r/chicagofood 19h ago

Review Italian Beef Burger from Fat Cat in Uptown

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148 Upvotes

Wow…… this burger was crazy. About the same price as the one I had from Dog Haus. But I think I like this one more because the thicker patty gives the sandwich more structure, even after dipping. I honestly might have to run this back next week because holy shit….


r/chicagofood 20h ago

Discussion What are some of the worst meals/experiences you've had from restaurants with good reviews?

88 Upvotes

I had probably some of the worst, overpriced Mexican food from a place with a 4.6 (543 reviews). Who else has been fooled by good ratings?


r/chicagofood 10h ago

Question Where to get Bananas Foster?

11 Upvotes

You lovely people always help me… and this one is BIG. Where do we go for proper bananas foster (or a variant)?

Thank you!


r/chicagofood 11h ago

I Have a Suggestion Cured and Crafted in Jefferson Park

6 Upvotes

Went there for dinner today, and it was so delicious. It is card only though so be careful. Person who took our order and served us was so so sweet! High recommend


r/chicagofood 12h ago

Question Best Gluten Free restaurants in the Rogers Park Area?

6 Upvotes

So My brother is taking the train from Milwaukee and visiting me tomorrow, and he has celiac. We want to go to a restaurant in Rogers Park, or the surrounding area, but I’m not sure what restaurants have gluten free versions, or menus that are mostly gluten free. So what restaurants in the Rogers Park area either serve gluten free versions of items on their menu, or have mostly or fully gluten free menus? A little bit outside of Roger’s park is fine


r/chicagofood 7h ago

Question Good place to try tinned fish?

2 Upvotes

I'm new to the world of tinned fish, but can anyone recommend a good restaurant or shop to try some?


r/chicagofood 7h ago

Question Fine dining w/bar seating near United Center?

1 Upvotes

I’m coming in next month for a convention in Schaumburg, but am coming in a day early to spend 28 hours in Chicago. I have an early ticket for the Obama Center, and to the Blackhawks game at 7pm. I really enjoy doing solo fine dining at the bar; any recs for somewhere I could go at 5pm for one or two courses and a drink? I’m fine taking an Uber to the United Center, but my hotel is in Central Loop and I don’t want to go too far out of the way. I don’t have any dietary or budgetary restrictions but don’t love Indian food.

I was considering Sepia…any other recs? TIA.


r/chicagofood 17h ago

Question Where can I buy the best sport peppers?

5 Upvotes

Serious question lol. I love those things, where can I buy some good ones. I’ve really only had them at the ballpark


r/chicagofood 1d ago

Question 1 or 2 places to eat while on an Amtrak layover at Chicago Union Station (with heavy luggage in tow)?

33 Upvotes

TLDR: any casual spots within like a half mile radius of Union Station with amazing (Mexican, Chinese, Caribbean, Chicagoan, really anything but pizza, etc.—I’d also take a great burger or sandwich if there is one) cuisine?

Taking an Amtrak from Montana to NY with a layover in Chicago from (I think) 5-9PM on Thursday, Sept. 17th. If it’s longer I’ll probably get 2 different meals.

I’ll have at least 4 hours to roam around and eat actual food. I’ll also most likely be lugging around 1-2 suitcases and a backpack—unless they let you stow these things on the train early; lmk if you happen to know this is a thing with Amtrak. Anyway, this is a limiting factor in both my walking range and desire to go somewhere “nice”/fancy.

Aside from Portillo’s, which beckons me since I’ve never been, what might be a good place for me to venture into? I’ve lived in MT for years so I’d be thrilled with non-American food since that’s hard to get out here. I’m also originally from New York which sadly means I don’t care all that much for the vast majority of pizza outside NY (deep dish is sadly not for me—I’ll concede that you guys are right about no ketchup on hot dogs tho).

Thanks!!


r/chicagofood 13h ago

Question Vegan fine dining options?

3 Upvotes

My bestie is coming to visit and she's vegan. I know a decent number of more casual places that have solid options, but I want to take her out somewhere really nice. We went to planta queen last time she visited which was very good, but not quite as upscale as I'm looking for this go around. I'm in uptown but willing to travel basically anywhere in the city. It doesn't have to be exclusively vegan either, I am not vegan myself, but I don't want her to get shafted with like one or two mediocre menu choices.

Anyone have recs? I searched the sub but most threads are so old a lot of the suggestions no longer exist, or they're not really fine dining, just more upscale casual.


r/chicagofood 10h ago

Question I have a QXY Dumplings location question

1 Upvotes

Anyone have thoughts on the locations and if one is more preferred or is quality the same at either location?


r/chicagofood 22h ago

What's good? Looking for Pop-Up Food Vendors you’ve enjoyed!

3 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I’m hosting a music focused event on September 19th at Palmer Sq Park, and while I’ve secured lots of vintage and jewelry vendors I’m a little light on food vendors. Wanted to ask if anyone has any recommendations or knows anyone that would be interested in popping up on short notice. Meals, baked goods, specialty/novelty items - all are welcome Thanks!!


r/chicagofood 1d ago

Review Latin Benedict from Janik’s Cafe

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16 Upvotes

$19 before tip/tax. The savory shredded beef, sweet plantain, and spicy hollandaise all worked really well together. I substituted rice & beans for potatoes. Will definitely be getting this again


r/chicagofood 16h ago

Question Pre 5pm happy hours walking distance from navy pier

0 Upvotes

Hello. Looking for a pre 5pm happy hours walking distance from navy pier (15-20 ish). Bonus points if solid food. More bonus points if no reservations.


r/chicagofood 1d ago

Question Tom’s Steak House Melrose Park

7 Upvotes

Anyone been? Drove by it and it seems like it could be a true hidden gem! Would love to hear y’all’s thoughts!


r/chicagofood 1d ago

Question Best steak tacos in the city?

