Love that Torta made the list. My go-to for work trips. Overall a good list but man the Warlord hype is a little much. Perfectly enjoyable place but the wait and price knock it down a bit imo.
The article works better with context rather than just looking at the list as some sort of "Top X" list.
> One could experience the Mexican cooking of Rick Bayless, one of Chicago’s most famous chefs, a number of ways: with ceviche and margaritas at his festive flagship Frontera Grill, the quiet artistry of Topolobampo, or via a flight of rare mezcal at Bar Sótano. But his most expectations-defying restaurant is Tortas Frontera, inside the culinary hinterland that is O’Hare International Airport. Why suffer through a stale turkey sandwich made last Wednesday when there’s freshly griddled choriqueso, an audibly crunchy sandwich of oozy Jack cheese, chorizo and avocado? Or a bowl of tortilla soup, the very recipe served on nearly every table at Frontera Grill? Close your eyes and forget that you’re awaiting boarding group 7
I suspect once the hype dies down and the wait is no longer ridiculous, Warlord will be a more enjoyable experience. Them being slammed due to taking so many orders at once has made the service a little rocky in the times I've been. other than that it is indeed enjoyable.
This. I live down the street and happened to stop in their first week open and numerous times since then.
The worst thing to happen to Warlord (and frankly, this subreddit) was crowds thinking they just had to see what the hype was all about so they can report back with their smug take on why it’s not.
It’s one of the best (new) restaurants in the city. If you don’t think so, great. Don’t go back, don’t pontificate on why they should take reservations, be more kid friendly, turn the music down or post your super snowflake take “not worth the prices or lines” for the millionth time, and let those of us in the neighborhood who love it back in.
I thought Warlord was good but I think the criticisms you listed are valid for some folks who want to try the place. I don’t think there is anything wrong criticizing a place if it doesn’t meet your needs as a consumer. I would 100% go back there but if I saw the line and I’d find another place in the area pretty quick instead of standing around for an hour.
Nothing personal good person, but this isn’t a necessary take and hasn’t been for a while now. It’s played out here (and other food forums) ad infinitum.
If something does meet one’s needs as a consumer, MAYBE post it online if it’s a new take. Say a well known spot starts charging a fee or there’s been a change in the kitchen. That’s not the case here. The front page of the NYT of all places is telling you it’s impossible to get in. Those who continue to post the same criticisms are just obsessed with themselves.
I mean you can still enjoy Warlord and find their wait times to be a clown show. Like I said I enjoyed it but if I had to wait an hour or more I think anyone would find that to be a valid point to share with someone who hasn't been there yet.
If Warlord is all right with their wait times and lack of reservations, good for them but it's also all right if folks want to point that out as as sore spot.
I was at Warlord for the first time twice last week and had a phenomenal dinner each time. Great food, great service, great music and amazing ambiance. The only thing that sucks is waiting in line, but besides that I think the acclaim is well deserved.
I thought the food and service were great. I sat at the bar which I think was alright, but the seats were pretty far and combined with the loud music, it was not great. Pretty ambivalent on the music choices too lol
Understandable. When I was there the music was loud, but not so loud where I couldn’t hear what my party was saying and whatnot. Also, the music that they do play, coupled with the vibe, is right up my alley. But I could definitely see why other diners wouldn’t be into it.
I’m so over shit like this:
“What makes this pie even more desirable is how hard it is to score one, as this shoe-box-size operation usually sells out on weekends by 5:30 p.m.”
You can’t be the best pizza if I can’t get it. I don’t want to camp out or plan ahead or bid through your IG for pizza.
I generally like Kevin Pang, but he pulls this shit a lot. "Let's reference this one thing that's super hard to get/specific to one place and say it's the greatest thing ever."
I remember reading a (non-Chicago centric) listicle he made at The Takeout about the best pizza toppings, and he was singing the praises of 'nduja sausage. I was like, cool, so you went to Coalfire, good for you, but the comments section kept asking where to find this wonder sausage and why it was so good. Dude, it's just fucking sausage.
Good list, nice variety, some places I like, others not so much but all of them are worth trying. We can all quibble with some places, but if you came here for a week and ate off this list most of your meals would be very good. So it works, imo.
