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LIA Tavern first caught my attention after launching its popular $30 Girl Dinner special, available Tuesday through Thursday. As someone who is always looking for the best happy hour deals in Chicago, I knew I had to check it out. After spending a Thursday evening at LIA Tavern, I can confidently say this deal is one of the best values I’ve found for a girls’ night out, offering multiple courses, great cocktails, and a cozy neighborhood atmosphere. To start, I ordered an Aper

While spending a weekend in New Buffalo, Michigan, restaurant options felt somewhat limited, which made choosing where to eat a little easier. After hearing great things about PostBoy, we decided to give it a try—and it ended up being one of the biggest dining surprises of our trip. We kicked off the meal with the Pimento Cheese Dip, served with kimchi, strawberry gochujang jam, and saltines. This appetizer was outstanding. The creamy pimento cheese paired beautifully with th

Before dinner at Giant just a few doors down, I stopped at Scofflaw, a well-known bar in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood that’s often praised for its creative cocktails and cozy, vintage-inspired atmosphere. It was the perfect pre-dinner stop and a great introduction to one of Chicago’s most iconic cocktail bars. I started with the Field Portal cocktail, made with tequila, lemon, pear liqueur, ginger, lucky falernum, and egg white. It was perfectly balanced—bright citrus

Giant has been on my “must-try” list for a while, but after finally dining there, I genuinely think it deserves a spot on everyone’s Chicago restaurant list. Known for its creative Italian-inspired menu and bold flavor combinations, Giant in Logan Square delivers a memorable dining experience in the city. We started with cocktails, including the Red Flag made with mezcal and citrus, which was bright, smoky, and perfectly balanced. For appetizers, the Jalapeño Biscuit with map

Carbon is one of the newer additions to Chicago’s West Loop dining scene, and after visiting for happy hour, I can confidently say it offers one of the best happy hour deals in the neighborhood. With discounted cocktails, oysters, caviar, and burgers, Carbon delivers an elevated experience with a great happy hour To start, I ordered the $6 Lychee Martini, which was sweet, refreshing, and exactly what I was hoping for. Next, we tried the $1 oysters, served with cocktail sauce,

El Che Steakhouse & Bar had been on my Chicago restaurant bucket list for quite some time, and I finally had the chance to visit for a Saturday night dinner. Known for its live-fire cooking, Argentine-inspired flavors, and expertly prepared steaks, El Che delivered an unforgettable dining experience from start to finish. To begin the evening, I ordered the First Class cocktail, a unique blend of mezcal, tequila, Licor 43, cacao, and lemon. The cocktail was smooth and balanced

During my visit to Austin, I had dinner at Nido, a rooftop restaurant known for its stunning downtown Austin views and fresh, seasonal cuisine. To start, I ordered the Smoke & Fire Margarita, a cocktail made with mezcal, tequila, orgeat, lime, and guava. The smoky notes from the mezcal were perfectly balanced by the citrus and subtle sweetness from the guava, creating a refreshing cocktail. For our first course, we shared the Burrata, served with piquillo romesco, pomegranate

Pizz’Amici has quickly become one of the most sought-after reservations in Chicago, with limited seating and high demand making it one of the toughest tables to secure. When a 10pm reservation opened up, I grabbed it immediately, and it absolutely delivered on the hype. From standout cocktails to ultra-crispy pizzas, this Chicago pizza spot offers a full dining experience that lives up to its buzz. One of the highlights of the night were the cocktails. I ordered the Margarita

Petite Edith is one of the newest additions to Chicago’s River North dining scene, created by the team behind Esmé. Known for its elevated French-inspired cuisine and polished atmosphere, the restaurant has quickly become a standout for a refined night out in the city. To start the evening, I ordered the Conicule, made with mezcal, Salers, and citrus. The drink balanced smoky, bitter, and citrus notes. An unexpected bonus dish turned into one of the highlights of the night. F

Hiro Izakaya is a popular Japanese izakaya in Chicago known for its shareable small plates, sushi-inspired bites, and elevated comfort food. With a menu designed for group dining, it’s the kind of place where ordering a variety of dishes is the best way to experience everything. I had been wanting to try Hiro Izakaya for a while, and it fully lived up to expectations. To start, I ordered a classic Lychee Martini. It was light, sweet, and a refreshing way to kick off the meal.

Frasca Pizzeria + Wine Bar offers a standout prix fixe brunch in Chicago, combining Italian-inspired dishes with a lively dining experience. Known for its pizzas, house-made pastas, and weekend brunch menu, Frasca delivers a well-rounded mix of sweet and savory options. I visited for a prix fixe brunch and was impressed by both the variety and execution of each dish. The brunch includes bottomless cocktails, and I opted for Aperol Spritzes throughout the meal. Light, citrusy,

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

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

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

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

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

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’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