Eating My Way Through Chicago, One Neighborhood At A Time

These are some of my top Chicago eats over the years.

Coffee & Dessert

Kurimu

• What to get: I came here to try the ramune soft serve — pleasantly surprised by the fizzy aftertaste. However, my personal pick in the end would be the ube mango ice cream. The ube flavor was so strong!

• Where: 1159 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607

• Neighborhood: Little Italy, University Village

• Yelp: Yelp page

Jeni’s Ice Cream

• What to get: Anything you’d like — rotating menu. I loved the popcorn brittle last time. Those pints you see at the supermarket are from Chicago, so it’s fun to visit the original storefront!

• Where: Jeni’s Connors Park, 871 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

• Neighborhood: Gold Coast, Near North Side

• Yelp: Yelp page

Magnolia Bakery Chicago

• What to get: The hyped banana pudding is worth a try if you haven’t had it, but it’s not my favorite. Get a small and explore other desserts around Chicago afterward!

• Where: 108 N State St (Block 37), Chicago, IL 60602

• Neighborhood: The Loop

• Yelp: Yelp page

Starbucks Reserve Chicago

• What to get: Reserve a rooftop spot on Tock (deposit goes toward your meal). The Kentucky whiskey cold brew is my favorite. Hot tip: Starbucks gift cards work here and the merch is really cute and Chicago-specific!

• Where: 646 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

• Neighborhood: Magnificent Mile

• Yelp: Yelp page

Firecakes Donuts

• What to get: On a cold winter night, we tried their donuts and drinks. The apple fritter might have been life-changing in the moment. Pair it with their hot chocolate and marshmallow. This was the first place I ever had like a homemade marshmallow cube and I really enjoyed it!

• Where: 68 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654

• Neighborhood: River North

• Yelp: Yelp page

Food

Cafe Con Leche

• What to get: From their menu: “Jibarito (hee-bah-ree-toe) — A Chicago native! Two crispy fried plantains layered with thinly sliced ribeye steak, lettuce, tomato, grilled onions, and mayo.” Generous portions and so good. We’ve come here almost every Chicago trip because we love it so much!

• Where: 2714 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

• Neighborhood: Logan Square

• Yelp: Yelp page

Giordano’s Pizza

• What to get: This was my dad’s favorite pizza spot in Chicago - so I had to check it out. Get the world-famous deep dish - it’s at the top of the menu and comes in a small, medium or large. It’s doused in sauce and could probably serve 2 people. A small was almost too much for me by myself at the time!

• Where: Prudential Plaza, 130 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601

• Neighborhood: The Loop

• Yelp: Yelp page

Kim & Carlo’s Hot Dog Stand

• What to get: A Chicago dog. A little touristy and pricey, but eating it by the waterfront and walking Millennium Park is a vibe.

• Where: Museum Campus near the Field Museum, 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605

• Neighborhood: Museum Campus, South Loop

• Yelp: Yelp page

Green Street Smoked Meats

• What to get: Prime sliced brisket and cornbread are must-haves imo - the cornbread was so moist! Pork belly was excellent too. It’s filling, so share a platter and save room for dessert around the area!

• Where: 112 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607

• Neighborhood: West Loop

• Yelp: Yelp page

Soju BBQ

• What to get: Dumplings and pork belly. Cozy mom-and-pop vibe and a repeat favorite.

• Where: 36 S Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60607

• Neighborhood: Near West Side, West Loop

• Yelp: Yelp page

Fancier Spots

Smyth

• What to get: The prix fixe skews seafood-focused and was excellent. Favorite bite was the scallop and mussels — incredibly fresh.

• Where: 177 N Ada St #101, Chicago, IL 60607

• Neighborhood: West Loop

• Yelp: Yelp page

The Loyalist

• What to get: The éclair au foie gras was beautiful, but the OG cheeseburger stole the show for me. They have a lot of unique options though, and the Happy Hour menu is very reasonable.

• Where: Garden level of Smyth, 177 N Ada St, Chicago, IL 60607

• Neighborhood: West Loop

• Yelp: Yelp page

Alinea

• What to get: Everything. One of the best meals I’ve had. We went for the salon option, not the full kitchen table, since you need 6+ people to do that one. (one day!) The dessert “table painting” is unforgettable: lights dim, a sheet rolls out, and they create a wild spread of sauces, chocolates, ice creams, and more right on your table. 10/10 experience.

• Where: 1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614

• Neighborhood: Lincoln Park

• Yelp: Yelp page

Final Bites