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Honey Butter Fried Chicken… best chicken in Chicago, cocktails too!
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Delectable pasta made right before it hits your plate: A10 in Chicago!
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The Boarding house… mammoth wine selection! Even a wine chandelier!
The Wine Bar at The Boarding House | First Floor
The first floor of The Boarding House serves as the restaurant’s main bar. Enjoy a selection of 20 wines by the glass, 450 wines by the bottle, custom cocktails, specialty spirits and craft beers to pair with Chef Gosselin’s menu of traditional wine bar provisions, including cheeses, charcuterie, shellfish platters, and artisan pizzas. The First Floor Wine Bar menu is distinctly different from the The Dining Room menu. Seating in The Wine Bar is available without reservations.
The Dining Room at The Boarding House
The main dining room at the Boarding House is located on the third floor, featuring exposed beams, inlaid hardwood floors and tables, large bay windows, plush banquettes and an impressive ceiling installation made from more than nearly 4000 wine bottles. The menu features a mix of small, medium, large, and shared plates. Enjoy Chef Gosselin’s wine inspired cuisine, including braised short ribs, chicken three ways, and citrus poached salmon with a 450 bottle wine selection.
The Cellar at The Boarding House | Lower Level
Ideal for sophisticated, late-night revelry, The Cellar at The Boarding House includes an intimate cocktail bar and comfortable lounge seating. Cap the night off with wine or cocktails after your dinner. Experience 450 wines by the bottle, exclusive, high-end wines by the glass, classic cocktails, and luxury spirits, all available with the same menu as featured in The Bar. For more information, click over to boardinghouse.com .
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Bub City- the most fun BBQ, country music and whiskey in Chicago!
It's a casual atmosphere, where you can stop in for a beer, and some bar-b-que, and listen to some fine country music. Bub City is open late every night. On Tuesday they have Country Karaoke. You wont find a more lively, fun place in Chicago's River North neighborhood. Click here for more information.
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The Purple Pig: a meatovers paradise! Cheese, wine and veggies too!
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The Publican
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Ed Debevics
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Balena
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Harry Caray’s Restaurant
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Trencherman
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Epic Burger
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Sepia: Chic Design & In Living Color Cuisine
before the wine hits your lips.
Transformed from an old printing building from 1890 the restoration is nothing short of spectacular.
The food is just as worthy of the spotlight. Flat iron steak with potato confit, maitake with coffee and bearnaise sauces or apple and morcilla stuffed trout with black garlic romesco and white polenta - you really can't go wrong here.
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Vie Restaurant: A Michelin Rated Restaurant in the Suburbs
Who says gourmet dining is limited to the city? Paul Virant’s Vie restaurant in Western Springs, Illinois proves that quality food knows no bounds. In fact, there’s nothing the chef won’t try. While his menu always offers local food in innovative, beautiful, and delicious dishes, Vie also offers special dinner and weeks. This past August, Vie showcased barbecue and its many forms, from brisket to smoked corn salad. Now that Winter is almost here in Chicago, Vie also offers Sunday Suppers with prix fixe menus (when the Bears aren’t playing). No matter what the time of year, Paul Virant and his team offer amazing dishes, which is why they’ve earned a Michelin star.
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Showplace Icon Movie Theater
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Fork: a gourmet but comfortable restaurant
Fork is the kind of place to go when you want gourmet food, but you also want to be in a relaxed, casual environment. While those dining in Fork will be seated in chairs, there’s also the bar -- and couches -- for the drinking crowd, adding to the overall cozy and welcoming atmosphere of the place. Like many higher end restaurants, the menu is clearly carefully attended to, only focusing on a few dishes -- like a heavenly chicken burger -- but all are sure to please your palate. Not sure what to get? The servers here are notoriously friendly and helpful, and will lead you in the right direction.
Fork is located at 4600 N. Lincoln Ave. Chicago, IL 60625. Phone is 773-751-1500. Visit forkchicago.net/ for more information.
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Seasons 52 offers seasonal and healthy fresh food
Seasons 52 may be a chain of restaurants, but that doesn’t mean it’s like all the other chains out there. As the restaurant’s name implies, it specializes in seasonal fare so the menu changes as the seasons do. But that’s not all. While the ingredients are absolutely fresh, making the wide-ranging menu delicious, they’re also incredibly healthy. None of the dishes go over 500 calories.
While Seasons 52 may specialize in healthy, seasonal fare, don’t let this deter you from their dessert menu. The restaurant calls their desserts ‘mini indulgences,’ because while they may be decadent, they’re not packed with a ton of calories either.