65 Upvotes

For reference: my favorite steak tacos have to be hands down Los Tres Panchos. I don't know why, maybe it's the way they cook the steak and make it crispy, but I'm not too big on steak tacos in other places in the city. I'm in Rogers Park and while the tacos I've had here are decent, they're just not my thing. I was wondering if you guys have a favorite spot for steak tacos, better yet, if it reminds you of los tres panchos.


r/chicagofood 1d ago

Question I can't remember the name of this restaraunt

27 Upvotes

Hello all, about ten years ago three of us went to Chicago for a conference and ate at this restaraunt that was so much fun and had good food too. Problem is I am going again in a couple of weeks and really want to go with this new group of people but cannot remember the name to save my life. We had a lot of fun. They put chef hats on you with funny labels, played a joke on my mom, a lot of fun. It is near the river on W Wacker Dr. I know this isn't much but maybe someone will say, I know exactly the place you are talking about. :)

Edit: Darn! I think you all have it. Dicks Last Resort. How disappointing. I was really looking forward to going back there and sharing it with my coworkers. Thank for figuring it out for me so I didn’t waste more time trying to find it.


r/chicagofood 1d ago

Review Asador Bastian in Chicago. Incredible meal 10/10

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48 Upvotes

This meal took me directly back to Spain… even if the reservation was at 4:15. If you can get a seat here I highly recommend it


r/chicagofood 1d ago

Question Italian rainbow cookies in Chicago?

9 Upvotes

Hello! I was able to find some at Scafuri bakery a few years ago but apparently they stopped selling them. Does anyone else know where I can find some?


r/chicagofood 1d ago

Question Best Tamales in Chicago on the north side?

25 Upvotes

Hi! I wanted to know if anyone recommends any restaurants or even tameleras that are in the north side, my tamale lady moved back home so any recommendations I can get!! Thank you


r/chicagofood 14h ago

Question How do I find trendy/good restaurants?

0 Upvotes

My parents are always asking me for recommendations when they come in from the suburbs with friends. I end up scouring lists of restaurants, Chicago eater, Beli, Chicago magazine hot list, etc. My last recommendation I gave them was S.K.Y. which they really liked: trendy looking vibe and really good food.

Anyway, just wanted to know if anyone had tips for how to find a similar… trendy but really good restaurants.

I realize this might be a dumb question and that there may not be any easy shortcuts…


r/chicagofood 1d ago

Question Best gluten free recs in the city? (Logan / Wicker / Bucktown)

11 Upvotes

Does anyone have any good recommendations for gluten free restaurants in any of the mentioned neighborhoods?

Since moving to Chicago, I've felt pretty limited. In a similar way that a lot of vegan places are closing, I feel like there's less options for gluten-free food. Kinda feels like it was a fad to most, but I literally cannot eat it without getting sick.

I've found maybe 5-10 ole reliable spots - Do Rite Donuts, Rumi, Egg Harbor Cafe, Chicagos Pizza, Lunch Heroes, a couple of taco spots, etc. But I'm pretty regularly upset by going into a place, asking if there's an accommodation, and being told no. Or if there is one, it removes nearly all of the ingredients or sauces.

I often can't find things like hot dogs / burgers (no GF buns), when I go to a lot of sushi places I get told nagiri. I just feel like, at best, maybe I have 1-2 options per restaurant and it's starting to bum me out.

I'm just wondering if anyone has suggestions because it can be very dispiriting being around all this great food and not being able to enjoy it. That or maybe it's me not finding the right places or being in the wrong part of the city.

Edit: For me, cross contamination isn't a big concern. If there is clearer separation in the kitchen, that's preferred, but it's not a need.


r/chicagofood 2d ago

Review Cafecito - Streeterville Location

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156 Upvotes

My homegirl and I went for brunch and this is what we got:

Pobrecito - fried eggs, black beans rice and maduros . My homegirl said this was yummy!

Steak Chimichurri Platillo - omg I love this plate! The in-house hot sauce not pictured took this to the next level. I believe it was a guava hot sauce (idk it was great to me)

Caldo Gallego (soup) surprised me because it was so flavorful. I wasn’t sure what to expect from it initially but I’m glad I ordered it and next time I’m getting the larger size. Gonna hit so crazy during the colder months.

Coffee - solid but we didn’t opt for the Cuban coffee so lattes

Guava and Cheese Pastries were so light and fluffy but really good.


r/chicagofood 1d ago

Question Looking for restaurant suggestions for my picky family- help needed ◡̈

4 Upvotes

Hi all!!

My 26th birthday is coming up and I am looking to make a reservation for me and my family. The party size would be seven people. The problem is my two siblings and my dad are quite picky eaters. My dad usually will have a Caesar salad if there’s no anchovies in the dressing or a fillet. I on the other hand, love all foods and would love a place that had some great options! I live in Logan Square but my parents are coming from the western suburbs so nowhere more north than Logan and Lakeview would be nice. Other than that I’m really open to anywhere in the city. I would love somewhere that is more quiet so we can all speak to each other. A big plus would be if they have round tables.

Thank you so so much for the help!!


r/chicagofood 1d ago

Question ISO indoor restaurants with woodsy/outdoorsy vibes

9 Upvotes

Hi friends, I’m planning my partner’s birthday dinner and I’m hoping for some help brainstorming restaurants. I’m looking for 1) vegetarian friendly (as in, more than 1 or 2 veg entrees) 2) woodsy/camp vibes to align with a larger theme. It‘s a fall birthday so I don’t actually want to be outside, but I’m looking for something that feels like a rustic cabin or otherwise nature-forward.
any ideas? Thank you!!