Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in Chicago / Illinois

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that are the best hot spots in Chicago / Illinois? 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

4.8

4.8 (4291)

$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

Masonvip

Dined 3 days ago

This is one of my favorite spots in the city! Food, Drinks, Service in a great ambiance… exceptional,

Donny G's Ristorante

4.6

4.6 (139)

$30 and under

Italian

Elmwood Park

About the restaurant

Welcome to Donny G's Ristorante! At Donny G's Ristorante & Bar in Elmwood Park we refuse to compromise on quality in our restaurant. That's why we source our fresh ingredients from local farmers' markets to prepare our menu offerings for you and your loved ones. We have a main restaurant as well as a banquet and entertainment space which holds up to 125 people. We have unique lunch, dinner, catering and banquet menus.

Top review

Ralph

Dined on Aug 24, 2024

Love this place, food and service are outstanding.

Red Star Kitchen + Bar

4.6

4.6 (163)

$30 and under

American

Matteson

About the restaurant

Welcome to Red Star Kitchen + Bar, where culinary artistry meets vibrant ambiance in a celebration of flavor and style. Nestled in the heart of Matteson, our restaurant invites you on a journey of gastronomic delight, blending modern sophistication with the warmth of a welcoming neighborhood gem.

Step into Red Star and be captivated by the contemporary design, where rich red hues and ambient lighting create an inviting atmosphere that effortlessly transitions from intimate dinners to lively gatherings. Our chic and comfortable setting sets the stage for a dining experience that goes beyond the ordinary.

Whether you're seeking a romantic dinner for two, a lively night out with friends, or a venue for a special celebration, Red Star Kitchen + Bar invites you to indulge in an experience where passion for food and a commitment to excellence converge. Reserve your table today and embark on a culinary journey that transcends the ordinary, only at Red Star.

Top review

Twila

Dined on Aug 30, 2024

We had a wonderful experience. A much crowd pleaser and the food was awesome.

Gyu-Kaku - Naperville

4.5

4.5 (354)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Naperville

About the restaurant

Founded in Tokyo in 1996, Gyu-Kaku has become the world’s #1 Japanese BBQ brand! Thanks to our devoted fans we have reached over 700 locations worldwide. Each day, hundreds of thousands of people gather around the table-top smokeless grill, a centerpiece of our dining concept, enjoying selections of premium meats, just off the grill, and other freshly prepared foods from our kitchens, inspiring laughter, conversation, and a magical dining experience.

Our authentic yakiniku (grilled barbeque) dining experience crowns you the chef. Share a variety of delicious appetizers and premium cooked meats over a flaming grill, paired with Japanese sake, frosty cold beers, or other alcoholic and non-alcoholic options of your choice. We're the perfect spot to enjoy time with friends and family, organize an office party, or to spend quality time with your significant other!

Before you go, don't forget to taste our best-seller Harami Skirt Steak or Prime Kalbi Short Rib among other must-try dishes!

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Aug 18, 2024

Best tasting KBBQ I’ve had in the area. Bit pricey!

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Experience

Prix-Fixe Yakiniku Courses for Everyone!

Lou Malnati's - Lincoln Square

4.5

4.5 (8)

$30 and under

Pizzeria

North Center

About the restaurant

Located at 4340 North Lincoln Avenue, on the border of Lincoln Square and North Center, our Lou Malnati’s Lincoln Square restaurant serves irresistible deep dish pizza. The space has a great indoor/outdoor feel with a living wall and retractable floor to ceiling windows that can be opened in the warmer months. This family-friendly location offers dine-in, delivery to the nearby neighborhoods of Ravenswood, Andersonville and Uptown, plus carryout and catering. We know that it’s one of the best pizza restaurants in Lincoln Square!

Top review

Bradvip

Dined on Jul 7, 2024

Always delicious pizza, and service was great. Never a miss.

