Resy’s Definitive Guide to Chicago

Top Chef alum and James Beard Award-winning chef Sarah Grueneberg helms Monteverde, an Italian restaurant oozing with soul and rooted in tradition, with plenty of modern flourishes to delight. Simple Midwestern and Italian ingredients inform a menu of stuzzichini (snacks), piattini (small plates), typical and atypical hand-crafted pastas, and dishes for the table—all served in a handsomely elegant setting.

Rick Bayless outdoes himself at Topolobampo, one of the country’s best fine dining Mexican restaurants. Tasting menus reign supreme at this exceedingly elegant River North establishment, where Bayless follows the whimsy of the seasons for food so vibrant and jaw-droppingly good, you’ll remember why Obama invited him to cook at the White House for the Mexican president.

avec is the prettiest shoebox of a restaurant we’ve ever stepped into. Enclosed in wooden slats from floor to ceiling, the West Loop gem continues to draw big crowds, thanks to its vibrant, peasant-style Mediterranean fare and astounding wines, courtesy of the ever-prolific Paul Kahan.

Vietnamese food by way of Pilsen makes its way onto the plates of this chic, bamboo-accented spot. Here, chef Thai Dang looks to his childhood to recreate home-cooked Vietnamese dishes with flair. Fish sauce lovingly peppers everything from papaya salad to caramelized chicken wings, winning over Vietnamese grandmas and hip kids alike.

Entente, or “friendly understanding” in French, simply wows. The Michelin-starred establishment just moved to a bigger space—and most importantly, a bigger kitchen—which means chef Brian Fisher has even more room to dream up his chef collaborations.

Band of Bohemia was launched by a pair of Alinea vets, and is currently housed in a converted cookie factory right by the Metra tracks. To add to the appeal, this culinary brewpub has also garnered a Michelin star.

Lauded by more publications than we can count—and recently nominated by the James Beard Foundation for its Outstanding Wine Program—Income Tax is a wine-obsessed establishment that does not disappoint. Open a bottle, feast on a couple of Euro-leaning plates, and you’ll be transported to neo-bistro heaven.

Community and spontaneity are at the heart of Cellar Door Provisions, a Logan Square all-day eatery where bread-baking and fermentation inform a menu that incorporates global flavors and is always in flux. One mainstay is the quiche, which you should be sure to spring for if a slice is available.

Unabashedly carnivorous and with a certain retro luster, Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf is a steakhouse with serious clandestine vibes. The River North destination doesn’t skimp on its cuts (read: USDA prime and butcher’s cuts only) and it’s the ideal place to indulge in an extravagant hot fudge sundae royale, with its carnival of toppings.

Stepping into Dove’s is like going back in time: 60s and 70s blues blast from the jukebox and shiny metal counters line the walls. But restaurateur Paul Kahan updates the diner of bygone days with an electric Tex-Mex menu, and a well-stocked agave cabinet.

Frontera Grill is the lauded chef Rick Bayless’ flagship restaurant, and that says it all. Craveworthy ceviches, moles, and wood-grilled meats paired with a fun-loving cantina atmosphere is a combination that will keep on winning for many years to come. Be sure to take note of the daily specials: chile relleno and birria do not disappoint.

Tucked off an alleyway behind Frontera Grill, Bar Sótano presents itself as a temple to mezcal. Helmed by Lanie Bayless (yes, Rick is her father), the intimate cavern deals in slow mezcal sipping, agave-based cocktails, and excellent street food bites. Like father, like daughter.

It’s a tight fit at this cozy jewel box of a bar. That might be because Milk Room only seats eight, and with cause: rare and last-of-its-kind liquors adorn the shelves of this dimly lit establishment, where knowledgeable bartenders pour out precious gems from times gone by.

This might be the Chicago Athletic Association’s grandest eatery yet. The epitome of 1950s supper club dining, Cherry Circle Room feels like it should smell of leather and cigars. Tuck with abandon into briny oysters and butcher’s cuts, and be sure to waive down the cocktail cart for a tableside extravaganza.

