172 restaurants
| 3 Little Pigs | "Untraditionally authentic Chinese" | South Loop | Not a favorite | Ghost kitchen; pickup only — The char siu (BBQ pork) is the star. Fried rice with that, spam, and sausage is also a banger. | 2022 |
| 312 Fish Market | Sushi | Chinatown | Sushi spot tucked into a large Asian grocery in Pilsen-Chinatown. Highly recommend. | 2023 | |
| 5 Rabanitos | Mexican | Pilsen | I love this place. Mexican standards, but ones I could eat every day. My favorite cochinita pibil I've had in Chicago. | 2023 | |
| Adalina | Italian | Gold Coast | Not a favorite | Only been for brunch. | 2022 |
| Akahoshi Ramen | Ramen | Logan Square | It's the best bowl of ramen I've had in Chicago, made by a guy who really cares about getting it right. If you can't get a reservation, just try walking in. | 2024/2025 | |
| Alegrias Seafood | Mexican seafood | Wicker Park | Not a favorite | Nayarit-style seafood in a casual setting. Big, tasty portions of everything from camarones to stuffed lobster. Good spot for a casual group dinner. | 2023 |
| Alinea | Fine dining- tasting menu $$$$ | Lincoln Park | Not a favorite | 3 Michelin star, fine-dining mecca. It's over-the-top in ways you appreciate, and unlike any dining experience I've had. | 2022 |
| Alla Vita | Italian | West Loop | Not a favorite | Based on the ornate space and vibe, I had doubts. But the food was legit. Ricotta dumplings stood out. Satisfying chicken parm. We liked it. | 2022 |
| Allez Cafe | Breakfast cafe | Logan Square | Not a favorite | The breakfast sandwich — bacon, steamed egg patty, onion aioli, jalapeno jam — is definitely worth trying if you're bouncing around the area. | 2024/2025 |
| Amaru | Latin | Wicker Park | Not a favorite | A local spot we've loved since it opened. We've ordered most of the (changing) menu, but the oxtail ravioli is a standout. | 2022 |
| Andros Taverna | Greek | Andros Taverna | Not a favorite | Solid, familiar Greek food in a beautiful, open space in Logan. Great patio meal in the summer. | 2022 |
| Anelya | Ukrainian | Bucktown | Not a favorite | Ukrainian spot in the old Wherewithall space in Avondale. A worthwhile trip, if only to try a cuisine I certainly wasn't familiar with prior to visiting. | 2024/2025 |
| Apolonia | Mediterranean ... ? | Motor Row | Not a favorite | See for yourself. Just an excellent meal. The pastas — fiorentini with smoked tomato/sausage and bucatini with pickled eggplant and guanciale — stood out. | 2023 |
| ArePa George | Colombian | Humboldt Park | Family-owned Colombian spot a block from me. The food is just delicious. Arepas are excellent, and some of the best empanadas I've ever had. | 2023 | |
| Asador Bastian | Basque steakhouse | River North | Not a favorite | If you're looking for a splurge steakhouse dinner, this would be it. Elegant space, elevated options. The Galiciana steak with a bite of the Guindilla pepper it comes with will knock you on your ass. | 2024/2025 |
| Asian Cuisine Express | Pan-Asian/al pastor tacos | Little Village | Not a favorite | Posted about this place last year. The al pastor fried rice is more than just a novelty. It's fantastic, and worth the trip. | 2024/2025 |
| Atelier | Tasting menu | Lincoln Square | Not a favorite | Went when they were in their old space, and I'll say it was hit or miss. Had a play on gazpacho and a fingerling hash that I remember enjoy, but a few of the courses didn't leave a mark. | 2024/2025 |
| Atsumeru | Nordic-Japanese | West Town | Not a favorite | We went right after they opened, but liked it. They're going for something different and interesting here. The chawanmushi with saffron and trout, and milk ice cream with pine stood out. | 2024/2025 |
| Avec | Mediterranean | West Loop | Not a favorite | A Chicago food fixture still going strong 20 years later. Rock-solid Mediterranean spot. | 2022 |
| Aztec Dave's Cantina | Mexican | Humboldt Park | Not a favorite | Burrito spot in Humboldt Park, have only gotten pick-up from there. The mole chicken burrito has become a go-to when I need a quick meal. | 2024/2025 |