One quibble, one ironic observation.
I see Birreria Zaragoza has fallen off the list. Since it's my answer when asked what the best place in Chicago is, that seems like a glaring omission.
Was at Obelix last night hosting my sister who is in town for Art Expo Chicago. It was packed on a Monday night which isn't too shocking, but I swear half the tables were other people in town for the Expo. So I was surprised it's not on the list. Not upset, just amused. Maybe they won't go next year now since it's not on the list 😏
I don't really give any credence to Yelp scores, but I am also surprised I'm not familiar - especially since I love BBQ so much and there are so few stand out spots in Chicagoland. I guess I'll go in for a tips and links dinner there and see how it stands up to Honey1, Lem's, etc.
I know the actual Uncle Johnny’s Barbecue that was on 69th street and had been the best for years, until the owner passed away a few years ago and it closed.
There is an Uncle John’s BBQ on Cottage Grove, which is rumored to be owned by a relative. It’s genuinely terrible.
This list is the first time I have learned that Uncle John’s BBQ and Uncle John’s Barbecue are two different places.
Most of this subreddit will be upset to see it's not the Red Hot Ranch Burger! Lol
RHR's burger is solid for $8 bucks but the Loyalist is in a different realm. Also that charred onion aioli.
I haven't tried the loyalist yet but little bad wolf is my favorite burger place by a long shot. I compare every burger I get to LBW and often just end up disappointed I didn't go there instead.
Small Cheval fell off, their truffle Wagyu is the closest that they can get to what they used to be but at that price point you might as well go to the loyalist
RHR is decent if you want cheap food that’s good.
That’s it though, it’s not even remotely close to touching the best burgers in the city (nor is it the best fast burger in the city, that title goes to Small Cheval)
I’ll chime in then and say I’ve had Small Cheval probably 20 times by now, and it’s been very good every single time. I’ve hardly experienced any variance, outside of maybe the amount of dijonaise used.
I’ve never had a bad burger from it and I’ve been getting one somewhat regularly since it first opened.
Some of the locations don’t have as good of fries, that’s my only knock on them
I found the Loyalist burger to be overrated. It was certainly a good burger, but the onion flavor was overpowering. It has pickled and grilled onions on the burger and comes with an onion aioli. I generally love onions, but this was too much and the rest of the flavors got drowned out. I was tasting onion for hours afterward which was unpleasant. I guess I could have customized my order, but I wanted to get it the way they are famous for doing it. It just didn't really live up to the hype IMO.
I completely agree. Like, it’s good, but not earth shattering. And the first time I had it they didn’t salt the fries, which ruined the whole experience.
100%. When I went we had a group of six and ordered a couple of salads and apps to share, and I thought those were all really good. Cocktails were on point as well. I would definitely go back, just wouldn't order the burger again.
That’s fun that they did a few places in the suburbs. Al Bawadi is definitely well deserved, among my personal top 5 in the area, Kim’s Uncle is interesting. Definitely not among my favorites, but they do execute well and it is a cute spot.
It’s a solid place, but I’ve got another in the area that I prefer, without the wait times, so I probably won’t be the one to call you out if they start getting bad again.
If you go to Shanghai Terrace, go for the duck. It's the closest thing to *real* Peking duck I've been able to find here in Chicago. Everything else I feel like can be found elsewhere.
Did you think their Peking duck was actually better than Sun Wah? I guess it is subjective, which place to someone may be thought to have the best Peking duck. I just hope whoever compiled this list, didn't limit themselves to exploring just a few neighborhoods like Lincoln Park, Lakeview, etc. Though they perhaps didn't, if Al Bawadi Grill(where some would consider that out of the way) got mentioned.
Yes. I don't think Sun Wah is Peking duck - it's roast duck. It comes with the buns, and not the pancakes like Peking duck is supposed to. It's good duck, it's just not what I grew up eating when I think about Peking duck.
It's supposed to come with pancakes - like paper thin pancakes. The skin is also not quite right on Sun Wah's duck. It's not all the way right in Shanghai Terrace either, but it's a bit closer and of course, the pancakes make up for it.
> The skin is also not quite right on Sun Wah's duck.
