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chicago eats
A random tasting of restaurants around Chicago.
It's nothing personal, just reviews for fun and food inspiration!
Barrio
Restaurant Overall: 4.3/5
Meal Rating: 4.6/5
Fun vibes & amazing margaritas. Can get very loud and busy but fun for groups. Everyone goes for the tacos, but don't sleep on the Carnitas Adobo Fried Rice - it is AMAZING!
Meal Rating: 4.6/5
Fun vibes & amazing margaritas. Can get very loud and busy but fun for groups. Everyone goes for the tacos, but don't sleep on the Carnitas Adobo Fried Rice - it is AMAZING!
Del Seoul
Restaurant Overall: 3.5/5
Meal Rating: 4.7/5
This is one of my all-time favorite restaurants in Chicago. Order-at-the-counter makes for quick dining in, or easy take out. Unique Korean BBQ cuisine with Sesame Chili Shrimp Tacos that are to die for. Chill vibes overall, but can get crowded. Get the best dining-in experience with a smaller group, or take out for more than 4 people!
Meal Rating: 4.7/5
This is one of my all-time favorite restaurants in Chicago. Order-at-the-counter makes for quick dining in, or easy take out. Unique Korean BBQ cuisine with Sesame Chili Shrimp Tacos that are to die for. Chill vibes overall, but can get crowded. Get the best dining-in experience with a smaller group, or take out for more than 4 people!
Smoke Daddy (Wrigley)
Restaurant Overall: 4/5
Meal Rating: 3.8/5
BBQ is certainly not Chicago's specialty, but at least this place could cure my random rib craving. Sweet potato fries & corn bread were amazing. Wish ribs were a little heavier on the "fall off the bone" aspect, but still bomb. 4 decent BBQ sauces to choose from.
Meal Rating: 3.8/5
BBQ is certainly not Chicago's specialty, but at least this place could cure my random rib craving. Sweet potato fries & corn bread were amazing. Wish ribs were a little heavier on the "fall off the bone" aspect, but still bomb. 4 decent BBQ sauces to choose from.
Strings Ramen Shop (Lakeview)
Restaurant Overall: 3/5
Meal Rating: 4.6/5
This was one of the first legit ramen dishes I ever had, and it set the bar high - haven't found a better one since. I got the Tonkotsu with Kurobuta, one of their most popular dishes. The broth was very tasty and the pork melted in your mouth. Overall, I really enjoyed my meal and it's become a new craving. But it's a very tight space, we were basically eating with another couple.
Meal Rating: 4.6/5
This was one of the first legit ramen dishes I ever had, and it set the bar high - haven't found a better one since. I got the Tonkotsu with Kurobuta, one of their most popular dishes. The broth was very tasty and the pork melted in your mouth. Overall, I really enjoyed my meal and it's become a new craving. But it's a very tight space, we were basically eating with another couple.
Trivoli Tavern
Restaurant Overall: 4.5/5
Meal Rating: 3.5/5
Tried it for a dinner date. Service was fantastic and we had comfy, intimate seating. I was excited for the large menu but some things fell short. Parkerhouse Rolls were to die for, but the crunchy sushi roll.. not so much. We decided to try the "famous" prime rib, but still unsure how to feel about that. I did enjoy my pasta & soup, however! Don't expect great pics, it's dark in there.
Meal Rating: 3.5/5
Tried it for a dinner date. Service was fantastic and we had comfy, intimate seating. I was excited for the large menu but some things fell short. Parkerhouse Rolls were to die for, but the crunchy sushi roll.. not so much. We decided to try the "famous" prime rib, but still unsure how to feel about that. I did enjoy my pasta & soup, however! Don't expect great pics, it's dark in there.
County Farm Bagels
Restaurant Overall: 4/5
Meal Rating: 4.9/5
Family-owned bagel shop out in the suburbs (Winfield). Hands down the BEST bagels and breakfast sandwiches I've ever had, and I've had a LOT of bagels. I can't find a good fresh asiago bagel (or any asiago bagel at all) downtown. This fluffy & cheesy asiago bagel w/ veggie smear is literal perfection. It's a tiny shop that gets super crowded - get there early in the AM or wait till after the breakfast rush for fresh batches! Smoothies are bomb, too.
Meal Rating: 4.9/5
Family-owned bagel shop out in the suburbs (Winfield). Hands down the BEST bagels and breakfast sandwiches I've ever had, and I've had a LOT of bagels. I can't find a good fresh asiago bagel (or any asiago bagel at all) downtown. This fluffy & cheesy asiago bagel w/ veggie smear is literal perfection. It's a tiny shop that gets super crowded - get there early in the AM or wait till after the breakfast rush for fresh batches! Smoothies are bomb, too.
