Chicago reviews from Reddit

Summary

We analyzed 142 Reddit reviews across 7 subreddits and 15 posts to rank the best Chicago brands recommended by redditors, including communities like r/chicagofood, r/AskChicago, r/Amtrak, r/Tallahassee, r/CadillacV_Series. Top-rated brands include Bavette (5.0/5), Lou Malnati's (4.8/5), The Robey (5.0/5).

Stats
Reviews142
Subreddits7
Posts15
Brands100
Products1
142 reviews from
and
By Brand
/
By Product
#1

Bavette

5.0
(6)
"The best in the city is Bavettes or RPM steak."
·
"Bavettes 100%. You can get a reservation, but you need to book it exactly 3 weeks out. Hands down best restaurant in the city, even without just comparing the steak."
·
"Bavette (by far)"
·
"Bavettes. Go during the week when they open. Fried chicken is a good option for a side for you to split"
·
"Bavettes is the without a doubt - but it’s a rolling 30 day reservation, so you gotta plan ahead."
·
"The best steakhouse in Chicago is Bavette’s. The best old school steakhouse in Chicago is gibsons."
#2

Lou Malnati's

4.8
(5)
"I’d probably eat at Lu Malnati‘s or Giordano‘s. Only cheese."
·
"Lots of options."
·
"Love the pizza and the Mediterranean bread."
·
"They know exactly what they're doing and the pizzas travel and freeze well."
·
"They are definitely one of the better frozen pizzas on the market."
#3

The Robey

5.0
(4)
"It has a really nice rooftop lounge too."
·
"Love the Robey!"
·
"Check out The Robey in Wicker Park. Rooftop deck and pool bar! Great views, hip neighborhood with shopping and restaurants!"
·
"The Robey Hotel."
#4

Gibsons

4.0
(4)
"Gibson’s. Rush street. Amazing. Enjoy! 🍸🥩"
·
"I think this sub loves bavettes which is an objectively good spot but for out of towners gibsons is a better option imho."
·
"Gibsons."
·
"Gibsons was disappointing and Boefhaus was very good, but GG’s was the best of the 3 for me."
#5

Bari

5.0
(3)
"Bari could be a good addition to the mix."
·
"Every Saturday entailed us getting subs, watching Gilmore Girls in her living room, then heading to twisted spoke for bloody Marys."
·
"Sub: Bari Foods"
#6

Asador Bastian

4.7
(3)
"Agree with this, would put Asador Bastian as #1 and Bavettes as #2"
·
"Asador Bastian or Bavette’s"
·
"Asador Bastian / Gibsons (controversial?)"
#7

Steak 48

4.7
(3)
"Steak 48 is my go to, but seeing this list makes me want to try out others!"
·
"Steak 48"
·
"Steak 48 / Chi Cut House / Chi Chop House"
#8

Omakase by Kanemaru

4.7
(3)
"The quality of every ingredient was absolutely amazing."
·
"Chef Jorge is really excellent at adapting to his customers."
·
"Kanemaru is also a more genuine Japan experience."
#9

Boeufhaus

4.3
(3)
"Dollar for dollar, Boeufhaus is my favorite, though not a “traditional” steakhouse."
·
"Boeufhaus"
·
"Https://www.boeufhaus.com/ underrated and not touristy"
#10

Ivy Hall

4.0
(3)
"I’ve found their deals are just about as good as anywhere, and the loyalty program is very solid."
·
"Ivy hall, ascend, and grasshopper club are all decent cuz they have good stuff I’ve found."
·
"Ivy Hall and Bud & Rita's are a couple I have stopped by recently, and they both were solid."
#11

Sweet Bean

5.0
(2)
"Sweet Bean looks great will definitely check it out."
·
"My favorite bakery is Sweet Bean in South loop, u gotta get there before the afternoon to get their full day's selection but pretty much everything there is delicious."
#12

Peninsula

5.0
(2)
"Always the Peninsula <3."
·
"If the budget allows, the Peninsula."
#13

Lao Peng You

5.0
(2)
"Lao peng you is great."
·
"Lao Peng You for dumplings that are a different style than QXY!"
#14

Kie-Gol-Lanee

5.0
(2)
"Kie-Gol-Lanee - Oaxacan"
·
"Kie-Gol-Lanee - Michelin Bib Gourmand + Oaxacan"
#15

Hing Kee

5.0
(2)
"Hing Kee is my go to soup dumpling spot"
·
"Chinese: Hing Kee, Ken Kee, Dolo, and Minghin."
#16

Mott Street

5.0
(2)
"Mott Street in West Town also phenomenal Asian Fusion, the burger is a must try"
·
"Mott St. could be a good addition to the mix."
#17

Birrieria Zaragoza

5.0
(2)
"Birerria Zaragoza - You already love it"
·
"Birrieria Zaragoza"
#18

Nha Hang Viet

5.0
(2)
"Nha Hang Viet’s Pho is absolutely incredible. Thanks for the reminder, gotta get back to Argyle."
·
"Uptown: Nha Hang Viet Nam for pho (they also have banh mi). Green Mill for drinks and jazz (cash only)."
#19