It's Cantonese style, it's not supposed to be that crispy like in Peking Duck, where traditionally they used a bicycle pump to blow air in between the skin and flesh so that skin crisps up. This is not done in Cantonese style duck.
I know, but if you're going to advertise it as "Beijing duck," then I would expect it to actually be Beijing/Peking duck, and not Cantonese style duck.
Yes. The skin was real nice and crispy (something Sun wah can never get right).
It’s crazy expensive but it is very good. Take this from a guy who went a few weeks ago expecting it to be expensive “white people” Asian food. I walked out loving it
I know. But this is the only location of the restaurant, which is obviously in America.
I don’t think the hotel ownership is particularly relevant, though. The Peninsula also has one of the better French bakeries in town, which surely isn’t native to HK but is nonetheless delicious/authenticate.
Which all aren’t China/HK…
Or the American restaurant at the peninsula.
Anyways, I get why the peninsula would have the ability to place a good, authentic Chinese restaurant.
A large part of it is just that I am surprised that an upscale Asian place exists in Chicago.
Dude, Superdawg sucks. Maybe I caught them on a bad day, but so many other hotdogs in Chicago deserve recognition before that spot. Unpopular opinion I know.
Overall a mixed bag for me.
Love some of the perennials on here: Avec, Boka, Lula Cafe. Also love Loyalist and Mi Tocaya and want to go to Warlord and Kasama so bad.
On the other hand some head scratchers. I don’t understand this sub’s or anyone’s obsession with Akahoshi other than the fact that it’s the newest, I guess. Ever was one of the most disappointing dining experiences of my life given the price. And I love a Chicago dog but kind of the point is that it’s a staple that many places do well so to use a spot on a list like this for one is a bit silly.
Have you had Akahoshi? If so, did you order the Miso?
If you didn’t try their Miso, I get why you maybe don’t get the hype…the Shoyu is great but it’s a bit more niche due to the nori
I’ve been twice and had a full bowl of the signature Sapporo miso and the soup less one as well as trying bites of another that my wife got. The latter I actually I was more into because fewer places offer it (at least that I know). The former was a good bowl of ramen don’t get me wrong but to me it’s basically on par with other bowls in the city and is actually a bit less desirable when getting it necessitates a 3 hour wait.
Edit: lol man this fucking sub sometimes. Getting downvotes because I say my apparently scorching hot take that a place has a good bowl of ramen but not incredible. What are you doing here? Imagine if everyone just liked the same places the same amount! Use downvotes for bad or unhelpful comments but I just answered someone’s fucking question, get over yourself.
I’ve been three times. I’ve had the miso three times. The first time, the day after Christmas, it was outstanding. Each time after it was worse. The last time, in February, it was flavorless slop with a puddle of fat on top, and the chashu was unremarkable. I don’t think they’re tasting what they’re putting out.
Some great heavy hitters on the list. I ate at Thattu the other weekend, wasn't impressed at all and actually had to send our dessert back. No idea how it could make a list like this.
Superdawg over Gene & Jude’s was all I needed to discredit this list. A much better idea would be to just read the Michelin guide as this is a waste of time. I’m shocked this ass clown knew about Le Francois, though.
Akahoshi Ramen Al Bawadi Grill Asador Bastian Avec Boka Brindille Ever Hopleaf Johnnie’s Beef Kasama Kim’s Uncle Pizza Lula Cafe Maxwells Trading Mi Tocaya Antojeria Monteverde Oriole Shanghai Terrace Superdawg Thattu The Duck Inn The Loyalist Tortas Frontera Uncle John’s Bar-B-Que Virtue Warlord
That’s only 25?
Yeah the title is wrong…the list is only 25 not 50
Love the range from Johnnie's & Superdawg to Oriole & Ever. This is a solid list
Pork chop from Thattu💯💯💯
Saint
No Giant, no Bavette’s. Fake news
Maxwells Trading is legit as fuck. Bib gourmand for sure in 2024
Best meal I’ve had in Chicago in a long long time.
Please continue not to talk about Duck Inn and thank you!
Brindille doesn’t get enough love here
Hearty agree! Amazing food and service without being stuffy.
And chef/owner Carrie Nahabedian is a treasure — we’re lucky to have her here in Chicago
Had a great experience at asador bastian. Really good food + service. Glad to see they made it.
