Chicago is one of the culinary capitals of the United States. From high-brow chef restaurants like Charlie Trotter's to grungy hole-in-the-wall decades old joints like Jim's Original, Chicago has it all. Saying Chicago loves its d...Open the full description
Chicago is one of the culinary capitals of the United States. From high-brow chef restaurants like Charlie Trotter's to grungy hole-in-the-wall decades old joints like Jim's Original, Chicago has it all. Saying Chicago loves its deep dish pizza and ketchup-less Chicago-style hot dogs would be an understatement, but one can't ignore the less nationally known local specialties. Namely, Italian beef, Greek gyros (introduced to the States via Chicago), Puerto Rican jibaritos, to name a few. The long history of immigrant communities in places like Little Italy, Chinatown, Pilsen, Little India, and Polishtown, Chicago is a potpourri of ethnic cuisine. Seek and you shall find.
Bang Bang Pie Shop
Eating
7
3
This place is especially sweet when you get a chance to sit in one of their picnic tables outside on a sunny and breezy day and fall in love with the people Infront of you. Everything is relaxed and happy and the food is delicious.
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Dusek's
Eating
7
1
Well there is little to NO wait for world class brunch food. Believe me I am a picky eater. Also, they have beergaritas, a mixture of beer and juice. Incredibly tasty and trendy. This place does brunch only on weekends and during the week are open for lunch and dinner.
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Water Tower Place
Eating
7
1
You should visit for gifts and to update your wardrobe. There are good store options for children as well. When you go to Water Tower Place plan on eating somewhere outside of the mall because your choices are pretty slim inside the mall.
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Tank Noodle
Eating
5
1
Is your mouth watering yet? Okay. Potentially. While there are many other restaurants in the area this place is the Go to for many. Their consistent cheap vouched for by Vietnamese Americans and I haven't really tried too many places (so that one's on me). their Vietnamese coffee is legit. Did I type legit? servers like Hung are warm & personable
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The Signature Lounge
Eating
8
3
There is no fee to enter The Signature Lounge and the price of a drink is cheaper than a ticket to see the view at Willis Tower (no bar at the top of the Willis Skydeck). If you want to get the most of the Chicago skyline come to this lounge for sure.
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Pequod's Pizza
Eating
15
3
Their deep dish pizza is baked in a pan lined with cheese, which leaves a delicious carmelized crust along the edges of the crust. You'll avoid the huge crowds at places like Gino's East, Lou Malnati's, Giordano's, and Pizzeria Uno (all great, but very touristy). It spans two floors, and the seating area runs deep into the building.
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Margie's Candies
Budget Meals
6
2
Its a 1921 Parlor. Its a very romantic date place. It is made to impress. It is filled with character and their ice cream is too good to be true. But Alas the experience is real! It is fun with groups of people and it is a great after Ramen at Wasabi place because of the excuse to walk and the proximity.
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Lottie's Pub
Eating
5
1
Lottie was a transvestite. This info is 2nd-hand from a tour, Drinks W Locals & Travelers by Marco of LikeALocalGuide. Lottie held underground/bar activities & eventually got busted for. The bar closed down in 66' and Lottie was long gone. They reopened in 2000's and say her ghost looms the scene happy that customers still have a good time.
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The Wormhole Coffee
Budget Meals
6
5
The playful decor and good coffee attracts interesting people for some good people watching. This coffee shop is a good place to use as a hangout spot and then do some shopping by foot in the neighborhood. If you are an 80's child you will like this place!
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City Winery Chicago Riverwalk
Eating
14
3
You should go for the great view of the river and great wine. The Riverwalk has been newly renovated so it still has the "new and shinny" feel. You can come here for a meal or just for drinks. I would recommend going early-ish to be the crowd since the place has become very popular
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BIG & little's
Eating
4
2
i personally come here for tacos and truffle fries. their poke tacos are fresh and flavorful, and i am a total sucker for their samurai taco. everything is cooked to order, so you know you're not getting stale, recycled food!
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Sun Wah
Eating
5
3
Peking duck dinner - it's one of the best meals I've had, and you get a whole crispy duck carved table-side, duck soup, and duck fried rice with a side of pillowy bao buns. You won't be sorry you tried this dinner!
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Molly's Cupcakes
Eating
4
1
It is a local favorite, your Chicago friends will tell you about it if they know a thing or two about local gems. It is one of my two best cupcake places in the world. They have a really good Red Velvet Mini Cupcake that can compete with other good RVCs around the world.
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Isla Pilipina
Restaurants
4
2
You should once in your life try Filipino Food and this is the best there is in Chicago. The fried chicken is out of this world. People from several miles away drive down just for the fried chicken. The staff has that Filipino-Pacific Islander charm.
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Olive Mediterranean Grill
Budget Meals
3
1
Olive has flavors its hard to tire from. It may well be the quickest and flavorful restaurant for loop workers and visitors. I like spicy and I am Indian so I can vouch for their flavor and spice level. If you're not a spicy lover? (no pun) they have other dishes that are milder all around.
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