Chicago Restaurants, Food & Drink

Dining Resource Guides

• Ala Carte Entertainment - Listings of restaurants and nightclubs in Chicagoland.

• Centerstage's Restaurant guide - Searchable by location and cuisine type. Write your own review.

• ChefMoz Dining Guide - Restaurant listings with reviews submitted by the public, and links to outside reviews. Search by name, cuisine, rating or location.

• Chicago Metromix Dining Guide - Articles and reviews about Chicago dining and restaurants, along with a searchable directory by neighborhood, type of food or price.

• Chicago Reader Restaurant Finder - Local publication's dining guide.

• CuisineNet - Search by location, cuisine and price, or browse through their alphabetical listings of Chicagoland restaurants.

• DineMe.com: A Chicago Dining Guide - A comprehensive Chicago restaurant guide offering news, reviews, and profiles of restaurants in Chicago and surrounding suburbs.

• GrubHub.com - Food delivery and catering guide. Features an interactive map that displays what restaurants will deliver or cater to your area. Search by map, location name, breakfast, lunch, or late night.

• Restaurant Row - Provides maps, menus and email reservations.

Bars & Pubs

• Bar1Events.Com - Provides information about three bars - the Wrightwood Tap, Jack Sullivan's, and Duffy's Tavern and Grille. [Requires Flash.]

• Beaumont Bar and Grill - Eating place that showcases the beer and food menus, available party rooms, and includes dj and light show entertainment along with a photo gallery.

• Bordo's Eatery And Sauce - Restaurant and bar located in Lincoln Park that caters to a diverse crowd including young professionals in all aspects. Site offers photos of American and Italian cuisine along with the full drink menu and pricing.

• Cactus Bar and Grill - Offers online coupons, gear purchase, private party arrangements, with food and drink menus.

• Cactus Gold Coast - Margarita bar that offers information on events, menu items and pricing, and provides a photo gallery and location map.

• Cary's Lounge - Offers cheap beer, free pool, and a great jukebox. APA-sponsored pool teams and tournaments.

• Chicago Bar Special Listings - Offers daily listings of Chicagoland's drink and food specials.

• Damen Avenue Grill - Sports bar located in the Bucktown neighborhood. Offers details on number and size of televisions, hours of operation, menu items and pricing.

• Fuel - Wrigleyville tavern serving burgers, sandwiches, hot wings and such.

• Globe Pub, The - Northside Lakeview pub that features live TV broadcasts of English Premiership League (EPL) and Scottish Premiership League (SPL) soccer, along with coverage of American favorites for football, baseball, basketball and hockey.

• Goose Island Beer Company - Three locations. Goose Island Beer Company was founded in 1988 by owner John Hall in Chicago's burgeoning Clybourn Corridor, once the center of Chicago's pre-prohibition brewing district.

• Grizzly's Lodge - Sports bar and beer garden near Wrigley Field. Lists food and beer menus, and private party information.

• Hi Tops Chicago - Two-story sports bar with 70 televisions that offers details on their menu items such as pizza, deli sandwiches, burgers, appetizers, draught and bottled beer.

• Hunt Club, The - Near North nightclub offers thin-crust pizzas among a much wider array of other fare. Menu provided.

• Jaks Tap, Restaurant and Bar - Located in Chicago's West Loop this restaurant and bar offers 40 draft beers and a variety of pub grub.

• Jilly's Piano Bar - Rush Street landmark offers live entertainment without a cover charge or drink minimum. Site includes drink and food menus, photo gallery, and general information.

• Lincoln Station - Sports bar with pool tables, serving casual American food. Provides menu in PDF format, and photo gallery.

• The Map Room - Traveler's-themed tavern located in Bucktown serving a large variety of beer on tap and in bottles. The site includes beer list, calendar, events, journal, and beer school information.

• River West Brewery - A micro brewery specializing in hand-crafted beer. Located an historic 100 year-old, four-story timber and brick structure in Chicago's growing River West area.

