Two Chicago restaurants are making headlines today following the release of the New York Times’ 2025 Best Restaurants list. The anticipated catalog of the country’s top eateries features 50 restaurants across 33 states, ranging from fine-dining destinations to brand-new brick-and-mortars. Uptown Latin restaurant Cariño and Beverly’s Sanders BBQ Supply Co. both made the list.
Elevated Latin eatery Cariño, helmed by chef Norman Fenton, quickly earned a Michelin star in 2024, less than a year after its buzzy debut. It was also a semifinalist for the 2025 James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant. Lauded for its taco omakase and tasting menu, Cariño’s spot on the Times’ list is certainly well deserved.
The South Side’s Sanders BBQ Supply Co. also got its flowers. Dishing out toothsome, slow-smoked Southern staples like ribs, pulled pork, brisket and all the classic sides, Sanders offers some of the finest iterations of barbecue bites in the city, thanks to pitmaster-chef Nick Kleutsch.
Chicagoans know better than anyone that the city is packed with headline-making eateries, but the recognition of two of our shiniest gems is a reminder that our city is home to world-class cuisine. And if there weren’t already lines out the door for these two spots, there sure will be now.