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The Best Bars for Foodies in Chicago

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by The OpenTable Team
Updated February 25, 2020

From Chicago’s beginnings as a hub of transportation, manufacturing, and commerce to its current status as one of America’s most hip and modern cities, the Second City has always been at the forefront of American culture. And when it comes to its vibrant bar and restaurant scene, there are countless spots to choose from. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out? Welcome to our Tastemaker List. We’ve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. These Chicago establishments capture all the attitude, spirit, and charm of one of the greatest cities in the world, offering up amazing cocktails, craft beers, fine wines—and often, fantastic food, to boot. Impress your friends and family and score a spot; we wish we could join you.

Gibsons Italia
4.8 (4524)
$31 to $50
Italian
River North (Chicago)
Big and beautiful describes this large Canal Street Italian institution, part of an acclaimed chain across four different states. In Chicago, Gibsons Italia is three levels of Italian food deliciousness, specializing in both steak dishes and the fish and pasta staples so beloved with this cuisine. Stop in with a group for Kobe beef or grass-fed steak, or opt for homemade pasta or fresh shellfish. There are plenty of classic cocktails and highball drinks for those who may be imbibing, and the wine list is one of the best bar in all of Chicago.
Top review
SelbyVIP
Dined 6 days ago
Food is always great and the service was wonderful today.
Big and beautiful describes this large Canal Street Italian institution, part of an acclaimed chain across four different states. In Chicago, Gibsons Italia is three levels of Italian food deliciousness, specializing in both steak dishes and the fish and pasta staples so beloved with this cuisine. Stop in with a group for Kobe beef or grass-fed steak, or opt for homemade pasta or fresh shellfish. There are plenty of classic cocktails and highball drinks for those who may be imbibing, and the wine list is one of the best bar in all of Chicago.
Top review
SelbyVIP
Dined 6 days ago
Food is always great and the service was wonderful today.
TAO Asian Bistro - Chicago
4.6 (3414)
$31 to $50
Asian
River North (Chicago)
One of the more jaw-dropping institutions in all of Chicago, Tao is a spectacular, two-level dining and drinking space with a unique feel. The darkly cool Tao features a massive statue that watches over an in-restaurant koi pond and a beautiful, winding staircase, providing a remarkable ambiance for the revelers and diners that fill the levels on a nightly basis. Tao offers an extensive sake list and creative, Asian-influenced cocktail selection, and the colorful dishes served up include delicious noodles, sushi, sashimi, barbecue, and tempura options. A super-hip choice for a night out in the Windy City.
Top review
Jennifer
Dined 2 days ago
Super sexy dining experience. Had the waygu skewers and lobster wontons for appetizers. Delish. Topped it off with the spicy yellowtail roll. Also very good.
One of the more jaw-dropping institutions in all of Chicago, Tao is a spectacular, two-level dining and drinking space with a unique feel. The darkly cool Tao features a massive statue that watches over an in-restaurant koi pond and a beautiful, winding staircase, providing a remarkable ambiance for the revelers and diners that fill the levels on a nightly basis. Tao offers an extensive sake list and creative, Asian-influenced cocktail selection, and the colorful dishes served up include delicious noodles, sushi, sashimi, barbecue, and tempura options. A super-hip choice for a night out in the Windy City.
Top review
Jennifer
Dined 2 days ago
Super sexy dining experience. Had the waygu skewers and lobster wontons for appetizers. Delish. Topped it off with the spicy yellowtail roll. Also very good.
RPM Italian - Chicago
4.7 (12514)
$31 to $50
Italian
River North (Chicago)
E! stars Bill and Giuliana Rancic are part of the group behind this modern and beautiful Italian-influenced restaurant and wine bar in the booming River North neighborhood. There's an extraordinarily sleek vibe for the bar and the dining area; an ideal spot to enjoy something from RPM's huge wine list or classic cocktail selection. The food is exactly what you would expect from an upscale Italian joint. Spaghetti and meatballs, fish, antipasti, and much more.