• Skybox on Waveland - A luxury, state-of-the-art sports entertainment facility right across the street and down the left-field line from Wrigley Field.

• Y Bar Chicago - Upscale martini and cocktail bar and lounge. Features drink menu, images, and location map.

Clubs & Venues

• Metromix    - An arts and entertainment guide for Chicago, where you can find information about local theater, restaurants, music, bars, clubs and movies.

• Auditorium Theatre - A landmark performance venue committed to presenting international and local cultural programming to the city. From plays to ballet to concerts by visiting stars of the music world.

• Beat Kitchen - Our music room hosts original local, regional, and national touring acts.

• Berlin Nightclub - A multicultural dance club featuring techno, electronica and fast beat music, photo gallery, archives, location map, and contact details.

• The Black Orchid Classic Nightclub - A Chicago nightclub reminiscent of the 1930's and 1940's swing era. Located in the heart of Old Town, the art deco venue hosts private events, corporate parties and VIP functions. The Black Orchid features grand fare by Chicago's premier chefs.

• Candlestick Maker, The - Small performance space for composer and percussionist Michael Zerang that is used for workshops, rehearsals, and concerts of experimental, free jazz, electronic, and other forms of creative, forward-thinking music.

• Centerstage Chicago Music Venues - Browse through lists or use the search engine to find music venues and clubs. Search by name or style of music.

• Chicago Gigs - Comprehensive show listings, links to local artists' sites, and reviews.

• Chicago South Side Jazz - Club booking name acts at the Old Eagle Room of the Polo Cafe. Schedule, reviews.

• Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Symphony Center - This informative, interactive site displays information about Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) performances, and allows you to purchase tickets and merchandise online. Includes educational content on classical music.

• CoolJunkie: Chicago - News and information portal on the city's nightlife using weekly photo updates, current event listings, free guest list signups, and an insiders' forum community.

• Crobar Night Club - A popular night club in Chicago. Site provides schedule and photos. DJs spin House, Trance, Techno, Progressive, Drum and Bass.

• Davenport's - Wicker Park piano bar and cabaret. Hours, pictures, calendar, description of facilities.

• Double Door - Live music venue for adults. Includes show schedule, band and party booking information.

• Dru's Lounge - Late night lounge that offers a VIP lounge and provides insight into the music styles and resident dj's playing techno, ska, hip hop and underground music each night.

• Empty Bottle, The - Offers live music 7 days a week for 21 year olds and older. Site includes show calendar with information about all the bands playing.

• Fireside Bowl, The - A bowling alley that has shows 6 nights a week and bowling on Mondays. All ages venue, bar is for ages 21 years old and above.

• Hideout - Clubhouse that includes a calendar of shows, record labels and directions.

• Hot House - Chicago performing arts center presenting a wide range of musical expressions including Jazz, Blues, and World Music.

• Joe's Bar - Joe's features live music on weekends. Has hosted national music acts like Rick Springfield, Eddie Money, The Mighty Blue Kings and The New Bohemians featuring Edie Brickell.

• Live Music Chicago - Directory for musicians and those looking for live entertainment.

• Lyric Opera of Chicago - Performing in the Civic Opera House in Chicago, the Lyric Opera is the city's primary venue for operas. The site lists performance dates, season calendars and ticket information. Tickets can be ordered online.

• Metro - Northside concert hall features live alternative/rock acts on the verge of breaking into the big time. [Requires Flash.]

• Orion Restaurant And Night Club - Night club with large dance floor. Guestbook, mailing list, and hours of operation are provided. [Graphics intensive]

• Pluggerboard - Local listings of events around the Chicago Metro area. House music, jazz, hip-hop, reggae and blues.

• Rhythm - Unique tavern and live music venue that focuses on drumming and features musicians from Brazilian samba to Japanese taiko drumming to Afro-Cuban salsa. Events calendar, amateur drum circles, and private events information are provided.

• Rive Gauche Night Club - A Euro-style late night dance club, with a private club atmosphere.

