Iconic Chicago Restaurants: 14 Famous Spots You’ll Want to Book ASAP!
Scrolling through reservation apps like it’s a second job and still ending up at the same three places?
It’s not just you. Choosing where to eat in a city overflowing with famous Chicago restaurants can feel like a high-stakes life decision, especially when everyone suddenly becomes a food critic in the group chat.
From century-old beer halls to spots where the steaks come with side-eyes from celebs, these iconic Chicago restaurants aren’t just places to eat—they’re brag-worthy experiences.
They’re the “book now or cry later” kind of places that make even your most food-savvy friend pause and say, “Whoa, how’d you get that table?”
Missing out on these legends would be a culinary crime. Keep scrolling, keep snacking, and prepare to screenshot your next edible bucket list—stat!
Where Chicago’s History Comes with a Side of Steak and Stories
Lou Mitchell’s
There’s a reason Lou Mitchell’s is known as the “first stop on Route 66”—this diner doesn’t just do breakfast, it does morning magic.
For the best bite on the breakfast menu, order the meltaway pancakes or go savory with the Norwegian Smoked Salmon and Onion Omelette served with hash browns that deserve their own award.
No one leaves hungry, especially once you’ve been handed a free doughnut hole (or three) before you even sit down.
It’s a feel-good staple that’s been turning locals and tourists into regulars since 1923, and nothing says Lou Mitchell’s like strong coffee, louder conversation, and a second pancake “just because.”
Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse
When you’re Googling restaurants in Chicago and Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse shows up first, know this: it earned that spot with sizzling steak, attitude, and a side of “you better make a reservation.”
While the W.R.’s Chicago Cut is the headliner, don’t sleep on the Filet Mignon Steak Salad or the ridiculously indulgent Macadamia Turtle Pie.
The vibe is all upscale steakhouse with a side of Gold Coast glam. Come for the beef, stay for the people-watching.
And if you’re the type to sip and swirl, their wine list reads like a sommelier’s fever dream (in the best way).
The Berghoff Restaurant
Tucked in the Loop like a time capsule with beer taps, The Berghoff Restaurant is one of the most iconic spots in the city for those craving a taste of classic Chicago restaurants.
You don’t come here just for the schnitzel (though the Chicken Schnitzel is crispy perfection); you come to step into 1898 and never want to leave.
Start with the Käsebällchen (bourbon cheddar and jalapeño fried cheese balls—yes, you read that correctly), then follow it up with the Jäger Schnitzel or the Sauerbraten if you’re in full comfort-food mode.
Pair it with a Berghoff Root Beer or go all in with a craft cocktail to feel like a boss from the beer-hall era.
Fine Dining That’s Fancy Without Feeling Like a Lecture
Alinea
Alinea isn’t just one of the most famous Chicago restaurants. It’s basically the Beyoncé of modern fine dining.
With three Michelin stars, a moody Lincoln Park location, and a team led by culinary wizard Grant Achatz, this place is an edible performance art show.
Choose between The Kitchen Table, The Gallery, or The Salon, and prepare for a multi-sensory tasting menu experience where dishes like edible helium balloons, black truffle explosions, or wagyu with Thai banana curry make the menu feel like a plot twist.
Alinea is where you go when you want dinner, drama, and bragging rights all in one night.
Boka
Boka is the definition of dining that’s both grown-up and cool, set in the heart of Lincoln Park where romantic lighting meets Michelin-starred magic.
The menu balances rich, indulgent mains like Black Truffle Roasted Chicken or Slow Roasted Beef Short Rib with unexpected gems like the Smoked Kabocha Squash Agnolotti.
And dessert? Do not even think about leaving without trying the Burnt Honey Crémeux with dark chocolate and blueberry.
Boka doesn’t just feed you—it flirts with you first.
Oriole
Oriole is the low-key luxe dining experience that’s tucked into a quiet West Loop alley like a secret too good to share—but definitely worth spilling.
