Chicago Restaurants in Chicago with Communal Tables

Riccardo Enoteca

Riccardo Trattoria gets a sibling with this more casual wine bar serving an ambitious list of hand-crafted pizzas from its wood-burning oven. Other attractions include small plates of charcuterie, oven-grilled sea scallops and grilled meats. Bread is made in-house daily.

Three Dots and a Dash

Three Dots and a Dash is a tropical retreat in the heart of River North. Its tiki theme, complete with a thatched roof over the main bar and rotating list of classic and original Polynesian cocktails, makes it one of the most popular lounges in the city.

Ikram/The Red Box

Upscale designer clothing boutique was a mainstay in the Gold Coast for more than 10 years. It was the spot to shop for Chicago's female elite, from the likes of Mellody Hopson and Desiree Rogers to First Lady Michelle Obama. New River North location should continue to attract the same. Here, there's also a tiny cafe called The Red Box, certain to be a fave among the "ladies who lunch" crowd.

Piece Pizzeria & Brewery

East Coast-style pizza, handcrafted beers and live karaoke bands add a different twist to this Bucktown pizza parlor. The venue also doubles as a microbrewery, and many of its signature suds are award winning.

Sawada

Two titans joined forces for one of the most unique coffee shops in Chicago, as Hogsalt Hospitality (Au Cheval, Maude's Liquor Bar, High Five Ramen) partnered with world-renownd barista and latte expert Hiroshi Sawada on his first ever U.S. coffee shop.

Aster Hall

Lettuce Entertain You's former food court has been transformed into a trendy food hall, courtesy of Brendan Sodikoff's Hogsalt Hospitality (Au Cheval, Maude's Liquor Bar, Doughnut Vault).

Twin Anchors

Housed in an 1881 structure and opened in 1932, Twin Anchors is known for its fall-off-the-bone ribs, fish and chips, steaks and sandwiches. It's been a hangout of celebs since Frank Sinatra, and scenes in the movies "Return to Me" and "The Dark Knight" were filmed here.

Bongo Room - Wicker Park

The original breakfast concept opened July 4, 1993, and hasn't slowed down since. Crowds line up outside for up to an hour for offbeat breakfast and brunch items of pancakes, waffles and sandwiches. Some of the original items are still on the menu: the breakfast burrito, croissant sandwich and vegetarian croissant sandwich.

Enolo Wine Bar

Global wines & beers plus pasta, panini & small plates served in a modern space with unique style.

American Craft Kitchen & Bar

One of the latest offerings of the newly renovated Hyatt Regency Chicago, this lobby-level restaurant specializes in cuisine sourced from farms in the Midwest region.

Tortoise Club

Timeless cocktails and cuisine are the focus at this private club-styled restaurant harking back to a gilded era. Setting the atmosphere are classic Chicago paintings, sketches and artifacts, including Mahogany millwork from the old Pump Room, an antique ballot box and 300 leather-bound books from The Newberry Library.

Animale

Restaurateur Aldo Zaninotto has found much success in Osteria Langhe, his Piemonte region-inspired eatery in Logan Square. So it makes sense to open a sequel, and he does so with Animale, which is situated in Bucktown.

Antique Taco

This charming, Mexican-focused restaurant in Wicker Park highlights a number of tacos, along with horchata milkshakes, vibrant salads, fried cheese curds, and more.

Más allá del Sol

The owners of Los Nopales have set up shop in Edgewater with this Latin American- and Mexican-influenced restaurant. Traditional dishes such as chicken mole, tamales and carne asada (grilled skirt steak) may be found on the menu. There's also a number of Latin libations, including margaritas with house-made ingredients, sangria and mojitos.

India House

Traditional Indian food is featured at this River North restaurant, which also boasts locations in Buffalo Grove, Hoffman Estates and Schaumburg. You'll find tandoori-style cooking as well as Bombay street food items on the menu.

Flo Cafe & Bar

Perennial neighborhood favorite Flo anchored West Town's Chicago Avenue strip long before it became fashionable. Traditional Mexican dishes are amped up with contemporary American accents.

HUB 51

R.J. and Jerrod Melman, the sons of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises Chairman/CEO Rich Melman, try their hand at the drinking and dining scene. The menu offers sushi, tacos, sandwiches and burgers, salads and more, while the bar serves dozens of beers, wines and sakes.

Sub 51, a lounge below the restaurant, becomes an exclusive nightclub on weekends.

Sable Kitchen & Bar

This New American gastro-lounge is located on the first floor of the Palomar Hotel and the kitchen is overseen by Executive Chef Lawrence Letrero.

Dance Studio Vol. 1

The former home for nightclub Studio Paris is now Dance Studio Vol. 1. Owned by the Melman siblings (R.J., Jerrod and Molly), the establishment aims to attract an upscale, yet fun loving crowd that loves to dance.

ROOF on theWit

This 7,000-square-foot restaurant and cocktailing destination is atop the 27th floor of the hotel. Bites are tapas-style and share-able, with most popular being flatbreads and lamb sliders.

Milk & Honey Cafe

One of Wicker Park's favorite breakfast and lunch hangouts, Milk & Honey is woman owned and attracts the stroller set during the earlier hours for locally made granola, pastries and sandwiches.