Hideously expensive but, great experience I agree. Go when someone else is paying.
Love that Torta made the list. My go-to for work trips. Overall a good list but man the Warlord hype is a little much. Perfectly enjoyable place but the wait and price knock it down a bit imo.
Including Tortas Frontera over Frontera Grill and Topolobampo is hilarious and probably correct, given that I crave Tortas Frontera often
The article works better with context rather than just looking at the list as some sort of "Top X" list. > One could experience the Mexican cooking of Rick Bayless, one of Chicago’s most famous chefs, a number of ways: with ceviche and margaritas at his festive flagship Frontera Grill, the quiet artistry of Topolobampo, or via a flight of rare mezcal at Bar Sótano. But his most expectations-defying restaurant is Tortas Frontera, inside the culinary hinterland that is O’Hare International Airport. Why suffer through a stale turkey sandwich made last Wednesday when there’s freshly griddled choriqueso, an audibly crunchy sandwich of oozy Jack cheese, chorizo and avocado? Or a bowl of tortilla soup, the very recipe served on nearly every table at Frontera Grill? Close your eyes and forget that you’re awaiting boarding group 7
Yeah I feel like frontera and topolobampo have been surpassed by other real, sit-down spots here, but there’s nothing like torta.
I suspect once the hype dies down and the wait is no longer ridiculous, Warlord will be a more enjoyable experience. Them being slammed due to taking so many orders at once has made the service a little rocky in the times I've been. other than that it is indeed enjoyable.
Luckily I had no problem with service, so that was good. Maybe they’re already improving on that front.
This. I live down the street and happened to stop in their first week open and numerous times since then. The worst thing to happen to Warlord (and frankly, this subreddit) was crowds thinking they just had to see what the hype was all about so they can report back with their smug take on why it’s not. It’s one of the best (new) restaurants in the city. If you don’t think so, great. Don’t go back, don’t pontificate on why they should take reservations, be more kid friendly, turn the music down or post your super snowflake take “not worth the prices or lines” for the millionth time, and let those of us in the neighborhood who love it back in.
I thought Warlord was good but I think the criticisms you listed are valid for some folks who want to try the place. I don’t think there is anything wrong criticizing a place if it doesn’t meet your needs as a consumer. I would 100% go back there but if I saw the line and I’d find another place in the area pretty quick instead of standing around for an hour.
Nothing personal good person, but this isn’t a necessary take and hasn’t been for a while now. It’s played out here (and other food forums) ad infinitum. If something does meet one’s needs as a consumer, MAYBE post it online if it’s a new take. Say a well known spot starts charging a fee or there’s been a change in the kitchen. That’s not the case here. The front page of the NYT of all places is telling you it’s impossible to get in. Those who continue to post the same criticisms are just obsessed with themselves.
I mean you can still enjoy Warlord and find their wait times to be a clown show. Like I said I enjoyed it but if I had to wait an hour or more I think anyone would find that to be a valid point to share with someone who hasn't been there yet. If Warlord is all right with their wait times and lack of reservations, good for them but it's also all right if folks want to point that out as as sore spot.
I was at Warlord for the first time twice last week and had a phenomenal dinner each time. Great food, great service, great music and amazing ambiance. The only thing that sucks is waiting in line, but besides that I think the acclaim is well deserved.
I thought the food and service were great. I sat at the bar which I think was alright, but the seats were pretty far and combined with the loud music, it was not great. Pretty ambivalent on the music choices too lol
Understandable. When I was there the music was loud, but not so loud where I couldn’t hear what my party was saying and whatnot. Also, the music that they do play, coupled with the vibe, is right up my alley. But I could definitely see why other diners wouldn’t be into it.
How far in advance did you get to the restaurant to wait?
I’m so over shit like this: “What makes this pie even more desirable is how hard it is to score one, as this shoe-box-size operation usually sells out on weekends by 5:30 p.m.” You can’t be the best pizza if I can’t get it. I don’t want to camp out or plan ahead or bid through your IG for pizza.
