by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Drinks, Chicago Eats, Entertainment, Events, Holiday Specials
Holidays in the city are nothing short of pure entertainment’ that of course includes a Chicago 4th of July weekend! Celebrate this grand country’s independence at any (or all) of these locations around Chicago. Whether you are looking to eat and drink inside or...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Top 10 Restaurants
Sandwiches are the quintessential lunch food. They were designed to be eaten on the go, and while that still may be the case, there are some sandwich shoppes in Chicago’s Loop that will make you want to sit down and indulge in each and every bite. There are varieties...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Lakeview, Reviews
Located in Lakeview’s Southport Corridor, Southport & Irving (SIP) is a classy yet relaxed cocktail bar and restaurant taking inspiration from the days of speakeasies and jazz clubs giving it the feeling it’s been around since the days of Capone and Machine Gun...
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, 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, 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, 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 | Breweries, Chicago Drinks, Chicago Eats, Lincoln Square
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...
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, News, Oak Park
Marion Street Market, located at 100 South Marion St., has been a culinary staple in the Oak Park community since 2008. The restaurant closed on New Year’s Day and reopened today, March 7, boasting a new social atmosphere with tasting tables, grab-and-go items and...
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, Gold Coast, Reviews
As I’m sitting here reminiscing about my last visit to L’Appetito, which a friend of mine highly recommended, I find myself mowing down a sandwich that I just just whipped together in my kitchen. I’ve always had a deep appreciation for a simple, yet satisfying...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Reviews, South Loop
Chop Steakhouse is the First Restaurant at the South Loop’s Roosevelt Collection •Chop Steakhouse Opened July 15, 2015• The Roosevelt Collection is a combination of newer high-end apartments in the South Loop, along with a large shopping area. Despite the gorgeous...
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, Lakeview, Reviews
The last time I was at the Stretch, I was in pursuit of their award-winning Cortland Street Burger and walked away with a very happy stomach. I made a return trip to the Wrigleyville sports bar and grille to sample their new spring menu—launching March 12—created by...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Naperville, Reviews, Suburbs
Whenever I find myself in Naperville, Jackson Avenue Pub seems to be my go to spot (followed by Quigley’s Irish Pub). The atmosphere is pretty low-key and their food is spot on– especially if you have burgers on your mind. Atmosphere The interior of Jackson Avenue Pub...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Holiday Specials
Celebrating Cinco de Mayo in Chicago typically brings thoughts of satisfying tacos and gulping down margaritas, which is a great start. In addition to the traditional celebration dishes that many of us are accustom to, you can also indulge in American cuisine that has...
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 Bars, Top 10 Restaurants
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...
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, 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, Lincoln Park, Reviews
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 &...
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 Eats, Events
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...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Reviews, River North
Since opening in March 2014, Ukrainian Village’s Leghorn Chicken has become a favorite of hipsters, neighborhood residents, and Chicago’s fried chicken enthusiasts. They boldly positioned themselves as the anti-Chik-fil-A with Sunday hours, branded condoms, and...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Top 10 Restaurants
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...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Holiday Specials, Top 10 Restaurants
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...
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, Reviews
I found myself wandering the streets of Chicago one evening. I was aimlessly walking around snapping photos when the slight growl of my stomach made me realize that I had yet to eat anything that day. I made a couple phone calls to get recommendations from friends,...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Logan Square, Reviews
Burgers are one of America’s favorite comfort foods. Many of us have fond memories of going to the local burger joint with our parents and friends and enjoying some greasy goodness. For a lot of Chicago’s Southside residents, that burger joint was Grant’s Wonderburger...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Events, Holiday Specials, Top 10 Restaurants
St.Patrick’s Day in Chicago is kind of a big deal. The city turns into one giant party and the river turns green. With a rich history of Ireland embedded into the city– everyone can feel a little Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. Even though the actual holiday isn’t until...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Top 10 Restaurants
Poutine Chicago options are beginning to expand, from the traditional ways that originated in Canada, to some of the most exquisite ways that you could ever imagine eating fries, cheese-curds, and gravy. When eggs, brisket, pulled pork, or even prime rib are added...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Restaurants, Reviews, River North
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....
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Restaurants, Reviews, West Town
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...
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, 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, 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
It seems like, more often than not, when I go out for the night with a group, we end up starting dinner with a heaping plate of nachos. They really are the perfect way to feed a small army if you aren’t counting your calories. That is why we set out to find the best...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Top 10 Restaurants
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 – $...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Reviews, Wicker Park
Division Street in Wicker Park is rich in bar food, but if you just want a quick bite on your way home from work your options are pretty limited and pretty greasy. Thankfully, there’s MAK: Modern Asian Kitchen. MAK is a fast casual, counter-service restaurant...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Events, Lincoln Park
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...
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, 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
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...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Restaurants, Reviews, West Loop
Part of the Fifty/50 Group— and located right next door to sibling restaurants Roots and Homestead— West Town Bakery & Diner looks like your favorite college town hangout. Walk in and you’ll notice the eye-popping street art and graffiti, colorful seats and...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Reviews
The General, in Logan Square, is a hot spot for craft beer and satisfying food. Their focus is on soul food and artisan tacos– which is a mighty fine combination if you ask me. Their daily special is really one of the best in Chicago. For $8ºº you can have yourself...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Drinks, Chicago Eats
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...
by Chicago Traveler | Chicago Eats, Top 10 Restaurants
Good ole’ Southern cooking has blessed our palates with many unique and favorite dishes? but one of the very most cherished dishes is the simple Chicken and Waffles combination. There is just something about the soft, yet crunchy experience of a waffle matched up with...
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, Reviews
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...