| Bayan Ko | Filipino-Cuban | Ravenswood | For me, one of the better tasting-menu deals in Chicago. $129 for 6 courses of refined Filipino and Cuban classics. The arroz caldo knocked me on my ass. | 2024/2025 | |
| Best Intentions | "A fancy cocktail bar" | Logan Square | Technically a bar (and the only one here), but my favorite local haunt and a spot with *very* good bar food. The burger is everything I need and want from a burger. | 2024/2025 | |
| Birrieria Estilo Jalisco | Mexican | Bucktown | Not a favorite | Hole in the wall birria spot. Get a pound of birria, a cup of consomme, and a container of warm tortillas. You'll leave satisfied. | 2023 |
| Birrieria Zaragoza | Tacos (goat birria) | Archer Heights | Get a big bowl of goat birria in consomme and go to town. One of the most satisfying meals in the city. 2nd location in Uptown just opened. | 2022 | |
| BLVD Steakhouse | Steakhouse | West Loop | Not a favorite | Only went for brunch, but the menu/decor set up for fairly typical West Loop steakhouse fare. | 2024/2025 |
| Bocadillo Market | Spanish sandwiches | West Town | Not a favorite | New Spanish sandwich spot that I'm eager to try again. Actually got the tempura squash by mistake and was kinda floored by how good it was? | 2024/2025 |
| Boeufhaus | German steakhouse | West Town | Not a favorite | Great vibe, great service, in a cozy space. Hearty and comforting cooking that's still interesting. Had short rib beignets, buttered turnips, and a killer duck breast. | 2024/2025 |
| Boka | Contemporary American | Lincoln Park | Has become one of my quickest Chicago recommendations. Just damn good Michelin-starred seasonal cooking in a beautiful space with fantastic service. Great date spot. | 2024/2025 | |
| Boonie's Filipino | Filipino | North Center | Top-5 meal of 2023. We ordered the whole menu. The sisig — sizzling pork hash — stole the show, but every single dish is worth getting. Go here. | 2023 | |
| Brasero | Wood-fired Latin | West Town | My favorite Latin-inspired steak place to open up recently. The menu is just more varied and interesting, and you can still get a great steak. Great spot for a big group. | 2024/2025 | |
| Bungalow by Middlebrow | Wood-fired pizza | Logan Square | Tavern Tuesdays is the move. Cracker-thin sourdough pizza cut into bite-size squares, with one crazy special – only on Tuesday. A mainstay for us. | 2022 | |
| Calumet Fisheries | Smoked fish | South Deering | Not a favorite | Small takeout-only place near the Indiana border off 90. Grab some on the way home from a trip. Black cod and garlic-pepper salmon. (Temp. closed) | 2022 |
| Cariño | Mexican tasting menu | Uptown | Michelin-starred tasting menu featuring inventive, elevated takes on Mexican classics. For a celebration meal, it's on a short list of places I'd recommend. | 2024/2025 | |
| Carniceria Maribel | Tacos | Pilsen | Not a favorite | The taco counter is in the back. The lomo de res is one of my favorite tacos in the entire city. | 2024/2025 |
| Casa Yari | Puerto Rican | Logan Square | Not a favorite | Really good Puerto Rican breakfast spot specializing in mofongos — a bowl of cut up and fried plantains filled and covered with all sorts of stuff | 2022 |
| Cellar Door Provisions | Bistro | Logan Square | Not a favorite | Bistro known for their wines, with a constantly changing, seasonal Mediterranean menu. Great date night/dinner spot. | 2022 |
| Chef's Special | Chinese | Bucktown | Not a favorite | Cocktail bar with American-Chinese favorites like lo mein, fried rice. The eggplant with spicy lamb sausage was particularly good. | 2023 |
| Coach House | Indian tasting menu | Wicker Park | Not a favorite | Tasting menu in the back of Zubair Mohajir's more casual spot, Lilac Tiger. The menu we tried in 2024 eventually spawned Mirra, the new concept in Bucktown. | 2024/2025 |
| Community Tavern | "Midwestern ingredients with pan-Asian influences" | Portage Park | Top 5 meal of 2023. Some Asian influence, but hard to explain. Short rib dumplings. A great burger. Kimchi cheddar fries. Crazy pork chop. Just go. | 2023 | |
| Creepie's | Bistro | West Loop | It's just my kind of restaurant. The food is out there in the best way. Everything has surprising a twist of texture or flavor. I can't wait to go back. And Anna Posey makes the best desserts in Chicago. | 2024/2025 | |
