Demera Ethiopian | 4801 N. Broadway St., Chicago, IL 60640 | $$. The Canal Club. No matter which places top your personal collection, finding the best places to eat in Chicago is bound to be a delicious task! Packing tips and tricks. Jo-El's is a real Jewish kosher deli and a true hidden gem restaurant! Read the dish descriptions and youll understand why; each selection is a poetic combination of traditional Mexican recipes, modern technique and elevated presentation. Charlie Parkers diner is sure to delight with its black-and-white checkered floors, red vinyl booths and wall of records from old artists. .prisna-gwt-align-left { By day, Arbor is a caf that sells baked goods, grain bowls, salads, and sandwiches, but at night it becomes an elevated restaurant. The best part is all the food is fairly priced and you get a large portion for the money you spend. Featured Blog Posts. cookware from world-class chefs, mixologists & more. Try another? Fresh, fast Indian food served in a flatbread wrap is just the thing when your hunger is big but your time is short. The salmon tartars saltiness balanced the sweet notes of the fish PERFECTLY. Whatever you order, you can test your heat tolerance with High Five Ramens tear-jerking kanabo spice. Baha'i House of Worship - 100 Linden Ave, Wilmette. Plus, if you decide to eat somewhere lesser-known you'll probably be served much quicker! Thank you! From Yelp: Listen- this place is many things. Amazing 5/5 will be returning again soon with my entire family. Ryan G. Family owned for over 37 years, you wont find any snobby dishes at Bacchanalia. The Spice Room | 435 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60654 | $$$$. Lincoln Parks Quality Crab & Oyster Bah serves a wide variety of seafood, but the shellfish obsessed will want to visit its all-you-can-eat sibling spot Crab Cellar. So hunker down and warm your chilled bones with what The Chili Parlor boasts is Springfields favorite chili since 1945. Though Demera offers traditional meat dishes, they have a dedicated vegan menu that includes authentic Ethiopian fare. Save room for a cannoli at the end and bring some bills because its cash-only. If you dont see the sign advertising fresh hummus, falafel, and chicken shawarma outside the Wabash Jewelers Mall,you'll probablymiss the Oasis Cafe. You'll need to go off the beaten path to uncover some of Chicago's best kept secrets. For "a cozy side room," Blair Woerfel of BW Studio + Events recommends Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!. But the biggest plus are the owners. From Yelp: This landmark stand has had the citys best hot dogs for decades. The Chicago Diner | 3411 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60657 | $$. Rooh | 736 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60661 | $$$. Curfew Chicago. 9. Chef Jonathan Harootunian hits the sweet spot with acclaimed takes on the familiar (burgers, Scotch egg) and fresh (steak with patatas bravas). In the March issue of her magazine she named this no-frills hot dog stand the No. Instead of a set menu, the kitchen creates a Midwestern omakase tailored to each individuals tastes. The Green Exchange, a sustainable retail and office building, is home to one of the most unique dining experiences in Chicago. From Yelp: The BEST Texas bbq in this city, bar none. Delicious seafood doesnt have to break the bank. E: info@urbanmatter.com A blend of vegan and Asian flavors is a must in the best restaurants in Chicago. BIG & Littles is a funky corner spot that delivers dishes that are fast, filling and affordably priced. And while sure, this Uptown spot gets plenty of creds for their work, the fact that Demera is not on every Best Of in the city is a crying shame. Even if chicken and waffles aren't your thing, there are plenty of other options on the menu. Juan's Flaming Fajitas is by far my favorite Mexican restaurant in town. Only . Pisolino | 2755 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago, IL 60618 | $$. We're all "foodies", so like gourmet, seafood, unique deserts ,etc . If you don't think lovingly crafted burgers, fries, and shakes are romantic, you can skip this entry. Take your pick from Fried Shrimp, Smoked Salmon, Fried Catfish, Oysters, and so much moreyou won't be disappointed! Theyve been featured on the Food Network favorite Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives and their well-lit interior and overstuffed menu means youll find exactly what youre looking for in the best restaurants in Chicago. Enjoy! Learn More>> 50 E. Chicago Avenue 312-944-5206 Finde more about Hidden Gems In Chicago