Casual Picks in Chicago
Table of Contents
Translated from my mandarin post using OpenAI with light editing.
Preface #
Deep Dish pizza is not my thing: I haven’t found any I really enjoy. I love to eat and am the type who will happily spend on good food. It’s really windy—bring a windbreaker; Chicago really is the Windy City.
Food #
Girl and the Goat ⭐⭐⭐ (4.7/5.0, 2500+ reviews; Michelin Bib Gourmand) TC’s rating: 4.91/5.00
Opens in the afternoon, right across from Au Cheval. Best to go with friends so you can order and share a variety of dishes. There are many recommendations online. Of what I tried, must-orders include the Wood Oven Roasted Pig Face and Goat Empanadas. Some dishes are available in half portions (for one person) at half the regular menu price. You can book online; otherwise, expect to wait several hours for a table.
Au Cheval ⭐⭐⭐ (4.6/5.0, 3300+ reviews; Michelin Bib Gourmand) TC’s rating: 4.88/5.00
Must-try. Enough said. This is the archetype of an American burger, executed at restaurant-level quality. Weekend and weekday menus differ slightly, but the classics are always available. Doors open at 11am; I suggest getting there between 10:30 and 10:45. Otherwise, expect a 3-hour wait at usual meal times. If you’re solo or a duo, the bar seats provide the best experience. Must-order: Cheeseburger (choose one, two, or four patties). One is enough for me, but two people can go for a double. You MUST add bacon and egg. They also seem to have amazing desserts, but I haven’t tried them. Fries are decent but best split; save room for other Chicago eats!
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams ⭐⭐⭐ (avg 4.8) TC’s rating: 4.73/5.00
This is a small ice cream chain with five locations in Chicago. The flavors are unique and worth trying after your meal. I always enjoy it (even though it’s not Michelin-rated, it gets coverage in many media outlets). Last time, almond flavor left a deep impression. Ask the staff for recommendations! They offer takeout and delivery. Champaign friends: you can get pints at Harvest but options are fewer.
Cabra ⭐⭐⭐(4.5/5.0, 895+ reviews; Michelin Bib Gourmand) TC’s rating: 4.59/5.00
Peruvian fusion. I’ve never had traditional Peruvian so can’t compare, but except for some overcooked beef in the last hot dish (Saltado), everything else, including desserts, was above average. The scallop dish, recommended by the chef, was a highlight despite being a bit overdone; the toasted chia atop added a new dimension. The Tuna Tataki on jicama gave a nice textural boost. The sunset view from inside was great! With perfect service, this could be next-level.
Avli ⭐⭐⭐(4.3/5.0, 364+ reviews; multiple locations; Michelin Bib Gourmand) TC’s rating: 4.53/5.00
One of my advisor’s favorite Greek spots—memorable but maybe not “must-visit.” Their lamb dishes and halloumi are excellent; the beef pasta is tender and the noodles perfectly chewy, reminiscent of dry Taiwanese beef noodles. The fried shrimp starter was more photogenic than delicious. Dessert musts: Lemon pound cake and ice cream—both tasty and unique.
Little Goat Diner ⭐⭐ (4.5/5.0, 4555+ reviews) TC’s rating: 4.28/5.00
American-Chinese brunch fusion, best for laid-back chats. Dishes are interesting but not unforgettable—the mixes (like “This Little Piggy Went To China”) are clever, e.g., a burger with a biscuit bun and Sichuan-spiced pork chop. Every element is well-executed. If you’re into experimental food, this is for you. Their French toast for sharing and the Japanese pancakes are particularly good. Just FYI, they may have moved, so check the latest menu.
GT Fish and Oyster (4.5/5.0, 800+ reviews; Michelin Bib Gourmand) TC’s rating: 4.15/5.00
Closed permanently :(
Purple Pig ⭐⭐ (4.5/5.0, 2300+ reviews; Michelin Bib Gourmand) TC’s rating: 4.11/5.00
Another popular spot; I once waited 2.5 hours! Worth it though. Located right on the Magnificent Mile, so register, then wander nearby. Great for groups and sharing. Most memorable was the Milk-Braised Pork Shoulder. (2022: Needs updated rating.)
