Latest Chicago restaurant reviews

Located in the former Hub 51 space at the corner of Hubbard and Dearborn Streets in River North, Southeast Asian-inspired restaurant Crying Tiger is the first collaboration between Lettuce Entertain You and James Beard Award finalist and Lettuce alum chef Thai Dang. The vibe: Designed by David Collins Studio, who also designed Tre Dita, the space is characterized by vibrant hues, a rich amalgamation of textures and playful tableware that draws on the restaurant's Southeast Asian influences.  The food: The menu is inspired by the culinary traditions of Southeast Asia and the foods Dang and managing partner Amarit Dulyapaibul ate growing up. Standouts include the bird's eye chili and hamachi crudo, which is served on a green fish-shaped plate, the chargrilled sugarcane beef bo la lot wrapped in betel leaves and the clay pot lobster pad Thai. The drinks: Inventive cocktails like the milk punch of Thai tea with cognac, lemon and sugar cane complement an extensive selection of zero-proof beverages, which include spiced Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed coconut milk and salted mango limeade with preserved citrus served on shaved ice. Time Out tip: If you sit in the main dining room, you'll get a peek into the kitchen. If you prefer a more intimate experience, try to snag a seat in the bar area where you can choose from a high-top or a booth.

At LIA Tavern, the food is almost as captivating as the art on the walls. Chef and owner Justin Viacuinas reinvents the menu every few months when he brings in a new resident artist. During each residency, the artist's work is displayed throughout the space, and select dishes are inspired, and sometimes even replicate, the works themselves (previous highlights include the Warhol Martini, which is served in a Campbell's Soup Can, inspired by artist Joey Africa's vibrant work depicting the same can). The vibe: A modern, pop-art-inspired spot in River North accented by a rotating selection of vibrant artwork and Viacuinas' own massive painting, which is one of the city's largest, behind the bar. The food: Tavern-style pizzas, pastas and mains like roasted seabass and Cajun roasted chicken are equally approachable and elevated. The drinks: Many drawing inspiration from artworks, inventive cocktails include the Jackson Paint Can (mezcal, bourbon, orange liqueur, ginger, plum and citrus), which is served in an actual paint can, and a Malört Negroni. Time Out tip: The atmosphere here is fun, and during the warmer months, massive windows open for an indoor/outdoor vibe. This is a great spot for River North workers to come for happy hour or for a special occasion outing.

Chef-owner Jason Hammel's inventive restaurant has become a Logan Square staple since it opened in 1999. Lula Cafe's farm-to-table fare has earned it national acclaim, and the Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant is known for serving one of Chicago's best breakfast dishes: the classic Lula breakfast burrito.  The vibe: Located in the heart of Logan Square on Kedzie Boulevard, the dining room at Lula Cafe is warm, inviting and usually always filled with diners. During the warmer months, the intimate front patio is the perfect place to people-watch over brunch. The food: Fresh, seasonal ingredients are key to Lula's menu. Breakfast plates like the smoked trout scramble and the flavorful nut and date granola complement dinner offerings like baked French feta with jalapeno basil, and the chickpea and fennel tagine with green harissa, golden raisin, lemon and arugula. And, of course, if you're here for brunch, the breakfast burrito is a must-try. The drinks: During the day, tea, coffee and soft drinks (or a Bloody Mary) pair well with brunch dishes. At night, seasonal cocktails like Possessed by the Proper Spirit (scotch, honey and thyme-infused olive oil) and Northern Exposure (Aalbord aquavit, L’ermitage St. Valbert yellow, lime juice and pineapple juice) are delightfully refreshing. Time Out tip: On days when the wait for brunch is long (they don't take brunch reservations), the online-exclusive (and aptly named) The Line is Too Long bundle always comes through. 

Lou Mitchell's is a West Loop institution that's been around since 1923. It's hosted U.S. presidents, celebrities and was recently featured in season three of Hulu's hit show The Bear. The iconic red signage welcomes hungry crowds, which, on some days, stretch down the block as they wait for a table. The vibe: Intimate booths, counter seating and an old-school aesthetic. This is a great place to squeeze your group into a booth and discuss last night's events over steaming-hot coffee and a ton of pancakes. The food: Diners never leave feeling hungry. The well-portioned plates include staples like "meltaway" pancakes, waffles topped with a mound of fresh fruit, massive omelettes and skillets, and fresh-baked bread. Plus, each meal starts with donut holes on the house. What more could you ask for? The drinks: Coffee is a must. The diner prides itself on serving high-quality joe, but we also appreciate the robust selection of fresh juices and tea. Time Out tip: Women and children are treated to Milk Duds on each visit. It's a longstanding tradition that dates back to the diner's early days and reflects classic Greek hospitality traditions.

