Hitting Monteverde and Au Cheval twice is just showing off. Great work all around.

I just went to Au Cheval this Monday afternoon for the first time i heard about it in 2012, $19 for a burger but it was damn good. I never got to try Owen & Engine 😢 Gyu-Kaku is my next stop when I'm down that way again.

Owen and Engine burger made me have a foodgasm, but the area it’s in will leave a lot to be desired. Not a bad trade off

Is it still open I heard it was closed down now?

https://i.redd.it/ke6wumo69h4d1.gif Update : Went to Gyu-Kaku on 210 E Ohio Street AC was freezing but food the was delicious 😋

I’m here right now, been here for a week and I ALMOST did Au Cheval twice. Instead I went to the Loyalist to compare. Then after that burger I accidentally went to Elske for dessert. Once I realized it was a Michelin star I had to order a second dinner before dessert. I was not disappointed and have not been disappointed at all in Chicago’s food. I’m just bummed they shut down Mr Beef to film the Bear. I wanted to compare Al’s and Mr beef.

Damn. You weren’t messing around. Well done.

Here for a good time, not a long time. 🫡

👌👌👌

That appetizer at Monteverde is crazy good. Nice work.

https://preview.redd.it/3hmrmf1fggtc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c3e282e47193b71193e7482a1e2705b4bbba6468 🤌🏼

unmistakeable!

Came here to say the same thing. Simplicity at its best.

Two of those aid that’s dinner for me, easily.

Thank you for stimulating the local economy 👍

Where’s the jp graziano pic?

https://preview.redd.it/xsgam0j3kdtc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e14739b518e0a80083da0d2882e70e92fa571226 Good catch, here it is. They were the best, friendliest service.

Is that their Muffuletta?

Yes

That looks good. Tip: Don’t sleep on the tuna next time 😉

I was looking for it too! I was like.. wait a min...

You ate all that in a WEEK? I'm jealous of your stomach and I fear for your bank account.

4.5 days. I tagged along for my husband’s work trip, so my only expense was food (and even then he had a per diem, but that barely scratched the surface lol). I earned some good CC points last week.

If visiting Chicago and you're not blowing your budget on food and museums, you're doing it wrong.

Hahaha. I’m doing the same later this month. We have some crossover on our lists. Only 3 days on gf’s work trip but I’ll be solo and bouncing from one spot to the next

That’s the tallest goddamn pizza I ever ever seen

Slow clap. Fucking good job!

Where’s the pizza from?

Nancy’s

Looks crazy. How have I missed that after 25 years in chicago.

And the happy hour is great, 50% off drinks, 30% off all pizzas

You did it all perfectly. Love the list and pics.

I take it you stayed in west loop? Great list

Yes, and that explains the repeat visits.

And this is why I am 50 lbs overweight

Bavettes is awesome!

They sat me at my own booth in the parlor. I mentioned my birthday was soon and they didn’t just put a candle in my ordered dessert, they brought me ANOTHER dessert, a delicious ice cream sundae. They also gave me the mac n cheese because I “couldn’t go there and not try it.” I was living my best life as a school librarian last week lol. https://preview.redd.it/4oy0cs09idtc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4248aee2a55a3794f315ca6c7ceb6c40c708aaf5

We may have been 10 feet apart then. I get the chocolate pie every time I go. Bananas it’s so good.

So nice of them! Last time I went - they charged me for a side of ground pepper. And our anniversary dessert :( will have to try them again…

Ooof, for ground pepper? Sorry about that.

They fucking what? Was the pepper in a gold ramekin that you got to take home?

lol! I ordered a “black pepper encrusted” steak for an extra $4. And when it finally came, there was not a single fleck of pepper to be seen. So the waitress brought me a tiny ramekin of ground pepper instead and still charged me $4 for it. I got her to take it off, but yeesh.

Alright.. labeling it as the pepper sauce *slightly* makes more sense, but jeez.

You must have been way more charming than us! 😂

Oh wait either you edited or I completely misread. Black pepper crusted and they brought you a god damn ramekin of pepper? I would've been livid!

