Chicago Theater – photo by Kevin Dooley on Flickr CC
5 Inspiring Chicago Restaurants That Every Cook Should Try
If you’re a foodie, then Chicago is the place to be. With an abundance of world-class restaurants boasting exciting and innovative menus, you’ll be inspired to take notes and try preparing new types of food at home.
Before setting off to traverse the eclectic establishments that Chicago has to offer, check out the Travel Guide to Chicago so that you know how to find the neighborhoods with the best hotspots, and can plan an efficient eating tour.
To help you get started, here are five of our top favorite restaurants.
The Winchester
If home-cooked food is where your heart is, the Winchester should be at the top of your list of places to try when you land in Chicago. Vibrant atmosphere, sweet staff, ridiculously inexpensive, and best of all, open from morning to night. Their simple menu takes all the hassle out of ordering, serving up all-time favorites, but with a sophisticated twist.
Dusek’s
Recently refurbished and completely revamped, what used to be just a blip on the radar has now become one of the hottest spots in Chicago for serious diners looking to tantalize their taste buds. Embodying everything that the Chicago dining scene is about right now, Dusek’s is the ideal place to eat with friends, as the menu is both flexible and shareable, making it easy to split. Situated on the first floor of the historic Thalia Hall, the beautiful brass chandeliers, glorious tin ceilings, and inspiring decor provides the ultimate dining experience.
photo by British Mum on Flickr CC
Stella Barra Pizzeria
Working his magic at this stylish artisan pizza parlor, Lettuce Entertain You chef Jeff Mahin has perfected the world’s most incredible pizza crust ever to exist. Chewy in the middle and a mix of puffy and crispy around the edges, the unique pizzas at Stella Barra Pizzeria leave nothing to imagination. The topping selections are true to the Italian nature of their dish, with rich, olive-soaked, sun-dried tomatoes and heaps of fresh arugula. The pizzeria also offers a 100% gluten-free menu option for those with food sensitivities.
Beatrix
Perfect for vegetarians and gluten-challenged diners, Beatrix’s hip vibe draws in crowds of people looking for a relaxed setting to enjoy a laid-back meal. Dishing up a divine selection of comfort foods, sensational snacks, and an array of creative fresh-juice combos, the choices are endless when deciding what to order. Beatrix also features a wine bar and bakery, making it the ideal setting for grabbing a drink with friends.
Green Zebra
Inventive, flavorful, and deeply satisfying, Green Zebra takes a fresh approach to their menu, crafting beautiful dishes centered around locally produced, seasonal fruits and vegetables. Nestled on the corner of West Chicago Avenue, this gem of an establishment puts dining experience above all else. Prepare for a sensory overload, with surprises in the menu, warmth in the service, and ambience in the atmosphere. Don’t leave without trying the mushroom pâté and exploring their innovative cocktail program.
Wherever you decide to grab a bite to eat in Chicago, rest assured knowing that with such a delectable selection on offer, you won’t be disappointed.
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Hi! I'm Lash, an American nomadic world traveler who's been traveling solo since 1998. I’m passionate about traveling the world nomadically and then sharing it all with you. I hope to inspire you to travel the world, to entertain you with tales from the road, and to help you reach your travel dreams. Welcome! 
