SERIOUS EATS. CHICAGO TOWN

Pink = Conveniently located in or near downtown area.


Andersonville Neighborhood (Uptown)

Hop Leaf Pub

An uptown neighborhood Belgium pub with an impressive selection of craft beer. But I go for just as impressive food which includes mussels and other Belgium dishes.
Info: 5148 N Clark St (between United States Highway 41 & Winona St), Andersonville in Chicago
Web: http://hopleaf.com

Sunshine Cafe

Down to earth authentic Japanese home-cooked meals.  BYOB
Info: 5449 N Clark St (between Catalpa Ave & Rascher Ave) in Andersonville, Chicago

Big Jones

Southern cooking made with organically grown ingredients. Serves brunch on Sat & Sun 9am-3pm
Info: 5347 N Clark St (between Balmoral Ave & Summerdale Ave), Andersonville in Chicago
Web: www.bigjoneschicago.com

Anteprima

A charming home cooked Italian food in Andersonville. A great outdoor patio in the Summer.
Info: 5316 N. Clark St. Chicago 
Web: http://anteprimachicago.net

Ravenswood
Opart Thai Restaurant
Info: 4658 N Western Ave at Leland Ave
Web: www.opartthai.com

Rogers Park ( North of Andersonville )
Taste of Peru
Authentic Peruvian
Info: 6545 N Clark St between Arthur Ave and Albion Ave
Web: www.tasteofperu.com

Lincoln Park Neighborhood

Alinea

Forget about the empty wallet way home, instead focus on the sensational, once in a life time meal you just had the privilege of experiencing. Yes, it's that good! Rated three michelin stars and ranked one of the best restaurants in America. Formal men jacket required.
Info: 1723 North Halsted (between Concord Pl & Willow St) in Lincoln Park. Chicago
Web: www.alinearestaurant.com

Floriole

A cafe and bakery where the staff is passionate about their food and pays attention to every little detail from starting out with the finest ingredients to how it's served to your plate.
Info: 1220 W. Webster, Chicago in Lincoln Park.
Web: www.floriole.com

L2O

The haute couture of fine dining specializing seafood. Closed on Tuesdays.
Info: 2300 North Lincoln Park West, Chicago. 
Web: http://www.l2orestaurant.com 

Riccardo Trattoria
An intimate neighborhood eatery serving authentic Italian cuisine.
Info: 2119 N Clark
Web: www.riccardotrattoria.com

Green City Market

A market place for local, sustainable food vendors, baked goods, etc.
Wednesdays - Saturdays: 7am - 1pm
Info: South end of Lincoln Park between Clark and Stockton.
Web: www.greencitymarket.org 

Da Rae Jung
A quiet and humble establishment in a strip mall serving authentic Korean food.
Info: 5220 N. Lincoln Ave

Toro Sushi
Info: 2546 N Clark St ( between Deming Pl & Wrightwood Ave )
Web: www.torosushi.biz

Downtown area ( The Loop, River North ) 

Hannah's Bretzel

Freshest, organic meat served on bretzel rolls. Serves breakfast sandwiches as well.
Locations: All located in downtown
* 131 S Dearborn St/ W. Adams St.,Chicago in the Loop ( Open til 7pm on weekdays & til 3pm on Saturdays and closed on Sundays)
* 180 W Washington/ S Wells St  ( closed on Sundays)
* 233 N Michigan Ave/ between E. Wacker Pl and E Lake St (closed on Saturdays & Sundays)
Web: www.hannahsbretzel.com

The Purple Pig

Classic Mediterranean affairs with an extensive wine list. It's conveniently located in downtown's The Magnificent Mile.
Info: 500 North Michigan Ave, Chicago.
Web: http://thepurplepigchicago.com

Cafe Iberico

A traditional Spanish tapa and paella restaurant. No frills and gimmicks; just how tapa should be served. Plus, super affordable. 
Info: 737 N La Salle between Chicago St & Superior Ave in downtown area of Chicago.
Web: www.cafeiberico.com

Xoco

A renowned environmentalist chef, Rick Bayless runs this small authentic Mexican restaurant which specializes in street foods of tortas (sandwiches), churros, empanadas and caldos (soups), as well as breakfast foods.
Info: 449 North Clark Street, Chicago
Web:http://www.rickbayless.com/restaurants/xoco.html

Fox & Obel
Market and cafe offers unusual gourmet finds, soups, salads, pastas and sandwiches.
Info: 401 E Illinois St (between New St & Park Dr), near Navy Pier.
Hours: 6am-Midnight
Web: www.fox-obel.com
* find them at twitter and/or facebook for promotional discounts/special deals

The Gage
A new wave American dining gastropub located near Millennium Park.
Info: 24 S Michigan Ave (between Madison St & Monroe St)
Web: www.thegagechicago.com

