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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

I love discovering new breakfast spots in Chicago, so when I was walking through West Town, I had to stop at The Breakfast House. I stepped out of my usual breakfast routine and tried their recommended Chilaquiles, and it did not disappoint. The dish came with crunchy tortilla chips and fluffy eggs bathed in a red sauce with black beans, topped with chorizo, melted mozzarella and cheddar, and finished with creamy guacamole and sour cream. Every bite was packed with flavor, ma

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

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,