Restaurants

Although Chicago is historically a red meat city, vegetarians will surely also find something to suit their taste. The following are local favorites in various cuisine categories, with an emphasis on restaurants well-located for central tourist attractions.

 

Zoom Kitchen: An American cafeteria, with Belmont Avenue, Gold Coast, and Bucktown locations. Not expensive, and kids will be sure to find something they like.

 

Carson's: Go north on the brown line for Carson's barbecue, famed for its delicious ribs. Moderately priced.

 

Restaurant on the Park: The Art Institute's special dining room serves delicious lunches and overlooks Grant Park. It serves moderately priced contemporary American food.

 

Rhapsody: Delicious contemporary American food for both lunch and dinner. Located close to the Symphony Center, in the Loop. Expensive.

 

Morton's of Chicago: Chicagoans rave about the steaks at this Gold Coast tradition. Expensive.

 

Brasserie Jo: Take a break from shopping French designers on the Magnificent Mile to enjoy French brasserie dishes at nearby Brasserie Jo. Moderately priced; open for both lunch and dinner.

 

Everest: An expensive, contemporary French restaurant in the Loop. You'll appreciate the view from the lovely 40th floor dining room.

 

Sopraffina Market Cafe: Espresso and light Italian food and sandwiches, with locations in the Loop and at the Illinois Center. Open 6 AM to 4 PM Monday through Friday. Not expensive.

 

Pizzeria Uno: The inventors of Chicago deep dish pizza. There are Pizzeria Unos in most large cities now, but if you haven't tried it yet, this is your chance to check it out. Low to moderately priced.

 

 

The Berghoff: This is Chicago's oldest restaurant, and its best place for German food. It is moderately priced and located in the Loop.

 

Phoenix Restaurant: The Phoenix is located in Chinatown, which is on the South Side of Chicago. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and moderately priced.

 

Ben Pao: A favorite Chinese restaurant in the Near North. Moderately priced.

Mohti Matal: Open for both lunch and dinner, and both are fabulous deals. Come hungry for the lunch buffet, and sample a wide variety of delicious curries, kormas, and tandoori dishes.

Matsuya: Delicious sushi, sashimi, noodles, and tempura bring locals back again and again. Moderately priced. Naganois another favorite, and is a little less expensive and less crowded. Both are north of downtown.

PS Bangkok: North of downtown, this Thai restaurant is a local favorite, and not very expensive.

 

Frontera Grill: Moderately priced, delicious Mexican food for lunch and dinner. There is also a pricier alternative associated with Frontera Grill, called Topolobampo; open for dinner only. In the Near North.

Tango Sur: A delicious, moderately priced Argentine steakhouse.

 

Resources:

 

Baty, Chris. Lonely Planet City Guide to Chicago, third edition. Oakland, California: Lonely Planet, 2004.

 

Given, Tom. Chicago -- Condensed. Oakland, California: Lonely Planet, 2001.

 

Terry, Cliff. Off the Beaten Path: Chicago, third edition. Guilford, Connecticut: Insiders' Guide, 2005.