The A to Z Guide of the Top Chicago Spots for Winter
Athena Greektown
There are so many amazing restaurants in Chicago that it can be hard to keep track sometimes! Where should you go next? What is an amazing new spot you haven’t yet tried, but might just rock your food world? There are such a wide range of options! To make it easy on you, we went from A to Z… These are all the best spots to try this winter. All you have left to do now, is EAT!
Athena {212 South Halsted Street, Chicago; 312.655.0000}: Since we likely won’t be able to spend this holiday season on vacation, take a culinary trip to Greece with your next dinner order! Athena has a full menu of classic Grecian dishes, and if you’re open to outdoor dining, they also have an all-season patio.
Bar Cargo {605 North Wells Street, Chicago; 312.929.0065}: From Pizza Party Kits and carryout to Meal Kits and delivery, Bar Cargo is making it super easy for you to enjoy their delicious pizza as the weather cools! When you’re planning your next Netflix holiday movie binge, they should be your first choice.
Chicago Chop House {60 West Ontario Street, Chicago; 312.787.7100}: Steaks and chops are a quintessential celebration meal. So this holiday season, order the best in Chicago chops to-go and enjoy them at home!
Daisies
Daisies {2523 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago; 773.661.1671}: Aside from cozy pasta dishes they have on their seasonal menu, Daisies also has a special market with farm produce and other gift-able kitchen items to make your home-cooked meals extra delicious.
Eduardo's Enoteca {1212 North Dearborn Street, Chicago; 312.337.4490}: Upgrade your next grocery delivery! Eduardo’s is offering everything from sugar and flour to Ovolino Mozzarella Balls and pizza dough for delivery in addition to their delicious Italian classics. Get ready to dig in!
Formento's {925 West Randolph Street, Chicago; 312.690.7295}: Another Italian favorite. Another no-brainer when it comes to your next carryout order. Start with their famous meatballs and craft your meal from there!
Geja's Cafe {340 West Armitage Avenue, Chicago; 773.281.9101}: What’s a better cold weather meal than fondue? It’s a perfect change from your usual carryout order, and Geja’s is now offering fondue dinners to go! Support this top date night spot for another winter in the Windy City.
HaiSous
HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen {1800 South Carpenter Street, Chicago; 773.999.1800}: HaiSous has been supporting their Pilsen neighbors since the beginning of the pandemic, so now it’s time to return the favor! Order their shareable dishes for delivery and takeout all winter long.
Izakaya Mita {1960 North Damen Avenue, Chicago; 773.799.8677}: From small plates and ramen to larger, grilled fare, this wide-ranging menu will keep you warm and cozy over the next few months. We recommend starting with sashimi and Gyoza before moving on to one of their noodle dishes like ramen.
Jake Melnick's Corner Tap {41 East Superior Street, Chicago; 312.266.0400}: Wings and things are the way to go for a lazy day at home, and Jake Melnick’s has some of the best wings in the city. Their upscale bar offerings are perfect for the whole family when you want to stay in and have a fun meal together.
KOI Sushi {624 Davis Street, Evanston; 847.866.6969}: Evanston natives can get in on the winter food action, too! The gorgeous lounge offers a wide range of creative sushi rolls as well as classic dim sum dishes. Order a bunch and share with your family!
Le Colonial {57 East Oak Street, Chicago; 312.255.0088}: Get creative with your next carryout order and try something like Pho Bo (Hanoi Beef Noodle Soup) or Cari Ga (Chicken Curry) form Le Colonial. Every dish is prepared with expert hands for maximum creativity and enjoyment!
Mable’s Table
Mable's Table {1655 West Cortland Street, Chicago; 773.904.7433}: There’s nothing like open restaurant doors to make us smile extra wide this season! After being closed for a few months, Mable’s Table in Bucktown is now open once again, serving family recipes like Mable’s Meatballs for carryout and delivery. Order up to welcome them back!
nana organic {752 West 33rd Street, Chicago; 312.929.2486}: If you’re looking for more casual dishes, head to nana for both American and Mexican fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner. No matter the time of day, they have something tasty ready for you.
Osteria del Pastaio {111 East Chestnut Street, Chicago; 312.649.0055}: Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, and Osteria del Pastaio makes theirs in-house. Get ready to dig in to heaping bowls of Penne Arrabbiata or Tagliolini Carbonara when you order for carryout.
Parlay at Joy District {112 West Hubbard Street, Chicago; 312.651.3979}: We can’t spend the winter in our favorite bars, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still support them! Restaurants like Parlay continue to offer up bites like Fried Chicken Tacos and Joy Sliders that you’re sure to love.
Quartino
Quartino Ristorante {626 North State Street, Chicago; 312.698.5000}: Italian cuisine is revered as a classic for a reason! Pizzas and pastas appeal to almost every diner out there, especially when they’re made with the expert hands of the Quartino team.
Riccardo Osteria {1023 West Lake Street, Chicago; 312.291.8620}: Another not-to-miss Italian spot, this intimate West Loop destination will make you feel like family the second you walk in the door. Dig in to their famed Bucatini Carbonara or Chicken Milanese for carryout or delivery, or bundle up to spend a night on their heated patio all winter long.
Starbucks Reserve Roastery Chicago {646 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago; 312.283.7100}: Whether you come for your morning coffee or a delicious lunch, the Starbucks Reserve Roastery has something new to try all the time. Their holiday offerings will make you want to stay a while, but we recommend taking a scoop of their Reserve beans and heading home for a unique brew in your own kitchen.
Tortello {1746 West Division Street, Chicago; 773.360.1293}: Pick up fresh pasta for dinner, then get ingredients to make more at home …all in the same spot! Tortello has a menu of delicious Italian cuisine, but also fresh produce, simple meal kits, pasta sauces and more. They make it easy to dine in style!
Uvae Kitche & Wine Bar {5553 North Clark Street, Chicago; 773.654.1432}: Wine will be a key factor in us getting through this winter. Okay, that might be a little drastic, but that doesn’t mean it’s too far off from true! Get your vino delivered, or call and pick-up your new favorite bottle from this local spot.
Vermilion
Vermilion {10 West Hubbard Street, Chicago; 312.527.4060}: Add a little heat to your winter meals! Indian and Latin American cuisines combine to create one-of-a-kind dishes Lamb Shank Nihari. Each bite also supports a woman-run business making a great impact in our food world.
West Town Bakery {multiple locations}: If ever there was a year where we all deserved some sweet treats, it’s this one. Order a few cake pops and treat yourself to a little sugary goodness for the holiday season!
XOCO Chicago {449 North Clark Street, Chicago; 312.723.2131}: Rick Bayless has been dazzling Chicago with his creations for years, so if you haven’t yet tried XOCO… What the heck are you waiting for?! Tortas, tacos, churros and more all await!
Yūgen {652 West Randolph Street, Chicago; 312.265.1008}: Michelin-starred meals are now more accessible thanks to Yūgen’s new meal kits! They’re a simply delicious way to get a sampling of this lauded, women-run spot right from your own home.
Za’atar Mediterranean Grill {2459 West Armitage Avenue, Chicago; 773.697.9229}: Get a taste of the Mediterranean, delivered to your door. They have all your favorites, from Hummus and Shawarma to Kebabs and Falafel, there’s not a classic dish that’s missed.
By Kaleigh Glaza | Market Editor