Sushi-san

Small Cheval

A casual, fast-paced burger shop in Bucktown. Guests can order a burger, cheeseburger or fries with the option to add bacon, lettuce, tomato.The beverage list features shakes, draft cocktails, beers and shots. All meals will be packaged to-go for convenience and guests can dine in the restaurant or on the patio.

Sepia

Sepia’s approach to modern American cuisine is unpretentious and understated. There are three areas in which to dine: in the main dining room, a circular, semi-private dining section for about 14, and the spacious front-room lounge.

Apogee

Apogee replaces Vertigo Sky Lounge on top of the Dana Hotel in River North. It's a much sleeker affair now that The Fifty/50 Restaurant Group has taken over--with the award-winning Benjamin Schiller at the helm.

The Chopping Block Merchandise Mart

The Chopping Block's claim to fame is that with proper instruction it can transform anyone into a gourmet cook. Classes vary and are seasonal, ranging from summer barbecue themes to flavorful vegan cuisine. Classes tend to be on the small side so that each student may get personal attention. Guests may also book private parties, and they also have occasional classes for kids. A second location is in Lincoln Square.

Epic Burger - West Loop

All-natural beef, cage-free organic eggs, Wisconsin cheeses and nitrate-free bacon distinguish Epic from other burger shops. The expanding organic burger chain opened this spot, its third and largest location, in 2011.

The Kitchen American Bistro

The Kitchen American Bistro aims to take the communal-dining concept one step further in what they've dubbed "community through food." The downtown Boulder, Colo.-based restaurant opened in 2004 and brought an outpost to Chicago in 2014.

The Bristol

You'll find an eclectic, ever-changing menu of seasonal small plate- and large-plate dishes at this semi-casual Bucktown eatery. Daily specials can be found on the chalkboard in the back of the dining room, which is designed to look like an updated cafeteria. Expect plenty of game dishes.

Ikram Café

The luxury women's boutique specializes in designer clothing from Europe, Japan and the United States.They're also well known for customized service with clients.

Weather Mark Tavern

The nautically themed bar is a neighborhood favorite in the South Loop. You'll find typical American fare on the menu, including burgers, sandwiches and pastas.

Mercadito

NYC restaurant known for killer tacos and a casual, yet upscale setting moves into the old Sugar/La Pomme Rouge space. This is the third outpost, but it takes the trend farther by offering an expansive dining room and lower-level cocktail lounge called Double A.

Cervecería Cruz Blanca

The West Loop lays claim to more celebrated chefs than any neighborhood in Chicago. There's Grant Achatz, Stephanie Izard, Curtis Duffy, Bill Kim, John Manion, Paul Kahan and Sarah Grueneberg. And most recently, in 2016, Rick Bayless (Frontera Grill, Topolobampo) opened not one, but two restaurants in the area.

Chicago French Market

The heart of the MetraMarket, Chicago French Market features a unique collection of more than 30 local vendors hand selected for their individual passions and high-quality products.

Red Lion Pub

The building that housed the original Red Lion Pub opened in 1882, and was torn down in 2013. Owner Colin Cordwell describes the latest iteration as offering a "lived-in British pub feel," but you'll find it to be quite contemporary.

Eggy's Diner

Sue Kim-Drohomyrecky and husband Peter (Custom House, Maison) are behind what they're calling an "urban diner" in the new-ish Lakeshore East neighborhood. The restaurant serves updated versions of diner classics, including pancakes, waffles and amped-up French toast.

Geja's Cafe

Since 1965, Geja's has been serving cheese fondue, fondue bourguignonne, chocolate fondue and a wide variety of wines. Consistently named one of the country's most romantic establishments to dine, Geja's boasts two to three engagement proposals a week.

Dusek's Board & Beer/Punch House

The team behind The Empty Bottle and Longman & Eagle have restored an old Pilsen opera house to its original state, but with contemporary updates. Originally named Thalia Hall, Dusek's Board & Beer and lower-level Punch House

Majani Soulful Vegan Cuisine

Soulful Vegan Cuisine!

Goddess and Grocer - River North

You will find deli sandwiches made to order, ready-made salads, a fresh salad bar, sliced deli meats and cheeses, artisanal cheeses, rotisserie chicken and ribs, ready-to-eat meals and a selection of groceries, including handmade chocolates, cookies and desserts, pastas and sauces, mustards, dressings and condiments, crackers, snack items, wine and beer.

Fado Irish Pub

This River North night spot doesn't feel like it's part of a chain, as even the locals make it a regular hang. The three-level venue accommodates plenty of guests, but on St. Paddy's Day, lines still wrap around the corner.

Little Goat

Stephanie Izard's contemporary diner concept opened late December 2012. It's part of the BOKA Restaurant Group and includes artisan coffee and bread service

Tank Noodle

One of the godfathers of pho in Chicago, Tank Noodle sits at the nexus of Uptown's Vietnamese dining district. The sprawling space is filled with large circular communal tables and servers delivering piping hot bowls of pho soup. The large menus also feature a wide range of other Vietnamese items, like rice dishes and banh mi.

Dollop Coffee & Tea

The neighborhood café focuses on supporting local artisans specializing in coffee, pastries, sandwiches and tea in its second location. The original location is based in Buena Park, on the far North Side.