Restaurants at thesalehunt.com Hannahs Bretzel is one of the best restaurants in Chicago for that reason alone. Homestead On The Roof our cozy, secret rooftop is tucked away above Roots Handmade Pizza in the heart of West Town. People love their chili, especially when the Illinois weather turns cold. Enjoy authentic Swedish pancakes and a steaming cup of coffee for your Sunday brunch or marvel over the magic of their Swedish meatballs. Dos Urban Cantina | 2829 W. Armitage, Chicago, IL 60647 | $$$. RELATED: 10 Incredible Restaurants Only Locals Know In NYC. Tucked in the back of the jewelry store, the restaurant offers cheap, healthy eats with an emphasis on vegetarian fare such as spinach pie and tabbouleh salad. A cozy Italian restaurant that serves up classic dishes done gourmet-style in a warm Old World atmosphere, Sapori creates beloved recipes using fresh ingredients and a passion for tradition. Au Cheval. Read More: 10 Best Places to Visit in March (Chicago's One of Them!) People like to go to Monit's for a cold beer, a cheesesteak, and a great place to relax and watch the football game. Why arent you calling them with an order now? Owner and pitmaster Jared Leonard has been quietly smoking quality barbecue on North Side over the past seven years. First, because the actual steak is delicious. For the carnivores out there, the Adana Kebab Wrap with spicy ground meat is a winner, as is the chicken shawarma. From acclaimed fine dining establishments to a historic. Flickr/S Jones. Philadelphia natives James Gottwald and Jennifer Monti set the standard for cheesesteaks in Chicago with their irresistible sandwiches. For a bit of culinary excitement at Amarind's, you can give your selections a kick by ordering them with authentic Thai spiciness. There is only one! Brasserie by C&C. Dont let the fact that Chucks is cozied up next to a strip mall in Darien dissuade you from entering. There are many cool restaurants in Chicago, but Uncooked is super unique. This is where the luxurious 900 North building and Water Tower Place mall is located. Chicago's most essential and hottest restaurants get all the buzz, but what about the places flying under the radar? Love Illinois? Described as Nuevo Latino American Cuisine, Bar Takito brings modern Mexican favorites to a fun urban environment, making it a cool restaurant in Chicago worth visiting. Second, you can come here, not order a steak (entrees like the fried chicken and the pork chop are outstanding), and still have a fantastic meal. Heaven on Seven will fill you up with delicious cajun foods and spices. 146 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Chicago, Illinois . 2022. Brown Bag Seafood Co. | 150 N. Riverside Plaza, Chicago, IL 60606 | $$$. After you've sampled the fare here, be sure to check out Au Cheval's offshoot eatery, Small Cheval, which is one of the best Wicker Park restaurants. From Yelp:If you want amazing Ethiopian food you need to check out Demera. They're literally hidden gems. The family-run restaurant has been whipping up authentic old country recipes for close to four decades. A hidden gem, hidden behind gems, in the back of Wabash Jewelers, possibly the best option for a cheap lunch downtown . West Town Chamber Kicks Off Exhibition Honoring Womens History this Friday, 3 Breathtaking Spots to View This Springs Chicago Henge, Dylan Patel of avec to Host Dinner Featuring Culinary Rising Stars, Chicago Athletic Association Hotel Announces New Executive Chef Kaleena Bliss, Roundhouse Sports Bar Brings Asian-American Fusion to Logan Square, The Graceful Ordinary Will Recreate Your Wedding Dinner this V-Day, Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel Wins 2022 Gay Travel Award, Petterinos to Give Away 500 Christmas Meals With Chicago Life Cares, The M Room Brings a High-End, Scotch-Centric Dining Experience to River North. Loving Heart | 838 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago, IL 60613 | $$. The waitress was elegant and adorably sweet. They allow for samples too so you can get your sugary fill before picking out whatever divine desserts most appeal to your palette. A $40 seasonal three-course menu includes dishes like seared scallops with salmon roe, braised beef short rib with polenta and housemade sorbet. 35. Once you find it, youll want to stop in regularly thanks to the friendly service and rotating specials such as Moroccan couscous with steamed vegetables on Fridays or kofta served with rice, hummus, and Egyptian fava beans on Thursday. 