Sunda
California sushi and maki rolls and serves other Asian fusion food.
Info: 110 W Illinois St
Web: www.sundachicago.com

Little Italy / University Village
Davanti Enoteca
A rustic, old country charm ambiance serving Italian cuisine.
Info: 1359 W Taylor St ( between Ada St & Loomis St )
Web: www.davantichicago.com

El Ideas
A tiny restaurant which seats 12 people. A course set meal. A lottery drawing before guaranteed a reservation. Dinner starts at 7 sharp. BYOB
Info: 2419 W 14th St at Western Ave
Web: http://elideas.com


Logan Square

Irazu

Costa Rican restaurant on Milwaukee Ave in between Wicker Park and Logan Square. Closed on Sundays.
Info: 1865 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago
Web: www.irazuchicago.com

Longman & Eagle

A neighborhood pub in Logan's Square with a fantastic selection of food and cheap whiskey. Including brunch til 3pm. They also have 6 rooms available starting at $75 a night. What a bargain!
Info: 2657 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago
Web: http://longmanandeagle.com

Lula Cafe

A traditional classics served here, but you will never go home disappointed. Located in Logan Square.
Info: 2537 North Kedzie Blvd, Chicago.
Web: www.lulacafe.com

Fat Rice
Chinese fusion
Info: 2957 W Diversey Ave (between Richmond St & Sacramento Ave) 
Web: www.eatfatrice.com

Avondale 

Kuma's

Not the easiest place to get to, but once you do, you will be rewarded with one of the best burgers and mac and cheese in town. It's extremely popular and especially on Friday and Saturday evenings, one can expect to wait a few hours for a table. They don't take reservations.
Web: www.kumascorner.com
Info: 2900 West Belmont Avenue, Avondale in Chicago 

Hot Doug's

Best in town. Enough said.
Info: 3324 North California, Avondale in Chicago.
Web: www.hotdougs.com

Lakeview
Bittersweet Pastry Shop and Cafe
Cakes, sandwiches and more
Info: 1114 W Belmont Ave (between Clifton Ave & Seminary Ave) in Lakeview, Chicago
Web: http://www.bittersweetpastry.com

Mia Francesca
A popular Italian eatery.
Web: www.miafrancesca.com

Mixteco Grill
Mexican. Make reservations on the weekends. Closed on Mondays.
Info: 1601 W Montrose Ave between Ashland Ave and Paulina St

West side ( West Loop, Fulton Market )

The Publican

A modern Belgium beer hall which also specializes in pork, fish, oysters, and including Sunday brunch.
Info: 837 W. Fulton Market, Chicago 
Web: http://thepublicanrestaurant.com

Moto

It's not food. It's science. It's art. It's downright hip. A restaurant that specializes in molecular cuisine which no words can ever properly describe and do justice. You got to go find out for yourself. Meals served in set courses. Reservation required.
Info: 945 W Fulton Market, Chicago.
Web: www.motorestaurant.com

Avec Wine Bar and Restaurant

Modern southern European cuisines.
Info: 615 W Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60661
Web: www.avecrestaurant.com

Blackbird Restaurant

Innovative fine dining establishment. Closed on Sundays.
Same management as Avec Wine Bar.
Info: 619 W Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60661
Web: www.blackbirdrestaurant.com

Girl & the Goat
Traditional ingredients mixed in unconventional ways to create bold flavors and exciting dishes.
Info: 809 W Randolph St / between Halsted and Green St
Web: www.girlandthegoat.com

Next
A new kid on the block opened in April 2011 is already paving the way in fine dining standards of excellence and creativity by providing impeccable service, ambiance, and most importantly, the food. Every three months, the menu changes to reflect the chosen theme.  Currently, the by-gone era of Paris 1906 cuisine can be seen on the menu.  Must purchase tickets at their website before you are guaranteed a reservation. Good luck!
Info: 953 W Fulton Market
Web: https://www.nextrestaurant.com/user/login

Piccolo Sogno
Upscale Italian eatery. It has a large romantic patio. Located in River West, near West Side.
Info: 464 N Halsted St. ( between Hubbard St & Milwaukee Ave )
Web: piccolosognorestaurant.com

Grace
Modern Americana
Info: 652 W Randolph St (at Desplaines St)
Web: www.grace-restaurant.com

Pilsen Neighborhood

Night Wood

Same owners as Lula Cafe.  A modern twist on classics with emphasis on locally grown foods. A great outdoor patio in the warm nights.
Info: 2119 N. Halsted, Pilsen in Chicago.
Web: www.nightwoodrestaurant.com

Albany Park

Noon-O-Kebab

Serves delicious Persian food in north side of the city, Albany Park.
Info: 4661 Kedzie Ave, Chicago.
Web: http://noonokabab.com

