Winter in Chicago means snowy days, frigid cold and lots of indoor activities. One of the best ways to stay warm is by indulging in hearty, comforting fare. Luckily, Time Out Market Chicago offers plenty of exciting options to make the coldest months more bearable. From rich bowls of ramen to chili teeming with Texas-style brisket, the following dishes will help you overcome the winter blues.
Brisket chili - County BBQ
Winter is for chili, and few do it better than County BBQ. Sure, the mouthwatering smoked meats are the main attraction, but when we need to warm up, nothing beats the brisket chili. The comforting stew is loaded with Texas-style brisket and beans, and topped with jalapenos, cheddar and sour cream. Add a side of corn pudding for the perfect pairing.
Ramen - Bill Kim Ramen Bar
While we crave ramen year round, there’s no denying its appeal during the coldest months. Fortunately, chef Bill Kim offers several versions to satisfy every type of palate. Our personal favorite is the pork ramen–kimchi-braised pork, crispy shallots, egg, marinated bean sprouts, cabbage, scallions, cilantro—but you can get your bowl with spicy shrimp, chicken wontons or tofu as well.
Guten Belly Burger - Gutenburg
A hearty burger can help cure your winter malaise. At Gutenburg, chef Jorge Kauam draws influences from the hamburger’s modest origins in Hamburg, Germany and blends them with modern techniques to create an enticing lineup of smash burgers. Whether it’s the traditional Gutenburg Burger or the Guten Belly, which features a beef patty topped with caramelized pork belly and bourbon fig barbecue sauce, there’s no going wrong here.
Chicken and waffles - Lizzy J Cafe
Chef Jamie Gilmore delivers Southern-style brunch fare with Creole love at her restaurant on the second floor of the Market. Guests can dig into dishes like shrimp and grits, steak and eggs and lemon ricotta pancakes. The can’t-miss, though, is the chicken and waffles. Boneless chicken thighs are fried to perfection and served with a brown butter waffle and “hottie syrup.” Pair it with the lemonade of the day to start your morning off right.
Smoked turkey meatloaf sandwich - Everything Countz
Balancing healthy cooking with deliciousness, Everything Countz owners Juliea and Christopher Clippard offer a variety of sandwiches, soups and salads. Escape the cold and refuel with the couple’s signature smoked turkey meatloaf sandwich—house-made turkey loaf topped with gravy, fried onions, pepper jack cheese and herb garlic mayo. It’s pure comfort served on grilled Texas toast.
Hot chocolate bomb - Chi'Tiva
Hot cocoa is best consumed in the wintertime and for good reason. The rich, silky drink warms the body and soul, and provides the boost needed to make it through a cold day. Get your fix at Chitiva, where hot chocolate bombs await, alongside gourmet teas, matcha lattes and more.