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The Best Bars for Foodies in Chicago

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by The OpenTable Team
Updated 25 February 2020

From Chicago’s beginnings as a hub of transportation, manufacturing, and commerce to its current status as one of America’s most hip and modern cities, the Second City has always been at the forefront of American culture. And when it comes to its vibrant bar and restaurant scene, there are countless spots to choose from. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out? Welcome to our Tastemaker List. We’ve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. These Chicago establishments capture all the attitude, spirit, and charm of one of the greatest cities in the world, offering up amazing cocktails, craft beers, fine wines—and often, fantastic food, to boot. Impress your friends and family and score a spot; we wish we could join you.

A photo of Gibsons Italia restaurant
4.8
4.8 (3982)
$31 to $50
Italian
River North (Chicago)
About the restaurant
Big and beautiful describes this large Canal Street Italian institution, part of an acclaimed chain across four different states. In Chicago, Gibsons Italia is three levels of Italian food deliciousness, specializing in both steak dishes and the fish and pasta staples so beloved with this cuisine. Stop in with a group for Kobe beef or grass-fed steak, or opt for homemade pasta or fresh shellfish. There are plenty of classic cocktails and highball drinks for those who may be imbibing, and the wine list is one of the best bar in all of Chicago.
Top review
CoryVIP
Dined 5 days ago
The entire experience was exceptional. The pasta was great. The steak was great. The service was great. If I win the Powerball, I’ll definitely go back.
A photo of TAO Asian Bistro - Chicago restaurant
4.6
4.6 (3220)
$31 to $50
Asian
River North (Chicago)
About the restaurant
One of the more jaw-dropping institutions in all of Chicago, Tao is a spectacular, two-level dining and drinking space with a unique feel. The darkly cool Tao features a massive statue that watches over an in-restaurant koi pond and a beautiful, winding staircase, providing a remarkable ambiance for the revelers and diners that fill the levels on a nightly basis. Tao offers an extensive sake list and creative, Asian-influenced cocktail selection, and the colorful dishes served up include delicious noodles, sushi, sashimi, barbecue, and tempura options. A super-hip choice for a night out in the Windy City.
Top review
Molly
Dined today
Fantastic experience. Maybe just a *little* slow, but overall, we loved it!
A photo of RPM Italian - Chicago restaurant
4.6
4.6 (12237)
$31 to $50
Italian
River North (Chicago)
About the restaurant
E! stars Bill and Giuliana Rancic are part of the group behind this modern and beautiful Italian-influenced restaurant and wine bar in the booming River North neighborhood. There's an extraordinarily sleek vibe for the bar and the dining area; an ideal spot to enjoy something from RPM's huge wine list or classic cocktail selection. The food is exactly what you would expect from an upscale Italian joint. Spaghetti and meatballs, fish, antipasti, and much more.
Top review
Lyndsi
Dined 2 days ago
It was our first time dining at RPM Italian and it did not disappoint! From the moment we walked in to the moment we left was top notch. All the staff were friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable. The drinks and food were outstanding. Make sure to get the meatballs as an appetizer and the carrot cake for dessert!! The meals are perfect portions for sharing with everyone at the table.
A photo of SUSHI-SAN - River North restaurant
4.8
4.8 (1305)
$30 and under
Japanese
River North (Chicago)
About the restaurant
"Fresh Fish, Fresher Beats" is the tagline for this very, very neat Grand Avenue sushi institution beloved by younger crowds. The cool features abound at Sushi San, where diners can park themselves at the long "hand roll" bar and witness the magic happen in real time. There's also a fine selection of tasty appetizers (served in soda cans), charcoal-grilled meals, sashimi, and tempura. There's plenty to imbibe at Sushi San, too. Bartenders blast Japanese lagers through a "chiller" and serve them in frosted glasses, and there are big lists of sake and fine Japanese whiskey to select from. Here's a tip: grab a sake bomb while you're there.
Top review
JenniferVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Very hip and sort of loud. Sushi very good. Make sure to get a reservation, as many were getting turned away without one.
A photo of Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House - Chicago restaurant
4.7
4.7 (5400)
$31 to $50
Seafood
Gold Coast / Streeterville
About the restaurant
Not too many restaurants in Chicago (or anywhere else) boast of their frog prowess right there in the name, but Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House specializes in one of the rarest of dishes: frog legs. If you haven't tried them, this is the place to give them a shot. If those might not be up your alley, Hugo's is also rightfully acclaimed for its delicious fish dishes and its beautiful bar, serving up wines from around the world and local craft beers.
Top review
SteveVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Carl, our server was fantastic! The food and drinks as well. The ambiance was appropriate. I’d highly recommend this place!
A photo of Brass Tack restaurant
4.3
4.3 (666)
$31 to $50
American
Gold Coast / Streeterville
About the restaurant
Capturing the exciting, ritzy vibe of 1920's Paris, Marteaux Brasserie is a legendary French bistro experience right in the middle of one of Chicago's most magnificent hotels. The Marteaux is an authentic destination experience, located on the third floor of the Waldorf Astoria; it's a lovely spot for a day or night out, with a superb wine selection, a traveling "champagne cart," a spirits collection, and excellent local and French beers. The food includes an excellent selection of French classics—give the duck l'orange wings or escargot a try.
Top review
MarieVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Exceptional service and staff! The food was great and perfect portions.
A photo of RPM Steak restaurant
4.7
4.7 (6187)
$50 and over
Steak
River North (Chicago)
About the restaurant
