Craving authentic Chicago restaurants that actually deserve their reputation? This piece reveals the best local spots in the Windy City that will make your taste buds dance.
The city’s culinary landscape stretches far beyond deep-dish pizza, though Giordano’s reputation stands strong. Thousands of restaurants showcase diverse flavors from Lithuanian, Serbian, and Senegalese cuisine. Local food spots offer a relaxed dining atmosphere where you can wear jeans comfortably. The options range from quick $10 meals to upscale experiences at Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf, where exceptional steaks justify dressing up.
Need quick food recommendations for your Chicago visit? Smoque BBQ serves award-winning brisket while Spacca Napoli crafts certified Neapolitan pizzas that locals and tourists praise endlessly. The food scene here evolves constantly, and prominent newcomers like Maxwell’s Trading and Perilla Korean American Steakhouse have earned their spots on the prestigious Eater 38 list.
Lula Cafe
Lula Cafe, a 24-year old gem in Chicago’s Logan Square, pioneered the farm-to-table movement that shaped Chicago’s current food landscape. This neighborhood favorite opened its doors in 1999 and serves creative dishes that bring out the best in seasonal ingredients. Jason Hammel, a three-time James Beard Best Chef Great Lakes award finalist, turned Lula into the life-blood of Chicago’s food scene that draws crowds year after year.
Lula Cafe’s neighborhood charm
The restaurant’s magic lies in its relaxed yet refined atmosphere. Stepping inside feels like visiting a friend with exceptional taste. Mismatched wooden tables, soft lighting, and walls featuring contemporary art create an artistic yet cozy space. This unique blend makes every meal feel intimate yet lively.
Many Chicago restaurants chase the latest trends, but Lula stays true to its identity – “hip without chasing trends, more snug than smug”. The space flows through multiple areas, with a patio and roomy bar that’s perfect for evening wine and conversation. Lula stands out among Chicago’s best local spots by welcoming everyone – from solo diners at the bar to large groups in the main dining room.
Logan Square’s renowned food scene started with Lula, which helped make this neighborhood a magnet for food enthusiasts. The restaurant’s achievements include a Michelin Bib Gourmand and the Jean Banchet Best Neighborhood Restaurant award. These accolades haven’t changed Lula’s welcoming nature – it remains available to all, a place where “contentment reigns”.
Lula Cafe’s seasonal menu highlights
Lula’s kitchen shows its dedication to fresh, organic produce from local farms through thoughtful, ingredient-focused cooking. This isn’t just clever marketing – it’s the foundation of every dish they serve.
The menu changes with the seasons, offering new experiences throughout the year. Spring dishes might feature “lemon and three preparations of cauliflower to complement leaner-than-usual short ribs and banish winter heaviness”. The current menu showcases:
- Grilled Lion’s Mane Mushroom with spring radishes and taleggio ($29)
- Fennel and Green Apple Salad with stracciatella and Sicilian pistachio ($22)
- Mafaldine and Clams with ‘nduja and rapini ($26)
Some dishes stay on the menu year-round. Pasta YiaYia – bucatini with feta, garlic, brown butter, and cinnamon – keeps regulars coming back. The spaghetti with pancetta, queso fresco, and sweet and spicy chile “salsa rosa” shows how simple ingredients create unforgettable flavors.
Vegetables take center stage at Lula, unlike other Chicago restaurants. Plant-based dishes receive equal creativity and care as meat options. The Beet Bruschetta “chaperones marinated kale, revivifying the beets–goat cheese–red onion cliché”. Simple ingredients become conversation starters through this approach.
Lula Cafe pricing and crowd favorites
The menu’s prices reflect the quality of ingredients used:
| Menu Section | Price Range |
| Happy Hour Items | $4-10 |
| Snacks | $10-24 |
| Café Items | $8-32 |
| Main Plates | $16-52 |
| Desserts | $6-16 |
A 20% service fee on all checks ensures fair staff compensation while removing tipping uncertainty. The kitchen gladly modifies dishes for dietary needs – gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, or vegetarian options are available.
