![Relax With a Beer and Bar Bites at Tradition](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/tradition-gastro-pub.jpg)
Chicago is a city that celebrates diversity, and its food culture is no exception. In this blog category, we’ll take you on a culinary tour of the city’s best restaurants, showcasing the unique dishes, ingredients, and traditions that make Chicago’s eating culture so rich and flavorful. From classic deep-dish pizza and Italian beef sandwiches to innovative fusion cuisine and world-class fine dining, we’ll explore the diverse range of options available for anyone looking to indulge in the Windy City’s delicious food scene.
![Relax With a Beer and Bar Bites at Tradition](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/tradition-gastro-pub.jpg)
![Top 10 Restaurants In Chicago](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/top-restaurants-chicago-lou-malnatis.jpg)
Top 10 Restaurants In Chicago
Chicago is full of great spots to eat, and when we sat down to make this list, we knew it could draw some controversy. In fact it did among the staff here – but we powered through and came up with these as a consortium. This is a general list of a variety of types of...![North Avenue Chicago – Restaurant Row](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/johnnies-beef.jpg)
North Avenue Chicago – Restaurant Row
This strip of North Avenue Chicago, between Oak Park Avenue and Thatcher Avenue, is a vibrant strip of fantastic dining. Lined with some of area’s best restaurants– the dining scene in this part of Chicago and the Western Suburbs is diverse as well as delicious....![The Best Pho Chicago Warms Up With – Vietnamese Perfection](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/pho-chicago.jpg)
The Best Pho Chicago Warms Up With – Vietnamese Perfection
Pho is somewhat of a miracle in a bowl. It has this way of bringing comfort into your life when you didn’t even know that you needed to be comforted. If you happen to find yourself sick or a little hungover, Pho can speed up the healing process. Whether you are...![Blackwood BBQ Makes Getting Smoky Loop BBQ Easy](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/blackwood-bbq.jpg)
Blackwood BBQ Makes Getting Smoky Loop BBQ Easy
While visitors to our city may have hot dogs and deep dish pizza on their minds, Chicagoans are well aware of our city’s rich, if not complicated, barbecue scene. There’s not exactly one specific Chicago-style barbecue with many rich traditions divided by...![Cochon Volant Adds Full Service Sophistication to the Loop](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/cochon-volant.jpg)
Cochon Volant Adds Full Service Sophistication to the Loop
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...![Celebrating the Launch of Inspired Catering & Events](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/inspired-catering.jpg)
Celebrating the Launch of Inspired Catering & Events
Have you been to a wedding or catered event before where the food is bland, poorly seasoned, and actually put a damper on the festivities? Likely this has happened more than once. Fortunately, there are high-quality, gourmet catering companies in Chicago like Inspired...![Pizzeria Serio’s New Breakfast Pizza Gives You an Excuse to Eat Pizza Three Times a Day](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/breakfast-pizza-1024x675.jpg)
Pizzeria Serio’s New Breakfast Pizza Gives You an Excuse to Eat Pizza Three Times a Day
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...![Sampling the Spirit of Italy at Quartino – High Quality Italian Liquors](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/qaurtino.jpg)
Sampling the Spirit of Italy at Quartino – High Quality Italian Liquors
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...![The Tastes of the New Spring Menu at the Stretch](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/the-stretch.png)
The Tastes of the New Spring Menu at the Stretch
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...![Humana is Bringing Health and Nutrition to Taste of Chicago](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/taste-of-chicago-2.jpg)
Humana is Bringing Health and Nutrition to Taste of Chicago
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...![The Gold Coast’s Coconutz Takes Chicago to the Tropics](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/coconutz-gold-coast.jpeg)
The Gold Coast’s Coconutz Takes Chicago to the Tropics
It’s clear with a name like “Coconutz” the owner’s of the Gold Coast’s newest bar don’t take themselves too seriously. Taking influences from traditional Tiki Bars, which has made a major comeback in recent years– and the Caribbean, Coconutz promises fun and the...![10 Ultimate Chicago Food Tours – Bring Your Tastebuds](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/food-tour.jpg)
10 Ultimate Chicago Food Tours – Bring Your Tastebuds
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...![Where To Get Bottomless Mimosas Chicago Brunches?](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/bottomless-mimosas.jpg)
Where To Get Bottomless Mimosas Chicago Brunches?