I often find myself the minority in conversations where people argue that pasta is meant for home cooking. “Why go out and pay $18 for something I can make myself?” they ask. Maybe because I love delicate handmade tagliatelle as much as red sauce-drowned, bottomless pasta bowls at Olive Garden. No matter what side of the argument you fall on, Joe Frillman’s noodle-centric Logan Square spot makes a compelling argument for going out for pasta—if only for a single, beguiling bowl of tajarin. But let me back up. Earlyish on a weeknight, the mister and I were seated without a wait at one of the low wood tables lining a built-in bench opposite a long, minimalist bar. The space (which formerly hosted dearly departed Analogue) has a narrow, crowded front dining room. The still-intimate back room offers a bit more space and overlooks a serene patio. The vibe here is casual and relaxed, with lots of brick and wood accentuated by cheerful veggie watercolors by Frillman’s sister Carrie. I started with the cucumber spritz, a bright, easy-drinking, tequila-spiked salve to Chicago’s 105 percent humidity. The sweet-meets-earthy beet old-fashioned was a clever, more direct route to washing away the day’s woes, especially when sipped alongside fried shiitakes and cheese curds, which oozed just enough inside. We dunked them in tangy tarragon ranch, basking in churched-up taste memories of our Upper Midwestern college days. Our second starter, silky duck fat-cooked carrot rillettes, was...

Taking up residence in the former Winchester space, the Michelin-starred modern Filipino-American concept is from husband-and-wife team Tim Flores and Genie Kwon (Oriole).  The vibe: An intimate, ultra-popular spot in the Ukrainian Village that always has a long line during the daytime. The food: During the daytime, Kwon’s pastries and options like chicken adobo and a killer breakfast sandwich cause lines to form down the block. But at night, Kasama transforms into a 13-course fine dining experience full of bold and exciting flavors. The drinks: The daytime drinks like an ube latte are balanced and fresh, and for dinner, a $195 beverage pairing is well worth the splurge. Time Out tip: If you're coming during the day, order ahead online. This way, you'll skip the long line and walk right inside to pick up your order. When the weather permits, head to one of the nearby parks to eat outside. 

Of all things, it was a fried corn silk garnish that made me well up during the fourth “Ravioli” course at Cariño, Uptown’s spectacular Latin American tasting menu restaurant from co-owner/executive chef Norman Fenton.  What’s maybe more noteworthy about this dish, in which al dente ravioli stuffed with puréed huitlacoche laze in truffle beurre blanc beneath a wave of corn foam, is that truffle isn’t rained on top like dollar bills. Rather it’s deployed subtly to enhance the corn smut’s woodsy, fermented qualities. Adorning the bowl’s edge with dehydrated corn and “popped” sorghum, the corn silk looked like little singed hairs. It tasted grassy and toasty, unlocking a childhood taste memory of eating ineptly shucked, grilled corn on the cob with butter. This stuck with me as I unearthed the grain’s diverse expressions one by one, then in a chorus—buttery, minerally, toasty, earthy like mushrooms, gently acidic, sweet as if sun dried. And I cried, just a little.  This was one of countless moments that solidified my sense that Cariño might be the best dining experience in Chicago right now, and a redemption of the tasting menu, which too often feels like it’s reaching for Michelin stars to the point of wanton tedium. Yes, you’ll find some fine-dining hallmarks: molecular gastronomy, occasional Wagyu and a truffle or two. Yes, there’s a hint of chef-bro one upmanship, namely a dessert in which a perfectly fried churro is doubly overpowered by foie gras mousse and a spiced...

If you ask an honest-to-god Chicagoan to name their favorite deep dish pizza, chances are they'll point you to Pequod's, where the signature pan pies are ringed with caramelized cheese and the slices are massive—one piece makes a meal. The vibe: With exposed brick and plasma-screen TVs, Pequod's is firmly a neighborhood bar. The food: The signature pan pizza is ringed with caramelized cheese, and slices are massive—one piece makes a meal. The drinks: Add veggies to lighten it up a bit, or go all in, with the sausage pie, dotted with perfectly spiced, Ping-Pong ball–sized pieces of seasoned ground pork. Time Out tip: Pequod's is always busy (for good reason), so we recommend making a reservation if you plan on dining in. Updated with reporting by Lauren Brocato

