Thought you'd want to know: Asado Coffee Co. has been nominated for Best Local Coffee Roaster in Time Out Chicago’s 2011 Eat Out Awards. Vote now! Read more.
Try the alfajores from our 100 Best list: When it comes to alfajores, no one makes them better than Lucila Giagrande, which is why we follow her to anywhere there’s word of her specialty being sold.
The breakfast menu will please fans of cream cheese; the gooey stuff makes an appearance in the stuffed French toast, topped with maple-pecan syrup. Try it with the rosemary-roasted ham. Read more.
The original Gene's opened in 1972. Last year, the Luszcz family opened this second location across town. The new Lincoln Square satellite is a two-story specialty grocery, ideal for grabbing picnic p Read more.
Anybody who says it's expensive to eat organic has never been to Stanley's. This market is crazy cheap—typical finds include a pound of organic carrots for a buck. -RW Read more.
Request a seat at the counter. You can watch the line work their magic and see all the dishes before they go out to the tables..
The B: pork belly. The L: arugula. The T: tomato hollandaise. What the acronym doesn’t describe is the perfect balance of each layer, bookended by a supple poached egg and fluffy biscuit. Read more.
It has the most ambitious charcuterie program in Chicago and served as the launching board for one of Chicago’s most talented young chefs, Jared Van Camp. Read more.
Located in trendy Logan Square, Revolution Brewing is one of Chicago’s artisanal brewing companies. Try the Bacon Fat Popcorn at their restaurant, which also has vegan-friendly options. Read more.
Get the Cheese Fries. Yes, these are frozen and this is fast food, but that doesn't stop us. Crispy and well salted with a piping hot cup of bright yellow cheese sauce. Sometimes, that's all you need. Read more.
Pastry chef Stephanie Samuels bakes desserts you used to find in your lunch box (Twinkies, Thin Mints and cream cupcakes), made fresh and preservative-free, so you can feel better about sharing. Read more.
Try the Chestnut doughnut from our 100 Best list: It doesn’t get any better, any fresher, any more flavorful, any airier than this.
Thought you'd want to know: Sprinkles has been nominated for Best New Bakery in Time Out Chicago’s 2011 Eat Out Awards. Vote now! Read more.
Roasted Cauliflower. It tastes like the winning appetizer from an episode of "Chopped." Smoky, tangy, hearty and great texture.
Try the pineapple upside-down cake from our 100 Best list:Sandra Holl turns a dessert most associated with the Midwest, the ’70s and canned pineapple rings into something lovely and sophisticated
Try seasonal creations (from strawberry-rhubarb in spring to apple and pumpkin in fall) and signatures (like the incomparable banana-cream) with a coffee. The pies are, in a word, extraordinary. Read more.
Thought you’d want to know: Intelligentsia has been nominated for Best Local Coffee Roaster in Time Out Chicago’s 2011 Eat Out Awards. Vote now! Read more.
This time-travel-themed (it has a DeLorean in the front) coffee shop has a small selection of baked goods from Fritz Pastry, Cheerios and other assorted cereals; and talented baristas.
Try the quiche from our 100 Best list: Closer in texture to a soufflé—and that’s a marvelous thing.
Hidden in a business park, Three Floyds brews its fine craft beers on-site (Gumballhead is our favorite) and offers an ever-changing menu (both tapas and full meals) in this cozy, crazy brewpub. -WV Read more.
A pioneer of molecular gastronomy, it’s no surprise that this restaurant is one of the world’s 50 best.
Craig Schoettler concocts 32 types of ice and incorporates white-hot ingredients ranging from finger limes to Batavia Arrack, earning readers' pick for Best New Bar. Read more.
Thought you'd want to know: Dark Matter has been nominated for Best Local Coffee Roaster in Time Out Chicago’s 2011 Eat Out Awards. Vote now! Read more.
The crispy pies hold a lot of weight, so after you choose your pizza style—red, white or New Haven plain—start picking toppings. (If you’re really going New Haven–style, try one with clams and bacon.)
The crab cake is the best I've ever had. The frog legs aren't too shabby, either. Save room for desserts: they're humongous!
One taste of the Korean-American fusion BBQ sauce here and you'll be dreaming of fried chicken all week.
