Going out to eat should be an experience, something that you can make a night of. Small plates of gourmet dishes eaten amongst friends is the perfect reason to check out these tapas Chicago venues. Tapas Valencia Tapas Valencia is an award winning Spanish tapas venue...
While fun in concept, build-your-own burger places like Meatheads or Five Guys have always left me feeling a little let down. Either the toppings are good but the meat hovers around McDonald’s quality, or the toppings are pretty basic. Lincoln Park’s Butcher &...
The most fitting way to enjoy summer is to spend as much time as possible outside. These riverside restaurants make it easy to enjoy a variety of cuisine and a multitude of beverages. Whether you are on your lunch break, scouring for happy hour specials, have a hot...
The lifestyle choice of eating vegan is not always the easiest to commit to, especially if you find yourself eating out a lot. Fortunately, Chicago is a very vegan-promoting city, even amidst the sidewalk vendors and pizza parlors. There is an extensive list of...
*This list appears to be a constant work in progress, which is actually perfect! We have been contacted a couple times to have places added to this list. It is great to see that people are passionate about these types of restaurants and will take the time to make sure...
Eating breakfast pizza in Chicago does not have to mean cold deep dish from the night before or even ordering a deep dish before noon. Eating pizza for breakfast means that you’ll be taking in a deliciousness of ingredients that are reminiscent of a hearty,...
While America may have exported the bulk of its manufacturing jobs overseas, more and more restaurants are adopting the assembly line model such as Chipotle. One of the more recent additions is Mixed Greens, fast food restaurant focusing on organic and healthy salads,...
Taylor Street is well known as the Chicago Little Italy (also University Village); however, over the years it has expanded from only having Italian influence. Fortunately, in the midst of barbecue and Mexican restaurants, some of the best Italian restaurants in...
Forno Rosso owner, Nick Nitti spent a large part of his childhood in Italy where he fell in love with the simplistic pizza in Naples. That led him to attend culinary school in Italy, study Neapolitan pizza in Naples, and open Forno Rosso back near his home in...
Memorial Day in Chicago is the perfect time to kick off summer. The weather is typically on the up and up, the beaches are open and the parks are freshly green. If you find yourself hungry, thirsty or in need of some entertainment this Memorial Day weekend, these...
Mondays seem to be one of the most hated things that have ever existed. Rather than despised, they should be celebrated. Set the mood for the rest of the work week by going out and enjoying these Monday specials Chicago provides to its good patrons. From here on out...
Ravenswood’s Artango serves authentic South American cuisine, but it’s also a dance studio and something of an avant-garde art gallery– all packed in a hundred-year-old former factory. That certainly makes Artango one of the most unique dining experiences in the city....
Humana to present healthy mocktail challenge featuring WXRT DJ Mary Dixon and ‘Check, Please!’ host Catherine De Orio on July 9 Health and well-being company Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) will showcase its largest ever list of healthy food items through its signature Humana...
There is just something about dining at the food trucks in Chicago that makes this sidewalk dining experience so enjoyable. Maybe it’s a sense of rebellion against sit-down restaurants, maybe it’s quality fast-food service, maybe it’s taking advantage of the...
Let’s face it, whether it’s an early morning breakfast, or brunch after an evening out, there’s nothing more fun than hitting a great spot in Chicago for breakfast or brunch. With lots of great places to chose from, we compiled a list that we know...
Some days nothing kickstarts you like a hearty meal accompanied by a little champagne and orange juice. That means that one of the bottomless mimosas Chicago brunches is literally calling your name! There are a handful of solid options that will help you get your fix...
Chicago is a city known for its culinary diversity, but trying to experience it all can be overwhelming and expensive. Food tours offer a great way to experience the city, and there are a lot of them available throughout our great city. Guided tours will take you...
If you’ve got a taste for raw fish and the many ways it can be prepared, you may be interested to know which the top sushi places in Chicago are. Each has its own unique décor and personality. They’re about as different from each other as night from day, but Sushi...
It’s noon and time for lunch. You’ve really got a craving for Antique Taco, but there’s definitely not enough time to go to Wicker Park and back on your meager lunch break. I guess you’ll have to settle for Taco Bell again… If this is the sad existence you’ve led as a...
As if Restaurant Row wasn’t already a foodies dream come true, the West Loop’s dining scene continues to grow and expand beyond the confines of Randolph. Head just a little bit south of Randolph to 1045 W. Madison Street and you’ll find the Mad Boiler, a Cajun seafood...
Juicing is a great and easy way to obtain your daily intake of fruits and vegetables. Avoid the shops that load their drinks with sugar – the best juice bar Chicago offers can be found at any one of these locations. Juice Bar Chicago Guide: Vegetarian Express – $...
Chicago’s northwest side is rich in heritage and loaded with flavor. Many Jefferson Park restaurants embrace the Polish side of the community, but you can find quality cuisine from all nationalities in the area. With a true neighborhood feel, many of these restaurants...
Airports can sometimes feel more like a prison than a gateway to the world. Time spent between flights should be well used rather than abused. This list compiles some of the best O’Hare restaurants to spend your time, indulge in some food, and refresh with a drink....
I find myself walking around this glorious city more than I find myself in a vehicle. That is what made me realize that 2015 was going to be a focus on health and eating better. “With the New Year, comes the new me” I have been a pretty big condiment fan. I like my...
Chinese restaurants are gems hidden in plain view. Every once in awhile I get a craving so hard that I must go find some fluffy steamed rice, chicken, and soy sauce. When that utter desire hits you next, and only Chinese food can suppress the feeling, these ten...
