Latest Chicago restaurant reviews

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...

Just like Hogsalt's other concepts, which include Au Cheval, Armitage Alehouse and Gilt Bar, Bavette's is ultra-popular. You may have to sacrifice your firstborn to secure a reservation, but it's totally worth the sweat. The vibe: A moody, dimly lit steakhouse next to Gilt Bar. The food: Whatever you're in the mood for, you're likely to find something enticing thanks to the menu's extensive selection of cuts ranging from a 6-ounce filet mignon and 20-ounce dry-aged bone-in ribeye to a 32-ounce Porterhouse.  The drinks: Bavette's offers four variations of an Old Fashioned, as well as pickle back shots, spirit-free sips, wines and eight different ice-cold martinis. Time Out tip: Reservations are available up to 21 days in advance at 9am. We recommend setting an alarm; otherwise, you may have better luck as a walk-in.

Lettuce Entertain You's ultra-popular spot below RPM Seafood serves lunch and dinner, with a menu centered around hand-stretched pizzas, artisanal pastas and grilled seafood. There's always someone celebrating a birthday, out-of-towners looking for a bite along the water and workers from nearby office buildings meeting for a power lunch or after-work drinks. The vibe: A lively riverfront restaurant with one of the best outdoor dining patios in the city. The service is good, the food is average and the views are unbeatable. The food: You can't go wrong with the cult-favorite charred pepperoni pizza and rigatoni vodka pasta for the table. The Caesar salad and crispy Parmesan fries are also standouts. The drinks: The drink menu always features a selection of quirky cocktails, like River North With A View (vodka, raspberry and Pimm's liqueur) and multiple variations of a spritz. If you're here with a group, you might want to opt for the Portofino Purse, a cocktail of your choice served in a glass handbag (yes, really).  Time Out tip: The whole point of coming here (usually) is to sit on the patio, so be sure to make a reservation in advance to secure one of the most coveted waterfront tables in Chicago.

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.

Taking up residence in the former Winchester space, the Michelin-starred modern Filipino-American concept is from husband-and-wife team Tim Flores and Genie Kwon (Oriole).  The vibe: An intimate, ultra-popular spot in the Ukrainian Village that always has a long line during the daytime. The food: During the daytime, Kwon’s pastries and options like chicken adobo and a killer breakfast sandwich cause lines to form down the block. But at night, Kasama transforms into a 13-course fine dining experience full of bold and exciting flavors. The drinks: The daytime drinks like an ube latte are balanced and fresh, and for dinner, a $195 beverage pairing is well worth the splurge. Time Out tip: If you're coming during the day, order ahead online. This way, you'll skip the long line and walk right inside to pick up your order. When the weather permits, head to one of the nearby parks to eat outside. 

Repeatedly named one of the world's best pizzerias, Robert's is a beloved Streeterville restaurant located along the quaint Ogden Slip. From husband-and-wife team Robert and Dana Garvey, it's known for its artisan thin-crust pizzas, delectable dough and stunning views overlooking the skyline and lake. The vibe: The casual indoor/outdoor dining areas are perfect for summertime dining along the river.  The food: The Cali Italia pizza (asiago, fresh mozzarella, gorgonzola cheese, fig jam, prosciutto di Parma, balsamic glaze, shaved Parmigiano Reggiano and EVO) is a standout. The Funghi (truffle cream base, wild mushrooms, garlic, and fresh ricotta) is another popular option, along with the creamy Caesar salad and the hearty meatball sandwich, both of which are great to pair with a pie. The drinks: The red sangria pitcher is a popular option for groups, and summer-ready sips like the blood orange margarita, Fig & Fable (vodka, lime, fig puree, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, Chinese 5 spice bitters) and Hugo Spritz are a few of our go-tos. There's also a selection of flavorful mocktails like the zero-proof Herbal Fizz (cilantro, basil, lime, cider and bubbles) and the hibiscus mule, as well as interesting Italian wines and local beers. Time Out tip: When the weather permits, try to snag an outdoor table and request a seat on the dock. There are a few tables down there, and it's the best seat in the house.

While its name suggests otherwise, this West Loop neo-bistro is a cozy, charming spot for reimagined French fare. David and Anna Posey, together with chef de cuisine Tayler Ploshehanski, draw from the classics while weaving in Midwestern influences. The result is one of Chicago’s most distinctive French menus in recent years. The vibe: The restaurant is divided between two dining rooms, with large windows that flood the space with natural light during the daytime. Tightly arranged tables give the room a lively, bistro-like atmosphere. Diners seated at the back counter face a mirrored wall, which can feel a bit awkward. The food: Start with the Brie gougères, warm, buttery puffs balanced by drizzles of honey. The roast chicken with chicken liver and wine sauce is an excellent shareable option, featuring crisp skin and juicy, tender meat. Save room for Anna Posey’s sherbet meringue cake—the flavors rotate regularly. The drinks: Pre-batched cocktails include timeless favorites such as the Vesper, Negroni, and dirty martini. The wine list leans heavily toward French wines, with a handful of California selections. Time Out tip: Creepies doesn’t have a bar, so if you’re looking to linger over a pre- or post-meal drink, you’ll want to head elsewhere.