Lawrence Fish Market
Sushi done right without the frills and gimmicks. Take out and cash only. Closes at 8pm
Info: 3914 W Lawrence Ave ( between Harding Ave & Springfield Ave )

Irving Park

Smoque

The best barbeque establishment in town, possibly the world. BYOB
Info: 3800 N Pulaski (between Avondale Ave & Grace St), Chicago. 
Web: www.smoquebbq.com

North Side

Table Fifty-Two

The best Southern comfort food in one of the most attractive sites in town. Sunday brunch from 10:30 - 3pm.
Info: 52 W. Elm St, between Dearborn St & Clark St; Just North of where Michigan Ave begins on North side.
Web: www.tablefifty-two.com

Chicago Q
Barbecue
Info: 1160 N Dearborn St ( between Elm St & Division St ); near start of Michigan Ave on North end
Web: http://chicagoqrestaurant.com

GT Fish and Oyster
An upscale fresh seafood joint.
Info: 531 N Wells St
Web: www.gtoyster.com

Buck Town

Le Bouchon
1958 North Damen Ave, Chicago.

A French bistro in Bucktown. A fixed price menu on Tuesday nights for $25
Web: www.lebouchonofchicago.com

The Bristol

Locally sourced and seasonal menu with Mediterranean influence.
Info: 2152 Damen Ave (between Shakespeare Ave & Charleston St), Chicago.
Web: www.thebristolchicago.com 

Austin Neighborhood

The Depot Diner

American favorites like pot roast sandwiches and meatloaf. Located in Austin neighborhood.
Info: 5840 W Roosevelt Rd. Chicago
Web: www.depotamericandiner.com

Ukrainian Village & Wicker Park
Hoosier Mama: Pies and coffee
Info: 1618 Chicago Ave, Chicago
Web: www.hoosiermamapie.com

Ruxbin Kitchen

An intimate modern fusion restaurant where French culinary  meets Asian ingredients.  It's located at the junction of Wicker Park and West Town. BYOB (Bring your own beer or wine)
Info: 851 N Ashland Ave, Chicago.
Web: www.ruxbinchicago.com

Hot Chocolate
Desserts, pastries, and restaurant
Info: 1747 N Damen Ave(between Willow St & St Paul Ave) Chicago in Wicker Park
Web: www.hotchocolatechicago.com

Schwa

Upscale new-wave American dining. Good luck getting a reservation.
Info: 1466 N Ashland Ave (between Julian St & Le Moyne St) in Wicker Park, Chicago
Phone: Reservation required. 773 252 1466 
Web: www.schwarestaurant.com

Arami
A fresh sushi joint but a little on the pretentious side with the prices to go with it.
Info: 1829 W Chicago Ave ( between Wood St & Wolcott Ave )
Web: http://aramichicago.com

Las Palmas
Mexican
Info: 1835 W North Ave between Honore St and Elk Grove Ave in Wicker Park
Web: http://laspalmaschicago.com/

South Side

Calumet Fisheries

A South side joint in South Deering neighborhood on Calumet River. Specializes in smoked fish. Take-out and cash only.
Info: 3259 East 95th St., Chicago, 60617
Web: www.calumetfisheries.com
* check out their website for coupons

Opart Thai Restaurant
Info: 1906 State St
Web: www.opartthai.com

Marquette Park

Fat Johnnies Famous Red Hots

Killer hot dogs with unusual combinations of toppings. 
Info: 7242 S. Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60636

Bridgeport
Ramova Grill
A classic diner serving great affordable breakfast, sandwiches, burgers, chili in Bridgeport neighborhood.
Info: 3510 S Halsted Street at 35th St
Hours: Mon-Fri 5 am - 7 pm; Sat 6 am - 5 pm; Sun 6 am - 12 pm

Nana
American favorites breakfast, lunch and dinner
Info: 3276 Halsted St between 33rd and 32nd St
Web: www.nanaorganic.com


Outside of Chicago

Marion Street Cheese Market

A part market and a part cafe serving some wonderful creations.
Info: 100 S Marion St, Oak Park
Web: http://marionstreetcheesemarket.com

New Rebozo
Authentic Mexican diner
1116 Madison St, Oak Park
Web: www.newrebozo.com

Oak Park Farmers Market
Best donuts every Saturday. Get there early, they go quick! and bake sales, and fresh produce
460 Lake St., just one block of Ridgland Ave., in the Pilgrim Church parking lot
Web: http://www.oak-park.us

Campagnola

Neighborhood Italian eatery in Evanston.
Info: 815 Chicago Ave, Evanston. 
Web: www.campagnolarestaurant.com

Edzo's Burger Shop
Info: 1571 Sherman Ave, Evanston
Web: www.edzos.com

Burt's Place
Serves chicago style deep dish pizza in Morton Grove. call ahead a day or two.

Photo
http://www.condosearchers.com/