Chicago foodies, what recommendations do you have?

[Ranger Dan]

I’m going to be in Chicago in a couple of weeks and would like to enjoy a nice meal. Was thinking about maybe trying the Purple Pig or Girl & the Goat. Both seem like good options, with Purple Pig closer to my hotel. I’m staying in the near north side area intersection of (N Michigan and E Lakeshore). Is there anywhere else that I should consider? Dive recommendations are welcome and appreciated.

 

[4INSBU]

Take the Red Line North to Fullerton and go to Demon Dogs. Best hot dog around.

 

[Ranger Dan]

Take the Red Line North to Fullerton and go to Demon Dogs. Best hot dog around.

They appear to be closed...

 

[PeetzPoolBoy]

I’m going to be in Chicago in a couple of weeks and would like to enjoy a nice meal. Was thinking about maybe trying the Purple Pig or Girl & the Goat. Both seem like good options, with Purple Pig closer to my hotel. I’m staying in the near north side area intersection of (N Michigan and E Lakeshore). Is there anywhere else that I should consider? Dive recommendations are welcome and appreciated.

Billy Goat Tavern.....it’s under the “Ell” and would be good for you.

 

[sluggo72]

Gibson!!!

 

[Ranger Dan]

Gibson!!!

Tell me more?

 

[PSU Mike]

Tell me more?

It’s very close, at intersection of Bellevue/Rush/State (about 1000N). I think it’s around #10 in top grossing restaurants in the country (was told it was tops in sales/sf). Used to go there before Stillers games as a guest of my boss. Mostly steaks, but some seafood. Usually pretty crowded/tight/loud. If you know Chicago business it can be a who’s who at times. Lots of silicone, collagen, saline and Botox. I like it with the right company. Try the big Chicago cut and done asparagus. The 1/4 carrot cake for dessert serves about 6.

 

[Ranger Dan]

It’s very close, at intersection of Bellevue/Rush/State (about 1000N). I think it’s around #10 in top grossing restaurants in the country (was told it was tops in sales/sf). Used to go there before Stillers games as a guest of my boss. Mostly steaks, but some seafood. Usually pretty crowded/tight/loud. If you know Chicago business it can be a who’s who at times. Lots of silicone, collagen, saline and Botox. I like it with the right company. Try the big Chicago cut and done asparagus. The 1/4 carrot cake for dessert serves about 6.

Seems like a good place if I want a steak. I wouldn’t recognize (and could care less) any famous Chicago people other than Ditka and Harry Karrey... I know Harry is dead and I’m not sure about Ditka. It doesn’t sound like my cup of tea.

 

[Chickenman Testa]

Seems like a good place if I want a steak. I wouldn’t recognize (and could care less) any famous Chicago people other than Ditka and Harry Karrey... I know Harry is dead and I’m not sure about Ditka. It doesn’t sound like my cup of tea.

What? You’re not into cheesy older people who keep plastic surgeons in business?

 

[MacNit07]

I’m going to be in Chicago in a couple of weeks and would like to enjoy a nice meal. Was thinking about maybe trying the Purple Pig or Girl & the Goat. Both seem like good options, with Purple Pig closer to my hotel. I’m staying in the near north side area intersection of (N Michigan and E Lakeshore). Is there anywhere else that I should consider? Dive recommendations are welcome and appreciated.

All the”Goat” restaurants are owned by same owners...all are unique and fabulous!

 

[MacNit07]

I’m going to be in Chicago in a couple of weeks and would like to enjoy a nice meal. Was thinking about maybe trying the Purple Pig or Girl & the Goat. Both seem like good options, with Purple Pig closer to my hotel. I’m staying in the near north side area intersection of (N Michigan and E Lakeshore). Is there anywhere else that I should consider? Dive recommendations are welcome and appreciated.

Breakfast? Wildberry Cafe.

 

[Ranger Dan]

All the”Goat” restaurants are owned by same owners...all are unique and fabulous!

Yeah, I’ve been a fan of hers since she was on Top Chef back in the day.

