Fun Restaurants in Chicago | Food & Drink Spots You Have to Check Out

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Guys – this past month has been a whirlwind. What have I been doing you might ask? I’ve been traveling, a ton, for work and for myself, and I’ve been studying to take the Texas Real Estate Exam. Good news – I passed and am currently getting up and running as a realtor with Keller Williams Urban Dallas. Even better news – I’ll be around all of October, which means I’ll be back to normal with my posting – I swear 😉

So, where have I been the past few weeks? Denver, Austin, New York, Oklahoma, and Chicago. I figured I’d start with the first trip that kicked off the traveling this past month – Chicago. 

One of my best work friends is from Chicago and sent me this list last year when I took my first work trip to Chicago. Because I meet with clients in Chicago, and some other friends from the area, I’m always able to add to the list. Now that I went back this year, I was able to check out more places.

Chicago is a beautiful city with lots to do. It reminds me of a cleaner, less crowded New York. (New York is another one of my favorite cities, but we’ll get to that another time). For now, I’ll share the list of fun restaurants in Chicago and a few bars we went to. If you guys want me to share more of a ‘what to do’ in the city, let me know in the comments below, and I can do a weekend itinerary on here as well! 

Fun Restaurants in Chicago

3 Arts Gallery

The cafe inside of Restoration Hardware. The location has 5 stories including a rooftop (with a great view). You can grab a glass of wine and drink it on the roof, or work from any of the spaces in the store. Of course, it’s Restoration Hardware, so they’re looking to sell items, but they also have this cafe. It’s seriously beautiful – decked out with chandeliers and a fountain. Their food is awesome, too! This is a perfect spot for breakfast or lunch, or to just work with a cup of coffee. 

Fig & Olive

This restaurant is nestled right in between designer stores up and down the row. Perfect for a bite during a day of shopping with the girls. The service was outstanding, mimosas were great, and each thing we got on the menu was tasty. My friend and I kept saying we wanted to come back by for dinner!  

RPM Italian

The classic Italian restaurant created by Giuliana Rancic. Be sure to call for reservations or you might be waiting a while. Each time I’ve come here I’ve seen someone famous. Perfect for a fancy night out. The pasta and desserts are crave-worthy. 

Hampton Social

Home of the famous ‘Rose All Day’ neon sign. This spot is perfect for a glass of froze and a quick lunch. I’ve also seen people working here throughout the day, so feel free to stay and order a few more glasses.

Allis at Soho House

Surrounded by a few other great spots for drinks, I’d recommend stopping at Allis at Soho House for breakfast. They served tea in a pot, make a mean lavender latte, and had a strong breakfast line up. I’d heard their lunch was good as well! 

Beatrix

There are a ton of different locations for this Chicago staple. I stopped her for dinner and would highly recommend the burger. Their bartenders were great, so you won’t even notice the wait for a table. Just tell the bartender what kind of liquor you like, and let them make you something! 

Ema

The best mediterranean in Chicago. Grab a friend, order a couple of items and split them all. You can’t go wrong with their hummus sampler and a kabob or two! It truly tastes like it’s straight out of Greece! 

Happy Camper

We stopped by for Sunday Bingo. You heard that right – bingo. They had great drink specials and yummy pizza, but what really sold this into the list was how hard they Sunday Funday-ed. 

Etta

Owned by the same owners as Hampton Social, Etta recently opened in Wicker Park. Try to reserve a table. The night I went, the restaurant was booked for the entire night. We got lucky and were able to find a table in the bar area to order at. Get the pizza, cacio e pepe, the sweet corn! Sounds like a weird mixture, but they were all too good to pass up!

Portillos

The classic Chicago hot dog. I was overwhelmed when I first walked in because there were so many different lines and the place was huge. Ask around and someone will tell you where to go – they’re nice 😉 Get a hot dog and a slice of the cake. If you’re not in a cake mood, get a chocolate cake shake. A perfect stop for a quick and cheap lunch. 

Fun Bars in Chicago

Joy District Rooftop

There seems to always be a huge line here, but it’s the perfect rooftop spot for when you’re wanting to go out!

Hubbard Inn

Perfect to start off your night. It had a library dungeon feel to the inside with an interesting cocktail line up. Upstairs opened a bit later with a DJ and a dance floor. 

Celeste

If you like to dance, this is the spot you’ll want to be all night. They have a few different floors, which each having a different feel – from different music to different decor, and even lines. It’s got a rooftop for when the rest of the floors feel a bit tight, which is perfect for some fresh air and room to talk. 

London House

One of the most coveted rooftop bars in Chicago. They have open seating from 12-4 pm, which would probably be the best bet to check out the view, grab a drink, and get some apps before dinner! 

Cindy’s Rooftop

On top of the Chicago Athletic Association, Cindy’s has an indoor and outdoor view of Chicago, including a view of the water and the bean! It seemed to be mainly bar space, however, so if you’re looking for a table, be sure to call ahead.

J Parker Rooftop

Located in a hotel, it’s a perfect spot to grab drinks and an app while overlooking the city. This spot is a bit out of the hustle and bustle, so it offers a different view, and seemed to be a bit less crowded than some of the others.

Beatnik on the River

A funky boho spot to grab drinks. There are two different locations, but check out the location on the river for a perfect view + cocktail pair.

Extras

Big Star

RPM Steak

Sunda

Summerhouse Santa Monica

Lou Malnatti’s

Pequods

Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf

Bar Sienna

RM Champagne

Terrace at Trump Tower

3 Dots and a Dash

Looking for other places to travel, check out where else I’ve gone recently!

xo,
Marie