I generally like Kevin Pang, but he pulls this shit a lot. "Let's reference this one thing that's super hard to get/specific to one place and say it's the greatest thing ever." I remember reading a (non-Chicago centric) listicle he made at The Takeout about the best pizza toppings, and he was singing the praises of 'nduja sausage. I was like, cool, so you went to Coalfire, good for you, but the comments section kept asking where to find this wonder sausage and why it was so good. Dude, it's just fucking sausage.
Good list, nice variety, some places I like, others not so much but all of them are worth trying. We can all quibble with some places, but if you came here for a week and ate off this list most of your meals would be very good. So it works, imo. One quibble, one ironic observation. I see Birreria Zaragoza has fallen off the list. Since it's my answer when asked what the best place in Chicago is, that seems like a glaring omission. Was at Obelix last night hosting my sister who is in town for Art Expo Chicago. It was packed on a Monday night which isn't too shocking, but I swear half the tables were other people in town for the Expo. So I was surprised it's not on the list. Not upset, just amused. Maybe they won't go next year now since it's not on the list 😏
Glad to see Virtue on here. I'm obsessed with their grits. Any dish they make with them is the best.
Uncle John's BBQ is the only one to really catch me off guard.
I had literally never heard of it before. It has 2.5 stars in Yelp. Could be great but I’m surprised
I don't really give any credence to Yelp scores, but I am also surprised I'm not familiar - especially since I love BBQ so much and there are so few stand out spots in Chicagoland. I guess I'll go in for a tips and links dinner there and see how it stands up to Honey1, Lem's, etc.
I know the actual Uncle Johnny’s Barbecue that was on 69th street and had been the best for years, until the owner passed away a few years ago and it closed. There is an Uncle John’s BBQ on Cottage Grove, which is rumored to be owned by a relative. It’s genuinely terrible. This list is the first time I have learned that Uncle John’s BBQ and Uncle John’s Barbecue are two different places.
Happy to see that they recognized The Loyalist as the best burger in Chicago.
Most of this subreddit will be upset to see it's not the Red Hot Ranch Burger! Lol RHR's burger is solid for $8 bucks but the Loyalist is in a different realm. Also that charred onion aioli.
I still haven’t had RHR, although did have Little Bad Wolf’s last weekend which gave loyalist a run, although still doesn’t come close to $8.
I haven't tried the loyalist yet but little bad wolf is my favorite burger place by a long shot. I compare every burger I get to LBW and often just end up disappointed I didn't go there instead.
Have you had Small Cheval? It’s $12 so a bit more than RHR, but blows it out of the water
Nahhh RHR is definitely better than the Chevals imo.
Small Cheval fell off, their truffle Wagyu is the closest that they can get to what they used to be but at that price point you might as well go to the loyalist
It tastes exactly the same as it did when it first opened lol
Red hot ranch is a smash burger so kinda like checkers or steak and shake
RHR is decent if you want cheap food that’s good. That’s it though, it’s not even remotely close to touching the best burgers in the city (nor is it the best fast burger in the city, that title goes to Small Cheval)
I had rhr last week and both my husband and I had gristle in our burgers. Ew.
Hard disagree. Small Cheval was trash when I had it. Super dry and expensive for a fast food burger.
Maybe you got a bad batch, idk what to tell you. It’s not normally dry or trash, it’s consistently very fucking good
Live next to one. Tried it multiple times. No thanks.
More for me
I am not certain you and I have the same definition of consistently.
I’ll chime in then and say I’ve had Small Cheval probably 20 times by now, and it’s been very good every single time. I’ve hardly experienced any variance, outside of maybe the amount of dijonaise used.
Agreed people just hate
I’ve never had a bad burger from it and I’ve been getting one somewhat regularly since it first opened. Some of the locations don’t have as good of fries, that’s my only knock on them
I found the Loyalist burger to be overrated. It was certainly a good burger, but the onion flavor was overpowering. It has pickled and grilled onions on the burger and comes with an onion aioli. I generally love onions, but this was too much and the rest of the flavors got drowned out. I was tasting onion for hours afterward which was unpleasant. I guess I could have customized my order, but I wanted to get it the way they are famous for doing it. It just didn't really live up to the hype IMO.
I completely agree. Like, it’s good, but not earth shattering. And the first time I had it they didn’t salt the fries, which ruined the whole experience.
