by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Reviews, West Loop
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...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Drinks, Chicago Eats, Events, Holiday Specials
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...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Top 10 Restaurants
This is a city of fierce competition. For a Chicago new restaurant to stand out above other new venues, as well as match or surpass well-established names, is a feat of its own. There were many openings last year, but these 15 restaurants have broken through the mold...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Top 10 Restaurants
Chicago is known for its incredible food, but that recognition doesn’t just come from the Windy City’s many fine dining establishments. In fact, some of Chicago’s most memorable food can be found at locally owned and operated hot dog stands. For the perfect lunch or...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Neighborhoods, Top 10 Restaurants
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...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Lakeview, Reviews, Uptown
You’ve been hitting up the bars for a bit and have a solid buzz going. You’re thinking about calling it a night, but ready for one last stop and there’s got to be food. Pulling up Yelp, there’s not a lot options other than super greasy, but you’re looking for...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Entertainment, Events
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...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Reviews, River North
The battle between deep dish and NY style pizza will likely rage on till the end of time, but there’s one thing you’ve got to give to New York City: you can grab a quality slice pretty much anywhere. In Chicago, it takes a little more effort to get an easy pizza fix....
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Top 10 Restaurants
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...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Restaurants, Reviews
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....
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Lakeview, Restaurants, Reviews
Chicagoans love brunch so much that more and more restaurants decide to get into the brunch game. However, the results can often be kind of surreal when you wind up at the local dive that’s trying their hardest to deliver an extravagant Lobster Eggs Benedict in the...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, The Lists, Top 10 Restaurants
Orson Welles once drunkenly stumbled through a television commercial extolling the virtues of Paul Masson’s California champagne inspired by the same excellence that goes into crafting French champagne. Likewise, Chicago may not be Paris, but there are still...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Lakeview, Reviews
Flagship, to many, may seem like just another typical sports bar. Upon first glance, I wouldn’t argue with you. However, being that sports games were flooding the copious amount of screens throughout the venue and my table didn’t pay attention to any of them one bit–...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Reviews, The Loop
Caffè RoM is an Italian-style coffee shop with three locations in downtown Chicago: Prudential Plaza, the Hyatt Center, and River East. They specialize in Fair Trade coffee creations, gourmet Panini sandwiches, and freshly made gelato. The River East location is the...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Top 10 Restaurants
Finding a place to eat late at night can sometimes be a struggle. With a growling stomach, all you really want is some food and your bed. These are some of the best late night restaurants Chicago stumbles to; the diverse offerings should please anyone. Five Faces Ice...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Reviews
In 1975, following two years of success running a Loop luncheonette, Alex Dana took over a Little Italy Men’s Supper Club, reopening as Bocciola della Rosa. Soon rechristened in English as Rosebud, the restaurant became incredibly popular with locals, visiting...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Holiday Specials
Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful although, it’d be a shame if we were only thankful once a year. For some of us, we may be thankful for the new opportunities that opened up over the passed year others may be thankful for the time that they can spend with family....
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Drinks, Chicago Eats, Reviews
As I approached Tradition, I thought to myself ‘oh no, not another sports bar.’ Not that there’s anything wrong about sports bars, but they can be very similar: sports memorabilia, dozens of flat screens, and pretty good burgers. Fortunately,...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Top 10 Restaurants
When you think about Chicago food, it s typical for the mind to conjure images of deep-dish (and thin crust) pizzas, hotdogs, and all ranges of Italian fare probably not barbeque. But believe it or not Chicago is knee-deep in a full out Barbeque renaissance these...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Drinks, Chicago Eats, Top 10 Bars, Top 10 Restaurants
Going out for a night on the town is what most people look forward to all week. The only thing better than that is a night out above the town! Chicago’s summer weather should be enjoyed to the fullest while it is around. Outdoor seating with a skyline view can really...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Holiday Specials
Easter in Chicago is a phenomenal time of the year. Not only is the weather warming, but there are also an abundant amount of restaurants in Chicago and the surrounding area offering food and drink specials to warm you on the inside. Have a relaxing brunch with...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Entertainment, Events, General Information
While eating out and exploring the extensive amounts of phenomenal restaurants in Chicago is insanely enjoyable– there is perhaps a better way to try new cuisine; cook it for yourself. There are a good amount of options for cooking classes in Chicago. They range from...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Drinks, Chicago Eats, Entertainment, Reviews
Wandering through the boutiques that make up LuxeHome (website), on the first floor of Chicago’s Merchandise Mart, you didn’t know what you’d find. Tucked away in model bathrooms, kitchens with Wi-Fi ready refrigerators, and next to paint...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Top 10 Bars, Top 10 Restaurants
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...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Restaurants, Reviews, The Loop
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...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Jefferson Park, Top 10 Restaurants
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...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Top 10 Restaurants
