The Chicago Restaurants We Loved in November
If there’s one thing you must know about the people who work at Resy, it’s that we genuinely love restaurants …
This month, we feasted on dim sum brunch, were delighted by a menu section entirely devoted to duck, found comfort in a cozy Italian gem and at a historic hotel, and may have found the best spicy vodka rigatoni in town.
For me, the perfect neighborhood spot…
… is Le Sud, with an ambiance that easily transitions from upbeat happy hour to romantic date night. On our most recent visit, we started with smoked ham and cheese croquettes and Moroccan lamb meatballs, but the true star of the starters was the French baguette. When it comes to entrées, steak frites is my go-to order, always. Finally, we splurged on dessert, and for someone who doesn’t like bread pudding, I thought theirs was incredible.
— Lauren Kansupada, Director of Integration Strategy & Planning
Indian fusion food is a bit of a touchy subject for me…
… because I usually don’t think it’s done well. But Superkhana International had such a thoughtful approach. I never thought I’d find poha, a niche childhood favorite of mine, on a menu, and executed so well until I came here for brunch. Their filter coffee cold brew is also one of my favorite caffeinated beverages in recent memory, and I also really liked their beef keema hash and breakfast sandwich.
— Harkirat Anand, Technical Product Manager
One of my favorite places to brunch…
… is BiXi Beer. The space is gorgeous and it’s usually pretty easy to walk-in or snag a seat at the bar. There are lots of options for brunch in Logan Square, but BiXi stands out with its dim sum brunch. The shrimp toast is a must, but other favorites include the eggs Benedict with lemongrass hollandaise, the Rangoon royale, and the mochi pancakes.
— Jackie Gonzalez, Restaurant Success Manager
When there’s an entire section of the menu devoted to duck…
… you know you’re in for a treat. And such was the case at Obélix. At my server’s recommendation, I started with the foie gras and crispy rice, which he claimed as “one of the best bites in Chicago.” I had the Lyonnaise salad as my entrée, which was a heavenly mix of frisée, escarole, duck confit, duck egg, and duck-fat croutons — after mixing it all together (as instructed), the result was another of the best bites in Chicago. If it’s on the menu, definitely save room for the pear sorbet!
— Alex Johnson, Senior Marketing Manager
On a warm fall evening…
… I was excited to settle into a patio table at Eight Bar, housed on the ground floor of Maple & Ash. I knew I was in for upscale fare and was jazzed to see such an emphasis on sushi. The king crab, hamachi avocado, and salmon miso rolls were flavorful and filling, but do try any of their signature starters, too — namely their caviar mozzarella stick, with crème fraîche and chive. Plenty of mains vie for attention (including lobster garganelli or an 8-ounce filet mignon), buts vegetables might be just as memorable — the asparagus, with almonds, orange, and mint, was one of the best preparations I’ve had.
— Nicole Schnitzler, Chicago Writer, Resy Editorial
The battle of the best spicy vodka rigatoni wages on…
… but Ciccio Mio managed to serve one of my new favorite versions it: think perfectly cooked and large noodles, which absorbed a hearty, decadent sauce. Also great were the truffle mozzarella sticks, Caesar salad, and tiramisu. I’ve yet to have a bad meal at a Hogsalt restaurant.
— Harkirat Anand, Technical Product Manager
For a cozy little Italian spot …
… head to Segnatore in Humboldt Park. The staff is so attentive and sweet — we walked in for some apps and drinks and were able to get a table right away. Tinned fish lovers have got to try the Sardini martini (gin martini infused with boquerones and rosemary), but we were pleasantly surprised by the extensive nonalcoholic drinks, too. Food-wise, we ordered the cacio e pepe arancini, the Caesar salad, and some oysters, all a hit! And we didn’t miss a chance to finish off our meal with Segnatore’s burnt honey and amaro affogato, of course.
— Jackie Gonzalez, Restaurant Success Manager
At a cozy window table…
… I watched the sun set on Grant Park as the evening was just beginning at Mercat a la Planxa — a colorful, vibrant restaurant, situated in the glam and historic Blackstone Hotel. Kick things off with some of the cheese or chorizo, or surely some serrano ham (for a splurge, make it a plate of the buttery, paper-thin Cinco Jotas ibérico). The garlic shrimp, ham croquetas, and hanger steak are musts, but most of all? Their bacon-wrapped dates — the ultimate salty-sweet bites, perfectly balanced by a hit of blue cheese fondue.
— Nicole Schnitzler, Chicago Writer, Resy Editorial
