Best Dinner Places to Eat in Cook County

"Since opening in 2005, the Lincoln Park restaurant has distinguished itself as a premier dining destination. Winning the coveted three stars from Michelin, Alinea is only one of 14 U.S. restaurants to earn this ranking. But the awards don’t stop there."

"The 21st century pandemic has caused too many restaurants to put up the padlocks, however, some have managed to successfully shift to delivery and take-out exclusively. One of note is the trailblazing Mediterranean restaurant, avec, offering take-out for the first time from classic small dishes such as bacon-wrapped Medjool dates and potato and salted cod brandade with garlic bread and chives to their bestselling "around the world" wine dinners..."

"Located in Chicago’s West Loop, Fulton Market Kitchen menu is rustic with a touch of artistry. The foie mousse is served in a mandarin orange jelly mold in the shape of a mandarin with toasted sourdough. It’s a great place to hang out and enjoy cocktails and food while taking in all the local art in this cool warehouse space."

"Pull up a chair at one of the lakeside bars for a Bloody Mary with sweeping views over Lake Michigan. Take a ride on the giant Ferris wheel to see the towering skyscrapers all around. Or do as the locals do: rent a bike and pedal around the lakeshore, looking for the perfect beach to sink your toes into the sand."

"The striking English Gothic clock tower that sits along the lakefront at Waveland is home to the Clock Tower Café. The casual spot is popular with those playing on the nearby tennis courts and golf course, but all are welcome to enjoy cold drinks and a casual menu. Choose from burgers, salads, sandwiches, and hot dogs, plus your choice of seating on two different patios."

"The menu features comforting dishes like smothered shrimp and rice, jerk chicken tips, and oxtail and grits, but for those with a sweet tooth there’s also a cereal bar stocked with dozens of sugary treats."

"When Chicago Cubs coach Joe Maddon and acclaimed chef Tony Mantuano pair up to open a restaurant, people pay attention. The resulting Maddon’s Post is family-friendly, with childhood classics showing both Polish and Italian influences, as well as plenty of the pasta that Mantuano is known for. Kids will love the paczkis in flavors like peanut butter-banana or strawberry jam."

"The Albacore Tuna Melt is, without a doubt, a one-of-a-kind at the Franklin Room and it should be in your belly right now."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Tammy Green used under CC BY-SA 2.0. Photo is only for illustrative purposes. Located next door to historic Wrigley Field, Budweiser Brickhouse Tavern is a multi-level space that features two outdoor terraces, affording stunning views of the ballpark and the Chicago skyline."

"Magnificent MileTreat this must-see for sports fans very seriously Chicago is known as a great place for professional sports, from the legendary Jordan Bulls to the lovable losers who are even more lovable when they win the World Series. The Chicago Sports Museum is a must-see for any sports fan, featuring fun challenges and simulations like testing your leap against Michael Jordan’s or your grip against Kyle Long’s. The museum also features a forensics section where you can examine things like the evolution of a baseball’s construction over time."

"Located in Chicago's Water Tower Place, the Chicago Sports Museum celebrates the local Chicago sports scene. The museum opened in 2014 and features sports memorabilia from the Chicago Bulls, Bears, Blackhawks, Cubs, and White Sox, including game-worn or used items like Addison Russell’s Game 6 Grand Slam Ball from the 2016 World Series. The museum is also interactive and has several skill challenges for guests to participate in."

"Guests of the adjacent Harry Caray's 7th Inning Stretch receive free admission with a minimum purchase ($10 adults, $8 students, $6 children and seniors)."

"Restaurants American Wicker Park. This butcher shop-restaurant-performance venue isn't just for hip concerts and events—it's fun for the whole family, too. Little ones eat free Monday through Friday from 4 to 6pm from the kids menu."

"One of the city’s most unique restaurants, Chop Shop occupies a 100-year-old former auto body shop in the heart of Wicker Park. It features encased meats, craft beers, cocktails, a..."

"Funkenhausen is a unique Chicago eatery that opened in 2018 in the city's West Town district, housed within a restored 1920s-era building that once housed a warehouse and gymnasium. The restaurant is helmed by executive chef Mark Steuer, who draws upon his German heritage and upbringing in South Carolina to create unique fusion fare offerings at brunch and dinner. A charming bier hall atmosphere was designed by Daniel Boyd, featuring high arched ceilings, playful brass light fixtures, and unique decor elements like cuckoo clocks and vintage travel posters."

"It may sound like a strange twist to combine “German heritage” with “Southern hospitality”, but Chef Mark Steuer makes it work in the most fabulous way. At this modern beer hall you’ll find German classics like Weisswurst and Sturgeon Pastrami, along with a “whole mess of chicken” under the menu’s “big as funk” category. Enjoy dining in this restored 1920s warehouse featuring cuckoo clocks vintage signage and the restaurant’s wild boar mascot, Ernest “Hamingway”."

"With a bridge spanning the city streets of downtown Chicago, The Shops at North Bridge has unique architecture for a shopping mall. A grand escalator takes shoppers to any of three floors, but the stores aren’t limited to the enclosed mall. The retail complex covers a total of seven blocks and includes Italian superstore Eataly."

"This mall on Michigan Avenue is all about fun, fashion, food and family. The Shops at North Bridge is a four-level shopping centre. It is home to over 50 world-class retailers: fashion stores, cosmetics, toy stores, electronics for tech-savvy visitors, and more."

"Source: Photo by Flickr user Patrick Hoesly used under CC BY 2.0. Photo is only for illustrative purposes. Addison is a smaller, cosy mall (fewer than 30 stores), located in the Avondale neighbourhood."

"Looking for brand shops for clothing, sporting goods, home supplies and more, under one roof?. Head to The Maxwell. It is smaller (around 10 stores) but complex."