, whether you choose to go with the classic Greek salad, charcuterie board, or dinosaur-sized pork shank.

The Berghoff Restaurant

Like any major American city, Chicago boasts a diverse lineup of regional restaurants, from French and Italian to Mexican and Japanese. At the Berghoff, said specialty cuisine takes the form of good old-fashioned German cooking. Whether you’re in the mood for potato pancakes, potato pierogies, or sausage links straight out of a ‘30s Disney cartoon, Berghoff is sure to leave you packed to the brim with its oversized Germanic dishes.

Avec Restaurant

At Avec, the cozier presentation of Midwestern cuisine takes on the flavorful undertones of Mediterranean-style cooking. Bringing the sunny southern coasts of Europe to the wind-swept streets of Chicago, Avec has every signature dish you’d expect from an upscale Mediterranean restaurant, including hummus, house-marinated olives, and a rotisserie chicken shawarma that will leave you in rapturous tears of joy.

Girl & the Goat

Opening its doors in 2010, Girl & the Goat has quickly become one of the most talked-about eateries on Chicago’s Restaurant Row. With a flavorful menu that boasts a distinctly international flair, even the pickiest eater will find something to love at Girl & the Goat, from spicy chili crab noodles to a hearty goat liver mousse (trust us, it’s way better than it sounds).

River Roast

According to River Roast’s website, this highly popular restaurant serves as an infusion between American and British cuisine, ushering in a number of unique Anglo-American-inspired combinations. In addition to traditional American fare like burgers, fried chicken, and shrimp and crab toast, diners will find more down-to-earth menu items straight from across the pond, including an applewood-smoked roast chicken that’s simply out of this world.

Al’s Italian Beef

Sure, most people associate Chicago with their devilishly delicious hot dogs. But it’s also worth pointing out the city’s various other specialty sandwiches, including the Italian beef sandwich found at Al’s. A local favorite dating back to 1938, Al’s Italian Beef gives the hot dog a run for its money in terms of its pure delectable flavor, dazzling diners with its simple but delicious combination of sliced roast beef, peppers, and au jus.

Garrett Popcorn

Stumbling into O’Hare International Airport fresh off a three-hour flight, you’ll instantly notice the scent of freshly popped popcorn hanging in the air – a scent emanating straight from the crackling kettles of Garrett Popcorn. With locations spanning all over Chicago, Garrett Popcorn remains the tastiest treat for anyone looking for a quick and easy snack. Can’t decide whether you want savory or sweet? Why not get both, with the Garrett Mix containing a half-and-half blend between CaramelCrisp and CheeseCorn flavors.