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Old Town Social offers casual elegance
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Girl & the Goat: as good as everyone says it is
While Izard’s style is all about fusion cooking, there’s definitely a focus on meat and seafood pairings. And really when Izard mixes two ingredients? Eat them at the same time, because there’s a reason she paired them together. They’re good separate, but amazing together.
Insider’s Tip: That pig face on the menu? It’s incredibly tasty, but don’t expect a swine to be looking at you from across the table.
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Cozy up at Maude’s Liquor Bar
The low-lighting in Maude’s Liquor Bar may make this French-inspired restaurant feel a bit cozy, but the smashes--cocktail drinks--are what will warm you up. The smokey violet is a top-seller and for good reason; the bizarre combination of flowery and liquor flavors are stronger than they taste. All the plates are designed for sharing, and catch that lobster if you can. While its a simple dish, it tastes even better than it looks, especially with those sauces. Even so, don’t pass up the more traditional dishes like the hearty cassoulet that’s sure to fill you up, even when you share.
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Kuma’s Corner serves heavy metal with their burgers
Hipsters must enter through the back, or so the sign says right outside Kuma’s Corner front door. Be prepared; those taunts aren’t the only thing patrons will face. Heavy metal blasts through the speakers as diners partake in the delicious juicy burgers appropriately named after heavy metal bands. If the food doesn’t take all your attention, Kuma’s also entertains with gory slasher flicks or karate movies.
The kitchen may be small, but it serves a mean burger, one sure to please your palate, whether on the summer patio or indoors.
Insider’s Tip: The Hate Beak may not be a burger, but it’s the best buffalo chicken sandwich in Chicago.
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A different Waterhouse Tavern every night
Tucked next to the Paulina brown line el stop, Waterhouse is the local watering hole that changes atmospheres depending on the day of the week. On weeknights, expect a laid-back bar with plenty of specials, from $3 burgers on Monday to ½ price sangria, beers, and well cocktails on Thursday. On Purdue game nights, Waterhouse also offers $5 Bacardi bombs and $5 Purdue 22oz mugs while patrons watch the game. On Fridays and Saturday late-nights, expect more of a club vibe with a dedicated dance floor in the back.
Waterhouse Tavern is the sister bar to Bluelight, Rebel Bar & Grill, as well as Pitchfork.
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Franks ‘N’ Dawgs: encased meat treats
A big reason for the latest trend in the encased meat world, gourmet hot dogs, is Lincoln Park’s Franks ‘N’ Dawgs and its chef, Joe Doren. Many of the menu items are house-made, including the tur-doggin and black sheep sausages. While some menu items aren’t going anywhere, Franks ‘N’ Dawgs also like to mix things up by offering a monthly Iron Dawg competition with dogs designed by local chefs as well as a charitable dog created by an amateur chef.
Franks ‘N’ Dawgs also recently added a lobster dog to its menu, but it’s only available on Fridays.
The sides are also delectable, from elegant truffle fries to a surprisingly good brussel sprout salad.
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Lillie’s Q
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A secret supper club at Southport Grocery
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Piece: Eat Your Pizza in Peace
When you think Chicago and pizza, the image of a 100 pound deep dish usually conjures. Not the case at Piece Pizzeria and Brewery in Wicker Park. Nope. Here slices of just about anything you want can be made and the most popular is actually the "New Haven" style.
From clams to sauteed mushrooms, the topping selections means no one goes home hungry. And the beer? What other perfect accoutrement could one need? With its seven barrel brewery, Piece produces award winning micro brews thanks to brewer John Cutler who was even named top brewmaster at the World Beer Cup Champion as was this small brewpub. Prost!
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Epic: Spoil Yourself
Rocking Hubbard Street, Epic has made a splash on the Chicago scene and for good reason - the service is ridiculously good. On a street and in a 'hood where new restaurants come and go as fast as fashion fads, Epic should be here to stay as guests feel spoiled indulging in the attentive service and delicious menu.
Here, despite its location in the Midwest, the calamari is as thick, plump and juicy as if you were in Hawaii - same goes for their tuna tartare. Steak lovers rejoice and celebrate in a hearty Midwestern steak and if you're only down for cocktails, this is the perfect place as well. The dark and sexy lighting makes the medicine go down.
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Hub 51: More Than Meets the Eye
of Shia LaBeouf, Josh Duhamel & Fergie? Then Hub 51 is your place. While filming Transformers 3 in the Windy City, the stars (and spouse in Josh's case) frequented Hub 51 which is also known to host plenty of NBA stars as well.