Green Street Local

4.4

4.4 (287)

$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

Janet

Dined on Jul 29, 2024

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Green Street Local with my coworkers, and it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. The service was impeccable, with the staff being incredibly attentive, friendly, and professional. They made us feel welcome and ensured that every aspect of our meal was perfect. The food was phenomenal. The ingredients were fresh, bursting with flavor, and had that "Chicago" feel (ex: Glass of Bacon, Chicken Giardinera)!! The drinks were well made and consistant! And the dessert... the Skillet is a must try! The atmosphere was perfect for our group. We were able to watch the Olympics along with other sports on their wall of TV's. It was the ideal place for a relaxed but energetic evening with colleagues. Overall, Green Street Local exceeded our expectations. The combination of outstanding service, brilliant food, and a relaxed delightful atmosphere made for a great dining experience. We will definitely be returning.

Baxters American Grille - Champaign

4.4

4.4 (663)

$30 and under

Steakhouse

Champaign

About the restaurant

Baxters American Grille - Champaign offers seasonal menus that boast a variety of signature dishes that you can't get find anywhere else. Our concept provides a variety of steaks, seafood and chops accompanied with a management & chef team that are excited to offer a unique culinary experience. We offer a big-city dining experience within dinner, private dining and catering to the Champaign area. Whether you stop in for one of our new signature martinis or to dine in our upscale dining room Baxters is the destination for your evening out!

Top review

Thomas

Dined 2 days ago

Had a wonderful pregame meal. Very gluten-free friendly. Good appetizer, good entrees. Excellent service. Reasonable prices. Highly recommend Baxters.

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Popular dish

Steak Tacos

Moretti's - Barrington

4.4

4.4 (246)

$30 and under

Italian

Barrington

About the restaurant

Award-Winning Moretti's pan and thin crust Chicago-style pizza is just the most famous part of our large menu. We offer a varied selection of Italian and American dishes, both classic and modern for lunch and dinner in a friendly atmosphere. The dining room is spacious and comfortable, or dine outdoors, weather permitting, in our beautiful garden patio. Prices are very reasonable, and the service is fast and friendly. Moretti's is a great option for anything from a relaxing dinner for two to a friendly get-together to watch the big game. All our food, not just the pizza, is available for take-out and delivery. Moretti's is always a great place for all your special occasions.

Top review

Darlenevip

Dined on Aug 17, 2024

The food is good but there are t any good vegetable or fruit options for children. The service was slow and poorly paced

Punch Bowl Social - Chicago

4.4

4.4 (86)

$30 and under

American

River North (Chicago)

About the restaurant

Punch Bowl Social, Proud Hosts of the Unexpected, brings people together for one-of-a-kind food, fun, first-rate hospitality, and entertainment. Scratch kitchens, craft cocktails, social gaming, DJs, and live music in eclectic and creatively designed spaces provide the perfect setting for exceptional experiences. Whether you’re looking to have a fabulous night out with friends or want to host an unforgettable event, Punch Bowl Social has got it covered.

Top review

Salayah

Dined 6 days ago

The vibe was great, because of the holiday it wasn’t that many people there. I appreciate the opportunity to be able to bring my little sister before 10pm. It was good wholesome fun for our family. We did originally attend for trivia night on Eventbrite. The top of the Eventbrite event did say California but the address was the Chicago location so that was very misleading. The manager did still accommodate us and she was very nice and explained it was the California location. Our waitress was amazing and she was so nice. She filled every request that we had. Great experience over all.

Hacienda Calavera

4.4

4.4 (96)

$31 to $50

Latin American

Cicero

About the restaurant

Hacienda Calavera is a family-owned authentic Latin American cuisine restaurant in Cicero, Illinois. Inspired by creating a cultural interaction through food with one simple goal in mind: creating a place where people could experience the authentic feel of Latin America with its gourmet food and delicious tastes, incredible live music and warm familiar and festive vibes. Our Signature drinks include La Muerte, El Deseo. Enjoy our popular entrees like Los 3 Garcias, 3 Huastecos, & Langostinos. We look forward to serving you soon!

Top review

Jamesvip

Dined 1 day ago

Great restaurant with great service!! I will return.

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