Chicago stands among the country’s most exciting dining destinations. From innovative flavor combinations, such as steamed bao buns filled with coconut custard, to traditional favorites, such as Chicago-style hot dogs, there’s something for everyone in this Midwest metropolis.
You won’t find a better concentration of cuisine than in the Chicago Loop. Although the Loop’s culinary diversity is at times overshadowed by the many office buildings and hotels and a variety of tourist attractions, you are going to discover the best dining experience in restaurants, such as the following:
1. The Exchange
Situated in architect Daniel Burnham’s historic Railway Exchange Building, The Exchange is one of the upscale restaurants, promising a good experience.
Whether it is Sunday brunch, a night on the town in the restaurant’s majestic Atrium, or an intimate evening in their renowned Listening Room, The Exchange is an extraordinary restaurant with a crafted experience of music, cuisine, and architecture contributing to the city’s flavor.
2. Saucy Porka
Former food truck chefs John Keebler and Amy Lee blend their food memories of their childhood at this restaurant in the Loop. They serve imaginative dishes, such as chorizo egg rolls, served with jalapeno aioli and stuffed with Chihuahua cheese. An order is never complete without some bao tacos, and you can choose from flavors such as soy-ginger tofu, Panang chicken, and pork carnitas.
3. Walnut Room
Have dinner or lunch in this restaurant, the first department store restaurant that opened in 1907. Today, Macy’s on State Street takes over the historic building, including Walnut Room.
The beautiful space still retains its elegant Austrian chandeliers and dark walnut paneling. Make sure you order Mrs. Hering’s Chicken Potpie. And during holidays, request a spot under a breathtaking Great Tree, a sparkling centerpiece of this restaurant.
4. Acanto
Located along the Cultural Mile of Chicago, Acanto will draw you in with its patio trimmed in twinkle lights as well as outlined by metal planters that brim with seasonal flora.
Interior décors are just as breathtaking, with the entire wall consisting of Italian wine bottles coming from around 20 regions in Italy. In addition, the restaurant features Italian cuisine with stone oven pizzas and handcrafted pasta.
5. Kasama
Kasama is a cozy, modern Filipino restaurant serving drinks, coffee, pastries, and meals. Brunch is one of the most real stars of the show, and lines usually go down the blood.
Pastries and food are out of this world delicious. However, most people who have been to this restaurant before recommend chicken adobo, lumpia, and a Filipino breakfast.
6. ROOF ON THEWIT
ROOF is reimagined with fresh new concepts, which follow socially distant guidelines. Around 27 stories above it all, ROOF offers Neapolitan-inspired pizzas made fresh in a hearth oven, along with unparalleled city views and classic cocktails.
It is advisable to make reservations early because of limited capacity restrictions. Plus, guests should remain seated when ordering, drinking, or eating.
The Bottom Line
Most restaurants in Chicago tend to be overpriced or terrible, and at times, they can be both. So your decision to dine or eat in this neighborhood is solely based on necessity and not notice. But the good news is that, although good restaurants can be difficult to find, they exist, and perfect examples are the likes of the Kasama and The Exchange.
