4 Best Restaurants in Chicago, Illinois

Au Cheval

$ | West Loop Fodor's choice

A menu packed with burgers, fries, and chopped liver might sound like a classic dive, but Au Cheval is no greasy spoon—exposed brick, dim lighting, and antique-inspired fixtures give a sultry feel, and rich takes on classic American diner dishes satisfy cravings. There’s a perennial wait, but sneak in on weekends from 3 pm to 5 pm or Monday–Saturday from midnight to 1 am for a limited menu consisting of the crowd-favorite cheeseburger and fries.

Chicago Diner

$ | Boystown Fodor's choice
Belovedby vegetarians and vegans, this eatery should also appeal to anyone simply looking for a satisfying, comforting meal. The Chicago Diner offers meat-free variations on favorites from a wide range of cuisine types—American, Mexican, Mediterranean, Thai—it’s all here, and it’s all delicious. You’ll want to save room for a milk shake so good you won’t believe it’s not dairy. Be prepared for a wait during peak dining hours.

Dove's Luncheonette

$ | Wicker Park
Wood-paneled walls and a turntable playing Chicago blues set the scene for executive chef/partner Paul Kahan’s throwback '60s- and '70s-inspired diner, which features breakfast, upscale takes on Southern and Mexican comfort foods, an array of cocktails, and house-made ice cream. Seating is entirely counter space and very limited, but with more elbow room than the shoulder-to-shoulder sister restaurant next door, Big Star.

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Lou Mitchell's

$ | West Loop
Shelve your calorie and cholesterol concerns because Lou Mitchell's heeds no modern health warnings—the bustling old-school diner, a dining destination close to Union Station since 1923, specializes in filling breakfasts and comfort-food lunches. Though you’ll almost certainly have to deal with out-the-door waits, especially at breakfast, staffers dole out doughnut holes and Milk Duds to pacify hunger pangs.