• Rush And Division - Nightclub offering events, concerts, festivals, parties, restaurants, and cooperative website promotion.

• Schuba's Tavern - Tavern with a diverse line-up of live music seven nights a week. Honky-Tonk, Indie Rock, Jazz, Pop, and Country.

• Sound-Bar - Upscale nightclub offering photo galleries, events, private parties, and location map.

• Southwind Saloon - Features karaoke, country line dancing, and all request DJ dance mix. Site contains pictures and upcoming events information.

• SYN Chicago - Luxury lounge in the Gold Coast with a discotheque with an extensive selection of cocktails, martinis and champagnes. Available for private parties and special occasions.

• United Center - Official web site of the United Center: Home of the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks. Also rock concert venue for big acts. Online ticket purchase available.

• Whats Up Chicago - Find information on entertainment, nightlife and social events in the Chicago area.

• Wise Fools Pub - A live music venue featuring live music nightly. Located in Lincoln Park.

Cyber Cafes

• Chase Cafe, The - - Presents what this multimedia and performing arts cafe has to offer in terms of menu items such as wraps and espresso drinks to events such as stand-up comedy and live shows. The site also features an interactive events calendar and links to related sites.

• Connexio Cafe - Uptown cybercafe that features photos of artwork and lists menu items with a Latino fair.

• Cyberia Chicago - Cybercafe that offers high-speed access, wireless and ethernet connections, gaming, CD/DVD burning, coffee, tea and snacks. Features news, calendar, FAQ, map and contact information.

Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Bars & Clubs

• Cafe Pride - A coffeehouse for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender youths, and their friends, 21 years old and younger.

• Circuit Night Club - Dance club featuring its special events calendar, photo gallery, club layout and rental information, and contacts.

• Gentry of Chicago - A gay cabaret and martini nightclub since 1983; offers two locations with live music every night. AIDS-related fundraising events. Site provides image gallery, events calendar and mailing list.

• Roscoe's Tavern - Entertaining Chicago's gay and lesbian community with music, dancing and dining. Lists daily drink and entertainment schedules and specials.

• Star Gaze - Andersonville Gay and Lesbian dance club and restaurant.

• Temptations Super Dance Club - Large lesbian bar and dance club also features male strippers for the men every Tuesday. Press releases, visual tour, location map, schedule of specials and events, suggestion box, polls, and phone numbers for local hotels.

Restaurants & Food

• BoxCar Cafe - Lincoln Park eatery that offers a full menu of sandwiches, hot and cold drinks, smoothies, ice cream, muffins, bagels and breakfast pastries.

• Buckingham Cafe & Grill - Outdoor dining near Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park. Offers a diverse menu of salads, hot and cold sandwiches, desserts, and coffee drinks.

• Costello Sandwich & Sides - Features sandwiches, soups and homemade side dishes. Provides menu and catering information.

• Pockets - Serves pocket bread sandwiches, calzone, and salad. Lists menu and locations.

• Bluepoint Oyster Bar - Includes lunch and dinner menus, wine list, map and driving directions. Part of the Restaurant Development Group.

• Hugo's Frog Bar and Fish House - Owners Hugo Ralli and Steve Lombardo of Gibson's Steak House invite you to try their fine seafood restaurant on Rush Street.

• Lawrence's Fisheries - A quick service seafood restaurant open 24 hours. Menu provided, quick fax form and location map.

• Biasetti's Steak and Rib House - This classic steakhouse was first opened by Art Biasetti in 1942, as a one room tavern serving sandwiches and bar specials. Today, review the list of menu items with pricing and photos, and learn about the hours of operation for brunch and dinner.

• Chicago Chop House - Includes lunch and dinner menus, wine list, and order form for merchandise.

• Erie Cafe - Specializes in steaks and chops, also offers seafood, veal and pasta. Provides menu, map, wine list, and testimonials.

• Gibsons Steakhouse - Popular steakhouse with locations on Rush Street and in Rosemont.

