Best Restaurants in Chicago's Uptown
Best Restaurants in Chicago's Uptown
Chicago's restaurant scene is a vibrant tapestry of culinary innovation and diverse flavors, reflecting the city's rich cultural heritage and creative spirit. Known for its deep-dish pizza and iconic hot dogs, Chicago also boasts an impressive array of fine dining establishments, from Michelin-starred venues to hidden neighborhood gems. The city is a haven for food enthusiasts, offering everything from upscale modern American cuisine to authentic ethnic eats, including top-notch Italian, Mexican, and Asian fare. The dynamic food scene is ever-evolving, with chefs pushing boundaries and creating unforgettable dining experiences, making Chicago a must-visit destination for gourmands.
Chicago's Uptown neighborhood may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of the city's culinary hotspots, but it offers a surprisingly diverse and flavorful array of dining options. Known for its rich history and vibrant cultural scene, Uptown is home to an eclectic mix of restaurants that reflect the neighborhood's multicultural roots. From authentic Vietnamese pho at cozy family-owned eateries to soul-warming southern comfort food, Uptown has something for every palate. The area's lesser-known status adds to its charm, making it a perfect destination for food lovers looking to explore off-the-beaten-path gems in Chicago’s ever-expanding culinary landscape.
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Breakfast:
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Casual American comfort & gluten-free fare, plus a full bar in art-filled surrounds with a patio.
A favorite Chicagoan spot to enjoy the most important meal of the day
HBL note: Ashley swears by the breakfast burrito.
Golden House Restaurant & Pancake House
Straightforward, old-school diner spot serving up full breakfasts plus burgers, burritos & more.
HBL note: an Uptown staple, probably best for dine-in.
Tiztal Cafe
At Tiztal, the standout dish is the fantastic chilaquiles, featuring fresh chips, chihuahua cheese, green salsa, eggs, and chorizo.
Best Restaurants in (and around) Chicago's Uptown
Fast Casual/Lunch:
Lucy’s
Fast-casual eatery serving a straightforward menu of fried chicken, burgers, fries & milkshakes.
bringing hyper-local Chicago beer, beverages, and eats to Uptown
Best Restaurants in (and around) Chicago's Uptown
Casual Dinner:
O'Shaughnessy's Public House
Irish tavern featuring bar food, multiple TVs, weekly live music & a patio.
HBL note: We recommend trying the O'Shock's Rolls or Shepherd's Rolls for a unique Asian/Irish fusion.
Michael’s Pizza
Low-key pizzeria & sports bar featuring more than 30 HDTVs & a menu of red & white pies & pub grub.
HBL note: Ashley’s go-to order is the Michael’s Special Pizza, hold the mushrooms. Dine-in or delivery.
Fiesta Mexicana Restaurant
Lively, rustic spot with a large menu of traditional Mexican eats & a variety of margaritas.
The Bar on Buena
Cozy bar featuring pub food & whisky/beer flights in a low-lit setting with a dog-friendly patio.
HBL note: this is our go-to neighborhood bar.
Best Restaurants in (and around) Chicago's Uptown
Nicer Dinner:
The Reservoir
Upscale pub with New American food, craft beers & sports on TV in a chic wood & leather setting.
HBL note: We like to stop here on a walk to/from the lake. It is a nice place for brunch or dinner.
Fat Cat
Bar with 1940s decor featuring comfort-food eats, beers & cocktails plus pool table & sports on TV.
Spacca Napoli
Casual spot with Neapolitan-style thin-crust pizzas served in a rustic space with patio seating.
HBL note: Amazing pizza, a real Chicago gem.
PR Italian Bistro
Bistro-style, Italian-inspired, global cuisine in a warmly lit space.
HBL note: Nice cocktail menu, too.
Marina's Bistro And Rum Bar
a cozy spot for Puerto Rican food and exceptional rum cocktails, offering dishes like mofongo and jibaritos, all in a lively, tropical atmosphere.
Best Restaurants in (and around) Chicago's Uptown
Foods from Around the World:
Argyle Street in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood is a vibrant enclave renowned for its authentic Southeast Asian cuisines and locally owned businesses. Often referred to as "Asia on Argyle," this stretch of Uptown is a treasure trove for those seeking the flavors of Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. The street is lined with bustling markets, cozy bakeries, and family-run restaurants, where the scents of pho, banh mi, and fragrant curries fill the air. Argyle Street is more than just a dining destination; it's a cultural hub where traditions are preserved and celebrated, offering a genuine taste of Southeast Asia in the heart of Chicago. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Argyle Street provides an immersive culinary experience that showcases the diversity and richness of the community.
Demera Restaurant
Casual Ethiopian eatery with shared plates, house-roasted coffee & traditional music on weekends.
HBL note: This is the kind of cuisine Uptown is known for. We don’t have a go-to order, we barely know what we are ordering, but it is always good. For dine-in or delivery.
BienMeSabe Venezuelan Cafe & Restaurant
Unassuming eatery featuring traditional Venezuelan grub, including empanadas, arepas & plantains.
HBL note: This restaurant is BYOB, so bring something from home or stop by the liquor store on the corner of Montrose and Ashland.
Tac Quick
A Michelin Bib Gourmand winner, TAC Quick has been serving delicious, authentic Thai food to the neighborhood for over 20 years.
HBL note: We haven’t been here yet, but it is high on our list!
Rojo Gusto
elevated Mexican street food
HBL note: We ordered a variety of tacos and loved every single one.
Sun Wah BBQ
Long-running cChinese restaurants known for its Hong Kong-style BBQ dishes, plus beer & cocktails.
Kie-Gol-Lanee
Quaintly decorated restaurant for Oaxacan & coastal fare with agua frescas & Mexican hot chocolate. Bib Gourmand Award-winning team.
Danang Kitchen
Straightforward Vietnamese storefront cafe with traditional fare including pho with coffee.
Hai Yen Restaurant
A casual spot serving an extensive Vietnamese menu & some Chinese dishes in an unassuming setting.
Ba Le Sandwiches
Made-to-order Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches on French bread plus soup, noodle salads & smoothies.
Immm Rice & Beyond
Low-key storefront kitchen specializing in curry dishes served over rice & other Thai street food.
Phở Việt
A range of traditional Vietnamese dishes served in a bright, minimalist sit-down cafe setting.
Furama Restaurant
Family owned restaurant serving authentic Chinese cuisine and Dim Sum in Uptown Chicago.
Nhu Lan Bakery & Sandwiches
a popular eatery known for its freshly baked baguettes and a variety of bánh mì fillings, including a house special with pate, head cheese, ham, and pork roll, with a second location in Ravenswood.
Best Restaurants in (and around) Chicago's Uptown
