The 38 Essential Chicago Restaurants, Winter 2017
Big Jones is one of The 38 Essential Chicago Restaurants, Winter 2017.

1. Big Jones

8.6
5347 N Clark St (btwn W Summerdale Ave & W Balmoral Ave), Chicago, IL
Restaurante de comida sureña · Andersonville · 138 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: This spot has been around a while, but its new Boarding House lunch (with juicy fried chicken) hearty brunch platters and dishes culled from decades and centuries-old recipes has given it new life. Leer más.

Hopleaf Bar is one of The 38 Essential Chicago Restaurants, Winter 2017.

2. Hopleaf Bar

9.2
5148 N Clark St (at W Foster Ave), Chicago, IL
Bar de cerveza · Andersonville · 334 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: Hopleaf is well known for its huge beer selection—which is well deserved—yet the interesting takes on Belgian food is also a main reason crowds continue to pack the Andersonville spot. Leer más.

Tank Noodle is one of The 38 Essential Chicago Restaurants, Winter 2017.

3. Tank Noodle

8.0
4953 N Broadway St (at Argyle St), Chicago, IL
Restaurante vietnamita · Uptown · 150 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: The longtime family-owned spot serves Chicago's best bowl of pho, but there are a seemingly unlimited amount of finds on the 200-item menu full of soups, noodle dishes, rice, banh mi, and much more. Leer más.

Demera Ethiopian Restaurant is one of The 38 Essential Chicago Restaurants, Winter 2017.

4. Demera Ethiopian Restaurant

8.4
4801 N Broadway St (at Lawrence Ave.), Chicago, IL
Restaurante etíope · Uptown · 49 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: When we want to eat with our hands and sop up spicy Ethiopian sauces and tender doro wat and vegetables we head north to Uptown. Tip: they roast their own coffee, too. Leer más.

Spacca Napoli Pizzeria is one of The 38 Essential Chicago Restaurants, Winter 2017.

5. Spacca Napoli Pizzeria

9.2
1769 W Sunnyside Ave (at Ravenswood Ave), Chicago, IL
Pizzería · Ravenswood · 105 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: The trendier Neapolitan pizza gets, the more you're reminded who does it best in Chicago. Come for Jonathan Goldsmith's perfectly charred pies from his custom-built oven. Leer más.

Smoque BBQ is one of The 38 Essential Chicago Restaurants, Winter 2017.

6. Smoque BBQ

9.1
3800 N Pulaski Rd (at Grace St), Chicago, IL
Parrilla · Old Irving Park · 232 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: With two smokers to prep meaty St. Louis-style ribs, tender brisket, apple-and-oak-smoked pulled pork and more, this 'cue joint ain't no joke. Leer más.

Parachute is one of The 38 Essential Chicago Restaurants, Winter 2017.

7. Parachute

8.4
3500 N Elston Ave (Troy), Chicago, IL
Restaurante coreano · Northwest Side · 61 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: Beverly Kim and John Clark's Korean-American restaurant in Avondale is one of the most critically-acclaimed, original, and best-done restaurants in some time. Leer más.

Honey Butter Fried Chicken is one of The 38 Essential Chicago Restaurants, Winter 2017.

8. Honey Butter Fried Chicken

8.8
3361 N Elston Ave (at W Roscoe St), Chicago, IL
Local de pollo frito · Northwest Side · 143 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: It may not serve your momma's fried chicken—with bones, skin, et al—but Honey Butter has been making swaths of Chicagoans feel like kids again when they dip their birds in that honey butter. Leer más.

Fat Rice is one of The 38 Essential Chicago Restaurants, Winter 2017.

9. Fat Rice

2957 W Diversey Ave (at N Sacramento Ave), Chicago, IL
Restaurante asiático · Logan Square · 101 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: Former underground chef Abraham Conlon has reached the big time with his creative take on Macau cuisine. Try the pickle assortments and namesake "fat rice." Leer más.

Owen & Engine is one of The 38 Essential Chicago Restaurants, Winter 2017.

