5 Delicious Food Neighborhoods in Chicago

When in Chicago, eat as the Chicagoans do.
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Chicago is one of America’s great food cities.

The midwestern metropolis situated on the shores of Lake Michigan knows gastronomy like few other big cities. Wherever you go in the Windy City, your hunger is never far from being satiated with unique takes on cuisine from across the globe.

Granted, in a nearly 240-square-mile city home to nearly 3 million people spread across dozens of neighborhoods, it can be challenging to know where to begin.

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of five of the city’s best neighborhoods to grab a bite, with a few highlights to get you started.

Don’t forget your appetite!

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Near North

Home to some of Chicago’s most popular and impressive landmarks, the Near North neighborhood boasts dozens of excellent restaurants and dining establishments so good even locals brace this touristy ‘hood to eat.

Notable Neighborhood Spots

RPM Italian: For those who prefer a more sophisticated dining experience, RPM Italian features a modern take on classic Italian dishes meant to be shared.

Topolobampo: From renowned chef Rick Bayless, Topolobampo has been serving innovative takes on Mexican cuisine since 1989. Even after all that time, the allure remains, attracting diners and accolades as one of the best restaurants not only in Chicago but the whole country.

Bavette’s: Seeking romance and mystery? Book a table at Bavette’s. This upscale steakhouse offers New American cuisine in an intimate, dimly lit wood and brick setting. And the food’s pretty amazing, too.

West Loop

If your taste buds lean upscale, find your way to the West Loop. This former industrial district is now home to some of Chicago’s buzziest restaurants.

An abundance of gastronomic delights awaits you along areas like Randolph Street and the historic Fulton Market, attracting the appetites of out-of-towners and residents alike.

Notable Neighborhood Spots

Next: High-end foodie destination known for celebrity chef Grant Achatz’s themed tasting menus and inventive presentations. The restaurant sells pre-priced tickets for specific dates and times a la the performing arts.

Avec: The Mediterranean meets the Midwest at celebrity chef Paul Kahan’s popular West Loop small-plate restaurant. Don’t forget to scope out the extensive yet moderately priced wine list for the perfect complement to your meal.

Girl & The Goat: From Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard, Girl & The Goat serves up a family-style menu filled with tasty, bold flavors in a fun and lively setting.

What’s your favorite food? Bet you can find it in one of these Chicago neighborhoods.
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Lincoln Park

One of the quintessential Chicago neighborhoods, Lincoln Park encapsulates the historical and contemporary draw of the Windy City — and that includes great grub.

After all, it’s home to Alinea, the popular progressive fine dining restaurant that Elite Traveler dubbed the greatest restaurant in the world.

That’s more than enough for many neighborhoods, but Lincoln Park’s foodie bona fides don’t end there.

Notable Neighborhood Spots

Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Co.: This cash-only joint dishes up its unique take on Chicago’s deep-dish pizza in the form of pizza pot pies. Formed and baked bottom-up, they’re flipped over in front of you when delivered to the table.

Gemini Bistro: Don’t miss this casual neighborhood eatery and bar serving modern American bistro dishes. You’ll find a bottomless brunch menu to water down one of their pastries or breakfast dishes.

Alinea: It’s a neighborhood institution for a reason. The Michelin three-starred establishment combines food, art and performance in a dining experience unlike anything you’ve ever known.

Chinatown

Yes, you’ll find some of the best Chinese food in Chicago, but there’s much more to the Windy City’s Chinatown than its namesake cuisine.

If you love Thai, Korean or ramen, you can’t go wrong with a trip here. The options have truly expanded and continue to do so.

Notable Neighborhood Spots

Lao Sze Chuan: If spicy food is your love language, you’ve found your soulmate in this spicy Sichuan mecca. Lao Sze Chuan promises authentic cuisine and quality ingredients prepared by chefs from the namesake region.

Cai: This dim sum eatery’s large banquet hall is always packed, which should tell you all you need to know. Select your dishes from a menu akin to a photo album filled with mouth-watering portraits of delicious-looking Chinese bites.

Go 4 Food: Don’t let the peculiar name fool you. This is one of the best Chinese restaurants in Chicago, collecting accolades from Thrillist, Michelin and other people who know good food when they taste it. Go 4 Food’s expansive menu features both Americanized and traditional dishes to satisfy any craving.

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Wrigleyville

You don’t have to love baseball to enjoy the fun that is Wrigleyville (although it doesn’t hurt). Whether you’re in the area to cheer on the Cubs or not, there’s plenty of dining options beyond ballpark staples.

Notable Neighborhood Spots

Mordeci: Tucked inside the Hotel Zachary, Mordeci dishes out an elevated approach to the traditional pre-game meal. Why settle for a hot dog and Cracker Jacks when you can sample Mordeci’s wagyu beef tartare and beer-battered cheese curds instead? Don’t miss the back bar for a taste of vintage and obscure spirits.

Coalfire: Things are always hot at Coalfire, where they serve up thin-crust pies straight from their 1,500-degree coal-fired oven. Taste the best of all pizza styles in Coalfire’s unique take on everyone’s favorite food.

Byron’s Hot Dogs: You can find plenty of places to get a bite of a traditional Chicago Dog. But Byron’s regularly racks up the praises for their dogs. Their popular combo meals provide lots of delicious bang for your buck.