Best Bread Bowls In Chicago

Who says a soup needs to come in a bowl or plastic cup? Then again, who says a bread bowl needs to be filled with soup? Whether you have a hankering for a hearty soup paired with bread, an innovative pizza bowl or something more savory, a Chicago restaurant will satisfy your cravings. Even better, all of these dishes are the perfect way to warm up on a freezing cold Chicago winter day.

SoupBox
50 E. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 951-5900
www.soupbox.com

Previously featured on "Rachael Ray's Tasty Travels" show on the Food Network, SoupBox in the Near North Side is the place to go for soup, whether you have a hankering for a traditional broccoli and cheddar soup or something more unique like spicy Mayan chicken enchilada. With more than 10 soup options, the choices don't end there. Get it in a large or small size — or opt for a delicious bread bowl. If that doesn't make your meal complete enough, you can also add a grilled cheese to your order.

Known for its meals from scratch, Foodlife in Water Tower Place offers a plethora of good eats, from breakfast to grilled items. Its soup is top notch, and specialty soup offerings change daily. Order your warm soup in a cup, pint or bread bowl. Some options even include unlimited refills. Just be sure to save the bread until you're done with the soup.

Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Co.
212 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 248-2570
www.chicagopizzaandovengrinder.com

Forget soup. This "bread bowl" is just a different kind of pizza known as a "pizza pot pie," which was created by the owner of this Lincoln Park pizzeria. A fresh round piece of bread is carved out and filled with homemade sauce, cheese, sausage and mushrooms. Vegetarian options are also available. Grab this half-pounder pizza pie at $11.75, or a full pound for $23.50 (and make sure there's plenty of room in your fridge for leftovers).

Related: Soup's On! Best Soup in Chicago

Sedgwick's Bar and Grill
1935 N. Sedgwick St.
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 337-7900
www.sedgwickschicago.com

While known as a St. Louis Cardinals bar, that's no reason not to stop by for a plethora of good bar eats. That includes the bar's spinach artichoke dip that comes in a hearty bread bowl made with "Old World Round Bread" for just $10.50. With four cheeses mixed in, it's also very cheesy.

Gather
4539 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 506-9300
www.gatherchicago.com

If you're coming to this renowned Lincoln Square restaurant for a bread bowl, check its menu first or call ahead, as this American comfort food restaurant, which opened in December 2012, is constantly innovating and offering new items. Past brunch menu items have included a savory bread bowl. Chef Ken Carter carved this delectable treat out of a brioche roll and filled it with a mornay sauce as well as pork sausage, asparagus and mushrooms. Consider this an elevated bread bowl unlike anything else offered in Chicago.

Related: Best Bread Bakeries in Chicago

Elizabeth SanFilippo is a freelance writer, who enjoys trying new foods from all over the world. But her favorite city for culinary treats will always be Chicago. When not writing about food, she's scribbling novels, and TV show reviews and recaps. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.