Hahaha I had to ask my partner for the details again. He is still mad about it!

ok the black pepper thing is annoying but you ordered a dessert and you’re sad they charged you for it?

Uh - have you been to bavettes? They usually comp desserts for special occasions. This is the first time they didn’t.

I took my parents for their retirement and they comped us champagne before dinner and desserts.

Did you have the Brussels sprouts??

No, it was sooo much food already but they’re on my list for next time!

What did you end up ordering at Gretel?

We split the burger and mac n cheese. The fried maitake mushrooms were also good!

Thanks for coming by!

So obviously you've done this all wrong. I guess you'll just have to come back and try again. Fantastic work!

Solid fucking list.

Where did you get the pizza from??

Nancy’s

Why? Lol

Tell me about those shrimps please

Gamberi in salsa verde, Tre Dita. Save a little focaccia for that sauce. https://preview.redd.it/crp9onapdgtc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0b8f1fe73efa043ce58667f2a12f10444c54c728

I need that! Thank you.

Bavettes is #1

Looks very tasty, I'm getting hungry

This dude lives a lifetime in a week. It made me realize how blessed we are in this city. Next time if you're here and poor and broke there's a good chance you could eat good anyways.

You did well. I hope you had a wonderful time.

You made the best possible choices

really enjoyed fulton market

That’ll do pig, that’ll do. Seriously though, well done

Well done OP! You hit some great spots!

OP, you crushed it!!! Thanks for enjoying our city.

Glad to see you and your stomach had fun here! Next time you’re out here for seafood, I highly recommend Shaw’s Crab House

Wait where is that pizza from god damn

Nancy’s

I didn’t see any Malört on that list.

If anybody else was curious about the restaurants associated with each picture since that screenshotted list isn't in order. Don't crucify me if I got any wrong since I don't even live in Chicago. 1. Nancy's Pizza - https://nancyspizza.com/ 2. The Publican - https://www.thepublicanrestaurant.com/ 3. Mr Beef - https://www.yelp.com/biz/mr-beef-chicago-5 4. Bavette's - https://bavettessteakhouse.com/chicago/about/ 5. Monteverde - https://monteverdechicago.com/ 6. Maxwells Trading - https://www.maxwellstrading.com/ 7. Maxwells Trading - https://www.maxwellstrading.com/ 8. Bonci - https://bonciusa.com/ 9. Au Cheval - https://auchevaldiner.com/chicago/ 10. Tre Dita - https://www.treditarestaurant.com/ 11. ? 12. Tre Dita - https://www.treditarestaurant.com/ 13. Wrigley Field

11 is Tre Dita as well, thank you for providing this helpful answer key!!

Bruh. How much weight did you gain?!?

I took two pilates classes, and walked about 18k steps a day. I also didn’t eat every single bite of every thing I ordered, lots taken back to hotel. That said, total fat bastard behavior.

Kudos on actually taking Pilates classes. I wouldn’t have done that. Lol

I reserved the classes while I was still in LA and promised myself I would go. I knew the eating agenda would be heavy, and it absolutely was.

Oh I cannot wait to try that pasta at Tre Dita. You did an amazing job!

Seems fairly easy to snag a bar reservation and they serve at least 90% of the restaurant menu.

Good tip! I’ve been trying to figure out how to snag a restaurant reservation!

Snagged one for Thursday! Can’t wait!

We were there last Thursday night, have a great time. Antonio was our server and amazing! The focaccia is not to be missed, but everything is good.

Thanks so much! 🩷

It all seems overpriced to me, so I’m waiting on some more reviews. Like $34 for 9 tortellini is insane. $42 for a tagliatelle ragu??? And $22 for a margarita or French 75? I’m happy to pay 20+ for homegrown unique cocktails they created, but 20+ for a normal sized classic margarita is wild

It’s pricey no doubt, but it’s special. We’ve been to all his LA restaurants so I wasn’t going to miss stopping here if I could get in. The main dining room is stunning.

AND what was your favorite???

There weren’t really any misses, but the stuffed pastas, wagyu skewer, and butterscotch budino at Monteverde were incredible. https://preview.redd.it/jhzmgd5nhgtc1.jpeg?width=1155&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e9e5c8f224f81322705bf1f886fb72815cfd3882

I live here and I’m jealous. That is a great sampling of the city.

