Best Cities for Food Lovers in Chicago, Illinois, United States

1. Chinatown

A vibrant neighborhood with authentic Chinese eateries serving everything from dim sum to Szechuan cuisine.

Authentic Experience: Provides an authentic taste of China without leaving the city.
Variety: Offers a wide variety of Chinese cuisines from different regions.
Affordability: Prices are generally very reasonable compared to other dining options in the city.

A bustling open-air market offering traditional German food and beer during warm weather months.

Cultural Immersion: Offers a chance to immerse in German culture through food.
Authentic Cuisine: Features authentic German dishes like sauerbraten and leberkäse.
Seasonal Event: Operates only during warm weather months, making it a unique seasonal experience.

A popular restaurant serving innovative small plates with a focus on locally-sourced ingredients.

Creative Cuisine: Offers creative and unique dishes made from local, sustainable ingredients.
Small Plates: Serves small plates designed for sharing, encouraging a social dining experience.
Reservations Required: Requires reservations well in advance due to its popularity.

A legendary pizzeria known for its deep-dish Chicago-style pizza with buttery crust and gooey cheese.

A three-Michelin-star restaurant offering a cutting-edge tasting menu with avant-garde techniques.

Fine Dining Experience: Provides an upscale, fine dining experience in a contemporary setting.
Tasting Menu: Offers a multi-course tasting menu with unique and innovative dishes.
Premium Price: Features a premium price point, making it a special occasion destination.

A popular barbecue joint serving up Southern-style 'que alongside live blues music.

Live Music: Features live blues music performances adding to the ambiance.
BBQ Variety: Offers a variety of barbecue dishes, including ribs, pulled pork, and brisket.
Casual Atmosphere: Provides a casual, relaxed atmosphere perfect for a laid-back meal.

A modern Italian eatery focusing on artisanal cheeses and charcuterie alongside wine.

Charcuterie Selection: Offers a selection of high-quality cured meats and cheeses.
Wine List: Features an extensive wine list focused on Italian varieties.
Small Plates: Serves small plates designed for sharing, encouraging a social dining experience.

Celebrity chef Rick Bayless' restaurant offering modern Mexican cuisine with a focus on regional dishes.

Regional Mexican Cuisine: Offers a variety of regional Mexican dishes, showcasing the diversity of Mexican cuisine.
Celebrity Chef: Created by celebrity chef Rick Bayless, known for his expertise in Mexican cuisine.
Spacious Dining: Features spacious indoor and outdoor seating, making it suitable for larger groups.

A gastropub known for its epicurean burger and craft beer selection.

Epicurean Burger: Serves an exceptional burger that is often considered one of the best in Chicago.
Craft Beer Selection: Offers a wide selection of craft beers from around the world.
Wait Times: Known for long wait times, but worth it for the exceptional food and atmosphere.

A classic Chicago hot dog stand serving up regional favorites like the Maxwell Street Polish.

Regional Favorites: Offers popular Chicago-style hot dogs and other regional specialties.
Street Food: Serves street food in a casual, convenient setting.
Affordable Pricing: Features affordable pricing for budget-conscious travelers.

A modern Chinese restaurant featuring family-style dishes in a cozy setting.

Family-Style Dishes: Serves dishes designed for sharing among multiple people.
Modern Chinese Cuisine: Offers modern takes on traditional Chinese dishes.
Cozy Atmosphere: Features a cozy, inviting atmosphere perfect for a memorable meal.

A Buenos Aires-style steakhouse serving up Argentinian cuisine and live tango shows.

Live Tango Shows: Offers live tango performances adding to the dining experience.
Argentinian Cuisine: Serves traditional Argentinian dishes, including steak and empanadas.
Upscale Atmosphere: Provides an upscale, romantic atmosphere suitable for special occasions.

A fine dining restaurant offering panoramic views of the city and a French-inspired menu.

Panoramic Views: Offers stunning views of Chicago from the 95th floor of the John Hancock Center.
French-Inspired Menu: Serves French-inspired dishes with a contemporary twist.
Dress Code: Has a dress code, so it's important to check the requirements before dining.

A speakeasy-style cocktail bar known for its craft cocktails and artisanal snacks.

Craft Cocktails: Offers a variety of expertly-crafted cocktails made with premium ingredients.
Artisanal Snacks: Serves artisanal snacks to complement the cocktails.
Reservations Required: Requires reservations for seating due to its popularity and limited capacity.

A bakery from the creators of Girl & The Goat offering artisanal breads and pastries.

Artisanal Breads: Offers a variety of freshly-baked artisanal breads.
Pastries: Serves a selection of artisanal pastries for breakfast and lunch.
Limited Hours: Operates with limited hours, typically focused on breakfast and lunch.