Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in Chicago

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that are the best hot spots in Chicago? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Maple & Ash

4.7

4.7 (4323)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Gold Coast / Streeterville

About the restaurant

Maple & Ash is an innovative take on the traditional steakhouse – mixing a modern aesthetic with authentic service to deliver classic wood-fired dishes. With a sumptuous menu crafted by two-Michelin-star chef, Danny Grant and a wine program named one of "America's Best" by Wine Spectator, Maple & Ash finds a way to celebrate every moment. It’s more than a restaurant, it’s an experience.

Visit us online for additional reservation availability - www.mapleandash.com

Top review

Fredrick

Dined on Nov 27, 2024

What an incredible meal!!!!! The seafood was fresh, the steaks perfectly prepared, the wine exquisite and the desserts devine!!!!!!! The candlelight setting was the perfect ambiance even if a bit dark, but the absolute star of the dinner was the tremendous service provided by MASON! The best waiter in Chicago. (Maple & Ash this "Employee Benefits" charge coincidentally is exactly the same as the credit card fee!!!! Ask me before you add $25 to my check!!!!! When I drop almost a $1,000.00 for dinner without cocktails I don't expect a surprise on my bill!!!!! Disclosure and ASK. 30% Tip covers the wait staff, and at your prices there is money to provide the rest of the staff--including the kitchen--with "employee benefits.")

Matisse Tavern & Grill

4.7

4.7 (165)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Lakeview / East Lakeview

About the restaurant

Matisse Tavern and Grill is a neighborhood tavern with an eclectic Gastropub menu including made-from-scratch items and the best quality meats (Late-night kitchen).
Check out the cozy lounge with TVs, fireplace, Full-service bar including our martinis, craft and specialty cocktails (we use homemade ginger beer and just fresh juices) you won't find anywhere else. Relax with friends all summer long on the outdoor patio with a copper mug of our famous Moscow Mule or a Cold Craft Beer. Our hand-picked wine list changes seasonally so you'll always find a new grape discovery to sample.

Late-nighters welcome for cocktails till close!!!

Top review

Megan

Dined on Nov 24, 2024

Service as amazing. Food is great and the cocktails are top notch. Must try the green eyes cocktails, it was my favorite!

Green Street Local

4.7

4.7 (296)

$30 and under

American

West Loop

About the restaurant

Green Street Local is the West Loop's Best Sports Lounge & Restaurant. We offer a Warm, Mature Setting, Where Patrons can Enjoy a Mindfully Crafted Menu Featuring New American Comfort Food, Craft Beers, Signature Cocktails & Premium Wines.

Top review

Dan

Dined on Nov 27, 2024

Excellent staff and great food. Perfect spot to grab a meal before a Hawks game!

Grapes & Grains

4.7

4.7 (33)

$31 to $50

Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service

West Loop

About the restaurant

GG, as it is affectionately referred to in the neighborhood, is a piano bar located in the heart of West Loop, featuring Chicago's top talent.

Exposed brick, vintage chandeliers, chesterfield couches, and intimate lighting pay sexy homage to Old Chicago. The main floor boasts 2,500 square feet of gorgeous lounge space complete with a baby grand piano and sabrage room providing the most lively of atmospheres. Guests can reserve a live music experience on select evenings or learn the nuances of whiskeys and wines at one of our monthly masterclass events.

Experience live music performances at GG Wednesday through Sunday. Be entertained on Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30 PM to 11:30 PM, Fridays 7:00PM-1:30AM, Saturdays 7:00PM-2:30AM, and Sundays 6:00-9:00PM, with no minimums and no live music fee. First come first serve seating and standing room available after 9pm on Fridays & Saturdays.

Top review

Stella

Dined on Nov 23, 2024

We had a beautiful evening. drinks were great. We didn’t eat piano was wonderful the pianist involved The crowd.

Union Sushi + Barbeque Bar

4.6

4.6 (2320)

$31 to $50

Sushi

River North (Chicago)

About the restaurant

Where the quality and simplicity of Japanese cuisine meets the bustling energy of a downtown essential. Fresh, high-quality fish, marinated meat and veggies off the Robata grill and an inventive assortment of cocktails create a playful juxtaposition of Japanese and American culinary styles. It’s a true riff on the expected and traditional.

Ranked by The Michelin Guide as one of the 9 best Japanese restaurants in Chicago, Union combines the tempered art of Japanese dining with a fresh, colorful and urban vibe. Union ups the ante on Japanese dining with its high-energy beat, creativity and playful approach to Japanese-influenced cuisine from one of Chicago's best know sushi chef's Mike Ham "Sushi Mike"

Top review

Thomas

Dined 2 days ago

Excellent experience! Really enjoyed sitting at the sushi bar and Huberto the chef made us some fantastic special rolls. Will be back!