800 S. Desplaines St., Chicago, 312-745-4676, every Sunday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The citys first dedicated Kurdish eatery opened in 2017, providing Chicagoans with a fresh spectrum of flavors. They have everything from burgers to turkey to lemon pound cake. Delicious small plates and amazing pastas, this restaurant is a hidden gem in Chicago. The restaurant began offering drag brunches during Pride Month 2021, andthe events proved so popular thatthey're nowa regular weekend fixture at the restaurant. But if I had to choose one city favorite that doesnt get the credit it so clearly deserves, it would be Fat Johnnies Red Hots. The leading independent voice for aviation news and insight. A light-filled oasis dedicated to the sights and sounds of true India, The Indian Garden is one of the best restaurants in Chicago for enjoying an authentic Indian dining experience. Plus, theres fondue for crying out loud! With its trim menu of thoughtful gourmet dishes and chic-yet-comfortable ambiance, The Warbler brings American cuisine to the table with a touch of wit. Come visit. Tom S. Chicagos opinions are strong on the topic of pizza. Bavette's is a very popular, very good steakhouse in River North. This 70s inspired den has amazing cocktails, delicious small plates, and an ever-changing playlist that just wont quit. A diner-style bar that wraps you in rich dcor and a sense of classicism, Au Cheval takes its spot as one of the best restaurants in Chicago by making the most of a bar-bites menu. This stripped-down Wicker Park restaurant serves . The only business in the tiny hamlet of Clifton, The Longbranch is run by two chefs, Nicholas and Lindsay Bohn, who were trained at Le Cordon Bleu. . From Yelp: MAK is my favorite Asian take out/delivery spot in Wicker Park. Purchase five and receive the sixth for free. } Located on Wooded Island in Jackson Park, the serene Garden of the Phoenix is one of Chicago's hidden gems. Believe it or not, Hawaiian cuisine consists of more than just poke. This mom-and-pop Korean spot is easy to miss but worth seeking out. A quaint Italian market, Pisolino offers antipasto, pizza and pasta dishes as well as a pop-up style sub sandwich selection available from noon to 3:00 p.m. daily. "This place is a hidden gem in the suburbs with many tapas style dishes that are great to share" more. -- are baked and served at the storefront . Think fresh salads loaded with crisp vegetables, hummus, vegetable noodles and overnight oats. , hidden bars established during Prohibition so that those in the know could still get a drink. The second blues club to grace this list of Chicago hidden gems, Blue Chicago is a small 21-and-over blues venue that hosts some of Chicago's most talented musicians. The menu is chockfull of unique staples, such as Belizean stew chicken, hudut, and conch fritters. Founded in 1890 as a private research university, at 5801 South Ellis Avenue, in the Hyde Park and Woodlawn neighborh. Mother and daughter Marcelina and Yvonney Hernandez fit that bill as their shop presents a fine selection of masa delights. Share your favorites over on social! BIG & Littles | 1310 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60622 | $$. The friendly service, generous portions and fair prices will have you believing you found a serious diamond in the rough. Thai Pastry Restaurant | 4925 N. Broadway St., Chicago, IL 60640 | $$. Feeling extra hungry or looking to sample multiple sandwiches? There are also fresh juices, and Uncooked uses compostable utensils and packaging for a fully sustainable operation in one of the best restaurants in Chicago. Fortuantely, two former line cooks Juan Carlos and Octavio Garcia decided to carry on Doug Sohns legacy with their own restaurant. My 9 things: John Legend's favorite places during a stay in Washington, D.C. My 9 Things: Questlove's top travel tips. If you continue to use this site, you consent to our use of cookies. To name a few -spectacular, divine, and doink. What are your favorite team building activities? 