Can't Miss Spots For Foodies in Chicago

Do not miss these spots in Chicago.

I know I’ve mentioned our serious obsession with good food before {refer back to this post on how we became self-proclaimed foodies}, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that whenever we travel, we’re always scouting the next best spots to have an ultimate epicurean meal. But with so many new and existing foodie spots in Chicago, how do you ever choose which restaurants to visit while in town? I get it – it’s tough. But for a general rule of thumb, we always approach this task as follows; visit the staple spots that made you fall in love with your destination in the first place. Simple!

Although these foodie spots have already been rippin’ in Chicago for quite a few years, we never miss them when we visit and neither should you. Here are our can’t miss spots for foodies in Chicago:

Au Cheval

I can not say enough about Au Cheval. We never miss this spot when visiting Chicago. Period. I’m not even exaggerating when I tell you that I have had dreams of the cheeseburger a cheval. The best part about this ultimate foodie spot? They accommodate gluten free folks such as myself and are very aware of the whole GF thang. So much so, that this tiny diner stole every inch of my heart when I discovered that they offer the ultimate brunch style open-faced cheeseburger that lies atop the most delicious stack of crispy hashbrowns, and finished with a fried egg and maple pepper bacon. My mouth is watering as I type this. It is with 100% certainty that I can state that Au Cheval has the best cheeseburger I’ve ever consumed in my life. Sure, there are a whole lotta posers out there that try their best, but no burger has ever, and most likely will not ever, beat the cheeseburger a cheval. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT miss Au Cheval when visiting Chicago:

800 W Randolph St
Chicago, IL 60607

Beatrix

Okay, so I only have a photo of my glass of Miraval from our recent Beatrix visit, but wine counts too, right?! Right. With a few Beatrix restaurants around town, we always frequent the Beatrix River North when we’re in town. The Beatrix menu focuses on delicious health driven options that have outstanding flavor and prepared with fresh quality ingredients in every dish. You can taste these fresh forward flavors in anything you order, but a few of our favorites consist of the Crispy Kale Salad, Kennebec Fries {OMG} and Quinoa Cakes with Poached Eggs for a solid brunch option. Again, since Beatrix is health driven, they’re very accommodating for those that are GF and Vegan. This makes dining here a breeze! After your meal, don’t forget to order one of their fresh pressed juices and stop by the coffee + pastry bar! When I learned they’re now serving a La Colombe Nitro, I cried a little. Coffee lovers unite! Bottom line, don’t miss Beatrix on your next trip to Chitown.

519 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60607

Girl and the Goat

Surprisingly, this was our first visit to Girl and the Goat in Chicago, but I can guarantee this will not be our last. Frankly, I’m straight embarrassed that I just admitted that as this spot has been well established since 2010 in the West Loop – our favorite foodie destination in Chicago. Bravo’s Top Chef, Stephanie Izard, is the executive chef at Girl and the Goat and absolutely kills it with every. single. dish. Also gluten aware, these dishes are served more family style and focused on experiencing multiple {say 4-5} dishes during your visit. With inspiration from Asia, to the Middle East, mixed with a side of fresh coastal flare, the dishes at Girl and the Goat are bursting with a variety of global flavors. In fact, it’s safe to say that we’ve never experienced so many well executed global dishes in one restaurant than we have at Girl and the Goat. I’m certain that this spot is now a foodie staple for our future Chicago visits.

809 W Randolph St
Chicago, IL 60607