| D'Amatos | Sandwiches | West Town | Not a favorite | Classic Chicago bakery that's a worthwhile stop for a weekday lunhc. | 2024/2025 |
| Daisies | Pasta | Logan Square | A beautiful expression of local ingredients channeled mostly through pasta. A spot I'd recommend to anyone and everyone. | 2022 | |
| Dear Margaret | French | Lincoln Park | Not a favorite | Classic French feel expressed through Midwestern ingredients. | 2023 |
| Demera | Ethiopian | Uptown | Traditional Ethiopian in a cozy space. I loved my visit here. A great group dinner spot if you're looking for something different. | 2022 | |
| Diana's | Puerto Rican sandwiches | Humboldt Park | Not a favorite | CLOSED | 2024/2025 |
| Dolo Restaurant | Dim sum | Chinatown | Not a favorite | Dim sum to order, just off the main drag in Chinatown. | 2022 |
| Don Pedro Carnitas | Mexican | Pilsen | Not a favorite | Carnitas by the pound with different options of pork cuts. Great bang for your buck, and one of the only spots like this left on 18th. | 2024/2025 |
| Duck Inn | Gastropub | Bridgeport | The moment we left, I was saying that I couldn't wait to go back. "Gastropub" fits but doesn't do it justice. Just comforting and craveable dishes that keep you coming back for more of it. | 2024/2025 | |
| Duck Sel | Tasting menu | Uptown | Not a favorite | Tasting menu for 20 (?) served in an Uptown apartment. For real. Silly, fun, different. Read up and see if it's for you. | 2023 |
| Dusek's | Wood-fired tasting menu | Pilsen | Not a favorite | CLOSED | 2023 |
| EaThai | Thai | Avondale | Not a favorite | Our local Thai takeout spot. Duck wontons and curry puffs are great. Reliable version of Thai classics. | 2023 |
| El Che | Argentinian | West Loop | Not a favorite | Mamixmilist vibe for a maximlist group meal. Got the parillada with steak, chorizo, and morcilla AND the mar de plata. But favorite thing might've been the sweetbreads with giardiniera. | 2024/2025 |
| El Cubanito | Cuban | Logan Square | Not a favorite | Spot on Pulaski right near The Athletic Show studios that just makes a very good Cuban sandwich. | 2024/2025 |
| El Habanero | Mexican | Logan Square | Not a favorite | Family-owned Mexican spot that specializes in pambazos — similar to a torta, but with bread dipped in a red guajillo sauce and lightly fried. YEAH. | 2023 |
| Elske | Modern Scandinavian | West Loop | Just great, inventive food done well. Michelin-starred kitchen in my favorite restaurant space in Chicago. A 2023 fav. Get the sunflower seed parfait with bee pollen | 2023 | |
| Esme | Rotating tasting menu | Lincoln Park | A Michelin-star tasting menu that turns over each quarter, redesigned in connection with the work of a local artist. Worth a trip for a special occasion. | 2023 | |
| Evette's | Lebanese/Mexican | Lincoln Park | Not a favorite | The type of place where you can get shawarma fries and a gyro taco. Good for a quick lunch. You can also pick up. | 2023 |
| Feld | Tasting menu | Ukrainian Village | Michelin-starred testing menu with more than 25 courses, focusing on relationships with farmers and purveyors. Thoughtfully curated, engaging experience. | 2024/2025 | |
| Fire | Wood-fired tasting menu | Fulton Market | Not a favorite | CLOSED | 2024/2025 |
| Galit | Middle Eastern | Lincoln Park | 4-course prix fixe menu that might be my favorite meal in the city. Every coal-fire main course rocks. | 2022 | |
| Gene and Jude's | Hot dogs | River Grove, IL | Not a favorite | Classic for a reason. The type of place that makes a Chicago hot dog stand worth being romantic about. | 2024/2025 |
| Giant | New American | Logan Square | Another favorite of ours. Menu is hard to pin down. Just get everything. The saffron tagliatelle with crab was a highlight last time. | 2022 | |
| Goree Cuisine | Senegalese | Kenwood | Not a favorite | Another great Senegalese option on the south side. The mafe here — a peanut stew with lamb — was probably my favorite | 2023 |
| Haisous Vietnamese Kitchen | Vietnamese | Pilsen | One of the best meals I had in 2023. The Bún Chả Hanoi and crab fried rice stand out, but order as many things as you can. | 2023 | |