 

[sluggo72]

Seems like a good place if I want a steak. I wouldn’t recognize (and could care less) any famous Chicago people other than Ditka and Harry Karrey... I know Harry is dead and I’m not sure about Ditka. It doesn’t sound like my cup of tea.

It’s a place with great steaks and great lobster among other things. No different than a great place you would find in Manhattan

 

[Bardo]

I’m going to be in Chicago in a couple of weeks and would like to enjoy a nice meal. Was thinking about maybe trying the Purple Pig or Girl & the Goat. Both seem like good options, with Purple Pig closer to my hotel. I’m staying in the near north side area intersection of (N Michigan and E Lakeshore). Is there anywhere else that I should consider? Dive recommendations are welcome and appreciated.

If you’re planning on a deep dish pizza, I highly recommend Lou Malnati’s. Get the sausage. It’s a masterpiece. I went to the Wells St location.

 

[Ranger Dan]

If you’re planning on a deep dish pizza, I highly recommend Lou Malnati’s. Get the sausage. It’s a masterpiece. I went to the Wells St location.

Never a fan of deep dish, but glad I tried it years ago in Chicago. I’m on a low card diet, so pizza wouldn’t be a great choice.

 

[fastlax16]

You’re a few blocks from where I live. Gibson’s is great. Bavette’s is better. If you’re alone just walk in and try to snag seat at the bar. And get the chocolate cream pie. (We had it instead of cake at our wedding).

velvet taco is my favorite taco place in the city and isn’t far from the hotel (had it for dinner tonight).

I don’t really eat here, but I’ve heard some out of towners are completely blown away by wow bao (quick serve bao bun restaurant- totally automated).

taketei sushi is fantastic (small two man operation in a hotel lobby).

the peninsula hotel has a great rooftop bar but probably too cold now for that, ditto the Conrad.

Deep dish is overrated so good call to skip. Portillos is an iconic chicago hot dog/ beef sandwich place.

girl and the goat is great- any of Stephanie Izard’s restaurants are. Duck duck goat and cabra are two of my favorites.

you’re also staying near the “viagra triangle” if picking up divorcees is your thing. Bentley of Chicago is near their as well and always has cool stuff in the showroom(you can see it from the street) if you’re into cars. They’re a lambo dealer and always have a bunch of exotics inside and out.

 

[Frabjous]

I’m going to be in Chicago in a couple of weeks and would like to enjoy a nice meal. Was thinking about maybe trying the Purple Pig or Girl & the Goat. Both seem like good options, with Purple Pig closer to my hotel. I’m staying in the near north side area intersection of (N Michigan and E Lakeshore). Is there anywhere else that I should consider? Dive recommendations are welcome and appreciated.

http://tabledonkeystick.com/
Daughter lives in the Logan Square neighborhood, and we like Table, Donkey and Stick a lot.
For a cool, funky bar with good food try Longman & Eagle. We were there the night Chuck Berry died and they played his music all night. And try the wild boar sloppy joe.
http://www.longmanandeagle.com/

 

[ralphster]

The Publican. Agree with Girl & the Goat. Alinea if you can get in.

 

[manofsteel200]

La Scarola. Get the veal. One of the old Italian “front” restaurants. Miss that place!

 

[tgar]

I’m going to be in Chicago in a couple of weeks and would like to enjoy a nice meal. Was thinking about maybe trying the Purple Pig or Girl & the Goat. Both seem like good options, with Purple Pig closer to my hotel. I’m staying in the near north side area intersection of (N Michigan and E Lakeshore). Is there anywhere else that I should consider? Dive recommendations are welcome and appreciated.

I don’t know what your time table or itinerary is but when I travel somewhere new or somewhere big I try to line up a 3 hour food tour during the morning or afternoon. This gives me three things:

one, a solid overview of what’s always Been special along with some history. ( an Italian Roast Beef with giardiniera for instance, dipped or double dipped )

a specific neighborhood to focus on as most tours are very local ( a few blocks at most )

three, someone who doesn’t dine on steak and cream pie for advice.

