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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

For the final bites of my trip to Nashville, we had dinner at Pelato to experience some of the Italian dishes it’s known for. From shareable appetizers to rich pasta plates, this restaurant delivered a flavorful and energetic dining experience that felt like the perfect send-off meal. We started with the garlic bread served with a side of melted mozzarella, and this dish was absolutely incredible. The flavor was simple yet bold, with perfectly toasted bread and creamy cheese

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

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

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

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

For the final meal on my New York City trip, I knew I wanted to end on a high note—and Ci Siamo easily became one of my favorite restaurants we visited. Located in Manhattan and known for its wood-fired dishes and handmade pastas, Ci Siamo delivered on both atmosphere and flavor. We started with the Gnocco Fritto filled with goat gouda, a dish I’d absolutely order again. The airy, crispy dough paired perfectly with the creamy, slightly tangy Gouda. It was the ideal light star

No trip to New York City is complete without trying classic New York-style pizza, and Mama’s Too was next on my list. Known for its flavorful slices and thin, crispy crust, this pizzeria is a must-visit for pizza lovers in NYC. I decided to try the Vodka Sauce Pizza and the Cacio e Pepe slice. Both looked as incredible as they tasted. The vodka sauce pizza had the perfect crunchy crust, creamy tomato sauce, and a rich, cheesy finish, while the cacio e pepe slice was savory, p

During my New York City food tour, I stopped at Osteria Delbianco, a classic Italian restaurant located in Midtown Manhattan. Known for its traditional Italian cuisine, this spot is perfect for anyone craving authentic Italian dishes in NYC. To start, we ordered the Polpette della Nonna, veal and mortadella meatballs served with rich tomato sauce and freshly grated parmigiano. These meatballs were a comforting and flavorful way to begin the meal. For my main course, I went wi

During my trip to New York City, I discovered one of the best breakfast spots in the city: Hani’s Bakery + Café. Known for its flavorful baked goods and creative breakfast sandwiches, this café is a must-visit for anyone seeking a delicious morning meal in NYC. To start, I ordered the Honey Cake Latte, while Lucy tried the Maple Sea Salt Latte. Both drinks were perfectly sweet without being overwhelming — the ideal coffee pairing for a morning at the café. The main reason we

When I was tasked with finding the perfect brunch spot in New York City to host my sister’s surprise bridal shower, Little Hen immediately stood out. The moment I walked in, I knew it was the right choice. The restaurant’s beautiful, colorful interior, paired with elegant and uniquely patterned dishware, created the best atmosphere for a special celebration. To start, we ordered lattes, which were served exactly how I like them — rich, smooth, and beautifully presented. As fo

To kick off my New York City trip, we chose Bar Primi, a popular Italian restaurant known for its fresh pastas and classic NYC dining atmosphere. We started the meal with the 20-month prosciutto di Parma, which was perfectly salty, savory, and incredibly flavorful — the ideal bite to open the night. Next, we ordered the Caesar Salad, loaded with shaved Parmesan and crispy breadcrumbs. I loved the crunch and richness in every bite, and it paired perfectly with the prosciutto.

While visiting Rosemary Beach, Florida, I had the chance to try Fonville Press, a highly recommended spot for breakfast, coffee, and pastries. The menu offered a variety of options, and each item we tried was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. I started my visit with an Iced Vanilla Latte, which was smooth, slightly sweet, and the perfect way to kick off the morning. The coffee quality alone makes Fonville Press a popular spot in the area. The menu offered so many t

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