| Hermosa | Cambodian | Hermosa | Not a favorite | We did their Family Meal. A BYOB private dining experience for up to 11. Something fun and different for a group of food-loving friends. | 2023 |
| Il Carciofo | Italian | Fulton Market | Not a favorite | Joe Flamm's crowd-pleaser Roman spot, featuring a variety of pizzas and pastas. The mortadella panino and basil gnocchi special were standouts. | 2024/2025 |
| Immm Rice and Beyond | Thai | Uptown | Not a favorite | Thai street food with an extensive menu. Great lunch special — 3 items with rice/noodles for $12.50 | 2022 |
| Indienne | Indian tasting menu | River North | Recently earned a Michelin star. Some of the most creative dishes we ate all year. | Unknown | |
| Istmo | Oaxacan | Wrigleyville | Not a favorite | Stopped in shortly after they opened and were just serving brunch. Excited to come back for dinner. In terms of vibe, felt very much like the restaurants we visited in Oaxaca. | 2024/2025 |
| Jeong | Korean tasting menu | West Town | Not a favorite | Small, elegant space that's worthy of a special occasion. Pricey, but the food is very good. | 2022 |
| Jibaritos y Mas | Puerto Rican | Logan Square | Not a favorite | Jibaritos are a uniquely Chicagoan creation. A sandwich with two flattened, fried plantains as bread. If that sounds appealing, you're right. | 2022 |
| John's Food and Wine | Modern American | Lincoln Park | Not a favorite | Really good seasonal American dishes (pan-roasted trout with a bean ragout, beef fat fries, squid-ink chiferri with crab) with counter ordering; good group spot | 2024/2025 |
| John's Pizzeria | Tavern-style pizza | Logan Square | Not a favorite | CLOSED | 2022 |
| JP Graziano | Sub shop | West Loop | Not a favorite | Classic Chicago sandwich place that deserves the acclaim. A Mr. G and a muffaleta from here will make your day. | 2024/2025 |
| Kasama | Filipino | Ukrainian Village | America's only Michelin-starred Filipino restaurant. Tasting menu experience unlike any I've ever had. | 2022 | |
| Khmai Cambodian Fine Dining | Cambodian | Rogers Park | Not a favorite | We did the tasting menu, which is rotating based on a different region in Cambodia. At $100 for 8 courses, it's a way to try a bunch of flavors that were new to us and might be to you. | 2024/2025 |
| Kie Gol Lanee | Oaxacan | Uptown | Not a favorite | Traditional Oaxacan food with a new Logan Square location. Place to try a tlayuda, which is a large, crispy tortilla topped with beans, cheese, cabbage, etc. | 2024/2025 |
| Kumiko | Japanese dining bar | West Loop | Warm, inviting space with excellent bar eats and a renown drink menu — including N/A | 2022 | |
| Kyoten Next Door | Omakase | Logan Square | The ideal omakase experience for me. 15 courses of straight nigiri with perfectly seasoned rice in a beautiful setting. Great special occasion spot. | 2023 | |
| La Birrerria | Birria tacos | Hermosa | Not a favorite | No-frills birria taco spot in Hermosa. | 2024/2025 |
| La Bomba | Puerto Rican | Logan Square | Not a favorite | Casual local Puerto Rican spot serving the classics. | 2024/2025 |
| La Chaparrita Taqueria | Tacos | Little Village | Favorite taco place in Chicago. By a lot. Housed in a Mexican grocery store in Little Village. Cabeza, campechano are highlights. | Unknown | |
| Lardon | Deli/sandwiches | Logan Square | Not a favorite | In-house charcuterie program serving up some great sandwiches. Perfect lunch spot. | 2022 |
| Lilac Tiger | South Asian | Wicker Park | Not a favorite | Delicious and comforting South Asian street food. Tandoori honey chicken sandwich and duck fried rice are bangers. | 2023 |
| Little Bad Wolf | Gastropub/bar food | Andersonville | Not a favorite | Bar known for its burger, and the burger is great. The red onion mayo makes it. | 2023 |
| Loaf Lounge | Bakery | Avondale | Not a favorite | Pastries and breakfast sandwiches | 2023 |
| Lonesome Rose | Tex-Mex | Logan Square | Not a favorite | Still my favorite nachos. Cheese sauce, pickled onions and banana peppers, black beans, your protein of choice. A mainstay for me on couch-rot day. | 2024/2025 |
