Chicago - best foodie destinations
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Chicago - best foodie destinations
We're coming to Chicago in May/June for 3 weeks and would like to visit some lesser known ( as well as better known ) foodie places - markets, cafes, restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries etc.
We also love great beer and wine, music (rock, blues, folk) and living like a local. We will have a car so can explore a bit further and welcome your suggestions
thanks a lot
We also love great beer and wine, music (rock, blues, folk) and living like a local. We will have a car so can explore a bit further and welcome your suggestions
thanks a lot
#2
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 2,363
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You might enjoy one of these food tours: http://www.chicagofoodplanet.com/. We also have some great ethnic neighorhoods (Pilsen, Devon Avenue, Chinatown). And for farmers markets and more see www.explorechicago.org. For local theatre, music, film, etc. listings see http://chicago.timeout.com/
#3
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 2,363
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
And I forgot another great local source, the weekly alternative newpaper, also available on line www.chicagoreader.com.
#4
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 26,243
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I "love" this coffee shop:
http://www.lovelybakeshop.com/
It's in-between downtown and the Wicker Park/Bucktown neighborhoods, so you could go there "on your way" (that's how I found it -- we were in a taxi on the way to Wicker Park, and the traffic was at a standstill, so we got out to walk).
http://www.lovelybakeshop.com/
It's in-between downtown and the Wicker Park/Bucktown neighborhoods, so you could go there "on your way" (that's how I found it -- we were in a taxi on the way to Wicker Park, and the traffic was at a standstill, so we got out to walk).
#5
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,499
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I really think you should be advising of your dining budget range here. The best gourmet experiences will run around $200-1000+ pp and be a several hour dining adventure.
However, from the manner in which you phrase your inquiry, I would hazard a guess that your dining budget is quite a bit less than that level.
Also, "living like a local" means that you will be paying quite a bit. Chicago is not an inexpensive destination and has one of the highest tax rates in the nation.
P.S. You will not need a car - nor will you even want a car - if you are staying in "downtown" Chicago. The current garage parking rates run anywhere from $25-60+ per night.
However, from the manner in which you phrase your inquiry, I would hazard a guess that your dining budget is quite a bit less than that level.
Also, "living like a local" means that you will be paying quite a bit. Chicago is not an inexpensive destination and has one of the highest tax rates in the nation.
P.S. You will not need a car - nor will you even want a car - if you are staying in "downtown" Chicago. The current garage parking rates run anywhere from $25-60+ per night.
#7
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,124
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I ate here a few years ago and still tell people about it. Amazing food.
http://www.trurestaurant.com/
http://www.trurestaurant.com/
#8
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,499
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Alinea is widely considered the best restaurant in Chicago.
Particular areas of the city where you could go:
Argyle Street (Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, Korean, etc.)
Devon Avenue (Indian, Pakistani)
Others, in no particular order:
Moto for experimental (molecular gastronomy) cuisine. You can even eat the menus.
Spiaggia (or Cafe Spiaggia) - Tony Mantuano was one of the two winners of both of the challenges on this past week's Top Chef Masters
Schwa
Graham Elliot (Graham Elliot Bowles is also a contender on Top Chef Masters). His new place, Grahamwich, is supposed to open just when you are coming in late May/early June.
Pelago
Sable Kitchen and Bar (at the Kimpton's newest in Chicago, Hotel Palomar)
Everest*
Brasserie Jo*
Hot Doug's** (you will have to stand in line - perhaps up to 1.5+ hours if a Friday or Saturday and you don't get there before or when they open) - cash only
Nuts on Clark (original location on Clark is 2 blocks north of Wrigley Field, west side of the street)
Benny's Chop House
Revolution Brewing
Hopleaf
Half Acre Beer Company
(When in Chicago, you might also want to try Three Floyds, if you can, which is actually brewed in Indiana)
The Publican
Sepia
Mercat a la Planxa**
Boka, Landmark or Perennial
Frontera Grill, Topolobampo or Xoco (Rick Bayless's places)
Yoshi's Cafe
Hearty (Hearty Boys of the Food Network)
Expression by Lavazza (several locations around the city but one is on the 94th floor of the John Hancock - you have to pay the fee for the Observatory, if you go)
Intelligentsia (coffee - 3 locations - and they do have tours of their roasting facilities, if you wish)***
Julius Meinl
Green City Market (Chicago's premier farmer's market - also has cooking demonstrations from some of Chicago's better and best chefs)
Hot Chocolate**
Pastoral: Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine*** and ****
Swedish Bakery
M. Henry
Lula Cafe
Milk and Honey Cafe
Flo
Orange (several locations around town - original on N. Clark very near the Belmont CTA station - for the juice combinations, if nothing else)***
Chilam Balam***
Chez Joel
*Chef is Jean Joho
**All of the chefs of these restaurants are alumni of the Culinary School of Kendall College. The Dining Room at Kendall College might be interesting to you.
***Locations of each of these are located literally within a few blocks of each other on N. Broadway and N. Clark
****Has a location at the French Market in Ogilvie Transportation Center as well
Entertainment:
It really depends on the artist but to offer up a couple of locations
The Green Mill (jazz)
Jazz Showcase
Club Blujazz
Velvet Lounge
Old Town School of Folk Music
Buddy Guy's Legends
Rosa's Lounge
The Jazz Institute of Chicago's website is a good place to check out the calendar
Particular areas of the city where you could go:
Argyle Street (Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, Korean, etc.)
Devon Avenue (Indian, Pakistani)
Others, in no particular order:
Moto for experimental (molecular gastronomy) cuisine. You can even eat the menus.
Spiaggia (or Cafe Spiaggia) - Tony Mantuano was one of the two winners of both of the challenges on this past week's Top Chef Masters
Schwa
Graham Elliot (Graham Elliot Bowles is also a contender on Top Chef Masters). His new place, Grahamwich, is supposed to open just when you are coming in late May/early June.