Its intimate dining room gives off understated elegance, while the tasting menu delivers bite after perfect bite of modern American fine dining with global flair.
Expect seasonal shifts, but think along the lines of Dry Aged Duck, Veal Sweetbreads, or the kind of delicate crudos that make you pause between bites just to process the flavor.
Pair it with the Reserve Wine Pairing (or the Spirit-Free option curated by Bar Kumiko’s Julia Momose) and you’ve got the kind of night that sticks with you.
Girl & The Goat
Run, don’t scroll, to a table at Girl & The Goat, where bold flavors and dramatic plating make it the reigning queen of the West Loop.
Whether you’re hitting it up for dinner or weekend cravings, the brunch menu is just as much of a showstopper—think sourdough waffles with sour cream syrup, or skirt steak chilaquiles with yuzu crema.
Chef Stephanie Izard doesn’t shy away from getting adventurous either (hello, confit goat belly and wood-fired chicken with pickled sweet potato).
You’re not just eating—you’re collecting conversation starters with every plate.
Deep-Dish Spots That Will Ruin All Other Pizza for You
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria
For anyone who’s ever claimed to “not like deep dish,” a single slice from Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria is enough to spark a full-blown identity crisis.
With its signature Buttercrust™ that’s buttery but never greasy, and toppings piled high under a blanket of vine-ripened tomato sauce, this joint has been perfecting the art of indulgence since long before pizza went viral.
The Malnati Chicago Classic™ is the move here—loaded with lean sausage and that iconic cheese stretch that defies physics.
Toss in some Mozzarella Bites and a slice of Tiramisu, and just cancel all other dinner plans.
Giordano’s
Stuffed, layered, and unapologetically over-the-top, Giordano’s is the kind of place that shows up in every food show for a reason.
This isn’t just pizza—it’s a pie that eats like a full meal, no sides required (though we still recommend the garlic Parmesan wings if you’re feeling wild).
Whether you go for the OG cheese-stuffed deep dish or dive into the meat-packed Chicago Classic, every bite confirms why this is one of the most famous places to eat in Chicago.
Fair warning: picking it up might require two hands and some upper-body strength.
Pequod’s Pizza
Expect something entirely different at Pequod’s Pizza, where the deep-dish game takes a slightly darker—and far more caramelized—turn.
That’s thanks to the signature crust: a thick, pan-style edge covered in a halo of crispy, near-burnt cheese that’s become the stuff of Chicago legend.
Their sausage-heavy pie with extra giardiniera brings the heat, but don’t sleep on the pepperoni either—it pools with just the right amount of spicy grease (Chicagoans know that’s a compliment).
If you need something cold to chase it, the Spiteful Pequod’s IPA or Blake’s Triple Jam Cider does the trick.
Lights, Camera, Cheezborger! TV-Famous Eats That Are Worth The Hype
Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen
There’s a reason Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen keeps popping up on every food show worth watching—it’s the city’s reigning king of comfort food.
Imagine a cafeteria line where every tray ends in towering pastrami sandwiches, fried matzah brei, or a Breakfast Reuben that’s got both eggs and attitude.
The corned beef hash is legendary, but don’t skip the potato pancake, or you’ll regret it three bites into your friend’s.
It’s loud, it’s fast-paced, and it tastes exactly like a Chicago Sunday morning should.
The Weiner’s Circle
Don’t let the name fool you. The Weiner’s Circle isn’t your average hot dog stand.
Famous for its Chicago-style dogs and famously rowdy late-night interactions between staff and customers, it’s equal parts food stop and social experiment.
Grab a Double Dog or a Char Polish, slather it with every topping they’ll let you, and get the Cheddar Fries while you’re at it (trust us).
The energy is chaotic, the insults fly fast, and somehow the whole thing just works—no wonder this spot became a TV favorite.
