Latest Chicago restaurant reviews

Johnnie’s Beef is an institution for a reason. Since 1961, the Elmwood Park stand has been the benchmark for Italian beef. There’s no gimmick here, just a classic Chicago sandwich done exceptionally well. Located beyond city limits, this longtime icon is worth the trek. The vibe: Johnnie’s is as no-frills as it gets. The line often stretches outside, but it moves quickly. There are a few outdoor tables and a standing-height counter inside for eating. Most people grab their food and go. The food: You’re here for one thing: Italian beef. The thinly sliced beef is piled onto soft French bread and dunked in rich jus. Order it juicy with sweet peppers or giardiniera for the full experience. The beef-and-sausage combo lets you enjoy both Chicago classics in one messy, satisfying sandwich. The fries are crisp and make a fine complement to the main attraction. Finish with the homemade lemon Italian ice for a tart, refreshing contrast. The drinks: Grab a soda or chocolate shake to wash down the savory bites. Time Out tip: Stop at an ATM beforehand as it’s cash only.

Zubair Mohajir takes diners on a journey through the historic spice routes, drawing from South Asian, Middle Eastern, North African and Mediterranean influences. Wood-fire cooking serves as the through line, keeping the ambitious menu focused while letting the ingredients shine. The vibe: The intimate 44-seat dining room is warm and moody, featuring exposed brick, earthy tones and arched walls that nod to the Middle East and Andalusia. The open kitchen adds a lively backdrop to the meal. The food: Start with the thaali, a spread of fire-roasted dips accompanied by papadum and focaccia. From there, share items like Bicol-style mussels and beef cheek nihari with black garlic naan. The centerpiece is the duck Numidian, a whole roasted duck based on a nearly 1,000-year-old North African recipe, complemented by confit duck rice. It’s the standout you shouldn’t miss. The drinks: The cocktails incorporate distinctive flavors and ingredients like saffron, za'atar and cardamom, offering a spice-forward twist. The concise wine list spans regions across the globe. Time Out tip: Keep the night going with a post-dinner drink at Bobo, the cocktail bar tucked behind Muhājir.

After closing its original Bucktown location in 2024, Taqueria Chingón got a second life in Fulton Market. The taqueria from Oliver Poilevey (Le Bouchon) and Marcos Ascencio deliver chef-driven tacos made with quality ingredients. They come at a premium, but the execution makes them worth the splurge. The vibe: The space is casual and energetic, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a sidewalk patio. Orders are placed at the counter, then brought to your table when they’re ready. The food: The al pastor is the essential order, with juicy Berkshire pork shaved from the trompo and topped with pineapple. Duck carnitas are also stellar, pairing rich confit duck and crispy chicharron with sweet date puree and spicy sunchoke-habanero salsa. And the skirt steak taco features tender, medium-rare beef with silky avocado mousse and chimichurri. To finish, the fluffy churros are delightful. The drinks: Wash things down with a horchata or agua fresca. Beer and margaritas are available as well. Time Out tip: Keep an eye out for specials. Taqueria Chingón offers its own version of the Crunchwrap on Wednesdays, and has been known to occasionally serve an octopus al pastor.

Nadu takes diners on a tour of India with a menu spanning cuisines from Kerala and Goa to Kolkata and Karnataka. Chefs Sujan Sarkar and Sanchit Sahu keep the focus on traditional flavors and techniques, presenting familiar dishes alongside less commonly seen regional specialties. The vibe: The dining room is colorful and lively, sporting bold artwork and glass chandeliers. It’s polished without feeling overly formal, making it equally suited to a casual dinner or a special occasion. The food: Start with the dahi bhalla, soft lentil dumplings soaked in yogurt, or the fluffy benne masala dosa served with coconut and tomato chutneys. The king prawn cashew ghee roast is another winner, featuring plump prawns coated in a rich masala that's packed with spices. For a larger option, the showstopping whole Dungeness crab is a hands-on feast. The menu changes often, but its emphasis on regional cooking remains a constant. The drinks: The cocktail list is rooted in Indian influences, highlighting ingredients and spices like roasted cumin, turmeric and clarified masala chai. Time Out tip: Vegetarians have plenty to choose from, with a dedicated selection of meat-free small and large plates.

