Casual Picks for Chicago Restaurant Week 2021

Chicago Restaurant Week starts tomorrow so if you haven’t made your reservations yet, you’re running out of time! While some tables might be all booked up, there are still plenty of menus left for the tasting, especially at more casual spots across the city. These restaurants, cafes and bars are perfect for a more casual meal or even taking your meal to go. Don’t forget, some restaurants now have Restaurant Week to-go with carryout menus and additional cocktail courses for dine-in menus. You have almost two full weeks (March 19 - April 4) to take advantage, so let’s EAT!

There are PLENTY of restaurants and bars participating this year so we are organizing our picks by occasion! If you missed our date night picks from earlier, you can still read it here. Plus, these are our favorites for a more casual meal like lunch or brunch…

avec {multiple locations}: avec is taking care of all Chicago diners, serving those who’d like to dine indoors at their new River North restaurant and offering carryout and delivery from their long-loved West Loop first location. Both are serving up their menu of Mediteranean classics like Wood Oven Paella and Chorizo-Stuffed Dates so get ready to dig in at home or at their table.

Gaijin {950 West Lake Street, Chicago; 312.265.13.48}: Okonomiyaki (Japanese pancakes) take center stage at this small but sizzling West Loop hot spot! If you haven’t tried this classic dish before, it’s a great time to expand your culinary horizons with their menu for Restaurant Week, which highlights some of the best of the amazing flavors they have to offer.

Saigon Sisters {multiple locations}: This family and women-run spot should be on your list all year long but especially for Restaurant Week. Their menu of Green Papaya Salad, Grilled Baby Octopus and other Vietnamese classics are fresh, full of flavor and pretty to boot!

Smoke Daddy {multiple locations}: People sometimes forget that Restaurant Week includes lunch menus too, but this one is not to miss! Start with the Smoked BBQ Wings, finish with the S’Mores Brownies and pick any one of their entree options for a perfect mid-day meal.

Beatrix {multiple locations}: City and suburbs locations. Brunch, lunch and dinner menus. Indoor dining, carryout and delivery. There are SO many ways to dine at Beatrix for Restaurant Week! It’s almost a crime not to try at least one of them ;)

Tallboy Taco {676 North St. Clair Street, Chicago}: Taco night at home just got an insane upgrade! Tallboy Taco has a “Taco Bar for Two” and “Casamigos Margarita Kit” for takeout and delivery this Restaurant Week. It’s the ultimate party night in - Don’t miss out!

Bar Sótano {443 North Clark Street (alley entrance), Chicago; 312.391.5857}: Adventurous eaters will want to RUSH to this intimate spot for dishes like Beet & Panela Salad, Chile Relleno, Chocolate-Avocado Mousse and more! It’s ideal for a first date or special meal to try something uniqely delicious!

The Press Room {1134 West Washington Boulevard, Lower Level, Chicago; 331.240.1914}: Wine-lovers should flock to this West Loop spot for a more casual date night or group dinner. Their staff will help you find the perfect glass or bottle to pair with their dinner menu of items like Steak Tartare and Parsnip Agnolotti.

PERILLA {401 North Milwaukee, Chicago; 312.243.3344}: Get a head start on warm weather dining by digging in to dumplings, Garlic Chicken, and Grilled Cheshire Pork Belly on the PERILLA patio! It’s the perfect place to meet up with the friends you haven’t seen in a while for a fun, shareable meal.

By Kaleigh Glaza | Market Editor