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One of my favorite traditions since moving to Chicago has been making a New Year’s Eve reservation at Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse. There’s nothing quite like dining at a classic Chicago steakhouse to ring in the new year, and every time I visit Gibsons, both the food and overall experience live up to the hype. Starting with cocktails, Gibsons is absolutely the kind of place where ordering a martini feels essential. One of my personal favorites is a pickle martini, which adds a t

There’s nothing like watching the Chicago Bears at a bar with great food and a high-energy crowd, and Broken Barrel Bar is the perfect place to enjoy game day. From classic bar food favorites to a lively sports atmosphere, Broken Barrel stands out as a go-to destination for football fans and casual nights out. We kicked things off with an order of cheese curds, which are always a must when you’re at a sports bar. Crispy on the outside and perfectly melty on the inside, they w

Though I don’t always plan for dinner in the Chicago Loop, going out before a show is the perfect excuse to explore the neighborhood’s restaurant scene. My latest stop was Solette, a downtown Chicago restaurant known for its lively happy hour, after-work crowd, and convenient location near theaters. I started with a $10 glass of prosecco from the happy hour menu, which felt like a great value for the area. If you’re looking for affordable drinks in the Loop, this is definitel

Topo Gigio is a classic Italian restaurant in Old Town that’s known for its old-school charm and timeless menu. Despite its long-standing reputation, this was my first time dining here, so it felt like the perfect opportunity to finally experience one of Chicago’s iconic Italian spots. We started the meal with a classic Caesar salad and fried calamari, which were light, crisp, and ideal starters. The calamari was perfectly fried, while the Caesar was fresh and well-balanced —

I love it when a new cocktail bar opens in Chicago, and Double Fun in the Gold Coast was high on my list to try. Known for its creative cocktail menu and moody atmosphere, Double Fun is quickly becoming a go-to spot for elevated drinks in the neighborhood. I started with The Martina, made with tequila reposado, Cocchi Rosa, strawberry amaro, and hoja santa. This cocktail leaned strong, but the strawberry amaro added a balanced sweetness that rounded out the bold flavors beaut

Mott St may be best known for its famous burger, but after dining here, I can confidently say the entire menu deserves just as much attention. This Asian American restaurant in Chicago delivers bold flavors across every dish, making it a standout spot I can’t wait to revisit. We started the meal with several appetizers, beginning with the Crispy Cauliflower tossed in a sweet and tangy glaze with Bird’s Eye chili and Szechuan peppercorn. We also ordered the Garlic Rice, topped

Brett's Kitchen is a classic breakfast and brunch spot in River North, known for its hearty, flavorful dishes and cozy diner vibes. On my first visit, I tried their famous breakfast burrito filled with cheese, sausage, bacon, egg, onion, and hashbrowns. This massive burrito was packed with flavor and perfectly filling. To complement the burrito, I ordered the chocolate chip pancakes, which were rich, chocolatey, and perfectly cooked. Brett's Kitchen is a go-to spot for breakf

If you’re looking for one of Chicago’s most talked-about new restaurants, Creepies is a must-visit. With Michelin Guide predictions already creating buzz, I made a reservation early to enjoy the innovative French-inspired menu before the crowds arrived. We started the meal with the warm brie gougères, which were perfectly baked dough bites filled with melted cheese — a simple but satisfying starter. For appetizers, we tried the Roasted Carrots, Tarte Flambé, and Steamed Musse

Trying new breakfast sandwiches is one of my favorite morning adventures, and Brass Tack at the Waldorf Astoria did not disappoint. This upscale café offers both a luxurious atmosphere and flavorful breakfast dishes. To start, I ordered a classic vanilla latte along with some of their bakery items: monkey bread, strawberry hot pocket, and pain au chocolat. For the main event, I went for the Breakfast Sandwich, featuring thick-cut applewood-smoked bacon, egg, potato rosti, sri

Chicago is known for its thriving burger scene, and Little Bad Wolf is a must-visit spot for anyone craving indulgent flavors and creative takes on classic comfort food. This neighborhood restaurant is famous for its massive Wolf Burger, but there’s plenty more to try on the menu. To start, I tried the Lumpia, a pork hand roll served with a tangy sweet and sour sauce. This appetizer was the perfect introduction to the bold flavors that Little Bad Wolf is known for. For the ma

