Best Casual Restaurants in Chicago

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodMexicanJapanese

Regions

ChicagoNear WestNorth SuburbsSouth Suburbs

Neighborhoods

AvondaleBelmont CraginBerwynBucktown / Wicker ParkChina TownDowntown / Loop

Top Rated

CharmingGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunchGreat for craft beer

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

64 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Everything Chicago restaurant

1. Everything Chicago

4.7

Exceptional(0)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • 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.

A photo of The Izakaya at Momotaro restaurant

2. The Izakaya at Momotaro

4.7

Exceptional(900)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Japanese • West Loop

Booked 45 times today

The Izakaya is located on the subterranean level of Momotaro. The Izakaya and its shared-plates pub-inspired menu echoes the Yokocho street scene of Tokyo. Narrow lounge-inspired ‘alleys’ around a central bar bedecked with hand-painted Japanese menus, moody neon lights, and vintage Tokyo street signs set the scene for the Izakaya’s direct nod to Tokyo’s most famous post-war black markets. Dark, energetic, and ripe with expectation, the Izakaya additionally offers a 30-seat bar featuring crafted cocktails, sakes, and a quality selection of Japanese whiskeys. Parties and programming are no strangers to the Izakaya, where a rotating selection of events, including Monday Night Karaoke, feel right at home in this lively lower-level atmosphere.

3. LUXBAR

4.7

Exceptional(3006)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 95 times today

The quintessential American bar, LUXBAR features seasonal and classic cocktails made from freshly pressed juices, premium ice, house made shrubs, and an extensive selection of spirits that runs especially deep in whiskey and bourbon. A "Build Your Own Manhattan" menu, thoughtful, approachable wine list, and beer menu with vintage and local options make the bar a go-to for casual, mid-week drinks and bites with friends, watching weekend sports and post-shopping. Beautiful private dining and events spaces available.

4. The Publican

4.6

Exceptional(5957)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • West Loop

Booked 54 times today

An homage to oysters, pork and beer, The Publican's eclectic menu is inspired by simple farmhouse fare in a space evocative of a European beer hall. Chef-Partner Paul Kahan has developed a network of purveyors to supply the restaurant with hand-selected and sustainably-raised fish, seafood and pork.Patio seating is first come, first served. Walk-ins are always welcome!

5. LAUREL

4.4

Awesome(52)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • River North (Chicago)

Booked 6 times today

LAUREL, nestled in The Talbott, blends New American creativity with Mediterranean flavors, sourcing local and seasonal ingredients. Experience Mediterranean warmth paired with cosmopolitan flair in our full-service yet casual setting, offering a culinary journey for any occasion. Our design pays homage to the Mediterranean's diverse landscapes and artistic influences, creating a modern ambiance. Welcome to LAUREL, where craftsmanship meets creativity, and every meal celebrates flavor, community, and the art of living well.

6. Ada Street

4.8

Exceptional(1102)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Bucktown / Wicker Park

Booked 29 times today

Located in the Elston Industrial District--not quite Bucktown, not quite Lincoln Park--Ada Street offers dinner service five days a week.

7. Fora

4.4

Awesome(122)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • West Loop

Booked 13 times today

Located on the ground floor of The Emily Hotel, Fora is as a premium casual restaurant + patio serving up a globally inspired menu. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients, Executive Chef Maurice Wells crafts unforgettable dishes that marry traditional and modern techniques.

8. Bandit

4.6

Exceptional(1037)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service • West Loop

Booked 25 times today

Bandit Is Located In The West Loop - Fulton Market Neighborhood Of Chicago. The Dineamic Hospitality Watering Hole Is A Polished-Casual Restaurant And Bar That Combines The Charm And Character Of A Local Neighborhood Bar, With The Sophistication And Quality Of An Upscale, Chef-Driven Restaurant. The Design Of The Restaurant Is A Juxtaposition Of Rustic Materials, Vintage Paraphernalia, And Polished Décor. It Is Lowbrow Meets High Style; Glamour Meets Grit With Warm Ambient Twinkle Lights, Combined With Edgy Neon Bar Signs Creating An Inviting Feel To The Restaurant. Nostalgic Elements Are Harmoniously Married To Elevated Attributes Throughout The Concept In Both Look And Feel, As Well As The Food And Drink Presentation.

A photo of The Smith - Chicago restaurant

9. The Smith - Chicago

4.7

Exceptional(2856)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • River North (Chicago)

Booked 98 times today

The Smith is a casual American brasserie with a simple mission — make people happy! We care about every meal and every moment. The menu features bistro classics, seasonal fare, and craft cocktails. Walk in the door and you’re in for a great time. Whether it’s date night, drinks on the town, a big birthday bash, a working lunch, a boozy brunch, or an I-don’t-want-to-cook-tonight night, we’ve got you covered.

A photo of Parlor Pizza Bar - West Loop restaurant

10. Parlor Pizza Bar - West Loop

4.7

Exceptional(1549)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • West Loop

Booked 92 times today

For more information please email info@parlorchicago.com

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

K
Kate
Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
Perfect spot for drinks with our large group! Wish we could’ve been out on the patio but regardless it was a good group happy hour.
More info
The PublicanPrice: Expensive• American• West Loop
•
4.6
K
Kylee
1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Service was great and the atmosphere was amazing I had and amazing lunch!
More info
LUXBARPrice: Moderate• American• Gold Coast / Streeterville
•
4.7
J
Jay
Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
4.0
Dined on Jun 3, 2025
It was quite a nice experience and all the food was very tasty. Service attentive but not overbearing. Room is very cool.
More info
The Izakaya at MomotaroPrice: Expensive• Japanese• West Loop
•
4.7
B
Brian
Philadelphia County •30 reviews
4.0
Dined on Jun 2, 2025
Food and drinks were fine. Service was a little inattentive. Value was not there.
More info
LAURELPrice: Expensive• American• River North (Chicago)
•
4.4

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