25 Essential Chicago Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of Chicago.
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
Illinois
Upscale Brazilian chain for all-you-can-eat meat carved tableside plus an extensive salad bar.
STK Steakhouse
Illinois
Swanky, hip steakhouse with a nightclub vibe featuring high-end beef & seafood, plus DJs.
Gino's East
Illinois
Enduring chain for Chicago-style deep-dish & thin-crust pizzas, plus Italian sandwiches & salads.
Gino’s East - South Loop
Chicago, Illinois
Enduring chain for Chicago-style deep-dish & thin-crust pizzas, plus Italian sandwiches & salads.
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
Chicago, Illinois
Upscale Brazilian chain for all-you-can-eat meat carved tableside plus an extensive salad bar.
Mercadito
Chicago, Illinois
Mixologists make cocktails in an intimate space at this modern lounge with Latin-style small plates.
Hawksmoor Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
Prime cuts of matured beef, seafood & other British classics served in striking environs.
Giordano's
Chicago, Illinois
Known for deep-dish pizza, this casual chain serves other classic Italian food, plus beer & wine.
Quartino Ristorante
Chicago, Illinois
Bustling, bi-level space where groups go for small & large plates plus cocktails & carafes of wine.
m.henry
Chicago, Illinois
Breakfast, lunch & brunch spot known for American comfort food with a twist & bakery carryout.
Lou Mitchell's
Chicago, Illinois
Iconic diner serving hearty breakfasts and lunches since 1923.
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
Chicago, Illinois
Family-owned local chain for Italian classics & Chicago-style, deep-dish pizzas with buttery crusts.
Awash Ethiopian Restaurant
Chicago, Illinois
Casual spot serving traditional utensil-free Ethiopian cuisine, including vegetarian options.
Gio's Cafe And Deli
Chicago, Illinois
Casual cafe with Sicilian fare, BYOB & red-checked tablecloths in the center of an Italian deli.
Bacchanalia Restaurant
Chicago, Illinois
Casual eatery serving large plates of Italian favorites from Tuscan family recipes since 1979.
Sushi Nova - Lincoln Park
Chicago, Illinois
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible seating.
Smoque BBQ
Chicago, Illinois
BBQ spot for ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and more with proprietary sauces in a basic space.
Al's #1 Italian Beef
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago-based chain known for overstuffed Italian beef sandwiches & hot dogs in a bare-bones space.
Doc B's Restaurant (River North)
Chicago, Illinois
Small-chain American spot offering seasonal comfort food in stylish, contemporary surroundings.
Psistaria Greek Taverna
Chicago, Illinois
Family-owned restaurant featuring classic Grecian dining & a full bar in simple, cozy rooms.
Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe
Chicago, Illinois
Pancakes & other big portions of American eats draw hungry folks to this breakfast-lunch cafe.
Shinhwa Korean Steakhouse
Chicago, Illinois
Service options: Onsite services, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible restroom.
Amitabul Simply Vegan
Chicago, Illinois
Modest restaurant serving a vegan, organic Korean menu that includes noodle soups, tofu & bibimbop.
Brothers Restaurant
Chicago, Illinois
Low-key joint serving classic breakfasts, plus sandwiches, burgers, soups & salads.
Tsukiji Sushi Sake Bar
Chicago, Illinois
Sushi & Japanese seafood entrees prepared with imported fish & served in a hip, modern dining room.