The Bongo Room is a popular breakfast spot located in the Wicker Park neighborhood. They are known for their creative pancakes, including their renowned white chocolate pretzel pancakes. Be prepared for a wait as this restaurant can get crowded.
Al's Italian Beef is a Chicago icon famous for its Italian beef sandwiches. These sandwiches consist of thinly sliced beef, dipped in gravy, and served on a hot, crusty roll. They also have hot dogs and burgers on their menu.
The Purple Pig is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant serving small plates designed for sharing. They also have an extensive wine list. Some of their notable dishes include pork shoulder, bone marrow, and octopus.
Little Goat Diner is a diner-style restaurant serving creative takes on breakfast classics. Some of their notable dishes include the Fat Elvis Waffles, which are waffles with peanut butter, banana, and bacon, and the Bull's Eye French Toast, which is French toast filled with eggs and topped with bacon and syrup.
Portillo's is a Chicago institution known for their hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, and chocolate cake. This fast-casual restaurant also has a nostalgic, 1950s diner vibe.
Alinea is a three-Michelin-starred restaurant serving a highly innovative and creative menu. The dining experience is highly theatrical with dishes served in unusual ways such as on tree branches and platters of edible helium balloons. Be prepared to spend a pretty penny for this dinner experience.
Lou Mitchell's is a classic diner serving breakfast all day. They are known for their homemade donuts, omelets, and corned beef hash. They also provide complimentary donut holes to customers waiting in line.
Giordano's is a Chicago landmark famous for its deep-dish pizza. Their pizza is known for its flaky crust, copious amounts of cheese, and toppings baked inside. They also have thin-crust pizza and pasta dishes.
Girl & the Goat is a contemporary restaurant serving creative dishes with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Some of their most popular dishes include roasted pig face, confit goat belly, and wood-fired broccoli.
The Publican is a beer hall-inspired restaurant serving American cuisine. Their brunch menu includes classic dishes such as pancakes and eggs Benedict, as well as more unique dishes such as pork belly and duck hash. Be sure to try one of their house-made sausages.
Xoco is a casual Mexican restaurant serving tortas, soups, churros, and hot chocolate. Their tortas are made with fresh, homemade bread and high-quality ingredients such as slow-braised pork and grilled steak.
The Chicago Diner is a vegetarian restaurant serving classic American dishes such as burgers, fries, and mac and cheese, all made with plant-based ingredients. They also have an extensive dessert menu featuring vegan cakes and pies.
To get around Chicago, it is recommended to use public transportation such as the L train or buses. A 3-day CTA pass costs $20 and allows unlimited rides on both the L and bus system. Taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are also available.
If you have more than four days, consider adding a trip to the Field Museum or the Art Institute of Chicago. If you have less than four days, consider cutting out Alinea or The Chicago Diner to save costs. Additionally, be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes as many of the restaurants are located in different neighborhoods, and there is much to see and explore along the way.
Chicago has two airports: O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW). O'Hare is located about 18 miles from downtown and is a hub for many international flights. Midway is located about 10 miles from downtown and primarily serves domestic flights.