Khoa’s Favorite Restaurants
Awesome restaurants in Chicago
I've been in the city for 4 years, and the food scene here is quite incredible--beyond the touristy restaurants! Here are the restaurants that I immediately think of when someone visits town and wants to check out the food scene here. Most of them are all over the city, and will give you an awesome opportunity to check out the neighborhood surrounding it!
This Michelin-starred restaurant is just a heavenly experience. If you're splurging, get their tasting menu (I believe for $65 per person, which is quite reasonable for the incredibly quantity & quality of food). The bing bread appetizer is to die for!
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Parachute
3500 N Elston AveThis Michelin-starred restaurant is just a heavenly experience. If you're splurging, get their tasting menu (I believe for $65 per person, which is quite reasonable for the incredibly quantity & quality of food). The bing bread appetizer is to die for!
This ramen place will probably scare you off with a "3 hour wait" claim, but usually 3 hours mean 1.5 hours. You can check out a bar nearby for a drink and then come back!
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High Five Ramen
112 N Green StThis ramen place will probably scare you off with a "3 hour wait" claim, but usually 3 hours mean 1.5 hours. You can check out a bar nearby for a drink and then come back!
This Andersonville Belgian bar has stellar mussels, and an AMAZING Belgian (and beyond) beer list. Also if the weather is nice, the terrace is delightful!
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Hopleaf
5148 N Clark StThis Andersonville Belgian bar has stellar mussels, and an AMAZING Belgian (and beyond) beer list. Also if the weather is nice, the terrace is delightful!
If you are taking the Orange Line from the Midway Airport, check if this place (which is off the Pulaski stop) is open! Don't be intimidated by the car dealerships surrounding this taco store--these goat tacos are just SO GOOD!
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Birrieria Zaragoza
4852 S Pulaski RdIf you are taking the Orange Line from the Midway Airport, check if this place (which is off the Pulaski stop) is open! Don't be intimidated by the car dealerships surrounding this taco store--these goat tacos are just SO GOOD!
Come here before 7pm for their amazing burgers! (after 7pm you can only get burgers at the bar). The Asian fusion food here is stellar--definitely get the mentaiko udon!
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Mott St
1401 N Ashland AveCome here before 7pm for their amazing burgers! (after 7pm you can only get burgers at the bar). The Asian fusion food here is stellar--definitely get the mentaiko udon!
Crisp
2940 N BroadwayStellar and very cheap Korean fried chicken!
Best steakhouse in Chicago (there are so many choices, but you won't go wrong with this one for sure). Also very nice river views!
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Chicago Cut Steakhouse
300 N LaSalle DrBest steakhouse in Chicago (there are so many choices, but you won't go wrong with this one for sure). Also very nice river views!
Daguan Noodle
2230 S Wentworth AveYunnan-style noodles that are very cheap and heartwarming!
Tanta Chicago
118 W Grand AveFancy Peruvian food!
By the Girl and the Goat crew, it's a stellar brunch place. Come early and get their cinnamon rolls!
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Little Goat Diner
3325 W Randolph StBy the Girl and the Goat crew, it's a stellar brunch place. Come early and get their cinnamon rolls!
La Scarola
721 W Grand AveLoud and hectic Italian space but in the best of ways!
The 1-Michelin experience of the Alinea Group. Holy moly their lasagna is so good!
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Roister Restaurant
951 W Fulton MarketThe 1-Michelin experience of the Alinea Group. Holy moly their lasagna is so good!
Tempesta Market
1372 W Grand AveVery lowkey market with amazing sandwiches!
Best ramen in the city in my opinion. Their bowls are big, be forewarned!
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Oiistar
1385 N Milwaukee AveBest ramen in the city in my opinion. Their bowls are big, be forewarned!
Awesome French place. If you're here on Tuesday nights, come for their $35 prix-fixe!
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Le Bouchon
1958 N Damen AveAwesome French place. If you're here on Tuesday nights, come for their $35 prix-fixe!
I'm actually not a huge fan of cupcakes and this place changed my opinion on it! It's a really cute space too.
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Molly's Cupcakes
2536 N Clark StI'm actually not a huge fan of cupcakes and this place changed my opinion on it! It's a really cute space too.
There are 4 locations for this amazing Nashville hot chicken place. Check it out!
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The Roost Carolina Kitchen
2011 W Irving Park RdThere are 4 locations for this amazing Nashville hot chicken place. Check it out!
If you're with a group of 3-4, come and get their Chicago-style Peking Duck. It's not "authentic," but it's SO good!
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Sun Wah BBQ
5039 N BroadwayIf you're with a group of 3-4, come and get their Chicago-style Peking Duck. It's not "authentic," but it's SO good!
Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits
2051 N California AveThe pies here are SO SO yummy.
Right outside the 18th St Pink Line stop. Come for lunch during the weekdays for their $10 lunch special (1 pound of carnitas, unlimited tortillas, a fried quesadilla, etc), before exploring Pilsen! Very long lines on the weekends.
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Carnitas Uruapan Restaurant
1725 W 18th StRight outside the 18th St Pink Line stop. Come for lunch during the weekdays for their $10 lunch special (1 pound of carnitas, unlimited tortillas, a fried quesadilla, etc), before exploring Pilsen! Very long lines on the weekends.
Dolo Restaurant and Bar
2222 South Archer AvenueI think this is the best dim sum in town!