Best Restaurants In Chicago Worth The Hype
We all know that Chicago has a plethora of highly recommended restaurants most likely within walking distance of wherever you happen to be in the city. But how do you know which hyped-up restaurants will actually deliver? Here is a list of favorites that local Chicagoans agree are worth the notoriety that they've enjoyed.
Kuma's Corner
2900 W. Belmont Ave.
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 604-8769
www.kumascorner.com
Everyone is treated the same at Kuma's. Even Lady Gaga had to wait the normal hour to be seated when she decided to try out this heavy metal-themed burger bar. All of the burgers are named after heavy metal bands, bad kung fu movies play on the TV and metal blasts on the stereo. Be aware the Kuma's is largely about the atmosphere, which is not conducive to intimate conversations, but will you ever have fun!
Girl & The Goat
809 W. Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 492-6262
www.girlandthegoat.com
Known for its cozy, non-pretentious atmosphere, the Girl & The Goat offers delicious food on a rather unexpected menu. The service is friendly and accommodating. The staff knows the menu inside and out and the bartenders are well able to mix up any specialty drinks you may desire., however you may have to put in a reservation well in advance. Bar seating is always first come, first served if you don't mind eating at the bar. The interior is a mix of modern and rustic and should make you feel right at home, but still fancy.
809 W. Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 492-6262
www.girlandthegoat.com
Known for its cozy, non-pretentious atmosphere, the Girl & The Goat offers delicious food on a rather unexpected menu. The service is friendly and accommodating. The staff knows the menu inside and out and the bartenders are well able to mix up any specialty drinks you may desire., however you may have to put in a reservation well in advance. Bar seating is always first come, first served if you don't mind eating at the bar. The interior is a mix of modern and rustic and should make you feel right at home, but still fancy.
Taste of Peru
6545 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60626
(773) 381-4540
www.tasteofperu.com
What's not to love about Taste of Peru in Rogers Park? It has great food, large portions, great music and decent prices with great service from a family owned and operated restaurant. It's definitely the place to go if you want authentic Peruvian cuisine. Don't be fooled by the strip mall location, the restaurant is truly a hidden gem. Try the Lomo Saltado which is arguably the best to be had in the city.
Related: Best BYOB Restaurants In The Chicago Area
6545 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60626
(773) 381-4540
www.tasteofperu.com
What's not to love about Taste of Peru in Rogers Park? It has great food, large portions, great music and decent prices with great service from a family owned and operated restaurant. It's definitely the place to go if you want authentic Peruvian cuisine. Don't be fooled by the strip mall location, the restaurant is truly a hidden gem. Try the Lomo Saltado which is arguably the best to be had in the city.
Related: Best BYOB Restaurants In The Chicago Area
Big Jones
5347 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 275-5725
www.bigjoneschicago.com
Check out Big Jones on Clark for some Southern cuisine. It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, but brunch is reputedly the best. The outdoor patio is a must if the weather permits and if the mint juleps are in season, go Southern all the way with one of those. The cooking is inspired by the Gulf Coast, Appalachia and the Carolina Lowcountry. The chef is particular about his ingredients and does use local vendors when possible.
5347 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 275-5725
www.bigjoneschicago.com
Check out Big Jones on Clark for some Southern cuisine. It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, but brunch is reputedly the best. The outdoor patio is a must if the weather permits and if the mint juleps are in season, go Southern all the way with one of those. The cooking is inspired by the Gulf Coast, Appalachia and the Carolina Lowcountry. The chef is particular about his ingredients and does use local vendors when possible.
Buzz - Burgers, Barrels and Beer
1935 W. Irving Park Road
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 880-9810
www.buzzbbb.com
Friendly and welcoming, you'll feel like the staff is truly glad that you've decided to check out Buzz when you arrive. The burgers are reputedly amazing -- try the doughnut burger or ask for one of the special burgers that are not on the menu. If you sit at the bar, be prepared for some friendly conversation with the staff. Although the burgers may be the highlight, the sides do not disappoint. Make sure to try the spicy ketchup!
Related: Best Restaurants With A View
1935 W. Irving Park Road
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 880-9810
www.buzzbbb.com
Friendly and welcoming, you'll feel like the staff is truly glad that you've decided to check out Buzz when you arrive. The burgers are reputedly amazing -- try the doughnut burger or ask for one of the special burgers that are not on the menu. If you sit at the bar, be prepared for some friendly conversation with the staff. Although the burgers may be the highlight, the sides do not disappoint. Make sure to try the spicy ketchup!
Related: Best Restaurants With A View
Meredith Lyons is an actor, competitive fighter and fitness instructor in Chicago who also owns an amazing cat named Jake. Meredith has been writing on Examiner as the Chicago Martial Arts Examiner since 2008. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