Xabi

5.0
(2)
"XABI!! He’s great!!!"
·
"The studio is super clean and cozy."
#20

Bayan Ko

4.5
(2)
"Bayan Ko Diner - Cuban and Filipino fusion"
·
"Bayan Ko Diner for brunch is also great."
#21

Chicago Athletic Association

4.5
(2)
"I’ve stayed there many times and always have a great experience. Top notch service, clean rooms, great dining options."
·
"Chicago athletic association."
#22

La Patisserie P

4.5
(2)
"La Patisserie P is a step up. The chef and owner was a member of the US team that won the World Pastry Cup."
·
"In Uptown there's La Patisserie P."
#23

Ascend

4.5
(2)
"The ascend on Milwaukee is the cheapest dispo in the city though I’ve found!!!"
·
"Ivy hall, ascend, and grasshopper club are all decent cuz they have good stuff I’ve found."
#24

Sushi 313

4.0
(2)
"Can't beat the prices."
·
"Great value a la carte."
#25

Swift & Sons

3.5
(2)
"Swift & Sons / RPM / Gene & Georgetti / Joe’s"
·
"Went to swift & sons once and they had a magician walking around to each table…not really my taste but the food was decent"
#26

Giordano's

5.0
(1)
"I’d probably eat at Lu Malnati‘s or Giordano‘s. Only cheese."
#27

Drake Hotel

5.0
(1)
"I’d have a cocktail at the bar in the Drake hotel"
#28

Intelligentsia

5.0
(1)
"I’d probably grab a coffee at intelligencia"
#29

Immm Rice & Beyond

5.0
(1)
"Immm Rice & Beyond - Thai street food"
#30

Bien Me Sabe

5.0
(1)
"Bien Me Sabe or El Rincon De Fabio - Venezuelan"
#31

Little Bad Wolf

5.0
(1)
"Little Bad Wolf - my personal fave burger in the city, also serves tacos and bao"
#32

Alinea

5.0
(1)
"Alinea and/or Oriole"
#33

Oriole

5.0
(1)
"Alinea and/or Oriole"
#34

Ba Le

5.0
(1)
"Ba Le - Repeatedly mentioned as great banh mi"
#35

Cariño

5.0
(1)
"Cariño - Michelin Star + New Mexican"
#36

Demera

5.0
(1)
"Demera - Great Ethiopian"
#37

Milly's

5.0
(1)
"Milly’s - Current darling Chicago-style pizza"
#38

Bahn Mi City

5.0
(1)
"Bahn Mi City in Pilsen isn’t too far from Saigon Sisters and is really good."
#39

Bon Bon Sandwiches

5.0
(1)
"Bon Bon Sandwiches in Wicker Park is also good, mainly the classic."
#40

Nhu Lan

5.0
(1)
"Nhu Lan is one of the best ones."
#41

Tempesta Market

5.0
(1)
"Tempesta Market could be a good addition to the mix."
#42

AO Hawaiian Hideout

5.0
(1)
"AO Hawaiian Hideout could be a good addition to the mix."
#43

La Scarola

5.0
(1)
"La Scarola could be a good addition to the mix."
#44

Thalmann Alignment

5.0
(1)
"Thalmann alignment is the go to for that. He'd probably do your tpms sensor too."
#45

Streetcar Shenanigans

5.0
(1)
"For anything else I go to Streetcar Shenanigans in Antioch. Best in the area."
#46

Green Mill

5.0
(1)
"Green mill just has that vibe. I tipped the bartender a ten and she put my ginger ale limes on the house"
#47

Johnnie's Beef

5.0
(1)
"Johnnie’s Beef. Make da pilgrimage my frent. Cash only. Sweet hot wet. Italian ice on da side. It’s Heaven in Elmwood."
#48

Cleos Southern Cuisine

5.0
(1)
"If you're a fan of southern food, go to your nearest Cleos Southern Cuisine."
#49

Del Seoul

5.0
(1)
"I was going to recommend Del Seoul since you liked Crisp wings (IMO Del Seoul is better), but you can kill 2 birds with one stone and grab a bahn mi too"
#50

Captain Bakery

5.0
(1)
"My favorite Chinese bakery is called Captain Bakery, which is on 33d and Ashland. A bit outside of Chinatown, but the buns are 🔥."
#51

Uncle Mike's Place

5.0
(1)
"I love Uncle Mike’s Place for Filipino breakfast"
#52

QXY Dumplings

5.0
(1)
"Chinatown: QXY Dumplings, Hing Kee, Ming Hin. Shoo Loong Kan for hot pot."
#53

Nine Bar

5.0
(1)
"Plus check out Nine Bar for cocktails (including N/A) while you’re there!"
#54

El Nuevo Taconazo

5.0
(1)
"Mexican: El Nuevo Taconazo, Mi Tocaya Antojeria, Birrieria Zaragoza, and Carnitas Don Pedro."
#55