Farm Bar (Lakeview)
Restaurant Overall: 4/5
Meal Rating: 4.5/5
This is a super cute and small farm-to-table type restaurant and bar in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood. There's also a larger location in Ravenswood, but this outdoor seating is cozy & intimate! The menu is on the smaller side but that's usually a good thing. And the food is tasty and fresh (I believe from a farm in WI). Mimosas? Can't go wrong here! Highly recommend for smaller groups.
Meal Rating: 4.5/5
This is a super cute and small farm-to-table type restaurant and bar in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood. There's also a larger location in Ravenswood, but this outdoor seating is cozy & intimate! The menu is on the smaller side but that's usually a good thing. And the food is tasty and fresh (I believe from a farm in WI). Mimosas? Can't go wrong here! Highly recommend for smaller groups.
Port & Park Bistro Bar
Restaurant Overall: 3.5/5
Meal Rating: 3/5
This place has a neat setup with an outside area, bar area, and nicer dining area - so depends what you're going for. Sat in the bar area at a table. Service was spotty, had multiple servers approach randomly yet not know if we had been waited on. But, it all worked out eventually and they offered us free Beignets at the end (not sure if they knew they messed up or if that's normal). Food was not bad for a bar, but not sure I'd have super high expectations for dining in. FOS was good but didn't quite hit right in a way, unfortunately. Causal place overall.
Meal Rating: 3/5
This place has a neat setup with an outside area, bar area, and nicer dining area - so depends what you're going for. Sat in the bar area at a table. Service was spotty, had multiple servers approach randomly yet not know if we had been waited on. But, it all worked out eventually and they offered us free Beignets at the end (not sure if they knew they messed up or if that's normal). Food was not bad for a bar, but not sure I'd have super high expectations for dining in. FOS was good but didn't quite hit right in a way, unfortunately. Causal place overall.
Summer House Santa Monica
Restaurant Overall: 4.3/5
Meal Rating: 3.7/5
I don't necessarily think this place is worth all the hype, but it's a cute place overall especially for groups. It has a fun, energetic environment feel, but the food or service isn't as good as I wanted it to be or expected. I think the apps are good - truffle fries especially - but the entrées are so-so. If I had a cookie from the bakery section I might change my mind, because those do look amazing. And it's a nice touch to the atmosphere. But overall I typically find this place good but not great. And it's almost always crowded so reservations are recommended.
Meal Rating: 3.7/5
I don't necessarily think this place is worth all the hype, but it's a cute place overall especially for groups. It has a fun, energetic environment feel, but the food or service isn't as good as I wanted it to be or expected. I think the apps are good - truffle fries especially - but the entrées are so-so. If I had a cookie from the bakery section I might change my mind, because those do look amazing. And it's a nice touch to the atmosphere. But overall I typically find this place good but not great. And it's almost always crowded so reservations are recommended.
Max & Izzy's
Restaurant Overall: 4/5
Meal Rating: 4.2/5
This is a cute neighborhood spot with NY style pizza. The place is friendly and cozy, perfect for date night or small groups. Service was fast and helpful dining in. The menu is small but mighty. They do what they do well. I enjoyed this appetizer plate a lot. I also love that there's a root beer float on the menu for dessert, and plenty of pizza options for different taste buds. The pizza itself was good for NY style 'Za in Chicago. They are heavy on the flop if that's what you like.
Meal Rating: 4.2/5
This is a cute neighborhood spot with NY style pizza. The place is friendly and cozy, perfect for date night or small groups. Service was fast and helpful dining in. The menu is small but mighty. They do what they do well. I enjoyed this appetizer plate a lot. I also love that there's a root beer float on the menu for dessert, and plenty of pizza options for different taste buds. The pizza itself was good for NY style 'Za in Chicago. They are heavy on the flop if that's what you like.
Tanuki Sushi & Grill
Restaurant Overall: 3.5/5
Meal Rating: 4/5
I like this local sushi spot. It's BYOB, so obviously made for a good time and a little money-saving. They have lots on the menu, and get food out pretty quick. My favorite thing is their Crab Rangoon's, which are super cute puff-like fried dumplings and absolutely delicious. They're a little different than your typical Rangoon. Tanuki is definitely worth a shot if you're in the area and see an open seat!
Meal Rating: 4/5
I like this local sushi spot. It's BYOB, so obviously made for a good time and a little money-saving. They have lots on the menu, and get food out pretty quick. My favorite thing is their Crab Rangoon's, which are super cute puff-like fried dumplings and absolutely delicious. They're a little different than your typical Rangoon. Tanuki is definitely worth a shot if you're in the area and see an open seat!