 

[Aardvark86]

I’m going to be in Chicago in a couple of weeks and would like to enjoy a nice meal. Was thinking about maybe trying the Purple Pig or Girl & the Goat. Both seem like good options, with Purple Pig closer to my hotel. I’m staying in the near north side area intersection of (N Michigan and E Lakeshore). Is there anywhere else that I should consider? Dive recommendations are welcome and appreciated.

Git yer deep dish at Lou malnatis.
Breakfast at wildberry

 

[Uh Clem]

Lou Malnati’s and Portillos are my go-to favorites whenever I get back to Chicago.

 

[Pardlion]

Never a fan of deep dish, but glad I tried it years ago in Chicago. I’m on a low card diet, so pizza wouldn’t be a great choice.

Don’t like steak or deep dish, didn’t go for the hot dog suggestion? Low carbs? Dude, go to a different city.

 

[Pardlion]

http://tabledonkeystick.com/
Daughter lives in the Logan Square neighborhood, and we like Table, Donkey and Stick a lot.
For a cool, funky bar with good food try Longman & Eagle. We were there the night Chuck Berry died and they played his music all night. And try the wild boar sloppy joe.
http://www.longmanandeagle.com/

Do you ever accidentally say say “Table and Donkey Dick”?

 

[bmw199]

Purple Pig was really great. Went last year with my fiancé. We split the duck confit. Best duck we’ve ever had!

 

[DandyDonII]

Pequod's pizza. was there on Friday, amazing. Not usually a fan of deep dish, but this was the best pizza I ever had. they coat the bottom of the pan with cheese, it caramelizes so the bottom is crunchy, freaking amazing. I had the sausage and pepperoni. If you get there before 6:30 there is not much of a wait. After 6:30 it is packed.

 

[Steve G]

I’m going to be in Chicago in a couple of weeks and would like to enjoy a nice meal. Was thinking about maybe trying the Purple Pig or Girl & the Goat. Both seem like good options, with Purple Pig closer to my hotel. I’m staying in the near north side area intersection of (N Michigan and E Lakeshore). Is there anywhere else that I should consider? Dive recommendations are welcome and appreciated.

purple pig is OK, not up top the hype and not up to the"we don't take reservations"attitude, which is a serious pain. Girl and the Goat is fabulous, as are the other "girl/ goat" restaurants. Topolobampo Rick Bayles high end Mexican restaurant is amazing, one price (expensive) tasting menu, but worth it to my palate. The Publican is very good as well, great ambiance, great sort of high end gastro pub menu I guess. But definitely fine dining. Lots of old Italian places worth looking into as well......

 

[loosey goosey]

I watch Create Tv on PBS Maryland,any who I would like to try a Rick Baylees joint.

 

[fastlax16]

Fat Rice is another great one.

 

[MohawkLion]

Pequod's pizza. was there on Friday, amazing. Not usually a fan of deep dish, but this was the best pizza I ever had. they coat the bottom of the pan with cheese, it caramelizes so the bottom is crunchy, freaking amazing. I had the sausage and pepperoni. If you get there before 6:30 there is not much of a wait. After 6:30 it is packed.

layer of cheese? No. It’s called a burnt butter crust. So it’s butter. Not cheese. It’s also NOT Chicago deep dish. It’s a pan pizza. So more bread than cheese. Chicago deep dish is a reasonable crust. A huge layer of cheese. Toppings. Sauce on top. Very different.

lots of terrible recs in here. Gibson’s? As a local, almost never. Tourist trap. Much like almost all of the viagra triangle. Except for nico osteria maybe.

bavettes’s that was recommended is very good. Great atmosphere. Boeufhaus is a great no frills steakhouse.

Smyth + The Loyalist. Au cheval. Parachute. Band of Bohemia. Fat Rice.

OP: you didn’t really give guidelines for what you actually. Don’t waste your time in town on Purple Pig. Girl and the Goat is good. If you can get in you should go if that’s something you want.

