The Chicago Traveler

There was a bit of dispute over my last Best Pizzas list, as I expected there would be. It is a Chicagoan debate that has gone on for generations and will continue probably forever. So, just to add more fuel to the fire, here is another list of Chicago’s ten best ‘pies’ (courtesy of Citysearch and Yelp).
Honorable Mention: Gino’s East. If you enjoy reading, the walls here provide plenty of material.

10. Pizzeria Uno. The one, the only, the original. Loosen your belts now.
9. Piece. These very non-Chicago-style slices are simply delicious.
8. Home Run Inn. This old neighborhood tavern offers the …read more

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Oh Volo… where do I even begin? Your radiant décor? Your chic food? Your comfortable, social atmosphere?
Owner Jon Young (co-creator of Kitsch’n across the street) and chef Stephen Dunne are behind this Roscoe Village wine bar, which has been featured on The Food Channel. The restaurant bears striking design with dark brown walls, dim lighting, and a small open kitchen. Couples and small groups relax over granite tabletops, completing the modern yet warm vibe.
The weekly-rotating menu includes small tapas-like dishes that focus on organic and local produce. Past plates have featured heirloom tomatoes with buffalo mozzarella and basil vinaigrette; mussels …read more

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I am and always will be a deep-dish pizza fan, but I can admit that the pieces of Piece can win me over.
No, this isn’t Chicago pizza by any definition; thin and hand-padded, these ‘pies’ are made with minimal toppings. Here, the crust and sauce are the primary ingredients. Slip into a booth and order up one of the award-winning brews while waiting for your red, white, or “plain” pizza.
Down the street from Zen Noodles, red pizzas begin with traditional tomato sauce and mozzarella. Whites are brushed with olive oil, diced garlic, and mozzarella cheese. “Plain” offers a plentiful amount …read more

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Can you name the seven key ingredients for a Chicago-style hot dog? Here are ten great places to conduct your research (courtesy of Citysearch and Yelp).

10. The Wiener’s Circle. Love it or hate it, this greasy spoon has got a “charm” all its own.
9. Gold Coast Dogs. All ten locations follow the Chicago-style recipe to the ‘T’.
8. Superdawg Drive-In. The winking hot dogs on the roof will be a sight you won’t soon forget.
7. Huey’s Hot Dogs. While serving up great dogs and burgers, this eatery is also well-known for its vegetarian-friendly dishes.

6. Portillo’s Hot Dogs. Both the nostalgia and …read more

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What’s your favorite cocktail? Gin and tonic? Rum and cola? Vodka and fruit juice? Sure, these classics are great, but perhaps your mixology menu could use a refresher. Have a taste of Shochu.
Shochu, a restaurant bar in Lakeview (formerly Platiyo, three doors north of Andalous), is named after a popular beverage in Japan. The alcohol is low in calories (15-20 in one ounce) and is distilled from a variety of starches (including barley and sweet potatoes). Its incredible versatility results in numerous delicious flavors. The lounge offers over a dozen versions of the signature spirit, all of which make their …read more

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Romance shouldn’t be reserved for just Valentine’s Day. As the temperatures begin to cool down, you can keep your relationship hot by visiting one or more of the ten best romantic date spots (courtesy of Citysearch and Yelp).

10. Shanghai Terrace. With elegant art and a beautiful view, this Asian restaurant offers delicious sophistication.
9. Cyrano’s Bistrot and Wine Bar. The River North eatery serves French basics amidst casual, rustic surroundings.
8. Le Bouchon. Authentic and delicious French dishes at remarkable prices make this bistro one of Bucktown’s best.
7. Angelina Ristorante. In Lakeview, the popular date spot provides authentic Italian in a comfortable …read more

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The restaurant scene in Chicago is constantly evolving, always keeping up with people’s new tastes or trends. Here are a few restaurants that have only been around for a year or so, but they have already made a name for themselves in the dining biz.
Chalkboard, a contemporary American restaurant in North Center, is just that: a restaurant with oversized chalkboards that list the specials of the day. Rather than constantly reprinting menus, the owners are able to easily change these boards on a daily basis. Aside from the namesake wall-length chalkboard, the small dining room features white molding, linen-clad tables, …read more

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In an era of food chains and carbon-copy restaurants, it can be difficult to find a place that still believes in the purity and simplicity of home-grown food. However, chef Paul Virant cures his own meat and works hard to find ingredients locally for his contemporary American cuisine inspired by Western European fare at Vie in Western Springs.
The restaurant has a modern look with leather banquettes and glass tile, the walls painted shades of white and gray. I have to admit, I wasn’t a big fan of the bum-chilling aluminum chairs, but the soft lighting and wood-burning fireplace add a …read more

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Wine bars have a reputation of being stuffy and arrogant. However, The Tasting Room at Randolph Wine Cellars sets a sophisticated yet comfortable vibe with its exposed brick, soft lighting, and subdued music. Here, you and your friends can choose from over 100 wines to enjoy by the glass or the bottle.
Whether you’re a connoisseur or a novice, The Tasting Room can cater to your desires. Sure, we’ve all heard of the grand Napa Valley wines, but here you can have a taste of vintages from Italy, France, Australia, and South Africa. These taste portions are perfect for trying something …read more

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Like everyone else, you’ve probably been more conscious about where and how you spend your dollar. You’ve scrimped and saved, pinched every penny, and clipped every coupon. But every once in a while, you need to spoil yourself and splurge a bit. Here are just a couple places with incredible libations for jaw-dropping prices.
One of the most exquisite spots to eat in Chicago is Tru in the Streeterville neighborhood. This stylish example of haute cuisine features a progressive French menu. Items on the tasting menu in the past have included various dishes of white truffles ($250), rare vintage Clos des …read more

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