Get in the Kitchen (Sushi)
Restaurant Overall: 4.4/5
Meal Rating: 3.9/5
This was a neat spot for a date night on the northside. The owner offers a variety of cooking classes and cuisines. And he likes to entertain his guests with a show, activity, or performance of some sort during the classes, which I thought was a cool experience. We did a sushi making class with a comedy show, and I would highly recommend trying it out especially if sushi making is new to you. It's the perfect not-so-serious cooking class experience for couples or friends groups. And I thought the food and ingredients he supplied were good overall.
Meal Rating: 3.9/5
This was a neat spot for a date night on the northside. The owner offers a variety of cooking classes and cuisines. And he likes to entertain his guests with a show, activity, or performance of some sort during the classes, which I thought was a cool experience. We did a sushi making class with a comedy show, and I would highly recommend trying it out especially if sushi making is new to you. It's the perfect not-so-serious cooking class experience for couples or friends groups. And I thought the food and ingredients he supplied were good overall.
Café Ba-Ba-Reeba
Restaurant Overall: 4.5/5
Meal Rating: 4.5/5
Popular spot in Lincoln Park area. Been here many times and have always had a good or great experience. Tapas-style menu makes this restaurant very fun and unique for all different sized groups and sharing foods. And I really enjoy their tasty selection of Sangrias. They have tons of options to choose from, which can seem intimidating especially at first. But for the most part all the food is delicious and you can't make a bad decision. Plus, you can always order more as you go. They're pretty quick on service overall. A lot of people enjoy the popular Pallela dishes that take a big longer to come out, so you have to order those first. But personally I think they're a bit overrated compared to all the other fun tapas. I really like how you can see most things pictured if looking at the menu online. This definitely helps get a feel for the dishes because some descriptions can be a bit vague. Overall, love the place. It gets very crowded so I suggest always getting a reservation in advance.
Meal Rating: 4.5/5
Popular spot in Lincoln Park area. Been here many times and have always had a good or great experience. Tapas-style menu makes this restaurant very fun and unique for all different sized groups and sharing foods. And I really enjoy their tasty selection of Sangrias. They have tons of options to choose from, which can seem intimidating especially at first. But for the most part all the food is delicious and you can't make a bad decision. Plus, you can always order more as you go. They're pretty quick on service overall. A lot of people enjoy the popular Pallela dishes that take a big longer to come out, so you have to order those first. But personally I think they're a bit overrated compared to all the other fun tapas. I really like how you can see most things pictured if looking at the menu online. This definitely helps get a feel for the dishes because some descriptions can be a bit vague. Overall, love the place. It gets very crowded so I suggest always getting a reservation in advance.
Panes Bread Café
Restaurant Overall: 3.5/5
Meal Rating: 4/5
Absolutely love this tiny café. For the size of it, they do a great job. It can get tight if dining in at peak times, and sometimes the line's out the door. So I find myself carrying out most of the time. They are always quick and the food is pretty affordable for what you get. I enjoy most of the sandwiches on the menu, but the Super Panes holds a special place in my heart. They make fresh bread every day and you can buy a variety of bread loaves at the counter, plus some bakery treats. The online menu is a bit outdated, and I don't think they have a real website. So it's best to go there or ask about an item before ordering if you're trying for the first time! Overall, definitely worth a try if you're in the area for a quick bite.
Meal Rating: 4/5
Absolutely love this tiny café. For the size of it, they do a great job. It can get tight if dining in at peak times, and sometimes the line's out the door. So I find myself carrying out most of the time. They are always quick and the food is pretty affordable for what you get. I enjoy most of the sandwiches on the menu, but the Super Panes holds a special place in my heart. They make fresh bread every day and you can buy a variety of bread loaves at the counter, plus some bakery treats. The online menu is a bit outdated, and I don't think they have a real website. So it's best to go there or ask about an item before ordering if you're trying for the first time! Overall, definitely worth a try if you're in the area for a quick bite.
Barcocina
Restaurant Overall: 4.2/5
Meal Rating: 3.5/5
I do find myself here often for happy hours. They run happy hour every day from 4-6 with half price margaritas. And the margaritas are good. My favorite part is the big outdoor patio. It's great in the summertime and can seat a lot of people. Like any popular restaurant, it gets crowded at peak times. But I've never had to wait for a table at happy hour. They also do lots of private events; you can rent out part of the patio for all types of parties. Overall I think it's a fun and casual yet chic and modern environment. Service is usually great. I think the food is decent but I personally don't love Mexican food in general. Just here for the margs and guac.