Several dishes have earned cult status among Chicago’s best food. Pasta YiaYia ($20) remains a perennial favorite. The carrot cake ($8), served with crème anglaise and strawberry preserves, has its own following. Seafood lovers praise the Pan Roasted Sturgeon with celery root, pine nut, and crème fraiche ($43).
Early birds should try the smoked trout scramble or Lula’s classic breakfast burrito filled with avocado, tomato, potato, cheddar cheese, green chili soffritto, and soft scrambled eggs. Regulars love sharing the buttermilk pancakes, known for their “perfect texture with a touch of sweetness”.
Lula’s greatest strength lies in its consistency. Twenty-plus years later, each meal still celebrates seasonal ingredients at their peak. One guest puts it simply: “Lula never disappoints whether it be for breakfast, lunch or dinner”.
This restaurant embodies something unique in Chicago’s food scene – a place that defined Midwest farm-to-table dining while staying connected to its neighborhood roots. Their dedication to “sustainability, community, and a genuine respect for food” creates experiences that stay with you long after the meal.
Smoque BBQ
Five BBQ-loving friends opened Smoque in Chicago’s Old Irving Park neighborhood back in 2006. They never imagined creating one of Chicago’s most celebrated spots for authentic barbecue. This modest restaurant quickly became legendary, and people gladly wait in line to taste their perfectly smoked meats.
Smoque BBQ’s brisket legacy
Their brisket is the star of the show. The meat spends 10-12 hours in the smoker and comes out moist and tender with deep, rich smoke flavor and a carefully crafted 2-layer spice rub. Daniel Vaughan, BBQ Editor at Texas Monthly, gave it an amazing endorsement: “After having the best of what Texas has to offer, I normally cringe at the thought of brisket in any other state…This brisket changed my mind”. Such praise from Texas’s top BBQ expert speaks volumes.
The secret to their amazing brisket? The perfect mix of oak and applewood smoke gives the meat complex flavor notes. Their special rub packs plenty of black pepper. The real skill shows in how they handle different parts of the brisket. Each section gets special treatment: they chop the flat end into small pieces with sauce for moisture and slice the juicier parts against the grain.
The final product is spectacular. The brisket sports a crispy black “bark” of caramelized pepper and brown sugar—the coveted “burnt end”—while inside you’ll find a perfect pink smoke ring that melts in your mouth. The numbers tell the story of their popularity: they smoke 250 to 300 whole 12- to 14-pound briskets every week.
Smoque BBQ’s sides and sauces
The sides at Smoque aren’t just fillers – they’re made from scratch and deserve their own spotlight. Their motto says it all: “All of our sides and desserts are made from scratch”.
The BBQ beans are something special. This Kansas City-style recipe mixes onions and brisket pieces, then gets three more hours of smoke. The result is sweet and rich, though some folks notice a slight tartness. The mac and cheese comes loaded with sharp cheddar and a parmesan-buttered bread crumb crust, baked fresh to order. Many reviews call it “one of the better side items”.
Other standout sides:
- Fresh-cut fries – skin-on, double-cooked and seasoned with sea salt and black pepper
- Coleslaw – vinegar-based with fresh cabbage, red onion, and citrus dressing
- Cornbread – made from scratch and baked fresh every 30 minutes
Their sauce game matches their attention to detail. Smoque offers three distinct styles, each paired with specific meats:
- Memphis BBQ Sauce – Their thick, bold signature sauce
- Spicy Memphis BBQ Sauce – The same thick sauce with added heat
- Carolina BBQ Sauce – A thinner, vinegar-based option
Every sauce is made in-house: “Our proprietary sauces and rubs are lovingly crafted from scratch in our own kitchen”. The brisket is so good that many people skip the sauce altogether.
Smoque BBQ pricing and portions
You get great value here, especially considering the work that goes into proper barbecue. The prices stay reasonable for Chicago:
| Item | À la Carte Price | Meal Price (with sides) |
| Brisket Sandwich | $13.00 | $19.00 (with slaw and one side) |
| Brisket Platter | $17.00 | $26.00 (with slaw and two sides) |
| Additional Brisket (¼ lb) | $8.50 | — |
| Full Pound of Brisket | $33.00 | — |
| Brisket Tacos (3) | $15.00 | — |
The portions hit the spot – you get about half a pound of smoked meat with the brisket platter. Many people take leftovers home, though one review mentioned getting “a few slices, 5 or 6” with the platter.