When it comes to pizza, Pizz'Amici means business. This West Town eatery inside a former barber shop is one of Chicago's most exciting debuts in recent years. It's a classic no-frills restaurant that instantly made a name for itself for its next-level tavern-style pies. It's also one of the hottest reservations in town right now, and because the space is tiny, it's almost impossible to get a table. But for the lucky ones who do get in, it's so worth the wait.  The vibe: The intimate, laid-back restaurant is reminiscent of an old-school pizza joint thanks to the black-and-white checkered flooring, bright red bar stools, white tablecloths and vintage Italian posters and artworks. The food: The menu is short and sweet, with pizza being the star of the show. We love the creamy Caesar salad, which is the perfect start to a family-style meal here. It's recommended to add at least three toppings (like hot honey, meat, garlic and peppers) to the 14-inch pies. They're crisp, fresh, razor-thin and perfectly sweet.  The drinks: The beverage program comprises a curated selection of Italian wines, cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. Highlights include the Pepperoni Negroni (pepperoni-infused Letherbee, Zissou aperitivo and sweet vermouth) and the seasonal smoky Big Miami Guy (400 conejos, primo aperitivo, matchbook strawberry and lemon). Time Out tip: It can be extremely difficult to book a table. We got lucky when a same-day reservation became available around noon, but if you aren't...

As with all of the other Hogsalt restaurants, Au Cheval is notoriously hard to get into—but so worth the wait. Since 2012, it's become one of the toughest tables to reserve for its diner-style vibes, large selection of local brews and its iconic burger. And we can confirm, the hype is very much deserved.  The vibe: Every inch of this teeny-tiny West Loop restaurant is utilized. Whether you're seated at the counter or in a booth, you'll feel lucky just to have a seat in this always-in-demand spot.  The food: The menu is packed with diner classics like matzah ball soup, fried chicken, salads and a selection of egg-topped items like fries, potato hash and foie gras. But most people come here for one thing: the burger. Deemed by many as one of the best in Chicago, it's topped with pickles, grilled onions, dijonnaise and American cheese. And trust us, it's well worth the long wait time.  The drinks: The menu's "Strong Drinks" section includes sips like the Last Word (gin, green chartreuse, Luxardo maraschino and lime) and the Paper Plane (Evan Williams, Aperol, amaro nonino and lemon). You'll also find a long list of local beers, plus domestic and international options. But our favorite is the root beer on draft, which you can make into a float for $11. Time Out tip: It's not uncommon to wait more than two hours for a table. If you plan on exploring the West Loop during that time, be sure you can get back within 10 minutes of receiving the text that your table is ready,...

Located in the former Hub 51 space at the corner of Hubbard and Dearborn Streets in River North, Southeast Asian-inspired restaurant Crying Tiger is the first collaboration between Lettuce Entertain You and James Beard Award finalist and Lettuce alum chef Thai Dang. The vibe: Designed by David Collins Studio, who also designed Tre Dita, the space is characterized by vibrant hues, a rich amalgamation of textures and playful tableware that draws on the restaurant's Southeast Asian influences.  The food: The menu is inspired by the culinary traditions of Southeast Asia and the foods Dang and managing partner Amarit Dulyapaibul ate growing up. Standouts include the bird's eye chili and hamachi crudo, which is served on a green fish-shaped plate, the chargrilled sugarcane beef bo la lot wrapped in betel leaves and the clay pot lobster pad Thai. The drinks: Inventive cocktails like the milk punch of Thai tea with cognac, lemon and sugar cane complement an extensive selection of zero-proof beverages, which include spiced Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed coconut milk and salted mango limeade with preserved citrus served on shaved ice. Time Out tip: If you sit in the main dining room, you'll get a peek into the kitchen. If you prefer a more intimate experience, try to snag a seat in the bar area where you can choose from a high-top or a booth.

At LIA Tavern, the food is almost as captivating as the art on the walls. Chef and owner Justin Viacuinas reinvents the menu every few months when he brings in a new resident artist. During each residency, the artist's work is displayed throughout the space, and select dishes are inspired, and sometimes even replicate, the works themselves (previous highlights include the Warhol Martini, which is served in a Campbell's Soup Can, inspired by artist Joey Africa's vibrant work depicting the same can). The vibe: A modern, pop-art-inspired spot in River North accented by a rotating selection of vibrant artwork and Viacuinas' own massive painting, which is one of the city's largest, behind the bar. The food: Tavern-style pizzas, pastas and mains like roasted seabass and Cajun roasted chicken are equally approachable and elevated. The drinks: Many drawing inspiration from artworks, inventive cocktails include the Jackson Paint Can (mezcal, bourbon, orange liqueur, ginger, plum and citrus), which is served in an actual paint can, and a Malört Negroni. Time Out tip: The atmosphere here is fun, and during the warmer months, massive windows open for an indoor/outdoor vibe. This is a great spot for River North workers to come for happy hour or for a special occasion outing.

