Chicago has some of the best restaurants in the country. Windy City chefs are creating dishes that are wowing the foodies nationwide. With so many to choose from, it's easy to feel overwhelmed when deciding where to eat in Chicago. Luckily, there is a mixed bag of fun fine dining and casual restaurants that are sure to please your taste buds.
Far from the hustle and bustle of downtown Chicago lies Calumet Fisheries at 3259 East 95th St. This family-owned smokehouse excites its patrons with onsite smoked fish. With no place to seat, it's pretty casual. Go up to the counter and order from such entrees as fries or smoked shrimp, salmon, catfish, oysters, or frog legs. Relax in the car or enjoy the breeze and dig into your amazing assortment of food.
Head over to 3324 North California Ave. for upscale hot dogs. Hot Doug's is quickly becoming a Chicago favorite. Try out such hot dogs as The Elvis, The Paul Kelly, or The Marty Allen. They serve speciality sausages that have unusual sausages made from meats such as duck, shrimp, and elk.
For some truly authentic Chicago pizza, check out Burt's Place, 8541 Ferris Ave., in Morton Grove. Burt's take on this local staple packs the tables. The restaurant uses organic produce and organically raised meats.
There are a host of restaurants in Chicago owned by celebrity chefs. It's fun to see them on TV and check out their restaurants for yourself.
Chef Rick Bayless' restaurant, Fontera Grill at 445 North Clark St., has some of the best Mexican-inspired cuisine in the country. Bayless is a regular on many food shows and a James Beard Award winner, so you can taste for yourself his fantastic fare by heading over to the North Side. Popular choices include guacamole, enchiladas mole, and tacos. The menu is always changing, so even if you've been you'll have a different experience when you come back.
Alinea at 1723 North Halsted St. is considered one of the best restaurants in the United States. Chef Grant Achatz has won the "Best Chef in the United States" for 2008 from the James Beard Foundation. His artful eye and attention to detail literally turns food into art. Expect to make reservations far in advance.
You can explore the world of food by going out in Chicago.
For those who love Ethiopian, visit Ras Dashen Ethiopian Restaurant at 5846 North Broadway Ave. If you want a fun date, try Geje's Cafe at 340 West Armitage Ave., and split either cheese or chocolate fondue.
To grab a drink and some bar food, head over to Edgewater Lounge at 5600 N Ashland Ave. The place looks like a dive, but you will be pleasantly surprised by the food and the laid-back atmosphere.
Another fun place to take friends is Twist: A Tapas Cafe, at 3412 North Sheffield Ave. Share small tapas and chat before going out on the night. The carefree atmosphere and small plates of food will get you in the mood to have fun without weighing you down.
