Move over New York. Chicago is quickly gaining a reputation as the country’s top restaurant city. Some, including GQ’s restaurant critic Alan Richman, have declared the race to be over—for now, at least—with Chicago taking the lead. Here are the restaurants creating the buzz.
BLACKBIRD 619 W. Randolph St., 312-715-0708 Hours: Monday-Friday 11:30 am to 2 pm. Monday-Thursday 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm. Fridays and Saturdays 5:30 pm to 11:30 pm. Long before “sustainable” and “organic” became synonymous with “hip” and “chic,” Blackbird chef/owner Paul Kahan was already a regular at Chicago’s farmers markets and a big supporter of artisanal products. Need proof? Just look at the abundance of shout-outs to regional producers on Kahan’s menus. There’s the crispy confit of Swan Creek Farm suckling pig with shaved beets and Royer’s Farm rabbit with white corn, fresh huckleberries and brussel sprouts. Save some bucks by doing lunch at Blackbird—we particularly like the organic pork belly sandwich—or eat next door at Kahan’s Avec, which features top-notch Mediterranean small plates, such as wood oven-roasted mussels and chorizo-stuffed dates with smoked bacon. Its chefs-hangout status is well earned. Be on the lookout for Kahan’s newest venture, a gastro-pub, to open mid-2007. The estimated cost per diner is $60-$100. Reservations recommended. Closed all major holidays except New Year’s Eve.
SPIAGGIA 980 N. Michicagn Ave., 312-280-2750 Hours: Monday-Thursday 6 pm to 9:30 pm. Fridays and Saturdays 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm. Sundays 6 pm -9 pm. Lounge 5:30 pm to 11 pm. How special is Spiaggia? Just ask the scores of couples that have gotten engaged there. They not only appreciate the award-winning restaurant for its breathtaking view of Lake Michigan, but also for its creative Italian cuisine, exquisite presentations, elegant ambiance and polished service. Chef Tony Mantuano, a recent James Beard award-winner, spent a year working in Italy and it shows in dishes such as wood-roasted Mediterranean sea bass with saffron potato puree and hand-crafted pecorino cheese filled pasta with fava beans and mint. Can’t decide between the chocolate tart or cheese from Spiaggia’s custom-designed cheese cave? Get both. Spiaggia is worth splurging for. Reservations recommended. The estimated cost per diner is $60-$100. Closed all major holidays except New Year’s Eve.
CHARLIE TROTTER’S 816 W. Armitage Ave., 773-248-6228 Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 6 pm & 9 pm seatings. Fridays and Saturdays 5:30 pm & 9 pm seatings. Dining at Charlie Trotter’s is an once-in-a-lifetime experience. No, really: Trotter’s is not only known world-wide for its creative fine dining but also for its constantly changing tasting menus, which, we’re told, never repeat the same exact dish. No easy task after almost 20 years in business. Combining French techniques with Asian influences, Trotter works with a network of over 90 top purveyors to create dishes such as South Dakota bison with quinoa and ash baked eggplant and poached skate wing with red curry and razor clams, reflecting his determination to offer only the best of everything. Vegetarians take note: Trotter is a huge fan of pristine produce and it shows in his vegetarian tasting menu. One thing you won’t find on the menu: foie gras. Trotter has been vocal on his disapproval of its production techniques. The estimated cost per diner is $125-$200. Reservations recommended. Closed all major holidays except New Year’s Eve.