Ema

"Top Chef" alum Chris "CJ" Jacobson joins the ranks of Stephanie Izard (Girl and the Goat, Little Goat, Duck Duck Goat), Sarah Grueneberg (Monteverde) and Fabio Viviani (Bar Siena, Siena Tavern) with the thrill of an instant hit eatery in an ultra-competitive Chicago market.

Hoyt's Chicago

Named for prominent businessman William M. Hoyt (1837-1925), the casual hotel restaurant offers affordable American fare in a setting prime for business meetings and after-work meetups.

Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea (Millennium Park)

High-end coffee bar chain serving daily roasted brews in an industrial-chic setting.

Big Star

Bustling and bursting with energy, bourbon, beer and tacos, Big Star in Wicker Park is one of the all-star restaurants operated by Chicago Chef Paul Kahan (Blackbird, Publican, and others) and the One Off Hospitality Group.

Girl and the Goat

"Top Chef" winner Stephanie Izard teamed up with restaurateurs Kevin Boehm and Rob Katz to open a casual yet trendy eatery in the West Loop in July 2010.

Pops for Champagne

The city's first-ever lounge dedicated to sparkling wine and Champagne continues to set the standards. The venue seamlessly pairs vino with a menu of smart small plates and raw bar items.

The Violet Hour

An obsession with customized ice, no cell phones and low-key sounds is this stylish speakeasy's claim to fame. Also its dedication to a well-crafted cocktail, whether classic or contemporary.

Pressure Billiards & Café

Contemporary pool hall & entertainment venue with live comedy, TVs, drinks & bar food.

Big Jones

Coastal Southern cuisine gets an update in Andersonville with potato-herb croquettes and sweet-tea infused pork chops, plus a focus on locally grown, sustainably-farmed food.

CH Distillery

Chicago's first distillery/cocktail bar hybrid can be found in the West Loop. As guests sip on cocktails made with CH Distillery's own gin, vodka and whiskey, they will be able to watch as workers make the products.

Fremont

Chicagoans take their brunch outings pretty serious, which is why it's no surprise Fremont is at the top of the crop for its unique dining program for weekend warriors. Most weekends boast a waiting list for reservations, which they claim can be up to a month.

M Burger - Huron

Lettuce Entertain You's original location for the wildly popular burger concept is located right off the kitchen from the award-winning Tru restaurant. Customers can watch the magic happen in the luxury restaurant's kitchen as they wait for their food.

Eduardo's Enoteca

Noah Himmel, who's had Edwardo’s Natural Pizza in his family for three generations, has updated his family's concept for a trendy Gold Coast crowd.

Trattoria Ultimo

Former Pane Caldo owner opens this tiny trattoria in the West Town area.

Potbelly Sandwich Shop - Webster

Retro-style counter-serve chain known for made-to-order toasted sandwiches, salads & baked goods.

Eataly

Joe Bastianich's 63,000-square-foot, two-level complex is an eight-restaurant "polpo," as well as a butcher, produce market and grocery with imported olive oils, wine and pastas, as well as locally sourced products and book section.

Boiler Room

Logan Square got another hip new joint in July 2010, serving a small menu of pizza slices and whole pies, craft beers and Jameson whiskey on draft. Specialty cocktails are also worth a try, like the 1988, rum chata, espresso vodka and Absolut vanilla served up with a side of Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Lighting, tables and doors are made from reclaimed materials.

The Walnut Room

In the Iate 1890s, the very first restaurant in a department store was opened. The Walnut Room was born to feed the hungry shoppers who needed to fuel up between power shopping. One employee's famous chicken pot pie helped launched the phenomenon, and it can still be found on the menu today with its original recipe.

Protein Bar Lincoln Park

The Lincoln Park outpost of this expanding local chain offers a number of menu items exclusive to this location. In addition to the now signature quinoa entrees, protein shakes and smoothies, customers may order from a children's menu (a number of vegetable and meat ingredients in whole wheat wraps), blended drinks such as PB&J, and quinoa bowls.

St. Clair Supper Club

Chef Grant Achatz grew up in Saint Clair, Wis. That inspired him to open this supper club based on his experiences growing up in a state that revered them. His is as classic as they come: You'll find taxidermy on the walls, a brandy Old Fashioned for imbibing and prime rib on the menu.

The Publican

This homage to beer, pork and fish from chefs Paul Kahan and Brian Huston proffers hand-selected, sustainably harvested fish and seafood as well as

GT Fish & Oyster

Named after Executive Chef Giuseppe Tentori, the seafood-focused restaurant is part of the Boka Restaurant Group, which is also behind Balena, Boka, Perennial

Revival Food Hall

This massive collective from the team behind 16" On Center (Longman & Eagle, The Promontory, Punch House, Moneygun) plays up some of Chicago's top original concepts. Miniature versions of 15 restaurants are situated in a 24,000-square-foot marketplace called Revival Food Hall, which is on the ground floor of The National, a restoration of a historic 1907 Daniel Burnham-designed 20-story building.

Honey Butter Fried Chicken

Now open in Avondale, Honey Butter Fried Chicken is the first brick-and-mortar restaurant from Sunday Dinner Club chefs Christine Cikowski and Joshua Kulp. Inspired by their most popular Sunday Dinner Club menu, the focus is simple: fried chicken with honey butter, seasonal sides, and desserts, all made with local and sustainable ingredients.