Boka Restaurant Group’s dimly lit new pizza joint, located inside the former GT Fish & Oyster space on the corner of Grand Avenue and Wells Street, attracts the cool kids of River North. The vibe: The lively spot is impeccably designed, with modern checkered tiled floors and walls, moody green hues and exposed brick. The crowd ranges from folks bellied up to the bar during a sporting event to couples out for date night, all of whom can appreciate the vibey playlist that includes flavors of everything from the `80s to current hits. The food: Chefs and partners Chris Pandel (Swift & Sons, Cira, Swift & Son’s Tavern) and Lee Wolen (Boka, Alla Vita, GG’s Chicken Shop) serve a simple—but packed—menu. Specialty pizzas, which can be made half-and-half and with one of three dips (Calabrian chili oil, hot honey and garlic ranch), are the main draw, but the salads and pastas are not to be overlooked. The ricotta gnocchi is rich, pillowy and practically melts in your mouth. The drinks: The drink menu is very bubbly, as is en vogue right now, with standouts like the crisp Cucumber Spritz (Vodka, Cocchi Americano, St. Germain, lemon and cucumber soda) and Soda Rossa (Matchbook Strawberry, lemon and cola), plus zero-proof sips like Green River soda and Sprecher root beer. Time Out tip: I would never let a loved one dine at Zarella without ordering the vanilla malt soft serve. Undoubtedly my favorite item on the entire menu, the soft serve ice cream is lightly sprinkled with cookie...

Chef-owner Jason Hammel's inventive restaurant has become a Logan Square staple since it opened in 1999. Lula Cafe's farm-to-table fare has earned it national acclaim, and the Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant is known for serving one of Chicago's best breakfast dishes: the classic Lula breakfast burrito.  The vibe: Located in the heart of Logan Square on Kedzie Boulevard, the dining room at Lula Cafe is warm, inviting and usually always filled with diners. During the warmer months, the intimate front patio is the perfect place to people-watch over brunch. The food: Fresh, seasonal ingredients are key to Lula's menu. Breakfast plates like the smoked trout scramble and the flavorful nut and date granola complement dinner offerings like baked French feta with jalapeno basil, and the chickpea and fennel tagine with green harissa, golden raisin, lemon and arugula. And, of course, if you're here for brunch, the breakfast burrito is a must-try. The drinks: During the day, tea, coffee and soft drinks (or a Bloody Mary) pair well with brunch dishes. At night, seasonal cocktails like Possessed by the Proper Spirit (scotch, honey and thyme-infused olive oil) and Northern Exposure (Aalbord aquavit, L’ermitage St. Valbert yellow, lime juice and pineapple juice) are delightfully refreshing. Time Out tip: On days when the wait for brunch is long (they don't take brunch reservations), the online-exclusive (and aptly named) The Line is Too Long bundle always comes through. 

Lou Mitchell's is a West Loop institution that's been around since 1923. It's hosted U.S. presidents, celebrities and was recently featured in season three of Hulu's hit show The Bear. The iconic red signage welcomes hungry crowds, which, on some days, stretch down the block as they wait for a table. The vibe: Intimate booths, counter seating and an old-school aesthetic. This is a great place to squeeze your group into a booth and discuss last night's events over steaming-hot coffee and a ton of pancakes. The food: Diners never leave feeling hungry. The well-portioned plates include staples like "meltaway" pancakes, waffles topped with a mound of fresh fruit, massive omelettes and skillets, and fresh-baked bread. Plus, each meal starts with donut holes on the house. What more could you ask for? The drinks: Coffee is a must. The diner prides itself on serving high-quality joe, but we also appreciate the robust selection of fresh juices and tea. Time Out tip: Women and children are treated to Milk Duds on each visit. It's a longstanding tradition that dates back to the diner's early days and reflects classic Greek hospitality traditions.

