Two of our editors will be attending the Chicago Midwinter Meeting, which means that the dental industry needs to eat enough for the editors who don't get to enjoy deep-dish pizza or Chicago-style hot dogs. So you can be sure to experience the best Chicago has to offer, we consulted with locals Nancy Rodriguez and Sheri Doniger to find their favorites. Here is a list of several Chicago restaurants that should give visitors a real taste of the Windy City. Restaurants with a * signify being recommended by both Nancy and Sheri. Leave your belts at home and bon appetit.
We've done this before. Check out:
For the GNYDM: A guide to restaurants in the Big Apple
Looking ahead to the 2012 American Dental Association annual session: The insider's guide to San Francisco
Nancy's Picks
Nancy Rodriguez is the director of IT at the American Dental Assistants Association in Chicago and has shared her favorite restaurants. Unfortunately for you, she didn’t want to add her own comments because, as she told me, she writes code, not literature. So you get my comments on food. She does advise to hit up the West Loop and the Fulton Market if you have time.
Cantina Laredo
508 N State St
312.955.0014
Google+ Reviews
Why you should go, according to Zagat: The setting of the restaurant is modern and spacious, including fireplaces, skylights, and a floating staircase. This Texas-based chain offers average to good Mexican food that doesn’t live up to the setting of the restaurant, but the service is good and the restaurant attracts a cool crowd.
Giordano’s
223 W Jackson Blvd
312.583.9400
Google+ Reviews
Why you should go, according to the editor: This is where you should go for your Chicago deep-dish pizza, apparently. First of all, it looks amazing. I mean, look at that cheesy goodness. Look at the crust! And the sauce. Also, they have a sign in at least one location that says, “MMM GOOD WE CRUST,” which is kind of hilarious.
Gino’s East
633 N Wells St
312.988.4200
Google+ Reviews
Why you should go, according to Google+ users: Amazing pizza, great crust, awesome atmosphere, and you can write on the walls with Sharpies (BYOS). Be prepared to wait about 45 minutes for your pizza to bake.
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria – South Loop
805 S State St
312.786.1000
Google+ Reviews
Why you should go, according to Zagat: The Zagat review uses words and phrases like, “OMG,” “ooey-gooey, nicely stretchy cheese” and enough sausage to “feed an army.” What more do you need to know? There are, like most of these pizza joints, about a million locations in Chicago, so no excuses you guys. You should be eating this every day – breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Portillo’s Hot Dogs
100 W Ontario St
312.587.8910
Google+ Reviews
Why you should go: For the Chicago-style hot dog, obviously. According to their menu, a hot dog “with everything” includes: mustard, relish, freshly chopped onions, sliced red pipe tomatoes, kosher pickle and sport peppers piled onto a perfectly steamed poppy seed bun. Also, they’re hiring, if you want to give up your dental career and spend your days serving hot dogs to people [read: spend your days eating hot dogs].
Hub 51
51 W Hubbard St
312.828.0051
Google+ Reviews
Why you should go, according to my research: Apparently, though this isn’t a sushi restaurant, they have great sushi. Bonus: it’s half-priced every day from 3 to 6 pm. Hub 51 specializes in “upgraded bar food,” so if you have a nacho or burger craving but someone else in your party wants sushi, this may just be the place for you. They also have a nice brunch, and after hours there’s a club downstairs – called Sub 51.
Sweetwater Tavern and Grille
225 N Michigan Ave
312.698.7111
Google+ Reviews
Why you should go: For the beer and people-watching. The food is average, but this is the place for some post-work (or post-convention) drinks with friends and colleagues. The restaurant features floor-to-ceiling windows and a full beer list, including those on tap, so you can sit back with a beer and watch the passers-by.
*Frontera Grill
445 N Clark St
312.661.1434
Google+ Reviews
Why you should go: Of the three Mexican restaurants by celebrity chef Rick Bayless, this is the most upscale. Check it out if you want to fiesta, but you have to keep it classy.
*Topolobampo
445 N Clark St
312.661.1434
Google+ Reviews
Why you should go: Another Rick Bayless restaurant, located next to Frontera Grill. Go here if you want to be pampered. Topolobampo offers Mexican food in a nice atmosphere – and has great margaritas.
*XOCO
449 N Clark St
312.334.3688
Google+ Reviews
Why you should go: It’s another Rick Bayless Mexican restaurant, but it stands apart in one major way. According to Rick Bayless’s website, “If Topolo pampers and Frontera dances, then XOCO rocks.” One cuisine, three personalities. This is the most casual of the Bayless trio.
Rosebud
1500 W Taylor St
312.942.1117
Google+ Reviews
Why you should go: For the beautiful seafood and pasta dishes and rich interior decorating. The restaurant philosophy could be “Keep it simple, keep it good, and keep it coming.” That’s good enough for me. Also, these dishes:
Tip from Nancy: I recommend the Taylor Street location. The Grand location is nice, but to get away from downtown, hit up Taylor Street.
