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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

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.

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

If you’re looking for a luxurious seafood dining experience in Chicago, Miru should be at the top of your list. Located inside the St. Regis Chicago, this upscale restaurant is known for its fresh seafood, elevated Japanese-inspired cuisine, and lively ambiance. There was no better time to visit than a Friday during Lent, making it the perfect opportunity to explore a variety of seafood-forward dishes across the menu. We kicked off the evening with cocktails, and the lychee m

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

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

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

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

If you're searching for an Italian restaurant in Chicago with a retro vibe and a killer martini menu, Club Lucky is your next stop. After...

When it comes to discovering new sushi spots in Chicago, Itoko in Lakeview is a standout that more people should know about. From elegant...