Best Southwest American Restaurants in Chicago

Price: Moderate (400)Price: Expensive (236)Price: Very Expensive (71)

327 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Everything Chicago restaurant

1. Everything Chicago

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • West Town

Welcome to "Everything: Bar, Bagels, and Bootleg" in West Town! We've got a cool mix of great food, drinks, and vibes all in one spot. Grab a cocktail or a gourmet bagel on the main floor, then head downstairs to "Bootleg" for some banging tunes from our DJ. Chill out with your faves on the TVs and join us for weekly themed nights and events. We're all about good food, awesome drinks, and a laid-back nightlife experience.

2. Girl & the Goat

4.8

Exceptional(14601)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • West Loop

Booked 199 times today

Located in the heart of Chicago, Girl & the Goat has been delighting locals and visitors alike with its contemporary American cuisine for over a decade. Dishes like the roasted pig face and pan-seared halibut embody the restaurant's innovative and creative fusion of rustic American and complex Asian profiles. Diners rave about the flavorful and unique food, with some pointing out the "scrumptiously sophisticated yet heartwarming desserts." Reviewers also laud the service, describing it as attentive and friendly, with one diner even comparing the tightly-operated kitchen to a "well-oiled machine." Despite being in a bustling urban setting, Girl & the Goat provides an intimate and atmospheric dining experience, ensuring a memorable culinary journey for all patrons.

A photo of The Oakville Grill & Cellar restaurant

3. The Oakville Grill & Cellar

4.6

Exceptional(977)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • West Loop

Booked 96 times today

The Oakville Grill & Cellar offers an exquisite experience of true American cuisine. Highly praised by visitors for its outstanding food and service, it mimics a 'tasting room in Napa', bringing an emblematic Californian vibe to the table. Its menu features unique dishes, from a flavourful mushroom and eggplant ragu to fresh seafood options like the Petrale Sole and Halibut. Reviews rave about creative offerings such as the Crab Bucatini and Cinnamon Rolls, reflecting the restaurant's innovative spirit. The vibrant atmosphere, excellent service, and sophisticated dishes make the Oakville Grill & Cellar a top-notch choice for both casual dining and special occasions.

A photo of Summer House - Chicago restaurant

4. Summer House - Chicago

4.6

Exceptional(7721)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Lincoln Park

Booked 196 times today

Summer House Santa Monica, located in Lincoln Park, is a beacon of great American cuisine. Patrons rave about the unique, beach-themed ambience and the eclectic menu, praising both the quality and the variety of the food. From their refreshing brunch cocktails to the innovative breakfast choices such as Mexican hash browns and BLT egg sandwiches, Summer House Santa Monica demonstrates a commitment to in-house preparation and locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant is particularly appreciated for its bright and vibrant atmosphere, friendly staff, and efficient service. Customers consistently rate their experience as excellent, with special mentions for the terrific salad options, the prime burger, and the indulgent truffle fries. "Great food, beautiful room and excellent handling of allergies" is one of numerous positive reviews indicative of the restaurant's consistent dedication to delivering high-quality dining experiences.

5. Swift & Sons

4.7

Exceptional(4465)

Price: Very Expensive

• Mexican • West Loop

Booked 71 times today

Swift & Sons is a renowned restaurant that takes Steakhouse cuisine to an exceptional level. With a menu that offers a delectable variety from entrees like "Dry Aged Wagyu Burger" to "Large Format Steak" such as the "48oz. Porterhouse," this establishment guarantees quality and excellence. The food is consistently lauded in the reviews, with visitors praising the perfect cooking of the steak and the outstanding flavors paired with beautifully complementing sides. Furthermore, the ambiance is noted as cozy and inviting, contributing to an overall fantastic dining experience. As one of the top new restaurants in Chicago, Swift & Sons offers an elevated version of traditional Steakhouse cuisine with a few modern twists, making it a highly recommended choice for steak enthusiasts.

6. Elina's

4.8

Exceptional(96)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • West Town

Booked 36 times today

Fine Italian cooking served by two chefs in an intimate space.Reservations are released 30 days in advance at midnight. Parties of 7 or more must contact Reservations@elinaschicago.com to book. Parties of this size are required to participate in a $75 per person family style prix fixe menu, drinks are charged based on consumption and a 20% gratuity will be added to the final bill. If you cancel within 24 hours of your reservation time you will incur a $30 per person cancelation fee.

A photo of Costera Cocina Tulum restaurant

7. Costera Cocina Tulum

4.6

Exceptional(815)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • West Loop

Booked 94 times today

Costera Cocina Tulum brings the vibrant flavors of Tulum's coastal and Mayan cuisine to life, blending land-and-sea principles with traditional Mexican dishes. Step into a lively yet serene atmosphere that captures the essence of Tulum's unique intersection of jungle, beach, and bohemian nightlife. Experience our day-to-night philosophy, where "the jungle has two attitudes," and enjoy a dining experience that transports you to this enchanting Mexican getaway.

8. avec West Loop

4.8

Exceptional(754)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • West Loop

Booked 112 times today

avec, a wine-focused restaurant in Chicago, features Midwestern takes on Mediterranean classics. Inspired by the sun-drenched wine regions of the Mediterranean, avec West Loop has been a Chicago favorite for over 20 years. Originally conceived as a wine bar, avec is the second concept from celebrated one-off hospitality, with communal and bar seating—it is a high-energy, intimate, and interactive experience.For parties of 6 or more, please call us at 312-377-2002.

A photo of Beatrix - Fulton Market restaurant

9. Beatrix - Fulton Market

4.6

Exceptional(2560)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • West Loop

Booked 80 times today

Located in the heart of the bustling and trendy Fulton Market area, Beatrix offers a delightful take on American cuisine. Patrons rave about the 'incredible meals' and 'phenomenal' desserts such as the pumpkin pecan pie and caramel cake, as well as signature dishes like the pecan praline French toast. The brunch spot also has a wide variety of gluten-free options and a versatile menu described as 'American comfort with flair.' With a standout happy hour, it's no surprise that Beatrix is a go-to place for both business and personal diners. Exceptional service, a great atmosphere, and consistent quality attract diners looking for a truly enjoyable dining experience.

10. Brasero

4.8

Exceptional(258)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • West Town

Booked 35 times today

Named by Robb Report as one of the Top 10 Best New Restaurants in the country, Brasero combines South American passion with midwestern grit and brings Chef John Manion's talent for wood-fired Latin cooking to West Town’s bustling restaurant row. This sultry 120-seater draws inspiration from across Latin America, honed through Manion’s decades of experience. Think flame- roasted, whole young chickens slicked with garlic-chili oil, steaks cooked over an open fire alongside chimichurri, and moqueca teeming with mussels, shrimp & Mahi Mahi with coconut-scented rice—all washed down with quenching caipirinhas, locally brewed, Latin-inspired beer and 100 bottles of wine under 100 dollars.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

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