10. Owen & Engine

2700 N Western Ave (at W Schubert Ave), Chicago, IL
Gastropub · Northwest Side · 147 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: This cult favorite British-inspired gastropub has a much better beer selection and the fish and chips are nearly as good as across the pond, and the burger is easily one of the best in Chicago. Leer más.

Pequod's Pizzeria is one of The 38 Essential Chicago Restaurants, Winter 2017.

11. Pequod's Pizzeria

8.9
2207 N Clybourn Ave (btwn W Webster Ave & N Greenview Ave), Chicago, IL
Pizzería · North Side · 297 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: Pequod's pies are of the pan variety, a deep doughy pizza that includes an addictive and lauded crispy caramelized crust made from baking cheese on the outside to give it a look that may appear burnt. Leer más.

Lula Café is one of The 38 Essential Chicago Restaurants, Winter 2017.

12. Lula Café

9.3
2537 N Kedzie Blvd (btwn Linden & Logan Sq.), Chicago, IL
Café · Logan Square · 256 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: Before Logan Square had Longman & Eagle, it had Lula Café. More than a decade on, it's easy to see why people flock for its locally sourced menu, Sunday brunch and Monday night farm dinners. Leer más.

Mindy's Hot Chocolate is one of The 38 Essential Chicago Restaurants, Winter 2017.

13. Mindy's Hot Chocolate

1747 N Damen Ave (at W Willow St), Chicago, IL
Confitería · Bucktown · 199 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: While the savory food and the drinks are very good, the sweets and the hot chocolates are predictably not to be missed from an owner with a James Beard award for best pastry chef. Leer más.

Boka is one of The 38 Essential Chicago Restaurants, Winter 2017.

14. Boka

9.0
1729 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL
Restaurante de nueva cocina americana · Lincoln Park · 104 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: Now a decade old, the Boka Group's flagship restaurant is better than ever following a reboot that added chef Lee Wolen and a stunning remodel. Leer más.

Alinea is one of The 38 Essential Chicago Restaurants, Winter 2017.

15. Alinea

9.1
1723 N Halsted St (btwn W North Ave & W Willow St), Chicago, IL
Restaurante de gastronomía molecular · Lincoln Park · 142 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: Food obsessives make pilgrimages from around the globe to the 10-year-old Lincoln Park restaurant to experience Achatz's emotional, interactive and expensive tasting menus. Leer más.

Dove's Luncheonette is one of The 38 Essential Chicago Restaurants, Winter 2017.

16. Dove's Luncheonette

9.1
1545 N Damen Ave (btwn Milwaukee Ave & Wicker Park Ave), Chicago, IL
Cafetería · Wicker Park · 95 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: Paul Kahan and co. bring Tex-Mex comfort food to a traditional diner environment, adding a standout mezcal selection and soul music wafting from a turntable. Try the fried chicken and torta ahogada. Leer más.

Mott Street is one of The 38 Essential Chicago Restaurants, Winter 2017.

17. Mott Street

8.6
1401 N Ashland Ave (Blackhawk), Chicago, IL
Restaurante asiático · Noble Square · 82 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: Creative, eclectic, delicious takes on Asian street food, cocktails, and a lively patio. Don't miss the everything wings, General Tso's lamb sweetbreads, and the Korean-style stuffed cabbage. Leer más.

Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse is one of The 38 Essential Chicago Restaurants, Winter 2017.

18. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse

8.9
1028 N Rush St (at E Bellevue Pl), Chicago, IL
Steakhouse · Gold Coast · 282 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: Chicago's steakhouse tradition may be best experienced at Gibson's, the swanky Gold Coast institution that Eater readers voted the best steakhouse in America's meatiest city. Leer más.

Boeufhaus is one of The 38 Essential Chicago Restaurants, Winter 2017.

19. Boeufhaus

8.6
1012 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL
Steakhouse · Humboldt Park · 17 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: Boeufhaus is sort of the anti-steakhouse, serving delicious food such as short rib beignets, a standout wine list and a deli and meat counter during the day, all in a hip space. Leer más.

