The best cheese and charcuterie plates in Chicago

Rootstock is tops for cheese and charcuterie plates. For $32, you get your pick of six cheese and charcuteries from a rotating list. From soft chevres to aged cheddar, foie gras and elk with blueberries, the list offers up a variety of options. We always trust our servers to make the best mix for us, and since this one comes with cornichons, preserves and breads, it's a winner.

Paul Fehribach's farm-to-table darling puts out a mean cheese and charcuterie board (called the boucherie board) with their creamy house pimiento cheese and other selections. Three cheeses are paired with three meats and a selection of house breads and crackers—your server will direct you on what to pair with each. The board is filled to the brim with any remaining space populated with spreads and pickled veggies. It's big enough to share, unless you really want to make it a light meal.

The cheese plate and charcuterie plate at PQM rotates daily, but you can also get a sausage plate with three house-made sausages and accoutrements. You'll how many selections you'd like on the charcuterie plate, while the cheese plate will always have three. Grab it for lunch with a beer—you definitely deserve a break.

There's one problem that we have with Vera's cheese and charcuterie tasting: We can't just order those alone. I mean, when tomato bread, anchovies, a bowl of olives are available, how can you resist? Gorge on the chef's choice of cheese and charcuterie—a selection of hams and varying cheeses—and then go from there. You can't go wrong with Vera's small plates. And while you're at it, do some sherry tasting.

The first thing you'll do at Ampersand is order a glass of wine, which is exactly what you should do. But when you need just a little bit more, go ahead and grab a large meat and cheese board, heaped with crackers, olives and mustard. And, of course, a selection of cheese and charcuterie. it's enough to tide you over until a larger dinner—this one's set to impress, and a steal at only $17.

Brunch is the star at Café Marie-Jeanne, but if you're hanging out at Chef Mike Simmons' all day café at night—you'll do best by getting a selection of cheese and charcuterie. The staff knows best about which selections you should pick, as choices switch out daily. Trust them and they'll be able to put together a beautiful plate you'll definitely be coming back for.

Bar Pastoral's whole schtick is wine, cheese and charcuterie, so it should come as no surprise that they turn out a damn pretty plate. You get to pick your cheeses and charcuteries and they each come with their own accoutrements for pairing—think smashed raspberry preserves with a soft and funky brie with a crunchy baguette. Order up a meaty glass of red wine and you're set for the night.

You go to 3 Arts to sit and stare at the surroundings, but after a glass of wine or three (they seem to magically appear out of nowhere) you're gonna get hungry. You have three meat or cheese options. First, the cheese—a huge hunk of creamy brie with jam and bread; second, a salmon plate with capers and cucumbers; and third, a plate with cured ham, bread and mustard. You can't go wrong with any of them, so pick your favorite of the three and go all in on your favorite indulgence.