 

[Pardlion]

three, someone who doesn’t dine on steak and cream pie for advice.

Yeah, I don't trust people who dine on cream pie.

 

[macdad25]

I’m going to be in Chicago in a couple of weeks and would like to enjoy a nice meal. Was thinking about maybe trying the Purple Pig or Girl & the Goat. Both seem like good options, with Purple Pig closer to my hotel. I’m staying in the near north side area intersection of (N Michigan and E Lakeshore). Is there anywhere else that I should consider? Dive recommendations are welcome and appreciated.

Girl and the Goat...the best in Chicago. You can get a seat at the bar if you can't get a reservation....

 

[fastlax16]

I don’t know what your time table or itinerary is but when I travel somewhere new or somewhere big I try to line up a 3 hour food tour during the morning or afternoon. This gives me three things:

one, a solid overview of what’s always Been special along with some history. ( an Italian Roast Beef with giardiniera for instance, dipped or double dipped )

a specific neighborhood to focus on as most tours are very local ( a few blocks at most )

three, someone who doesn’t dine on steak and cream pie for advice.

what’s your problem with one of Chicago’s best desserts?

 

[walleye38]

I’m going to be in Chicago in a couple of weeks and would like to enjoy a nice meal. Was thinking about maybe trying the Purple Pig or Girl & the Goat. Both seem like good options, with Purple Pig closer to my hotel. I’m staying in the near north side area intersection of (N Michigan and E Lakeshore). Is there anywhere else that I should consider? Dive recommendations are welcome and appreciated.

How about McDonalds or Burger King. Have a great day. LOL

 

[fastlax16]

How about McDonalds or Burger King. Have a great day. LOL

actually McDonald’s world headquarters in west loop has a restaurant with international menu items from around the world you can’t get in the us...

 

[Ranger Dan]

I don’t know what your time table or itinerary is but when I travel somewhere new or somewhere big I try to line up a 3 hour food tour during the morning or afternoon. This gives me three things:

one, a solid overview of what’s always Been special along with some history. ( an Italian Roast Beef with giardiniera for instance, dipped or double dipped )

a specific neighborhood to focus on as most tours are very local ( a few blocks at most )

three, someone who doesn’t dine on steak and cream pie for advice.

I like your process, but I’m not in sales... I have to work a little while I’m traveling. LOL seriously, this will be an all (most of) day meeting. I will only be able to squeeze in dinner.

 

[Ranger Dan]

layer of cheese? No. It’s called a burnt butter crust. So it’s butter. Not cheese. It’s also NOT Chicago deep dish. It’s a pan pizza. So more bread than cheese. Chicago deep dish is a reasonable crust. A huge layer of cheese. Toppings. Sauce on top. Very different.

lots of terrible recs in here. Gibson’s? As a local, almost never. Tourist trap. Much like almost all of the viagra triangle. Except for nico osteria maybe.

bavettes’s that was recommended is very good. Great atmosphere. Boeufhaus is a great no frills steakhouse.

Smyth + The Loyalist. Au cheval. Parachute. Band of Bohemia. Fat Rice.

OP: you didn’t really give guidelines for what you actually. Don’t waste your time in town on Purple Pig. Girl and the Goat is good. If you can get in you should go if that’s something you want.

Curious about what’s wrong with purple pig?

 

[fastlax16]

Curious about what’s wrong with purple pig?

its on a touristy part of Michigan Avenue (all of Michigan Avenue is for tourists). Food is fine but nothing special. Waits can be very long because of the location and fact that they don’t take reservations but if you’re dining alone you should be able to snag a single seat at the bar in a reasonable amount of time

 

[jrd23psu]

Pequods is the best pizza I’ve ever had.

 

[OmniscientFan]

You'd be a fool to go to Chicago and not try Giordano's deep dish pizza. Believe there is BIG DIFFERENCE then the deep dish pizza (crap) we get around here, like an Unio's, and what Giordano's is serving. My god it was good.