El Hefe

The Mexican-themed bar/restaurant caters to a post-collegiate crowd that typically shows up right after work. Potent margaritas and tacos are the draw; specialities include tacos made with pork, duck, chicken and steak. There's also a Mexican-inspired hot dog, the Hefe dog.

The J. Parker

The 13th floor is nothing but good vibes as J. Parker is the only bar in the city overlooking beautiful Lincoln Park. There are also nice views of the lakefront, which especially come in handy during the Chicago Air & Water Show weekend. You'll find it atop Hotel Lincoln, and it’s open yearround.

Native Foods Cafe

The first of the vegetarian/vegan chain opened in Chicago in summer 2011. Two additional locations in Lakeview and the Loop opened in the fall.

Cellar Door Provisions

This humble bakery and cafe in Logan Square is one of the best in Chicago, churning out meticulous baked goods, breads, and composed plates in elegant presentations. Ingredients are sourced locally and sustainably, and great care goes into each and every unique product.

Antique Taco - Bridgeport

One of the most famous contemporary taquerias in Chicago, Antique Taco, just expanded with a new location in Bridgeport. Unlike the original, this one sports a massive outdoor dining area that's sure to be a big hit for al fresco taco-lovers.

Deuce's and the Diamond Club

Hand-crafted burgers made from their own blend of beef on local artisanal kummelweck buns feature in the ground-floor Deuce’s Beer & Burger Bar,

Carnivale

A venue this big, vibrant and full of energy deserves a fitting menu. Carnivale spotlights the cuisine of many countries in South America and there's an exotic cocktail list to complement.

Cold Storage

Cold Storage--the second seafood-focused eatery from the esteemed Boka Restaurant Group--positions itself as a "restaurant within a restaurant." The 60 seater is tucked inside Fulton Market District hot spot steakhouse concept Swift & Sons.

Juno

Former Arami chef B.K. Park teams up with Jason Chan (Butter, Urban Union) for a neighborhood-friendly Japanese and sushi eatery.

RM Champagne Salon

The glamorous space serves as one of the highlights of the Randolph Restaurant Row, and spotlights many vintage and boutique Champagnes and sparkling wines. Owned by the team behind

Hubbard Inn

Executive Chef Eric Babula (Punch Bowl, City Works, Old Town Pour House, Waldorf Astoria, RA Sushi) is behind the menu at the newly renovated Hubbard Inn, which underwent more than $1 million in remodeling.

Noodles & Company - Loop

Fast-casual noodle chain comes to the Loop's Financial District.

Park Tavern

This sports bar wants to elevate typical pub grub with offbeat offerings like Animal Tots (pulled pork, cheese curds, grain mustard, fried egg, and Bell’s Kalamazoo gravy over tater tots),

Wood

AceBounce

Former David Burke's Steakhouse and Virgin Hotels Chicago Executive Chef Rick Gresh now heads the kitchen at 1901 Restaurant, a globally focused eatery inside AceBounce. With AceBounce being one of several trendy new ping pong bars around town, the food aspect is only a bonus.

Vincent

Named for the famous one-eared painter, this European bistro also boasts New American influences. Brunch is also a popular attraction for the Andersonville crowd.

SPiN

By combining an unusual mixture of sport, design and entertainment, SPiN CHiCAGO has created a unique day and nighttime venue with 20 ping-pong courts, multiple bars, restaurant, pro-shop and two private lounges. SPiN is open to anyone and everyone during the day and 21+ after 9pm.

Webster's Wine Bar

The Logan Square reboot of Webster's Wine Bar is completely different from the original, which was located in Lincoln Park. It's still very wine focused, however, there is also an emphasis on craft cocktails and local beer.

Streeterville Social

This massive terrace lounge at the Loews Chicago Hotel boasts some of the largest al fresco space in Chicago, with cocktails, wine and beer as part of its draw. Ultimately, most people flock here for the enormous patio, which is open seasonally, complete with a huge lawn and outdoor games.

Mr. Brown's Lounge

Jamaican-focused restaurant offers authentic fare (from beef patties to oxtails to jerk chicken), music and staff in a contemporary atmosphere. Some highlights include a family recipe for island-style mac and cheese, Grape Nuts ice cream and the slightly sweet traditional cocoa bread.

Sprinkles Cupcakes

The first Midwest location of the Beverly Hills-based bakery that started the cupcake craze set up shop in Chicago in July 2010. Sprinkles showcases signature treats in flavors like coconut lemon, white milk chocolate, peanut butter and banana. Chicago's store is also the only other location thus far with a "Cupcake ATM."

Parson's Chicken & Fish

The team behind such hits as Cherry Circle Room, Cindy's and Lost Lake take on fried chicken in this sprawling space in Logan Square.

The I|O Godfrey

The Godfrey Hotel's sparkling rooftop restaurant and cocktail lounge offers a view that no Chicago hotel offers. It's situated in the middle of River North's residential community, so the venue bustles with energy from locals and visitors.

Elizabeth

This "tickets only" restaurant is owned by Iliana Regan, a talented, self-taught chef who gained a solid following after hosting a number of underground dinners at her North Side home.