One of Chicago’s buzziest bakeries in recent years, Del Sur is well worth planning your morning around. Chef and owner Justin Lerias brings Filipino flavors to thoughtfully crafted pastries made with Midwestern ingredients, resulting in a lineup that’s far more interesting than your standard croissants and muffins. The vibe: The compact Lincoln Square shop has a sleek, modern look. It’s mainly a grab-and-go operation, so don’t expect to linger. The line can stretch during busy weekend mornings, but the friendly staff keeps things moving without making you feel rushed. The food: The longanisa croissant is a must-order, a flaky, toasted-rice laminated dough with house-made sausage, soy caramel, and cured egg yolk. The turon Danish, filled with caramelized banana jam and vanilla flan, channels the flavors of the classic Filipino snack, while the calamansi chamomile bun packs a bright citrus punch. The drinks: Coffee comes from local roasters, and Volition Tea supplies the teas. House-made syrups like salted pandan, ube and caramelized honey add a distinctive Southeast Asian touch to the drink menu. Time Out tip: Get there early—especially on weekends when waits can exceed 45 minutes and popular pastries tend to sell out quickly.

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...

Situated at Fullerton Avenue on Lake Shore Drive, Theater on the Lake is a year-round event venue with an on-site restaurant. A range of events are hosted here, from a roaring St. Patrick's Day celebration to the annual Air and Water Show viewing party, plus theater performances. Thanks to its location on the east side of Lake Shore Drive, it offers some of the best lake and skyline views in the city.

This family-owned Mexican spot is the G.O.A.T. when it comes to goat meat. (Get it?) Its immense popularity led to the restaurant expanding in 2023 with a second location in Uptown at 4800 N Broadway St. The vibe: The casual eatery, anchored by the service counter, features the restaurant's signature red and orange color scheme. No frills or fancy decor are needed to make this one of the best restaurants in Chicago. The food: Thick handmade tortillas, salsas made to order, cinnamon-laced coffee. You can get all of that here. Their only purpose, however, is to accompany this restaurant’s signature platters of chopped goat meat. As opposed to other birrierias, this goat doesn’t touch a consommé until it’s plated, when some of the tomato-based broth is spooned over it. At that point, a good dousing of the restaurant’s intricate hot sauce, and maybe a squeeze of lime and some onions, is all you need for one of the city’s best goat tacos. The drinks: Popular Mexican drinks like Squirt, Jarrito, horchata and Coke are on offer. Time Out tip: The original Archer Heights location is temporarily closed due to a fire, so head to the Uptown location, which opened in 2023. Note that the Uptown restaurant is walk-in only right now, so plan accordingly.

As its name suggests, fresh seafood gets the spotlight at this lively Pilsen spot. With a wood-fired oven anchoring the space, the team puts a chef-driven spin on Mexican coastal cuisine, turning out pristine tostadas, aguachiles and other seafood specialties. It’s an ideal spot for dinner before a show at Thalia Hall, but the food is reason enough to make the trip on its own. The vibe: The space strikes a balance between polished and relaxed, and is suited for a leisurely dinner or drinks and bites at the bar. The food: The tuna tostada, layered with black garlic aioli, salsa macha, avocado and citrus, is a must-try appetizer. So are the crab rangoon empanadas, which combine creamy crab filling with a crisp, golden shell. The octopus Sonoran dog is one of the most creative items on the menu, a bacon-wrapped tentacle on a buttery bun with black beans, pico de gallo and salsa macha. For a larger main, the whole dorade is grilled until the skin is crisp and the flesh stays tender. It’s served with salsas and tortillas for making your own tacos. The drink: A small selection of beer and wine complements cocktails centered on agave spirits, such as the La Fresona, a spicy-sweet mix of tequila, jalapeño, strawberry and Ancho Reyes. Time Out tip: After dinner, enjoy a nightcap at Tack Room, the piano lounge inside Thalia Hall.

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,...

Johnnie’s Beef is an institution for a reason. Since 1961, the Elmwood Park stand has been the benchmark for Italian beef. There’s no gimmick here, just a classic Chicago sandwich done exceptionally well. Located beyond city limits, this longtime icon is worth the trek. The vibe: Johnnie’s is as no-frills as it gets. The line often stretches outside, but it moves quickly. There are a few outdoor tables and a standing-height counter inside for eating. Most people grab their food and go. The food: You’re here for one thing: Italian beef. The thinly sliced beef is piled onto soft French bread and dunked in rich jus. Order it juicy with sweet peppers or giardiniera for the full experience. The beef-and-sausage combo lets you enjoy both Chicago classics in one messy, satisfying sandwich. The fries are crisp and make a fine complement to the main attraction. Finish with the homemade lemon Italian ice for a tart, refreshing contrast. The drinks: Grab a soda or chocolate shake to wash down the savory bites. Time Out tip: Stop at an ATM beforehand as it’s cash only.