Top review
IvyVIP
Dined 6 days ago
Came for a birthday dinner with friends and will definitely be back. Jessica, our server was so sweet and attentive and offered multiple gluten free options for the guests that needed it. She even brought out gluten free sorbet with the birthday dessert. Food was outstanding and drinks to die for. Loved it and thank you for helping make a birthday dinner so very lovely!
E! stars Bill and Giuliana Rancic are part of the group behind this modern and beautiful Italian-influenced restaurant and wine bar in the booming River North neighborhood. There's an extraordinarily sleek vibe for the bar and the dining area; an ideal spot to enjoy something from RPM's huge wine list or classic cocktail selection. The food is exactly what you would expect from an upscale Italian joint. Spaghetti and meatballs, fish, antipasti, and much more.
Top review
IvyVIP
Dined 6 days ago
Came for a birthday dinner with friends and will definitely be back. Jessica, our server was so sweet and attentive and offered multiple gluten free options for the guests that needed it. She even brought out gluten free sorbet with the birthday dessert. Food was outstanding and drinks to die for. Loved it and thank you for helping make a birthday dinner so very lovely!
SUSHI-SAN - River North
4.8 (1436)
$30 and under
Japanese
River North (Chicago)
"Fresh Fish, Fresher Beats" is the tagline for this very, very neat Grand Avenue sushi institution beloved by younger crowds. The cool features abound at Sushi San, where diners can park themselves at the long "hand roll" bar and witness the magic happen in real time. There's also a fine selection of tasty appetizers (served in soda cans), charcoal-grilled meals, sashimi, and tempura. There's plenty to imbibe at Sushi San, too. Bartenders blast Japanese lagers through a "chiller" and serve them in frosted glasses, and there are big lists of sake and fine Japanese whiskey to select from. Here's a tip: grab a sake bomb while you're there.
Top review
hussein
Dined today
Sushi was fresh, and service was outstanding. We’ll go back anytime.
"Fresh Fish, Fresher Beats" is the tagline for this very, very neat Grand Avenue sushi institution beloved by younger crowds. The cool features abound at Sushi San, where diners can park themselves at the long "hand roll" bar and witness the magic happen in real time. There's also a fine selection of tasty appetizers (served in soda cans), charcoal-grilled meals, sashimi, and tempura. There's plenty to imbibe at Sushi San, too. Bartenders blast Japanese lagers through a "chiller" and serve them in frosted glasses, and there are big lists of sake and fine Japanese whiskey to select from. Here's a tip: grab a sake bomb while you're there.
Top review
hussein
Dined today
Sushi was fresh, and service was outstanding. We’ll go back anytime.
Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House - Chicago
4.7 (5541)
$31 to $50
Seafood
Gold Coast / Streeterville
Not too many restaurants in Chicago (or anywhere else) boast of their frog prowess right there in the name, but Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House specializes in one of the rarest of dishes: frog legs. If you haven't tried them, this is the place to give them a shot. If those might not be up your alley, Hugo's is also rightfully acclaimed for its delicious fish dishes and its beautiful bar, serving up wines from around the world and local craft beers.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 3 days ago
Awesome birthday dinner! Food and service was wonderful and we’ll be back 😀
Not too many restaurants in Chicago (or anywhere else) boast of their frog prowess right there in the name, but Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House specializes in one of the rarest of dishes: frog legs. If you haven't tried them, this is the place to give them a shot. If those might not be up your alley, Hugo's is also rightfully acclaimed for its delicious fish dishes and its beautiful bar, serving up wines from around the world and local craft beers.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 3 days ago
Awesome birthday dinner! Food and service was wonderful and we’ll be back 😀
Brass Tack
4.5 (736)
$31 to $50
American
Gold Coast / Streeterville
Capturing the exciting, ritzy vibe of 1920's Paris, Marteaux Brasserie is a legendary French bistro experience right in the middle of one of Chicago's most magnificent hotels. The Marteaux is an authentic destination experience, located on the third floor of the Waldorf Astoria; it's a lovely spot for a day or night out, with a superb wine selection, a traveling "champagne cart," a spirits collection, and excellent local and French beers. The food includes an excellent selection of French classics—give the duck l'orange wings or escargot a try.
