Best Restaurants, Must Try Places in South Loop

"Grant Achatz and Nick Kokonas’s three-Michelin-starred avant garde fine dining institution is one of the world’s best restaurants. During the pandemic, the restaurant’s elegant dining room has morphed to a control center for pickup orders. The menu changes from beef Wellington, to sushi, to more avant-garde options."

"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."

"West LoopWhen this West Loop pioneer opened back in 2003, the elegant yet approachable eatery quickly made a name for itself thanks to sleek communal tables, a forward-thinking wine list, and, most importantly, the juiciest medjool date dish the Midwest had ever encountered. Plump dates undergo the full hog treatment here, plied with spiced chorizo sausage before being wrapped in a thick slab of bacon, fired until crisp and crackling, and doused in a warm piquillo pepper tomato sauce that practically demands a hunk of good, freshly baked bread. Don’t think, just order.How to book: Reserve via Tock or order take-out and delivery via DoorDash, GrubHub, and Caviar."

"Wicker ParkScratch-made classics served in a hip and relaxed West Side spaceAnother Chicago favorite, Handlebar has been serving scratch-made vegan and vegetarian comfort foods since 2003. The all-day cafe is a hipster hangout for enjoying fried pickles with vegan ranch or the Nashville Hot Fried “Chicken” sandwich topped with hen of the woods mushrooms, b&b pickles, slaw, hot sauce, and ranch. Stop by in the evening for fried avocado tacos or a sambal tofu bowl."

"Most dishes at Handlebar can be vegan upon request|© Handlebar. Veg lovers flock to this Wicker Park hipster haven for comfort food with a vegetarian twist. Most guests come for the fried avocado tacos, jammed with cabbage slaw, tomatoes, refried beans and house-made ranch, but there’s a bevy of other vegetarian dishes, too, such as a pepita scramble flanked by sweet potatoes, veggie chili mac and cheese, and biscuits and gravy slathered in seitan sausage gravy."

"Handlebar gives made-from-scratch vegetarian and vegan soothe food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week. They are a small, relaxed locality restaurant with a full-service bar and beer garden. They brew fair-trade coffee, recycle, serve all organic eggs, and source produce from local farms."

"The Robey’s 6th-floor lounge is a ways away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. Located in humble Wicker Park, Cabana Club gives you a look at metro Chicago in its entirety from a distance, letting you soak in the neighborhood peace while viewing that gorgeous architecture boundlessly. At UrbanMatter, U Matter."

"This seasonal rooftop lounge and bar is the place to be for all things stout drinks and good times. Located on the 6th floor of The Robey, you’ll be met with an amazing 180-degree panorama of the skyline. Highlights include the John Hancock building as well as several of the local churches."

"Sitting on top of Wicker Park’s Robey Hotel, the Cabana Club is a swanky rooftop bar/restaurant with a mini dipping pool. The cool thing about this rooftop of course are the views. But that’s because there simply aren’t too many views from this vantage point in Wicker Park."

"You’ll find them in Streeterville, Printer’s Row and Edgewater. I love the outdoor seating at their Streeterville location. It’s the perfect place to go for Happy Hour after shopping at Water Tower Place."

"With several locations across the city, Golden Nugget has been a Chicago staple for more than 50 years. There’s something for everyone as the expansive menu has buttercream waffles, crepes, fried steak, liver and onions, “Flavors of Italy” and “South of the Border” dishes, and daily specials."

"A family-owned Mexican spot in Archer Heights that's the G.O.A.T. when it comes to goat meat. Why we love it: Thick handmade tortillas, salsas made to order, bright-pink agua fresca—you can get all of that to go. Their only purpose, however, is to accompany the restaurant’s signature platters of chopped goat meat."

"Head to the Southwest Side near Midway International Airport for goat that isn’t labeled as the latest food trend. There’s a simple menu packed with deep flavors here. The handmade tortillas and accouterments represents a signature Chicago meal at this family-run restaurant."

"I was a bit skeptical of this place because I hadn't heard of egg-heavy Indian food. But the curries and other dishes are quite delicious and great ..."

"The Chicago born and based chain is a smart choice for a snappy Chicago style hot dog, a spiced-just-right Italian beef or combo, better than decent char burgers and really good shakes, malts and chocolate cake. Service is fast, staff gets your order right, prices are low and everything is authentically flavored. Even dieters can find a tasty option at Portillo's - char-broiled chicken or grilled tuna sandwiches and big salads."

"When people move who have moved away from Chicago come home, a stop at Portillo's is one of the first thing they do. The hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches here are among Chicago's best, plus the service is fast and the prices are low. Recommended for Family Friendly because: This is one of the best places in the city to get Chicago's famous hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches."

"As you may know, Chicago is home to several signature foods which is why the city is so popular for their Chicago Food Tours!. Perhaps the most popular iconic Chicago food is the Chicago hot dog – a must ‘eat’ for both kids and adults!. One of the most ki- friendly restaurants in downtown Chicago where you can get a classic Chicago-style hot dog is Portillo’s."

"Located in the Lincoln Park itself, the North Pond Nature Sanctuary is yet another one of the animal exhibits that is loved and adored not just by the locals but by the tourists alike. It is believed that the same is around 130-year-old pond nature sanctuary, which in itself is an amazing thing to witness. It is located in the N Lincoln Park W, Chicago, IL 60614, USA and opens when the Lincoln Park Zoo opens as well."

"Located in the Chicago Lawn neighborhood on the southwest side of Chicago, Marquette Park is the largest park on the southwest side totaling 323 acres. In addition to two gymnasiums, an auditorium, woodshop, Martin Luther King, Jr. kiosk and multi-purpose rooms, it's also home to one of the most affordable 9-hole golf courses in the city. Residents and visitors alike can enjoy a community garden, rose garden, prairie and 500 newly planted trees."

"Chicago Lawn is home to this huge 323-acre park, featuring two gymnasiums, an auditorium, four sports fields, a nine-hole golf course, fishing area, running paths, and a community garden. Don’t miss seeing the rose garden, prairie, and lagoon. A Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. sculpture and an Art Deco Darius and Girenas Memorial are worth viewing as well."

"Lincoln Park Conservatory has been a beautiful getaway since the 1890s. Inside, you’ll find tropical palms, ancient ferns, and plenty of other exotic plants."