Featured on the Food Network, Swedish Bakery has a myriad of sweets ranging from cute Kaj Frog’s to their world renowned coffee cakes. This family-run business is one of the oldest in Andersonville. Read more.
you can get pizza by the slice and it's great. soft mid sized crust. neck and neck with coalfire as best in the hood
It's easy to see how the sweets here became a New York—and now international—addiction: It'd be healthier to mainline sugar than to eat one of these cupcakes. Read more.
Ever dreamed of Indulging the delicacies of Paris? Look no further. La Fournette is an amazing bakery with delicious treats that well have your taste buds saying ooh la la, merci beaucoup & à bientôt.
Try the mushroom and kale pie from our 100 Best list: This is one of our favorite openings of the year: It’s understated, authentic and charming, just like this individual savory pie.
Best crab. Great key lime pie. Cloudline Pinot Gris. And cory, the best waiter. This place is amazing!
Go to paciugo and try black pepper olive oil or mediterranean sea-salt caramel Read more.
Try the gianduja gelato from our 100 Best list: Every flavor, every time, Jessie Oloroso kills it. But when her shop is out of this knee-bucklingly rich chocolate-hazelnut flavor, it nearly kills us.
The Banana Cream Pie was hands down, our staff favorite. Nuff said! Read more.
Rick Bayless' counter spot specializes in tortas (think Mexican sandwiches), churros, and after 3:00 p.m., incomparable caldos—soups filled with short ribs, pork carnitas, or wood-roasted chicken. Read more.
The chipotle biscuit egg sandwich might be my favorite breakfast-to-go in Old Town.
Huge glass of ice tea and don't leave without trying the oatmeal shake. Chilaquiles are best green salsa ever!
Try the Full English fry up from our 100 Best list: Hands down, this British pub is putting out one of the best brunches in the city, from the ornate coffee service to made-in-house seasonal scones.
We always get the Lou with ButterCrust and its AWESOME My favorite deep dish pizza by far
Thought you'd want to know: Haymarket Pub & Brewery has been nominated for Best New Bar in Time Out Chicago’s 2011 Eat Out Awards. Vote now! Read more.
Try the Pure Black, a deep, dark, bottled cold brew from our 100 Best list!
They may be a bit more pricey than the other guys, but the drinks are worth it, plus they have great specials for foursquare folks- every 3rd drink free! Can't beat it!
Threadless selects and prints hundreds of awesome new t-shirt designs by a talented community of artists. This locale gets the newest tees on Friday, three days before they're for sale on the website.
See the sculpture, Monument With Standing Beast, by Jean Dubuffet outside, then step inside to snap a photo of the Thompson Center's unusually shaped atrium.
Best outdoor shopping center in Chicago!! Great stores, beautifully landscaped n great location.
Many fantastic local designers are on the roster at this new shop like Jules, Kate Boggiano, and Nora Del Busto. Read more.
It's the world's largest indoor aquarium with over 8,000 aquatic animals representing over 700 species. The Marine Mammal Presentation features staff interacting with whales & dolphins as they dive.
One of Chicago’s Always Free Attractions, the museum has a collection of treasures from the Middle East such as a 5,000 year old mummy, a 40-ton Assyrian sculpture & a 17-foot tall statue of King Tut. Read more.
The Museum’s permanent exhibition, Chicago: Crossroads of America, explores the city’s economy, crises, innovation, neighborhoods & entertainment. Features include Abraham Lincoln’s death bed.
Except for a brief period when relocating to Union Avenue, Jim’s Original is the longest continuously operating hot dog stand to have once served the hungry patrons of Maxwell Street Market. Read more.
The “last stand” of local blogger/food enthusiast “Chicago Fat Phil”—owner Phil Ashbach—features Fatsos (burgers) and Welch’s grape juice (huh?) until 4am on weekends. Our pick for "Best New Stand." Read more.
The ice cream is the best for miles! Try the raspberry chocolate chip, although the peach flavor is famous and a great option, too.
There are many reasons why Balena was named one of Bon Appetit's Top 50 Best New Restaurants, and their Farm Egg Tajarin is one of them. Topped with sage and brown butter, this pasta dish is perfect.
This is the only Mac N Cheese I've found that comes close to rivaling Handlebar's! Not to mention, there are tons of cute girls here.
Lavender vanilla-sugar, White truffle salt, Trinidad lemon garlic pepper, Taylor Street Cheese Sprinkle-for starters! Try every spice, salt, seasonings, molecular gastronomy ingredients! They got it!