Top review
LisaVIP
Dined on Jun 28, 2025
Wonderful brunch meals and location, along with live music entertainment! We’ll be back.
Capturing the exciting, ritzy vibe of 1920's Paris, Marteaux Brasserie is a legendary French bistro experience right in the middle of one of Chicago's most magnificent hotels. The Marteaux is an authentic destination experience, located on the third floor of the Waldorf Astoria; it's a lovely spot for a day or night out, with a superb wine selection, a traveling "champagne cart," a spirits collection, and excellent local and French beers. The food includes an excellent selection of French classics—give the duck l'orange wings or escargot a try.
Top review
LisaVIP
Dined on Jun 28, 2025
Wonderful brunch meals and location, along with live music entertainment! We’ll be back.
RPM Steak
4.8 (6454)
$50 and over
Steak
River North (Chicago)
The sister restaurant of the Bill and Giuliana Rancic RPM Italian restaurant, RPM Steak brings the same style and taste to the traditional Chicago steakhouse atmosphere. The result is a sophisticated, sleek dinner and drinks hot spot for River North, boasting a wide array of steak styles for those looking for a high-end "meat and potatoes" dinner. Even if you're stopping in for a drink or two, the liquor selection is epic — beyond the expansive wine list, there's an extended selection of local Chicago beers (from breweries including Pipeworks and Goose Island). An elegant option for a night out.
Top review
EdVIP
Dined 2 days ago
As usual the dinner was excellent! We always enjoy our time RPM our server was most excellent! We were celebrating my husband’s birthday and he made our dining time wonderful!
The sister restaurant of the Bill and Giuliana Rancic RPM Italian restaurant, RPM Steak brings the same style and taste to the traditional Chicago steakhouse atmosphere. The result is a sophisticated, sleek dinner and drinks hot spot for River North, boasting a wide array of steak styles for those looking for a high-end "meat and potatoes" dinner. Even if you're stopping in for a drink or two, the liquor selection is epic — beyond the expansive wine list, there's an extended selection of local Chicago beers (from breweries including Pipeworks and Goose Island). An elegant option for a night out.
Top review
EdVIP
Dined 2 days ago
As usual the dinner was excellent! We always enjoy our time RPM our server was most excellent! We were celebrating my husband’s birthday and he made our dining time wonderful!
Sepia
4.8 (5497)
$50 and over
Contemporary American
West Loop
Sepia presents a throwback to bygone Chicago bars. Crafted out of an old print shop, this beautiful farm-to-table bar and restaurant is a jewel of a visit. Its ambiance comes from gaze-worthy pictures of old-school Chicago melded with distinctly modern architecture and style. While the feel may be a throwback, the cuisine is cutting-edge—changing by the seasons with a focus on locally sourced ingredients from nearby farmers. For those who want to stop in for a drink or grab something delicious to accompany their meal, there's a long list of exciting cocktails and fine wines.
Top review
Eknath
Dined 2 days ago
Chef’s experience with the wine pairing was goated! I sometimes found it a little difficult to understand what the wait staff was serving (possibly because of the crowded environment) but everything else was absolutely amazing. And the desserts. Oh the desserts. *Chef’s kiss*
Sepia presents a throwback to bygone Chicago bars. Crafted out of an old print shop, this beautiful farm-to-table bar and restaurant is a jewel of a visit. Its ambiance comes from gaze-worthy pictures of old-school Chicago melded with distinctly modern architecture and style. While the feel may be a throwback, the cuisine is cutting-edge—changing by the seasons with a focus on locally sourced ingredients from nearby farmers. For those who want to stop in for a drink or grab something delicious to accompany their meal, there's a long list of exciting cocktails and fine wines.