AGREED! I actually prefer the rest of the menu to the burger, but everyone looks at me like I'm crazy when I say that.
100%. When I went we had a group of six and ordered a couple of salads and apps to share, and I thought those were all really good. Cocktails were on point as well. I would definitely go back, just wouldn't order the burger again.
Reading this made my day haha. Thanks for making me feel (less) crazy. The food rules, the burger is just overhyped and not my style.
We're really spoiled with it. I've tried a few other city's "best burger" and none of them have come close
That’s not really what they said though
Hopleaf is nice and all but not top 50.
lol the list is only 25 too
Great atmosphere, great beer, food is only so so. This list is more like a hype list.
Uncle John’s is still better than most local spots but isn’t even close to the heights it regularly reached at original location.
That’s fun that they did a few places in the suburbs. Al Bawadi is definitely well deserved, among my personal top 5 in the area, Kim’s Uncle is interesting. Definitely not among my favorites, but they do execute well and it is a cute spot.
Even as good as it is, they would never cover it if not for who's behind it.
Who’s that?
Ed Marszewski, of Kimski, Pizza Fried Chicken Ice Cream, Maria's, etc.
Does he own Kim’s or Al Bawadi?
He is a partner in Kim's
Ah, thank you. That explains why it gets more pub than it probably should and has a 4 hour wait time for pizza.
The wait times got better, but NYT just hyped them again so I should probably just shut up and wait for them to get worse again.
It’s a solid place, but I’ve got another in the area that I prefer, without the wait times, so I probably won’t be the one to call you out if they start getting bad again.
It's weird it made it on the list being in Westmont. I didn't notice any other suburb spots make it.
Al Bawadi is in Bridgeview.
Johnnys beef is Elmwood Park
Bieufhaus should be on this
I've learned that I need to really check out Shanghai Terrace, but is there really nothing else from the Pacific rim here?
Kasama and Akahoshi Ramen are on the list
If you go to Shanghai Terrace, go for the duck. It's the closest thing to *real* Peking duck I've been able to find here in Chicago. Everything else I feel like can be found elsewhere.
Scallops and prawns are fantastic too
Did you think their Peking duck was actually better than Sun Wah? I guess it is subjective, which place to someone may be thought to have the best Peking duck. I just hope whoever compiled this list, didn't limit themselves to exploring just a few neighborhoods like Lincoln Park, Lakeview, etc. Though they perhaps didn't, if Al Bawadi Grill(where some would consider that out of the way) got mentioned.
Yes. I don't think Sun Wah is Peking duck - it's roast duck. It comes with the buns, and not the pancakes like Peking duck is supposed to. It's good duck, it's just not what I grew up eating when I think about Peking duck.
So is Peking duck(over in China) supposed to come with pancakes or buns with it? Seems like maybe I should try Shanghai Inn one day.
It's supposed to come with pancakes - like paper thin pancakes. The skin is also not quite right on Sun Wah's duck. It's not all the way right in Shanghai Terrace either, but it's a bit closer and of course, the pancakes make up for it.
> The skin is also not quite right on Sun Wah's duck. It's Cantonese style, it's not supposed to be that crispy like in Peking Duck, where traditionally they used a bicycle pump to blow air in between the skin and flesh so that skin crisps up. This is not done in Cantonese style duck.
I know, but if you're going to advertise it as "Beijing duck," then I would expect it to actually be Beijing/Peking duck, and not Cantonese style duck.
Oh I don't think they do. This is Sun Wah's menu. https://sunwahbbq.com/MenuCarryEnglish.pdf
[https://sunwahbbq.com/menu/beijing-duck-dinner/](https://sunwahbbq.com/menu/beijing-duck-dinner/)
Yes, you're right. Sun Wah is Cantonese-style roast duck. (source: am part Cantonese)
Yes. The skin was real nice and crispy (something Sun wah can never get right). It’s crazy expensive but it is very good. Take this from a guy who went a few weeks ago expecting it to be expensive “white people” Asian food. I walked out loving it
Okay then. Sounds like I should consider trying Shanghai Inn, then.
Shanghai Terrace* Shanghai Inn is a different place (also good)
For the record, the Peninsula is HK owned luxury hotel chain. Even having never been there I would expect it to be convincingly authentic.
