Some winter days in Chicago…
… call for warmth that goes deeper than a coat, and Café Robey delivers exactly that. This is my ideal family brunch: polished enough to feel special, relaxed enough to actually enjoy with kids in tow. Sunlight pours through the big windows like a gift, instantly lifting the mood, while the oatchata cold brew — nutty, creamy, electric — wakes you up without knocking you sideways. The hash browns are everything you want them to be (deeply crisp, properly golden). And the buttermilk pancakes? Tall, fluffy, and comforting in that just-right, soul-soothing way. It’s the kind of place that reminds you winter won’t last forever.
— Hannah Howard, Chicago Writer, Resy Editorial
The best pancake in the city…
… might just be at Café Robey (bonus points to the team for adding syrup to their batter!). Also, the counter overlooking Milwaukee Avenue was just made for people-watching.
— Gretta Ebert, Senior Implementation Specialist
On the coldest night of the year…
… Chicago Firehouse provided the perfect setting for a winter date night — cozy, warm, and inviting, the old firehouse space is such an experience, and the staff was beyond welcoming. I loved their Burning Landmark cocktail, spectacular in both presentation and flavor. And definitely get their lobster bisque, a signature for a reason: the puff pastry was buttery, flaky, and the warm and creamy bisque was just what we needed on that frigid night. Their ribeye, filet, and classic steakhouse sides (get the creamed spinach) are testament to why they’ve been around for 25 years. If you’re looking for your next steakhouse dinner date night, look no further.
— Dana Lasswell, Senior Partner Success Manager
Lakeview’s secret gem…
… might just be Sal’s Trattoria. It’s the ultimate corner spot for a martini and a delicious bowl of pasta. Sal’s is always bustling, so be prepared to wait (or if you’re lucky, snag a spot at the bar), and service is always top notch — all of their staff are knowledgeable and on point. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but on the night I visited, the stuffed clams, heaped full of herbaceous goodness, were a full meal in and of themselves. If you’re in the mood for a little spice, the fra diavolo is a must — it’s loaded with bold flavors and perfect bites of shrimp, and finished with a heap of freshly grated parm.
— Maggie Yovanoff, Implementation Manager
There’s nothing better than…
… a beautiful bowl of pasta on a frigid Chicago evening, and Flour Power delivers. The concise daily menu is scrawled on butcher paper next to the counter, with options like pork heart campanelle and annatto zucca with winter frost squash, brown butter, sage, and walnuts. With only four tables and no reservations, there might be a wait, but Wilson Bauer’s food is worth waiting for. My friends and I popped our bottle of sparkling wine (the restaurant is BYOB) and enjoyed a glass while waiting for a table. Don’t make the rookie mistake of not ordering focaccia, delightful on its own and to “fare la scarpetta” (aka mopping every bit of sauce with bread).
— Amber Gibson, Chicago Writer, Resy Editorial
It’s a rite of passage…
… to have a boisterous night at Club Lucky — and a very convincing argument for staying out even when the temperature makes no sense. The room hums, the martinis flow, and the Negroni menu alone could keep you occupied all evening (especially the sbagliato, topped with Prosecco and pure joy). This is comfort food for people who take comfort seriously: baked little neck clams showered with crunchy breadcrumbs; pasta in generous, unapologetic abundance; and the double cut lamb chops — two rib chops broiled with lemon and oregano, served with sautéed spinach and roasted potatoes — that feel tailor-made for brutal cold and good company. There’s a wink to it all, a lot of fun, and the unmistakable feeling that yes, you’re doing Chicago right.
— Hannah Howard, Chicago Writer, Resy Editorial
The perfect red-sauce dinner…
… takes place at Club Lucky, a proper Wicker Park icon and one of my favorite neighborhood restaurants. Start with the Club Lucky salad and the calamari Calabrese, served with spicy Calabrian peppers and a wine, garlic, and scallion sauce. Then, proceed onto the obligatory lasagna Bolognese and their signature chicken Vesuvio with potatoes in a white wine, roasted garlic, and sweet pea sauce. And make sure to top it all off with some Sicilian wine — our favorite is a bottle of nero d’Avola.
— Bailey Warren, Partner Success Manager
Armitage is one of my favorite streets in Chicago for eating…
Take the Blue Line and get off at Western and you’re steps away from two of Chicago’s finest hot dog stands. If you’re in the mood for something a little more upscale that won’t break the bank, head a few blocks west to Giant. A cocktail and biscuit make for a perfect start, followed by their Japanese eggplant. Make sure your order includes a pasta — the sortalini is a new favorite for me.
