Shanti Chu

From opulent seafood towers to savory eggplant crêpes, the city’s French restaurant scene is thriving and experiencing a renaissance. Similar to the recent uptick in Italian restaurants throughout the city, French cuisine in Chicago has become more affordable, vegetarian-friendly and innovative than ever. You have cozy, traditional Parisian bistros, swanky wine bars and casual brasseries to choose from as you sip tea, absinthe or a full-bodied and refined Cabernet Sauvignon. While French food is known for its buttery palate, heavy meats and pungent cheeses, the pastries at these bakeries and restaurants will be the perfect sweet night cap to your meal as you ponder de Beauvoir’s existentialism. Check out our list of Chicago’s best French restaurants so you can dive into gooey French onion soup or tap your spoon on some crispy crème brulée. RECOMMENDED: Full list of the best Chicago restaurants

Chicago has an alluring rooftop bar scene and dynamic happy hour options, but what if you want to have happy hour on a rooftop? Whether you’re having a Sunday funday or trying to relax after a stressful day at work, these Chicago rooftop bars have you covered. Some of the best bars in Chicago are whipping up creative cocktails and delicious bites for happy hour atop their gorgeous rooftop spaces, offering everything from pisco sours and frosé specials to incredible deals on appetizers—and best of all, the views are always free. Gaze at the dazzling skyline or retreat to a cozy, intimate space away from the hustle and bustle of Chicago’s busy streets with these rooftop happy hour specials throughout the city. RECOMMENDED: The best rooftop restaurants in Chicago

Tea is more than just a secondary option at the best coffee shops in Chicago—it’s an incredibly versatile beverage that can be served hot, iced, decaf or caffeinated. The best tea in Chicago can serve as a hot antidote to a frigid winter afternoon or as a refreshing break from a humid summer day. Ranging from milky boba tea in Chinatown to loose-leaf herbal tea and chai in Logan Square, you’ll find all sorts of amazing varieties throughout the city. We’ve rounded up some of the best spots for tea in Chicago, including cafes, restaurants and tea houses. 

While Pilsen is home to some of the best Chicago restaurants, it’s also a great place to grab a cocktail or sip a local beer. Once you’ve finished your meal at a Pilsen restaurant, continue your night out or day drink at some of the best bars in Pilsen. Cocktail enthusiasts can enjoy lively libations from virtuoso mixologists while craft beer lovers can find something brewed in the neighborhood. Some of the best bars in Pilsen also feature local DJs spinning house music and New Wave tunes in dimly-lit settings—the ideal accompaniment to a good drink. RECOMMENDED: Discover more things to do in Pilsen, Chicago

Chicago neighborhoods continue to shift and pivot as a consequence of changing demographics and opportunities inspired by these populations. Pilsen is the quintessential Chicago neighborhood enduring shifts and transformations brought on by gentrification, while still holding on to its multifaceted immigrant roots. Venture south of the Loop and you will find yourself in an incredibly rich culinary community, where diners can find authentic fare at the best Mexican restaurants in Chicago, old-school Italian restaurants and British pub grub. There are dishes at every price point in Pilsen, ranging from pricey fine dining to some of the best cheap eats in Chicago. Make your way through the neighborhood’s offerings with our guide to the best restaurants in Pilsen. RECOMMENDED: Discover more of Pilsen, Chicago

Ramen is a quintessential comfort food—just tuck into a bowl served by some of the best restaurants in Chicago on a cold day if you need proof. Hot broth, luscious noodles and a vast array of toppings make this a dish that's appealing to many different palates. While meat- and seafood-based bowls are common among the best ramen shops in Chicago, vegan and vegetarian ramen options have been slow to follow. Recently, ramen spots throughout the city have started offering ramen that plant-based eaters can enjoy, complete with super-flavorful broth. Gone are the days when vegetarian ramen means a bland broth with steamed vegetables thrown in. Enjoy these meat-free bowls when you sample the best vegan and vegetarian ramen in Chicago.

Immerse yourself during an informative tea session embodying “gong fu cha” or “tea with effort” at this Bucktown tea house. Hugo Tea Space takes tea education very seriously, with highly knowledgeable tea tenders who can offer you an individual tea session, a shared session with snacks or a private tasting. For a quicker tea experience, you can order a cup of loose leaf tea imported from sustainable partner farms across Asia. Hugo Tea Space’s extensive tea collection includes an assortment of green, white, oolong, black, matcha and herbal teas.