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...![LuxeHome Chill : raising money for charity with wine, food & boutiques](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/luxehome-chill-1024x675.jpg)
LuxeHome Chill : raising money for charity with wine, food & boutiques
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...![Revival Food Hall Brings Neighborhood Charm to the Office](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Belly-Up-Chicago-Entrance-and-Meat-2.png)
Revival Food Hall Brings Neighborhood Charm to the Office
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...![Top 10 Wine Bar Chicago List](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/wine-bars-chicago-vera-1080x675.jpg)
Top 10 Wine Bar Chicago List
Chicago has an explosive craft brewery scene and an upcoming distillery scene, but we must not forget to reap the fruit of our labor – wine. The wine bar Chicago scene provides great venues to enjoy intimate conversations and indulge in some exquisite food options...![Top 10 Chicago Food Tours – Foodies’ Heaven](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/chicago-food-tours-progressive-dining-tour.jpg)
Top 10 Chicago Food Tours – Foodies’ Heaven
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...![Logan Square’s Ugo’s Offers New Takes on Italian Favorites](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/ugo-1080x675.jpg)
Logan Square’s Ugo’s Offers New Takes on Italian Favorites
When I lived near the intersection of Armitage and California a few years ago, the food options were fairly limited and imbalanced. You could have a high-end foodie meal at Table, Donkey and Stick or grab a hot dog at the Tastee Freez. All of that has changed...![Best Margaritas Chicago Mixes Up – Top 10](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/margaritas-chicago.jpg)
Best Margaritas Chicago Mixes Up – Top 10
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...![Top 10 Chicago Food Trucks](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/food-trucks-chicago-fat-shallot.jpg)
Top 10 Chicago Food Trucks
Sitting down at a restaurant is not always the most convenient way to grab a bite to eat and fast food is not always appetizing. Chicago food trucks roam throughout the city to offer a welcome change to the normal food options. Beware, once you find a truck that you...![13 Essential Chicago Apps To Better Your Life](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/foodlander.jpg)
13 Essential Chicago Apps To Better Your Life
With our lives seamlessly integrating with technology, it comes to no surprise that there are apps tailored to all forms of lifestyles. With Chicago being so diverse, certain apps can give you valuable insight into the city. 312Go 312Go is your no-strings-attached...![On The Border Naperville – Taco Tuesday Satisfaction](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/on-the-border-naperville-taco-tuesday-1080x630.jpg)
On The Border Naperville – Taco Tuesday Satisfaction
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...![Top 10 Chicago Restaurants With A View](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/restaurants-with-view-chicago-signature-room-95th.jpg)
Top 10 Chicago Restaurants With A View
Some of Chicago’s best food can be found in ‘ma & pa’ restaurants and even on the sidewalk. To make your evening of dining out a true experience, a magnificent view of Chicago’s skyline is almost a must. These Chicago restaurants should be on everyone’s...![BYOB Chicago Restaurants – Top 10 In The City](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/byob-chicago.jpg)
BYOB Chicago Restaurants – Top 10 In The City
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...![Top 8 Steakhouses in Chicago](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/top-steakhouses-chicago-mastros.jpg)
Top 8 Steakhouses in Chicago
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...![A Classy Burger Dinner at Weber Grill Restaurant in River North](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/weber-grill-restaurant.jpg)
A Classy Burger Dinner at Weber Grill Restaurant in 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....![Top 10 Tapas Chicago Venues](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/tapas-chicago-tapas-valencia.jpg)
Top 10 Tapas Chicago Venues
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...![Q-Tine is Your New Favorite Logan Square Fast Food](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/q-tine-1080x675.jpg)
Q-Tine is Your New Favorite Logan Square Fast Food
I’ll admit it: I’ve been there before. As a former resident of Logan Square, there would be many weekends where I’d be out with a group of friends, hopping from bar to bar on Milwaukee Avenue, and end up looking for some food. But, the kitchen at Revolution Brewing...![Eastman Egg Company is the Breakfast You Really Want](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/eastman-egg-company.jpg)
Eastman Egg Company is the Breakfast You Really Want
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...![The Stretch Bar & Grill – Wrigleyville’s Best Burger](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/cortland-street-burger-the-stretch-1080x675.jpg)
The Stretch Bar & Grill – Wrigleyville’s Best Burger
