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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
4.9 (4455)
$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
CydneyVIP
Dined 4 days ago
It was so lovely, the staff is friendly and welcoming our server was perfect. The view is breathtaking and the ambience is very pleasing chairs are comfortable seating not to close to other tables. Our food was delicious we had a pasta dish and steak yummy . The mushrooms were so good , it is perfect for a special occasion or anytime. I will definitely put it on my short list .
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
CydneyVIP
Dined 4 days ago
It was so lovely, the staff is friendly and welcoming our server was perfect. The view is breathtaking and the ambience is very pleasing chairs are comfortable seating not to close to other tables. Our food was delicious we had a pasta dish and steak yummy . The mushrooms were so good , it is perfect for a special occasion or anytime. I will definitely put it on my short list .
TAO Asian Bistro - Chicago
4.6 (3387)
$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
OpenTable DinerVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Tao Chicago is absolutely stunning—the decor alone is worth the visit. The atmosphere is vibrant and immersive, with every detail is thoughtfully designed. The food was delicious and beautifully presented, with bold flavors in every bite. The giant fortune cookie was a fun and tasty highlight to end the meal. Our server was attentive and prompt. Overall, it was a memorable dining experience and a real treat.
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
OpenTable DinerVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Tao Chicago is absolutely stunning—the decor alone is worth the visit. The atmosphere is vibrant and immersive, with every detail is thoughtfully designed. The food was delicious and beautifully presented, with bold flavors in every bite. The giant fortune cookie was a fun and tasty highlight to end the meal. Our server was attentive and prompt. Overall, it was a memorable dining experience and a real treat.
RPM Italian - Chicago
4.7 (12475)
$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
KathyVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Great food, drinks and service. I highly recommend this place.
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
KathyVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Great food, drinks and service. I highly recommend this place.
SUSHI-SAN - River North
4.8 (1425)
$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
Jason
Dined 3 days ago
Loved the food and service. Music was too loud but definitely great restaurant. I’m just getting old
"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
Jason
Dined 3 days ago
Loved the food and service. Music was too loud but definitely great restaurant. I’m just getting old
Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House - Chicago
4.7 (5510)
$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
Melinda
Dined 1 day ago
Consistently classy and fun at the same time. My Chicago favorite! Waitstaff, service, food and ambiance top notch!!
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
Melinda
Dined 1 day ago
Consistently classy and fun at the same time. My Chicago favorite! Waitstaff, service, food and ambiance top notch!!
Brass Tack
4.4 (726)
$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 6, 2025
If you have time…do this. It was super fun. When we went it was essentially 2 tables of people. Very intimate
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 6, 2025
If you have time…do this. It was super fun. When we went it was essentially 2 tables of people. Very intimate
RPM Steak
4.8 (6427)
$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
JenniferVIP
Dined 1 day ago
excellent waiter at RPM - he let us take our time ordering and it was so relaxing and delicous!
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
JenniferVIP
Dined 1 day ago
excellent waiter at RPM - he let us take our time ordering and it was so relaxing and delicous!
Sepia
4.9 (5477)
$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
Rodrigo
Dined 4 days ago
Chef Andrew Zimmerman knows his game and Chef Kyle Cottle executes to perfection. I had the chef tasting menu, it was a journey through flavors and textures. Highly recommended.
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
Rodrigo
Dined 4 days ago
Chef Andrew Zimmerman knows his game and Chef Kyle Cottle executes to perfection. I had the chef tasting menu, it was a journey through flavors and textures. Highly recommended.
il Porcellino
4.7 (4442)
$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
LisaVIP
Dined 7 days ago
The food was great. Stuffed mushrooms were really good as well as the chicken piccata. Service was impeccable. A really nice dinner for a very reasonable price.
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
LisaVIP
Dined 7 days ago
The food was great. Stuffed mushrooms were really good as well as the chicken piccata. Service was impeccable. A really nice dinner for a very reasonable price.
Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Chicago
4.8 (9309)
$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
cheryl
Dined 3 days ago
Great food and service, as usual. Gibson’s waiters are the best, always so accommodating!
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
cheryl
Dined 3 days ago
Great food and service, as usual. Gibson’s waiters are the best, always so accommodating!
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
4.9 (17931)
$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
UsmanVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Phenomenal lunch at Joes, the server Jesse was prompt there whenever needed had the best smile and positive attitude, overall excellent dining experience highly recommend!
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
UsmanVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Phenomenal lunch at Joes, the server Jesse was prompt there whenever needed had the best smile and positive attitude, overall excellent dining experience highly recommend!
Mon Ami Gabi
4.9 (8382)
$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
EddieVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Always a treat <3 :) thank you for accommodating my special request!!!
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
EddieVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Always a treat <3 :) thank you for accommodating my special request!!!
Nonnina
4.7 (2927)
$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
Alcina
Dined on Jun 4, 2025
I visited Nonnina during their happy hour, the restaurant was lively and the food was amazing.
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
Alcina
Dined on Jun 4, 2025
I visited Nonnina during their happy hour, the restaurant was lively and the food was amazing.
Shaw's Crab House & Oyster Bar - Chicago
4.8 (14542)
$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
KarenVIP
Dined 4 days ago
great fressh tasty seafood DEssert was outstanding as well
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
KarenVIP
Dined 4 days ago
great fressh tasty seafood DEssert was outstanding as well
Chicago Cut Steakhouse
4.8 (10158)
$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
CelineVIP
Dined 5 days ago
Matthew was a great waiter He was very attentive Had a great night
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
CelineVIP
Dined 5 days ago
Matthew was a great waiter He was very attentive Had a great night
Le Colonial - Chicago
4.8 (8115)
$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
MandyVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Great server. Beautiful atmosphere. We had a lovely dinner.
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
MandyVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Great server. Beautiful atmosphere. We had a lovely dinner.

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