Perched atop the swanky Chicago Athletic Association, Cindy’s Rooftop boasts some of the city’s best views. The rooftop jewel prides itself on the seasonal freshness of its food and drinks, so settle at one of the communal tables and take part in the buzzing brouhaha of well-heeled locals and awe-struck visitors.

Upscale comfort food from James Beard Award-winning chef Debbie Gold is what’s on at Tied House. That translates to warm Parker House rolls and seeded rye slathered in creme fraiche honeycomb or bone marrow butter, fried fingerling potato with smoked winter squash, pappardelle in celery root Bolognese, and more. A stylized dining room, equal parts chic and cool, serves as the backdrop.

Pilsen’s enduring Dusek’s nabbed a Michelin Star, and for good reason. Housed in the beautiful Thalia Hall opera house, the beer-centric gastropub dishes imaginative pub grub that takes on a Mediterranean tinge, alongside a meaningful beer selection (and beer-based cocktails).

Logan Square’s favorite British gastropub is one giant cozy nook, where well-worn leather chairs beckon you to linger. Pub fare aficionados will delight in the classic menu of Scotch eggs, bangers and mash, fish and chips, and one stellar burger, with all the beers and spirits your heart could desire. Top if off with polished wood and a Victorian mood, enough to make you want to hum “God Save the Queen.”

Outfitted in dark woods and even darker furnishings, Sushi Dokku is an atmospheric sushi haunt that keeps things simple, and received the Michelin Bib of approval. While most of the menu veers toward traditional offerings, opt for the chef-dressed nigiri bites for a dash of creativity (read: sea bream with smoked tomato and fried shallots).

Out a back alley door and down some steps, you’ll find yourself in this red-hued speakeasy. Booze Box lies in the underbelly of Sushi Dokku—ideal for a great post-meal nightcap—crafting Japanese-flecked cocktails and bar snacks that you should definitely tuck into, under the glow of ethereal red lanterns.

Extravagant is one way to describe this Hogsalt establishment. The imposing Gilt Bar has an aura of decadence, with its cherry-red tufted booths and grandiose mirrored bar. And yet, this River North charmer isn’t stuffy in the least, churning out comforting and classic plates that won’t leave you hungry.

Brendan Sodikoff’s West Loop restaurant resembles a literary brasserie with an illicit vibe. The mood is dark and alluring, the crowd ever-bustling, and it all makes for the perfect backdrop for Maude’s French-inspired plates. Bistro fare is cheekily divided into Almost French (where French onion fondue and pork paillard await), and Traditional French (where buttery escargot and a knockout cassoulet are yours for the taking).

With three bars on site, it’s safe to say that this West Loop gem knows its way around a cocktail. Yet family-owned La Josie impresses just as well in the kitchen, where dishes are crafted from family recipes, hailing from their home state of Jalisco. Tacos, tortas, or gorditas—pick your pillowy poison.

Named after the ancient dragon-turtle from Chinese mythology, BiXi is an East Asian brewpub that combines influences from all over. Case in point: the Chicago beef bao with prime rib and Szechuan giardiniera. Don’t miss out on the creative brews either, infused with everything from Szechuan peppercorns to pearled jasmine tea.

Fire and ice converge at this live-fire eatery, where Baja-style seafood gets the Rick Bayless treatment. On the fire side of the menu, food aptly gets a lick of the flames. But veer towards the ice offerings, and you’ll find the raw bar, with aguachile and ceviche galore. Bar-wise, you’re in for Mexican wines from Baja’s Valle de Guadalupe, and burning mezcal-based cocktails. Sip with caution.

Industrial chic and bustling, Cruz Blanca Brewery & Taqueria is Leña Brava’s next-door drinking den and taco haven. Helmed by none other than superstar chef Rick Bayless, the counter-service brewpub knows its way around masa, crafting smoky Oaxacan-style tacos that’ll leave you tingling.