The sister restaurant of the Bill and Giuliana Rancic RPM Italian restaurant, RPM Steak brings the same style and taste to the traditional Chicago steakhouse atmosphere. The result is a sophisticated, sleek dinner and drinks hot spot for River North, boasting a wide array of steak styles for those looking for a high-end "meat and potatoes" dinner. Even if you're stopping in for a drink or two, the liquor selection is epic — beyond the expansive wine list, there's an extended selection of local Chicago beers (from breweries including Pipeworks and Goose Island). An elegant option for a night out.
Top review
Kaylan
Dined 5 days ago
Steaks, oysters, mashed potatoes, desserts, and cocktails were delicious! Kim was a great server!
A photo of Sepia restaurant
4.8
4.8 (5377)
$50 and over
Contemporary American
West Loop
About the restaurant
Sepia presents a throwback to bygone Chicago bars. Crafted out of an old print shop, this beautiful farm-to-table bar and restaurant is a jewel of a visit. Its ambiance comes from gaze-worthy pictures of old-school Chicago melded with distinctly modern architecture and style. While the feel may be a throwback, the cuisine is cutting-edge—changing by the seasons with a focus on locally sourced ingredients from nearby farmers. For those who want to stop in for a drink or grab something delicious to accompany their meal, there's a long list of exciting cocktails and fine wines.
Top review
adamVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Great food and even better service. Attentive but not overwhelming. A great spot for any special occasion!
A photo of il Porcellino restaurant
4.7
4.7 (4225)
$30 and under
Italian
River North (Chicago)
About the restaurant
il Porcellino exudes straight cool, with a dark, sensual feel inside the restaurant; decorated with old-school black-and-white pictures that capture an earlier time, it's positively enrapturing. It's also a great spot for people-watching. Grab a table by the window at this always-buzzing restaurant, and you can watch the River North crowds stroll by on West Hubbard Street. The menu teems with delicious, hearty Italian fare (don't skimp on the warm bread served to the table) and the cocktail and wine lists are superb.
Top review
Nicholas
Dined 5 days ago
It gives you the 1920s classic feel. The food is so amazing.
A photo of Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Chicago restaurant
4.8
4.8 (8919)
$31 to $50
Steakhouse
Gold Coast / Streeterville
About the restaurant
One of the Windy City's dining institutions, Gibson's has been serving up delicious steaks and spirits since 1989. It's a hot spot for the whole city—workers, locals, young professionals, tourists, and celebrities all make it a point to dine at Gibson's. It's got a classic steakhouse feel inside that's perfect for a night out on the town in Chicago, with fine wines and beer paired with one of Gibson's legendary, carefully selected prime Angus steaks. If you can get a reservation in here, go—you'll be satisfied.
Top review
Leslie
Dined 1 day ago
Excellent meal. The steaks were perfection. Tried the desserts for the first time. Not to be missed but share them for sure. The wait staff is top notch. I’m sure due to the holiday season - the dining area was tightly packed and quite loud but still wonderful
A photo of Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab restaurant
4.9
4.9 (17573)
$50 and over
Seafood
River North (Chicago)
About the restaurant
The Chicago outlet of the legendary Miami Beach seafood location offers is delicious, fresh creations for the Windy City. Stop in for one of the legendary stone crab dishes and pair it with a fine wine or one of the many craft beer offerings.
Top review
John
Dined 4 days ago
I’ve been to Joe’s about 20 times and never had anything but the best experience.
A photo of Mon Ami Gabi restaurant
4.8
4.8 (8078)
$30 and under
French
Lincoln Park
About the restaurant
This delicious French bistro in the Lincoln Park area offers up plenty of European favorites — including escargot and filets with béarnaise sauce — and a massive selection of wine and domestic and international beer. There's a beautiful old-world bistro vibe, too.
Top review
JamesVIP
Dined 6 days ago
What could be more festive than the Lincoln Park Holiday Zoo Lights followed by dinner at Mon Ami Gabi?
A photo of Nonnina restaurant
4.6
4.6 (2855)
$30 and under
Italian
River North (Chicago)
About the restaurant
River North's Nonnina Italian restaurant is an upscale destination with superb food and fine wines. There's an old-school, welcoming atmosphere to Nonnina's, with a family mural by the beautiful bar and a lovely patio that's perfect for nice-weather dining and drinking.
Top review
DeniseVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Everything was literally perfect and the food was delicious and fresh.
A photo of Shaw's Crab House & Oyster Bar - Chicago restaurant
4.8
4.8 (14306)
$50 and over
Seafood
River North (Chicago)
About the restaurant
Live music and the aromas of great seafood fill the air at Shaw's, a local favorite that's always a good time. Head to Shaw's to take in a live jazz show and dine on some of the top-notch seafood—crab, sushi, and in-season fish specials—and a specialty cocktail.
Top review
Emilio
Dined 4 days ago
Amazing food and great service. The king crans leg are in another level
A photo of Chicago Cut Steakhouse restaurant
4.8
4.8 (10010)
$50 and over
Steakhouse
River North (Chicago)
About the restaurant
Chicago steakhouses are rightfully fabled for their atmosphere and their food, and Chicago Cut Steakhouse is one of the Windy City's best. Modern and beautiful and right next to the Merchandise Mart stop, Chicago Cut has a patio with a fantastic river view to provide a lush backdrop for big steaks, fine wine, and excellent company.
Top review
MichaelVIP
Dined 5 days ago
An excellent holiday lunch experience. Scott is an outstanding server, very knowledgeable and attentive.
A photo of Le Colonial - Chicago restaurant
4.8
4.8 (7886)
$50 and over
Vietnamese
Gold Coast / Streeterville
About the restaurant
Plush and beautiful, Le Colonial brings diners on a relaxed trek to Vietnam for colorful, creative Asian cuisine. Located right on Rush Street, Le Colonial is known for their expansive wine list and excellent cocktails.
Top review
Lisa
Dined 5 days ago
Wonderful experience! Lovely decor and excellent food. Every dish was bursting with flavor. Looking forward to returning on our next trip to Chicago.
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