1467 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-360-7650. (313) 361-1100. From acclaimed fine dining establishments to a historicChicago burger jointin the bowels of the city, here are thehidden restaurants in Chicago that are worth searching out. If you just cant get enough of those old classic diners then its time you headed to the states capital to enjoy a juicy burger, generous breakfast or a hearty bowl of chili before you set out on the road. Did any of your favorite hidden gem restaurants in Downtown Chicago make our list? Once a Wrigley Field favorite in 1945, these hot dogs then found a River Grove storefront to call their home. It's cooked home-style and everything is sizzling, hot, and fresh. Small Cheval is an off-shoot of Au Cheval, one of the best restaurants in Chicago, and based on Au Cheval's most famous menu item the cheeseburger. Forget deep dish pizza: Chicago is a bustling city of many different cultures, and we have the best, more unknown places to eat listed here! Cities were chosen based on KAYAK's list of the top 50 . Or swing by in the morning for a lavish breakfast spread that includes soft scrambles and an assortment of side dishes. Berghoff. Pub Royale has got it all, and if you havent managed to stop by and visit, youre gonna wanna get on that. Go for the weekend brunch and order the fried chicken and champagne, an odd yet delicious companionship. There are food tours in Chicago that will lead you to the doorstep of some seriously fantastic eateries, from hole-in-the-wall hidden gems to warm and cozy restaurants buzzing with ambiance. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! This fast casual modern asian kitchen has flown low on Chicagos radar for a while now, and its high time it made it onto yours. 103 posts. A gravel path meanders through Japanese maples, green spaces and pines. The best restaurants in Chicago also include some of the best signage in Chicago, and Ground Control is chief among them. 0. If the Intercontinental Hotel tour doesn't strike your fancy, check out the 1920's themed speakeasy called Room 13. } Sculptures 9. Brunas Ristorante | 2424 S. Oakley Ave., Chicago, IL 60608 | $$. There are also wraps, soups, salads and fruit dishes available, as well as organic desserts and kids meals. Even when alcohol became legal again, Chicagoans continued to enjoy the allure of secretive subterranean bars, and that mystique extends to hidden, you might miss unless you really know what youre looking for. Lincoln Park Conservatory. From Yelp: From the outside it doesnt look like much. Grab one of the colorful chairs in the plant-lined dining area and enjoy your meal with an agua fresca, smoothie or tepache, a sweet fermented drink made with pineapple rind. Spoon Thai | 806 N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60625 | $. You'll want to take some home to save for later! La Chaparrita | 2500 S. Whipple St., Chicago, IL 60623 | $. Located At 905 W. Fulton Market, Lyra Has An 8,000-Square-Foot Imprint And Can Seat 230 In A Variety Of Spaces At Full Capacity, Plus 60 More On A 1,500-Square-Foot Covered Outdoor Patio. Also featured in: 24 Essential . A hidden gem outside of the city. When autocomplete results . Can anyone suggest a unique, hidden gem restaurants to go to in the evening. They're literally hidden gems. Lincoln Park Private Dining. One of the best Middle Eastern restaurants is located right outside city limits in Bridgeview. One of my favorite restaurants in Southport Corridor is Bodega Sur. Don't let what can be a more touristy crowd deter you from giving this small club a chance. There is also a compelling supper club and beverage program to whet your whistle and turn you into a regular customer at one of the best restaurants in Chicago. Our favorites were the Duseks and the From Chile, With Love. Abby B. Its a steal for bargain hunters and Italian food lovers alike. And while this city-wide fav may not be underrated per-say, I definitely wanna start hearing more about it. Thanks for subscribing! Enjoy the tequila and orange grilled salmon or the coconut shrimp, and find out what the Travel Channel and NBC Around Town have been talking about. If youve found another delicious gem that readers should know about, be sure to share in the comments! In her free time, Jessica can be found hanging out with her dog Indie, watching the Food Network or commiserating with fellow, unfortunate White Sox fans. All Pierogi Kitchen & Euro Market. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Bagel . The best part is all the food is fairly priced and you get a large portion for the money you spend. Delicious small plates and amazing pastas, this restaurant is a hidden gem in Chicago. Its breezy interior matches Psistaria's joyful celebration of Mediterranean fare: The stuffed grape leaves swim in a lemon cream sauce that tastes like an entire citrus . This restaurant with its sense of social responsibility stands among the best restaurants in Chicago. The unique shopping experience offers imported ingredients, carry-out sauces and pastas from the kitchen, and a fun spread of international goodies. The easiest way to discover the best restaurants in Downtown Chicago and surrounding areas is to take a guided food tour. First, Marley heads to