Meal Rating: 3.5/5
I do find myself here often for happy hours. They run happy hour every day from 4-6 with half price margaritas. And the margaritas are good. My favorite part is the big outdoor patio. It's great in the summertime and can seat a lot of people. Like any popular restaurant, it gets crowded at peak times. But I've never had to wait for a table at happy hour. They also do lots of private events; you can rent out part of the patio for all types of parties. Overall I think it's a fun and casual yet chic and modern environment. Service is usually great. I think the food is decent but I personally don't love Mexican food in general. Just here for the margs and guac.
BITES Asian Kitchen & Bar
Restaurant Overall: 3/5
Meal Rating: 3.5/5
I think this place is good but not amazing. The outdoor area is cute but nothing too special. And the inside is just like any other sushi place. I like how they try to have fun with the menu items, but there's almost too much to choose from for the smaller groups they are able to seat. My favorite thing on the menu is the Hawaiian Fried Rice. It's almost a 10/10. Everything else I've had is again good but not amazing. Worth a try in the area but not sure if it's worth travelling across town for. The servers are always very nice, though.
Meal Rating: 3.5/5
I think this place is good but not amazing. The outdoor area is cute but nothing too special. And the inside is just like any other sushi place. I like how they try to have fun with the menu items, but there's almost too much to choose from for the smaller groups they are able to seat. My favorite thing on the menu is the Hawaiian Fried Rice. It's almost a 10/10. Everything else I've had is again good but not amazing. Worth a try in the area but not sure if it's worth travelling across town for. The servers are always very nice, though.
Michael's Pizza & Tavern
Restaurant Overall: 4/5
Meal Rating: 4.6/5
Love this little pizza spot. It has a laid back dive bar feel, live music sometimes, and great pizza. My aunt first introduced me to this place, it was one of her favorite spots back in the day. Now, it's one of my favorite pizza places in Chicago, too. They serve super thin crust, tavern style pizza made with simple ingredients. I usually go for half pepperoni half sausage, but they have fun signature pizzas as well. It's a great spot to stop for a drink (or two) and a pizza. Or just pick up a pizza and eat it at home. Either way, I recommend trying out Michael's Pizza.
Meal Rating: 4.6/5
Love this little pizza spot. It has a laid back dive bar feel, live music sometimes, and great pizza. My aunt first introduced me to this place, it was one of her favorite spots back in the day. Now, it's one of my favorite pizza places in Chicago, too. They serve super thin crust, tavern style pizza made with simple ingredients. I usually go for half pepperoni half sausage, but they have fun signature pizzas as well. It's a great spot to stop for a drink (or two) and a pizza. Or just pick up a pizza and eat it at home. Either way, I recommend trying out Michael's Pizza.
Coda Di Volpe
Restaurant Overall: 4.3/5
Meal Rating: 4.6/5
This is a very popular restaurant on the north side. If you want to eat at a normal time, you'll want to book a reservation a week or more in advance. And there's a reason for it being so popular, the food is very good and the service is great. I was actually impressed with the meatballs, pasta, and pizza that I tried; and of course you can't go wrong with fresh focaccia bread. I thought the seating outdoors was a bit tight, but still enjoyable. Would definitely recommend for a date night or small group get together.
Meal Rating: 4.6/5
This is a very popular restaurant on the north side. If you want to eat at a normal time, you'll want to book a reservation a week or more in advance. And there's a reason for it being so popular, the food is very good and the service is great. I was actually impressed with the meatballs, pasta, and pizza that I tried; and of course you can't go wrong with fresh focaccia bread. I thought the seating outdoors was a bit tight, but still enjoyable. Would definitely recommend for a date night or small group get together.
Recess
Restaurant Overall: 4.3/5
Meal Rating: 4.2/5
Great place for dates and groups, especially when the weather is nice. Recess has one of the largest outdoor patios in the city, plus a nice laid-back but energetic sports bar vibe. There's tons of space, great food, and usually great service. I first tried this place for brunch and fell in love with the Biscuits and Gravy. One of the best versions I've ever had. But I also really enjoy the dinner food here. Cheeseburger sliders and buffalo chicken rolls are approved. Highly recommend.
Meal Rating: 4.2/5
Great place for dates and groups, especially when the weather is nice. Recess has one of the largest outdoor patios in the city, plus a nice laid-back but energetic sports bar vibe. There's tons of space, great food, and usually great service. I first tried this place for brunch and fell in love with the Biscuits and Gravy. One of the best versions I've ever had. But I also really enjoy the dinner food here. Cheeseburger sliders and buffalo chicken rolls are approved. Highly recommend.
