50 Best American Restaurants in Chicago

“Beautiful food and wine. Great atmosphere. Staff that were attentive without being overbearing. Michelin stars. And a 5m walk from the apartment. This could become an expensive habit!“

“Absolute dominance from a restaurant that is less than a month old. You thought you've had it all, that Chicago couldn't possibly have yet ANOTHER banger in Wicker Park, but i'll be damned, here we are. The cracklin' shrimp is so well done, I would eat a bowl of it. Lemony, spicy, deep fried deliciousness. The half chicken was among the best I've ever had (whatever that green sauce was, was KILLING IT) not to mention my wife's elote lasagna?!?! I can't wait to go back. THE MANAGER EVEN SMELLED GREAT. Victory!“

“By far the best 🍔 I’ve ever had! The fusion of flavors 🤯“

“Absolutely delicious!! Can't wait to come back“

“My favorite restaurant in the world. Seriously. Hands down. When I go to Chicago, I am making reservations at the Purple Pig for at least two of the nights. Bone marrow and pig ears are a must. But you can’t go wrong. Did I mention it’s my favorite?“

“Gilt Bar "gets it". A foodies playground. Top notch flavor and beautiful decor throughout. The Ron Zacapa 23 Rum is 🤌🏾 Oh, and don't forget to take a few pics in the photo booth downstairs 📸“

“A shout out for Ever in the latest season of The Bear prompted me to come back and write this review. My partner and I came here a year ago from the UK whilst in Chicago for a friend's wedding, which also coincided with my partner's 30th birthday.

It was unbelievably special. From the moment we walked in there it was an experience. It started with eating a deep fried lychee off the ceiling, and ended with being taken through a coat cupboard and into a secret passageway ending up in After, the sister bar. The food was, as expected, outstanding. I had an asparagus dish so good it has ruined all other asparagus for me for life. Each course was creative, unique, and like nothing I've had before. We were amazingly looked after - when we spoke to our waiter about how far we'd come, she arranged for a kitchen tour. A signed personalised menu was given to us with a happy birthday message on it, and a take on a chocolate cake was brought out with a candle (in addition to the 2 other desert courses!). Of course it does not come cheap, but the sense of occasion made it all worth it - they know this is something their guests to do not do regularly, and they make sure every tiny detail is one to remember.

We still talk about this dinner all the time.“

“The food sounded fancy and tasted SO good! Our server, Andrew, came up with the most delicious drinks! Superb service! We’ll be back!!“

“Have never had a bad meal here. Service is top notch for such a busy spot.“

“We went last night for the first time… Great menu options, food was delicious, portions were perfect, staff was really nice. I had the Grilled Salmon, he had the Braised Pork Shoulder…definitely recommend both.“

“Excellent restaurant inside the historic Belden-Stratford building by Lincoln Park. The gorgeous architecture & design is matched by good service and a creative menu with influences from Korea, Singapore and the Philippines. They even had a good non-alcoholic sparkling tea.“

“10/10 experience with Eddie! Had a birthday event for some friends and he was super helpful and accommodating! Definitely would recommend this place! Can’t wait to come back!“

“my best friend and I just had the BEST experience at the whale! Our waitress taylor was incredible and the manager (so sorry but we never got his name because he was just being so nice to us) was incredible as well. We will definitely return with friends and recommend anyone to try it out! classy, but not snobby, cool decor, warm kind and accommodating staff, and great food and cocktails are just the cherry on top! try the carrot cake after your meal :) Thank you again to taylor and the manager again <3“

“I love this American restaurant, the food is delicious, satisfying and enjoyable. I especially love the burgers and fries, they are freshly made and very authentic. In addition, the environment here is also very comfortable and spacious, which makes people feel very relaxed and happy. The waiters are also very friendly and welcoming, they always greet guests with a smile and provide many useful tips and recommendations. All in all, this is a very good American restaurant and I will come here often to enjoy the food and time.“

“soy de puerto rico es la primera vez que los visito y fue la mejor experiencia gastronómica de todo mi viaje en este espectacular restaurante, El gerente MIGUEL excelenteeeee el mejorrrrrr gerente, servicio de excelencia 100%, el trato fue increible ademas de Luis que fue sin duda alguna mas que excelente tambien. En fin todos muy amables y la comida omg ! divina !!!!!!!“

“Great food, family friendly!“

“We’re huge fans of The Bear, which steered us here on our Chicago trip - so glad we found this place! We loved the mushroom adobo and longnanisa breakfast sandwich! The mango tarts were amazing, as were our lattes. We left with an apple hand pie to eat the following morning, which was still had perfectly crispy pastry. Definitely worth the hour wait to get in.“

“LOVE Gemini. Their bottomless has a great variety, and my food has been amazing every time!“

“I was blown away by the performers and the fashion, not to mention the beautifully decorated space! A truly magical experience!“

“A very creative kitchen serves up surprising dishes in every course, even dessert, where many restaurants just go through the motions. They also serve up cocktails that you are not likely to see anywhere else. What comes as no surprise, is that they are a Michelin starred restaurant.“