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...![Get Your Hands Dirty With the Seafood Boil at the Mad Boiler](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Mad-Boiler-Chicago.png)
Get Your Hands Dirty With the Seafood Boil at the Mad Boiler
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...![Top 10 Buffets In Chicago – All You Can Eat](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/market-creations-bufffet.jpg)
Top 10 Buffets In Chicago – All You Can Eat
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...![Best Ice Cream In Chicago – Top 10 Spots](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/ice-cream-chicago-at-margies.jpg)
Best Ice Cream In Chicago – Top 10 Spots
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...![Top 5 French Restaurants In Chicago](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/french-restaurants-chicago-les-nomades.jpg)
Top 5 French Restaurants In Chicago
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...![15 Ooey Gooey Grilled Cheese Must Haves in Chicago](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/grilled-cheese.jpg)
15 Ooey Gooey Grilled Cheese Must Haves in Chicago
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...![Bacon Havens – Chicago’s Bacon Bars Go All Out](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/kaiser-tiger-bacon-1080x675.jpg)
Bacon Havens – Chicago’s Bacon Bars Go All Out
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...![Chop Steakhouse Stakes Claim in the South Loop’s Roosevelt Collection](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/chop-steakhouse.jpg)
Chop Steakhouse Stakes Claim in the South Loop’s Roosevelt Collection
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...![Top 10 Chicago Vegetarian Restaurants – Eliminate Meat, Not Flavor](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/kale-burger.jpeg)
Top 10 Chicago Vegetarian Restaurants – Eliminate Meat, Not Flavor
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,...![The Fifty/50 Has Been Renovated and Reinvigorated](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Belly-Up-Chicago-Entrance-and-Meat-3.png)
The Fifty/50 Has Been Renovated and Reinvigorated
Chicago has a vibrant food scene with new restaurants and concepts constantly popping up. But how do you continue to stay relevant when your restaurant has been around for nearly a decade? Case in point: the Fifty/50. The sports bar was one of the first of its kind on...![Rosebud Celebrates 40 Year Anniversary at Carmine’s](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/carmines.jpg)
Rosebud Celebrates 40 Year Anniversary at Carmine’s
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...![L’Appetito Chicago – the Deli You’ve been Looking for](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/lappetito-chicago.jpg)
L’Appetito Chicago – the Deli You’ve been Looking for
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...![Chicago 4th of July Weekend Events and Specials](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/chicago-fourth-of-july-1024x675.jpg)
Chicago 4th of July Weekend Events and 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...![SIP’s Late Night Brunch Menu Reinvigorates the Meaning of Eating Late](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/sip-brunch.jpg)
SIP’s Late Night Brunch Menu Reinvigorates the Meaning of Eating Late
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...![Top 10 Pizza Places In Chicago](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/top-restaurants-chicago-lou-malnatis.jpg)
Top 10 Pizza Places In Chicago
Chicago is known for many things: towering skyscrapers, gorgeous lakefront, Al Capone, sometimes questionable politicians, and of course, food. Chicago offers some of the best eats in the country, especially when it comes to pizza. There s no other place in the world...![Belly Up Smokehouse Brings Southern Barbecue to the South Loop](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/belly-up-smokehouse-chicago.jpg)
Belly Up Smokehouse Brings Southern Barbecue to the South Loop
Walking into Belly Up, you’ll be astounded by how surprisingly huge it is. The restaurant is very long and has these really high ceilings. The vibe is Chicago warehouse industrial with lots of brick, exposed fixtures, and wood ceiling beams with some subtle cowboy...![Top 21 Monday Specials Chicago Can Look Forward To](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/best-wings-chicago.jpg)
Top 21 Monday Specials Chicago Can Look Forward To
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...![5 Reasons Why You Should Frequent Farmers Markets](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/farmers-market.jpg)
5 Reasons Why You Should Frequent Farmers Markets
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...![New York Delicatessen Resurrects a Neighborhood Classic](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/new-york-delicatessen.jpg)
New York Delicatessen Resurrects a Neighborhood Classic
Deli and sub sandwich fans are intensely passionate, even to the point where there are fierce rivalries around massive chains like Subway and Jimmy John’s. New York Delicatessen owner Isaac Work was once such a fan, driving regularly from Bridgeport to the...![Easter in Chicago – 33 Restaurant Specials](https://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/chicken-waffles-900x675.jpg)