— Tony Gallotta, Software Engineer
For a great happy hour in Roscoe Village…
… make Volo your first stop. My husband, friends, and I took advantage of their great drink deals and $1 oyster special, and splurged on the bone marrow, which ended up being the highlight of our night. I took a peek at their infamous patio (now fully enclosed and heated), which is just as beautiful in person as it looks in photos. It was fully booked but I can’t wait to go back and actually check it out.
— Jessica Hewett, Brand Design Lead
For an incredible tasting menu experience…
… head to Topolobampo for their six-course mole menu, highlighting different regional styles across Mexico. Every course was so thoughtfully and beautifully prepared, and my wife and I both had the same favorite dish: rabbit prepared two ways — a bacon-wrapped loin and a carnitas-style leg — served with a mole verde sauce, local delicata, and kale.
— Ben Rosales, Senior Executive Support Manager
Seafood is my favorite food group…
… and Petit Pomeroy did not disappoint with their options. The mussels marinières were so tender, and I could’ve drunk the creamy Chablis sauce they were served in, it was so rich and decadent. The colossal black tiger shrimp also stood out; they were perfectly chilled and complemented by a fresh cocktail sauce that had just the right amount of horseradish. The skin on our halibut was crisp, and the olive and tomatoes the fish was served with delighted me with their different textures and surprising flavors. I will return for earthy wine and other delightful under-the-sea menu items anytime.
— Wendy West, Operations Analyst
A cute place in a giant building…
… Petit Pomeroy is a French bistro in downtown Chicago with a great prix-fixe menu option. As part of my $48 three-course meal, I went with the onion soup gratinée, the poulet à la moutarde, and because there were three of us, we were able to order and share all three different dessert options (our favorite was the maple-bourbon crème brûlée). Everything tasted great and was perfectly cooked.
— Mieko Furuhashi, QA Engineer
It might be a bit impossible…
… to describe what one eats at a restaurant like Next. It’s a proper experience with incredible-tasting food that matches. Think a scallop that looks like a satellite and is paired with bresaola; an egg that disappears into a broccoli and tamarind salad like it’s getting sucked into a black hole; or duck pelmeni in broth that’s to die for — and that’s just three dishes out of a 10-course meal. There was also freeze-dried ice cream for dessert (which we were gifted extras to take home); caramelized onions and milk bread in a dangerously hot bowl (worth the risk); and microgreens that looked like they were growing right in front of you during your meal. It’s 100% a “you have to go” to understand the incredible nuances Next brings together. What an unforgettable night.
— Michael Tripp, Data Analytics Manager
Known for its focus on clean and nutritious cooking…
… Herb is a fine-dining Thai restaurant in Uptown, where the intimate dining room is both elegant and soothing. We were warmly greeted by chef Patty Neumson herself, who walked us through the menu and shared the inspiration behind several dishes. The highlights of my five-course dinner were the betel leaves appetizer and her award-winning chicken curry. The dishes were vibrant, beautifully presented, and full of rich, complex flavors. Service throughout the evening was attentive and fast — I’d highly recommend this place for a special night out.
— Anna Tsatsko, QA Engineer
As much as we love…
… The Duck Inn’s whole rotisserie duck, we decided to order a bunch of small plates to share this time. We started with the decadent foie gras terrine before chowing down on the Up ‘N’ Over burger (featuring a perfectly fried duck egg), their Chicago-style hot dog, and polishing off their “decent beef” shaved prime rib sandwich with a side of duck fat fries. We capped off the meal with espresso and some deliciously festive clarified eggnog.
— Bill Malinowski, Partner Success Manager
10/10 would recommend…
… Wakamono for the fabulous food and vibe. We started with a few hot appetizers (warm edamame, crab sliders, the house salad with ginger dressing, and some grilled buttered mushrooms) before moving onto bulgogi and some rolls — we loved the signature lobsterdamus (Maine lobster, avocado, lettuce, cucumber, and warmed lemon butter) and both the softshell crab and sweet potato maki.
— Amanda Peterlin, Sales Manager
You’ll be quickly enamored…
… by Bavette’s old speakeasy scene. It’s low-lit and intimate, has exceptional service, and was the perfect place to celebrate my 30th birthday (or really, any occasion). We loved the steak and all the side dishes that tag along with it, and we also indulged in the famous wagyu burger, which was amazing. I’d recommend this place to anyone.
— Daniel Pena, IT Ops Manager
I’d been meaning to visit…
… Tortoise Supper Club for such a long time, and it didn’t disappoint. From start to finish, our meal was delicious and service, outstanding. My fiancée and I ordered some cocktails to start alongside their signature bread (stuffed with mascarpone and gorgonzola) and some lamb lollipops. We then had a flounder special (pan seared in a ritz cracker crust with a yellow curry sauce) as well as the beef Wellington. We were so stuffed by the end that we didn’t have room for dessert, but we’ll absolutely be back. Pro tip: Definitely sit in their main dining room, the vibe is impeccable.
