Best Fast Food Restaurants in Chicago

We've collected top 10 mentioned fast food restaurants in Chicago from other articles such as Eater Chicago, PureWow, TAM & TEA - The Best Tea Magazine.

Best Fast Food Restaurants in Chicago

Portillo's Hot Dogs
Portillo's Hot Dogs
4.3 (8549 ratings)
Chicago-born chain for hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches & more, plus beer & wine, in retro digs.
520 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
Fast food restaurantHot dog restaurantHot dog stand
Mentioned by Bacon is Magic - The Best Food Around the World
21 Cheap Eats in Chicago - A Budget Guide to Eating in the Windy CIty
"In fact, they’ve become so popular that they now have locations all across the US. Although their roots are still strongly rooted in the Windy City, they serve up authentic Chicago style flavors. Most notably, the Italian beef sandwich and the Maxwell Street Polish."
Jim's Original
Jim's Original
4.5 (5507 ratings)
Old-school 24/7 hotdog stand (started in 1939) boasting the original Maxwell Street Polish sausage.
1250 S Union Ave, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
Sandwich shopFast food restaurantHamburger restaurantHot dog standRestaurant
Mentioned by Eater Chicago
25 Classic Chicago Restaurants to Try
"Much of Chicago’s street food history is offered at Jim's Original, the 24-hour self-proclaimed home of the city's "original" Polish sausage (1941). Because it moved in 1994 after the relocation of the outdoor street market, Jim's Original touts itself as the longest continuously-operating hot dog stand to have once done business on Maxwell Street. The Polish and hot dogs are can't-miss, but the pork chop sandwich is also a Chicago essential."
Kung Fu Tea
Kung Fu Tea
4.4 (958 ratings)
Bubble tea specialist with a selection of other hot & cold drinks, including coffee & slushes.
2126B S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616, USA
Bubble tea storeBeverage distributorCafeChicken wings restaurantFast food restaurant
Mentioned by Spoon University
Where to Find the Best Bubble Tea in Chicago
"Kung Fu Tea is another New York classic that is spreading all across the US, and thankfully, to Chicago’s Chinatown. Kung Fu Tea has authentic Taiwanese bubble tea are dedicated to making their teas with the finest ingredients. They have a great selection of milk teas, fruit teas, and even Kung Fu Coffee."
Mentioned by TAM & TEA - The Best Tea Magazine
The 15 Best Bubble Tea Shops You Shouldn't Miss in Chicago
"Kung Fu Tea has an impressive range of bubble tea flavors to choose from. Their tapioca pearls are cooked to perfection and give the bubble tea a perfect texture. The boba is soft, not too sweet and has a good consistency."
Mentioned by Talk Boba
Best Boba Places in Chicago
"Located in the Chinatown district of Chicago, you’ll find a few boba or bubble tea places. One of them being Kung Fu Tea. We’re sure you’re familiar with this spot already though."
Johnnie's Beef
Johnnie's Beef
4.7 (3645 ratings)
Tiny, no-frills, cash-only hot dog stand serving sausage & beef plus Italian ice, fries & shakes.
7500 W North Ave, Elmwood Park, IL 60707, USA
Fast food restaurantSandwich shop
Mentioned by Eater Chicago
38 Standout Dining Destinations in Chicago
"The best example of Chicago’s iconic Italian beef sandwiches exists outside of the city at the two suburban locations of Johnnie’s Beef. The space is a throwback; the original fast-food spot opened in 1961 in Elmwood Park and a second has since opened in Arlington Heights. The menu is simple: beefs (the monosyllabic term locals call Italian beef sandwiches), charcoal-grilled Italian sausages, and hot dogs."
Mentioned by Culture Trip
The 10 Best Cheap Eats in Chicago
"At Johnnie’s Beef, people itching to try the Italian beef sandwich wait in lines out the door. Tender slices of beef are crowded into a soft roll, along with sweet or hot peppers, before it’s showered with its own juices. It’s hefty, meaty and juicy – all for $5."
The Hot Dog Box
The Hot Dog Box
332 E 51st St, Chicago, IL 60615, USA
Fast food restaurant
Mentioned by Time Out Chicago
The 22 best new restaurants in Chicago right now
"Restaurants Hot dogs Grand Boulevard. Founded by local musician Bobby Morelli and his daughter Brooklyn, the Hot Dog Box operates out of a shipping container in the Boxville Marketplace, located right off the Green Line in Bronzeville. Following in the footsteps of creative encased meats purveyors like Hot Doug's and Chicago's Dog House, the father-and-daughter duo is known for it's speciality sausages, such as a filet mignon steak dog covered in bourbon BBQ sauce and a pickle mignon steak paired with truffle peanut butter sauce."
