Chicagoans are proud of their culinary wares and rightly so. They have the No. 1 restaurant in America, one of the world’s hottest rooftop bars and a selection of locally focused eateries that still attract international rave reviews. Known as the capital of ‘molecular gastronomy’ (that’s experimental cuisine, to the non food geeks among us), Chicago is also famed for its hot dogs and deep-dish pizzas, which works to create an exciting, if eclectic, mix.
Alinea – Lincoln Park
Alinea should be listed as a culinary offshoot of the seven wonders. Ranked No.6 in the best restaurants in the world (making it numero uno in America), dinner here is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Inventive (architecturally as well as gastronomically), interactive and a feast for all the senses, every little detail at this haute cuisine site is intensely labored over. This is culinary theatrics at its very best. Guests could be asked to assemble their own plates and dishes could be served as three-in-one concoctions. In fact, the only defining feature we can guarantee is the service wear (‘anti-plate’ included), specially created for this restaurant alone by designer and sculptor Martin Kastner.
Lula Café – Logan Square
As one of the first Chicago eateries to embrace the farm-to-table accessibility of the Midwest (not to mention organic ingredients and no-fuss recipes), Lula Café has become something of a veteran amongst foodies in the area – hipster foodies at that. Walls are adorned with local art; the atmosphere’s relaxed (ain’t no reservations taken at this place); the bar’s cozy and there’s an acclaimed pastry chef (Kate Neumann) on the books. Widely regarded as the best place in the city for brunch (think goat sausage stuffed quail with fried eggplant) a trip out to Logan Square is worth the visit for this place alone.
Paris Club – River North
The addition of a little je ne sais quoi to Chicago’s River North neighborhood has attracted a so-called new generation of diners. With its free and easy lounge area, bite-sized Croque Monsieur’s fingers and impromptu performances by hot singers, this is as much a place to see as be seen in. Internationally acclaimed Chefs Joho and the Melman brothers have updated classics and laid them bare on plates to share. The effect is a lighter, casual take on French fancies in a modern Parisian-like escape. Cool photo gallery by day, the bar opens at 4pm and buzzes right through to the early hours.
Rootstock Wine & Beer Bar – Humboldt Park
Rootstock’s position right in the heart of Humboldt Park’s ever-expanding hipster neighborhood, adds an eclectic feel to a really quite humble offering. Chef Duncan Biddulph’s food focuses on simple, satisfying flavors (think charcuterie and cheese, smoked chicken wings and confit duck leg) served via a small-plate menu. Wines and beers are all of small production; they support sustainable farming practices and use seasonal produce wherever possible. With a mix of longer-term Puerto Rican residents and an influx of the young and trendy, this area is emerging as one of the places for a trip outta the city.
Roof at the Wit – Downtown
With its cozy fireplaces, sunny corners, seasonal cocktails and Italian-inspired sharing plates, Roof at the Wit attracts a diverse crowd year round. Offering four areas to choose from, both inside and out, a highly regarded ROOFLIVE music series and views spanning the city it’s no wonder this is rated as one of the world’s hottest rooftop restaurants.
(And then, of course, there are the hot dogs!)