Discover more

Popular dish

Matcha Short Cake

Prost!

4.5

4.5 (172)

$30 and under

German

Lincoln Park

About the restaurant

German Beer Hall and Food

Top review

paulavip

Dined on Oct 21, 2024

Had a great time!!! That pretzel never disappoints!!!! Server was funny and engaging!!

Divan

4.5

4.5 (40)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

River North (Chicago)

About the restaurant

Located in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, Divan is an Exclusive Steakhouse & Supperclub Experience that features American steakhouse classics with refined European influences, curated by Executive Chef, Mike Sheerin.

The 150-seat, multi-level space lends itself to mini-experiences that range from private sommelier-lead wine tastings in the cellar with a range of localized international wines, and premier seating near the live music stage, to late-night champagne service.

With impeccable service and a commitment to quality, we invite guests to savor the finest cuts and deepest grooves in an ambiance that seamlessly blends sophistication with warmth, making every dining experience a masterpiece.

Top review

Rashelle

Dined 4 days ago

I was visiting Chicago with my sister for 3 days. Divan was the first location, this place was aesthetically pleasing and the food was good. See pictures for detailed reviews!

Discover more

Experience

Sunday Brunch at Divan

Experience

Divan Wine Cellar Experience

Experience

WhistlePig Cellar Experience

Celeste

4.4

4.4 (189)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

River North (Chicago)

About the restaurant

**For Rooftop Garden and Disco reservation, please visit our website at celestedisco.com**

Celeste is a modern, refined interpretation of the classic American drinking establishment. Our four levels are each inspired by nuances in architecture, art movements, social clubs, and a breakdown of the barriers between art and life. A carefully curated space, upscale cuisine, and imaginative cocktails create the essence of Celeste.

Reservation Types:

Whiskey Bar High-Top:
On the first floor, The Bar is a nod to classic neighborhood bars. This space offers a casual atmosphere, perfect for gathering with friends during happy hour while indulging in elevated spirits, modern American cuisine, and an expanded whiskey list.
Open Wed-Sat at 5pm

Deco Supper Club:
Located on the second floor, Deco Supper Club pays homage to the glamorous architectural history of Chicago at the turn-of-the-century with a drink menu spotlighting craft cocktails.
Open Thurs-Sat at 7pm.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 2 days ago

Nice experience. Greatstaff. Price for 2 drinks was $115. That's insanity. But it was fun

Discover more

Experience

Happy Hour at Celeste

Experience

Prix-Fixe Menu $50 per person

Fora

4.4

4.4 (95)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

West Loop

About the restaurant

Fora is a premium casual restaurant and outdoor patio serving up a globally inspired menu. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients, our chefs create unforgettable dishes that pay homage to traditional techniques.

Our versatile offerings cater to every occasion – from a leisurely weekend brunch to a vibrant weekday lunch, an enticing happy hour from Monday to Friday, to an exquisite dinner service. The essence of our menu lies in its diversity, featuring standout dishes like the refreshingly innovative Brussels Sprout Salad, the comfortingly decadent Smashburger, the boldly flavored Ahi Tuna Tacos, the rustic and satisfying Sausage & Goat Cheese Flatbread, and the classic, perfectly prepared Steak Frites.

Enhancing the Fora experience, our guests are treated to live music every weekend. Whether you're gathering for a celebration, a casual catch-up, or a romantic evening, Fora invites you to free your spirit and feed your soul.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Sep 18, 2024

This was a nice experience, the weather, atmosphere, and service were phenomenal!!

Discover more

Experience

New Year's Eve Dinner

Experience

Beats, Brunch & Bottomless Mimosas

Experience

Power Lunch Special

Whispers at Oak Street Beach

4.3

4.3 (211)

$31 to $50

American

Gold Coast / Streeterville

About the restaurant

Whispers at Oak Street Beach is the only restaurant & beach bar in Chicago that is situated directly on the water. At Whispers, guests get the best of both worlds: perfect views of Lake Michigan against the backdrop of Chicago’s spectacular skyline.

** The restaurant will operate on a first come first serve basis on Saturday and Sundays.

** Reservations for our Cabanas can be made by texting (312) 522-0358. $500 minimum available during the week only.

** Kitchen closes Sunday-Thursday at 8pm and Friday-Saturday at 9pm.

Top review

Evelynvip

Dined on Sep 2, 2024

Lovely place at Oak Street beach. Only problem were lots of bees flying around!

Explore Diners' Choice best of Chicago

Explore more Diners' Choice lists