Amtrak

5.0
(1)
"Amtrak offers some super fun and scenic weekend getaways from Chicago that are perfect for a solo trip."
#56

California Zephyr

5.0
(1)
"Omaha would be a good choice. The California Zephyr is very scenic heading over the Mississippi River."
#57

Serenity Spa

5.0
(1)
"I will most definitely be going back to this place."
#58

Foot Station Thai Bodywork and Massage

5.0
(1)
"Foot Station Thai Bodywork and Massage on Lincoln is a hit for me."
#59

Kai Zan

5.0
(1)
#60

Casa Madai

5.0
(1)
"Provided a unique and super fun experience."
#61

Portillo's

5.0
(1)
"It's catering sized meal."
#62

Mauro Provisions

5.0
(1)
"My favorite giardiniera now is Mauro Provisions."
#63

Vienna Beef

5.0
(1)
"If it ain't Vienna beef, it ain't a Chicago."
#64

The Gwen

5.0
(1)
"The Gwen is my go to in Chicago."
#65

Gibsons Italia

5.0
(1)
"Don't sleep on Gibson's Italia(not regular Gibson's) I know it has an Italian driven menu but it's light years better than Gibson's original."
#66

Fioretta

5.0
(1)
"Fioretta is hands down of my favorite steakhouses in the city. It’s an Italian steakhouse but everything there is fantastic and the dining area is beautiful!"
#67

Prime and Provisions

5.0
(1)
"Was coming to add Prime and Provisions! Also loved swift and sons"
#68

RPM Steak

5.0
(1)
"RPM steak imo"
#69

Chicago Cut

5.0
(1)
"Chicago Cut is a classic with great location near the river. Usually not a hard reservation to get but it never lets me down!"
#70

Mastro's

4.0
(1)
"Mastros"
#71

Joe's Stone Crab

4.0
(1)
"Joes stone crab"
#72

Hatch

4.0
(1)
"Hatch is the friendliest."
#73

Zen Leaf Pilsen

4.0
(1)
"They have Medical Mondays, which is 25% off everything for medical."
#74

Grasshopper Club

4.0
(1)
"Ivy hall, ascend, and grasshopper club are all decent cuz they have good stuff I’ve found."
#75

Bud & Rita's

4.0
(1)
"Ivy Hall and Bud & Rita's are a couple I have stopped by recently, and they both were solid."
#76

Earthmed

4.0
(1)
"Earthmed in the burbs consistently has good sales."
#77

IC Collective

4.0
(1)
"I usually try to get IC Collective ounces, normally 220 but at 35% off they are only 145 + 25% tax."
#78

Hotel Lincoln

4.0
(1)
"Hotel Lincoln…in a cute neighborhood with a great rooftop bar/lounge!"
#79

Pendry

4.0
(1)
"Pendry."
#80

Godfrey

4.0
(1)
"A really popular one, which friends I know have stayed, is the Godfrey. It's super modern and has a clean sleek look."
#81

Botanica Chango Universal

4.0
(1)
"I like Botanica Chango Universal. 2915 W 63rd St Chicago 60629. The owner’s name is Alicia."
#82

Fontano's

4.0
(1)
"I love Fontano’s but Bari and Tempesta Market are as good or better."
#83

Bao Bae Bakery

4.0
(1)
"I'm talking about bao bae bakery, Chiu is no longer inside 88."
#84

Saigon Sisters

4.0
(1)
"Only tried one from Saigon Sisters when I was in Chicago so a much appreciated rec!"
#85

Wisconsin Dells

4.0
(1)
"Wisconsin Dells if you're looking for waterslides or sitting by a pool."
#86

La Crosse

4.0
(1)
"Lacrosse Wisconsin. Follows the Mississippi for a while. Lacrosse is a nice college town."
#87

The Spot Spa

4.0
(1)
"The Spot Spa in little village"
#88

Chicago Sweat Lodge

4.0
(1)
"The experience is great and massage is good price."
#89

Fit Foot

4.0
(1)
"Foot Smile is better??"
#90

Lang Ocean

4.0
(1)
"They really stretch you out."
#91

Dog Et Al

4.0
(1)
"Probably going to be the closest."
#92

Smith & Wollensky

3.0
(1)
"Smith & Wollensky"
#93

Sunnyside

3.0
(1)
"Sunnyside is expensive but they have inventory for days."
#94

Rise

3.0
(1)
"Rise is walking distance from my house."
#95

Neura

3.0
(1)
"Neura on North Ave. is pretty good, but I'd say there's no such thing."
#96

Chiu Quon

3.0
(1)
"My hot take is Chiu Quon is a very mid Chinese bakery."
#97

Thai Lotus Body Works

3.0
(1)
"People seem to like Thai Lotus Body Works in South Loop."
#98

Tiki Dawgs

3.0
(1)
"Specializes in Chicago style dawgs."
#99

Kyoten

2.0
(1)
"Not worth it at that price."
#100

Gene & Georgetti

1.0
(1)
"Gene and Georgetti, is complete dog shit. It's neck in neck with outback for quality."

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