11 Chicago Restaurants to Satisfy Every Foodie

Chicago was too good to me! I was spoiled by delicious food in every neighborhood we visited and left with a long list of recommendations that were shared with me by nearly every person I met. If you’re following me on Instagram, you probably caught a glimpse of my foodie adventures. I’ll be sharing even more of them below. Whether you’re a fellow vegetarian, an adventurous eater, a grazer, or someone who selects restaurants by their cocktail list, I’ve got you covered with plenty of options!

coffee/tea/juice bar

Petit Margaux –  Gold Coast

The shopping experience in this area is not for the faint of heart and will leave you crazing a strong coffee. Luckily, Petit Margaux is conveniently located on the first floor of the Waldorf Astoria. The lovely little cafe offers gorgeous pastries, a nice lunch selection, and an assortment of coffee and tea. I chose to indulge in an almond milk latte and chocolate croissant in their lovely outdoor seating area, which has just enough shade without obstructing your view of some fabulous people watching. If you’re a bit more hungry and looking for something substantial, try their next door sister restaurant, Margaux Brasserie.

SAWADA COFFEE – West Loop

The Military Latte was described to me as “when the smoothness of matcha meets the caffeine fix you didn’t know you needed” and I was sold. I ordered it large, iced, with macadamia milk. This matcha-loving lady could not have been happier with the complex matcha base, followed by the earthy/nutty flavors of the macadamia milk, and topped off with the bittersweet combination of espresso and mocha. The taste was unlike any other coffee drink I’ve had, which was a welcome surprise, and something I regretted not experiencing at least one more time before leaving the city.

TE’AMO BOBA POP-UP – Magnificent Mile

As if anyone needs another excuse to spend more time inside of UNIQLO, the Te’amo team added another with their adorable pop-up shop on the 6th floor of the Magnificent Mile UNIQLO. The pop-up offered several tea options, including the rose green tea, which I ordered with boba. If you happen to need a boba fix past the pop up dates, stop by their University of Chicago or Michigan Avenue storefronts. Seriously, get the rose green tea!

GRAZE – River North

Whether you’re looking for the picture perfect acai bowl to complete your Instagram feed, a protein packed smoothie, or just need a daily dose of greens to combat weekend eating shenanigans, Graze has what you need. I found myself there three times during my trip. It is conveniently located inside of Studio Three, which was a welcome treat after taking a spin class there. My recommendations: So Fresh/ So Green, Jumpman (add cold brew), and the Acai Bowl Pt. 2.

LOST LARSON BAKERY – Andersonville

Gorgeous interiors, French café vibes, and delicious baked goods. Yes, Lost Larson offers all three and has the added bonus of transforming into a wine bar Wednesdays through Sundays. Do yourself a favor, plan to visit when you have some time to sit and truly savor your dessert with their Stumptown Coffee Roasters offerings.

lunch/ brunch

LOU MALNATI’S – River North

I want to start with a disclaimer that I am not claiming Lou Malnati’s as the winner of the deep dish/ Chicago-style pizza debate! I had three pizza spots on my list to try while I was in town, but this was the one stop I was able to make. That said, the pizza was pretty good. A family friend once shipped their frozen pizza to me, but, of course, that was nothing compared to the fresh and hot deliciousness that I enjoyed here. We had the stuffed spinach bread, a small Lou, a small cheese deep dish, and a bottle of rosé. 10/10 recommend.

NINI’S DELI – Noble Square

Come for the pink wall, stay for the Latin-inspired food (and Juan)! Just when you think you must have missed your turn, a gorgeous pink wall emerges and you know THIS.IS.THE.PLACE. The line was out of the door and likely will be on your visit, but do not let that discourage. The line moves quickly and once you’ve reached the front of it, you get to chat with Juan. He was so excited, patient, and kind that I asked if he was the owner. He mentioned that he was “the owner’s favorite son” which left us all laughing for a bit. I ordered the El Cubanito (vegetarian option with egg, beans, cheese, sweet plantains, and avocado) and the hibiscus lemonade. My only regret: not ordering the vegetarian empanadas or a churro. Please order and enjoy it all!

YOUNG AMERICAN – Logan Square

Brunch with a side of peak Millennial branding. Our group of four headed to brunch at Young American to celebrate my love’s birthday. The menu offers elevated versions of your favorite breakfast staples: oatmeal, biscuits, and skillets. We all agreed that the cocktails stole the show—so much so that we wrapped up our meal and moved from the patio to the bar. Inside, we enjoyed their seasonal bar snacks and another round of the gin-based Anonymous Tip cocktail.

dinner

BAD HUNTER – West Loop

Two words: BUTTER. DUMPLINGS. The incredible dining experience that is Bad Hunter cannot be summarized with the mention of a singular dish. However, I need all of my friends and readers to understand this is a must-try dish during your visit. As a nearly decade-long vegetarian, dining in a gorgeous space that pushes vegetables as the main attraction was a privilege that I won’t soon forget. Reservations are recommended and well worth it to spend an evening dining in the beautifully designed space with a well-curated playlist and all the vegetables your heart desires.

EATALY – North Bridge District

Crowds, long lines, and floors on floors of products— oh, my! These are all the aspects that might come to mind when you think of Eataly and they are true. However, the experience and the food are so worth it. Eataly was very near my hotel, which I used as an excuse for why I dined there for lunch, met someone there for dinner the following night, and found myself back for gelato the following night. I recommend visiting for lunch on a weekday or earlier in the day on the weekend to avoid the crowds. Whether or not you find yourself with a few hundred of your new closest friends, embrace the experience with a glass of wine! My picks: Bar Sabbia, Ravioli & Co., and Eataly Gelato.

after hours

LUDLOW LIQUORS – Avondale

Is it strange for me to say my favorite meal in Chicago was in a bar? Well, here we are. The crowd was mostly neighborhood regulars who walked over and hung out at the bar. We, the tourists, parked ourselves in a corner booth and settled in for the people watching. The table settled on veggie samosas, rosemary fries, buffalo cauli, and crab dragoon. Add this to your order— all of it! I also recommend the Copycat cocktails or one of their Ludlow Liquors by the ounce.

Z BAR – The Peninsula Hotel/ Magnificent Mile

Views. Yes, you come here for the views and to feel a little fancy. Once inside of the hotel, you find yourself winding through a labyrinth, going over the river and through the woods, before you arrive to an unassuming host stand. Be warned that adding yourself to the waitlist before arriving is a must and you still might find yourself with a bit of a wait. However, once you slide into one of the comfy chairs with a summer spritz, it will all be worth it!