| Los Tepalcates | Tacos | Roscoe Village | Casual sit-down Mexican spot with an excellent variety of options. Had a lomo, shrimp with grilled peppers, cochinita pibil, plus the jugo de carne. Perfect for weekend lunch. | 2024/2025 | |
| Lucidos Tacos | Tacos | Little Village | In the discusson for best al pastor I've had in Chicago. The toro taco — pastor and a spicy chorizo — was also fantastic. | 2024/2025 | |
| Lula Cafe | New American | Logan Square | A brunch staple and Chicago institution. Seemingly simple, seasonal cooking that's familiar yet exciting. Get the specials! | 2022 | |
| Lyra | Greek | Fulton Market | Not a favorite | A Greek restaurant that sort of turns into a club, I guess? I do not understand this place. | 2022 |
| Mano a Mano | Italian | Logan Square | Not a favorite | Pasta place that's the sister restaurant to Andros Taverna next door. Type of down-the-middle spot that's perfect to bring your parents (which we have). | 2024/2025 |
| Mariscos San Pedro | Mexican seafood | Pilsen | Not a favorite | A worthwhile homage to the buzziest mariscos places in Mexico City. A place with Instagram-worthy aguachiles and an octopus-stuffed Sonoran dog. | 2024/2025 |
| Mas Alla Del Sol | Mexican | Edgewater | Not a favorite | Takes on traditional Mexican staples. Pollo en mole. Carne asada. Chile relleno. | 2022 |
| Maxwells Trading | Asian-influenced contemporary American | West Loop | Don't think there's a better spot for a group dinner in right now. Hard place to explain, but everything is great. There's a menu section called "griddle bread and dunks." Sweet potato is unbelievable. | 2024/2025 | |
| Mi Tocaya Antojería | Mexican | Logan Square | One of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. Just thinking the food here makes me smile. Superb takes on Mexican staples. | 2022 | |
| Mindy's Bakery | Bakery | Wicker Park | We love Mindy's. They go great savory pastries, but sweet stuff is great too. She did the desserts for our wedding, so we're a little biased. Expect a line. | 2023 | |
| Ming Hin Cuisine | Chinese | Chinatown | Not a favorite | Classic Cantonese meal good for big groups. | Unknown |
| Mirra | Indian-Mexican | Bucktown | Not a favorite | Indian-Mexican spot that I actually first tried when it was a tasting concept at Coach House. It's a fun meal in a beautiful space. The lamb barbacoa biryani is a showstopper. | 2024/2025 |
| Mister Tiger | Korean | West Town | Cool spot for a group dinner. Lot of big flavors. The monkfish was in a spicy gochugang sauce that was particulary memorable, and thought the Korean mainstays were very good. | 2024/2025 | |
| Monster Ramen | Ramen | Logan Square | Not a favorite | Specializes in gyukotsu-style (a beef broth) with noodles made in house. The Monster comes with wagyu and beef jam. Maybe the richest ramen I've ever had. | 2023 |
| Monteverde | Pasta | West Loop | A decade after opening and 6 years after winning a James Beard, still hard to get a reservation. There's a reason why. Every pasta will kick your teeth in. | 2023 | |
| Nadu | Indian | Lincoln Park | Not a favorite | Newer regional Indian spot from the folks behind Indienne. Enjoyed everything we had, but was honestly surprised at all the hype around it. | 2024/2025 |
| Nellie's | Puerto Rican breakfast | Humboldt Park | Not a favorite | Breakfast spot that's great on a winter day. The avena de coco is a delicious coconut oatmeal. Also try the tortilla boricua — essentially an omelette with plantains. | 2023 |
| Next | Rotating tasting menu | Fulton Market | The Alinea group's rotating concept. We went twice this year – for the Paris 1906 and Tuscany menus. Awesome place for a special occasion. | 2023 | |
| Nhu Lan | Bahn Mi | Lincoln Square | Not a favorite | Everything I want in a bahn mi, but I'm not an expert. Have only had the roasted pork and lemongrass chicken. It's worth a quick drive if you're craving one. | 2024/2025 |
| Novel Pizza Cafe | Tavern-style pizza | Pilsen | The longanisa and giardiniera is maybe my favorite tavern-style pizza in town. And you can just walk in, order it, and enjoy it. This place deserves more love. | 2024/2025 | |
