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Ambar brings Balkan cuisine to the heart of Chicago, offering a unique all-you-can-eat dining experience in River North. I visited on a Thursday evening to experience both the food and the lively patio scene. To start, I ordered the Plum cocktail made with mezcal, vanilla-infused plum rakia, ginger, pineapple, and lime. The drink balanced smoky, citrusy, and slightly savory flavors, making it a refreshing and well-rounded cocktail. The highlight of the meal was the Balkan dip

GG’s Chicken Shop has been a long-standing favorite to try on my Chicago restaurant list, known for its crispy fried chicken, bold flavors, and elevated fast-casual menu. With a reputation for serving some of the best chicken sandwiches and wraps in Chicago, it was finally time to see if it lived up to the hype. The standout order was the Chicken Caesar Wrap, made with crispy fried chicken, kale and Brussels sprouts, pickled onion, and Caesar dressing. The fried chicken deliv

Toro is a Latin American-inspired restaurant in Chicago known for its vibrant small plates, fresh seafood, and creative craft cocktails. One of the standout cocktails is the Mercado Margarita, made with jalapeño-infused tequila, passion fruit, lime, and hibiscus with rosemary foam. The drink strikes a perfect balance between sweet, spicy, and citrusy notes, and the presentation is just as impressive as the flavor. To begin the meal, we ordered a selection of shared appetizers

Loaf Lounge is one of the most consistently recommended breakfast spots in Chicago, best known for its viral sausage, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich served on a house-made English muffin. The bakery-cafe has built a strong reputation for its pastries, coffee drinks, and elevated comfort-style breakfast offerings. I finally stopped in on a Saturday morning to see if it lived up to the hype. To start, I ordered a vanilla latte and a fresh chocolate chip cookie. The latte wa

Chef’s Special Cocktail Bar is one of the most popular restaurants in Chicago, known for its inventive dishes, bold flavors, and notoriously difficult reservations. The experience blends elevated comfort food with Sichuan-inspired heat and classic Chinese-American favorites, making it one of the most talked-about dining spots in the city. The meal began with Crab Rangoon and Wontons in Chili Oil. Both appetizers were flavorful and well-balanced, offering two distinct flavor p

While searching for the best chicken Caesar wraps in Chicago, Happy Camper kept coming up, so it was time to try for myself. The Chicken Caesar Wrap is packed with romaine, kale, parmesan cheese, grilled chicken, crunchy croutons, and creamy Caesar dressing, all wrapped together in a way that perfectly balances texture and flavor. The lettuce tasted fresh, while the croutons added the perfect crunch in every bite. What stood out most was how well everything was proportioned—n

If you’re looking for a chic cocktail spot in downtown Chicago, Caché 310 is a newer speakeasy in the Loop serving authentic French-inspired cocktails in a cozy, lounge-style setting. We started with the Decadance Avec Elegance, made with gin, lychee, elderflower, hibiscus tea, and champagne vinegar. Served in a teacup, this cocktail felt both elevated and playful. The flavor leaned sweet—but not overpowering—and reminded me of a lychee martini. It was easily a table favorite

Located in Chicago’s West Loop, Sepia is a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its elevated American dishes, seasonal tasting menus, and innovative cocktails. It’s especially famous for its one-of-a-kind cheeseburger martini, which I knew I had to try. To kick things off, I ordered Keith’s World Famous Cheeseburger Martini, a creative cocktail made with gin washed in roasted beef tallow, dry vermouth, tomato water, pickled ramp, and dill oil. The drink was incredibly unique

One of the best ways to spend a weekend in Chicago is relaxing on a cozy patio with coffee and good food and Bourgeois Pig Cafe is the perfect spot to do just that. I started with a classic vanilla latte, which was smooth, well-balanced, and perfectly sweet. For food, I couldn’t pass up the Breakfast Burrito, filled with eggs, bacon, salsa, avocado, cheese, and sour cream. It was hearty, flavorful, and satisfying, making it an ideal choice whether you’re stopping in for break

If you’re looking for a luxurious seafood dining experience in Chicago, Miru should be at the top of your list. Located inside the St. Regis Chicago, this upscale restaurant is known for its fresh seafood, elevated Japanese-inspired cuisine, and lively ambiance. There was no better time to visit than a Friday during Lent, making it the perfect opportunity to explore a variety of seafood-forward dishes across the menu. We kicked off the evening with cocktails, and the lychee m

