Top 25 Restaurants in Chicago 2016
Posted on November 21, 2016 by
Xploritall announces the 1st annual list of the 25 Best Restaurants in Chicago. We sorted through several key diner and critic ranking lists to determine the overall winners. This "poll of polls" balances the opinions of dining critics with ratings of actual diners. The winners represent a diverse offering of cuisines and ranging from casual to fine dining.
Though Xploritall places less emphasis on opinions and rankings than other travel sites, the Top 25 list is a great tool for planning a visit to the Windy City. There are lots of other great places to eat in and around Chicago, so consider this list a starting point. And don't forget to sign up to add these places to your Xploritall travel planner.
The Top 25 list for 2016:
1
615 W Randolph
Basque, French, Mediterranean
$$$
Shared plates of Midwestern fare with European and Mediterranean influences. Also a strong wine focus. Current #3 on Zagat and TripAdvisor.
2
1723 N Halsted St
American (New), Modern European
$$$$
Chef Grant Achatz and Nick Kokonas's Alinea features a seasonal, modern American and European tasting menu. The awards are plentiful: currently ranked #15 on the World's 50 Best Restaurants list, James Beard Outstanding Restaurant Award, 3 Michelin stars, current #1 on TripAdvisor, #5 on Yelp.
3
218 W Kinzie St
Seafood, Steakhouse
$$$
Bavette’s is a classic seafood and steakhouse with French influence. #2 on TripAdvisor, #10 on Yelp, and #16 on Zagat.
4
3800 N Pulaski Rd Ste 2
BBQ
$$
A neighborhood spot started by five guys passionate about barbecue. They make their own sauces and rubs in-house. #2 on Zagat, #5 on TripAdvisor, and featured in the Eater 38 list.
5
800 W Randolph St
American (New), Burgers, Diner
$$
A diner style bar and restaurant with a passion for eggs.Highest ranking was #8 on Zagat, and is featured in the Fall 2016 Eater 38 list.
6
820 W Lake St
Japanese, Sushi
$$$
Momotaro continues the philosophy of chef driven concepts focusing on tightly executed cuisine and highly personal service. #9 on Zagat, and #10 on Foodable WebTV.
7
66 W Kinzie St
Seafood, Steakhouse
$$$$
Sister restaurant to RPM Italian, also owned by Jerrod and Molly Melman, celebrity couple Bill and Giuliana Rancic and Chef Doug Psaltis. #3 rank on Foodable WebTV.
8
11 W Illinois St
Austrian, Czech, German
$$$
The look, feel, and taste of Eastern Europe with a modern take.
9
60 E Grand Ave
Seafood, Steakhouse
$$$$
Joe's began in Miami Beach in 1913, and the Chicago location has been open since 2000. The specialties are right there in the name. #4 on TripAdvisor, #17 on Zagat.
10
2656 W Lawrence Ave
American (New), Wine
$$$$
Chef Nugent operates this small 24 seat establishment of New American dishes using French techniques. #6 on Zagat, #18 on Yelp.
11
500 N Michigan Ave
Greek, Mediterranean, Tapas/Small Plates
$$
Located on The Magnificent Mile in Downtown Chicago, The Purple Pig is a collaboration of Chefs Scott Harris of Mia Francesca, Tony Mantuano of Spiaggia, Jimmy Bannos and Jimmy Bannos Jr. of Heaven on Seven. Featuring housemade charcuterie, cheeses and classic Mediterranean fare plus an extensive yet accessible wine list. #6 on Zomato (formerly UrbanSpoon), and included in the Fall 2016 Eastr 38 essential list.
12
809 W Randolph St
American (New)
$$$
Family style menu of bold flavored foods with global influence in a fun and lively setting. #9 on TripAdvisor
13
445 North Clark Street
Mexican
$$$
Rick Bayless' companion restaurant to his Frontera Grill, which share the same entrance. Topolobampo’s dishes are organized under 8 categories, such as “vibrant,” “soulful” and “enchanting.” Guests choose from these categories to create their own three-, five- or seven-course tasting menus. A fourth option, The Perfect Seven, gives guests a seven-course meal chosen by the chefs. #5 on Zagat, and on the Eater 38 list.
14
222 E Ontario St
French
$$$$
A Chicago food landmark opened in 1978, it is headed by Chef Roland Liccioni. Currently #1 on Zagat.
15
543 N Noble St
American (New), Cuban, Delicatessen, Vegetarian
$
Open since 1981, a family run, neighborhood business that is currently #1 on Yelp.
