Chicago Guidebook

Food scene

Big Jones

Chicago’s most acclaimed Southern restaurant revives and updates centuries-old recipes using unique local ingredients and documentation on the menu, making the food not only a star but also a learning experience. The Andersonville restaurant is serene at dinner, serves a booming brunch and is a neighborhood lunch staple. The most popular dishes include the crawfish etoufee circa 1930, the unique pickle platter, and what many believe is the best fried chicken in town.

78 locals recommend

Big Jones

5347 N Clark St

78 locals recommend

Chicago’s most acclaimed Southern restaurant revives and updates centuries-old recipes using unique local ingredients and documentation on the menu, making the food not only a star but also a learning experience. The Andersonville restaurant is serene at dinner, serves a booming brunch and is a neighborhood lunch staple. The most popular dishes include the crawfish etoufee circa 1930, the unique pickle platter, and what many believe is the best fried chicken in town.

Band of Bohemia

Gourmet dishes emerge from the kitchen during tasting menus, while brunch services and the bar menu provide a taste to diners on a tight budget. Creative beer selections are brewed on-site, which, combined with a beautiful Victorian-inspired space, make Band of Bohemia a one-of-a-kind operation in the entire country.

30 locals recommend

Band of Bohemia

4710 N Ravenswood Ave

30 locals recommend

Gourmet dishes emerge from the kitchen during tasting menus, while brunch services and the bar menu provide a taste to diners on a tight budget. Creative beer selections are brewed on-site, which, combined with a beautiful Victorian-inspired space, make Band of Bohemia a one-of-a-kind operation in the entire country.

Gene & Jude's

The hot dog is an iconic Chicago staple, but arguably its most famous purveyor is actually located in near suburban River Grove. This venerable stand, in operation since 1946, has been hailed as one of the country’s best for its Chicago-style variant, the “Depression Dog.” Each bun features a Vienna Beef frank topped with onions, relish, mustard, sport peppers, and a heap of French fries. Don’t ask for ketchup, don’t be scared away by the long line because it moves quickly, and order a grape drink to enjoy while eating in the car or on the curb — there’s no seating inside.

14 locals recommend

Gene & Jude's

2720 N River Rd

14 locals recommend

The hot dog is an iconic Chicago staple, but arguably its most famous purveyor is actually located in near suburban River Grove. This venerable stand, in operation since 1946, has been hailed as one of the country’s best for its Chicago-style variant, the “Depression Dog.” Each bun features a Vienna Beef frank topped with onions, relish, mustard, sport peppers, and a heap of French fries. Don’t ask for ketchup, don’t be scared away by the long line because it moves quickly, and order a grape drink to enjoy while eating in the car or on the curb — there’s no seating inside.

Lula Cafe

Before Logan Square had a multitude of acclaimed creative restaurants and farm-to-table was a buzz-phrase, there was Lula Café. More than a decade on, it’s easy to see why people flock for its creative dinner menu, line-inducing Sunday brunch and Monday night farm dinners. Dishes change seasonally and sometimes daily, with stars that include standout local produce and meats prepared in unexpected ways. What diners can expect is a wait at brunch and dinner, but weekday breakfasts are quiet and cozy.

936 locals recommend

Lula Cafe

2537 N Kedzie Blvd

936 locals recommend

Before Logan Square had a multitude of acclaimed creative restaurants and farm-to-table was a buzz-phrase, there was Lula Café. More than a decade on, it’s easy to see why people flock for its creative dinner menu, line-inducing Sunday brunch and Monday night farm dinners. Dishes change seasonally and sometimes daily, with stars that include standout local produce and meats prepared in unexpected ways. What diners can expect is a wait at brunch and dinner, but weekday breakfasts are quiet and cozy.

Pequod's Pizza

No visitor to the Windy City should leave without experiencing Chicago-style thick-crust pizza, and while Pequod’s isn’t exactly the deep dish that tourists expect, it has a local following that’s arguably greater and more respected than any traditional deep-dish spot. Pequod’s pizzas are technically of the pan variety, a deep doughy pizza with lauded crispy caramelized crust made from baking cheese on the outside to give it a look that may appear burnt, yet is a textural addition with crunch that sets it apart from many competitors. Its menu also offers Chicago-style thin-crust pizza at both the full-service city location in Lincoln Park and the suburban spot in Morton Grove. Delivery is also available.

536 locals recommend

Pequod's Pizza

2207 North Clybourn Avenue

536 locals recommend

No visitor to the Windy City should leave without experiencing Chicago-style thick-crust pizza, and while Pequod’s isn’t exactly the deep dish that tourists expect, it has a local following that’s arguably greater and more respected than any traditional deep-dish spot. Pequod’s pizzas are technically of the pan variety, a deep doughy pizza with lauded crispy caramelized crust made from baking cheese on the outside to give it a look that may appear burnt, yet is a textural addition with crunch that sets it apart from many competitors. Its menu also offers Chicago-style thin-crust pizza at both the full-service city location in Lincoln Park and the suburban spot in Morton Grove. Delivery is also available.