The food scene is Buzzing in The Chi! My culinary tour was a great food and cocktail experience. Chicago has a diverse selection of places to eat and drink. Check out some of my faves as well as a new, buzz-worthy restaurant!
- )Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab on Rush Street. My all- time favorite restaurant; great cocktails, seafood, steaks, and salads. I also recommend the Joe’s Fried Chicken, Colossal Lump Crab Cake and Lobster Mac&Cheese. The ambience is lavish and the service is stellar.
2.) Provare’- New on my list! This Creole and Italian Fusion, Black- Owned restaurant located in West Town was a hit! The dining experience was amazing- welcoming atmosphere and a great music Playlist. The server greeted us with a shot of one of their signature drinks.
WHAT I ORDERED:
Windy City, an Espresso martini. This delicious, creamy, indulgent cocktail was one of the best I’ve ever had. The list of cocktails are named after Chicago streets and neighborhoods.
Chef’s Special Calamari- Fried Calamari with red onions, jalepeno and yellow peppers, with a side of marinara and sweet heat aioli dipping sauces. Very good, fried to perfection.
Spicy Seafood Trio with add-on lambchop. Can’t go wrong with adding -on! What’s your favorite Add-ons? This pasta dish was amazing and very flavorful. Provare’ did not disappoint, I would definitely recommend and revisit. A must try if in The Chi.
Check out Prive’ Speakeasy- located in the basement of Provare’. The hidden entrance is located behind the bookshelf, and the man wearing a suit will escort you. Reservations are required. Great vibes and cocktails, limited menu- late night bites.
3.) Bar La Rue- A touch of France in the Windy City, located in Fulton Market. The restaurant serves French inspired, American comfort foods. Very ornate aesthetic with Bohemian floral decor. We snagged a patio seat streetside- coveted spot to sip, dine, and people watch! The Bonne Vivant was a very light and refreshing cocktail. We ordered the Royale with Cheese (smashburger), Provence Style- served over gruyere cheese fondue and frites with garlic Aioli. The food, cocktails, and service was impressive. 10/10 experience.
4.) Dearly Beloved, A Premier Cocktail Restaurant with impressive decor. The presentation is everything! The aesthetic is eerie and elegant. Be willing to try meticulously crafted, unusual spirits. The cocktails are works of art! I ordered “The Last Kiss”- tropical and creamy drink that reveals itself as woody, aromatic, and calming. It was garnished with Palo Santo smoke, great presentation and taste. The food did not disappoint. I ordered Truffle fries, Truffle Honey Fried Chicken, and Potato & Caviar Cigar. This was an Amazing luxurious experience – ambience, decor, service, cocktails, and food. Executive Chef, Kristofer Lohraff stopped by our table for a little chat.
5.) Nobu Rooftop- Soaking Up Summer Vibes in The Chi. Great specialty crafted cocktails, small bites, music, ambience, and service. Great time taking in the stunning Chicago skyline while sipping cocktails, my favorite is the Lychee & Elderflower Martini.
6.) Costera Cocina Tulum- great spot for girls night, fun dinner spot! Great atmosphere, food, cocktails, and vibes. Our server was very attentive. I ordered chips&guacamole, asada tacos, and Sandia fuego(spicy watermelon margarita) which was tasty. The short rib quesadillas and surf & turf is also very good. This Tulum inspired restaurant and lounge is a full- fledged club after 10:30pm…Lovely Jungle decor!
7.) Pizzeria Portofino- Spritz and perfect Picturesque views of the river! Located on the Chicago riverfront, this restaurant transports you to the Italian Riviera, reminds me of that time in Cinque Terre. Enjoyed my favorites alongside stunning views of the Chicago River! I ordered the Paparazzi Spritz, light and refreshing. Also ordered the Portuguese Octopus with crispy potatoes and portofino vinaigrette, Calamari Fritti, Crispy Parmesan fries with garlic aioli, and Mediterranean Branzino, cooked to perfection, served skin on over a green olive Salmoriglio. Make sure to save room for House-Made Gelato, the Salted Caramel was amazing. The riverfront terrace was the perfect spot on a summer day for an amazing, relaxing lunch with friends. I highly recommend, a great place to check out! Great vibes, food, and service.
8.) The Penthouse.
The Penthouse- Toast to Summer on Fioretta’s Exclusive Rooftop, perched on the 13th floor, perfect for the Per•Us wine tasting event. This was a sophisticated atmosphere with panoramic views of the Chicago skyline. Interactive experience with Winemaker Russell Bevan, vintage wines and food pairings. 10/10- atmosphere, food, wine, and music.
9.) Fioretta- Italian Steakhouse located in Fulton Market. Another one of my faves! Impressive decor and cocktails. The food is amazing!
What we ordered:
Parmesan Truffle Fries with Garlic Aioli, Table-Side Caesar Salad, Bistecca Alla Fiorentina- served sizzling and carved table-side, and Brussels Sprouts. Great selection of cocktails, but I ordered spirit free Pineapple punch; had great wines on The Penthouse. Great atmosphere, music, food, and service. Highly recommend! Also a perfect date night spot!