Chicago Mexican breakfast options are a welcome change to the traditional fifteen stack of pancakes and twelve-egg omelets that are large enough that you could wrap yourself in it. The primary reason to crave south of the border before noon is chilaquiles. ‘What are...
There are a lot of secrets in the dining world, but one of the most well-kept secrets are culinary school restaurants. Since Chicago is a big dining town, there are many. If you are looking to have a Chicago fine dining experience on a budget, these places would fit...
The holidays are meant to bring everyone together– but not everyone fancies meeting in the kitchen. There are many choices for Christmas restaurants around Chicago, along with Christmas Eve choices. There is a chance that your favorite venue may be open, but here are...
The West Town area over the past couple years has truly become a hip place to hang out thanks to trendy shops and boutiques and great restaurants. The latter includes Unite Urban Grill, a sleek and chill neighborhood steakhouse concept. I was invited to stop on by the...
Grilled Cheese has come a long way since I was flipping them in a pan, or even worse, a microwave in my younger years. The big question may be, is grilled cheese really grilled cheese once you add vegetables and meat to it? The answer to that is yes, yes it is. The...
Farmers Market season is taking full swing. Produce is growing nicely and the sun is making its appearance more often to give you that much needed dosage of vitamin D and happiness. These markets provide you with a great alternative to supermarket shopping and their...
The Spirit of Italy is a group of Italian liquor producers made up of Amaro Lucano, Cocchi, Luxardo, Distillerie Moccia, Distilleria Nardini, Pallini, Toschi and Distilleria Varnelli. They feature a diverse selection of high quality Italian liquors, some of which have...
Father’s Day is the perfect reason to take your pops out to indulge in some food and drinks. Restaurants’all over Chicago are offering phenomenal specials. With such a wide variety of establishments, you should be able to lock down a restaurant that’s perfect...
Chicago has no shortage of breakfast and brunch options. Stumble out bleary-eyed on a Sunday morning and even the grease bucket on the corner is probably offering some fried egg hotdog nightmare’there are so many places to grab brunch that it’s easy to...
Chicago is a lot more than hot dogs and deep dish pizza, proof of which is the city’s growing love for Southern cooking and barbecue. Evidence of this is Carriage House, which serves modern low country Southern food to Wicker Park at 1700 W. Division Street. We...
Seeking out the best burger in Chicago can be an overwhelming task. You can scrounge through Yelp, ask your neighborhood shop keeper or start with these recommendations and see if you learn of anywhere else on your travels. The neighborhoods of Chicago that have the...
Sometimes in the morning nothing is more satisfying than a simple, quintessential breakfast. Nothing tends to fit the bill more perfectly than a plate of some of the best pancakes in Chicago– especially after an aggressive night. Yes– French toast is bomb and it...
Chicago’s rich with diversity, from activities to people to food. That is why whether you are visiting or a native, a Chicago Food Tour is a phenomenal idea. Not only might you learn of a few new places to indulge in, but you are also able to taste food from many...
Does a Texas-based taco concept have anything to offer Chicago? While Chicago may already have an insane number of incredible taquerias, Velvet Taco in the Gold Coast manages to offer something different with tacos influenced by world cuisine. Whether you’re a fan of...
Chicago was once known as one of the bacon capitals of the world. Back in the day, much of the pork in the U.S. of A. came from Chicago. Maybe that is one of the reasons that bacon bars exist in this land– a homage to the yesteryears. Or, maybe I need to stop being...
Our recent list of the best Chicago burgers was not without its share of controversy. After its publication, I was told I had to go over immediately to Cochon Volant and try their Le Cheeseburger Royale. Translated as “Flying Pig,” Cochon Volant recently opened in the...
Italian food is easily the most popular style for Chicago restaurants. With so many different options, it can be hard to choose. You’ll find everything from restaurants with modern, cutting-edge d’cor to small, quiet discoveries that feel straight out of...
The red Weber Grill has been a staple of American backyards since the 1950s, but you may not be aware that the iconic kettle was born right here in Chicago. In 1952, George Stephen Sr. was a part-owner of the Weber Metal Works in Chicago crafting marine buoys....
These Chicago food challenges are pretty intense. They evoke the feelings of excitement, jealousy, anxiousness, confidence, doubt, competitiveness. There is something uniquely satisfying about being able to finish a dish that was created with the notion in mind that...
Chicago’s craft beer explosion is showing no signs of slowing down with more and more breweries opening every month. The days when Goose Island was nearly the only game in town are easy to remember, but in just a few years it’s nearly impossible to keep...
Each year StarChefs, an online and paper magazine, visits four cities in the United States in order to recognize the hottest chefs and restaurateurs. Back for the first time since 2011, StarChefs held a Rising Stars awards ceremony and tasting on May 8, 2015 at the...
Sometimes being unrestricted is much needed. The buffets in Chicago aim to lift limitations and let you choose your own boundaries. Buffets do not always have to be traditional style, as you will see, some of the buffets in Chicago are quite exquisite with their...
As with many things in Chicago– people have very strong opinions about their favorite teams, music and food. Italian beef has become a staple in Chicago. I still remember my first– it was homemade and completely soaked through the bun with all of the hot goodness...
Not much is more satisfying than indulging in the best ice cream in Chicago on a hot, muggy day. From traditional ice cream, to thick custard, frozen yogurt, sherbet, and even Italian ice.. Chicago provides it all. Best Ice Cream In Chicago Jeni s Splendid Ice...
Perhaps one of the only things that competes with ice cream on a hot summer day is a large glass, or pitcher, of margaritas! For exquisite margaritas Chicago offers a great variety of quality options. Best Margaritas Chicago Provides: Las Palmas – Mexican / Latin...