We've rounded up the best chefs in the city to join us at Time Out Market Chicago, a culinary and cultural destination in the heart of Fulton Market. The 50,000-square-foot space houses more than 15 kitchens, three bars and one drop-dead gorgeous rooftop terrace—all spread across three floors. Our mission is simple: Bring Time Out Chicago to life with the help of our favorite chefs, the ones who wow us again and again. You'll find delicious dumplings from Qing Xiang Yuan, mouthwatering burgers at Gutenburg, fried chicken from Art Smith's Sporty Bird and extravagant milkshakes from JoJo's shakeBAR. If you're thirsty, sit down at one of the Market's bars to enjoy a menu of local beer, a robust wine list or a creative seasonal cocktail. And keep an eye out for events, concerts and artwork within the Market throughout the year—we're keeping our calendar packed with things to do.

I often find myself the minority in conversations where people argue that pasta is meant for home cooking. “Why go out and pay $18 for something I can make myself?” they ask. Maybe because I love delicate handmade tagliatelle as much as red sauce-drowned, bottomless pasta bowls at Olive Garden. No matter what side of the argument you fall on, Joe Frillman’s noodle-centric Logan Square spot makes a compelling argument for going out for pasta—if only for a single, beguiling bowl of tajarin. But let me back up. Earlyish on a weeknight, the mister and I were seated without a wait at one of the low wood tables lining a built-in bench opposite a long, minimalist bar. The space (which formerly hosted dearly departed Analogue) has a narrow, crowded front dining room. The still-intimate back room offers a bit more space and overlooks a serene patio. The vibe here is casual and relaxed, with lots of brick and wood accentuated by cheerful veggie watercolors by Frillman’s sister Carrie. I started with the cucumber spritz, a bright, easy-drinking, tequila-spiked salve to Chicago’s 105 percent humidity. The sweet-meets-earthy beet old-fashioned was a clever, more direct route to washing away the day’s woes, especially when sipped alongside fried shiitakes and cheese curds, which oozed just enough inside. We dunked them in tangy tarragon ranch, basking in churched-up taste memories of our Upper Midwestern college days. Our second starter, silky duck fat-cooked carrot rillettes, was...

Taking up residence in the former Winchester space, the Michelin-starred modern Filipino-American concept is from husband-and-wife team Tim Flores and Genie Kwon (Oriole).  The vibe: An intimate, ultra-popular spot in the Ukrainian Village that always has a long line during the daytime. The food: During the daytime, Kwon’s pastries and options like chicken adobo and a killer breakfast sandwich cause lines to form down the block. But at night, Kasama transforms into a 13-course fine dining experience full of bold and exciting flavors. The drinks: The daytime drinks like an ube latte are balanced and fresh, and for dinner, a $195 beverage pairing is well worth the splurge. Time Out tip: If you're coming during the day, order ahead online. This way, you'll skip the long line and walk right inside to pick up your order. When the weather permits, head to one of the nearby parks to eat outside. 

If you ask an honest-to-god Chicagoan to name their favorite deep dish pizza, chances are they'll point you to Pequod's, where the signature pan pies are ringed with caramelized cheese and the slices are massive—one piece makes a meal. The vibe: With exposed brick and plasma-screen TVs, Pequod's is firmly a neighborhood bar. The food: The signature pan pizza is ringed with caramelized cheese, and slices are massive—one piece makes a meal. The drinks: Add veggies to lighten it up a bit, or go all in, with the sausage pie, dotted with perfectly spiced, Ping-Pong ball–sized pieces of seasoned ground pork. Time Out tip: Pequod's is always busy (for good reason), so we recommend making a reservation if you plan on dining in. Updated with reporting by Lauren Brocato

Whether it's the extensive beverage program, the lively patio, or the beloved burger, there's a lot to love about Little Bad Wolf. The Andersonville spot is regularly packed and is home to one of the neighborhood's hottest patios.     The vibe: The space is elevated yet approachable, making it an ideal spot for date night or a solo evening at the bar. Head to the patio during the warmer months for the ideal dining experience.  The food: The Wolf Burger (three patties, bacon, American cheese, fried onion straws, housemade pickles, red-onion mayo, fried egg) is a standout. The only thing better than the Wolf Burger is a Wolf Burger paired with mac and cheese. It's rich, gooey and topped with honey-cured bacon, scallions and toasted breadcrumbs. There's also a selection of bao buns stuffed with fillings like pork, steak and duck. The drinks: The beverage program features an extensive selection of craft beers, cocktails and wine. Seasonal favorites include the warmed Wolf's Tail (tea-infused bourbon, Allspice Dram, housemade cinnamon syrup, lime and Angostura) and Diamonds and Rust (gin, Fernet Branca, housemade peppercorn syrup and lemon).  Time Out tip: Little Bad Wolf does not take reservations, so prepare to wait for a table if it's busy.