Chicago Eats

As promised, here is the blog you’ve all been waiting for – Chicago eats! If you’re looking for Chicago activities, check out my previous blog after planning your next dining destination!

BRUN(CHI)N

Let’s start with the most important meal of the day – breakfast. Or if you need a little extra time in bed then brunch. Personally, I believe Chicago has one of the best brunch scenes in the U.S. But feel free to prove me wrong.

The Perch:

Not a fan of traditional breakfast food? Then this is the place for you. And I mean that in the best way. Have you ever had Iron Skillet Blueberry Cornbread for breakfast? Me neither, that is until trying it at The Perch.

The Dawson:

If you’re looking for a unique and ~vibey~ brunch spot, this is the place. Make sure to sit in the patio section! Apart from the aesthetics of the place, the meal itself was delicious. I had the chilaquiles and they hit the spot.

Lonesome Rose:

You wouldn’t expect such a cute interior from the exterior of the place. But please please please don’t let the outside discourage you because this place is a hidden GEM. This place serves tasty Mexican food in a really calm and friendly atmosphere.

Yolk:

This is one of my favorite casual brunch spots in Chicago. It has quite literally every breakfast item you can think of, and it tastes amazing. Oftentimes, breakfast spots that have too big of a menu aren’t that great, but this place does breakfast right! I mean look at that spread.

LUN(CHI)N

Lunch is often a forgotten meal, but not in Chicago it isn’t!

Cafe Ba Ba Reeba

Technically I recommend you go to Cafe Ba Ba Reeba at any and every time of the day but I’m grouping it with lunch. This is my all time favorite restaurant. It serves dishes tapa style, which allows you to try and share multiple dishes with your group! If I could only eat at one place for the rest of my life Cafe Ba Ba Reeba would be that place. WHEN (not if) you dine here, make sure to save room for the paella and desserts!

Pinched on the River:

I highly highly highly recommend this place for lunch during the summer season! The patio is absolutely stunning, as it’s located right on the water. They serve Mediterranean food, and it is truly to die for. I had the Pita Bowl and it was fully customizable to your liking, although I doubt anything could taste bad from here. I can’t wait for the summer season so that I can sit out on the patio and enjoy a delicious lunch at Pinched again!

Friends Ramen Vs Ramen San:

My (and probably Chicago’s) 2 favorite Ramen joints.

Ramen is a staple comfort food, that’s what makes it a perfect lunch food. I will note that Friends Ramen serves more traditional and authentic Ramen. You can’t go wrong with either, and that’s why they both deserve to be listed.

D(CH)INNER

Dinner in Chicago can range from a Chicago dog from Portillo’s to a 3 star Michelin meal at Alinea. This makes satisfying your cravings easy 🙂

DOC B’s:

My favorite midscale yet casual restaurant. I would almost consider it kind of like upscale comfort food. I’ve been here too many times, and that’s because the salad has got me HOOKED. The wings are also to die for.

Cira:

Greek food is my all time favorite cuisine, which means I’ve been to several Greek restaurants, and I have to say Cira is one of the best. And don’t skip the hummus!

Cafe Robey

This restaurant/hotel is located in Wicker Park, which is one of my favorite neighborhoods. The food is not your average American Fare, it has tons of flavor and flare. The drinks are also uniquely crafted! My favorite part, though, is the ambiance – it’s both cozy and modern at the same time.

ICE CREAM

There are few things in this world that I love more than ice cream, and I hope you feel the same.

Jeni’s:

Brambleberry Crisp and Gooey Butter Cake. Need I say more? I definitely don’t, but I will. Besides having fun names for flavors, the ice cream is also top tier. It’s rich and creamy, just like every ice cream should be.

Black Dog Gelato:

This place serves some of the most unique flavors that you will not get anywhere else. For example: Goat Cheese Cashew Caramel.

C(HI)OFFEE

Coffee is kind of like a hobby for me. That’s why I try a new coffee shop every week and here are some of my faves!

Foxtrot:

This place is MY Starbucks. This is not just a regular coffee shop, it also has a grocery section. So, if you’re feeling snacky, you can shop their small business brands! But most importantly, it serves my favorite fall drink: Apple Pie Latte.

Cafe Deko:

COOLEST/GROOVIEST/BEAUTIFULIST coffee shop in the city. Cafe Deko is the place to go when you need a little pep in your step. I mean it’s impossible to have a bad day when you’re sipping on a freddo espresso.

Matcha Cita:

Not a coffee fan, how dare you? But don’t worry, I’ve got your back for some tea time.

Matcha Cita gives their matcha a kick with all kinds of flavors like blueberry matcha, peach matcha, and even a golden matcha that contains turmeric and ginger.

PASTRIES

Rule Number 1: never skip dessert.

Sweet Mandy B’s:

Best cupcakes in the city, hands down. A lot of people will tell you Molly’s is the best, and while it is good it doesn’t even come close to the old-fashioned cupcakes that Sweet Mandy B’s has. The bakers at Sweet Mandy B’s put their hearts and souls into making their cupcakes THE BEST.

Do-Rite Donuts:

While this may be a little basic, these donuts do hit the spot. Specifically the Pistachio-Meyer Lemon. So, if you’re looking for a donut that won’t disappoint, this is a safe bet.

Thanks for checking out my blog! I hope you enjoyed it 🙂