TRU 676 North Saint Claire Street, Chicago, IL 60611 (312) 202-0001 Hours: (Mon-Thur) 5:30 pm-10 pm; (Fri & Sat) till 11 pm For a special occasion or to impress a special someone, there is no other choice than TRU. From the moment you step inside, a feeling of pure decadence takes over. No less than two servers attend to your every need and each course brings unexpected delight. My favorites are the lobster bisque served in a Versace teacup; a caviar staircase too beautiful to eat; and endless dessert delivered one unique bite at a time.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $90 - $100
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
NINE 440 West Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60606 (312) 575-9900 Hours: (Mon-Fri) 11 am-2 pm; (Mon-Wed) 5:30 pm-10 pm; (Thur) till 11 pm; (Fri & Sat) till Midnight Descending the stairway into NINE, you immediately know you're in for something different. The music, the décor, and the stunning clientele come together to create a visual feast, and that's before you even sit down. Known for its exotic caviar bar and cold seafood appetizers, the restaurant is also home to the Ghost Bar. This creepy cool pre- or post-dinner hang out, is open late, late, late on weekends.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $35 - $45
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Closed, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
GIBSONS STEAKHOUSE 1028 North Rush Street, Chicago, IL 60611 (312) 266-8999 5464 North River Road, Rosemont, IL 60018 (847) 928-9900 Hours: (Mon-Sun) 3 pm-Midnight It's loud, it's smoky, it's always crowded, and Chicagoans love it - the place is Gibsons. A Rush street fixture since 1989, it's the kind of place you can count on. You know you're going to get a great piece of meat, a superb piece of fish, and relaxed friendly service with no pretensions. The portions are huge, and the desserts are not to be missed. Perfect for a business dinner, or to just meet friends for a casual evening.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $30 - $40
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
MIRAI SUSHI 2020 West Division Street, Chicago, IL 60622 (773) 862-8500 Hours: (Sun-Fri) 5 pm-12 am; (Sat) till 1 am Chicago is not the city where you'd expect to find great Sushi. However, with the addition of MIRAI, the expectation has quickly changed. The focal point of the hippest Japanese place in town, is a bank of three-foot fish aquariums filled with lobster, eel, and shrimp. You wouldn't find fresher sushi standing knee deep in the Pacific Ocean. The upstairs lounge is an eclectic hang out, complete with a record-spinning deejay.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $25 - $35
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Closed, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
MK CHICAGO 868 North Franklin Street, Chicago, IL 60610 (312) 482-9179 Hours: (Mon-Fri) 11:30 am-1:30 pm; (Sun-Thur) 5:30 pm-10 pm; (Fri & Sat) 5:30 pm- 10:30 pm We recently celebrated an engagement at the enchanting MK. It is sleek and sophisticated, but the upstairs balcony lends it a warm cozy feeling. Looking down on the action below entertains, while you await an array of culinary delights. The seafood entrées are all unique preparations with some of the finest herb and vegetable compliments. I had an incredible monkfish with lobster, and the dessert menu dazzled everyone at our table.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $35 - $45
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
ROSEBUD STEAKHOUSE 192 East Walton Street, Chicago, IL 60610 (312) 397-1000 Hours: (Mon-Sun) 4 pm-1 am There are several Rosebud's in the city, but this latest addition to the family is by far the best. Converted from an old cigar lounge, the décor is deep burgundy cozy. A long bar is the focal piece of the dining room and is a perfect place to sip wine while your table is being prepared. The menu is heavy on red-meat selections, but the seafood entrées will not disappoint. I have eaten here several times, and the buffalo mozzarella and vine-ripened tomato salad is the best I've ever tasted. The service and attention are first class.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $25 - $35
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
LOU MALNATI'S PIZZERIA 439 North Wells Street, Chicago, IL 60610 (312) 828-9800 958 West Wrightwood Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614 (773) 832-4030 1050 East Higgins Road, Elk Grove, IL 60007 (847) 439-2000 6649 North Lincoln Avenue, Lincolnwood, IL 60712 (847) 673-0800 Hours: Vary by location What's a Chicago top ten list without a pizza place? - Laughable! I must admit, Chicagoans are passionate about their pizza, and ten different people would give you ten different favorite pizza joints. But the name you'd hear over and over would probably be Lou Malnati's. So popular is the traditional deep-dish pie, they've created a website, and they ship pizzas all over the world. The family owned pizzeria has been around for a long time and its followers are many. Aside from pizza, their daily pasta specials and meal-size sandwiches are delicious.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $10 - $20
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
Estimated cost per person for dinner is based upon one entrée, one beverage, and 20% gratuity.
The Top List of Great Restaurants - Chicago, IL