Francesca’s
1400 W Taylor St
312.829.2828
Google+ Reviews
Why you should go, according to Nancy: If you don’t go to Rosebud, you have to try this place.
Pompei
1531 W Taylor St
312.421.5179
Google+ Reviews
Why you should go, according to Google+ users: Not for the atmosphere, apparently. This place is a student favorite because it has cheap, tasty food. It’s cafeteria style and doesn’t provide much in the way of esthetics, but hey – it’s about the food, right?
Osaka Express Inc
400 S Michigan Ave
312.566.0118
Google+ Reviews
Why you should go: Go here if you’re looking for quick sushi at lunchtime. It’s a smaller restaurant, so it’s probably not great for groups, but if you have a craving for sushi and limited time, this is your place.
Jaipur
847 W Randolph St
312.526.3655
Google+ Reviews
Why you should go: Craving some chicken tikka masala? How about some veggie samosas or cheese naan? Head to the West Loop for authentic Indian food at Jaipur for excellent service and food in an inviting atmosphere.
Grand Lux Café
600 N Michigan Ave
312.276.2500
Google+ Reviews
Why you should go: For superb Eggs Benedict and mimosas. This place does brunch well, but it’s also known as an upscale Cheesecake Factory, which means they do a variety of things well.
Mart Anthony’s Italian Restaurant & Steakhouse
1200 W Hubbard Ave
312.421.4292
Google+ Reviews
Why you should go, according to fans: Go to Mart Anthony’s if you want to eat “grandma’s” Italian in an “old school Chicago feel” kind of restaurant.
Nancy adds: If you have time, hit up my favorite Italian restaurant, Mart Anthony’s in the Near West Side. It’s easy to get to, but hard to get a cab back – you cold be waiting a good 30 minutes, but the food is worth every bite!
Sheri’s Picks
Sheri Doniger told us that Chicago is “truly a foodie’s paradise.” Here are some of her favorites – “some known, some newer, and some off the beaten path.” I have a feeling that if you follow Sheri’s advice, your tummy will thank you.
Girl & the Goat
809 W Randolph St
312.492.6262
Google+ Reviews
Sheri says: They call this a gastropub, but it is a great eclectic experience with amazing food and libations.
Spiaggia
980 N Michigan Ave
312.280.3300
Google+ Reviews
Why you should go: Included in the 2013 Michelin guide to Chicago restaurants, Spiaggia has received accolades from all over. It has received nominations for Outstanding Restaurant in America and for Outstanding Service multiple times. Chef Tony Mantuano was featured on Bravo’s “Top Chef Masters” and was awarded the 2005 James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef Midwest. Hungry?
Mercat a la Planxa
638 S Michigan Ave
312.765.0524
Google+ Reviews
Why you should go: For the awesome Spanish tapas by Chef Jose Garces, of course – Barcelona style.
Graham Elliot
217 W Huron St
312.624.9975
Google+ Reviews
Sheri says: Graham Elliot, named after its owner and judge on Fox’s MasterChef, is a contemporary fine dining restaurant, offering both regular and tasting menus.
Grahamwich
615 N State St
312.265.0434
Google+ Reviews
Why you should go: Another Graham Elliot restaurant, Grahamwich is a casual restaurant offering sandwiches, salads, and snacks. It was created to “redefine what a sandwich shop could and should be,” according to the website.
g.e.b.
841 W Randolph St
312.888.2258
Google+ Reviews
Why you should go: This bistro offers simple entrees that include three dishes or less in entrees and is open every day for dinner and on the weekends for brunch.
Chicago q
1160 N Dearborn St
312.642.1160
Google+ Reviews
Sheri says: Chef Lee Ann Whippen is one of the only female pit masters in the country. You have to try the carrot cake!
Joe’s Stone Crab
60 E Grand Ave
312.379.5637
Google+ Reviews
Sheri says: Specializing in steaks and seafood, Joe’s is always a great place to see and be seen. Many Chicago elite dine at this restaurant that was brought up north from South Beach.
And if you get out for breakfast, try these places:
Wildberry Pancakes & Café
130 E Randolph St
312.938.9777
Google+ Reviews
Why you should go: For some amazing pancakes. They also serve lunch, and the food looks amazing.
Yolk
1120 S Michigan Ave
312.789.9655
Google+ Reviews
Why you should go: For all things eggs and breakfast.
*Garrett Popcorn Shops
27 W Jackson Blvd
312.360.1108
Google+ Reviews
Sheri says: You can’t skip this! I know we are dentists, but this is simply the best caramel corn in the world!
Click here to see a map of these restaurants. Note: this map includes the closest locations to McCormick Place, but there are several locations of some of these restaurants. Check online for the best option for you if you're going to be traveling around the city.