Mentioned by PureWow
The 15 Best New Restaurants in Chicago You May Have Missed
"You’re probably ready for a hot dog, but are you also ready for an adorable story to go with it?. The Hot Dog Box was co-founded by Bobby Morelli and his nine-year-old daughter, Brooklyn. And just like this isn’t any old restaurateur team, this isn’t any old hot dog stand, either: You’re in for a gourmet sausage experience, such as the Bronzeville Bourbon Steak Dog, whose filet mignon frank is topped with veggies, bacon, bourbon barbeque sauce and sport peppers."
Mentioned by Eater Chicago
The Hottest New Restaurants in Chicago, June 2021
"The Hot Dog Box owes much to the gourmet slingers of Chicago’s past, including encased meat master Doug Sohn. At the same time, this tiny space in Bronzeville is blazing its own path with tubular creations such as a filet mignon sausage. Bobby Morelli and his 9-year-old daughter have teamed up to breathe some life into the city’s hot dog scene."
G T's Fast Food
G T's Fast Food
4.2 (171 ratings)
Falafel, gyros, burgers & wings, plus some Mexican choices, in a basic strip-mall establishment.
5016 N Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60630, USA
Fast food restaurantRestaurant
Fatso's Last Stand
Fatso's Last Stand
4.4 (1734 ratings)
Char dogs, burgers & fried shrimp served in a no-frills hot dog house with late-night weekend hours.
2258 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, USA
Hot dog restaurantAmerican restaurantFast food restaurantHamburger restaurant
Johnny's Beef & Gyros - Lincoln Park
Johnny's Beef & Gyros - Lincoln Park
4.5 (326 ratings)
Chow such as burgers, gyros & subs with a range of fries including chili cheese & Parmesan truffle.
2300 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
RestaurantFast food restaurantGyro restaurantHamburger restaurantHot dog restaurantHot dog standSalad shop
Mentioned by Bacon is Magic - The Best Food Around the World
21 Cheap Eats in Chicago - A Budget Guide to Eating in the Windy CIty
"They serve Chicago style street food favorites with unique extras. If you are looking to sample Chicago flavors, I recommend the Maxwell Street Polish. The Gyros sandwich is another popular item made with premium meats and homemade creamy tzatziki on warm pita."
BIG & little's Restaurant
BIG & little's Restaurant
4.6 (661 ratings)
Beyond fried fish & burgers, this simple, counter-service spot does po' boys, tacos & gourmet fries.
1310 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, USA
American restaurantFast food restaurantFish & chips restaurantHamburger restaurantDelivery RestaurantTakeout RestaurantPo’ boys restaurantSeafood restaurantTaco restaurant
Mentioned by Food Com
Best Chicago Restaurants from Triple D
"Two chefs used their life savings to start this gourmet fast-food restaurant, with beer-battered burgers, fish tacos and combinations like foie gras with fries. Po' Boys include medium-rare ahi tuna, soft-shell crab and shrimp banh mi, but the fried pork belly with maple mayo is Guy's pick, described as "chicharrones meets pulled pork.". Watch the Video: Fish and Chips"
Mentioned by NerdWallet
Cheap Eats Chicago: 5 Under $5
"BIG & little’s has been on the national radar since Food Network host Guy Fieri featured it on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” Fans come for its fish tacos and soft-shell crab po’ boys. While some items on the menu are a little pricier, quite a bit of the diner’s choices are $5 or less. Pro tip: Try the truffle fries!"
Mentioned by Spoon University
25 Places to Eat in Chicago When You're Totally Broke
"A photo posted by Eater Chicago (@eater_chicago) on Jul 27, 2016 at 9:50am PDT. BIG & little's is Guy Fieri-approved, so you know it's good. Definitely go for one of their po' boy sandwiches (the softshell crab is EPIC) or any of the tacos, most of which range between $3-$5."
Shake Shack
Shake Shack
4.3 (804 ratings)
Hip, counter-serve chain for gourmet takes on fast-food classics like burgers & frozen custard.
185 N Morgan St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
Hamburger restaurantAmerican restaurantFast food restaurantDelivery RestaurantTakeout Restaurant
Mentioned by Time Out Chicago
Kid-friendly restaurants in Chicago
"Restaurants Hamburgers River North. It's easy to please everyone and Shake Shack, especially now that the burger empire has three locations in Chicago. Kids can choose from hamburgers, a crispy chicken sandwich and flat-top dogs, all of which are crafted with premium ingredients."