| Obelix | French | River North | Not a favorite | They are GOING FOR IT here. There's a duck *section* of the menu that includes a foie gras macaron and a foie gras taco. You have to respect it. | 2023 |
| Olivers | Supper Club | South Loop | Not a favorite | The trout-roe oysers, toast royale (beef-fat grilled sourdough with carmelized shallot butter — YEAH), and half-chicken is a fantastic night out for two. | 2024/2025 |
| Omarcito's Latin Cafe | Pan-Latin sandwiches | Logan Square | Not a favorite | Awesome sandwiches, jibaritos, and empanadas on a patio in the west end of Logan. Perfect for lunch at the end of a summertime walk. | 2024/2025 |
| Oriole | Fine dining- tasting menu $$$$ | West Loop | 2 Michelin star tasting menu. The go-big dinner spot I'd most recommend in Chicago. The space and the food are seriously stunning. | 2022 | |
| Osteria Langhe | Italian | Logan Square | Not a favorite | Regional cuisine from northwest Italy. A traditional, familiar Italian experience. | 2022 |
| Output | Sports bar | West Town | Not a favorite | Known for their wings. I'm no wing connoisseur, but thought they were pretty damn good. Variety of flavors, traditional Buffalo was great, good size, nice and crispy. Good pregame option near UC. | 2024/2025 |
| Parachute | Korean | Avondale | Not a favorite | Well regarded Korean spot. Been a couple times, and to be honest — haven't enjoyed it as much as others seem to. | 2022 |
| Pequod's | Pizza | Lincoln park | Not a favorite | The Chicago deep dish place worth trying when you're in town. Crispy, caramelized cheese. Every time I go with visitors, I'm reminded of why it's adored. | 2023 |
| Perilla fare | Korean | West Loop | Not a favorite | I think we ate 80 percent of the menu last time we went here with another couple. Korean BBQ spot that's good for groups. | 2024/2025 |
| Petite Edith | French | River North | Not a favorite | Bistro from the chef at Esme. French staples with some twists. Enjoyed everything, weren't blown away by anything. Big, beautiful bar that invites neighborhood regulars. | Unknown |
| Pho Viet | Vietnamese | Uptown | Not a favorite | Traditional Vietnamese spot at Broadway and Argyle. Grab a bowl of pho on a cold day. The staff was overtly kind when I stopped in. | 2022 |
| Pizza Matta | Pizza | Logan Square | Not a favorite | Takeout pizza spot from the folks who run Giant. Their new tavern style is addictive. Great ingredients. Also like the pistachio pesto-marinara combo sauce. | 2023, 2024/2025 |
| Pizza'mici | Tavern-style pizza | West Town | Not a favorite | The hot new tavern-style spot in town. Reservations are tough, but the pizza is delicious. Server recommended hot honey and jalapeño, and it didn't disappoint; | 2024/2025 |
| Pompette | Wine bar/bistro | Bucktown | Not a favorite | Neighborhood wine bar and cafe with a warm vibe and a menu/selection well suited to a dinner with a small group of friends. | 2024/2025 |
| Ponce Restaurant | Puerto Rican | Hermosa | Not a favorite | Local spot with Puerto Rican staples. The alcapurria (a banana dumpling filled with pork) was an outstanding bite. | 2023 |
| Proxi | Hard-to-pin-down small plates | West Loop | Not a favorite | Lot going on. Asian flavors, Indian influences. Want to go back. Recall it being good in the moment but not all that memorable. | 2022 |
| QXY Dumplings | Chinese- dumplings | Chinatown | My brother and I ordered about 60 dumplings. The lamb-coriander and shrimp-pork-leek stood out, but everything was great. Excellent service too. | 2023 | |
| Ramen San | Ramen | West Loop | Not a favorite | "Ramen spot in the West Loop" about sums it up. | 2022 |
| Red Hot Ranch | Burgers/hot dogs | Logan Square | Not a favorite | Classic chicago spot for griddled smashburgers and dogs. The double cheeseburger and fries is maybe the best way to eat for under 10 bucks in the city. | 2024/2025 |
| Rica Arepa Venezuela | Venezuelan | Venezuelan | Not a favorite | Arepas as big as your head. | 2022 |
| Roister | Casual New American | Fulton Market | Not a favorite | CLOSED | 2022 |
| Rooh | Progressive Indian | West Loop | Not a favorite | Classic Indian flavors presented via modern techniques. A worthwhile dinner night spot. | 2022 |