Top review
Eknath
Dined 2 days ago
Chef’s experience with the wine pairing was goated! I sometimes found it a little difficult to understand what the wait staff was serving (possibly because of the crowded environment) but everything else was absolutely amazing. And the desserts. Oh the desserts. *Chef’s kiss*
il Porcellino
4.7 (4465)
$30 and under
Italian
River North (Chicago)
il Porcellino exudes straight cool, with a dark, sensual feel inside the restaurant; decorated with old-school black-and-white pictures that capture an earlier time, it's positively enrapturing. It's also a great spot for people-watching. Grab a table by the window at this always-buzzing restaurant, and you can watch the River North crowds stroll by on West Hubbard Street. The menu teems with delicious, hearty Italian fare (don't skimp on the warm bread served to the table) and the cocktail and wine lists are superb.
Top review
Eduardo
Dined 5 days ago
Went for a good anniversary experience but had a great one instead attention to detail was spot on great experience overall
il Porcellino exudes straight cool, with a dark, sensual feel inside the restaurant; decorated with old-school black-and-white pictures that capture an earlier time, it's positively enrapturing. It's also a great spot for people-watching. Grab a table by the window at this always-buzzing restaurant, and you can watch the River North crowds stroll by on West Hubbard Street. The menu teems with delicious, hearty Italian fare (don't skimp on the warm bread served to the table) and the cocktail and wine lists are superb.
Top review
Eduardo
Dined 5 days ago
Went for a good anniversary experience but had a great one instead attention to detail was spot on great experience overall
Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Chicago
4.8 (9383)
$31 to $50
Steakhouse
Gold Coast / Streeterville
One of the Windy City's dining institutions, Gibson's has been serving up delicious steaks and spirits since 1989. It's a hot spot for the whole city—workers, locals, young professionals, tourists, and celebrities all make it a point to dine at Gibson's. It's got a classic steakhouse feel inside that's perfect for a night out on the town in Chicago, with fine wines and beer paired with one of Gibson's legendary, carefully selected prime Angus steaks. If you can get a reservation in here, go—you'll be satisfied.
Top review
Amy
Dined 2 days ago
A Chicago fave where the food and service is always exceptional!
One of the Windy City's dining institutions, Gibson's has been serving up delicious steaks and spirits since 1989. It's a hot spot for the whole city—workers, locals, young professionals, tourists, and celebrities all make it a point to dine at Gibson's. It's got a classic steakhouse feel inside that's perfect for a night out on the town in Chicago, with fine wines and beer paired with one of Gibson's legendary, carefully selected prime Angus steaks. If you can get a reservation in here, go—you'll be satisfied.
Top review
Amy
Dined 2 days ago
A Chicago fave where the food and service is always exceptional!
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
4.9 (17999)
$50 and over
Seafood
River North (Chicago)
The Chicago outlet of the legendary Miami Beach seafood location offers is delicious, fresh creations for the Windy City. Stop in for one of the legendary stone crab dishes and pair it with a fine wine or one of the many craft beer offerings.
Top review
Christine
Dined 3 days ago
Delicious food, superior service, and wonderful ambiance will be found at Joe’s.
The Chicago outlet of the legendary Miami Beach seafood location offers is delicious, fresh creations for the Windy City. Stop in for one of the legendary stone crab dishes and pair it with a fine wine or one of the many craft beer offerings.
Top review
Christine
Dined 3 days ago
Delicious food, superior service, and wonderful ambiance will be found at Joe’s.
Mon Ami Gabi
4.9 (8421)
$30 and under
French
Lincoln Park
This delicious French bistro in the Lincoln Park area offers up plenty of European favorites — including escargot and filets with béarnaise sauce — and a massive selection of wine and domestic and international beer. There's a beautiful old-world bistro vibe, too.
