Our Team’s Top Meals of 2024

via Tre Dita

It’s a tough job, but someone has to eat all the amazing meals in Chicago! We are out and about in the Chicago food world all year long, visiting new restaurants and trying the latest in food and drink across the city and suburbs. Someone’s got to do the tough work! And though we rarely have a bad meal in such an outstanding food city, there are some that stand out from the crowd. After a lot of reminiscing and laying claim to favorites, these are the 2024 meals that we’re still talking about in 2025…

via Maxwell’s Trading

Laura Goodman, Co-Founder

New Opening Pick: Maxwell’s Trading

I was so excited to be able to experience Erling’s food again. The Griddled Breads & Dunks were a must and the Suzuki Tartare reminded me of his days at Nico Osteria. If you are looking host a private event their second floor is one of a kind – I’d honestly love to live there 🙂

New Opening Pick Part 2: Brasero

Cocktails + Grilled Prawns = Perfection. Nothing more needs to be said! Make sure you visit this West Town spot from the El Che Bar team and get ready for a filling and creative meal.

Meal with a View Pick: Tre Dita

I’m oh so happy to have an Evan Funke X LEYE restaurant in Chicago. Now I don’t need to travel to Venice, CA for my focaccia and Cacio e Pepe fix! It’s also another stunning space for events as well.

Out of Office Pick: Bastia Fishtown in Philadelphia

Chef Tyler’s food is sensational. Try a Crudo and don’t miss the pastas and the Swordfish Brochette. Honestly, eat as much as you can because every dish is delicious, surprising, and bursting with flavor

Kaleigh Glaza, Co-Founder

Immaculate Vibes Pick: La Serre

La Serre was a multi-visit spot for me this year thanks to stunning interiors and the Caviar Nest Pasta, which was one of my favorite dishes of 2024. It’s great any time of day and is an equally delicious pick for a celebratory date night or a fun group girl’s dinner before you hit the Fulton Market bar scene.

Burger Pick: NADC Burger

I ate quite a few burgers this year (all in the name of research of course) but this is one I still think about. Perfect lace edges, just the right amount of cheese and a special sauce that makes it really stand out. Make sure to order their Beast Mode Fries too!

via Mirra

New Opening Pick: Mirra

Another new addition to Chicago in 2024, and another multi-visit spot for me, Mirra’s menu is so creative and flavorful in the best of ways. My favorite bites were the Chaas Aguachile and the Crispy Scallop Taco but you really can’t go wrong with anything on their menu of Indian and Mexican fusion creations.

Out of Office Pick: Rotisserie D’Argent in Paris

My annual Paris pilgrimage was such a fun birthday trip this year, and while we tried a number of new spots in the City of Lights, returning to this long-time favorite ended up being my favorite meal of them all. Rotisserie D’Argent has, in my opinion, the best mashed potatoes and roasted chicken in all of Paris… Fight me on this if you dare!

via Umamicue

Robyn Glaza, Social Media Manager

BBQ Pick: Umamicue

As an Italian beef connoisseur, I had to try out Spilt Milk’s pop-up restaurant Umamique. Their menu may be small, but each dish on it is a knock-out. The Umami Beef was lean, juicy and served with a perfectly spicy giardineira and au jus to complement the rich flavors. We also tried the Smoked Brisket Egg Rolls which were equal parts savory and fresh and served with bbq sauce for dipping.

Burger Pick: Little Bad Wolf and Patty Please

Two burgers both so delicious, I couldn’t pick between them! Little Bad Wolf offers a traditional burger as well as a gourmet ‘Wolf Burger’ that is not for the faint of heart. The patties are thick, & juicy and the homemade pickles add the perfect fresh crunch. Patty Pleaser newly opened up shop at Logan Square’s Small Bar and serves up the most insane Smashburger with enormous crispy patties, melty cheese on a golden buttery bun.

New Opening Pick: Casa Madai

Newly opened in Pilsen, Casa Madai is a sushi and omakase restaurant that beautifully incorporates Mexican flavors and influence into their menu. The fresh hamachi was mouth-watering and the tuna tostada packed immense flavor in each bite. 

Out of Office Pick: Garde Manger in Montreal

My family and I got a last minute reservation at Garde Manger on a trip to Montreal and we are beyond happy we did!  From homemade gnocchi with seasonal white truffles to superior cuts of meat, the menu changes regularly with the seasons and what’s fresh. They also surprisingly had one of the best mezcal cocktails I’ve ever had!

via Trivoli Tavern

Emma Watson, Designer

Date Night Pick: Trivoli Tavern

Tucked away with just the right amount of romantic, vintage charm, this spot is ideal for date night. If the old world vibe, dark wood, great martini and bowl of pasta does not make you feel like Frank Sinatra, I don’t know what will. With a menu that serves classics from all over the world, saving room for dessert is almost a challenge until you have the sticky date cake.

via Lilac Tiger

Culinary Guide Pick: Lilac Tiger

This celebration of South Asian street food is bold and approachable in all the right ways. Their crispy chicken with gochujang aioli and potato croquette sliders with sesame tomatillo are first bites I think about often. Throw in an intimate hip vibe, excellent service, and tasty cocktails, and you have yourself a perfect neighborhood spot for a bold flavor night.

New Opening Pick: The Good Wolf 

Being bad isn’t always better ;) The new sister restaurant to the memorable Andersonville staple Little Bad Wolf truly impresses. From the Dirty Martini Salad to the Charred Cabbage and Crab, every dish features impeccably layered familiar flavors in incredibly unique combinations. I still believe that the Lemon Curd may be one of the best desserts I’ve ever had in my life!

Out of Office Pick: Joe’s KC BBQ | Kansas City

Legend has it that this is one of the best BBQ joints in Kansas City, and the line around the iconic gas station storefront proves it. The smoky, meaty ribs, perfectly sauced, made the wait worthwhile. With classic sides like creamy coleslaw and savory mac and cheese, Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que is  truly midwest meat magic.