Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in Chicago

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2025

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!

Grapes & Grains

4.9

4.9 (44)

$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

AnnetteVIP

Dined on Jun 27, 2025

Always a great time here! My favorite place to listen to music and sing along. I would ideally want the musicians to continue playing and not keep asking for requests, so the music keeps flowing. Viktorija is amazing. I almost always have her as my server.

312 Fish Market

4.9

4.9 (25)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Lower West Side

About the restaurant

Hidden inside 88 Marketplace is 312 Fish Market -- a sushi lover's dream. We take great pride in improving upon your favorite nigiri, sashimi, hand rolls, sushi rolls, and party sets in new and creative ways.

As we do not compromise on quality, our chef sources the best fish from all over the world including Tuna, Madai, Kanpachi, Uni, Caviar, and more.

312 Fish Market is a BYOB establishment.

Closed every Wednesday.

We are also available for pickup, delivery and catering.

Please reach us at 312FishMarket@gmail.com or 872-222-7288.

Top review

EdwardVIP

Dined on Jun 15, 2025

Delicious fish and good rice Waiter was helpful picking choices

Selva

4.8

4.8 (47)

$30 and under

Mexican

West Loop

About the restaurant

Located on the 7th floor rooftop of The Emily Hotel in Chicago’s Fulton Market District, Selva is a rooftop lounge inspired by the energy of Mexico by night. Stylishly moody and intriguingly vibrant, it's here you’ll find an elevated list of handcrafted cocktails that transport you to another place and a menu of casual fare to savor over shared stories and rounds of mezcal.

To our friends, our lovers, and our enemies too - Salud!

Top review

Luciano

Dined on Jun 13, 2025

It was our first time at selva. The music was great especially if people like reggaeton or Latino music. We surprisingly went Thursday night which they have happy hour from 9 pm - 12 am. We tried various drinks and appetizers. All were great. Great staff and service 🔥 They have a fire area outside plus a great view of a cinema on the side. I definitely will recommend this place to others. I am definetly coming back to this spot 💯

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Experience

The Sound Authority Presents (8pm-Close)

Experience

National Tequila Day: Jungle Drip

Experience

Late Night Happy Hour: 1/2 off House Cocktails

Starbucks Reserve® Chicago Roastery

4.8

4.8 (59)

$31 to $50

Café

River North (Chicago)

About the restaurant

The World's Largest Starbucks.

A spectacular destination. Our passion for craft, innovation, and discovery comes to life in an ever-evolving menu of coffee, cocktails and food.

An immersive and thoughtfully designed experience, this one-of-a-kind space will bring your event to life in a uniquely memorable way.

Top review

Grace

Dined 4 days ago

Private tour for just the two of us with a very knowledgeable barista and roaster. They were friendly and wanted to answer any questions we had. We were able to taste two freshly roasted varieties of coffee paired with two chocolate truffles. An exquisite experience!

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Experience

Art of the Espresso Martini (21+ Only)

Experience

Coffee Roasting & Tasting Experience

Experience

Coffee Lab: A Journey of the Senses

Gaslight

4.8

4.8 (1)

$30 and under

American

Lincoln Park

About the restaurant

Gaslight is a lively neighborhood sports bar in Lincoln Park with three full bars, a delicious menu, and a spacious year-round patio open seven days a week for brunch, dine-in, carryout & delivery.

Top review

NicoleVIP

Dined 5 days ago

I won a cookie skillet AT BINGOOOOOOOO, it was electric

Happy Camper Pizza - Old Town

4.7

4.7 (643)

$30 and under

Pizzeria

River North (Chicago)

About the restaurant

Minors must be accompanied by parent or guardian for entry. A valid ID is required for guests age 21+.

A chic, outdoorsy pizza haven located in Old Town. Happy Camper boasts a décor that includes Airstream trailers, neon renditions of the Great Lakes, warm wooden accents, and tire swing seating around the bar. A wide variety of colorful pizzas and delicious appetizers await you.

F*ckin' Charity Bingo on Sundays at 1:30pm is sat on a first come first serve basis. All reservations will be sat in the non-bingo area.

We cannot guarantee inside or outside seating.

Neighborhood ordinances require our patio to close by 12am.

Your table is weather permitting. If there is inclement weather, Happy Camper reserves the right to cancel your reservation. If you are dining when inclement weather occurs your food will be packed and given your bill. You are more than welcome to head to the bar afterward.

Top review

Mary

Dined today

We had the nadeen and the bbq chicken pizzas, a few speciality beers and a spritzer. All delish.

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Experience

Happy Camper F*ckin' Charity Bingo Experience

Crab King Cajun Boil & Sushi

4.7

4.7 (75)

$30 and under

Cajun

Lakeview / East Lakeview

About the restaurant

Crab King Cajun Boil & Bar is a new business of seafood in this community. Our mission is to provide the highest quality of seafood, and give you the best dining experience. At our new Chicago location, we strive to make Crab King Cajun Boil & Bar to be the best seafood restaurant in town.

Top review

Karina

Dined 7 days ago

Seafood was really good and flavor full. Like to go back.

Chop Shop

4.5

4.5 (433)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Bucktown / Wicker Park

About the restaurant

Your Wicker Park butcher, deli, and restaurant—all in one lively, casual, and welcoming spot. Located at 2033 W North Ave, just steps from the iconic Flat Iron Building and Milwaukee-Damen-North intersection, Chop Shop is your neighborhood go-to from brunch to late-night dinner. Settle in on our vibrant upstairs patio or cozy indoor seating and enjoy a menu that blends freshly sliced deli sandwiches, juicy steaks, Italian-inspired classics, and our famous burger—each crafted with premium cuts and fresh ingredients. Pair your meal with a craft cocktail or a selection from our extensive beer list. Whether you’re dining in, taking out, or ordering delivery, Chop Shop serves up quality, comfort, and bold flavor in a fun, energetic atmosphere every time.

Top review

TROY

Dined on Jun 28, 2025

We came for the Band CHEF. The food was super convenient and Tasty! No Michelin Stars. But good!

Texan Taco Bar

4.5

4.5 (308)

$30 and under

Tex-Mex

West Loop

About the restaurant

Texan Taco Bar is nestled in the heart of Chicago’s lively West Loop, overlooking Randolph Street with picturesque views of the downtown skyline from our open rooftop. We’re all about quality - whether it’s our fresh squeezed margaritas, welcoming vibes, or our signature tacos and quesadizzas. With a lively atmosphere perfect for kicking back at happy hour or enjoying great food with friends, it’s a go-to spot for any occasion. From timeless classics to bold, creative creations, our menu is a celebration of flavor done right, every single day.

Top review

Miah

Dined 2 days ago

It’s was great I loved the food and drinks. Waiters were so nice

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Experience

Happy Hour Weekdays 4-6pm

Machine Cocktail Bar

4.5

4.5 (10)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

River North (Chicago)

About the restaurant

Welcome to Machine Cocktail Bar: the next chapter in the evolution of the Machine Hospitality Group. Now nestled in a discreet new location at 213 W Institute, Machine Cocktail Bar redefines the cocktail experience with a blend of artistry, innovation, and atmosphere.

The soul of Machine from its former iteration is still very much alive, while refining its cocktail approach and reinventing our visual identity.

Must be 21+ to enjoy Machine

For parties of more than 8 please email, colleen@machinehospitality.com

Top review

EvelinaVIP

Dined 2 days ago

The presentation of cocktails was outstanding! As well as service and communication with personnel— great professionals. Would definitely come here again and again!

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