Longman & Eagle ⭐⭐ (4.6/5.0, 2500+ reviews; Michelin Bib Gourmand) TC’s rating: 4.08/5.00
A classic American restaurant: burgers, big breakfasts, tomato bread soup. Nothing surprising but solid and reliable.
Mott St. ⭐⭐(4.6/5.0, 794+ reviews; multiple locations; Michelin Bib Gourmand) TC’s rating: 4.00/5.00
On the Bib list for years. Chef is JBA-nominated. Comfy, but don’t overorder—samples are enough; overall good but not mind-blowing. This is a typical fusion restaurant that uses lots of soy sauce and leans a bit sweet; southerners might love it. Its flaw: fusion sometimes makes flavors blend into one; things lack layers. Personally, Brussels sprouts, Mott burger (add egg), and cauliflower are nice. A good rule: for two people, order 3 plates—about 0.8 meat, 0.6 veggie per person.
Sun Wah BBQ ⭐⭐(4.4/5.0, 2000+ reviews; staple for students) TC’s rating: -.–/5.00
No score—it’s not fancy, but if you’re craving Hong Kong-style BBQ, this is legit.
Shake Shack ⭐ TC’s rating: 2.49/5.00
From New York. Once you’ve had Au Cheval, you’ll know why this only gets one star. Still, worth trying if you’ve never been. Without their shakes, this would be a flat 2.5. Try to find a branch near Millennium Park—some locations have bars with great night views. My favorite old branch closed, but the vibe is worth checking.
Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Company ??? (4.6/5.0, 4700+ reviews) TC’s rating: ?.??/5.00
Supposedly an amazing pizza place. I have no clue, but a messy/old-school website usually means the place is awesome… just like those professors with bad websites!
It’s the same chain. Including it for completeness in case you’ve never been. Their cheesecake is pretty good, honestly.
3 Arts Club Café – Friend’s pick Trendy brunch destination; great for photos. Recommendation: RH Scramble.
Quartino Ristorante – Friend’s pick Italian food; try the thin pizza or pasta.
Sawada Coffee – Friend’s pick Beautiful latte art and chic vibes. Barista is actually an award winner in latte art.
McDonald’s Global Menu Restaurant – Friend’s pick International McDonald’s, rotating menu: they offer 3 global menu items daily. Worth a try for the novelty!
Roka Akor – Friend’s pick Japanese cuisine.
Beyond the Famous Attractions #
For classic tourist sights, consider picking up a City Pass—you’ll get deal access to many major sites (observatories, museums, etc). Don’t forget: you can also catch a baseball game in Chicago!
If you have a car or are willing to Uber, and the weather cooperates, this spot is fantastic. Slightly but not too far north, a beach with an outstanding city skyline view. Unless you take a boat tour, this is the best spot to admire “Chicago’s city line.”
CAF’s Architecture Cruise Tour ⭐⭐⭐
A bit pricey, but I highly recommend it if you’re interested in architecture and history. The tour guides are knowledgeable, and the cruise is fun. Note: cruises start in April. CAF also organizes a full suite of architecture/history tours; their riverside exhibition space is worth a visit. Buying a tour often comes with an exhibition ticket—don’t miss this if you’re a history/architecture fan.
Amazon Go Store Tech lovers: experience a cashless store—very futuristic!
Outlets & Shopping #
Located in the suburb of Aurora, you can take a train there. A good half- or full-day trip. Not everything is deeply discounted—best for off-season or odd-size shopping. Some stores offer extra student, teacher, healthcare, or military discounts: always ask! I usually check online prices before buying just to compare.
Smaller, but next to O’Hare airport—convenient if you have extra airport time.
Hidden Gems & Personal Faves #
The Coffee & Tea Exchange ⭐⭐⭐ (4.8/5.0, 650+ reviews) TC’s rating: 4.85/5.00
A personal favorite a bit outside downtown. I especially love their fruit teas (recommend: Peach and Passion Fruit; they often sell out!). Their coffee selection is extensive—ask the staff for tips.