Best Fine Dining in Bucktown

"Chicago’s only three Michelin star restaurant, Alinea has been around almost 15 years and still books up months in advance. The brainchild of acclaimed chef Grant Achatz who became one of the best chefs in the world despite battling tongue cancer, that’s just one of their impressive feats. It was the first restaurant to pioneer the concept of prepaid ticketed reservations, pricing meals on a sliding scale based on date and time (Friday at 7 p.m. would be more expensive than Tuesday at 5 p.m.) in order to show that dining is an experience akin to the theatre."

"The cuisine is a lesson in mastery, but also a blend of modern science and practical magic. Air-filled balloons are edible, senses of taste, touch, smell are tested, mental and emotional boundaries are pushed. The menu, an ever-shifting chameleon, is a reflection of the wizards in the kitchen, led by chef Grant Achatz himself—no two meals are ever alike."

"Chicago's only three-star restaurant continues to reign supreme in the city. It's easier to compare Chef Grant Achatz's dishes to art than it is to describe them simply as food. Alinea is open for reservations as well as take-home meals."

"This swanky outdoor dining spot is in the heart of the Magnificent Mile. Located in the five-star Peninsula Chicago hotel near attractions like the John Hancock building, this Cantonese dim sum restaurant has been voted the no. 1 Chinese restaurant in Chicago by Zagat Survey and boasts some of the best skyline views. OpenTable reviewers love the expanded outdoor rooftop dining area, while TripAdvisor diners highly recommend the Peking duck and craft cocktails."

"Head to Shanghai Terrace, Chicago's best spot for Chinese food in the heart of downtown. The atmosphere at Shanghai Terrace is fun and festive, ..."

"With two Michelin stars to its name, Oriole can rightly claim to be one of the finest dining establishments in the US. But you would be forgiven for not knowing that as you approach its unassuming location down an alley-like street in Chicago’s West Loop. Go inside, however, and you are introduced to a world of wonder by Executive Chef and Owner Noah Sandoval."

"Source: Photo by Flickr user Lou Stejskal used under CC BY 2.0. Relish in that luxurious feel while dining in this amazing restaurant. With simple looking but classy furnishing, the Oriole restaurant gives off a luxurious and welcoming aura."

"Next is one of several Chicago restaurants belonging to the famed Alinea group and, as the name suggests, is constantly developing a new and exciting concept. Its mission from the outset has been to explore the world of cuisine whether that be ancient Rome or classic French cooking. Every four months, Next throws out its prix fixe menu and introduces something completely new."

"If you want to feel like you’ve secured tickets for the last rocket ship leaving Earth, consider making a reservation at Next. This place is owned by the Alinea folks, but unlike Alinea, Next has three different themed tasting meals every year (e.g. Ancient Rome, Hollywood, and Alinea 2005-2010, because why not). Tickets tend to sell out as soon as they’re released."

"GAYOT presents the Wine of the Week, featuring tasting notes as well as history on the vineyards and winemaker. For those that love chocolate and whiskey, this is a match made in heaven.Read GAYOT's review. © Copyright © 1996-2021 GAYOT All Rights Reserved GAYOT (pronounced guy-OH)   The Guide To The Good Life - All Rights Reserved - Terms of Use - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy"

"Be fast to sample some of the amazing signatures dished prepared by a highly skilled gourmet chef. Select one of the sophisticated meals from the food menu and don’t forget to check out the amazing beverage menu filled with thirst-quenching drinks and wine collection selected from the best boutique wine, the perfect food accompaniment. Reserve a table and come and experience the true meaning of fine dining."

"McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks is located in the Loop on Wacker Drive within minutes of the Oriental Theater, the Chicago Theater, shopping, Millennium Park and some of the best hotels in Chicago. The restaurant offers some of the best seafood in the city featuring fresh seafood and shellfish, aged steaks, and garden-fresh salads. The menu features standard steak and seafood fare along with signature seafood items, a wide variety of classic drinks, trendy cocktails, wines, and beers."

"Restaurants Italian Streeterville. Nestled on the corner of Michigan Avenue and Oak Street, this Michelin-starred Italian restaurant is best known for its impeccable wine list and next-level dishes. But no one's complaining about the dining room's epic views either."

"This museum and memorial tells the story of Khmer Rouge and the Killing Field through multimedia displays, archives, narratives, and a collection of monumental and authentic artifacts. Guided tours are available so you can learn more about what happened during the Cambodian Civil War. Hours are subject to change, so they advise that you call prior to visiting (773-878-7090)."

"The Arts Club of Chicago is an art museum with public exhibitions and private tours. The club's first floors are open to the public at no admission cost; private tours of the permanent collection can be arranged. The Arts Club, which opened in 1916, was home to the first United States showing of Pablo Picasso's work."

"Weekly Gospel Brunch at Norman’s Bistro is a lively and fun Sunday brunch buffet. Weekly Gospel Brunch includes warm sweet potato pancakes, tasty barbecue spare ribs, extraordinary fried chicken, fresh house-made pastries, a fully loaded omelet station, a great carving station, and non-alcoholic beverages. Weekly Gospel Brunch offers the added pleasure of live music."

"Osito’s Tap is an outgrowth of Moreno’s Liquors, a family-owned store in Little Village. The bar offers a deep beer list with plenty of rare releases to satisfy craft fans, and the cocktails push the envelope using techniques and ingredients that prove that mixologists at upscale downtown bars aren’t the only ones who can’t enjoy a fancy drinks."

"You’ve probably done your research about the best restaurants in Chicago and stumbled upon Au Cheval in your findings. Au Cheval has been acclaimed as one of the best burgers in the world by the press for years, but its sister spin-off location is giving it a run for its money (while saving your dollars and patience). Small Cheval offers their version of the single two-patty cheeseburger for $9.95."

"It’s a casual joint is one of the best cheap eats in Chicago that serves up the best all-American fast food. They’re especially famous for their cheeseburgers and fries. Although, they also have great drink options."

"The newest entry to the Chicago rooftop patio market, One Off Hospitality’s bar avec is located on the eighth floor up above the street-level avec River North (and Clark Street!), and heavy on the gorgeous greenery, courtesy of the talented Heather Shouse. They are serving up drinks and nibbles inspired by the seaside bars and restaurants of the Iberian peninsula, and with a culinary dream team led by Paul Kahan, Perry Hendrix, and Ross Henke, you know the food will be spectacular. Grab one of mixologist Kate Smith’s enormous G & T’s and get down to some serious summer sipping."

"One Off Hospitality fans who understand the cult following behind Avec, the West Loop’s quaint, small plates staple, understand why its second location—a River North rooftop, no less—is a big deal. Nearly two decades since that opening, the nine-time James Beard Award-winning restaurant group debuts this 8th floor haven, where the team showcases the same dedication to service and to the seaside flavors of Spain and Portugal. Replete with communal picnic tables, ample flora, and striking skyline views, consider it Avec l’original’s big-kid sister."

"One Off Hospitality has opened a bar-centric version of Avec above the Mediterranean stalwart’s second outpost in River North. The new rooftop destination, which replaces the Laurel Room, is inspired by the laid-back seaside cafes found along the Iberian coast. Hang out and soak in the beautiful views and good vibes while savoring Spanish- and Portuguese–inspired bites."