16
2207 N Clybourn Ave
Pizza
$$
That famous Chicago, pan-style pizza. #1 on Zomato (formerly UrbanSpoon). They also deliver in case you don't feel like leaving your hotel.
17
955 W Fulton Market
American (New), Dim Sum
$$$$
Part of the Alinea Restaurant Group (including #2 Alinea). The Aviary features small plate and dim sum offerings along with tasting menus. The cocktail menu is also a strong focus. #1 on Foodable WebTV.
18
2039 W North Ave
American (New)
$$$
In a former Russian bathhouse, Chef Pat Sheerin gives a touch of fine dining flare to the heartiest of dishes.
19
221 Townline Rd
Burgers, Hot Dogs, Salads
$
A Chicagoland institution serving hot dogs and sandwiches. Actually, it's two restaurants in one with Barnelli's Pasta Bowl. There are over 30 locations now in 6 states. The downtown location might be the busiest, but the Vernon Hills location made our list by being #2 on Zomato (formerly UrbanSpoon).
20
1000 W Fulton Market
American (Traditional)
$$$$
Swift & Sons recreates the grand days when Chicago became the steak king of the world, both in the food and architecture. #2 on Foodable WebTV.
21
838 W Montrose Ave
Cafe, Vegan, Vegetarian
$
A 100% vegan cafe that is currently #2 on Yelp.
22
3658 W Lawrence Ave
Latin American
$
Chef driven Mexican-American fusion aiming to recreate fine dining flavors at a fraction of the price. T&B stands for Tacos and Burgers. #3 on Yelp.
23
13301 Olde Western Ave
BBQ, Cajun/Creole, Southern
$$
The first and longest-running Cajun/Creole restaurant in the Chicago area. #3 on Zomato (formerly UrbanSpoon).
24
820 W Randolph St
Diner
$$
Little Goat was created by Top Chef Season 4 winner, Stephanie Izard, winner of the James Beard Best Chef Great Lakes in 2013. Izard also runs The Girl & The Goat, #11 on our list for 2016.
25
14933 S Pulaski Rd
BBQ, Dessert, Sandwiches
$$
20 year old Midlothian BBQ spot known for their pork chops and enormous racks of ribs.
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Though Xploritall places less emphasis on opinions and rankings than other travel sites, the Top 25 list is a great tool for planning a visit to the Windy City. There are lots of other great places to eat in and around Chicago, so consider this list a starting point. And don't forget to sign up to add these places to your Xploritall travel planner.
The Top 25 list for 2016:
1
Avec Restaurant
615 W Randolph
Basque, French, Mediterranean
$$$
Shared plates of Midwestern fare with European and Mediterranean influences. Also a strong wine focus. Current #3 on Zagat and TripAdvisor.
2
Alinea
1723 N Halsted St
American (New), Modern European
$$$$
Chef Grant Achatz and Nick Kokonas's Alinea features a seasonal, modern American and European tasting menu. The awards are plentiful: currently ranked #15 on the World's 50 Best Restaurants list, James Beard Outstanding Restaurant Award, 3 Michelin stars, current #1 on TripAdvisor, #5 on Yelp.
3
Bavette's Bar & Boeuf
218 W Kinzie St
Seafood, Steakhouse
$$$
Bavette’s is a classic seafood and steakhouse with French influence. #2 on TripAdvisor, #10 on Yelp, and #16 on Zagat.
4
Smoque BBQ
3800 N Pulaski Rd Ste 2
BBQ
$$
A neighborhood spot started by five guys passionate about barbecue. They make their own sauces and rubs in-house. #2 on Zagat, #5 on TripAdvisor, and featured in the Eater 38 list.
5
Au Cheval
800 W Randolph St
American (New), Burgers, Diner
$$
A diner style bar and restaurant with a passion for eggs.Highest ranking was #8 on Zagat, and is featured in the Fall 2016 Eater 38 list.
6
Momotaro
820 W Lake St
Japanese, Sushi
$$$
Momotaro continues the philosophy of chef driven concepts focusing on tightly executed cuisine and highly personal service. #9 on Zagat, and #10 on Foodable WebTV.
7
RPM Steak
66 W Kinzie St
Seafood, Steakhouse
$$$$
Sister restaurant to RPM Italian, also owned by Jerrod and Molly Melman, celebrity couple Bill and Giuliana Rancic and Chef Doug Psaltis. #3 rank on Foodable WebTV.
8
Bohemian House
11 W Illinois St
Austrian, Czech, German
$$$
The look, feel, and taste of Eastern Europe with a modern take.