Froth was a café that wasn’t originally on my radar, so when my friend invited me for breakfast, I went in with zero expectations. But after dining there, I was genuinely blown away by how amazing the vibe, food, and drinks were. To start, I ordered the That’s a Bingo Matcha Latte, made with raspberry, lemon, oat milk, and mint. It had the perfect balance of sweetness and subtle flavor — exactly what I look for in a matcha drink. It was refreshing, unique, and one of the best

Crying Tiger is one of the newest and most talked-about restaurants in Chicago’s River North, and after dining there recently, I can confidently say the hype is well deserved. The menu is packed with bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and exciting dishes that highlight both sweet and spicy profiles. To start, I ordered the Hamachi Crudo, a recommendation from our waiter. This dish was incredibly fresh, with a subtle heat and the perfect amount of crunch from the toppings. Next,

I love trying new cafés opening in the city, and next on my list was Postcard in Fulton Market, one of Chicago’s newer coffee spots. I ordered a classic vanilla latte, which was smooth and perfectly sweet — exactly how I like it. For something savory, I tried the Mortadella Toastie made with whipped ricotta, arugula, and parmigiano. The toastie was surprisingly packed with flavor, creamy yet crisp, and easily one of my favorite bites of the morning. We also sampled several of

Akiro Hand Roll Bar is one of the newer additions to River North, offering a modern mix of Japanese and Peruvian flavors. We started with the Tuna Tiradito, made with yellowfin akimi, ponzu, and furikake. This was the perfect way to set the tone for the meal. The fish was incredibly fresh, and the bright, citrusy flavors from the ponzu made the dish feel light, clean, and beautifully balanced. Next, we tried the Tempura Shrimp, served in a spicy sauce. I loved the combination

Emerald Loop quickly became one of my go-to late-night stops in Chicago after initially visiting to try their famous espresso martini. This lively pub stood out not only for its cocktails, but also for its festive holiday decor and unexpectedly great bar food. I had to try the Nitro Espresso Martini on tap, which isn’t usually my go-to drink, but I was pleasantly surprised by how smooth and creamy it was. To pair with the cocktails, we ordered a few appetizers, including the

Costera Cocina Tulum in Fulton Market, Chicago, is a must-visit for fans of fresh Mexican cuisine and craft cocktails. After passing by many times, I finally got to try their highly rated drinks and menu items on a recent night out to dinner. I started with the Playa De Piña, featuring mezcal, papaya, pineapple, and lime. While it was slightly sweet for my taste, the mezcal flavor really stood out. For starters, I had my favorite dish of the night, the Tuna Tartare with avoca

Noble Fat recently opened a Lincoln Park location following its popular run at Green City Market, and I stopped by to try some of its notable matcha drinks on a Saturday morning. I decided to try the Ube Matcha Latte, a unique twist on traditional matcha with subtle ube flavor. While I usually prefer sweeter matcha drinks, this one was still enjoyable and offered a rich, earthy flavor profile. Noble Fat is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore creative matcha and special

I love discovering new bakeries, and I was excited to visit Dorothy’s Bakery during its opening weekend in Chicago. As an early riser, I was able to skip the long lines and pick exactly which bakery items I wanted to try. For breakfast, I ordered The Frankie breakfast sandwich, made with bacon, eggs, cheese, microgreens, and apple butter on a homemade English muffin. The sweet and savory balance made every bite satisfying, and the English muffin added the perfect texture to c

If you’re looking for a classic Chicago wine bar for pre-dinner drinks, Good Funk in the Loop is an excellent spot to add to your list. After walking past it a few times, I finally stopped in—and immediately loved the lively atmosphere and festive holiday décor throughout the bar. Once seated, we chatted with the bartender for orange wine recommendations and went with the safest option, which ended up being the perfect pick. As someone who’s always searching for new wine bars

This past September, I experienced Tokyo Last Call, a unique dining concept in the basement of Sushi-San, where four Japanese bars and bartenders rotate each weekend with their own curated cocktail menus. I attended the last weekend in September, featuring Tokyo Confidential as the guest bartender. My favorite cocktail of the night was the Arigato El Gatto, made with Japanese whiskey, mezcal, watermelon, and chili. The cocktail had the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and sw