The specials menu features items like BBQ Gumbo with rib meat, chicken and Texas sausage over rice, or Brisket Tacos loaded with chopped brisket, cilantro, onion, queso fresco, and chile de arbol salsa.
The place seats about 50 people inside, plus extra patio seating in summer. Here’s a tip for your Chicago food tour: Smoque is BYOB, so bring your favorite drinks.
Smoque fans can take the flavors home with bottled sauces, their 13-ingredient spice rub, and even beef tallow made from brisket trimmings. They also cater everything from simple pick-up meals to full-service events.
Their dedication to quality earned them a Michelin Bib Gourmand rating. The quality, craftsmanship, and generous portions make this BBQ spot one of Chicago’s best food destinations.
Kasama
A small storefront in Chicago’s East Ukrainian Village neighborhood changed how America sees Filipino cuisine. Kasama, run by the husband-and-wife team Tim Flores and Genie Kwon, became the world’s first Filipino restaurant to get a Michelin star. Their success story shows how two talented chefs combined their fine-dining expertise with Filipino cooking traditions.
Kasama’s Filipino fusion magic
The restaurant opened in July 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic. They sold out on day one. This modest venture quickly got national recognition. The New York Times added it to their “50 Places in America We’re Most Excited About” list. Eater named it among their “11 Best New Restaurants in America.” They also earned a James Beard nomination for best new restaurant—all within their first year.
Chef Flores creates magic by adding modern touches to traditional Filipino dishes. His experience from top kitchens like Boka in Chicago and the Michelin-starred Saison in San Francisco shows in every plate. Let’s take a closer look at his kare-kare interpretation. The traditional stew now features lamb belly with bagoong XO sauce. His mother inspired another favorite – the pancit dish made with calamari, squid ink, and scallop conserva.
Chef Flores doesn’t copy his mother’s recipes—he reimagines them. “I’m going to take what I want if you’re going take what you want,” Flores says about Spanish colonial influence on Filipino cuisine. This creative approach challenges tradition while honoring its roots.
Kasama’s bakery and brunch menu
The space turns into a counter-service bakery and casual restaurant during the day, welcoming guests Wednesday through Sunday from 9am to 3pm (kitchen closes at 2pm). People line up down the block each morning to taste Flores’ dishes and Kwon’s amazing pastries.
Kwon’s pastry creations are now famous in the chicago food scene:
- Ube and Huckleberry Basque Cake ($8.50) – a buttery cake filled with ube pastry cream and tart huckleberries
- Matcha Pandan Éclair ($8.50) – featuring toasted genmai rice, coconut jam, and a rice krispie treat
- Black Truffle Croissant ($15.00) – filled with Delice de Bourgogne cheese and topped with honey, truffle oil, and fresh shaved black truffle
The breakfast menu stars a “no bull—-” breakfast sandwich ($9.00). This beauty combines house-made longganisa, egg souffle, melted American cheese, and an extra-crispy hash brown in a soft potato roll. Lunch lovers should try the combo sandwich ($14.00). This clever creation reimagines a Chicago-style Italian beef with longganisa sausage and tender pork adobo slices topped with giardiniera.
Their coffee menu brings Filipino flavors to life. Try the Oh, Hot Yam! ($6.00)—a specialty latte with ube and coconut—or the Kafe-mansi ($4.50-$5.75), which blends coffee with house-made calamansi lemonade.
Kasama dinner tasting experience
Nights transform Kasama into an intimate fine dining spot that’s become one of chicago’s most sought-after reservations. They serve their 13-course tasting menu Thursday through Sunday. New reservations open at midnight CST on a rolling 45-day calendar. Tables book up within minutes despite the $285 per person price.
| Option | Price |
| Tasting Menu | $285.00 |
| Beverage Pairing | $185.00 |
| Non-Alcoholic Pairing | $95.00 |
The dinner menu showcases Filipino cuisine through refined techniques. The nilaga course serves silky A5 Wagyu beef with cabbage ribbons and pearlescent short grain rice. Wagyu broth comes on the side. Luxury touches enhance the kinilaw (Filipino ceviche) with caviar. The sinigang presents perfectly poached salmon in tamarind sauce with smoked roe and salmon skin chicharron.
