Thread: Need Recommendations for Restaurants and Eateries in Chicago, IL

Hello All,

Me and the family are heading to Chicago, IL next weekend to spend a couple of days.

Can SRP members recommend any reasonably priced good local (non-chain) restaurants for dinner and/or eateries for lunch or dinner in downtown Chicago that we could dine at during our stay?

My daughter already has her sights set on Lucky's for lunch, but I was wondering if there are any other places that you could recommend.

Thanking all of you in advance for your response to this thread.

Kaze may have had the best sushi I have ever eaten.

Roys was really good. There is a tapas place near the sheraton at navy pier that was pretty good. They had half price bottles of wine on monday or tuesday....

Dim Sum is chinatown is always good

The Billy Goat--preferably the original--well, the long-since-relocated original, on the lower level of North Michigan Avenue. I'd almost say anyone who visits Chicago has got to visit there. "Cheezborger-cheezborger-no Pepsi-Coke!"

I'm personally fond of Miller's Pub as well, another old Chicago institution. If you're content with (huge) sandwiches, you can eat well there without being too extravagant. If you like lavish old-school mixed drinks, ask if they are still serving their famous Tom & Jerry--it's a holiday-season tradition there, I don't know if they have it this late in the winter.

The Berghoff is much reduced (in size and selection, not quality) from what it once was, but is still a good place for lunch.

Now I'm hungry and nostalgic, commuting out here to the suburbs ... I miss those lunches in the Loop. Let us know what you decide on--I'll enjoy vicariously!

~Rich

If you're into real Chicago authenticity, The Berghoff is pretty good. Not the kind of fare that'll blow you away, but very German and very Chicago. I sometimes grab a hearty lunch there when I'm downtown. Also, if you want to do real Chicago pizza, Pizzeria Uno is said (by some) to be the best Chicago style pizza. Though it should be noted that Pizzeria Uno is actually a chain, so make of that what you will. (Other good Chicago style pizza can be had at: Gino's East, Giordano's, and Pizza Capri in Hyde Park. Those are local chains, maybe a few locations in the city.)
If you're planning to venture away from downtown, on the north side for really, really great steaks you can do the Argentinian place Tango Sur, which is also BYOB. Though on the weekends, it can be busy and they don't take reservations unless you're with a pretty large group.

All the restaurants already mentioned here are the best and I love them.

Another one to consider is the Italian Village located on Monroe St. a few blocks West of Michigan Ave. It is the oldest Italian restaurant in Chicago and the food is great and reasonable. I eat there at least 2 times a month.

Also,on Navy Pier is Reva. They have fantastic views of the skyline and have great food also. They are a little pricey but the view while you are eating is fantastic.

Just West of the loop is Greektown. It's about a $5.00 cab ride from downtown. Roditys is a family style place that is very reasonably priced and you get a ton of very good food. If you go ask for "George" as your waiter and tell him Scott sent you. He will take care of you.