Is it a lush tropical haven or a palatial Balinese resort? Dripping with chandeliers, towering greenery, and globe-trotting antiques, Beatnik turns heads, to say the least. And the menu follows suit, taking diners on a journey from Korea to Peru. Map your way through the eclectic offerings and go family-style.

Mexican-born chef Anselmo Ramirez trained with the greats in Chicago (Rick Bayless, Sarah Stegner) before branching out on his own to present deliciously authentic renditions of his native cuisine. At Ixcateco Grill, his menu is sophisticated yet accessible, with highlights ranging from queso fundido to roast chicken with black mole.

Named after a popular Indian condiment, Mango Pickle fuses modernity and tradition in an innovative menu that changes with the seasons. Order dishes like butternut squash bhel puri and sesame grilled pork belly a la carte, or opt for the prix fixe for a smattering of the kitchen’s best. Enjoy it all in a warm and colorful setting, with a specialty gin- or whiskey-based cocktail in hand.

Depending on which floor you venture to, Celeste is a certain kind of bar. The entrypoint is casual, where buoyant conversation and high-end bites are shared. Head upstairs and you’ll find yourself in a refined lounge, where boudoir gossip and Champagne glasses prevail. Make it to the top, and you’re suddenly in a lush English garden, sipping shaken cocktails on tufted country chairs. So, which will it be?

A “Meat N Three” is a hearty Southern concept where meat is served with three side dishes. And that’s what Saint Lou’s Assembly does with an added Midwestern twist, giving the present-day lunch crowd a taste of the 1940s cafeterias that meatpacking workers used to flock to– only much, much better. So grab a tray, line up, and don’t fret: this isn’t your average school lunch.

Ingredients come first and foremost at Marcos Campos’ tapas bar, where Spanish authenticity rings true in every plate. And that’s because simplicity presides at Black Bull, where high-quality produce is dressed up with but a dash of olive oil here, and a drizzle of salt there. Pro-tip: after your meal, venture straight to Bordel, and thank us later.

Located up a red staircase and through un unmarked door, Bordel looks like it’s straight out Paris’ Belle Époque. Sip on old-school cocktails and let yourself be seduced by the rotating cast of jazz musicians, burlesque performers, magicians, and cabaret dancers.

Lonesome Rose is a very pretty spot. The airy plant-lined interior evokes a West Coast chill, right in the heart of Logan Square. But the food served here is distinctly Tex-Mex—chips fried in-house scoop up velvety queso, truck shop nachos brim with pickled fresnos, and a delightful array of tacos keeps the crowds happy and munching along.

From the modern Chinese cuisine to the gorgeously appointed space, Imperial Lamian is beautiful and bustling. Vibrant murals serve as a fitting backdrop to technicolor dumplings, noodles laced with barbecued meats, and punchy, shareable entrees. Do the right thing and start with an artisanal, tea-infused cocktail.

Self-described as a taco-slinging, late-night honky-tonk in the heart of Wrigleyville—and perfectly situated next to the Wrigley Field—Big Star gathers a boisterous crowd of Cubs fans and merry night owls, feasting on nachos, tacos, and a fantastic bourbon selection.

What is a handroll? A cylinder of warm sushi rice, enveloped in perfectly crisp nori, and filled with… well that’s up to you. Anaba excels at its namesake, rolling up the freshest fish and veggies into dainty handrolls, ready to be devoured. We like the spicy salmon, blue crap, and scallop.

A tribute to Japan’s covert alley bars, Yokocho hides at the end of a narrow alleyway. Small and intimate, the Japanese drinking den deals in izakaya plates, with a very comprehensive sake list that’ll satiate neophytes and connoisseurs alike.

Parson’s Chicken & Fish is on a mission: to prove that wallet-friendly, fast-casual fare can be sourced locally, and without skimping on quality. Indeed, the shack-like eatery delivers, and proves its skills with the fryer: beer-battered fish, expertly fried chicken, and cream-cheese laced hushpuppies are noted highlights.