Sakura Teppanyaki & Sushi
Restaurant Overall: 4/5
Meal Rating: 4.4/5
Local spot with really great food. I like to come here whenever I'm craving hibachi. They do a great job with the hibachi meals. Meals are served with both rice and noodles, plus all the other classics (soup, salad, shrimp, veggies, etc.). The filet mignon dish is delicious. Overall it's a solid spot with good service. I also like to take-out hibachi from here to eat at home. It's just as good!
Meal Rating: 4.4/5
Local spot with really great food. I like to come here whenever I'm craving hibachi. They do a great job with the hibachi meals. Meals are served with both rice and noodles, plus all the other classics (soup, salad, shrimp, veggies, etc.). The filet mignon dish is delicious. Overall it's a solid spot with good service. I also like to take-out hibachi from here to eat at home. It's just as good!
Utopian Tailgate
Restaurant Overall: 4.5/5
Meal Rating: 3/5
Such a fun spot for groups, parties, and dates. The rooftop bar has an energetic and social vibe, with lots of unique seating arrangements. You can also play all different types of games. The atmosphere is great, but the food is mediocre. I find most of it to be sloppy bar food, but that is to be expected. It's still a great place to hang out, drink, and eat. It is very popular so reservations in advance are best, especially for groups.
Meal Rating: 3/5
Such a fun spot for groups, parties, and dates. The rooftop bar has an energetic and social vibe, with lots of unique seating arrangements. You can also play all different types of games. The atmosphere is great, but the food is mediocre. I find most of it to be sloppy bar food, but that is to be expected. It's still a great place to hang out, drink, and eat. It is very popular so reservations in advance are best, especially for groups.
Pizzeria Portofino
Restaurant Overall: 4.3/5
Meal Rating: 3.7/5
Nice restaurant on the river. I was impressed with the service and environment, but didn't love the food as much as I wanted to despite the restaurant's popularity. I don't usually prefer pesto but the pesto pasta dish was surprisingly my favorite here. Overall, didn't think anything was super special. Mostly just a cute place for a date or dinner on the river.
Meal Rating: 3.7/5
Nice restaurant on the river. I was impressed with the service and environment, but didn't love the food as much as I wanted to despite the restaurant's popularity. I don't usually prefer pesto but the pesto pasta dish was surprisingly my favorite here. Overall, didn't think anything was super special. Mostly just a cute place for a date or dinner on the river.
Sienna Tavern
Restaurant Overall: 4.4/5
Meal Rating: 4.5/5
Love this restaurant. Great menu and great food. It's a good spot for groups of many different sizes and has a decent amount of outdoor seating in the summer. Service is good too. I always enjoy coming here, my favorite part is the burrata appetizer and how they serve it with a sweet jam - delicious!
Meal Rating: 4.5/5
Love this restaurant. Great menu and great food. It's a good spot for groups of many different sizes and has a decent amount of outdoor seating in the summer. Service is good too. I always enjoy coming here, my favorite part is the burrata appetizer and how they serve it with a sweet jam - delicious!
Pat's Pizzeria (Lakeview)
Restaurant Overall: 4/5
Meal Rating: 4.1/5
Pretty good pizza in Lakeview/Lincoln Park. The crust is thin and crispy which I like, and the sauce is good. I believe they are ranked in the top 10 pizza spots in Chicago. I've only done carry out but there is a nice dining area as well. The staff is nice and I've never had any issues ordering from here. Would recommend trying if in the area.
Meal Rating: 4.1/5
Pretty good pizza in Lakeview/Lincoln Park. The crust is thin and crispy which I like, and the sauce is good. I believe they are ranked in the top 10 pizza spots in Chicago. I've only done carry out but there is a nice dining area as well. The staff is nice and I've never had any issues ordering from here. Would recommend trying if in the area.
The Original Pancake House
Restaurant Overall: 4.3/5
Meal Rating: 3.9/5
Good breakfast spot. There's not many other sit-down breakfast options in this area so it tends to be crowded on weekends. But they get food out very quickly. The menu is big and has something for everyone. Mostly just classic breakfast food but they have some unique options as well. We enjoyed their "pigs in a blanket" - sausage links wrapped in pancakes.
Meal Rating: 3.9/5
Good breakfast spot. There's not many other sit-down breakfast options in this area so it tends to be crowded on weekends. But they get food out very quickly. The menu is big and has something for everyone. Mostly just classic breakfast food but they have some unique options as well. We enjoyed their "pigs in a blanket" - sausage links wrapped in pancakes.
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