Top review
NickVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Superb, as always! Merci beaucoup for tonight and looking forward to next time already
This delicious French bistro in the Lincoln Park area offers up plenty of European favorites — including escargot and filets with béarnaise sauce — and a massive selection of wine and domestic and international beer. There's a beautiful old-world bistro vibe, too.
Top review
NickVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Superb, as always! Merci beaucoup for tonight and looking forward to next time already
Nonnina
4.7 (2934)
$30 and under
Italian
River North (Chicago)
River North's Nonnina Italian restaurant is an upscale destination with superb food and fine wines. There's an old-school, welcoming atmosphere to Nonnina's, with a family mural by the beautiful bar and a lovely patio that's perfect for nice-weather dining and drinking.
Top review
staceyVIP
Dined on Jun 24, 2025
My favorite Italian restaurant! Service is always excellent and food is delicious!
River North's Nonnina Italian restaurant is an upscale destination with superb food and fine wines. There's an old-school, welcoming atmosphere to Nonnina's, with a family mural by the beautiful bar and a lovely patio that's perfect for nice-weather dining and drinking.
Top review
staceyVIP
Dined on Jun 24, 2025
My favorite Italian restaurant! Service is always excellent and food is delicious!
Shaw's Crab House & Oyster Bar - Chicago
4.8 (14586)
$50 and over
Seafood
River North (Chicago)
Live music and the aromas of great seafood fill the air at Shaw's, a local favorite that's always a good time. Head to Shaw's to take in a live jazz show and dine on some of the top-notch seafood—crab, sushi, and in-season fish specials—and a specialty cocktail.
Top review
FrederickVIP
Dined 3 days ago
We've been dining here since it opened 40 years ago. Food and service always excellent. Soft shell crabs in season. Any seafood entree is excellent.
Live music and the aromas of great seafood fill the air at Shaw's, a local favorite that's always a good time. Head to Shaw's to take in a live jazz show and dine on some of the top-notch seafood—crab, sushi, and in-season fish specials—and a specialty cocktail.
Top review
FrederickVIP
Dined 3 days ago
We've been dining here since it opened 40 years ago. Food and service always excellent. Soft shell crabs in season. Any seafood entree is excellent.
Chicago Cut Steakhouse
4.7 (10196)
$50 and over
Steakhouse
River North (Chicago)
Chicago steakhouses are rightfully fabled for their atmosphere and their food, and Chicago Cut Steakhouse is one of the Windy City's best. Modern and beautiful and right next to the Merchandise Mart stop, Chicago Cut has a patio with a fantastic river view to provide a lush backdrop for big steaks, fine wine, and excellent company.
Top review
Meghan
Dined 1 day ago
The service was amazing. They anticipated our needs and made amazing recommendations.
Chicago steakhouses are rightfully fabled for their atmosphere and their food, and Chicago Cut Steakhouse is one of the Windy City's best. Modern and beautiful and right next to the Merchandise Mart stop, Chicago Cut has a patio with a fantastic river view to provide a lush backdrop for big steaks, fine wine, and excellent company.
Top review
Meghan
Dined 1 day ago
The service was amazing. They anticipated our needs and made amazing recommendations.
Le Colonial - Chicago
4.8 (8148)
$50 and over
Vietnamese
Gold Coast / Streeterville
Plush and beautiful, Le Colonial brings diners on a relaxed trek to Vietnam for colorful, creative Asian cuisine. Located right on Rush Street, Le Colonial is known for their expansive wine list and excellent cocktails.
Top review
micheleVIP
Dined today
The food was absolutely amazing, on top of excellent service. We loved our experience here.
Plush and beautiful, Le Colonial brings diners on a relaxed trek to Vietnam for colorful, creative Asian cuisine. Located right on Rush Street, Le Colonial is known for their expansive wine list and excellent cocktails.
Top review
micheleVIP
Dined today
The food was absolutely amazing, on top of excellent service. We loved our experience here.

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