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One of the best ways to spend a weekend in Chicago is relaxing on a cozy patio with coffee and good food and Bourgeois Pig Cafe is the perfect spot to do just that. I started with a classic vanilla latte, which was smooth, well-balanced, and perfectly sweet. For food, I couldn’t pass up the Breakfast Burrito, filled with eggs, bacon, salsa, avocado, cheese, and sour cream. It was hearty, flavorful, and satisfying, making it an ideal choice whether you’re stopping in for break

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 looking for one of the most unique coffee shops in Chicago, Swadesi Cafe absolutely deserves a spot on your list. After countless recommendations to try their specialty coffee and Indian-inspired menu, I finally stopped by for a Sunday morning breakfast — and it exceeded every expectation. I ordered the Salted Caramel Jaggery Latte, a Chocolate Chip Jaggery Cookie, and their Breakfast Sandwich made with custard egg, crispy potato tikki, melted cheese, and spicy garl

Yellowtail Sushi is one of the many sushi spots in Chicago worth adding to your dining list, especially if you’re craving fresh fish, flavorful rolls, and shareable small plates. I started with the spicy garlic edamame which was packed with serious heat and bold garlic flavor, making it a standout appetizer. While I would’ve preferred it slightly less spicy, it was still incredibly addictive and hard to stop eating. Next, we ordered the Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna, topped with mar

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

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

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

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

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,

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