Best Restaurants, Must Try Places in Crestwood

"Alinea is Chicago’s only three-star Michelin restaurant, but sister restaurants Next and Roister each have a star of their own (and offer takeout); the Alinea Group is the most decorated restaurant group in the city. Founded in 2005 by Chef Grant Achatz and Tock creator Nick Kokonas, Alinea is more of an immersive flavor experience than a conventional restaurant. Which makes it all the more impressive that they have translated their food-art into a take out format."

"Restaurants Contemporary American Lincoln Park. Culinary mastermind Grant Achatz uses his three-Michelin-star restaurant in Lincoln Park as a stage. Sit back and enjoy the show, a well-orchestrated ride that plays with textures, temperatures and notions of “normal” cuisine, while somehow remaining grounded in season, flavor and flawless execution."

"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..."

"West LoopThis long-revered Mediterranean-influenced fixture from One Off Hospitality has held it down as one of the area’s go-to date night spots since opening its minimalist doors back in 2003, well before many of us could even define romance. And not much has changed -- the wine list is still spectacular, the chorizo-stuffed medjool dates are still iconic, and a reservation for the intimate front patio is still highly coveted."

"West LoopWhile the pandemic has undoubtedly left its ugly mark on traditional fine dining, Alinea Group mastermind chef Grant Achatz has kept his penchant for executing feats of molecular gastronomy brilliance alive and well over at this long running West Loop cocktail bar-slash-innovation hub. Snag a reservation and settle in for a la carte creations or an intricate three-course tour of top shelf tipples engineered to tickle the imagination alongside a host of creative bar bites. (Batched and bottled to-go options are also available.)How to book: Reserve and order take-out via Tock."

"Located in the Fulton Market, no doubt, Aviary is also one of the swankiest bars of the Chicago that will further add value to your overall cocktailing experience of the Chicago. When Grant Achatz organizes a cocktail bar, it goes without saying that it wouldn’t be an ordinary. cocktail bar which can be found at every other corner of the Chicago."

"Home to some of the best and most imaginative cocktails in the world, The Aviary is more than your regular bar or lounge, it's an experience in drinking that delivers unique beverages through interactive means. From elaborate containers, sensory experi...[Learn more]"

"The city’s most prominent Jewish deli is coming up on its 80th birthday but little about the experience has changed. Stroll in during lunch hours for massive corned beef sandwiches, potato pancakes, knishes, matzo ball soup, and more. Cafeteria-style service keeps things moving along quickly — a big plus for diners short on time."

"Manny's Cafeteria and Deli is the epitome of a Chicago classic, serving outstanding corned beef sandwiches, pastrami, hot entrees, breakfast, and other Jewish deli favorites to an eclectic crowd. It’s not unusual to find local politicians eating here. View this post on Instagram"

"The Maxwell Street Market ain’t what, or where, it used to be, but Manny’s still has potato pancakes, Reubens, and diner faves galore.B, L & D Mon–Sat. Free parking (free valet at lunch), wheelchair accessible, child friendly."

"We’re positive that we’re not the only ones who have missed Claudio and his tamales. What was the perfect way to end a night, will now become a great way to treat ourselves for breakfast, lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Place your order for pickup here."

"He appears late at night in some of the darkest corners of the city. His name is mentioned in hushed, reverential tones amongst Chicago residents. Many have tried to follow his footsteps, but most have failed."

"Owners Andy and Gina Kalish have created indulgent, crave-worthy fare without the use of meat at their plant-based diner. The popular Clucker Crisps are comprised of a garbanzo bean and gluten seitan mixture and seasoned with garlic, onion, and paprika. They’re available as a basket or in a sandwich."

"Given “a 100% animal-free zone” being listed, Uptown’s Kal’ish (which opened in 2017) is proud to be serving up flavorful and satisfying vegan foods. We make mouthwatering burgers, deli sandwiches, Mexican fare, ice cream, and pastries. Delicacies that you will love."

"Kal’ish is a restaurant in Uptown of Chicago that offers vegan comfort food such as burgers, pulled pork sandwiches made with jackfruit, and (seitan) chicken and waffles. Overall it’s a reminder that vegan food doesn’t need to be healthy, which is just fine by us."

"After Art Smith lost the lbs., he turned his attention to a casual chain serving food that fit his new, healthy lifestyle. That meant the fried chicken had to go, and was replaced with an un-fried version served alongside roasted Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, and cashew cream sauce that maxes-out at 566 calories."

"While not an exclusively vegetarian restaurant, Lyfe Kitchen's locations promote a healthy lifestyle by placing vegetables above all else in their menu. Try their vegan beet poke or Beyond Burger to see what we mean."

"Founded by savvy foodies Carole Jones and Polly Byrd with the aim of raising awareness of the amazing benefits of eating raw foods, Chicago Raw serves a variety of high quality, fully uncooked, 100% plant-based products, and plates. Delicious dishes include collard burritos, spinach lasagna, fresh ravioli, and sweet potato pancakes, while sweet treats range from a decadent carrot cake packed with apricot, walnuts, fresh carrot, and cinnamon to homemade coconut macaroons with shredded coconut, almonds, and vanilla. Chicago Raw is open from Monday through Saturday for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is closed on Sundays."

"The grab-and-go concept is dedicated to serving only uncooked, 100% plant-based foods, drinks, and desserts. Visit their two locations (one in River North, one in Ogilvie train station) to stock up on their fresh and tasty options, like falafel patties on onion bread, pizza with wheat berry crust and cashew cheese, and zucchini “spaghetti” with seed-based meatballs. Or order a superfood-packed smoothie, made fresh on the spot."

"One thing I learned in this world the most important thing we can do no matter the environment up or down in life the biggest variable we can control is ..."

"A gorgeous brick warehouse with garage doors that open in the summertime, Spiteful Brewing is anything but. In fact, they’re more likely benevolent to their loyal customers, producing a delicious, new beer every season. Communal seating rounds out the welcoming atmosphere that comes with a visit to Spiteful Brewing."

"Logan Square With a hop-heavy lineup of IPAs including double, Belgian, black, and session IPAs, Pipeworks started out in a tiny Chicago space in 2012 which was originally geared towards brewing one-offs for beer nerds in the niche market. Now with a goal of releasing a new beer every week, the hyper prolific brewer is one of the more recognizable yet underappreciated Chicago craft brewers. With plans to open a brewpub in Logan Square in 2019 (where it will face stiff competition), knowing about Pipeworks still feels like being letting in on your cooler big brother’s secret."

"Merrit Lewis and Beejay Oslon didn’t follow the traditional route of attending brewing school before opening up their own brewery in Chicago. Instead, the two friends traveled to Belgium and worked for free at De Struise Brouwers. When the pair returned, they crowdsourced funds and opened Pipeworks Brewing Company in 2012."

"Get in the spring mood with a pint from Pipeworks (the artwork will get your juices creative flowing!). Place your contact-free Pipeworks Brewing Co. pick-up order ahead of time and don’t forget to tip!"

"Grab lunch at a nearby café and browse the shops in The Loop. Make your way over to Millennium Park to see the famous Cloud Gate (a.ka. the bean). It’s usually busy during the day, but you might get lucky by going early in the morning before other tourists arrive."