If you’re looking for one of the most unique coffee shops in Chicago, Swadesi Cafe absolutely deserves a spot on your list. After countless recommendations to try their specialty coffee and Indian-inspired menu, I finally stopped by for a Sunday morning breakfast — and it exceeded every expectation. I ordered the Salted Caramel Jaggery Latte, a Chocolate Chip Jaggery Cookie, and their Breakfast Sandwich made with custard egg, crispy potato tikki, melted cheese, and spicy garl

Yellowtail Sushi is one of the many sushi spots in Chicago worth adding to your dining list, especially if you’re craving fresh fish, flavorful rolls, and shareable small plates. I started with the spicy garlic edamame which was packed with serious heat and bold garlic flavor, making it a standout appetizer. While I would’ve preferred it slightly less spicy, it was still incredibly addictive and hard to stop eating. Next, we ordered the Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna, topped with mar

It’s not often that I make my way to South Loop, but when I saw Buttercup Cafe’s new collaboration with Egg Bunni breakfast sandwiches, I knew I had to visit. From the moment I stepped inside, the decor and upbeat music set the tone for a lively, welcoming morning atmosphere. I began with the Maple Sea Salt Latte, a creative twist on a classic vanilla latte, with maple, ginger, sea salt, and vanilla. Though the Egg Bunni sandwich brought me in, the warm cinnamon roll immediat

Ever since Olive and Oak Cafe opened its doors, it has been on my list of Chicago coffee shops to try. Known for creative lattes and elevated breakfast options, this lively cafe delivers the perfect combination of flavorful menu items and a welcoming morning atmosphere. I started with a strawberry donut that was perfectly glazed and packed with fresh strawberry flavor. For my drink, I ordered the Biscoff Latte — an indulgent twist on the classic latte. Smooth espresso combine

Ox Bar & Hearth is a newer Lincoln Park restaurant serving classic American dishes in a warm and inviting atmosphere. With an open kitchen, cozy fireplace, and simple menu,it’s the perfect spot for a comforting meal in Chicago. To start, we shared the Smoked Trout Dip, served with crackers and fresh crudité. The dip was light, flavorful, and a refreshing way to kick off the meal. We also tried the pierogis with sour cream and sauerkraut — a classic take on this Eastern Europe

While visiting SALT burgers + fries in Chicago, I noticed Sarima Cafe sharing the same storefront, and I knew I couldn’t leave without trying their coffee. I opted for a vanilla latte topped with strawberry cold foam, and it did not disappoint. The latte was smooth and creamy, with just the right sweetness from the strawberry foam, making it a unique and flavorful coffee. Sarima Cafe stands out as a must-visit spot for anyone craving elevated coffee drinks in Chicago, whether

Chicago is no stranger to burger battles, and if you’re hunting for one of the city’s best smashburgers, SALT burgers + fries is a must-try. This elevated fast-casual spot in the heart of Chicago offers a modern, inviting atmosphere — perfect for a casual Sunday lunch. I went straight for the Double Patty burger, stacked with two beef patties, American cheese, lettuce, grilled onions, tomato, pickles, and their signature SALT sauce. Every bite deliveredexactly what I love in

Ēma is a Mediterranean restaurant tucked in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, and I was excited to finally try it for dinner. To start the evening, I ordered the Slow Cheetah cocktail made with Dos Hombres mezcal, Fresno chile, pineapple, lime, and coriander. Bold, spicy, and balanced with a hint of tropical sweetness, it was exactly the kind of cocktail I love to kick off a meal. For starters, we tried two of the most popular items: the Lamb Ragu Hummus and the Charred Egg

If you’re searching for a hidden restaurant in Lincoln Park with standout cocktails and an unforgettable food menu, Le Mistral in Chicago absolutely deserves a spot on your list. This intimate neighborhood gem is known for being tough to book — and after finally snagging a reservation, I completely understand why. From creative cocktails to one of the most talked-about burgers in Chicago, every bite exceeded expectations. I started the evening with the Bergamot Margarita made

Chicago Restaurant Week is one of the best times to explore the city’s dining scene, and I had heard that Ella Elli was offering one of the standout Restaurant Week menus. After dining there, I can confidently say it absolutely delivered. From the variety of courses to the bold Mediterranean-inspired flavors, it was one of the most impressive Chicago Restaurant Week experiences I’ve had. We started the evening with a glass of bubbles — always the perfect way to kick off a mul