Located inside the ultra-luxe St. Regis hotel, this authentic Tuscan restaurant from celebrated chef Evan Funke offers an exceptional experience inside one of the city's most beautiful dining rooms. The vibe: A high-end Italian restaurant and bar that makes you feel like you might run into Kendall Roy at any time. The food: Handmade pastas anchor the menu, with highlights including the rigatoncini all'arrabbiata and the trofie al pesto. The menu is designed to share, so go all in and order a few things. We recommend starting with the fluffy focaccia and pillowy gnocchi fritti. The drinks: Signature and classic cocktails complement an extensive selection of bottles, some of which are priced at over $1,500. Time Out tip: Request a table by the soaring window to take advantage of the sweeping city views, and, if you come on a Wednesday or Saturday night during the summer, the fireworks across the street at Navy Pier. 

Located directly above Pizzeria Portofino, Lettuce Entertain You's ultra-popular RPM Seafood offers fresh fix, stiff cocktails and unrivaled views of the Chicago River. The vibe: Take in views of the Chicago River from the terrace or through one of the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows while you dine on bone-in swordfish ribeye or charcoal-grilled black bass at the seafood king of the RPM restaurant empire. The food: Start your meal in spectacular fashion by ordering a seafood tower featuring prawns, Maine lobster, Alaskan king crab legs and East and West Coast oysters.  The drinks: The drink menu emphasizes tequila and mezcal cocktails but also offers plenty of bubbly by the glass if it's a festive occasion. Time Out tip: If the weather permits, you'll want to reserve a seat on the outdoor patio. The views of the river from the prime location between the Clark and Dearborn bridges are unmatched.  

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,...

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.

Walking into John’s Food & Wine on a busy Thursday night, I spotted a couple of open seats at the long marble bar. Normally, I’d make a beeline for this increasingly rare walk-in’s gift, but having just entered the back of the line at this upscale, fast-casual bistro, I hesitated. Was such self-serving behavior frowned upon?  Bar seats are indeed fair game for walk-ins at John’s, as I learned when a group behind me snagged the stools and commenced the ritual of dining out as we’ve all traditionally known it. But if you’re after a table at this Lincoln Park newcomer, you’ll queue up in front of a countertop tablet where (the night I was there) beverage director and sommelier Jonas Bittencourt takes your coursed, dinner order in one nerve-wracking go, then leads you to your table, where you choose your own pairing adventure by snapping a QR code and scrolling through Toast. There are no designated servers. Rather, a small crew helmed by co-owners and chefs Adam McFarland and Thomas Rogers breathlessly does a little of everything—hence the 20 percent service charge automatically applied to every check.  I acutely felt the lack of human touch throughout my meal—not just because this is a wine-focused restaurant full of cool, ever-changing pours that warrant a little storytelling. It also manifested in the harried pacing of courses and disconcerting sense that the main shepherd of our experience was the restaurant’s POS system. I longed for those small leisurely moments, like...

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...

Perched on the 13th floor of the Chicago Athletic Association, Cindy’s remains one of the most popular spots for taking in the city. The bright and airy restaurant pairs sweeping views of the skyline and lake with a menu that’s solid, if not particularly memorable. It’s worth braving the crowds for a drink, but an hour-long wait might be too much for some to justify. The vibe: Cindy’s has a lively, polished feel, with a stylish dining room bathed in natural light thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive skylights. The open-air terrace overlooks Millennium Park, offering impressive sights, while the guests are a mix of tourists and locals. The food: The seasonal menu leans toward approachable American fare with globally-inspired touches. At dinnertime, expect shareable dishes ranging from mussels and branzino to fried chicken and ribeye. Weekend brunch brings options like chilaquiles and shrimp and grits. The drinks: The cocktail list features refreshing, easy-sipping concoctions such as the Second to None, made with gin, pomegranate cordial, genepy, lemon and honey. There are also spirit-free creations, mimosa kits, beer, wine and teas from Rare Tea Cellar. Time Out tip: Cindy’s gets busy, especially during peak hours, so make a reservation to avoid the line.

