73 Best Restaurants in Chicago, Illinois

After walking through exhibits at the Art Institute, follow the local college crowd to this order-at-the-counter eatery, where the ambience is kitschy but the food is “more mindful." Epic Burger serves hand-shaped, natural beef burgers, as well as a plant-based Beyond Burger, all served atop a soft bun with add-ons like Wisconsin cheese, nitrate-free bacon, or an organic fried egg.

This all-day counter service spot crosses Lebanese and Mexican flavors with some kooky notions (halloumi tacos, baklava crumbled over an ice cream sundae), to fun and tasty results. It’s situated in cheerful digs a stone’s throw from Lincoln Park Zoo—a good place to walk off overindulgence guilt.

Scads of neon signs and a pitch-black ceiling high overhead give a night market vibe to this full-service grocery store–meets–food hall, new to the neighborhood in 2024. The food court's the place for Korean tacos, bowls of steaming ramen, hojicha tea lattes, and char siu and egg sandwiches on freshly baked pineapple buns. On the grocery side, you'll find all the Pocky sticks and mochi you need to end your meal on a sweet note.

The popcorn here is so popular that there are several other Chicago outlets plus branches in Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Malaysia. Lines form early and stay throughout the day. 

Grab a seasonal brew and watch a game on the big screen, fill up on yummy Chicago deep-dish pizza, or catch a nightly stand-up comedy act at the graffiti-covered Gino's East.

This Loop legend is famous for casual Cajun breakfasts and lunches that have area office workers gladly lining up to be served.

This place was named to invoke the pre-chain days when coffeehouses were forums for discussion, but the long, broad farmer's tables and handsome couches are usually occupied by students and other serious types who treat the café like their office. Intelligentsia does all of its own coffee roasting and sells its house blends to local restaurants. The North Broadway branch is the original location that spawned two additional Chicago spaces as well as cafés in New York, Los Angeles, and beyond.

Power up after a brisk walk on the adjacent 606 trail with nitro drafts and lattes brewed with the shop's own range of beans. There are sandwiches and mini donuts to snack on during the day, and a curated selection of local beers to lubricate customers come happy hour.

This Costa Rican spot has been going strong since 1990, thanks to its range of empanadas, mixed grill platters, and sandwiches that offer good value but don’t skimp on flavor. The casual, brightly colored dining room and patio call to mind a laid-back beach shack—a welcome vision during Chicago’s rough winters.

Believe it or not, you can get a quality slice of New York-style pizza in the land of deep-dish and tavern-style, but only if you pay a visit to Jimmy's. A nicely curated list of craft beers are also available, and you should also save space for their other specialty: beignets, laden with powdered sugar. The dining room is surprisingly spacious, and even though Jimmy's is mostly slice-focused, whole pies are also available.

Hand-rolled truffles are the signature item here; some flavor combinations are staples while others change with the seasons, but all are highly inventive. (Goat cheese walnut or peanut butter coconut curry anyone?) For many, the real star of the show is the absurdly thick hot chocolate topped with homemade marshmallows.

Choose from dozens of paleta flavors like rice pudding and spicy mango or grab a snack like Cheetos with queso at this inviting ice cream shop.

This chocolate café just off Michigan Avenue is a chocolate lover's dream, where Belgian chocolate and hot chocolate are the stars. You can also order sandwiches, quiche, waffles, French pastries, and build-your-own crepes (sweet and savory). 

Kibitzing counter cooks provide commentary as they sling soul-nurturing soups, sandwiches, and other deli favorites at this classic cafeteria that often attracts local and national politicians. Though those cooks occasionally bark at dawdlers, it's all in good fun—though finding a table in the two teeming, fluorescent-lit rooms is not, so your best bet is to visit during off hours.

This seasonal stand is a big hit in Chicago's hot summers, with shaved ice served with chunks of fruit in flavors from lemon to cantaloupe. Mario's was started in 1954 by Mario DiPaolo and his son, also named Mario but known as "Skip," who still runs it, with his own family.

This small but stylish café operated by local roastery Dark Matter Coffee serves up all kinds of joe, from drip to draft to canned varieties, amid playfully psychedelic decor. On the food side, look for savory breakfast tacos and empanadas, Do-Rite Donuts, and pastries from West Town Bakery.

Opened in 1962, Medici has served generations of University of Chicago students and faculty, many of whom carved their names on the tables and walls. If you're looking for a grab-and-go option, the on-site bakery (which makes the restaurant's breads) sells premade sandwiches as well as breakfast pastries and cookies.

Despite the "Modern" in its name, this lunch counter and short-order diner is about as old-school as they come. Belly up to the counter for breakfast all day; burgers, patty melts, Reubens, and club sandwiches midday; or snag a booth to tuck into a dinner plate of chopped steak, pork chops, or even liver and onions. 

Despite the "bakery" in the title, you're coming to Nhu Lan for one of their delicious banh mi sandwiches. Fillings like ham, pate, lemongrass chicken, and bbq pork fill crackly baguettes topped with pickled veggies, cucumber, and jalapeno. Sides include spring rolls and steamed buns; a variety of canned Asian beverages fill the cooler for hydration.

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.

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.

This old-fashioned parlor, which sells sundaes, shakes, malts, and cones of homemade ice cream, celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2019.

A CTA construction project forced the Pick Me Up out of its original Lakeview location, but its new digs preserve its quirky, neighborhood café charm. The thrift-store treasures hanging on the walls are as eclectic as the crowd that comes at all hours of the day to drink bottomless cups of coffee or dine on a largely (but not entirely) vegan menu of sandwiches, appetizers, and desserts. In addition to specialty coffee drinks and fun milkshakes, they also offer wine, beer, and cocktails. 

After a long winter, Chicagoans think any old patio is magical, but the peaceful graveled outdoor dining area here is truly special, because it nestles alongside Frank Lloyd Wright's masterful Robie House. The all-day menu's full of satisfying rustic dishes (like grain bowls and prosciutto and manchego baguettes) with a French picnic vibe. There's coffee and wine by the glass, too.   

Head to this branch of a local restaurant empire for salads, house-made pasta, and its famous thick, bready squares of pizza.

Cheerful and reasonably priced, this fast-casual Little Italy café specializes in thick, square slices of pizza along with salads, sandwiches, and homemade pastas. Between the nearby University of Illinois Chicago campus and workers from the Rush University Medical District, it gets busy, but the cafeteria-style service makes it a quick, satisfying meal.

Started in 1963 as a hot dog stand called "The Dog House" in the Chicago suburbs, this River North restaurant is a favorite among locals and tourists alike (usually with a drive-thru line to prove it). A "Chicago Style" hot dog (mustard, relish, onions, tomatoes, pickle, celery salt, and peppers) is the obvious quick bite, but what about an Italian beef sandwich—yum!