Foodies in Chicago: what's new, what's still worth checking out?

[patrick409]

Try Franks 'n Dawgs for hot dogs if you don't want to trek out to doug's. Their truffle fries and fried pickles are excellent as well.

For burgers I really like Lockdown and Bad Apple.

Edit:

If you like ramen definitely try out the spicy garlic miso ramen at Wasabi near Logan Sq.

Publican has a good brunch if you can't make it their for dinner.

 

[SphinxnihpS]

You can't go wrong at Gibson's. The macadamia encrusted hot fudge covered vanilla ice cream is astounding.

 

[SphinxnihpS]

http://www.portillos.com/ Best place for Chicago hot dogs and Italian beefs!

No. Chains never are the best. There's 50 hot dog stands on the North side alone that blow that crap out of the water. Try Wiener's Circle, or Super Dawg.

 

[SphinxnihpS]

Also, Underground Wonderbar moved to a new location. Same drinks, music, and great atmosphere.

Gingerman is probably still serving mean drinks.

Wild Hare and Tortoise factory is always fun if you're into Reggae and smiling all night.

 

[K1052]

You can't go wrong at Gibson's. The macadamia encrusted hot fudge covered vanilla ice cream is astounding.

There deserts are good but the steaks are pretty meh IMO. It's a heavy scene place but still a Chicago institution.

I prefer Chicago Chop House, Chicago Cut, Benny's, or David Burke Primehouse (if you're in the mood to burn a sizable pile of cash).

 

[SphinxnihpS]

There deserts are good but the steaks are pretty meh IMO. It's a heavy scene place but still a Chicago institution.

I prefer Chicago Chop House, Chicago Cut, Benny's, or David Burke Primehouse (if you're in the mood to burn a sizable pile of cash).

Like everywhere with steak, sometimes you get a bad one. At any of the places you mentioned, sending it back won't hurt anyone's feelings. They all use the same exact meat, so it's a matter of atmosphere for me. Gibson's has the one I like best, and their waiters are incredible. Pete Millers up in Evanston should be on the steak list as well. All these places are $$$$$.

 

[TallBill]

No. Chains never are the best. There's 50 hot dog stands on the North side alone that blow that crap out of the water. Try Wiener's Circle, or Super Dawg.

I've had plenty of beef in Chicago and portillos is actually my favorite. Dipped, side of cheese sauce, sweet or hot peppers depending on my mood.

I didn't love kumas either, I prefer DMK. Awesome food and their Manhattans are to die for.

 

[TurtleCrusher]

If the city still smells like garbage (like it was when i was there for a year) make sure you eat inside. With it being February you're in luck.

 

[chin311]

I enjoyed jake melnicks corner tap last time i was there

 

[Mixolydian]

Super Dawg.

Man I haven't been there in years! I need to go.

 

[SandEagle]

if you want good indian food or if you want to buy your lady some 22K gold, go to Devon Avenue, aka Little India

http://www.devonavenue.com/freebusinesses/restaurants.htm

 

[momeNt]

No. Chains never are the best. There's 50 hot dog stands on the North side alone that blow that crap out of the water. Try Wiener's Circle, or Super Dawg.

Super Dawg has 2 locations now, and one would only like it if they group up eating it, like every hot dog place.

Wiener's Circle is only good for the chocolate milkshakes, but they are really good and worth the trip.

 

[EvilYoda]

I doubt I'll be doing a steakhouse this trip since I have so much else to do.

patrick409 - thanks for the Publican brunch tip...that's actually really helpful since my schedule alternates 10AM-4PM and 4PM-10PM. Any other special lunch/brunch places?

 

[arrfep]

Super Dawg has 2 locations now, and one would only like it if they group up eating it, like every hot dog place.

I've always thought most of the draw to Super Dawg was the novelty of the location. Having a second kind of diminishes that. They're not bad dogs, just nothing streets ahead of competitors. In fact, I think most hotdog places taste the same, probably because they all use the same Vienna Beef dogs.

Wiener's Circle is only good for the chocolate milkshakes, but they are really good and worth the trip.

:awe: lol.

 

[EvilYoda]

Don't worry, I'm well aware of the draw of Wiener's Circle.

 

[debian0001]

Pequod's Pizza is the best pizza. Check it out.

 

[Abe Froman]

In my short tenure and several visits, my favorite spots thus far are:

Longman & Eagle
Slurping Turtle
GT Fish & Oyster (small, but delicious portions)
Next (they have a ticketing system, but I bought tickets on craigslist)
Big & Little's

 

[patrick409]

I doubt I'll be doing a steakhouse this trip since I have so much else to do.

patrick409 - thanks for the Publican brunch tip...that's actually really helpful since my schedule alternates 10AM-4PM and 4PM-10PM. Any other special lunch/brunch places?

The last time I was at Publican for brunch they had a pork schnitzel BLT of sorts. An entire table of strangers stared at me as I ate it. It was delicious. I think they only have brunch on Sundays though.

If you like celebrity chefs, you can try Frontera Grill.

If you're going to be in the south loop area I would consider Bongo Room and Nightwood as well.



One of my favorite places for beer + pizza: http://www.piecechicago.com

More Beer: Revolution brewery http://revbrew.com/

 

[momeNt]

I've always thought most of the draw to Super Dawg was the novelty of the location. Having a second kind of diminishes that. They're not bad dogs, just nothing streets ahead of competitors. In fact, I think most hotdog places taste the same, probably because they all use the same Vienna Beef dogs.



:awe: lol.

I prefer Gene and Judes, but it's near where I grew up so I don't ever try to sell anybody on them being better than anybody else's hot dog place. I like mine with mustard and relish and just a few fries left on the dog.

 

[zerocool84]

http://www.alsbeef.com

I've never been but from people I've talked to that have lived in CHI have said it's a must eat.

 

[EvilYoda]

Been to Longman & Eagle, went there when they first opened up...same with Revolution. I wouldn't mind going back to RevBrew actually, it's been a while and they should just about be coming to retail now, right?

Frontera Grill was also great...one of my friends almost choked to death so we'll always remember that meal.

 

[TallBill]

Been to Longman & Eagle, went there when they first opened up...same with Revolution. I wouldn't mind going back to RevBrew actually, it's been a while and they should just about be coming to retail now, right?

Frontera Grill was also great...one of my friends almost choked to death so we'll always remember that meal.

Oh they are retail. Their bottoms up wit is the best wheat beer that I've ever had and I love their mad cow milk stout too.

 

[EvilYoda]

See, it's been too long. I remember reading about them buying the old Stroh's line and now they're already in stores! No distribution in Michigan yet, I'll keep an eye out for them at the stores in Chicago.

 

[TallBill]

Their antihero IPA is popular too but I don't do hops. I hope to see them blow up over the next few years.

 

[Fritzo]

Almost forgot: I know it's a semi-chain, but Lawry's in Chicago has the best prime rib I've ever eaten. I haven't quite figured out how they prepare it, and it's hella expensive (expect to pay $75/person), but you eat beef that you never forget. The inside of the building is beautiful too...awesome if you're a history buff.