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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

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

Chicago Restaurant Week is the perfect opportunity to explore Michelin Star restaurants without the usual commitment, and Esmé exceeded every expectation. I had passed by this acclaimed Lincoln Park spot many times but finally experienced their seasonal menu — and it was a delicious culinary journey from start to finish. The evening began with the Orchard Lane cocktail, made with pisco, apple, agave, and habanero. Bright, citrus-forward, and slightly savory, it was the ideal

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

When a restaurant is ranked the number one steakhouse in the United States, expectations are naturally high — which is exactly why dining at Asador Bastian was at the top of my Chicago dining list. One of the standout elements of the evening — beyond the food itself — was the service. Our waiter thoughtfully guided us through the menu and provided wine pairings for each course, enhancing every dish and making the experience feel curated from start to finish. We began with the

I love trying new sushi spots in Chicago, and Mirai Sushi in Gold Coast was next up on my list. Known for its sleek atmosphere and freshly imported fish, Mirai delivered a flavorful and refreshingly simple sushi experience. I started with a Lychee Martini and a bowl of salted edamame — the perfect light and salty pairing to sip and snack while browsing the menu. For sushi, I ordered the Tuna Tuna Salmon: a poached salmon roll topped with thinly sliced tuna, avocado mousse, an

When it comes to the best wings in Chicago, Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap is always part of the conversation. So during football season, it felt necessary to finally try these highly acclaimed wings for myself — and this River North sports bar absolutely delivered on both flavor and atmosphere. We started with the cheese curds served with Cholula ranch. Crispy on the outside and perfectly melty on the inside, they had that ideal crunch-to-cheese pull ratio. The Cholula ranch adde

Chicago’s dining scene is constantly evolving, and one of the newest spots making an impression is Dēliz Italian Steakhouse. This elevated Italian steakhouse blends classic flavors with modern presentation, delivering a meal that feels both refined and comforting. We started strong with the Dēliz Brioche served alongside garlic herb butter. The brioche was incredible — light, flaky, and layered with subtle flavor that paired perfectly with the rich, savory butter. Next, we or

I’ve frequented Bird’s Nest more times than I can count, so I was genuinely shocked when I realized I hadn’t written a full article about it yet. Known for crispy wings, bold sauces, and classic bar food, Bird’s Nest has built a reputation as a go-to neighborhood sports bar. I always start with the Cajun Curly Fries with cheese. They’re simple but exactly what you want from great Chicago bar food: perfectly crispy, generously seasoned, and even better dipped in melted cheese.

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

The first food stop during my trip to Nashville was brunch at Frothy Monkey, and it was exactly what I needed after a morning Pilates class. Known for its specialty coffee, locally sourced ingredients, and all-day brunch menu, Frothy Monkey is a popular choice for both visitors and locals looking for a relaxed yet elevated breakfast experience. I started with the Rosemary Honey Latte, made with house-infused rosemary honey. The flavor was light, subtly herbal, and perfectly b

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

During my recent trip to Arizona, I stopped by Born & Bred and tried one of the most unique chicken Caesar wraps I’ve ever had. This popular local spot puts a creative spin on a classic lunch favorite by offering the option to add a pepperoni pizza-style tortilla, and I couldn’t resist ordering it that way. The combination of tender chicken, crisp romaine, creamy Caesar dressing, and the savory pepperoni, cheese, and marinara sauce tortilla created an unexpected but incredibl

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