“Amazing, a perfect evening.“

“Great happy hour daily 5-6pm The burgers are so good !! Always fun“

“The food was great. The wait staff was courteous and professional.“

“Enjoyed the Christmas pop-up, very festive and the food is fantastic!“

“Fantastic from start to finish.“

“Astonishing as always. Thanks Billy Lawless for making my proposal to my wife celebrated at your restaurant 10 years ago, very special.“

“Esme is truly an experience to have. We did the menu and the wine pairing and it was amazing. From the presentation to the food was unbelievable and will definitely do it again as it changes quarterly“

“Best place to eat in Chicago! I started going there when the owner became a client of the company I was working for in the mid-90s, setting up cash registers in the restaurant he opened for his nephew. I no longer live in Chicago, but make it a point to stop there and speak with the owner every chance I get. Always great food and exceptional service! You may have to wait in line, though. Understandably, it's a very popular place!“

“Went with my daughter and her bestie for brunch.. cute place, my food was really good(avocado toast) and they enjoyed their food and the endless mimosas.. friendly staff,relaxed atmosphere , overall pleasant experience for us😊“

“One of our favorite places to eat when we’re in Chicago. Love the atmosphere, food and cocktails. Will be back soon.“

“Good food, good variety. R&B classics playing in the background. What more could you ask?“

“I had one of the best dinner experiences ever, the food was outstanding but the service was extra special. We will be back! Congratulations“

“Great food, ambiance and service. 👍“

“We stopped in today on a tip and what a delicious treat! Highly recommend!“

“I often travel (45 days/year in NYC alone) and usually eat alone at the bar of a range of restaurants, from dive to high end but all have great food ratings, . A Chicago based colleague recommended The Evie. What a pleasure. The food - signature sushi role was one of the best I’ve had and I’m an east coast fly fishing fanatic- was excellent. The atmosphere is my favorite blend of locals and visitors. If you’re lucky you’ll have Daniel as your bartender who will custom make you a cocktail based on your liquor and taste preferences and next course choice.
Far from home but well cared for!“

“What a great experience! All four of us enjoyed everything we ordered. The food was delicious and fresh and the service was friendly. We are going putting Blue Door on our list for when we are in Chicago next.“

“Stopped by for a brunch date with my husband. We had bottomless mimosas which was a great option. The breakfast nachos and churro French toast were both very good. The views were beautiful and you can’t heat that. Service was a tad slow but overall a good experience and would come back!“

“We had a delicious breakfast and the service was Excellent. Looking forward to coming back for lunch and mock tails.“

“Great place! The farmers market was a bonus! Enjoyed the exhibits , Calder was an inspiration in my youth! Lunch was superb! To bad we live in Virginia Beach or I would be a regular!“

“I'm from Iowa, took a little weekend trip to Chicago. A friend told us we HAD to try Lula's. SO thankful we did. I will be traveling back to Chicago just to take my mom here. Outstanding service from every single employee, incredible food, and just overall 10/10. Absolutely recommend.“

“The best food !!!Thank you guy.“

“Stopped by Philly Bros and tried the Chicago Philly and the Philthy Burger both were absolutely delicious. The food was fresh, flavorful, and cooked perfectly. The service was just as impressive: friendly, welcoming, and quick. Great experience overall, and I’ll definitely be back. Highly recommend!“

“Amazing food. Great atmosphere. What more can be said?“

“We are visiting from Indiana and my husband, myself and our toddler had a wonderful experience! Our food was great and came very quickly. Our pomegranate margaritas were delicious. My husband ordered a side of bacon to go with his salad and the kitchen took the extra step to cut it up for him when they didn't have to. And while the restaurant is an upscale mature environment, they were extremely accommodating to our toddler and were so very friendly and warm to our family. From the hosts, to our waiter, to each employee who passed by everyone was so warm and welcoming. We will 100% return!“

“Went there today for the first, but definitely not last time. The food was extraordinary.“

“I went for a friends graduation brunch, and it was definitely a hopping spot in the city, and I can see the appeal for the rooftop views alone, but I think it’s a bit overpriced for what you’re getting in my opinion. I had the biscuits and gravy ($25) which was fine but also strange in that it tasted more like a chowder than gravy. I also got the chocolate chip cookies which were and came in an order of 3 for $12. As I said, a bit overpriced for cookies, but actually felt worth it for their size and deliciousness. Of course, part of why you’re coming here is for the views and this place did not disappoint! Despite it being a very hot day outside, there was a good crowd out there especially because there’s a bar on the patio as well. And even though it was very busy throughout the entire time there, my party and I had fairly consistent service, although I did have my drink order forgotten, but the server ended up comping me for it, which made up for it.“

“We came to celebrate my husband’s birthday last night. The service was great and the food was perfect. If we ever come back to town this will be a must do. We weren’t sure what to expect since his brother planned the dinner but I couldn’t have asked for anything better.“

“Wonderful Mother’s Day menu; great wine pairing.“

“Excellent customer service. Food was delicious and the prices weren’t bad at all. Highly recommend!“

“The dinner was fabulous. Our server was wonderful! The desserts are amazing! The decor is beautiful!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“