Between courses, guests might sip an ube gin fizz—a tart, bubbly palate cleanser that looks like a milkshake. Dessert often brings a mini truffle croissant followed by creative takes on Filipino classics like halo-halo.
The experience goes beyond amazing food. The relaxed atmosphere defies fine dining stereotypes. Warm, enthusiastic servers guide guests through each course while old-school Filipino tunes play softly.
Kasama proves Filipino food belongs among chicago’s best dining options. As Flores points out: “Filipino food is not just rice and a stew, or lumpia and pancit”. This modest Chicago storefront shows the world how diverse and complex Filipino cuisine can be.
Pequod’s Pizza
Pizza lovers in Chicago who ask about the best deep-dish spot will mention Pequod’s Pizza right away. This Lincoln Park gem stands out from typical Chicago deep-dish spots. Locals and tourists flock here, making it a standout in Chicago’s competitive food scene.
Pequod’s caramelized crust secret
Magic happens at the edges of a Pequod’s pizza. Their signature caramelized crust comes from cheese placed between the dough and pan before baking. The cheese creates a crispy, caramelized ring that pizza enthusiasts can’t get enough of.
“The secret’s in the pan,” says owner Keith Jackson, who took over after founder Burt Katz sold the restaurant. “We still use the same seasoned cast iron pans from the beginning.” These pans, some over 40 years old, give the pizza its unique flavor and that amazing crust.
Regulars call this crispy, slightly charred ring of cheese “the halo.” The caramelization creates nutty, sweet notes that perfectly complement the savory toppings. This simple technique makes the crust worth traveling across town.
The sauce at Pequod’s deserves special recognition. A slightly chunky texture with noticeable herbs balances the rich cheese blend perfectly. They don’t skimp on toppings either – their sausage comes from a secret recipe.
Pequod’s deep-dish vs. tavern-style
Pequod’s serves two distinct Chicago pizza styles, though people know them best for deep-dish:
Their deep-dish breaks from tradition. Unlike the usual 2-inch tall butter crust drowning in chunky tomato sauce, Pequod’s version features:
- A modest 1.5-inch thickness
- Sauce on top rather than filling
- Better structural integrity than most deep-dish
- That signature caramelized crust
The thin crust (tavern-style) brings something completely different:
- Cracker-thin and crunchy texture
- Chicago tavern-style square cuts
- Less caramelized edge emphasis
- Perfect topping-to-crust ratio
The deep-dish with its caramelized crust remains the quintessential Pequod’s experience, though locals debate which style rules supreme. The tavern-style crust has its dedicated followers who love its satisfying crunch and lighter feel.
Newcomers usually start with deep-dish sausage and pepperoni. Many regulars call it the perfect introduction to Pequod’s unique place in Chicago’s food scene.
Pequod’s pricing and wait times
The prices at Pequod’s give great value for such a Chicago food icon:
| Size | Cheese | One Topping | Two Toppings | Special |
| Small (10″) | $16.45 | $18.55 | $20.75 | $24.95 |
| Medium (12″) | $19.95 | $22.35 | $24.75 | $29.45 |
| Large (14″) | $23.45 | $26.15 | $28.85 | $34.15 |
Extra cheese, bacon, and Italian beef cost a bit more as premium toppings. A medium deep-dish feeds 2-3 hungry people, making it reasonable at $10-12 per person.
The famous wait times are real. Weekend evenings mean:
- 45-90 minutes for tables
- 30-45 minutes for pizza after ordering
- Extra time during games or holidays
Regular customers have smart strategies. Some call ahead to get on the waiting list. Others order their pizza while waiting for tables since cooking happens during the wait time.