It’ll take some time for your eyes to adjust to this dimly lit lounge. Hidden behind a heavy velvet curtain, Radio Anago brings the boozy dens of Tokyo to River North. Snack away on small Japanese plates—think original maki, uni-yuzu shooters, and a tuna sushi flight—and down it all with premium sake. Kanpai!

French cuisine without the fuss awaits you at this Humboldt Park bistro, where all-day brasserie fare reigns supreme. Tuck into steak tartare and black bass in beurre blanc under the tin-pressed ceiling, and pretend you’re in France, if only for the time it takes you devour a croissant.

This is not your average sushi restaurant. A brick-walled dining room boasts a magic-imparting skylight overhead. Appetizers include duck breast in foie gras miso sauce and braised Amish chicken thigh (doused in ginger, garlic, and basil). And then there’s nigiri and maki—inventive, elegantly crafted, and bursting with flavor.

Though its name gives it away, Pearl’s still has a trick or two up her proverbial sleeve. The New Orleans-style eatery looks to the bayou, dishing creole dishes and southern classics rooted in nostalgia. Eat your way through the Louisiana jambalaya or pepper jelly pork chop, and save room for the decadent powdered beignets.

Giant’s motto says it all: to make “simple, delicious food for people to eat.” A playful team concocts whimsical New Midwestern dishes, like mind-blowing fried uni shooters; ribeye with sticky rice, peanut, and chili sauce; and lasagna “that we ripped off from Mark Ladner.” Enjoy the lip-smacking fare and revel in the feel-good energy.

Named for the legendary blue lights that float above the bayou, Fifolet is a Louisiana restaurant through and through. There’s cajun wings and crawfish dip to start, followed by Étouffée, fried chicken and dumplings, and beignets, of course. As for drinks, think New Orleans classics, such as Sazeracs and Voodoo Punch.

Think of an Irish Pub with spot-on renditions of the classics and plenty of pints to go around. Add to that a dose of refinement and a buzzy atmosphere, and you’ve got Mrs. Murphy and Sons. Don’t sleep on the fish & beef-fat-cooked chips.

Nestled in the very cool SOPHY hotel, Mesler evokes the dining atmosphere of a a swanky literary salon. Helmed by a veteran of some of Chicago’s finest kitchens, the restaurant deals in refined comfort food that extols the flavors of the Midwest. Spring for the house-made sausage rigatoni and end on the ethereal tres leches cake.

A Southern-flecked menu infused with the warmth of a wood-fired oven is comfort food in a nutshell. Chef-partner Justin Stadler dishes out elevated takes on hot chicken, shrimp & grits, and cast iron cornbread alongside seasonal libations.

Casual and carefree, Merchant toes the line between being a refined sports bar and an easygoing lounge. Translation: the kitchen fires craveable takes on Americana comfort food, the bar proffers a great selection of craft beers, cocktails, and wine, and there are TVs for sports, plus a gorgeous patio for people-watching.

Aptly named and boasting some prime real estate, The Lakefront is quite literally on the waterfront. Tucked in the historic Theater on the Lake, this upscale and luminous tavern doles the kind of spiffed-up Midwestern comfort food that soothes.

A neighborhood haunt for the Park Ridge community, Holt’s deals in the kind of unpretentious fare that’s always a hit. We’re talking about sloppy joes, reubens, and wild pizzas (one, dubbed “Taco,” is topped off with crumbled chips), which are best enjoyed with crafts beers for good measure.

When it comes to bistro fare, the French do it best, and Troquet River North knows this all too well. Settle into one of the black leather booths, and order liberally from the superb salés and sucrés items (the croque madame and galette complète are hits), with a glass of wine, bien évidemment.

With prime riverfront real estate and a snug interior, Land & Lake Kitchen looks to the mom-and-pop shops of lore for comforting Midwestern fare. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, tuck into the kitchen’s Chicago-style baked chicken, three-bean chili, and fried chicken sandwich.