Billy Goat Tavern
Getting a “Cheezborger” at the Billy Goat Tavern is basically a rite of passage for anyone exploring old-school restaurants in Chicago.
This place made headlines thanks to SNL’s “cheezborger, cheezborger” sketch, but the real draw is how little it’s changed since then.
Order a Double Cheezborger with chips (no fries!), wash it down with a soda or hot coffee, and let the fluorescent lights and sass-filled service remind you why this city loves a no-frills legend.
The vibe is loud, proud, and refreshingly resistant to anything trendy.
Kuma’s Corner
Even if you’ve never heard of sludge metal, a burger from Kuma’s Corner will turn you into a loyal fan.
With names like “Slayer” and “Black Sabbath,” these burgers don’t just lean into metal—they blast it from the kitchen while stacking cheddar, fried eggs, jalapeño bacon jam, and BBQ pulled pork on pretzel buns.
If you’re skipping meat, the Converge with an Impossible patty, pico de gallo, and roasted garlic mayo will still wreck your life in the best way.
Add a side of edamame (yes, seriously) or fries and just embrace the glorious chaos of this headbanging burger temple.
Which of These Iconic Chicago Bites Is Calling Your Name First?
Whether you’re craving a deep-dish slice that could double as a weightlifting session or a twelve-course tasting that feels like edible theater, the famous Chicago restaurants on this list deliver the full flavor fantasy.
Each one tells a story of tradition, innovation, and the unapologetic love this city has for its food scene.
Once you’ve picked your lineup of iconic Chicago restaurants, it’s time to start planning your getaway the smart way.
With Tripster, you can score the best deals while booking your Chicago attractions, shows, hotels, and vacation packages, keeping everything deliciously within budget and perfectly organized.
From sightseeing to steak dinners, your Chicago adventure deserves the VIP treatment. So go ahead—book it, bite it, and brag about it later!
Famous Chicago Restaurants FAQs
What’s the dress code at these famous spots?
Most upscale restaurants like Oriole or Boka suggest “elevated casual” or business casual—think polished but not overly formal. Casual deep-dish joints like Lou Malnati’s or Giordano’s are come-as-you-are friendly.
Are these restaurants kid-friendly?
Many of the deep-dish and deli-style spots, like Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria and Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen, are great for families with kids. However, fine dining venues like Alinea are more geared toward adult experiences and may not allow young children.
What’s the average budget I should plan for a nice meal?
Casual places usually run $15–30 per person without alcohol, while fine dining can range from $100 to $400+ per person depending on tasting menus and wine pairings. Always check menus ahead if you’re budgeting your trip.
Do any iconic Chicago restaurants offer vegetarian or gluten-free options?
Yes! Most menus now include thoughtful options for dietary needs—like The “Crustless” Pizza at Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria or veggie-forward dishes at Girl & The Goat and Boka.
Where should I eat near Chicago’s top tourist attractions?
Try Giordano’s near Millennium Park or Billy Goat Tavern near Navy Pier for tasty, central bites. For a nearby upscale option, Boka is just a short ride from Lincoln Park Zoo.
Can I still get a great meal without breaking the bank?
Absolutely—some of the best famous Chicago restaurants are classic delis, burger joints, and pizzerias that are wallet-friendly. Go for weekday lunches or early dinners to maximize value.
What are Chicago’s can’t-miss local specialties?
Deep-dish pizza is non-negotiable, but don’t miss Italian beef sandwiches, Chicago-style hot dogs, and a stacked Reuben from Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen. If you’re into adventurous eats, Girl & The Goat delivers on flavor surprises.
Is tipping expected at these restaurants?
Yes, tipping is customary—generally 18–20% of the bill. Some fine dining restaurants include a service charge, so double-check your receipt.
How can I make my food trip and Chicago adventure easier to plan?
Use Tripster's vacation packages to bundle your bookings—it’s a game-changer for organizing and saving big on your Chicago attractions, shows, and hotels. That way, you can focus on eating well and exploring more.
