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$ | Boystown | Diner
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.
3411 N. Halsted St., Chicago, Illinois, 60657, USA
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$ | Lakeview | Korean
This Lakeview hole-in-the-wall specializes in Korean fried chicken glazed in a variety of unusual sauces ranging from sweet and “Seoul spicy” to, as the menu puts it, “suicide.” Despite all that juice, the chicken still remains miraculously, well, crispy. The “Buddha bowl” bi bim bop and Korean burritos are also packed with freshness and flavor, especially when paired with traditional, tangy kimchi.
2940 N. Broadway St., Chicago, Illinois, USA
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$ | | American
Be prepared to stand in line for the mouthwatering apple cinnamon pancakes, a massive disk loaded with apples, or the German pancake, a puffy oven-baked circle topped with powdered sugar. There are several branches, but the original Wilmette restaurant is where scenes from the 1980 movie Ordinary People were shot.
153 Green Bay Rd., Wilmette, Illinois, 60091, USA
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$ | River North |
The chef at this Pan-Asian restaurant is a stickler for using natural ingredients, and the menu of Thai and Chinese dishes has many options for those seeking gluten-free or vegetarian options.
60 E. Ohio St., Chicago, Illinois, 60611, USA
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Sun.–Thurs. 11:30–10, Fri.–Sat. 11:30–11
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$ | Near North Side | Coffee
Behind and a level down from the Wrigley Building is the inspiration for Saturday Night Live's classic "cheezborger, cheezborger, cheezborger, cheeps, no fries, no Pepsi, Coke" skit. Grab a greasy burger at this no-frills grill, or just have a beer and absorb the comic undertones.
430 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Illinois, 60611, USA
Known For
- <PRO>Double Cheezborger</PRO>
- <PRO>"Enter at your own risk" sign</PRO>
- <PRO>SNL connection</PRO>
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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$ | Chicago Loop |
For breakfast, lunch, or a quick snack, this is a great find. Try a "Jojo," the bistro's signature sandwich—it's a filone (an Italian baguette) stuffed with prosciutto, mozzarella, artichoke hearts, basil, and plum tomatoes.
2 N. LaSalle, Chicago, Illinois, 60602, USA
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed weekends
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$ | |
Northwestern students and suits line up here for burgers (ground in-house), nine kinds of french fries (try the ones with truffle salt and Parmesan), and spicy Mexican-chocolate shakes.
1571 Sherman Ave., Evanston, Illinois, 60201, USA
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
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$ | Bucktown | Café
Tasty sandwiches and salads that please vegans and carnivores alike are served at Goddess and Grocer.
1649 N. Damen Ave., Chicago, Illinois, 60647, USA
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$ | Chicago Loop |
This Loop legend is famous for casual Cajun breakfasts and lunches that have area office workers gladly lining up to be served.
111 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago, Illinois, 60602, USA
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
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$ | Lincoln Park |
Heaping breakfasts, available anytime, make this spot a favorite with the neighborhood's late-night crowd. There are also branches in Old Town, Lakeview, and Edgewater.
2114 N. Halsted St., Chicago, Illinois, 60614, USA
Known For
- <PRO>brioche French toast</PRO>
- <PRO>cozy environment</PRO>
- <PRO>family friendly</PRO>
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$ | Lincoln Park |
Heaping breakfasts, available anytime, make this spot a favorite with the neighborhood's late-night crowd. There are also branches in Old Town, Lakeview, and Edgewater.
2114 N. Halsted St., Chicago, Illinois, 60614, USA
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$ | Chicago Loop |
If your taste buds crave a quick Middle Eastern fix, make your way to the back of the Jewelry Mall, walk up to the counter, and place your order for creamy hummus, crispy falafel, grape leaves, a shish kebab sandwich, or another snack. It isn't fancy, but it's good, and the service is snappy.
21 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago, Illinois, 60602, USA
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Mon.–Sat. 10–5 pm, Closed Sun.
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$ | |
This old-fashioned parlor, which sells sundaes, shakes, malts, and cones of homemade ice cream, celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2019.
1100 Chicago Ave., Oak Park, Illinois, 60302, USA
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Jan. and Feb.
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$ | Little Italy |
Head to this branch of a local restaurant empire for salads, house-made pasta, and its famous thick, bready squares of pizza.
1531 W. Taylor St., Chicago, Illinois, 60607, USA
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$ | Lincoln Park | Burger
Just outside Lincoln Park, R.J. Grunts has been serving killer milk shakes and burgers since 1971. It is also known for its famous (and gargantuan) salad bar.
2056 N. Lincoln Park West, Chicago, Illinois, 60614, USA
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$ | Pilsen | American
Located at the unassuming intersection of Halsted and Cermak, this dimly lit, cash-only dive bar is off the beaten track but well worth the journey. Locals love its cheap, greasy comfort food—especially the tater tot basket and mac and cheese plate.
2149 S. Halsted St., Chicago, Illinois, USA
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$ | Hyde Park | Coffee
This cash-only Hyde Park institution serves big portions of no-frills diner classics cafeteria-style. President Obama ate here often during his University of Chicago days, and the restaurant still posts a “President Obama’s Favorites” menu.
1518 E. 53rd St., Chicago, Illinois, 60615, USA
Known For
- Breakfast
- Loved by all walks of life
- Friendly staff
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner
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$ | Hyde Park |
At this favored, no-frills tavern, locals and university students gather for beer, burgers, and Reuben sandwiches. On Sunday nights, jam sessions complement the pub grub.
1172 E. 55th St., Chicago, Illinois, 60615, USA
Known For
- Burgers
- 70-plus year history
- University crowd
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed holidays
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$ | South Side | American
Closed Permanently
First-rate home-cooked soul food banners this Far South Side institution. The fried chicken is arguably the city's best, but leave room for outstanding corn bread, chicken gumbo, mustard greens, and sweet-potato pie. The setting is surprisingly genteel for such down-home fare: waiters in bow ties, tables with starched white cloths, and African and Haitian art on the walls. On Sunday, dress up and join the after-church crowds.
422 E. 75th St., Chicago, Illinois, 60619, USA
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$ | River North |
Closed Permanently
The purposefully sassy waiters and waitresses at this touristy '50s-style diner keep the crowds entertained.
640 N. Wells St., Chicago, Illinois, 60654, USA