Le Bar

Its futuristic design attracts a stylish crowd of European hotel guests and the area's young professionals. The menu, which is different from what you'll find at Cafe Des Architectes, is composed of share-able plates such as soft pretzels, mini burgers and cheese trays.

Little Goat Diner

Stephanie Izard relaunches Little Goat Bread as Little Goat Bakery. Expect the same artisan breads, plus plenty of pastries, including mini apple fennel pies, Mexican chocolate cakes and corn cherry muffins.

North Pond

The Arts and Crafts-style structure that houses North Pond was originally built in 1912 as a warming shelter for Lincoln Park ice skaters. Chef Bruce Sherman takes a seasonal, market-driven approach to American food, using produce from small, local farmers. Sherman won a James Beard award in 2012 for Best Chef: Great Lakes.

Headquarters Beercade

Frontier

The guys behind Lottie's and the Pony Inn have opened a third location, featuring the down-home cooking of chef/partner Brian Jupiter.

Big Star Mariscos

Big Star Mariscos joins other One Off Hospitality restaurants and bars -- including The Publican and Violet Hour -- specializing in South of the Border seafood.

BIG Bar

The Hyatt Chicago bar boasts the longest freestanding bar in North America, plus more than 1,400 beverage choices.

The Purple Pig

The Purple Pig is a Mediterranean wine bar helmed by chef/partner Jimmy Bannos Jr. The restaurant offers cheese, swine, and wine, among other standout dishes,

The Terrace at Trump

The luxury outdoor lounge offers an enviable view of the Chicago River and Navy Pier fireworks. It's also popular during the summer for its unique settings that change annually:

Mott St

From the team behind the now-shuttered Ruxbin comes an Asian-focused eatery with share-able dishes like steamed dumplings stuffed with pork, ginger and green onions; crab-brain fried rice with Chinese sausage; and cabbage stuffed with pork butt and sticky rice.

Foodease Market

It's a wine bar, retail store and everything in between. FoodEase also offers an expansive list of wines by the glass, including red and white on tap.

Kitsch'n on Roscoe

Since 1998, Kitsch'n on Roscoe has featured a casual neighborhood-style space offering a full bar with a hip 70's "funk-ploitation" theme and too many tongue-in-cheek cultural decor references to mention.

Roots Handmade Pizza

The guys behind The Fifty/50 open their second restaurant in the same neighborhood. This time the specialty is Quad Cities-style hand-tossed pizza that utilizes simple, high-quality ingredients.

Utopian Tailgate

The restaurant group behind The Fifty/50, Roots Pizza and a growing list of neighborhood favorites has opened Utopian Tailgate in Old Town. It's in the same building as Second City, making it an ideal dining and drinking destination before and after shows at the iconic improv comedy venue.

Radio Room

The duo behind Barrio, Public House and other downtown favorites teams up with a former "Top Chef" fan favorite, Fabio Viviani, for a rustic, yet stylish Italian eatery in River North.

City Winery

This New York import in the West Loop makes its own wines on premise. The menu varies from light appetizers to full entrees meant to pair well with the wines. Nightly live entertainment features, too.

Dollop Coffee & Tea

The friendly neighborhood atmosphere of this local coffeehouse encourages guests to stay as long as they'd like. They also specialize in showcasing local artisans coffee, tea and pastries.

Lockwood Restaurant and Bar

On the lobby level of the historic Palmer House Hilton, Lockwood offers contemporary cuisine rooted in French and Italian traditions. In the Lockwood Bar, Chef Joe Rose plans to bring a brasserie-type feel with seafood platters and a French-inspired menu.

Lowcountry (South Loop)

Lowcountry provides a comfortable and backyard-like environment to embrace the culture of social gatherings around a seafood boil. Our inspiration originates from childhood memories of family road trips to the gulf coast, and digging into lowcountry style seafood in bags set on picnic tables. An experience we’ve longed to share with our friends. That day has arrived, and we’re excited for the opportunity to share this experience…

Nonnina

From the talented team behind Chicago’s acclaimed Piccolo Sogno comes Nonnina, featuring classic and modernized takes on beloved family recipes. Partners Tony Priolo and Ciro Longobardo brought in Executive Chef/Partner Chris Macchia and longtime Piccolo Sogno team member Ricardo Brizuela as General Manager/Partner.

Parson's Chicken & Fish Lincoln Park

The team behind such hits as Cherry Circle Room, Cindy's and Lost Lake take on fried chicken and fish--again--in a sprawling space in Lincoln Park.

Enoteca Roma Ristorante

You'll get an authentic Northern Italian experience at this comfortable Wicker Park bistro and bakery. Owner/chef Fabio Sorano whips up signature dishes from his homeland and his mother oversees the bakery, Letizia's. The wine and cocktail list are all Italian focused.

WoodWind

WoodWind is situated in the former space of GreenRiver, the highly lauded, yet now shuttered cocktail lounge and eatery. Though there's a strong emphasis on cocktails here, expect a completely different experience.

Pleasant House Pub

Specializing in savory meat pies for dine-in or carry out, this cafe by day and pub by night also offers daily specials, desserts

Santullo's Eatery

The former late-night pizza hang is now situated in the Chicago French Market. Santullo's, which used to be in Bucktown/Wicker Park, is best known for its New York-style pizza sold by the slice.