Jeweler's Row. With so many great places to eat in Chicago in so many amazing corners of the city, how do you find the best restaurants in Chicago without running all over town? This restaurant is actually located right around the corner from the Oasis Cafe so if you're in the area and not in the mood for the Mediterranean but fiending for some Creole food then you've come to the right place. I have yet to have something I havent enjoyed at this restaurant. The restaurants where all the cabbies hang out on Oak and Orleans. Its a bit of a revelation, then, that the best banh mi is being made in Lincoln Square. Head to this Lincoln Park cafe to discover other island favorites, such as curry chicken katsu, loco moco, and Spam musubi. Nov 11, 2017 - Check out these 14 hidden restaurants that are hiding in plain sight in downtown Chicago. Select from a diverse menu of delicious choices for vegetarian and non-vegetarian diners alike, listed by ingredients for easy ordering. Rustler's Rooste. There's even a small beer, wine, and spirit selection too. Dig into jerk fish, curry goat, oxtail, and, of course, chicken thats been rubbed with a blend of spices. A 9-minute walk from Saphan Khwai BTS station is Phed Phed Cafe. The Top 13 Wicker Park Restaurants. Virtue | 1462 E. 53rd St., Chicago, IL 60615 | $$$. Check. From world-class restaurants to artisan cocktails to coffee, there's no questioning . Family-style combo platters are available for diverse sampling from one of the best restaurants in Chicago. But those are just a few suggestions on what is a fantastic menu all around. via Lula Caf. background-color: transparent !important; The food, drinks and staff. Youve made it to Paradise Pup, a Guy Fieri-approved joint for burgers chargrilled to perfection and famous three-layer French fries. Drove from the suburbs to Chicago for pupusas and was so worth it" more. The Indian Garden | 247 E. Ontario St., Chicago, IL 60611 | $$. It's definitiely not dining hall fare! Even better cocktails and friendly staff. It also has a sister location that sells scholarly titles. Fun Facts: Star Wars creator George Lucas has been known to walk by and say hello. There are wraps, burgers, salads and bowls at this awesome spot. Logistics: Allegory is located at 224 S. Main St. in Naperville. This highly-awarded creation from Rick Bayless presents its offerings in an artful menu separated into headings such as Vibrant, Soulful, Enchanting and Luxurious. Tucked inside La Chaparrita Grocery in Little Village, La Chaparrita Taqueria offers an authentic taste of Mexico with carne asada, beef tongue, housemade longaniza and al pastor tacosall accompanied by onions, cilantro, sliced radish, lime wedges and a trio of sauces. Originally built in 1912 as a warming shelter for Lincoln Park ice skaters, the Arts and Crafts-style waterfront building housing North Pond also informs the restaurants menu ofseaonal dishes served with minimal ornamentation. The sights and smells of Devon Avenue can be overwhelming for those who are unfamiliar so sticking with where the locals eat is always a smart decision. Shanghai Terrace | 108 E. Superior St., Chicago, IL 60611 | $$$$. Crest Hill. Exhibit A: Golden Bulls home-style cooking, which extends beyond the scope of typical American Chinese fare. It is considered a hidden gem but the cafe has been gaining popularity in recent years. Something went wrong. They even stay open on holidays so that everyone nearby can feel like family. With group packages available at Star of Siam, you can feed the whole crew a delicious spread at prices everyone will love. The staff is great and friendly and love to have conversation with the guests, and the food just steals the show. In addition to their cheesesteaks, other popular dishes include their soft pretzel nuggets and South Side Johnny. Getting to Calumet Fisheries in South Chicago is a hike for many Chicagoans, but this little smokehouse shack next to the Calumet River is a Chicago seafood lover's paradise! The food is nothing short of astounding. Cooking up real-deal Italian dishes just like Grandma used to make, this Little Italy joint is so massively underrated, it actually hurst to talk about it. Step back in time once you enter the enchanting English Walled Garden; it really is a hidden gem just outside of Chicago. Star of Siam | 2207 N. Clybourn Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60614 | $. Despite being lesser-known, the Golden Bull does get quite busy around lunch and dinner time hours so if you're planning to dine-in then you'll want to make sure you get here early or call ahead if you can!