9
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
60 E Grand Ave
Seafood, Steakhouse
$$$$
Joe's began in Miami Beach in 1913, and the Chicago location has been open since 2000. The specialties are right there in the name. #4 on TripAdvisor, #17 on Zagat.
10
Goosefoot
2656 W Lawrence Ave
American (New), Wine
$$$$
Chef Nugent operates this small 24 seat establishment of New American dishes using French techniques. #6 on Zagat, #18 on Yelp.
11
The Purple Pig
500 N Michigan Ave
Greek, Mediterranean, Tapas/Small Plates
$$
Located on The Magnificent Mile in Downtown Chicago, The Purple Pig is a collaboration of Chefs Scott Harris of Mia Francesca, Tony Mantuano of Spiaggia, Jimmy Bannos and Jimmy Bannos Jr. of Heaven on Seven. Featuring housemade charcuterie, cheeses and classic Mediterranean fare plus an extensive yet accessible wine list. #6 on Zomato (formerly UrbanSpoon), and included in the Fall 2016 Eastr 38 essential list.
12
Girl & The Goat
809 W Randolph St
American (New)
$$$
Family style menu of bold flavored foods with global influence in a fun and lively setting. #9 on TripAdvisor
13
Topolobampo
445 North Clark Street
Mexican
$$$
Rick Bayless' companion restaurant to his Frontera Grill, which share the same entrance. Topolobampo’s dishes are organized under 8 categories, such as “vibrant,” “soulful” and “enchanting.” Guests choose from these categories to create their own three-, five- or seven-course tasting menus. A fourth option, The Perfect Seven, gives guests a seven-course meal chosen by the chefs. #5 on Zagat, and on the Eater 38 list.
14
Les Nomades
222 E Ontario St
French
$$$$
A Chicago food landmark opened in 1978, it is headed by Chef Roland Liccioni. Currently #1 on Zagat.
15
Nini's Deli
543 N Noble St
American (New), Cuban, Delicatessen, Vegetarian
$
Open since 1981, a family run, neighborhood business that is currently #1 on Yelp.
16
Pequod's Pizza
2207 N Clybourn AvePizza
$$
That famous Chicago, pan-style pizza. #1 on Zomato (formerly UrbanSpoon). They also deliver in case you don't feel like leaving your hotel.
17
The Aviary
955 W Fulton Market
American (New), Dim Sum
$$$$
Part of the Alinea Restaurant Group (including #2 Alinea). The Aviary features small plate and dim sum offerings along with tasting menus. The cocktail menu is also a strong focus. #1 on Foodable WebTV.
18
Trenchermen
2039 W North Ave
American (New)
$$$
In a former Russian bathhouse, Chef Pat Sheerin gives a touch of fine dining flare to the heartiest of dishes.
19
Portillo's - Vernon Hills
221 Townline Rd
Burgers, Hot Dogs, Salads
$
A Chicagoland institution serving hot dogs and sandwiches. Actually, it's two restaurants in one with Barnelli's Pasta Bowl. There are over 30 locations now in 6 states. The downtown location might be the busiest, but the Vernon Hills location made our list by being #2 on Zomato (formerly UrbanSpoon).
20
Swift & Sons
1000 W Fulton Market
American (Traditional)
$$$$
Swift & Sons recreates the grand days when Chicago became the steak king of the world, both in the food and architecture. #2 on Foodable WebTV.
21
Loving Heart
838 W Montrose Ave
Cafe, Vegan, Vegetarian
$
A 100% vegan cafe that is currently #2 on Yelp.
22
T & B Grill
3658 W Lawrence Ave
Latin American
$
Chef driven Mexican-American fusion aiming to recreate fine dining flavors at a fraction of the price. T&B stands for Tacos and Burgers. #3 on Yelp.
23
Maple Tree Inn
13301 Olde Western Ave
BBQ, Cajun/Creole, Southern
$$
The first and longest-running Cajun/Creole restaurant in the Chicago area. #3 on Zomato (formerly UrbanSpoon).
24
Little Goat Diner
820 W Randolph St
Diner
$$
Little Goat was created by Top Chef Season 4 winner, Stephanie Izard, winner of the James Beard Best Chef Great Lakes in 2013. Izard also runs The Girl & The Goat, #11 on our list for 2016.
25
Hog Wild
14933 S Pulaski Rd
BBQ, Dessert, Sandwiches
$$
20 year old Midlothian BBQ spot known for their pork chops and enormous racks of ribs.
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