Smart tips to dodge the wait for great Chicago pizza:
- Hit the restaurant weekdays between 4-6pm
- Get it for pickup (though the experience differs)
- Check out the Morton Grove location’s shorter waits
- Show up during lunch when crowds thin out
Morton the Cat, Pequod’s unofficial mascot, watches the busy crowds from artwork around the restaurant. He seems to know that patience pays off—especially when it leads to that legendary caramelized crust pizza.
Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab stands as a cornerstone of upscale dining in downtown Chicago. This River North powerhouse managed to keep its status as a go-to spot for power dining since 2000. The restaurant brings a unique touch to the city’s seafood scene by delivering Miami’s stone crab tradition straight to the Midwest.
Joe’s seafood specialties
Florida stone crab claws shine as the star of Joe’s menu. These cold-water delicacies arrive fresh from Florida during season (October through May). The kitchen team expertly cracks and serves them chilled with their signature mustard sauce. Regular guests usually pick them by size:
| Size | Market Price Range |
| Medium | $32-39 (5-6 claws) |
| Large | $49-59 (3-4 claws) |
| Jumbo | $65-79 (2-3 claws) |
| Colossal | $99-129 (1-2 claws) |
Joe’s seafood menu goes beyond stone crabs. You’ll find Chilean sea bass with a parmesan-herb crust, perfectly seared scallops, and their famous seafood platters. Alaskan king crab legs sold by the pound are just as popular among Chicago food enthusiasts.
Fresh oysters from both coasts rotate daily on the menu. First-time visitors looking for the best food in Chicago should try the seafood trio that comes with jumbo shrimp, lump crabmeat, and oysters.
Joe’s steak and cocktail pairings
The restaurant’s excellence extends to their prime steaks that match up with Chicago’s best steakhouses. The 16 oz bone-in filet mignon remains a crowd favorite with its perfect char outside and butter-tender center.
The 24 oz bone-in ribeye serves up rich marbling and bold flavor for bigger appetites. Each steak comes with your choice of preparation – from simple salt to au poivre or blackened.
The bar team crafts special cocktail pairings for select steaks:
- Manhattan Reserve – Barrel-aged in-house for 30 days, paired with bone-in ribeye
- Vesper Martini – Classic shaken gin and vodka combination, excellent with filet mignon
- Blackberry Smash – Bourbon-based refresher that complements their pork chop
Joe’s pricing and reservation tips
Joe’s ranks among Chicago’s high-end dining spots. A dinner for two will run over $200 before drinks. Tables fill up fast, especially during stone crab season (October-May).
Your best bet for reservations is to:
- Book 4-6 weeks ahead for weekend prime times (6-8 PM)
- Try lunch slots (much easier to get in)
- Stay flexible with timing (5 PM or 9 PM spots open up more often)
Bar seating sometimes opens up even without reservations. You can order the full menu there, and the bartenders know their wines well enough to guide you perfectly.
Monday through Wednesday offers a quieter experience. Weekend crowds bring energy to the place, while weeknight dining lets servers spend more time with you explaining the menu.
Smart tip: order half-portions of sides. The hashbrown potatoes, creamed spinach, and grilled tomatoes can easily feed three people. Save room for their famous key lime pie that comes straight from the original Joe’s in Miami – it’s a must-try.