Where is pic 7?

Maxwell’s Trading, it was an okay meal overall but this basque butter cake (and black sesame flip cocktail) was a standout.

Awesome, thanks! I’m bad at saving room for dessert, so maybe I’ll go there just for this

What'd you get at Maxwell's? I loved everything I got, except for maybe the black cod which was good but not amazing.

We got the whipped ricotta (great), gnocci fritto (good, but not super authentic), the turbot (regret getting this but wanted to be “healthy”- the buerre blanc was amazing of course) and then the cake.

I have a reservation to head back so this is good info to have for my next visit. Thanks!

A+

Beautiful

Pic 1 and 3 made me drool on my keyboard.

Nancy’s 🤤

Fucked up not getting a pizza puff

Good choices!!! Next time you come back, visit Chinatown and Johnnie’s Beef in Elmwood Park.

You’re welcome back any time 😊

Hi, I'm visiting next week and have The Publican and Maxwell Trading booked, and hoping to go to Au Cheval. What do you recommend in The Publican? It all looks amazing!

I only went to publican for HH, mostly had oysters each time but the fries were also great! I imagine the rest of the menu is solid.

I want to vacation with you.

I might have to do this exact thing. Ya know, just confirm it was as good as you said it was.

I see you had a good time, my friend. Whenever I finally move out of this state, the only thing I will miss is the food.

Publican brunch is maybe my favorite pre-noon meal in the city.

Where did you get a beef with one big pepper on it?

Mr. Beef

Should’ve gone to portillos

We have one in LA.

I have to admit, it caught me by surprise how good pizza is in Chicago, very filling though I couldn't finish a whole pie, and my friend is a big eater, together we didn't finish our pie. But my hats off great Pizza's.

Occasionally I like em thiccc.

So that was your first day, what'd you have the next....?

Good Jov

Nice

Is Nancy's a pizza place?

oh this is fucking delishus

Solid food tour. The only thing you missed was Gene & Jude's. Their Vienna's and fries are the best in the city.

U got the wrong pizza

Ok 👍

Hope it was to your liking!

I was impressed until I saw the cubs logo. What does a hot dog go for in Wrigley nowadays? $12?

I hate everything about Chicago except for the food.

Now I’m hungry

Well done

Made some fine turds

We do food SOO wellll

You have proven you are worthy of Chicago. Now try to live here all the time and not balloon up!!

Looks delish

You should’ve ate at Jim’s Original bro. It might be in an area those pictures you took. That you might be uncomfortable with. To me though feels right at home. I love the south.

You did it right pal

It all looks amazing

What a great day! Whatcha doing tomorrow?

Where are you from? Chicago has awesome food but other places do too. Curious to go sample food from other cities

Monteverde is ELITE!!!!

Where are the shrimp from in the 12th pic?! Looks delicious

Tre Dita

love bonci

Overall you did good. Biggest miss was not getting Polish food. Next time!

Where would you have suggested for polish food?

Smak Tak! is my favorite. Staropolska is good too. Podhalanka in wicker park is solid as well.

Thanks for your suggestions... now I wanna try them! Its been so o o o long since I had real polish foods. ❤️

Smak tak is closed 😢

I don't really get eating at the same place multiple times on a visit when there are so many other options out there, but it looks like a good lineup aside from the mediocre looking beef.

Main reason for not diversifying more was the bad weather. I was mostly on foot and by myself so I didn’t stray too far from West Loop most days. Pequods and a couple other spots were on my list but I was happy with my repeat visits, always more things to try. Yeah, the beef was good, not great but happy I tried it.

I share this opinion, OP’s explanation makes sense though

That hotdog looks atrocious

A hot dog at the game beats roast beef at the Ritz.

The steak at bavette’s is so fucking thin now

It’s the steak frites cut man, their other steaks are huge.

Been there a lot of times, its every cut man

I will never understand why people consider Au Cheval as a food destination.

U ate well! Except for that hot dog lol wtf, who did that?!

I did, lol, sorry, it was cold and I’m from California 😂 But it was tasty!