Best Spas in Chicago

Thee European Spa
Thee European Spa
4.4 (45 ratings)
5927 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60646, USA
Day spaFacial spaMassage therapistNail salonTanning salonWaxing hair removal serviceYoga studio
Savon Spa
Savon Spa
4.2 (72 ratings)
3635 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60613, USA
Day spaFacial spaMassage spaMassage therapistNail salonSports massage therapistThai massage therapistWaxing hair removal service
Waldorf Astoria Chicago
Waldorf Astoria Chicago
4.7 (924 ratings)
Polished rooms in an upscale high-rise hotel offering a refined bistro, a bar & a spa.
11 E Walton St, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
HotelSpaWellnessRelaxationMeeting roomWedding venueCorporate officePersonal servicesExtended stay hotel
Mentioned by Jetsetter
The 6 Most Romantic Hotels in Chicago
"That this 60-story stunner in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood was modeled after a 1920s Parisian grand dame tells you all you need to know about the kind of romance you'll find here. (No wonder so many weddings are booked here year-round.) Talk about an entrance: cars pull up a brick-paved driveway and deposit guests at the entry of the chandelier-lit, velvet-couch-lined white marble lobby. Upstairs, guest rooms are even more glamorous—think pops of platinum and gold, furnished terraces, black granite fireplaces‚ and huge soaking tubs—as is the spa, where you can indulge in a lava-shell massage."
Mentioned by Culture Trip
The Best Spa Retreats in Chicago
"The award-winning Waldorf Astoria Spa and Health Club is one of Chicago’s best. Therapists tailor treatments to your physical and mental needs, with highlights including the lava shell massage and Waldorf cleanse body treatment. There’s also a variety of waxing, nail and men’s services available."
Mentioned by The Telegraph
Hotels
"The posh lobby – with its ornate statues, a crystal chandelier inspired by Coco Chanel's brooch and marble galore – invokes 1920s glamour, while the enormous rooms and suites, complete with fireplaces, offer the comfort of a residence. The restaurant, Margeaux Brasserie, is destination-worthy."

Top Best American Restaurants in Chicago

The Walnut Room
The Walnut Room
4.2 (731 ratings)
A longtime Macy's staple with wood paneling & chandeliers, where the American fare features pot pie.
111 N State St, Chicago, IL 60602, USA
American restaurantRestaurant
Mentioned by Choose Chicago
Famous Iconic Chicago Restaurants
"Step back in time at The Walnut Room, nestled on the 7th floor of Macy’s on State Street. It’s one of the city’s longest-running restaurants, and the first to ever open inside a department store. The space is covered in ornate touches, like wood paneling imported from Russia and glittering Austrian chandeliers."
Mentioned by Eater Chicago
25 Classic Chicago Restaurants to Try
"Before Crate & Barrel and Lululemon, Marshall Field’s had the Walnut Room inside its State Street flagship store. Despite being taken over by Macy’s, the space is gorgeous and particularly popular during Christmas time. One of the oldest restaurants in America, the chicken pot pie is a classic dish."
Mentioned by OpenTable
The Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Chicago
"Located on the 7th floor of Macy’s on State Street in Chicago, the world-famous Walnut Room has served customers since 1907. It’s the first-ever restaurant to open in a department ..."
Boka
Boka
4.7 (1055 ratings)
Creative American cuisine in a stylish, modern setting with a lounge & candelit back garden patio.
1729 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
American restaurantRestaurant
Mentioned by Elite Traveler
The 11 Best Restaurants in Chicago
"Located in the heart of Lincoln Park, Boka Restaurant has become a part of Chicago’s fine dining furniture over the past 15 years. Chef Lee Wolen has been delivering seasonal American cuisine in a contemporary space designed by the renowned Simeone Deary. It was the first site of the Boka Restaurant Group and now stands as its flagship."
Mentioned by Fodor’s Travel
Top Restaurants in Chicago
"If you're doing Steppenwolf pretheater dinner on North Halsted Street, this upscale spot gets the foodie stamp of approval, especially with...Read More"
Cafe Robey
Cafe Robey
4.6 (367 ratings)
Cafe at The Robey hotel offering American fare for brunch & dinner, plus a cocktail lounge upstairs.
1600 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, USA
American restaurantBarBistroBreakfast restaurantBrunch restaurant

Best Family Restaurants in Chicago

Eleven City Diner
Eleven City Diner
4.6 (3374 ratings)
Jewish deli standards & classic American fare in a casual diner setting with a soda fountain.
1112 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
DinerAmerican restaurantBarBreakfast restaurantBrunch restaurantDeliFamily restaurant
Mentioned by UrbanMatter
7 Best Diners Keeping Things Old-Fashioned in Chicago
"Inspired by the nostalgia of trekking across the States and stopping into roadside diners full of charm along the way, Eleven City has that classic, old-school atmosphere you want to go with your burger and milkshake. Here, breakfast is served all day, including a make-your-own omelet bar, but don’t you dare sleep on their loaded mac-and-cheese either. Needless to say, Eleven City Diner has it all and more."
Mentioned by Time Out Chicago
The 18 best diners in Chicago
"Restaurants Diners Loop. Owner Brad Rubin scoured the country to research this Jewish deli/diner. His pastrami is tender, fatty and full of flavor; the milkshakes are thick and oversized; matzo balls are enormous; and the brisket is good enough that any grandmother would want to claim it, Jewish or not."
Old Country Buffet
Old Country Buffet
2.4 (34 ratings)
Chain buffet restaurant offering a vast variety of American dishes along with desserts.
6125 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60659, USA
Buffet restaurantAmerican restaurantBreakfast restaurantFamily restaurantRestaurant
IHOP
IHOP
4.1 (1720 ratings)
Long-standing chain serving a wide variety of pancakes & other American breakfast & diner fare.
2818 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, USA
RestaurantAmerican restaurantBreakfast restaurantFamily restaurant

Vacation Rentals, Airbnb, Hotels & Cabins near Chicago

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