Comparison Table
| Restaurant | Location | Cuisine Type | Price Range | Signature Dishes | Notable Features | Wait Times/Reservations |
| Lula Cafe | Logan Square | Farm-to-table | $16-52 for mains | Pasta YiaYia ($20), Grilled Lion’s Mane Mushroom ($29) | Michelin Bib Gourmand, 20% service fee included | Not mentioned |
| Smoque BBQ | Old Irving Park | BBQ | $13-33 | Brisket (250-300 whole briskets weekly), House-made BBQ beans | BYOB, Michelin Bib Gourmand, Three house-made sauces | Lines form during peak hours |
| Kasama | East Ukrainian Village | Filipino Fine Dining | $285 tasting menu | Ube Basque Cake, Longganisa Breakfast Sandwich ($9) | World’s first Michelin-starred Filipino restaurant, Dual concept (bakery/fine dining) | Dinner spots fill within minutes |
| Pequod’s Pizza | Lincoln Park | Pizza | $16.45-34.15 | Caramelized crust deep-dish pizza | 40+ year old seasoned cast iron pans, Two pizza styles (deep-dish/tavern) | 45-90 min weekend waits |
| Joe’s Seafood | River North | Seafood/Steakhouse | $200+ for two | Stone crab claws ($32-129), Bone-in filet mignon | Daily fresh seafood, Miami-style stone crabs | 4-6 weeks advance booking for weekends |
Savor Chicago’s Culinary Scene with Metropolitan Shuttle
From deep-dish icons to Michelin-starred masterpieces, Chicago’s dining scene is world-renowned—and Metropolitan Shuttle makes it easy for groups to indulge in it all. Whether you’re planning a food tour through Fulton Market, a group dinner in River North, or a team outing at one of the city’s top steakhouses, our Chicago charter transportation ensures everyone arrives comfortably and on time. Skip the parking headaches and rideshare coordination—our professional drivers handle the logistics so your group can focus on great food, great company, and a seamless dining experience across the city.
Conclusion
Chicago’s food scene weaves a magnificent tapestry of flavors, techniques, and cultures. This culinary playground serves everything from Lula Cafe’s farm-fresh seasonal delights to Smoque’s Texas-approved brisket. The city also boasts Kasama’s state-of-the-art Filipino fusion, Pequod’s legendary caramelized crust pizza, and Joe’s premium seafood experience.
These local Chicago restaurants shine bright with more than just exceptional food. Each dish tells a story. Lula Cafe championed farm-to-table dining while keeping its neighborhood charm. Smoque lifted BBQ to an art form through scientific precision. Kasama made history as the world’s first Michelin-starred Filipino restaurant. Pequod’s revolutionized pizza edges into sought-after “halos” of crispy cheese. Joe’s brought Miami’s stone crab tradition to the Midwest with style.
These five restaurants earned their stellar reputations, yet they’re just a glimpse of Chicago’s offerings. The city hosts thousands of eateries across dozens of global cuisines. Chicago satisfies every craving and budget, from cozy neighborhood spots to special-occasion destinations.
The best Chicago food discoveries often lie beyond downtown tourist areas. Logan Square, Ukrainian Village, and Irving Park neighborhoods pulse with state-of-the-art cuisine. Local favorites hide in plain sight, cherished by residents yet missed by visitors who stick to Michigan Avenue.
Chicago’s food scene rewards curious eaters generously. A new favorite dish might appear when you take a chance on unfamiliar cuisine or a neighborhood gem. Your taste buds will thank you for the adventure, whether you choose Kasama’s tasting menu or grab a quick sandwich at Smoque.
The next time hunger strikes in the Windy City, skip the chain restaurants and head over to its rich food culture. Your Chicago dining experience awaits – one memorable bite at a time.
FAQs
Q1. What are some must-try restaurants in Chicago?
Some top restaurants to try in Chicago include Lula Cafe for farm-to-table cuisine, Smoque BBQ for award-winning brisket, Kasama for innovative Filipino fare, Pequod’s Pizza for their caramelized crust deep dish, and Joe’s Seafood for premium seafood and steaks.
Q2. Which Chicago restaurant is best for a special occasion?
For a special occasion, Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab offers an upscale dining experience with fresh seafood, prime steaks, and an elegant atmosphere. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
Q3. Where can I find the best deep-dish pizza in Chicago?
Pequod’s Pizza is renowned for their unique caramelized crust deep-dish pizza. Their signature “halo” of crispy, slightly charred cheese around the edge sets them apart from other Chicago pizzerias.
Q4. What’s a good casual dining option in Chicago?
Smoque BBQ is an excellent casual dining choice, offering high-quality barbecue in a relaxed setting. Their brisket is particularly popular, and the restaurant has a BYOB policy.
Q5. Are there any Michelin-starred restaurants in Chicago that won’t break the bank? Kasama offers a unique dining experience as the world’s first Michelin-starred Filipino restaurant. While their dinner tasting menu is pricey, their daytime bakery and casual restaurant offer more affordable options to sample their acclaimed cuisine.
