Skip to main content
Weather Update

“Storms make trees take deeper roots. So the next time there's a hurricane in Orlando, come to Pigeon Forge.” — probably Dolly Parton

Where are you going?
Mar 4 - Mar 6 1 Room, 2 Guest
Rooms & Guests 1 Room, 1 Guest
Special Rates
Special Rates
SAVE ON EVERY STAY

Best Restaurants in Chicago, IL

Chicago's dining scene is one of the most diverse and celebrated in the country. From neighborhood spots to award-winning kitchens, the restaurants in Chicago, IL span every cuisine, price point, and occasion. Deep-dish pizza may be the city's most famous export, but the Windy City has a lot more to offer anyone who comes hungry.

Red Roof® properties near Chicago keep you well-situated to explore the city's neighborhoods and the restaurants that make each one worth visiting.

A person eating food at a table
A group of people sitting at a table with wine glasses
A plate of food with a fork and knife

Chicago's Standout Dining Spots

A plate of pasta with sauce and basil

Monteverde Restaurant and Pastificio

Located on Madison Street in Chicago's West Loop, Monteverde is a widely respected destination for Italian cuisine, with a menu built around handmade pasta and classic dishes like Pork Shank, Cacio e Pepe, and Stuffed Cabbage. The heated patio makes it a comfortable option for group dinners or a more relaxed evening out.

A table with plates of food

Galit

A Middle Eastern small plates restaurant in Lincoln Park, Galit has built a strong following for its consistently satisfying menu of hummus, roasted vegetables, and shakshuka. The brisket hummus is a particular standout, and the menu is broad enough to satisfy both familiar and adventurous palates.

A man and woman sitting at a table with drinks

Boka

Open since 2003, Boka has earned 10 consecutive Michelin stars under Chef Lee Wolen, whose seasonal American menu emphasizes quality ingredients and precise preparation. The menu combines a la carte options with a hyper-seasonal tasting menu, served in a setting known for its thoughtful design and attentive service. One of the Chicago restaurants is worth planning ahead for.

A group of bottles of alcohol

Longman & Eagle

Equal parts dining destination and bar, Longman & Eagle offers a menu of well-executed comfort food, duck egg hash, wild boar sloppy joes, and smoked trout stew among the highlights alongside an extensive whiskey selection available by the flight or for building your own blend. A characterful spot with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

A person cooking meat on a grill

Lem's BBQ House

A Chatham neighborhood landmark since 1951, Lem's BBQ House is one of the most respected barbecue institutions on Chicago's South Side. The ribs are prepared using the aquarium-smoking method specific to the South Side, and the house mild sauce is a regional signature worth experiencing on its own terms.

A group of pizzas with cheese and basil leaves

Pequod's Pizzeria

For a first-time visitor to Chicago, Pequod's in Lincoln Park is a natural starting point for deep-dish pizza. Their pan-style pies are known for a caramelized crust that sets them apart from other Chicago restaurants in this category, and the atmosphere is casual enough for a leisurely lunch or dinner.

A group of dumplings in a basket

The Momo World

A counter-service restaurant in University Village specializing in dumplings, The Momo World offers a range of preparations from traditional steamed jhol to more inventive options like momo chaat and tandoori-style, which are steamed, fried, and then grilled. A casual, satisfying stop for something a little different.

A large steak on a wooden board

Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse

A Gold Coast institution, Gibsons delivers a classic Chicago steakhouse experience with well-prepared steaks, generous sides, and a warm, unpretentious atmosphere that draws a mix of regulars, out-of-towners, and locals celebrating special occasions. A reliable and characterful option for a sit-down dinner.

A group of oysters on ice

The Publican

The Publican's menu covers a wide range of meat, fish, and vegetable dishes, all prepared with care and served at communal wooden tables in a convivial setting. Barbecued carrots, fresh oysters, and porchetta are among the standout options, and a well-regarded weekend breakfast is worth noting for those visiting on a Saturday or Sunday.

A plate of meat and vegetables

Girl & The Goat

A Michelin-recognized restaurant in Chicago's West Loop, Girl & The Goat serves modern American cuisine with broad global influences, presented family-style on a rotating menu that emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients. The lively atmosphere and inventive flavor combinations make it one of the more memorable Chicago restaurants on this list.

A plate of food with rice and sesame seeds

All Together Now

Situated at the intersection of West Town and Ukrainian Village, All Together Now operates as both a restaurant and a market, with a cozy layout suited to smaller gatherings. The lamb meatballs and roasted chicken are two of the more talked-about dishes, and the all-day hours make it a flexible option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

A pan of food on a wood surface

Amaru

A Latin American restaurant in Wicker Park, Amaru offers a lively atmosphere and a menu of dishes that draw on a range of South American flavors, including chicken skewers in a spicy huancaina and yucca gnocchi with rabbit bolognese. The menu is well-priced and well-suited to sharing, making it a practical and flavorful option for groups.

A fork holding spaghetti in a bowl

Daisies

Daisies is a vegetarian-leaning restaurant with a focus on handmade Midwestern pasta. While the menu includes a small selection of non-pasta mains featuring beef, chicken, or fish, the pasta dishes are the clear centerpiece. The rear patio is a pleasant spot to settle in when the weather allows.

A bowl of meatballs with sauce and cheese

Bar Roma

Bar Roma is a relaxed, rustic Italian spot with a menu centered on meatballs, with an entire section of the menu dedicated to them and well-executed pasta. The Cacio e Pepe is a reliable order, and the warm, lived-in atmosphere makes it a comfortable choice for a casual dinner.

A plate of fried food

Blue Door Farm Stand

A sit-down restaurant in Lincoln Park with a farmhouse aesthetic and a menu of approachable comfort food, including cheese curds, fried chicken sliders, and a range of generously portioned salads. A welcoming neighborhood spot well suited to a relaxed meal between activities.

A bowl of mussels

Vincent

A neighborhood restaurant in a category all its own, Vincent offers a warm, unhurried dining experience with consistently strong food and a bring-your-own-wine policy that adds to its appeal. The mussel dishes are a standout, available in several preparations, and the relaxed atmosphere makes it the kind of place that's easy to linger in.

A coffee machine pouring liquid into a cup

Lula Cafe

A Logan Square staple since 1999, Lula Cafe is a full-service farm-to-table restaurant with a menu that changes seasonally. Roasted squash, cauliflower risotto, and duck breast are examples of the kind of ingredient-driven cooking the kitchen is known for. A dependable and well-loved option among Chicago restaurants for any season.

A burger on a plate

Au Cheval

Au Cheval is best known for its cheeseburger, served with thick-cut pork belly bacon and a fried egg. A straightforward but well-executed menu in a bustling diner-style setting, with a following built almost entirely on the quality of what comes out of the kitchen.

A group of people eating food around a table

Middle Brow Bungalow

A Logan Square brewery and restaurant with a casual, welcoming atmosphere featuring reclaimed wooden picnic tables and a menu that highlights house-made bread through a rotating selection of toasts, spreads, and pizza. The pepperoni pizza and a selection of light, hoppy house beers make for a satisfying and relaxed meal.

A woman and a boy sitting on a bed

Book Your Stay With Red Roof®

Ready to explore Chicago? Red Roof® offers affordable, comfortable hotels conveniently located near the city's top attractions. Book your stay at redroof.com or call 800.RED.ROOF (800.733.7663). RediRewards® members earn 10 points per dollar on every stay  -  join for free at redroof.com.