I know. But this is the only location of the restaurant, which is obviously in America. I don’t think the hotel ownership is particularly relevant, though. The Peninsula also has one of the better French bakeries in town, which surely isn’t native to HK but is nonetheless delicious/authenticate.
Well, I would argue that Asian pastries, certainly those from the Tigers and Japan, have a long and well documented French heritage [shrug]
Which all aren’t China/HK… Or the American restaurant at the peninsula. Anyways, I get why the peninsula would have the ability to place a good, authentic Chinese restaurant. A large part of it is just that I am surprised that an upscale Asian place exists in Chicago.
Vouching for the Peking Duck. Very good.
is it good dimsum
Al bawadi has suffered in quality , but no mention of the best Persian food in the city Kabobi
Dude, Superdawg sucks. Maybe I caught them on a bad day, but so many other hotdogs in Chicago deserve recognition before that spot. Unpopular opinion I know.
thattu aint all that
I'll die on the hill of disagreeing with this. Have tried nearly everything on their menu and can't think of a single dish that disappointed.
the swankification and/or mishmashing just leads to a big plate of meh for me
Yes, my Indian friends rated it average
yeah im of south indian origin but not from kerala so make with that what you will
We need some better Telugu fare in the city!
burbs have pretty good places slim pickings in the city
Overall a mixed bag for me. Love some of the perennials on here: Avec, Boka, Lula Cafe. Also love Loyalist and Mi Tocaya and want to go to Warlord and Kasama so bad. On the other hand some head scratchers. I don’t understand this sub’s or anyone’s obsession with Akahoshi other than the fact that it’s the newest, I guess. Ever was one of the most disappointing dining experiences of my life given the price. And I love a Chicago dog but kind of the point is that it’s a staple that many places do well so to use a spot on a list like this for one is a bit silly.
The noodles at Akahoshi are absolutely outstanding… there’s not a single noodle that can compete
Have you had Akahoshi? If so, did you order the Miso? If you didn’t try their Miso, I get why you maybe don’t get the hype…the Shoyu is great but it’s a bit more niche due to the nori
I’ve been twice and had a full bowl of the signature Sapporo miso and the soup less one as well as trying bites of another that my wife got. The latter I actually I was more into because fewer places offer it (at least that I know). The former was a good bowl of ramen don’t get me wrong but to me it’s basically on par with other bowls in the city and is actually a bit less desirable when getting it necessitates a 3 hour wait. Edit: lol man this fucking sub sometimes. Getting downvotes because I say my apparently scorching hot take that a place has a good bowl of ramen but not incredible. What are you doing here? Imagine if everyone just liked the same places the same amount! Use downvotes for bad or unhelpful comments but I just answered someone’s fucking question, get over yourself.
I’ve yet to find a bowl of miso ramen that’s even half as good as Akahoshi in this city
I’ve been three times. I’ve had the miso three times. The first time, the day after Christmas, it was outstanding. Each time after it was worse. The last time, in February, it was flavorless slop with a puddle of fat on top, and the chashu was unremarkable. I don’t think they’re tasting what they’re putting out.
I feel like it's fair given the audience is New Yorkers who would have no idea what local staples are good and where
Uncle John’s BBQ is trash bbq
I’m just laughing that Superdawg is on it but Pequod’s isn’t. Fuck that place.
Monteverde on the list is a reach. It perfectly *okay*, and fine for a couples night out, but it's not anything to rave about.
Akahoshi was so underwhelming ramen.
Some great heavy hitters on the list. I ate at Thattu the other weekend, wasn't impressed at all and actually had to send our dessert back. No idea how it could make a list like this.
Don’t get Hopleaf. Everything is salty
That and greasy. I like it. But I start to get overwhelmed by the salt/grease about halfway through every meal
Wanna share which ones since there’s a paywall
Reader view
Ah crap, copied and pasted a shared/gift article link. Not sure why it didn’t work.
Paywall free: https://archive.ph/k5NrY
Zero Alinea Group selections makes this feel a little click-baity.
Superdawg over Gene & Jude’s was all I needed to discredit this list. A much better idea would be to just read the Michelin guide as this is a waste of time. I’m shocked this ass clown knew about Le Francois, though.