Stephanie Izard Top Chef winner restaurant that put the West Loop on the map and never stopped being one of the hardest reservations in Chicago. The goat empanadas are iconic, the wood-roasted vegetab...
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2
Au Cheval
Burgers / Diner · West Loop
The best burger in Chicago and one of the best in America -- a double cheeseburger with a fried egg on a perfectly squishy bun that has inspired a thousand imitations. The wait can stretch past two ho...
93
3
Avec
Mediterranean · West Loop · James Beard Award
The communal-table wine bar that helped launch Randolph Street as a dining destination. Paul Kahan wood-oven Mediterranean shares are perfect for groups -- the chorizo-stuffed medjool dates are one of...
92
4
Pequod's Pizza
Caramelized Deep Dish Pizza · Lincoln Park
The deep dish that actual pizza nerds argue is the best in Chicago -- and they might be right. Pequod secret weapon is the caramelized cheese crust that forms a dark, crunchy, almost-burnt ring around...
92
5
Publican
Beer Hall / Pork · West Loop · James Beard Award
Paul Kahan European-style beer hall dedicated to beer, pork, and oysters -- three things Chicago does exceptionally well. The communal tables, massive beer list, and whole-hog mentality make it feel l...
91
6
J.P. Graziano
Italian Sandwiches · West Loop
A 100-year-old Italian grocery making some of the best sandwiches in Chicago from a tiny counter. The Mr. G sub with house-made giardiniera is legendary, the capicola is sliced thin, and the bread is ...
91
7
Roister
New American · West Loop
The casual sibling from the Alinea team, and it is anything but casual in ambition. The open kitchen cooks over live fire, the whole roasted chicken is famous, and the desserts rival any fine dining r...
91
8
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
Deep Dish Pizza · River North
The deep dish that Chicagoans actually eat -- buttery crust, chunky tomato sauce on TOP of the cheese, and a sausage patty that covers the entire pie. Lou Malnati has been doing this since 1971 and th...
90
9
Fat Rice
Macanese / Portuguese-Chinese · Logan Square
The only Macanese restaurant in America, bringing the Portuguese-Chinese-Indian fusion of Macau to Logan Square. The arroz gordo (fat rice) is the signature -- a clay pot of rice loaded with meats and...
90
10
Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings
Chinese / Dumplings · Chinatown
Chinatown dumpling specialist that hand-pulls, wraps, and cooks every dumpling to order. The lamb and cumin dumplings are extraordinary, the spicy wontons swim in chili oil, and watching the dumpling ...