Maria's Packaged Goods & Community Bar

This is a legit hipster lounge and eatery in the heart of Bridgeport.

BRGRBELLY

Rock 'n' roll-themed spot serving burgers made with meats ground on-site plus hand-cut fries.

Frontera Grill

Description: Rick Bayless' famed restaurant brings its guests Mexico one plate at a time. Frontera Grill uses organic and custom-grown ingredients to bring diners bold flavors and immediate freshness in every dish

The Gage

Steps from Millennium Park, The Gage serves upscale comfort food, fine wines, boutique beers and whiskeys amid a vintage decor. The tavern is situated in a group of three buildings collectively known as the Gage Group that were built in 1889–1890 by Holabird & Roche for the millinery firms of Gage Bros. & Co., Theodore Ascher & Co. and Edson Keith & Co.

Fatpour Tap Works

The beer-focused lounge offers large formats and rare suds to complement its pub grub.

Bongo Room (Andersonville)

The duo behind the popular breakfast nook opens a third location in Andersonville. Expect the same menu of offbeat pancakes, waffles and overstuffed sandwiches.

M Burger-Thompson Center

Third location for Lettuce Entertain You's wildly popular burger concept. Popular items include Nurse Betty, Hurt Burger (with special sauce) and the hand-crafted shakes and malts.

One Eleven Food Hall

One Eleven Food Hall is designed to be a bridge for entrepreneurs wanting to open their restaurants or start a larger scale food business without the burden of huge overhead expenses.

Elephant & Castle - West Adams

Casual pub gets a rowdy crowd, especially during soccer season.

Bub City

It's the 1990s all over again with the resurrection of Bub City, a country-themed BBQ joint owned by Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises. This time around, LEYE chairman Rich Melman's children have updated the concept, which includes Three Dots and a Dash, an ambitious cocktail program and lower-level tiki lounge.

Plein Air Cafe & Eatery

Plein Air Cafe & Eatery bolsters Hyde Park's culinary scene with the help of Kevin Heisner, one half of the team responsible for such hot spots as Trenchermen, Lone Wolf, and Sportsman's Club. Opening this March, the cafe abuts the University of Chicago, filled with food curated by Pleasant House Bakery, a precise coffee selection, and locally sourced art.

Beatnik

Beatnik is a cocktail bar and restaurant that offers guests lush interiors, opulent décor and old-world elegance.

En Hakkore

Casual, Korean-focused eatery also specializes in sushi, rice bowls and sandwiches. Some of the more interesting offerings include the likes of a sweet potato sandwich, Asian-style tacos, and a number of maki rolls like the black eel garlic and sweet BBQ beef.

Taxim

Hunting for the best and freshest ingredients or growing your vegetables yourself is instinctive for Greeks.

DMK Burger Bar

Michael Kornick and David Morton's eco-friendly eatery features a number of chef-driven burgers made with grass-fed beef, naturally raised turkey and veggie patties promising to actually taste good.

Dove's Luncheonette

It's an extension of next-door neighborhood Big Star, the famed taco-and-whiskey honky tonk, but Dove's Luncheonette boasts a unique Tex-Mex concept. Owned by One Off Hospitality (avec, Blackbird, Nico Osteria, Publican, The Violet Hour), it resembles an updated New Mexican diner.

MANA food bar

A hip vegetarian restaurant in Wicker Park owned by the team behind the now-shuttered Sushi Wabi. Most of the items on the globally inspired menu come in two sizes.

Gilt Bar

The space formerly occupied by Aigre Doux is now a slick cocktail lounge and restaurant focusing on classic cocktails and farm-to-table cuisine. Owned by Brendan Sodikoff, the restaurant specializes in charcuterie, burgers and entrees under $20.

Time Out Market Chicago

Nineteen of some of Chicago's most notable culinary artists have been tapped to participate in the Time Out Market, located in Fulton Market, with permanent stalls.

Cafe Integral

NYC-based importer and roaster of fine Nicaraguan micro lots. Locally roasted, personally sourced coffees from some of the hardest working growers in the world.

Bistronomic, 840 N. Wabash Ave.

Paris-born chef Martial Noguier is behind this award-winning bistro showcasing the best from his homeland. Bistronomic is one of the trendy Gold Coast neighborhood's most sophisticated, under-the-radar restaurants in an area teeming with such gems.

Owen & Engine

This Logan Square pub features four cask brews, 20 beers on tap and another 50 by the bottle. Food comes from all over the United Kingdom, with dishes like fish & chips with haddock, Yorkshire pudding, Shepherd's pie and British-style charcuterie.

Green Street Smoked Meats

Texas-style BBQ from Brendan Sodikoff, the guy behind such River North sensations as Bavette's, Doughnut Vault and Gilt Bar.

Real Good River North

Prost!

They're honoring German tradition at this authentic-style pub, offering massive pretzels, spatzle, schnitzel, sauerkraut and sausage.

Oiistar

The tiny ramen bar boasts four varieties of noodle dishes daily. Owner/chef Sunny Yim is proud of the fact that they're made in-house and the menu is French and Italian influenced. There's also a full-service bar.