So what is it that causes the stars to flock here? Perhaps it's that they serve a little bit of this and a little bit of that and they do it all oh so darn well from the juicy burger to the fresher than fresh sushi. Then again it could be the drinks - like a whole lot of yummy draft beer selections, superb wines and unique draft cocktail specialties that change with the seasons.
Whether its the menu, the drinks or the stars that lure you here - just make sure you look your best as you never know who you'll run into.
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Second City’s Lauren Ash Brunches at Bongo Room
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Wishbone Restaurant: Southern Eatin’ in the Midwest
Back before Wicker Park was an "it" neighborhood, Wishbone opened as one of the first chef-owned indie restaurants in Chi-town making it a fave locale for artists and hipsters. Today, Wishbone's three locations continue to host artists and hipsters in the 'hoods of Berwyn, Lincoln and West Loop.
The secret to their success? Chef and owner Joel Nickson and his brother, co-owner, Guy Nickson are indeed from the south so trust them on their southern take on good eats. Joel even schooled with Anthony Bourdain so let's hope there was nothing on Kitchen Confidential on Wishbone.
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Park Grill: 4 Seasons of Fun
ummer gawking at art installations, music concerts and taking summer strolls while the winter hosts bundled up cuties of all ages circling the ice rink with their best moves. All seasons, this park swarms with action and the perfect place to tuck in to rest your feet in between park time is where else, but the Park Grill, found in the center of it all.
Lunchtime heats up with local business power lunches while happy hours revel in drink specials while dinners are posh yet classsic, top notch yet not over the top. In other words, Park Grill is always a safe bet and has been since it and the park's debut in '03.
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Revolution Brewery: We all Want to Change the World
Micro-breweries are so hot right now. Chicagoans said they want a revolution (from dull beer) and they got one with Revolution Brewery.
Managing Partner, Josh Deth is just the man to bring on the revolution as his long history with beer (working with, not only drinking) began with iconic Chicago's Goose Island Brewery.
All draft beers at the bar appear as arms and fists, a slew of revolution hungry revelers. And the brews that pour from them? Salivate over the sounds of the Iron Fist Pale Ale: dry-hopped American ale featuring centennial, cascade, chinook and amarillo hop or the summer special, Rosie: tart summer ale infused with 12lbs of hibiscus flowers and orange peel with a sexy pink hue.
And though beer technically is a food source (right?), they do serve chewable food as well - and darn good grub at that. A hearty brunch, tasty pizzas and the classic Iron Fist Fish & Chips.
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Kingston Mines: Authentic Chicago Blues
Rockin' since 1968, mention Kingston Mines to most Windy City residents and they'll most likely have a story for you, a memory or simply just a smile. This is why Chicago is known for the blues. It's the oldest. It's the biggest. It's the winner of "Best Chicago Blues Bar" by the Chicago Music Awards for 13 running years.
Open 7 nights a week, Kingston Mines presents two stages of live music with killer sounds run from Kafel Amps, custom made amplifiers - a design of former Polish rock star, Jacek Kafel, who now resides in Chi-town.
Wear what you want, this isn't a time to get fancy, you'll probably spill rib sauce from Doc Rib's amazing eats on your shirt anyway (and if you don't you're probably not enjoying them as you should).
As for the crowd, it is eclectic as is the place and ranges from 21 to 100. So come one, call all: eat, drink and be blue.
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Diggin’ Deep Dish at Gino’s
There are two types of pizza in this world. New York thin slice and Chicago deep dish. Sorry, Italy - your pizza doesn't really even register anymore. If you ask the DJs Deep Dish, their answer is simple - Chicago pizza takes the cake (or pie). When they moved to the USA, they fell so in love with it, that they named themselves after it.
When looking for that classic Chicago deep dish, the place to go is Gino's East . Don't expect the most glamorous ambiance or the best service, no, no. This is all about the checkered table cloth, simple service but amazing pizza. There's just something about that cornbread crust.
Beginner's beware: You don't need a lot of pie here. One piece will likely fill you up in a beautiful way. Also, if you think you're in a hurry - forget it! A deep dish pizza at Gino's will run you a minimum of 30 minutes - but hey, heavenly taste don't come easy baby, so chill.
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Bin 36 is Oenophilian Heaven
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So Chic And So Good: Terzo Piano at the AIC
With salads so fresh you wonder where the garden is, delectable flatbreads and entrees, taste anything they offer and you'll realize Chef Tony Mantuano (of Spiaggia) can do no wrong! And after your main course, it's simply a must that you indulge in the cava di stagionatura or the authentic cheese cave. Fresh picks of cheese from neighboring masters in Wisconsin and imported delights from around the globe are the perfect way to finish your extended lunch or dinner.