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...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Reviews, Wrigleyville
The idea of going to a Wrigleyville bar could either be the greatest or worst thing every depending on who you are. If that is your scene, there’s certainly no shortage of places to choose from to watch the game, grab some lunch, or have a boozy weekend. Located just...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Gold Coast, Reviews
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...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Top 10 Restaurants
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...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Reviews
Chicago’s Albany Park is one of the most diverse areas in the city, if not the entire country. About half of the population of the neighborhood is made up of foreign-born immigrants from Mexico, Guatemala, Korean, Yugoslavia, Somalia, and many, many more...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Reviews, Roscoe Village
Have you ever wanted to go out and watch the game without having to eat the same old sports bar food? Sports bars are a dime a dozen in Chicago, but the Commonwealth Tavern (2000 Roscoe Street in Roscoe Village) stands out from the pack by merging your favorite bar...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Events
The Roscoe Village Burger Fest is just one more reason to love summer in Chicago. Not only does it give you a reason to hangout in this eclectic neighborhood– but you are able to indulge in some of the best burgers in town prepared by some of the best restaurants in...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Reviews
Earlier this summer, the Chicago Traveler visited CHOP just before it opened to serve shoppers and residents of the Roosevelt Collection. This time around we visited CHOP owner Jovanis Bouargoub’s original restaurant concept: Porkchop. Porkchop serves a variety of...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Top 10 Restaurants
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...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Top 10 Restaurants
This is a sign– a sign of everything great to come the next handful of months. Sitting outside on a patio just makes food taste better and beer more refreshing. While a few locations are still a few weeks out from opening, others have embraced the weather and opened...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Events, Suburbs
Typically, when you want to indulge in some tasty food trucks you have to run all over Chicago. It’s like a giant scavenger hunt. Truckin’ Around has changed that. No more must you run amuck through the street looking for that late night treat. Actually, that is a...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Top 10 Restaurants
Chicago is known for its famous pizza creations; because of this there are extensive amounts of options. There really is no time to give to eating bad pizza when there are some many taste bud exploding options out there! Follow this list and you will experience some...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Top 10 Restaurants
Chicago vegetarian restaurants offer many forms of cuisine– from takes on meat dishes to full blown Mexican food and so much more in-between. Being a vegetarian doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor and only eating celery– which seems to be a common misconception. In fact,...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Reviews, Wicker Park
During a recent trip to New York City, I walked by multiple meatball-focused restaurants and now Mondo Meatball has come to Chicago’s Wicker Park. Are we in the midst of a meatball revolution? These are not just your classic Italian meatballs, either. Mondo...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, General Information
I most certainly would not consider myself to be a master when it comes to grilling– but I do know a thing or two about cooking in the kitchen. This easily translates to cooking on the grill. Essentially everything that you can fry or bake can also be grilled– even...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Drinks, Chicago Eats, Reviews, River North
Open since 2012, Municipal Bar + Dining Co is a sports bar and restaurant located in Chicago’s River North, not far from Merchandise Mart. While the area already has its share of sports bars, Municipal is a bit more upscale than its rivals, quite spacious, and does...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Top 10 Restaurants
Known for some of the finest establishments when it comes to dining out, Chicago is one of the best restaurant cities in the world. Some may say Chicago’s claim to fame is the deep-dish pizza, but make no mistake, when it comes to steak, the Windy City knows how...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Reviews, Wicker Park
5411 Empanadas is one of the fastest growing restaurant groups in the city. Named after the international dialing code for Buenos Aires, the group first opened in 2009 with a quality product and making deliveries to local Chicago businesses. That led to an incredibly...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Drinks, Chicago Eats, Events
Super Bowl is always a bittersweet event. The entirety of a season’s battles, trash talking and celebrations come down to this very day. It can be joyous, even if your team isn’t in the running for World Champions. It’s the perfect day for camaraderie. On the flip...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Reviews, Suburbs
I found myself in Naperville on perhaps the most sacred day of the week– Taco Tuesday. With no lunch plans, my own two feet for transportation, a craving for tacos and wide eyes– I spotted the On The Border Naperville location just down the road. This Tex-Mex...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Reviews
An egg sandwich at brunch can be a wonderful thing; however, when you’re in the rush before work it always seems like your only option is to run into McDonalds or Starbucks. Eastman Egg Company is out to change that. They started with the idea that you can get an...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Logan Square, Reviews
Gentrification has drastically transformed Logan Square in the last few years from a primarily Latino neighborhood to hipster paradise with both positive and negative results. For all the cool bookstores like Uncharted and great restaurants like Lula Caf and Longman...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Reviews, River North
Chicago has been taken over by a fever for Japanese ramen noodles. Within walking distance from my apartment alone, I can think of four places I could go for noodles. Jakarta, Indonesia-based Imperial Lamian, a restaurant group with more than 20 locations, picked...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Top 10 Restaurants
Spending an evening dining out is an enjoyable way to pass the time – especially when in good company. On top of food prices, alcohol can quickly make the bill escalate. Fortunately there are numerous BYOB Chicago restaurants to choose from. Being able to indulge in...