TAO Chicago

Back Room

The venerable live blues and jazz venue moves one block south after more than 40 years in the same home. In its new space, the Back Room is now under ownership of Three Headed Productions, which also owns the adjacent The Drawing Room.

Monteverde

A former "Top Chef" finalist, Sarah Grueneberg has made her West Loop eatery one of the hottest destinations in the country. Monteverde, which is her collaboration with industry vets Meg Sahs and Robert Mosher, is her interpretation of modern Italian cuisine.

Howl at the Moon

Howl At The Moon is home to the World’s Greatest Rock ‘N’ Roll Dueling Piano Show! Our highly talented entertainers will tickle the ivories as well as your funny bones all night while playing the best music from the 70’s to today. We are the perfect spot to party: from Bachelorette parties to divorce parties, we do it all! Audience participation is a must at this dueling piano bar, so be ready to clap, sing, dance, and howl!

The Fifty/50

This casual watering hole boasts three levels, two full bars and 19 flatscreen TVs. The menu includes house-smoked barbecue, f

Rittergut Wine Bar & Social Club

The specialized wine lounge attracts mostly an after-work crowd looking to wind down. One of its best features is the "tasting room" where guests may sample a variety of wines and small-plate dishes.

BOKA

Contemporary American fare with seasonal ingredients are at the forefront of this Lincoln Park stunner, the restaurant that put Boka Restaurant Group on the map.

Harry Caray's Tavern - Navy Pier

Opened in March 2010, this is the newest tribute to the late Cubs sportscaster, who reigned over Chicago's airwaves for more than 30 years. Diners can enjoy favorites from Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse as well as Harry's signature Holy Cow! Burger

Franklin Room

The owner of Union Sushi + Barbeque Bar has opened an American-focused tavern and restaurant in River North. This time around, Union Sushi chef Chao Thapthimkuna explores turn-of-the-century cuisine that's created with the modern diner in mind. The menu showcases dishes such as house-brined corned beef with grilled cheese and sauerkraut; venison chops, shrimp pot pie; and meat, cheese and smoked fish boards.

Machine: Engineered Dining & Drink

From the team behind Headquarters Beercade comes this highly ambitious project combining global fare, high-concept cocktails and an in-house floral program.

M Burger - Water Tower Place Mall

Fourth location for Lettuce Entertain You's wildly popular burger concept. Popular items include Nurse Betty, Hurt Burger (with special sauce) and the hand-crafted shakes and malts.

The Moonlighter

From the folks who brought you Scofflaw, Slippery Slope and The Heavy Feather, The Moonlighter is a casual neighborhood hangout in Logan Square, nestled at the increasingly bustling intersection of Kedzie and Armitage.

Whole Foods Market - Lincoln Park

Welcome to your Chicago, IL Whole Foods Market! Founded in 1978 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market is the leading retailer of natural and organic foods, the first national "Certified Organic" grocer, and uniquely positioned as America's Healthiest Grocery Store™

Baptiste & Bottle

Perched high above the Magnificent Mile shopping district, Baptiste & Bottle is situated on the 20th floor of luxury hotel property Conrad Chicago. It's the second restaurant by famed chef Richard Sandoval, who is also behind Latinicity in the Loop.

Hannah's Bretzel

A fifth Hannah's Bretzel opens in Chicago's West Loop, offering residents and area workers a healthy breakfast and lunch option. The 3,000-square-foot space, which has received LEED-EB Sliver and LEED-NC Platinum certification, is located in the historic Quaker Oats Building. Sandwiches made with in-house breads, plus salads and more are the specialties.

Smoke Daddy

Live music, slow-cooked, smoked meats and craft beers are just a few of the reasons why this BBQ joint has been a popular attraction in the Wicker Park neighborhood for more than 15 years.

Lillie's Q

Charlie McKenna (Avenues, Les Nomades, Tru) goes downscale with his award-winning BBQ concept in Bucktown. Craft beers and a full bar complement the slow-smoked pulled pork, chicken, baby back ribs and house specialty: beef tri-tip

The Ruin Daily

Laid-back daytime cafe serving inventive sandwiches, coffee & pastries, plus cocktails & beer.

Bonci USA

Cannot make up your mind on which type of pizza you want, but you want to indulge in several varieties? Your first stop should be Bonci USA, the very first outpost in the United States from the famed Roman pizza maker.

Butcher & the Burger

An innovative dining concept that places a modern spin on the old-fashioned butcher shop. At this 30-seat, counter-service restaurant, Al Sternweiler combines his love of burgers with a desire to provide diners with access to prime cuts of locally sourced meats to take home, prepared dishes and an outstanding selection of burgers to be served in-house.

Ahjoomah's Apron

The authentic Korean restaurant is the only of its kind in Chinatown. Ahjoomah's Apron specializes in traditional Korean cuisine, including bulgogi (Korean barbecue), bibimbap (rice with vegetables), and a number of Korean stews and soups.

Sinha Elegant Cuisine

The Glunz Tavern

Volo Restaurant Wine Bar

Jon Young and Stephen Dunne's Volo has been named by numerous Chicago food and drink media as having one of the best neighborhood wine lists, date spots and outdoor patios.

