We’ve all been there- walking around a big city and being overloaded with all the amazing food choices. Chicago is no different, as it’s one of the Food Capitals in the United States with so many options to eat, drink, and enjoy the hustle and bustle of city life. Here are 10 unique places to eat in Chicago around downtown for all you foodies out there!
A personal childhood favorite of mine, Sweet Mandy B’s has all the treats you could imagine! Though most known for their delectable and made-to-order cupcakes and birthday cakes, Mandy B’s also has unique options like homemade S’mores, Marshmallow Dream bars (filled with fudge brownie, M&Ms, and marshmallows) and Ranger cookies (baked with coconut, Special K flakes, and chocolate chips). If you have a giant sweet tooth, this is the place for you!
A classic diner with numerous locations in the Chicagoland area, Nookies is a beloved staple of this neighborhood. Although they serve great food all day, their breakfast menu is hard to beat. Order a set of fluffy Belgian waffles or a nutritious omelette, and you’ll be full for the rest of the day! Nookies also offers gluten-free options.
A Chicago dining icon, Twin Anchors has been the favorite restaurant for generations of natives since its inception in 1932. It has been a draw for celebrities like Frank Sinatra, Bill Murray, and even Oprah Winfrey due to its wide selection of barbecue. Twin Anchors has also been a draw for filmmakers, making an appearance in scenes from The Dark Knight and Return to Me. Order its famous Homemade Chili for a true Chicago experience.
Another fantastic breakfast option is Toast, a quaint diner with locations in Bucktown and Lincoln Park. It has a wide variety of classic breakfast items, from delicious scrambles to overloaded crepes, all made in the coziest and most welcoming atmosphere. Toast also serves lunch options in addition to its breakfast menu. That way you can have many options for brunch well into the day. Whatever you order, make sure to make room for its namesake!
Possibly the most Instagrammable choice on the list, Goddess and the Baker was created by a former Paul McCartney caterer who decided to settle down in Chicago and open up this incredible chain. Grab some coffee and their famous Rainbow Cake at their Wabash location before heading out to sight see in Millenium Park, only a few blocks away!
One of the trendiest restaurants Chicagoans have been buzzing about is the Girl & the Goat. It was created by former Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard. The menu is full of one-of-a kind dishes like escargot reavioli, calamari bruschetta, and duck tongues. The Girl & the Goat is perfect for an adventurous eater ready to try new and exciting things. Check out their main restaurant or the more casual Little Goat restaurant, both located on Randolph Street.
If you’re looking for the perfect cupcake, then look no further at Swirlz Cupcakes. A Chicago company that has sold products in Whole Foods markets throughout Illinois, Swirlz is most notable for their incredible variety of gluten-free and vegan cupcakes. The succulent cakes topped with rich buttercream will satisfy any cupcake lover!
For an authentic Italian meal, head over to Topo Gigio, located in the heart of the Old Town neighborhood. Enjoy some pasta and pizza before walking down the block to catch a show at Second City. Topo Gigio is great for a date night, a fancy dinner with friends, or a nice place to eat with family.
Especially during the freezing Chicago winters, it’s always nice to get a taste of sunny California, which you can get at Summer House Santa Monica. With dishes like ahi tuna and watermelon tostadas and avocado toast, you can feel like you’re on the West Coast without even having to leave the city!
Last but not least, get a true authentic Chicago experience at Homeslice. Classics like cheese and pepperoni deep dish pizza are paired up with inventive creations like Alo-Hot (pulled pork, pinneapples, jalepeños, BBQ sauce) and Party Boi (pepperoni, pepperoncini, mozzarella, provolone, marinara sauce). Homeslice is a fantastic place to go for all pizza lovers!
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