• Keefer's Restaurant - Contemporary bistro-styled River North eatery that serves American steakhouse standards complemented with seafood and shellfish. Offers lunch and dinner menu items, reviews, press releases, special events and private dining.

• Kinzie Chophouse - Features steaks, lamb chops and homemade pasta. Provides a map, menus and wine list.

• Nine - Contemporary American steakhouse, and the Ghostbar, a sleek neon-lit bar. Includes food and wine menus, calendar of events, and links to reviews.

• Phil Stefani's 437 Rush - Italian steakhouse. Provides menus in PDF format, and virtual tours of the restaurant and bar.

• Porter's Steak House - O'Hare and Buffalo Grove locations serve prime steaks and offer a cigar bar.

• Select Cut Chicago Steakhouse - Offers details on its menu items and pricing, including the Certified Angus beef, 18-ounce T-bone. Also, features information on parties, a photo gallery, reviews, hours of operation, and contacts. Located in the Lakeview East neighborhood.

• Tavern on Rush - An upscale, contemporary steakhouse that boasts an extensive menu of classic American fare of steaks and seafood. Fast facts, hours of operation, menu items, and photos are showcased.

• Brother Jimmy's BBQ and Booze - Located in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood on Sheffield, just north of Diversey.

• Fireplace Inn - Baby back ribs and steak in Old Town. Provides dine-in, carry-out and delivery menus, map and virtual tour.

• Gale Street Inn - Features barbecue ribs. Site includes menu, driving directions and general information.

• Joe's Be-Bop Cafe  - Features Southern style cooking with live jazz. Lists menu, coming attractions, and group event information.

• Smokin Woodys BBQ - Serving ribs, steak, and brisket using Southern recipes. Includes menu, catering information and driving directions.

Bakeries

• Anna, Ida & Me - Retail and online sales of baked goods such as ruggelah, challah, biscotti, coffee cakes and cookies. Includes a map to the bakery and a list of stores where these items can also be bought.

• Bake For Me Bakery and Cafe - Serves fine cakes, pastries, sandwiches and catering service in the River North neighborhood.

• Caribbean American Baking Co. - Wholesale and retail baker of Jamaican style bread products. Includes contact information.

• Dinkel's Bakery - Cakes, cookies, strudel and stollen, with online ordering, and information about the retail store.

• Edible Gems by Sarelle - Custom cakes for any occasion: weddings, engagements, and birthdays. Prepared at Polski Kosher Catering and certified Kosher by the Chicago Rabbinical Council. Photo gallery of sample works provided.

• Eli's Cheesecake - Offers cheesecakes in a variety of flavors, shipped internationally.

• Heinemann's Bakeries - Multiple locations. Offering cakes, cookies, bread and other baked goods. Online ordering available.

• House Of Fine Chocolates - Wedding and special occasion cakes, sweet tables, chocolates. Includes photo gallery of wedding cakes.

• Little Miss Muffin - Wholesale bakery specializing in low-fat and regular cookies, muffins and donuts. Also offers online ordering.

• Lutz Continental Cafe - Konditorei pastry shop and restaurant, listing contact information and seasonal specials.

• Original Ferrara Bakery, Inc. - Since 1908, featuring its selection of wedding cakes, pastries, specialty cannoli and gifts.

• Pticek & Son Bakery - Family owned bakery, specializing in wedding, decorated and specialty cakes and baked goods.

• Racine Bakery - Delicatessen, carry-out and catering.

• Reuter's Bakery - Includes extensive photos of wedding cakes, a few photos of other cakes and pastries; also, provides contact information.

• Roeser's Bakery - Chicago's oldest family owned retail bakery offers custom cakes for individual and corporate customers.

• Swedish Bakery - Andersonville bakery listing products that are also sold online

• Vanille Patisserie - French pastry shop offering European-style wedding cakes, mousse cakes, tarts, and chocolates. Photo gallery, staff biographies and awards are showcased.