Deep dish pizza, Italian beef, hot dogs. These are just a few midwestern delicacies that come to mind when one thinks of Chicago. When you visit, it’s smart to start with the essentials. These dishes are iconic and delicious, but many tourists think they are all Chicago has to offer foodwise. Little do they know that there are 178 different neighborhoods in the city that all offer a wide variety of foods from all over the world. As someone who grew up in the Chicagoland area, I’ve been able to try all of the delicious and unique eats that the city has to offer. Follow along as we take a trip outside of the Loop for a tour of Chicago’s best eateries, according to a local.
Where to go for Breakfast and Brunch
For the most important meal of the day (and the most delicious, in my opinion), Chicago has a wide variety of local breakfast joints that can help you start the day off right.
The Bongo Room
The first time I ever went to The Bongo Room in Wicker Park, I tried their salted caramel white chocolate pretzel pancakes and was in heaven. Since then, this Chicago-based breakfast and brunch boutique has become a staple in my local restaurant lineup. From seasonally changing pancakes and french toast to fresh, savory options, everyone can find something they’ll love on the menu. After you finish your delicious morning meal, you can explore the vibrant neighborhood of Wicker Park and all the hidden gems it offers.
Spinning J Bakery and Soda Fountain
This lesser-known Humboldt Park spot is a new find for me and has quickly become one of my favorite places for a quick bite. The building dates back to the early 1900s and still displays its original charm and antiquity. Spinning J was built using almost entirely recycled materials, capturing that “old-made-new” feel. The menu is a delightful mix of all-day breakfast staples, freshly baked pastries, and classic lunch sandwiches. One of the most unique things about Spinning J is the soda fountain. With enticing flavors like lemon drop, thai tea egg cream, and strawberry rhubarb phosphate, you may just have to stop in and try them all.
Little Goat Diner
From the mind of Iron Chef 2017 winner Stephanie Izard, the Little Goat Diner is one of her several Chicago-based restaurants. This cozy, retro diner mixes the classic with the nuance in both its interior design and menu. The moment you walk in, you’re met with a vibrant, sixties-esque vibe and the smell of fresh coffee. If you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy a relaxed breakfast alone or with a friend, Little Goat Diner is a great pick.
Southport Grocery and Cafe
There’s nothing I love more than a café with fantastic food, coffee, and that local charm. At Southport Grocery and Cafe, you can dine in, grab a coffee and a pastry to go or browse their wide range of jams, honey, and other goods to try at home. Enjoying their hash and an iced coffee on the patio is one of my favorite ways to spend a slow morning.
Coffee, Coffee, Coffee
If you’re like me, meaning you live and breathe caffeine, you will fall in love with the local coffee scene in Chicago. Countless cafes, bakeries, and shops offer some of the best coffee in the Midwest.
Damn Fine Coffee Bar
Ever since I moved to Logan Square, Damn Fine Coffee Bar has become my favorite place to grab a pick-me-up. They offer a wide variety of staple and seasonal drinks with a unique twist. With a steadily evolving menu, there’s always something new to try. Every month, they have a “featured roaster,” that they use and sell bags of in store. These roasters come from all over the country and allow Chicagoans to sample coffee from California to Maine. If you’re looking for a great cup of coffee and a quaint atmosphere, look no further than Damn Fine Coffee Bar.
Dark Matter Coffee
Though Dark Matter has locations in New York as well, this chain has become a staple in Chicago since its first location opened in the West Loop. Their partners in El Salvador and Guatemala work with them to produce truly outstanding coffee. Each location has a space-age theme, like the Osmium in Lakeview and the Mothership in West Town. With their dedication to making people happy with their work, Dark Matter Coffee should be on your list if you find yourself in the city.
Where to go for Lunch and Dinner
When tourists visit Chicago, they always tend to stay around Michigan Avenue for dinner. But those that venture North, South, or West will come across some local treats that the hotel lobbies of the Loop just can’t replicate.
Middle Brow
If you’re looking for some deliciously midwestern eats and brews made in-house, Middle Brow will have everything you’re looking for and more. Everything they serve, from their Sicilian pies to their beer and wine selections, all come from sources in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan. By supporting local Midwestern farms, they have created an outstanding menu from 100% local ingredients. They offer brunch as well as lunch and dinner, serving delicious coffee and freshly baked pastries. Middle Brow is perfect for great food and beer in a rustic, friendly environment.