Pelago
Sable Kitchen and Bar (at the Kimpton's newest in Chicago, Hotel Palomar)
Everest*
Brasserie Jo*
Hot Doug's** (you will have to stand in line - perhaps up to 1.5+ hours if a Friday or Saturday and you don't get there before or when they open) - cash only
Nuts on Clark (original location on Clark is 2 blocks north of Wrigley Field, west side of the street)
Benny's Chop House
Revolution Brewing
Hopleaf
Half Acre Beer Company
(When in Chicago, you might also want to try Three Floyds, if you can, which is actually brewed in Indiana)
The Publican
Sepia
Mercat a la Planxa**
Boka, Landmark or Perennial
Frontera Grill, Topolobampo or Xoco (Rick Bayless's places)
Yoshi's Cafe
Hearty (Hearty Boys of the Food Network)
Expression by Lavazza (several locations around the city but one is on the 94th floor of the John Hancock - you have to pay the fee for the Observatory, if you go)
Intelligentsia (coffee - 3 locations - and they do have tours of their roasting facilities, if you wish)***
Julius Meinl
Green City Market (Chicago's premier farmer's market - also has cooking demonstrations from some of Chicago's better and best chefs)
Hot Chocolate**
Pastoral: Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine*** and ****
Swedish Bakery
M. Henry
Lula Cafe
Milk and Honey Cafe
Flo
Orange (several locations around town - original on N. Clark very near the Belmont CTA station - for the juice combinations, if nothing else)***
Chilam Balam***
Chez Joel
*Chef is Jean Joho
**All of the chefs of these restaurants are alumni of the Culinary School of Kendall College. The Dining Room at Kendall College might be interesting to you.
***Locations of each of these are located literally within a few blocks of each other on N. Broadway and N. Clark
****Has a location at the French Market in Ogilvie Transportation Center as well
Entertainment:
It really depends on the artist but to offer up a couple of locations
The Green Mill (jazz)
Jazz Showcase
Club Blujazz
Velvet Lounge
Old Town School of Folk Music
Buddy Guy's Legends
Rosa's Lounge
The Jazz Institute of Chicago's website is a good place to check out the calendar
#11
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,500
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Take a look at the lthforum great neighborhood restaurants:
http://www.lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=20908
http://www.lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=20908
#13
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 2,363
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yesterday I saw two things here in Chicago you might be interested in:
1. a new book in Borders at State and Lake called "eat?" Chicago edition (can't find it on Amazon though, but maybe try this one I did find there: eat.shop chicago: The Indispensable Guide to Inspired, Locally Owned Eating and Shopping Establishments)
2. a neighborhood and other special interest tour series sponsored by the city (but not free, you might find one going on while you are here or use their descriptions to follow on your own) http://www.chicagoneighborhoodtours.com/
Have fun planning your trip!
1. a new book in Borders at State and Lake called "eat?" Chicago edition (can't find it on Amazon though, but maybe try this one I did find there: eat.shop chicago: The Indispensable Guide to Inspired, Locally Owned Eating and Shopping Establishments)
2. a neighborhood and other special interest tour series sponsored by the city (but not free, you might find one going on while you are here or use their descriptions to follow on your own) http://www.chicagoneighborhoodtours.com/
Have fun planning your trip!
#15
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you head to the South Shore neighborhood, My Soul Cafe has some of the best coffee you'll find in the city. They have Jamaica Blue Mountain Espresso, which is an extremely rare treasure. Here's there website, http://www.mysoulcafe.com
Have a great trip!
Have a great trip!
#16
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,829
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Nobody has brought up pizza or Italian beef spots, and only one hot dog place has been mentioned so far. So I'll do so, even though this isn't exactly haute cuisine.
Italian beef: Mr. Beef, Al's #1 Italian Beef.
Hot dogs: in addition to Hot Doug's, there's also Portillo's and Gold Coast Dogs, plus Superdawg much further out.
Deep dish pizza: Gino's East, Lou Malnatti's, Pizzeria Uno and Pizzeria Due, Giordano's (this last is known for deep dish stuffed pizza).
Have not been to Hot Doug's or Superdawg, but have been to the rest, and I enjoyed them all very much.
Italian beef: Mr. Beef, Al's #1 Italian Beef.
Hot dogs: in addition to Hot Doug's, there's also Portillo's and Gold Coast Dogs, plus Superdawg much further out.
Deep dish pizza: Gino's East, Lou Malnatti's, Pizzeria Uno and Pizzeria Due, Giordano's (this last is known for deep dish stuffed pizza).
Have not been to Hot Doug's or Superdawg, but have been to the rest, and I enjoyed them all very much.
#17
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
See the Eating Out in Chicago Forum topic at http://www.lthforum.com/bb/index.php and http://lthforum.com/cert/GNR_pocket_guide.pdf.
#18
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,158
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I just went to Sprout (located in Lincoln Park area) in March and it was a most amazing meal. It's owned by Top Chef finalist Dale Levitski and, while it's a little upscale, won't break the bank like Alinea.
http://www.sproutrestaurant.com/
Here's my blog on it, with pictures of what we ate:
http://urbanmixplate.honadvblogs.com...itskis-sprout/
http://www.sproutrestaurant.com/
Here's my blog on it, with pictures of what we ate:
http://urbanmixplate.honadvblogs.com...itskis-sprout/
#19
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,064
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you like good beer, or if you like rum, check out the Bottom Lounge/Volcano Room. They're hosting the Chicago Rum Festival June 3-5.
Here's their beer menu: http://www.bottomlounge.com/beermenu.php
Here's their beer menu: http://www.bottomlounge.com/beermenu.php