As for the decor, think Modern Wing baby. Just as the wing was designed, so was the restaurant. Stark, clean white is complemented by earth accents of subtle metal and wood: so chic and so, so good.
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Iconic Gibsons Steakhouse is Good Enough for Johnny Depp
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Simply Divine at Devon Seafood
MidWest's answer to the freshest daily catches, delicate flavors and all the wine you could want. With over 600 wines and Champagnes on the menu, including plenty of rare boast-worthy bottles, there's absolutely no risk of not finding the perfect accompaniment.
Whether it's Maryland style jumbo lump crab cakes, ahi tartare with fresh asparagus and herbs or scrumptious Georges Bank scallops, Devon Seafood has been mastering its changing menus since opening in 2006.
The chic interior competes with the "oohs" and "ahhs" gushing about over the cuisine. Looking like it could very well be an interior design boutique or hipster furniture shop with its lush velvet chairs, feather covered lamps, stone covered walls and perfectly colored wood floors, guests work up an appetite just by checking out the place's digs.
When the plates arrive, however, it's all about the catch of the day and yet, you'll probably be back for the catch of tomorrow as well. For that, one has to thank executive chef, Scott Barrows. Thank you, thank you very much.
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A Chicago Classic: The Rosebud
Chicagoans and the visiting elite for its dreamy ambiance of shiny wood floors, mahogony framed mirrored walls and white linen covered tables. With impeccable service and mouth watering steaks, the Rosebud has gained such a fan base that it now has several addresses including a specialty Italian restaurant on Chicago's bustling Rush Street, a trattoria, an express shop and several suburban locales.
It's hard to believe that back in 1977, it was just a mundane grocery store. What's easy to picture is the array of guests who have frequented the place: Tony Bennett, Oprah Winfrey and even magical ol' Blue Eyes, Frank Sinatra. From the starting line-up of the Bulls to the Bears, this place tends to be crawling with stars and big wigs. Just check out the "Wall of Fame" if you need assurance while there.
Celeb watching aside, this is a place to indulge so don't hold back and get that 14 oz. Italiano steak - delicioso!
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It’s All About Legs at Hugo’s Frog Bar
watering menu options of crab, lobster, oysters (for the aphrodisiac lovers) and fresh fishes, it's all about the legs. Oui, les frog legs that is. Lathered in garlic and delicious spices, the frog legs at Hugo's are so scrumptious that even the pickiest of eaters tend to become leg lovers post visit. If you save enough room after the legs, the menu is chalk full of more seafood options and of course, plenty of turf for meat lovers as well.
Equally as notable as the delicious cuisine here however, is the charm of the ambiance. The ol' maritime interior and swingin' vibe leave patrons in a jolly good mood as they sip dirty martinis and their conversations begin to spill from one table to the next.
Viagra not included.
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Don’t Break Up Over Smith & Wollensky Steakhouse
and location in "Marina City," Chicago's Smith & Wollensky is proudly perched above the Chicago River in the heart of the city and surrounded by big players like Hotel Sax and the House of Blues. Smith & Wollensky is the ultimate place for a date, a steak, and/or just a glass of red.
The original location in NYC opened its doors back in '77 and was the brainchild of the same guy who brought us T.G.I. Friday's. But fear not, none of the cheesiness can be found in this venture. Instead, its all about the upper echelon of steaks with The Chicago Tribune's food critic calling it "perhaps the best sirloin of my life." The classic interior design of dark wood, shining brass, polished wood floors and iconic Chicago views is icing on the, er, steak.
Come once and you'll come again - with or without the person you originally came with.
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Jersey Chasers Score at The Fifty/50
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Any Given Glamorous Sunday at Fred’s of Barneys
ok smashing if you want to dine on the delights at Fred's, because everyone else will be.
Dressed in their Sunday best, but not because they went to church, Fred's is a see-and-be-seen, plush 5,000 square feet of Gold Coast property heaven (fifth floor ensures amazing views of the lake and streets below). On any given Sunday you can expect to see some of Chi-town's biggest socialites and business mavens and maybe even a celeb or two. That along with your average slew of really, really, ridiculously good-looking people- albeit collagen-enhanced.
People-watching aside, you'll actually want to eat. For just $25.00 enjoy the Fred's brunch special which includes:
- Bread basket of scones and focaccias
- Salad
- Entree of your choice
- Dessert
- Mimosa
- Never-ending coffee
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Rockit Bar And Grill
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Luxbar
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Grand Lux Café