VU Rooftop Bar

Located just south of the South Loop, and adjacent to McCormick Place, VU Rooftop Bar gives guests a great view of Chicago's outstanding skyline.

Half Shell

King crab legs, oysters on the half shell and clams are the specialty at this down-scaled eatery that's been around since 1968. Half Shell observes first-come, first-served and cash-only policies.

Tradition

The golf-themed sports lounge caters to a business crowd looking to blow off steam. One of the main attractions is the lower-level cigar lounge, Under Par Cigar Bar, which is one of the few in the city.

Homestead on the Roof

This is the fourth restaurant from Greg Mohr and Scott Weiner (The Fifty/50, West Town Bakery, Roots Pizza). The concept merges a farm-to-table approach with global cooking. The menus are seasonal. Former Boka Restaurant Group head bartender Benjamin Schiller has joined the team to make hand-crafted, signature cocktails.

Dos Urban Cantina

Happy hour occurs every Wednesday at this Mexican-focused eatery in Logan Square. That's an ideal way to sample the seasonal menu at this highly praised destination that's been dubbed “the most important Mexican restaurant since Topolobampo” by Chicago Tribune restaurant critic Phil Vettel.

Nobu

Nobu Hospitality Group, which is owned in partnership by famed actor/producer/director Robert DeNiro, opened its signature restaurant as well as a boutique hotel on 12,000 square feet of property in summer 2020. The high-end, Japanese-influenced eatery boasts locations in New York, as well as Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Capetown, South Africa.

Travelle

Situated in a landmark Mies van der Rohe tower, Travelle's concept is inspired by ports of call throughout the Mediterranean. Guests may indulge in the "Chef's Table" or "Cellar Table" for different experiences.

Café Nordstrom

The top-floor cafe serves gourmet sandwiches, wraps, burgers and salads. You'll also find a small selection of beer and wine on the menu.

Offshore

Dublin's Bar and Grill

Late-night appetites get satisified at this always-crowded Irish pub and restaurant.

Vermilion

Good taste is a terrine of collective memories of centuries of feasts; the gourmet inherits and further enriches this inheritance. History's menu-de-degustation has been a never ending feast, and a movable one...

Lobby Lounge at ShowPlace Icon Theatre

If you're sick of the typical stale popcorn, nachos and hot dogs when you go to the movie theater, this may be the solution for you--if you're heading to the South Loop. The lobby bar is the ideal alternative, offering bacon-infused popcorn, signature cocktails and an atmosphere that's expected of his ventures.

Longman & Eagle

The team behind the Empty Bottle in Ukrainian Village opened this whiskey-focused eatery in Logan Square in 2010. Longman & Eagle features re-imagined pub grub with a bold menu featuring wild game and generous portions. The craft cocktail and beer menus are also exceptional.

Takito Kitchen

More modern tacos come to Wicker Park to compete with stalwarts Big Star and Antique Taco with the arrival of Takito Kitchen in March 2013.

Pl-zen

Former Kuma's Corner chef Albert Benitez is behind the menu at this offbeat American eatery in Pilsen. Burgers, of course, are one of the highlights with such offerings as an eight-ounce, grass-fed beef burger with grilled pineapple; lamb with mint and fresh oregano; and crab with sweet corn citrus relish.

Rebar

Kingston Mines

Coq d'Or, The Drake Hotel

The first bar in Chicago granted a liquor license after the repeal of Prohibition always makes a lasting impression with authentic decor that's been restored to its original glory.

Free Rein

"Food shouldn’t have to be complicated to be delicious." - Free Rein Executive Chef Kristine Subido

Union Sushi + Barbeque Bar

Sweetwater Tavern and Grille

Attached to the Illinois Center complex, this urban tavern offers a patio poised for people watching, late hours (till 11 p.m. by Loop standards) and an eclectic menu.

River Roast

Local powerhouses Tony Mantuano (Bar Toma, Spiaggia, Piano Terzo) and John Hogan (Kiki's Bistro, Keefer's Steakhouse) join forces to create this meat-focused waterfront restaurant and bar.

Sunda

This exotic, River North concept is named after Southeast Asia’s Sunda Shelf. Sunda is owned by the Rockit Ranch Productions team, which is also behind Rockit Bar and Grill, Underground and The Duck Inn.

Publican Quality Meats

Joy Yee Plus

One of seven Chinese and Pan-Asian, family-owned restaurants, Joy Yee Plus is located in Chinatown. It's a few storefronts down from the original Joy Yee Noodles, which is popular for noodle and rice dishes. What sets Joy Yee Plus apart from its siblings--as well as other Pan Asian eateries in the city--is that it's the only place serving

Bordel

This esoteric speakeasy space above Black Bull takes its cue from NYC's PDT and Canelaria in Paris. While Bordel's a cocktail lounge on the highest level, it also incorporates live entertainment in the mix.

The Radler

At what other Chicago bar/restaurant can you enjoy playing hammer-schlagen, a drinking game that involves hammering nails into a wooden stump? Only at the Radler can you engage in such a sport, as well as many others, while enjoying hearty German food and drink.

Cho Sun Ok

Korean BBQ joint livens up as soon as the doors open. Guests can opt to cook at the table or have the chefs whip up their meals in the kitchen. Surprisingly one of the busiest restaurants in the area.