Piccolo Sogno is one of The 38 Essential Chicago Restaurants, Winter 2017.

20. Piccolo Sogno

9.2
464 N Halsted St (at Grand Ave), Chicago, IL
Restaurante italiano · Fulton River District · 112 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: Even if you can't sit on the city's best patio all year, chef Tony Priolo's pizzas, housemade pastas and grilled meats make a trip worth it even in the dead of winter. Leer más.

Portillo's is one of The 38 Essential Chicago Restaurants, Winter 2017.

21. Portillo's

9.0
100 W Ontario St (at Clark St), Chicago, IL
Local de Hot Dogs · River North · 667 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: Whether you're looking for hot dogs or Italian beef, very few places offer up that kind of greasy iconic Chicago-style street food better than the classic food hall-esque Portillo's on Ontario Street. Leer más.

Bohemian House is one of The 38 Essential Chicago Restaurants, Winter 2017.

22. Bohemian House

11 W Illinois St (at N State St), Chicago, IL
Restaurante de Europa del Este · Near North Side · 49 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: Under the direction of chef Jimmy Papadopolous, Boho honors Chicago's extensive Eastern European heritage with some of the most creative and tasty versions of that region's dishes in a gorgeous space. Leer más.

The Purple Pig is one of The 38 Essential Chicago Restaurants, Winter 2017.

23. The Purple Pig

500 N Michigan Ave (at W Illinois St), Chicago, IL
Restaurante mediterráneo · Streeterville · 633 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: The father-and-son Bannos duo's restaurant is a torch bearer for mediterranean small plates and charcuterie, and perhaps the best restaurant on the touristy Magnificent Mile. Be prepared for a wait. Leer más.

Frontera Grill is one of The 38 Essential Chicago Restaurants, Winter 2017.

24. Frontera Grill

8.4
445 N Clark St (btwn Illinois St & Hubbard St), Chicago, IL
Restaurante mexicano · River North · 257 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: Rick Bayless' Mexican haven, including Xoco on the corner, is a Chicago institution spawning spinoffs around the globe of south of the border fare from street food to high end. Leer más.

La Sirena Clandestina is one of The 38 Essential Chicago Restaurants, Winter 2017.

25. La Sirena Clandestina

954 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL
Restaurante latinoamericano · Fulton Market · 67 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: Chef/owner John Manion continues to crank out empanadas and other chef-driven Latin fare among the big boys on Fulton Market. A fresh remodeling and inventive cocktails complete the experience. Leer más.

The Publican is one of The 38 Essential Chicago Restaurants, Winter 2017.

26. The Publican

8.9
837 W Fulton Market (at N Green St), Chicago, IL
Restaurante de nueva cocina americana · Fulton Market · 358 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: A few years in, Paul Kahan's temple to pork and shellfish remains strong, with chef Cosmo Goss taking over for Brian Huston in the kitchen. Leer más.

Grace is one of The 38 Essential Chicago Restaurants, Winter 2017.

27. Grace

652 W Randolph St (at W Couch Pl), Chicago, IL
Restaurante de nueva cocina americana · West Loop · 41 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: Duffy and his kitchen's tasting menus exude nearly unparalleled precision and refinement, while partner Michael Muser's wine and service are equally destination-worthy. Leer más.

Au Cheval is one of The 38 Essential Chicago Restaurants, Winter 2017.

28. Au Cheval

9.1
800 W Randolph St (at S Halsted St), Chicago, IL
Hamburguesería · Fulton Market · 482 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: The quality of food—crispy potato hash with duck heart gravy; foie gras, scrambled eggs and toast; and those damn tasty griddled burgers—puts this spot in a new category. Leer más.

Sepia is one of The 38 Essential Chicago Restaurants, Winter 2017.