Zubair Mohajir takes diners on a journey through the historic spice routes, drawing from South Asian, Middle Eastern, North African and Mediterranean influences. Wood-fire cooking serves as the through line, keeping the ambitious menu focused while letting the ingredients shine. The vibe: The intimate 44-seat dining room is warm and moody, featuring exposed brick, earthy tones and arched walls that nod to the Middle East and Andalusia. The open kitchen adds a lively backdrop to the meal. The food: Start with the thaali, a spread of fire-roasted dips accompanied by papadum and focaccia. From there, share items like Bicol-style mussels and beef cheek nihari with black garlic naan. The centerpiece is the duck Numidian, a whole roasted duck based on a nearly 1,000-year-old North African recipe, complemented by confit duck rice. It’s the standout you shouldn’t miss. The drinks: The cocktails incorporate distinctive flavors and ingredients like saffron, za'atar and cardamom, offering a spice-forward twist. The concise wine list spans regions across the globe. Time Out tip: Keep the night going with a post-dinner drink at Bobo, the cocktail bar tucked behind Muhājir.

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.

After closing its original Bucktown location in 2024, Taqueria Chingón got a second life in Fulton Market. The taqueria from Oliver Poilevey (Le Bouchon) and Marcos Ascencio deliver chef-driven tacos made with quality ingredients. They come at a premium, but the execution makes them worth the splurge. The vibe: The space is casual and energetic, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a sidewalk patio. Orders are placed at the counter, then brought to your table when they’re ready. The food: The al pastor is the essential order, with juicy Berkshire pork shaved from the trompo and topped with pineapple. Duck carnitas are also stellar, pairing rich confit duck and crispy chicharron with sweet date puree and spicy sunchoke-habanero salsa. And the skirt steak taco features tender, medium-rare beef with silky avocado mousse and chimichurri. To finish, the fluffy churros are delightful. The drinks: Wash things down with a horchata or agua fresca. Beer and margaritas are available as well. Time Out tip: Keep an eye out for specials. Taqueria Chingón offers its own version of the Crunchwrap on Wednesdays, and has been known to occasionally serve an octopus al pastor.

Nadu takes diners on a tour of India with a menu spanning cuisines from Kerala and Goa to Kolkata and Karnataka. Chefs Sujan Sarkar and Sanchit Sahu keep the focus on traditional flavors and techniques, presenting familiar dishes alongside less commonly seen regional specialties. The vibe: The dining room is colorful and lively, sporting bold artwork and glass chandeliers. It’s polished without feeling overly formal, making it equally suited to a casual dinner or a special occasion. The food: Start with the dahi bhalla, soft lentil dumplings soaked in yogurt, or the fluffy benne masala dosa served with coconut and tomato chutneys. The king prawn cashew ghee roast is another winner, featuring plump prawns coated in a rich masala that's packed with spices. For a larger option, the showstopping whole Dungeness crab is a hands-on feast. The menu changes often, but its emphasis on regional cooking remains a constant. The drinks: The cocktail list is rooted in Indian influences, highlighting ingredients and spices like roasted cumin, turmeric and clarified masala chai. Time Out tip: Vegetarians have plenty to choose from, with a dedicated selection of meat-free small and large plates.

Opened in 1986, Chiu Quon is an old-school Chinese bakery that’s wonderfully unfussy. The Chinatown shop’s display cases are filled with a variety of baked goods, drawing a steady stream of customers from morning to night. It’s a dependable neighborhood spot where you can grab a satisfying meal without spending much. The vibe: The interior is clean and contemporary, but decidedly no-frills. The line moves quickly, so you’ll be in and out in no time. The food: The bakery specializes in Hong Kong-style pastries, with the barbecue pork buns being the main attraction. Portuguese egg tarts, featuring flaky pastry encasing a brûléed, creamy custard, are another standout, while sesame balls and pineapple buns are also worth adding to your order. The selection can vary throughout the day as everything is made fresh. For savory options, Chiu Quon offers traditional dim sum bites like shumai, rice noodle rolls and chicken feet. The drinks: The fridges are stocked with water, sodas, juices and more, and they serve coffee as well. Time Out tip: It’s cash-only, but there’s an ATM inside if you forget to bring bills.