| Rose Mary | Italian/Croatian — Adriatic "drinking food" | Fulton Market | Lively space and a menu filled with shareable pastas, risottos, and seafood. Ideal spot for a fun group dinner. | 2022 | |
| Rubi's on 18th | Tacos | Pilsen | Not a favorite | Excellent, hefty tacos from the brick-and-mortar location of a longtime Pilsen taco stand. Only open til 6 pm from Thursday-Sunday. | 2022 |
| S.K.Y. | Contemporary, I guess | Pilsen | Not a favorite | Similar to his other spot, Apolonia, it's hard to pin down. But the food is great. The cornbread madeleines were a memorable bit. Lobster dumplings too. | 2023 |
| Santa Masa Tamaleria | Mexican | Portage Park | Counter-service spot that's mostly open for breakfast and lunch. The traditional options on the menu are great, but get the tamal of the month too. They serve a great green pozole on the weekend too. | 2024/2025 | |
| Second Generation | CLOSED | Logan Square | Not a favorite | CLOSED | 2023 |
| Seoul Stick | Korean street food | Wicker Park | Not a favorite | Korean corn dog spot with a bunch of whacky options and flavors. | 2024/2025 |
| Serai Malaysian | Malaysian | Lincoln Park | Not a favorite | When they were in Logan, Serai had become a regular takeout spot. They have a variety of Asian pan-fried noodle dishes that are worth trying if you want something different. | 2024/2025 |
| Smash Jibarito | Burger/Puerto Rican | Humboldt Park | Not a favorite | Does a smash burger on a fried plantain sound good to you? It should. Cool concept that really delivers. Even thinking about it right now makes we want one. Go for lunch if you're in Humboldt. | 2024/2025 |
| Smyth | Fine dining- tasting menu $$$$ | West Loop | Not a favorite | Just awarded a 3rd Michelin star. Gorgeous space, thoughtful food, upscale but welcoming. A worthwhile splurge if you're looking for one. | 2022 |
| Soul and Smoke | Barbecue | Avondale | Not a favorite | BBQ and soul food options that are just asking you to put together a feast. I'm not NOT gonna get the smoked chicken gumbo to go with my brisket. | 2024/2025 |
| Soulé | Southern | Ukrainian Village | Not a favorite | Has since moved locations. | 2022 |
| Spice Room | Indian | Logan Square | Not a favorite | Dependable neighborhood Indian spot that's easy for pick-up. Has fallen out of the rotation in favor of other options. | 2024/2025 |
| Spinning J Bakery | Bakery/pies | Humboldt Park | Not a favorite | Old-school setting with great breakfast sandwiches and a pie case filled with exciting twists on the classics. Have brought the hibiscus-key lime home more than once. | 2024/2025 |
| Strings Ramen Shop | Ramen | Lakeview | Not a favorite | Lakeview location of a solid local Ramen chain. | 2023 |
| Sueños | Mexican | West Loop | Not a favorite | CLOSED | 2022 |
| Sultan's Market | Middle Eastern | Wicker Park | Casual Shawarma spot that shouldn't have taken me this long to try. I was blown away by the chicken AND lamb. Perfect lunch-takeout spot on the go. | 2023 | |
| Superkhana | Indian | Logan Square | Not a favorite | Best described as Indian fusion. Butter chicken calzone. Naan pizzas with paneer. Lamb bolognese. The tamarind dal was the standout. | 2023 |
| Sushi Suite 202 | Sushi | Lincoln Park | Not a favorite | Omakase in a suite at the Hotel Lincoln. Cool concept, fun to try once. Would go with other similarly $ omakase if I had to pick. | 2022 |
| Table, Donkey and Stick | Seasonal neighborhood inn | Logan Square | Embarrassed that it took years to try this place. I still think about that potato galette with bits of shortbread. Perfect date night spot for charcurterie and a glass of wine. | 2024/2025 | |
| Taco El Jalisciense | Mexican | Humboldt Park | Not a favorite | Rock-solid taco spot at Grand and Chicago great for a quick lunch. | 2024/2025 |
| Tacos de Canasta Rossy | Tacos | Hermosa | Not a favorite | "Basket tacos" served out of a pizza place/bar in Hermosa. Limited hours, mostly on the weekend. | 2023 |
| Tacos Heredero | Tacos | Humboldt Park | Not a favorite | Local taco spot around the corner. The chile relleno taco was very good. | 2023 |
