CHICAGO is a first class culinary destination, where award winning chefs grow their careers to achieve stardom. Though very different establishments, these standout spots share qualities that make them worthy of waiting lists and glimmering gold stars. Whether it is an ever changing menu (based on the season or the theme), or different flavor pairings (Blackbird’s kombucha glazed pork with feta and peanuts), these kitchens owe their ranking to their devotedly committed fanbases. By transforming a simple meal into a memorable experience, these restaurants in Chicago have improved a friendly see-and-be-seen atmosphere. With exclusive waitlists and celebrity clientele, Chicago’s most talked about kitchens prove that a slot on the Food Network isn’t the only path to epicurean greatness.

We Discover some of the Best Restaurants in CHICAGO for you that are Listed Below:

Next

Chicago, U.S

A theatrical atmosphere reigns at Grant Achatz’s Haute moderne, ticket only restaurant on Chicago’s Westside. At Next, a new theme is explored every Four months, with past menus including ‘Ancient Rome’, ‘Hollywood’ and ‘World’s 50 Best’. Along with the unique menus, each iteration brings different decor, uniforms, tableware, cutlery, and even music. 

This is dining as theatre, and, accordingly, tickets are sold on Tock, a platform created by Achatz and partner Nick Kokonas. As at the opera or sporting events, you can purchase season tickets, ensuring a spot for each culinary performance. Currently, Next is dishing out dishes from their menu 

Chinese: Modern.

Key Information :

+1 312-226-0858

Dinner: Wed– Sun

Location :

953 West Fulton Market, Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607

Features :

• Reservations
• Seating
• Valet Parking
• Wheelchair Accessible
• Serves Alcohol
• Accepts Credit Cards
• Table Service.

The Purple Pig Restaurant :

Chicago, U.S

The Purple Pig is a Mediterranean wine bar helmed by chef/partner Jimmy Bannos Jr.

This tiny restaurant in Chicago is the passion project of celeb chefs Scott Harris (Mia Francesca), and Tony Mantuano (Spiaggia); with a prime location just off Michigan Avenue that holds, at any given time, fewer than 100 diners. Wait times stretch well beyond two hours, and, sadly, the Pig doesn’t accept reservations.

The restaurant offers cheese, swine, and wine, among other standout dishes, showcasing the flavors of Italy, Greece, and Spain, all paired with an extensive and accessible wine list, imported beers, and cocktails. Located on Michigan Avenue, the restaurant is ideal for locals and visitors alike for lunch, dinner, or late night dining.

Key Information :

+1 312-464-1744

Dinner: Mon– Sun

Location :

500 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611-3777

Features :

• Outdoor Seating
• Seating
• Wheelchair Accessible
• Serves Alcohol
• Full Bar
• Accepts Credit Cards
• Table Service

The Gage

Chicago U.S

The Gage has become a perennial favorite of locals and visitors alike for over ten years by_ effortlessly blending European influence with American style. It is the iconic restaurant on Michigan Avenue featuring refined, rustic cuisine in the historic Gage Group Buildings. The Gage offers upscale, yet casual dining in a vintage atmosphere inspired by the gastropubs of Ireland and England.  

The flagship of Gage Hospitality Group; The Gage is known for its rustic, refined fare, and stellar service in a vintage gastropub setting. One of Chicago’s most visited restaurants. The Gage continues to evolve by serving well rounded food and beverage menus; that feature classic dishes and drinks with contemporary twists rooted in tradition.

The Gage’s menu “covers every craving” (TimeOut Chicago) and includes Scotch eggs, fresh seafood; locally made sausages, burgers, steaks, and salads. The Gage offers the perfect setting for a casual drink; a business meeting, or a formal event with refined rusticity, steps from Millennium Park.

Key Information :

+1 312-372-4243

Dinner: Mon– Sun

Location :

24 S Michigan Ave Between Monroe and Madison Streets, Chicago, IL 60603-3301

Features :

• Takeout
• Outdoor Seating
• Reservations
• Private Dining
• Seating
• Television
• Highchairs Available
• Wheelchair Accessible
• Serves Alcohol
• Full Bar
• Wine and Beer
• Accepts American Express
• Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa
• Free Wifi, Accepts Discover
• Accepts Credit Cards
• Table Service

XOCO

Chicago U.S

In River North, the top chef’s newest hotspot Xoco pronounced SHO Koh (you are welcome) – opens at 7 a.m. with Mexican hot chocolate and cuisine that capitalizes on Bayless’ Oaxacan forte with dishes; such as carnitas with chayote and Jamon tortas.

XOCO was Created by Rick Bayless, one of Chicago’s most beloved chefs. This critically acclaimed quick service cafe serves elevated takes on Mexican street food.  It is the most welcoming of the three spots that sit side by side.  

Xoco is a much more casual restaurant in Chicago. It’s still a modern take on Mexican favorites, but street food favorites like tortas (sandwiches), caldos (soups), and desserts are tough to turn down, particularly churros. And now that Xoco has been around for a few years. It’s no longer a madhouse during normal lunch and dinner hours. So you can come in for a quick bite solo or with a couple of others when you want. That’s not to say it won’t be crowded on a weekday at noon, but it’s always manageable.

Order and pay in line, and if you’re eating there; make sure to remember your assigned number that corresponds to a counter or table seat in the back. It feels like a mess of a system, but the staff always figures things out. Even when we move our little number to a different table because we’re selfish and sit where we want.

Key Information :

+1 312-661-1434

Dinner: Tue– Sat

Location :

449 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654-4500

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