Visit Vanille Pastry Shop at the South exit of the Market & try the Almond croissant.
Tiny little counter tucked in the back of the grocery store serves excellent and reasonably priced Japanese staples.
Awesome cake balls! I'm coming here everyday to get fat off pastries. Try there began choices you'll have no idea its vegan!
Baking in Lakeview since 1922, this popular German bakery turns out sour-cream doughnuts, German chocolate cookies and its signature “sip’n whisky cake,” a Bundt cake made with sour mash whiskey. Read more.
Daily coffee cakes have a pleasantly dense, pound cake–like crumb, whereas sticky buns with hints of honey are notably soft. Huge sandwiches are satisfying, but the flatbreads are a little overcrisp. Read more.
Alongside Swedish food, Tre Kronor serves delicious Danish pastries, Norwegian meatball sandwiches, Belgian waffles and that Stockholm favorite , quiche. Read more.
We’re believers in the French toast slathered in peach butter, or the pesto-laden free-range scrambled eggs in the Satisfaction Promise, which comes with crispy potatoes and crusty bread.
Ganji’s massive miche is crusty and cakey; his cranberry-walnut loaf makes the world’s best toast. The best part of this great bread? We hear PQM also sells some meats to go with it. Read more.
Housemade lard biscuits come topped with poached eggs and a distinctive cured-and smoked-in-house ham, simmered in Kilgus Farmstead cream and cut into thick slices. Read more.
Thought you'd want to know: Metropolis has been nominated for Best Local Coffee Roaster in Time Out Chicago’s 2011 Eat Out Awards. Vote now! Read more.
This place forces you to enjoy coffee. It's an amazing thing to take in
Thought you’d want to know: Intelligentsia has been nominated for Best Local Coffee Roaster in Time Out Chicago’s 2011 Eat Out Awards. Vote now! Read more.
Take the Blue Line to the Damen stop, turn left as you exit, reach end of block, cross street to your right, and cross again to your left, Icream is on that block b4 you reach Urban Outfitters. :)
Try one of the dipped beef sandwiches - they've been a Chicago staple for 70 years. As seen on Man v Food: Chicago.
Try one of the dipped beef sandwiches - they've been a Chicago staple for 70 years. As seen on Man v Food: Chicago.
What’s my take on the age-old argument: New York thin crust versus Chicago deep dish? Let’s just say, I’m a Brooklyn guy, but Gino's tests my loyalty. – Adam Richman, Man v. Food Read more.
Thought you’d want to know: Dirk Flanigan has been nominated for Chef of the Year in Time Out Chicago’s 2011 Eat Out Awards and Billy Lawless has been nominated for Restaurateur of the Year. Vote now! Read more.
The best apple fritter in the city... can be ordered with carmel and pecans.
We love that they serve breakfast all day long! Our recommendation: add a side of house potatoes with cheese to complete your meal.
My favorite place for brunch ~ and the only place my Mom asks to go every time she comes to visit me in Chicago. My fav: Red Velvet Hotcakes Mom's Fav: Eggs Benedict ~ Another location in the South L
Bongo Room is an institution. Its just as fabulous in Andersonville as it is in Wicker Park. Anyone who says otherwise just doesnt know what they are talking about. Amazing food & amazing service!
Best Breakfast/Brunch in Chicago and surprisingly competitively priced. Inventive fares with fresh foods. Try their daily special you won't be disappointed - go for a walk down Andersonville after.
One of the most famous and delicious Chicago Hot Dog Stands, a must see when visiting IL
Thought you’d want to know: Tony Hu has been nominated for Restaurateur of the Year in Time Out Chicago’s 2011 Eat Out Awards. Vote now! Read more.
Sun Wah’s success is usually attributed to its Beijing duck, the crispy-skinned bird that has the starring role in fried rice, noodle soups and between soft bao buns. Read more.
A seasonal stand in the heart of Little Italy, Mario’s is a local staple. Stop in for one of their famous frozen lemonades, which are similar to an Italian ice.
The selections at this low-key spot lean toward simple, authentic Japanese fare, prepared with great skill. The chef’s signature sushi platter is highly recommended. Read more.
At Chicago’s legendary almost–all–night Korean barbecue temple San Soo Gab San, whose name means “mountain water valley mountain.” The restaurant keeps its coals lit between 10 a.m. and 5 a.m., Monday
Try the fava-bean crostini from our 100 Best list: You realize why everyone wants to imitate Avec. And just how inimitable Avec is.