One of Chicago’s buzziest bakeries in recent years, Del Sur is well worth planning your morning around. Chef and owner Justin Lerias brings Filipino flavors to thoughtfully crafted pastries made with Midwestern ingredients, resulting in a lineup that’s far more interesting than your standard croissants and muffins. The vibe: The compact Lincoln Square shop has a sleek, modern look. It’s mainly a grab-and-go operation, so don’t expect to linger. The line can stretch during busy weekend mornings, but the friendly staff keeps things moving without making you feel rushed. The food: The longanisa croissant is a must-order, a flaky, toasted-rice laminated dough with house-made sausage, soy caramel, and cured egg yolk. The turon Danish, filled with caramelized banana jam and vanilla flan, channels the flavors of the classic Filipino snack, while the calamansi chamomile bun packs a bright citrus punch. The drinks: Coffee comes from local roasters, and Volition Tea supplies the teas. House-made syrups like salted pandan, ube and caramelized honey add a distinctive Southeast Asian touch to the drink menu. Time Out tip: Get there early—especially on weekends when waits can exceed 45 minutes and popular pastries tend to sell out quickly.

One of Chicago’s most sought-after bakeries, Sugar Moon has earned a devoted following for its sweet and savory goods. The tiny Logan Square bakeshop rotates its offerings regularly, showcasing seasonal ingredients and inventive flavor combinations. The vibe: Sugar Moon is small and no-frills, with a pastry case that speaks for itself. There’s no seating, and the line usually forms outside before the shop even opens. The food: The selection spans sweet and savory options, from stuffed brioche and focaccia to croissants, galettes, scones and cookies. The tahini chocolate chip cookie, with flecks of smoked salt, is among the best in the city, while the banana pudding croissant is an indulgent treat filled with vanilla custard, banana, salted caramel and mascarpone whip. Keep an eye out for specials, as owner Dina Cimarusti has been known to create items like Italian beef galettes and corned beef croissants. The drinks: It’s mostly about the pastries here, but Sugar Moon also offers coffee, sodas and water. Time Out tip: The bakery is only open Friday through Sunday and does sell out, so arrive early if you have your heart set on a particular item.

When you picture a classic ice cream parlor, Margie’s is exactly what comes to mind. The Chicago institution has been serving towering sundaes, homemade treats and old-school charm for generations. It’s the kind of nostalgic spot that makes a trip for ice cream feel like an occasion. The vibe: Vintage decor, classic booth seating and kitschy trinkets give Margie’s a frozen-in-time feel. There are few places quite like it in Chicago. The food: The menu features a variety of sundaes and banana splits, with the turtle sundae standing out as a favorite. If you’re with a group, the Royal George (25 scoops) and World’s Largest Terrapin (15 scoops) are made for sharing, with saucers of fudge, caramel sauce and whipped cream on the side. There are also sandwiches for those craving something savory. And don’t overlook the homemade chocolates—fill up a box to take home. The drinks: Shakes and malts come in flavors like chocolate, vanilla, peach, butterscotch and peanut butter. Sodas, juices, milk and hot beverages are available as well. Time Out tip: When the line is long, as it often is in summer, order your ice cream to go and skip the wait.

Where to start at this sprawling ode to all 20 regions of Italy? With three restaurants, six counters, a market full of fresh and hard-to-find ingredients and a wine store with over 1,500 bottles of Italian wine, you’ll have to follow your heart (and your mouth). First, fuel up with coffee and a pastry while you browse the market’s daily selection. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, grab a quick lunch at Pizza alla Pala or Lavazza, or head to Pasta & More for bowls of fresh pasta prepared in minutes.  For a sit-down meal that transports you to Italy, head to La Pizza & La Pasta for pies topped with San Marzano tomato sauce and fresh finds from the market, or choose from an astonishing assortment of carbonara, which have been helpfully paired with wines that cut right through the richness. At Vino &…, you can work your way through wine flights while snacking on meatballs, housemade burrata, fresh focaccia bianca and more.  To get the most out of Eataly, book a store tour, where experts will guide you through tastings while you sip a glass of Prosecco. You can also take classes to learn more about Italian wine and cheese, pizza- and pasta-making and how to make Eataly’s ingredients sing in your home kitchen.