| Tacotlan | Tacos (beef birria) | Hermosa | Not a favorite | Your classic quesabirria tacos, with all the cheese and fat-soaked tortillas you could want. | 2022 |
| Taqueria Chingon | Tacos | Bucktown | Not a favorite | The tacos here are just damn good. No way around it. Al pastor and duck carnitas hit every time. Their Monday omakase experience is also very cool. | 2023 |
| Taqueria El Mezquite | Mexican | Pilsen | Not a favorite | A reminder of how many quality taco places are just hiding all over Chicago. Nice outdoor patio when the weather cooperates. | 2023 |
| Taqueria La Zacatecana | Tacos | Avondale | Counter-service taco place with some of the best carne asada tacos I've had in some time. | 2024/2025 | |
| Tempesta Market | Sandwiches | West Town | Not a favorite | There are few things more beautiful than a really good sandwich. I remember trying the Italian here and being swept up in how good the goddamn tomato was. A favorite of the TAFS office. | 2024/2025 |
| Thattu | Indian | Avondale | My favorite Chicago meal of 2023. Coastal Indian fare from Kerala. Ordered the whole menu. The pork chop and chicken biryani were insane. | 2023 | |
| TriBecca's Sandwich Shop | Sandwiches | Avondale | Not a favorite | Good pickup spot if you're looking for a very good, quick sandwich. Their Cubano is slathered in chipotle aioli and hits the spot every time. | 2023 |
| Trino | Latin steakhouse | West Loop | Not a favorite | Had enjoyed Sueños when it was in the Soho House, and it's probably telling that the crab tostada was my favorite thing at this meal. Just wasn't all that exciting for what it costs. | 2024/2025 |
| Trivoli Tavern | Steak/seafood | West Loop | Not a favorite | Very much a Hogsalt operation (the restaurant group). Space is A LOT, food was solid if all over the place. But the desserts are excellent. Butterfinger pie. | 2023 |
| Tuk Tuk Thai | Thai | Wicker Park | Not a favorite | Tried the new location in Wicker Park. Heaping portions of Thai street food options. Enjoyed just about everything we tried. Good for a group meal. | 2024/2025 |
| Umamicue | Chinese-Vietnamese BBQ | Logan Square | Not a favorite | BBQ spot served out of Spilt Milk bar in Logan. Unbelievable brisket. And you can get any of the meats in a banh mi. | 2023 |
| Uncle Mike's Place | Filipino breakfast | West Town | Not a favorite | Come here for breakfast. Longanisa sausage or tocino pork served with garlic rice and eggs. | 2023 |
| Union | Bar/New American | Logan Square | Not a favorite | Well done gastropub fare, but you're coming here for the bar. A perfect spot to enjoy some beers (N/A too!) and a few hours of conversation. | 2023 |
| Vajra | Indian | Wicker Park | Not a favorite | Have transitioned to takeout-only from their Wicker Park space. Might be my favorite takeout/delivery Indian spot in our area. | 2024/2025 |
| Valhalla | Tasting menu | Wicker Park | Not a favorite | Went for Casey's birthday and loved it. Memorable, big flavors in just about every course. Doesn't hold back in a way I appreciated. Good option for a celebratory meal. | 2024/2025 |
| Virtue | Southern | Hyde Park | Southern classics done incredibly well. Best mac and cheese I've eaten. Their blackened catfish was a favorite bite of 2022. | 2022 | |
| Vito and Nick's | Tavern-style pizza | Ashburn | Famous tavern-style pizza place. Cracker-thin crust. Sauce with some zip. Cash only. In a bar. Doesn't get more Chicago than this. | 2022 | |
| Void | Quirky Italian | Avondale | Unlike any other place I've been to in Chicago. Quirky and weird without trying TOO hard. The spaghetti uh-ohs are a cute idea, but it also tastes fucking great. Had a killer corn pasta too. | 2024/2025 | |
| Wherewithall | Four course, rotating menu | Avondale | Not a favorite | CLOSED | 2022 |
| Yaba's | Middle Eastern | Logan Square | Not a favorite | Middle Eastern takeout spot in the back of a grocery. Might be the best falafel I've ever had. | 2023 |
| Yassa African Restaurant | Senegalese | Bronzeville | Was my first time trying Senegalese food and loved it. Big, exciting flavors across the board. The Thiou curry was the highlight. | 2022 |