Where to Eat in Chicago, IL
If you’re traveling to Chicago anytime soon, consider trying some of the restaurants listed below.
Kitchen & Kocktails
Kitchen & Kocktails is a restaurant that specializes in upscale cocktails and comfort/soul food. Everything from the presentation, serving size, and customer service was a 10 out of 10. The food at Kitchen & Kocktails was the best we experienced during our entire trip to Chicago. I’m so happy to say that because as a somewhat picky eater, it’s not often that I find restaurants with multiple dishes that I love. However, Kitchen & Kocktails knocked it out of the park! We ordered some of everything- the Dream Eggs with Blackened Shrimp, Fried Green Tomatoes, Chicken & Waffles, Catfish & Grits, Fried Chicken, Yams, Collard Greens, Mac & Cheese, Black Eyed Peas, Steak & Lobster Tail, Eggs, Cornbread, Toasted Marshmallow Espresso Martini and Cotton Candy Cloud. The food was seasoned to perfection. My sisters said their drinks were good too. The next time you’re in Chicago, Dallas, Washington D.C., Atlanta or Charlotte (I’ve been to this location too), please support this wonderful black owned business.
Travelle (Langham Hotel)
We enjoyed eating at Travelle, where they serve American cuisine for breakfast, brunch and lunch. I ordered fries and a pizza, which were good.
Hampton Social
The Hampton Social is always a vibe. We enjoyed the Shelter Island Chicken Sandwich with fries, Shrimp Tacos, Monkey Bread, Ice Cream and more! 9/10
Strugglebeard Bakery
Strugglebeard was founded by Quinton McNair, who discovered his love for baking after retiring from the military. The bakery serves a variety of sweet treats including cookies, cake, muffins, brownies, cupcakes, coffee, hot chocolate, and more. The next time you’re in Chicago, go support this black, veteran owned business!
Virtue
We enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Virtue Restaurant & Bar. This restaurant is a 2022 James Beard Foundation award winner, and after eating the delicious food, enjoying the ambiance and experiencing the great customer service, I see why. Virtue offers the finest American Southern Cuisine. I had a chicken and potato dish that was so flavorful. The fried green tomatoes, collards & smoked turkey, and gumbo were fan favorites too! You have got to try this black-owned restaurant the next time you’re in Chicago! 10/10
Garrett Popcorn Shops
Garrett’s Popcorn is a Chicago staple. I was able to grab some in the airport on my way back home. It was the perfect snack. 9/10
Starbucks
I know most of us have been to Starbucks, but have you been to the largest one in the world? If not, check it out on your next visit to Chicago. Located on the Magnificent Mile, this Starbucks is five stories high, 35,000 square feet and features eight 56-foot-tall copper tubes that transport the coffee beans throughout each floor. The menu consists of a variety of coffees, cocktails and food options. Tip- Get there early because there will be a line.
Have you tried any of these restaurants? Share your thoughts below!