Guy Fieri, host of Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, visited Cemitas Puebla in Chicago, IL, for a one-of-a-kind Mexican sandwich. Read more.
When it comes to Mexican food, Chicago is second to none. The proof is in this open-air market. You just don't find this at your typical Tex-Mex taco stand. -- Andrew Zimmern, Bizarre Foods Read more.
I'm not exactly an expert on polish cuisine, but this place has always taken care of me for an excellent price!
The pierogis here are so tender and some of the best you will find in Chicago. The grilled kielbasa and layered honey cake are also wonderful. - Inspector
Thought you’d want to know: Purple Pig has been nominated for Best New Patio and Scott Harris has been nominated for Restaurateur of the Year in Time Out Chicago’s 2011 Eat Out Awards. Vote now! Read more.
Congratulations, you've found one of Esquire's Best Bars in America. With 150 beers on tap, including Trappist ales and mead, try to order something other than a Stella Artois. Read more.
Im a professional pastry chef & this place has the best Tahitian vanilla, its worth the extra money! Plus when your done you get a vanilla bean to use for custards, vanilla sugar & coffees! Try it!
This cheese cave in the Modern Wing keeps a bounty of artisanal cheeses at the perfect temp & humidity. After, head to the patio overlooking Millennium Park & the skyline. -- Green Guide Editor
Hailed by in-the-know locals as one of the finest sandwich spots in the city, this shop crafts soul food inspired eat like the grilled peanut butter, banana, & honey sandwich. Read more.
Your focus goes immediately to the divine sausages tucked into homemade bread; the chubby ground beef patties oozing with fresh, mild cheese; and the hearty bowls of bean soup. -RW
Thought you'd want to know: Ruxbin has been nominated for Best New Restaurant and Edward Kim has been nominated for Breakout Chef of the Year in Time Out Chicago’s 2011 Eat Out Awards. Vote now! Read more.
Who serves the best hot dog in Chicago? The competition is fierce, to say the least. Our vote, though, goes to this upstart Lincoln Park spot from owner Alex Brunacci and Chef Joe Doren. Read more.
You can't beat Paul Kahan's Wicker Park hot spot. Tacos stuffed with lamb shoulder, pork belly, and non-gringo ingredients like beef heart are only a few bucks. Read more.
Take a ride on the river for as little as $4 (b/w Michigan and Union Station). If you use them to commute during rush hour, they're even cheaper, but we prefer a lazy-day vibe.
The brilliantly airy cocoons of choux pastry here hide a copious amount of vanilla custard cream, enough that walking and eating is out of the question. Get the original size. Get the green-tea. Read more.
Try the bagel sandwich from our 100 Best list: We’ve latched on to one of the few always-present brunch items on this ever-changing menu, this bagel with lush trout cream cheese and a fried egg.
Highlights of the menu—hamachi tartare in little taro-root tacos, fried ramen noodles tossed with spicy mustard for a dish called Chiyan Pon, and joyful desserts like softball-sized cream puffs. Read more.
This is one of the best in the loop for a good price. Get BBQ pulled pork sandwich.
Best ribs in the city! Get the zany sauce. Also, get the onion rings or creamed spinach
Diners come here for three things: to sample the massive list of brews, to taste impeccable charcuterie and oysters or to begin their Sundays with arguably the best brunch in town. Read more.
What’s my take on the age-old argument: New York thin crust versus Chicago deep dish? Let’s just say, I’m a Brooklyn guy, but Gino's tests my loyalty. – Adam Richman, Man v. Food
Jason Hammel and Jason Vincent give us another reason to travel to Pilsen: their impeccably prepared rustic seasonal fare and a cool, modern Kevin Heisner-designed room to eat in. [Eater 38 Member] Read more.
Don't pay for the observatory! Get drinks and appetizers or desserts at the Signature Lounge--two floors above the observatory. You'll save some $ but the view is spectacular & the atmosphere is too!
Try the Competition St. Louis slab from our 100 Best list: These ribs take two additional hours of labor because they’re pulled out of the smoker periodically to baste. These bones are killing it.
Don’t let the name fool you—it’s not just desserts here; the seasonal, savory menu is just as tempting. But Hot Chocolate shines with finales like banana brioche bread pudding. Read more.