— Drew Bailey, Tock Sales Manager
I’m really digging the new home…
… of Atelier, just a half mile south on Western. The larger space is more polished and gives chef Bradyn Kawcak breathing room. You can still book a Michelin-star tasting menu, but the front dining room and bar are open for walk-ins with an à la carte menu, too. Order the coconut milk bread and lobster bisque (and don’t be afraid to ask for extra milk bread).
— Amber Gibson, Chicago Writer, Resy Editorial
For my birthday…
… I wanted to treat my dad and myself to an omakase experience, and was immediately drawn by Omakase Box’s message on their Tock page: “We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience outstanding sushi and refined hospitality — without the extravagant price tag.” The 15-course experience left me in awe. I got to try amberjack and uni for the first time, and discovered personal favorites in o-toro and Spanish mackerel. The team even ended our meal with a beautiful Basque cheesecake. We both left full, and I can’t wait to make my next reservation there.
— Joselle Reyes, Implementation Specialist
Everything is comforting…
… about DeNucci’s. The food is at once classic and unique, where the usual staples of a red-sauce joint are slightly revisited and executed perfectly. The whole staff is friendly and attentive — water glasses are refilled and utensils replaced in a flash. The menu isn’t particularly big, which contrasts with the many red-sauce spots that have extensive, multi-page menus. Instead, diners will find a pared-down list where you truly can’t go wrong. Just don’t sleep on the kale and pecorino salad, which comes with some unexpected delights, like a shredded hard-boiled egg and yellow raisins. The Bolognese is another can’t-miss — hearty, warm, and delightful.
— Gabriel Losch, Senior Software Engineer
Starting off the year on a pescatarian diet…
… presented a bit of a challenge for me and my heavily carnivorous boyfriend, but Quesadilla La Reina Del Sur in Bucktown more than helped: the vegetarian restaurant really delivers on the flavor of familiar Mexican favorites. The soy-based pastor torta had the right amount of spice and just a hint of sweetness, while my boyfriend’s tacos satiated his carne asada and pastor cravings. Most intriguing was the Xochimilco taco, which was filled with a blend of soy meat, onion, tomato, cactus, and mushroom — it’s exciting to know there are ways to enjoy Mexican food with certain dietary restrictions.
— Angela L. Pagán, Chicago Writer, Resy Editorial
We had a fantastic experience…
… sitting at the bar at Dimmi Dimmi. Service was exceptional and friendly, and the ambiance was warm and inviting, which was much welcome on a cold Chicago night. We ordered the Caesar salad (a real standout with the perfect amount of dressing) and meatballs to start, the orecchiette Tarantino (with homemade sausage and tomato cream) and chicken parmesan (which came with a delicious pesto pasta) for our mains, and the tiramisu and chocolate mousse cake for dessert (a perfect finish to our meal). We also ordered several cocktails — our favorite was the Dimmi Dimmi spritz with housemade limoncello and the hazelnut espresso martini. We will definitely be back again!
— Emma Anderson, Product Manager
I was excited to try…
… Ryota, a newer restaurant on Resy. I’d already had their ramen before but was curious to try their sushi at the recommendation of the Resy colleagues who brought Ryota onto the platform. The maguro trio was amazing and was a great sampling of their tuna nigiri options.
— Victoria Travis, Partner Success Manager
As the beginning of a cold descended upon me…
… nothing sounded better than a visit to Chinatown’s Le Shrimp Noodle Bar. The first Midwest location of the Singapore-based chain opened mid-January, bringing their famous Cantonese wok hei shrimp broth, made by baking, searing, and simmering prawns with aromatics like star anise and white peppercorn for eight hours. The result is a rich, not-too-salty, slightly smoky broth with the charred umami notes that come from wok cooking. I got the signature trio noodle soup with fat prawns, prawn roe, chicken wonton, cabbage, green onion, and your choice of thin or wide wheat noodles (I went thin for prime slurpability). Sick or not, I will be back to try their dry noodles, garlic butter prawn rice bowl, and super cute shrimp tacos with crispy prawns and wonton shells. The word is already out, so arrive early, add your name to the list, and take in the energy of Chinatown Square Plaza while you wait.
— Liz Grossman, Chicago Writer, Resy Editorial
I went with high expectations…
… and they were more than met: Ciccio Mio proved to be yet another classic from the Hogsalt group. The appetizers were extremely well crafted, with some of the best-tasting meatballs I’ve ever had. Our entrées were well portioned and took us right into an exceptional tiramisu.
— Rachel Kanter, Implementation Specialist
More Chicago staff picks, right this way.
The views expressed in this article reflect personal experiences of American Express employees at the applicable restaurants — not American Express — and do not constitute professional business advice.
