Best Restaurants, Must Try Places in Elmwood Park

"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."

"This is one of the most famous restaurants in the world, and its tasting menus can cost anywhere between $200 and $400 per person. So you definitely need to plan ahead if you want to come here. Your meal won’t just be expensive - it’s also guaranteed to be pretty dramatic (expect lots of theatrics, like edible balloons and fog machines)."

"Believe the hype and secure tickets—yes, tickets—well in advance. Chicago's most exciting restaurant demands an adventurous spirit and a serious...Read More"

"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."

"For those of you who prefer fine dining, this is more of an upscale restaurant experience. Blackbird is a restaurant where you’ll find fantastic mid-western food showcasing farm-to-table ingredients. They offer great choices for meat eaters and vegetarians alike."

"The same team from Parson’s Chicken and Fish is behind this Logan Square hangout, which means fans can expect three things: hip clientele, crowd-pleasing food, and an epic patio scene. Tunes ranging from classic rock to bluegrass welcome diners, who are quickly encouraged to kick back with a menu from chef Sal Moreno and drinks from bar manager Lillie Frankowski. Once orders are placed, take it all in: tacos, tequila, and dreamy-desert-vibes that beckon a southwest road trip."

"Open, airy and lush both inside and out, the Lonesome Rose rooftop terrace might not be the highest or most panoramic in town, but with a charming and relaxing atmosphere, it is well worth a sunny visit anyway. Up here you can enjoy a menu filled with Mexican goodies, from empanadas and vegan nachos, to tacos, bowls and burritos. Served as lunch and dinner, and Friday to Sunday also as brunch."

"With luxe Italian fare and gorgeous, panoramic views of Lake Michigan, Spiaggia has everything you need for a romantic evening. Featuring a Michelin star, the menu of Spiaggia lives up to its reputation — with dishes such as white truffle gnocchi, Spiaggia takes pride in delivering a sumptuous fine dining experience. Whether you love expressive wines, classic cocktails or excellent iced coffees, the beverages of Spiaggia alone are worth the trip."

"With sweeping views of Lake Michigan, the iconic Spiaggia is a Chicago icon. Barack and Michelle Obama previously enjoyed a date night here, so it really must be one of the most romantic restaurants in Chicago. It’s over the top, yet still manages to retain a beautiful elegance in the atmosphere and menu."

"Lem’s has been around since 1951, and is probably the barbecue restaurant your uncle who has visited here exactly once knows about. History aside, this iconic spot in Chatham makes some of our favorite barbecue in the city. The ribs are aquarium-smoked (a method unique to the South Side of Chicago) and the sweet, vinegary mild sauce (also unique to Chicago’s South Side) is a perfect counterpart to the fatty meat."

"Many Chicago food enthusiasts exalt Lem's rib tips as the best barbecue in town, and its longevity — opened in 1951 — only supports that claim. The meats are cooked in an aquarium smoker and topped with a thick, tomato-based sauce. Folks who don’t know Lem’s are missing out on true Chicago-style barbecue."

"Chicago’s legendary aquarium-style smokers are on display at Lem’s, underneath a giant lighted sign off 75th Street. This small shack specializes in sauced baby-back ribs and giant hot links. This is also the places to introduce newbies to rib tips."

"Last year I fell in love with Italianette, which sadly closed when the Fulton Galley food hall shuttered after only seven months. It left a pasta-shaped hole in my heart - one I didn’t realize I’d been trying to fill until I ordered from Flour Power. And while this carryout-only West Town spot isn’t quite the same, the short menu of handmade pastas is all I could ever want when I need a pasta pick-me-up."

"Chicago is where the world first heard house music, and that legacy lives on in venues like Smart Bar. The world’s best DJs choose to come and play here. And it’s no wonder why when you hear the Funktion One sound system - the sound quality has got to be heard to be believed."

"Say hello to Chicago’s independent nightclub, featuring the sickest DJs spinning techno dance music from across the globe. Snag a new sweetheart and sway among the blue, purple, and pink lights. Plus, if you love music, there are a ton of upcoming shows in July."

"Smartbar has talented DJs that spin techno dance music to make the place hip and lively. It has been in the nightclub business for more than 35 years. The club features varied entertainment in the dance music world."

"Emperor's Choice is the premier restaurant for your takeout needs. They have classic favorites like General Tso's Chicken as well as more unique menu items like marinated jellyfish."

"Hunkered down across from Grant Park, this 110,000-ton granite-and-limestone behemoth was an instant star when it debuted in 1899, and…"

"Among the 26 different gardens here are the three-island Malott Japanese Garden, the 5-acre Evening Island, and the Grunsfeld Children's…"