Bavette’s Bar and Boeuf
One of the most important elements of any restaurant is the atmosphere. The moment you step into Bavette’s, you will feel the world outside melt away into a dimly-lit vintage dream. Though it is definitely on the more pricey side, you will not be disappointed once you try any one of the mouthwatering dishes they have to offer. I was fortunate enough to spend my last birthday at Bavette’s and was blown away by their food and service. For the entirety of the meal, our waitress spared no effort to ensure that we were satisfied in every way possible. If I had to recommend a great spot in Chicago to spend an anniversary, a birthday, or a special dinner, Bavette’s would be it.
Honky Tonk BBQ
Booze, bands, and BBQ. What more could you ask for? Honky Tonk BBQ is located in Pilsen, just Southwest of Chicago’s downtown area, and is nothing if not a good time. Their menu is full of Southern favorites, like fresh cornbread, baby back ribs, brisket sandwiches, and so much more. Their open-jam Thursdays call for local bands to take to the stage and show Chicago what they’ve got. There are new events every week, whether it be a solo artist or a big band to play for swing-dancing customers. Honky Tonk BBQ is a perfect spot for a fun night out and some damn good food.
Devil Dawgs
Being a college student living in Chicago, I have spent an insane amount of money at Devil Dawgs. This locally based chain has five different locations in the city and offers some of the best street food I’ve ever had. The first Devil Dawgs opened in 2010 near the Depaul University Campus and has become a favorite of many since. As far as quick-service restaurants go, they have one of the most diverse menus I’ve come across. With classic staples, like the Chicago-style hot dog, and more novel items, like the Icelandic dog, Devil Dawgs truly has something for everyone to enjoy.
Pleasant House Pub
Hailing from Pilsen, the Pleasant House Pub is a cozy and quaint English-style pub with a charming feel. They specialize in essential English dishes, like pies, specialty chips, and toffee pudding. Before I left Chicago to study in England, I spent an evening at Pleasant House so that I could compare their food to the real thing overseas. I found that they hit the nail on the head with every English meal they’ve been inspired by and, in some cases, surpassed the original. This is one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago, and I would recommend it to anyone and everyone.
Cheesie’s Pub and Grub
The first time I ever went to Cheesie’s, I brought about twenty of my friends from a comedy show we attended down the street. None of us had tried their food before, but once we did, we couldn’t stop raving about it. Cheesie’s is known for its grilled cheese sandwiches, some familiar favorites, and some nuanced creations. It’s a perfect place to grab a bite on a lazy afternoon and enjoy some excellent comfort food.
Where to go for Late Night Eats
When you get the late-night munchies, all you want is an easy, greasy, delicious meal. As someone who has fallen victim to these cravings time and time again, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite spots to eat when the city falls asleep.
Clark Street Dog
As a spot that markets itself as a “no-frills” establishment, you already know that Clark Street Dog will satisfy your cravings in a matter of minutes. Located at the intersection of Clark and Halstead, you won’t miss the huge neon sign right out front. After a long night, nothing hits the spot more than a massive burger, a side of crispy fries, and a cool pop to refuel with. If you find yourself at Clark St. Dog, you won’t be disappointed.
Portillos
Portillo’s never disappoints. Most people who visit tend to find their way there at some point during their stay. It’s one of those joints that’s always busy, and for good reason, too. With a menu of classic quick-service foods and a lively interior, Portillo’s will always satisfy their customers.
Arturo’s Tacos
This Logan Square-based restaurant is open 24 hours and is an amazing spot for some late-night grub. Their vast menu offers anything and everything you could be craving at any time of the day. My favorite dish has to be the skirt steak tacos with rice. Arturo’s has been proudly serving some of Chicago’s best Mexican cuisine since 1989 and continues to be one of my favorite quick-service restaurants in the city.
Margie’s Candies
Since its opening in 1921, Margie’s Candies has brought delicious ice cream and handmade candies to the North side of Chicago. This hundred-year-old family-run business still uses original recipes for all of their confections. When you step inside either of their two locations, it feels as if you’re stepping back in time. Tiny jukeboxes sit at each table, original wood panelling lines the walls, and gorgeous vintage chandeliers hang from the ceiling. If I could only have dessert at one place for the rest of my life, it would be Margie’s Candies.
Choosing Where to Dine
Visiting a new place can seem a bit daunting, especially if it’s a place as big and populated as Chicago. Staying close to your hotel or accommodation makes things easy, sure. But where’s the fun in that? Supporting local restaurants, cafes, and chains is one of the best ways to experience a city’s culture and meet more of its people. By finding hidden gems like the ones above, you’ll be able to get a unique taste of Chicago and discover more than the average tourist.
