Top 21 Places from the Culinary Guide to Visit in 2021
Artango Steakhouse
Since January 1, you’ve probably been inundated with messaging about making to do lists and outlining goals for the New Year. Start a new work out! Set a detailed budget! Deep clean your bathroom! But to do lists and plans don’t have to be all about organization and limitation. You can have some fun with your 2021 goals, too! Case in point? Our list of the Top 21 Restaurants to Try in 2021…
We’ve made it easy by rounding up restaurants from all corners of the city (and suburbs) that will be serving up amazing food you won’t want to miss. Add them to whatever “to do" list you’re creating right now, and you can bet your year will be delicious! Plus, since all of them are in our 2021 Culinary Guide, you can also dine on a deal (a BOGO deal at that!). It’s shaping up to be a delicious new year indeed….
Artango Bar & Steakhouse {4767 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago; 872.208.7441}: Chicago is definitely known for its steakhouses, and this Lincoln Square spot carries on that tradition with aplomb. Order up their Argentine cuts of beef for meals full of flavor!
Milk Money Brewing {75 South La Grange Road, La Grange; 708.582.6030}: A new addition to the suburban dining scene, Milk Money was born Executive Chef/Owner Matt Bumba (from The Aviary) and his brother, Beverage/General Manager Lucas Bumba’s long standing, complex love for food and beer!
Smack Dab Chicago {6730 North Clark Street, Chicago; 872.241.9111}: The Smack Dab team prioritizes giving back to a number of charitable causes and community organizations as part of their work in the neighborhood, so you can know your next dinner order with them will both do AND taste good!
Jaipur Chicago {738 West Randolph Street, Chicago; 312.465.2250}: Explore new flavors and cuisines in the new year! Jaipur is still offering carryout and delivery of their menu of Indian classic dishes that are all great for sharing.
arami {1829 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago; 312.243.1535}: Fresh ingredients made by an expert hand and presented with care. That’s the hallmark of a meal from arami. The team at this West Town spot take pride in every dish they create and you will taste the love!
Bodega Sur {3755 North Southport Avenue, Chicago; 773.904.8656}: You usual date night plans probably suffered in 2020, but that can all change by ordering from Bodega Sur this year! Their tapas are perfect for sharing, and you can hit up their wine shop when you come in to pick-up dinner.
Macello Cucina di Puglia {1235 West Lake Street, Chicago; 312.850.9870}: Pizza is always a good idea, and thanks to the wood-burning ovens at Macello, you can try Chicago pizza and your favorite Italian dishes all in one order! If you haven’t ordered from Macello yet, add them to your list NOW!
Saigon Sisters {multiple locations}: Family-run businesses are at the life blood of Chicago’s food world. You know that every dish they create is a dream and heritage come to life! That’s especially true at Saigon Sisters, which was founded by two generations of amazing female culinarians who are still cooking up amazing Vietnamese food the whole city has come to enjoy.
Cupitol {multiple locations}: Starting your morning off with a great meal means the day ahead is sure to be a good one too. Cupitol has delicious baked goods, creative coffees, and more, all made for those of us on the go.
TenGoku Aburiya {651 West Washington Boulevard, Suite #101A, Chicago; 312.846.6633}: Why should Michelin-starred chefs only cook fixed price dinner menus? Why not have a Michelin-level lunch?! And why not make it affordable, too?! That’s exactly what Chef Sangtae Park of Omakase Yume did by creating TenGoku Aburiya’s menu of Japanese comfort foods. It’s amazing food for everyone!
Stix n Brix Wood Fired {218 West 33rd Street, Chicago; 312.265.0219}: Pizza is the perfect stay-at-home food for when you still want to support local restaurants, just from the comfort of your couch! Order carryout from this wood fired pizza joint and dig in with ease.
Mozzarella Store {822 Michigan Avenue, Chicago; 312.285.2449}: If you’re a cheese-lover and you haven’t visited the Mozzarella Store, Pizza & Caffè…what are you doing?! This place is heaven for the cheese-obsessed and foodies across Chicago. Plan your 2021 visit ASAP!
Stax Cafe {multiple locations}: Remember long, lingering weekend brunches? Those were the best! And you can still have them even now…just at home! Stax Cafe has all your breakfast and brunch favorites, plus creative twists like Monte Cristo Waffles.
Demera {4801 North Broadway, Chicago; 773.334.8787}: Ethiopian cuisine focuses on shared plates with vegan options, decadent and creative desserts as well as house-roasted coffee. You won’t find meals like these anywhere else in the city!
Izakaya Mita {1960 North Damen Avenue, Chicago; 773.799.8677}: If you want truly authentic cuisine, a stop at Chicago's original Izakaya (a Japanese restaurant & sake bar) should be at the top of your list! Their shared plates are some of the best Japanese food in the city.
Picnic Wine & Provisions {7301 North Sheridan Road, Chicago; 773.856.0000}: At-home chefs will love the fine wines and gourmet food Picnic Wine & Provisions has in their store. Your next weeknight dinner can get an easy upgrade with them! Plus, they also have local gift baskets that are perfect to send to friends you haven’t seen in a while but still want to show some love.
Sai Café {2010 North Sheffield Avenue, Chicago; 773.472.8080}: From Pan Fried Scallops to Tempura U-Don Noodles to Spicy White Tuna Crunch and more…there is no bad choice on the expansive and amazing menu at Sai Café!
Tatas Tacos {4929 West Irving Park Road, Chicago; 773.685.6002}: Whether you just eat them on Tuesdays, or every day of the week, tacos make eating more fun :) Tatas consider tacos their "obsession” and work tirelessly to make every bite you have the best one possible.
Le Colonial {57 East Oak Street, Chicago; 312.255.0088}: An always favorite that bears re-visiting again and again and again, Le Colonial is perfect for a cozy meal to-go in winter or summer cocktails on their patio. No matter the day or month or year, they’re a must-try!
EPIC Burger {multiple locations}: Keep it simple this year! Go for a great burger from one of EPIC’s locations across Chicago, and you’ll have a meal that anyone would love, is ready in a jiffy, and can be eaten easily at home. No fuss, no muss…all good eating in 2021.
If you haven’t bought your 2021 Culinary Guide yet, but want to get in on the awesome deals from these hot spots, there’s still time! The 75+ Culinary Guide Deals don’t expire until August 15, 2021 so you still have so much time to hit up all your favorites. Get your own 2021 Culinary Guide now!
By Kaleigh Glaza | Market Editor