Taking up residence in the former Winchester space, the Michelin-starred modern Filipino-American concept is from husband-and-wife team Tim Flores and Genie Kwon (Oriole).  The vibe: An intimate, ultra-popular spot in the Ukrainian Village that always has a long line during the daytime. The food: During the daytime, Kwon’s pastries and options like chicken adobo and a killer breakfast sandwich cause lines to form down the block. But at night, Kasama transforms into a 13-course fine dining experience full of bold and exciting flavors. The drinks: The daytime drinks like an ube latte are balanced and fresh, and for dinner, a $195 beverage pairing is well worth the splurge. Time Out tip: If you're coming during the day, order ahead online. This way, you'll skip the long line and walk right inside to pick up your order. When the weather permits, head to one of the nearby parks to eat outside. 

While its name suggests otherwise, this West Loop neo-bistro is a cozy, charming spot for reimagined French fare. David and Anna Posey, together with chef de cuisine Tayler Ploshehanski, draw from the classics while weaving in Midwestern influences. The result is one of Chicago’s most distinctive French menus in recent years. The vibe: The restaurant is divided between two dining rooms, with large windows that flood the space with natural light during the daytime. Tightly arranged tables give the room a lively, bistro-like atmosphere. Diners seated at the back counter face a mirrored wall, which can feel a bit awkward. The food: Start with the Brie gougères, warm, buttery puffs balanced by drizzles of honey. The roast chicken with chicken liver and wine sauce is an excellent shareable option, featuring crisp skin and juicy, tender meat. Save room for Anna Posey’s sherbet meringue cake—the flavors rotate regularly. The drinks: Pre-batched cocktails include timeless favorites such as the Vesper, Negroni, and dirty martini. The wine list leans heavily toward French wines, with a handful of California selections. Time Out tip: Creepies doesn’t have a bar, so if you’re looking to linger over a pre- or post-meal drink, you’ll want to head elsewhere.

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.

Just like Hogsalt's other concepts, which include Au Cheval, Armitage Alehouse and Gilt Bar, Bavette's is ultra-popular. You may have to sacrifice your firstborn to secure a reservation, but it's totally worth the sweat. The vibe: A moody, dimly lit steakhouse next to Gilt Bar. The food: Whatever you're in the mood for, you're likely to find something enticing thanks to the menu's extensive selection of cuts ranging from a 6-ounce filet mignon and 20-ounce dry-aged bone-in ribeye to a 32-ounce Porterhouse.  The drinks: Bavette's offers four variations of an Old Fashioned, as well as pickle back shots, spirit-free sips, wines and eight different ice-cold martinis. Time Out tip: Reservations are available up to 21 days in advance at 9am. We recommend setting an alarm; otherwise, you may have better luck as a walk-in.

Few things in life are as certain as death, taxes and throngs of people at Big Star on a warm day. Sixteen years after opening, One Off Hospitality’s beloved Wicker Park joint still draws crowds for its lively patio, killer tacos and signature margaritas. Come summertime, it’s a quintessential Chicago dining experience.  The vibe: Casual and energetic. Big Star knows how to make every visit feel like a party, and you’ll want to bring a group for an afternoon on the patio. The food: The al pastor and fish tacos are reliable favorites, but don't overlook the vegetarian-friendly papas con rajas or the walking taco. The latter comes served in a bag of Fritos with pinto bean dip, crema, Cholula hot sauce and queso Chihuahua. The smash burger is also a sleeper hit worth ordering. The drinks: Go with the flow and order a pitcher of margarita. Beyond that, the menu features agave-based cocktails like an Oaxacan Old Fashioned and a mezcal Negroni, plus a selection of Mexican and craft beers. The whiskey list is extensive, with rare options for enthusiasts. Time Out tip: Don’t want to wait in line? Grab your order from the to-go window and enjoy your food across the street at Wicker Park

Lettuce Entertain You's ultra-popular spot below RPM Seafood serves lunch and dinner, with a menu centered around hand-stretched pizzas, artisanal pastas and grilled seafood. There's always someone celebrating a birthday, out-of-towners looking for a bite along the water and workers from nearby office buildings meeting for a power lunch or after-work drinks. The vibe: A lively riverfront restaurant with one of the best outdoor dining patios in the city. The service is good, the food is average and the views are unbeatable. The food: You can't go wrong with the cult-favorite charred pepperoni pizza and rigatoni vodka pasta for the table. The Caesar salad and crispy Parmesan fries are also standouts. The drinks: The drink menu always features a selection of quirky cocktails, like River North With A View (vodka, raspberry and Pimm's liqueur) and multiple variations of a spritz. If you're here with a group, you might want to opt for the Portofino Purse, a cocktail of your choice served in a glass handbag (yes, really).  Time Out tip: The whole point of coming here (usually) is to sit on the patio, so be sure to make a reservation in advance to secure one of the most coveted waterfront tables in Chicago.