29. Sepia

8.4
123 N Jefferson St (btwn W Washington St & W Randolph St), Chicago, IL
Restaurante de nueva cocina americana · West Loop · 63 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: Sepia continues to be one of the most consistent restaurants in Chicago. Andrew Zimmerman's menus paired with a cutting-edge beverage program makes it a complete experience. Leer más.

Monteverde is one of The 38 Essential Chicago Restaurants, Winter 2017.

30. Monteverde

9.1
1020 West Madison Street (Carpenter Street), Chicago, IL
Restaurante italiano · Near West Side · 44 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: The pastas are the stars, such as cannelloni saltimbocca with merguez, manchego cheese, peas, harissa, and balsamico, many of which are made on a small demonstration stage of sorts behind the bar. Leer más.

Manny's Cafeteria & Delicatessen is one of The 38 Essential Chicago Restaurants, Winter 2017.

31. Manny's Cafeteria & Delicatessen

9.1
1141 S Jefferson St (at Roosevelt Rd.), Chicago, IL
Lugar de sándwiches · South Loop · 117 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: The torchbearer for a dying breed of Jewish delis and diners in Chicago, Manny's has endured for more than a half-century in the South Loop thanks to massive and delicious pastrami sandwiches. Leer más.

EL Ideas is one of The 38 Essential Chicago Restaurants, Winter 2017.

32. EL Ideas

8.7
2419 W 14th St (at Western Ave), Chicago, IL
Restaurante de nueva cocina americana · Douglas Park · 34 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: One of America's most innovative fine-dining restaurants, where 13-15 courses can include "culinary cocaine," a solid "White Russian" topped with caviar, and more mind-blowing delights. Leer más.

Acadia is one of The 38 Essential Chicago Restaurants, Winter 2017.

33. Acadia

1639 S Wabash Ave (btwn E 16th St & E 18th St), Chicago, IL
Restaurante de nueva cocina americana · South Loop · 53 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: Tackle one of the best burgers in town at the bar, embark on a journey through a decadent eight-course menu, or satisfy a sweets craving with a creative dessert tasting menu. Leer más.

Dusek's is one of The 38 Essential Chicago Restaurants, Winter 2017.

34. Dusek's

8.6
1227 W 18th St (at S Allport St), Chicago, IL
Bar · Pilsen · 90 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: A landmark Bohemian building in Pilsen turned into a creative beer-themed restaurant, a basement punch-focused bar and a concert hall. Don't miss the "Juicy Lucy" and the General Tso's sweetbreads. Leer más.

MingHin Cuisine is one of The 38 Essential Chicago Restaurants, Winter 2017.

35. MingHin Cuisine

8.1
2168 S Archer Ave (at S Princeton Ave), Chicago, IL
Restaurante de Dim Sum · Armour Square · 129 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: Head to this massive complex in Chinatown square for perhaps the best dim sum in Chicago. There's also a new location in Lakeshore East. Leer más.

The Duck Inn is one of The 38 Essential Chicago Restaurants, Winter 2017.

36. The Duck Inn

8.8
2701 S Eleanor St, Chicago, IL
Gastropub · Bridgeport · 47 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: Kevin Hickey's personal passion project has garnered local and national accolades even the chef/owner didn't foresee. Don't miss the duck fat hot dog, the rotisserie duck, or the cocktails. Leer más.

Birrieria Zaragoza is one of The 38 Essential Chicago Restaurants, Winter 2017.

37. Birrieria Zaragoza

8.8
4852 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL
Restaurante mexicano · Archer Heights · 19 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: Consistently lauded as some of the best tacos in the country, venture to the southwest side for some of the best goat and other standout dishes like consomme at this small father-and-son standout. Leer más.

Calumet Fisheries is one of The 38 Essential Chicago Restaurants, Winter 2017.

38. Calumet Fisheries

8.5
3259 E 95th St (at Calumet River), Chicago, IL
Puesto de pescado · 56 tips y reseñas

EaterEater: When you need your fried seafood or smoked fish fix, hit this James Beard-recognized, Anthony Bourdain-endorsed classic Chicago fish house on the Far South Side. Leer más.