Looking for where to eat in Chicago? These are the best restaurants to try if you’re visiting, organized by neighborhood to make planning easy.
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đź“ŤThe loop/Downtown
Near hotels
Close to Millennium Park
Easy after architecture boat tour / shows
Location and price: Loop, Bronzeville, Lakeview ($20-30)
Why you should go: Casual Southern spot with insanely good fried chicken, catfish, cornbread…basically everything tastes incredible. Keith Lee approved.
What to order: “The Ten”
Location and price: Several locations ($1-10)
Why you should go: A Chicago staple for comfort food, known for authentic Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches.
What to order: Chicago-Style Hot Dog, Cheese Fries, Onion Rings, Chocolate Cake Shake, Chocolate Cake Slice
Location and price: Several (go to the Loop location – on Michigan Ave) ($10-20)
Why you should go: Another classic, stripped-down burger spot in Chicago – this one with indoor seating. Descend underground off Michigan Ave to the unassuming door, order “cheezborger, cheezborger” (no fries, cheeps!), and soak in the history behind the SNL skit and the legendary Billy Goat Curse.
What to order: Cheezborger “Original”
đź“Ťlincoln park
Zoo
Residential charm
Easy Uber from Loop
Location and price: Lincoln Park and South Loop ($20-30)
Why you should go: Some of the best French toast I’ve had in Chicago—perfectly indulgent and worth the hype. It’s a cozy, local-feeling brunch spot that makes you want to linger a little longer.
What to order: The French Toast Flight
Location and price: Lincoln Park ($20-30)
Why you should go: Chicago’s favorite deep-dish spot, known for its beautifully caramelized crust. A low-key, dim setting that’s perfect for settling in and enjoying every bite.
What to order: Chicago lunch special – $8.95 for a personal pan cheese pizza (toppings are extra) + French Fries
Location and price: Lincoln Park ($10-20)
Why you should go: Great Korean street food packed with bold flavor—those Korean tacos are a must-try. One bite and you’ll realize it’s something you never knew you needed in your life.
What to order: Sesame-Chili Shrimp Taco, Kalbi Taco (Korean BBQ Short Ribs), K-Town Chicken Wings, Sesame-Chili Shrimp Banh Mi Sandwich
đź“ŤLakeview
Wrigley Field
Young, lively energy
Good for groups
Location and price: Lakeview; Bucktown ($1-10)
Why you should go: A classic, bare-bones spot that everyone here loves, serving delicious burgers and fries for a shockingly cheap price (under $7!). Cash only with no indoor seating, but perfect for summer nights—grab a bench outside, enjoy great late-night food, and maybe even watch the trains roll by overhead at the Bucktown location.
What to order: RHR Cheeseburger and Fries
Location and price: Lakeview ($20-30)
Why you should go: Casual spot with great Brazilian food, plus a mini grocery wall of snacks and sweets; perfect for a no-reservation bite.
What to order: Beef Acebolado
Location and price: Lakeview ($10-20)
Why you should go: A great casual spot for some of the best Korean fried wings around. The wings are MASSIVE—three is more than enough—and you definitely won’t leave disappointed.
What to order: Whole Wings w/ Seoul Sassy Sauce + Superfly Fries
đź“Ťother neighborhoods
Location and price: Bucktown/Wicker Park ($1-10)
Why you should go: An amazing late-night spot that’s part candy store, part ice cream parlor. Step back into the 1920s with tabletop jukeboxes, hand-dipped chocolates, and jumbo sundaes or banana splits finished with a cherry on top.
What to order: My go-to is the Turtle Sundae but you can’t go wrong with anything
Location and price: Little Italy – near UIC ($10-20)
Why you should go: Home of the Italian subs for a reason. A no-frills local spot where the subs are consistently delicious and you instantly feel like part of the neighborhood.
What to order: The Blockbuster