At Gossip Genie, we LOVE to eat. When we aren’t eating, we’re talking about food or planning our next meal. As a team of foodies, it only made sense for us to create our own Chicago restaurant guide. Here’s what each Genie said were their favorite places to chow down.
[wpgmza id=”1″]Anthony’s List:
- Favorite Restaurant: La Scarola (you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu)
- Best Date Night: Bavette’s
- Best Dessert: Mindy’s Hot Chocolate
- Best Bakery: Sweet Mandy B’s
- Best Mexican: Mercadito (for more upscale) and El Jardin
- Best BYOB: Caro Mio (BYOB Italian Restaurant)
- Best Brunch: Southport Grocery & Cafe or Anne Sather (best cinnamon rolls)
- Best Pizza (deep dish): Pequod’s
- Best Pizza (thin crust): Spacca Napoli or Coalfire
- Best Donut: Glazed & Infused
- Best BBQ: Lillie’s Q or Sheffield’s
- Best Seafood: Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
- Best Steakhouse: Mastro’s or Gene & Georgetti
Kristina’s List:
- Favorite Restaurant: Au Cheval
- “It’s true what they say – Au Cheval’s burger literally melts in your mouth! Ugh, I would eat one of these every day if I could. When you order the burger, though, be sure to get the bacon. It’s thick cut, delicious, and an absolute a game-changer!”
- Favorite Brunch Spot: Kanela Breakfast Club
- “I’ve been to loads of other brunch spots, and none even come close to how delicious Kanela is! At this point, I’ve tried nearly everything on the menu… and haven’t had a critique on any of it! Plus, the spicy Bloody Mary comes with a mini grilled cheese. GRILLED CHEESE.
- Favorite Date Night Spot:Carnivale or Homeslice
- “If you’re looking to dress up a little and hit the town, Carnivale is such a fun spot. It’s bursting with color and energy, and its drinks are fruity and delicious. For a more casual, laid-back night out, Homeslice rocks, especially when it’s warm out and the patio is open.”
- A Spot I’ve Been Dying to Try: Piccolo Sogno. I’ve heard so many amazing things but haven’t had a chance to go yet! Definitely on my summer to-do list.
Keenan’s List
- Elephant and Castle
- Sweetwater
- Aloha Poke
- Lizzie McNeill’s Irish Pub
Taryn’s List
- Favorite Restaurant for Groups: Café Ba-Ba-Reeba
- Favorite Vegetarian Joint: Chicago Diner (True Food Kitchen and Lula Cafe are amazing for vegetarians, too)
- Best Place to Stuff Your Face: Tandoor Char House
- Most Romantic Date Night Spot: Geja’s Cafe (Gemini Chicago is a more lively option)
- Best Brunch Place: Kingsbury Street Cafe (their muffins will change your life)
- Most Fun BYO: Sushi Para II (do the $20 all-you-can-eat special)!
- Great Place to Take Your Parents: Wildfire, Mon Ami Gabi
- Favorite Rooftop: Zed451
- Best Bite: Del Seoul’s Shrimp Taco
- Favorite Coffee Shop: Collectivo
- Favorite Dessert: Any establishment that carries cookies, donuts or cupcakes
Anneliese’s List
- Favorite Restaurant of all time: Café Ba-Ba-Reeba
- Best Grilled Cheese: Four Shadows
- Best Pizza: Art of Pizza
- Best BBQ: Barn and Company
- Best Mexican: El Presidente
- Best BYOB: Tango Sur
- Best Steakhouse: Mastro’s
- Place I have been dying to try: Au Cheval
- Best Brunch: Flo
Ali’s List
- Favorite Restaurant in Chicago: Au Cheval (so far).
- Order the burger. It’s the richest, most delectable burger I’ve ever had. It’s a special treat for sure!
- Favorite Spot for Brunch: St. Lou’s Assembly.
- TIP: They have a great back patio that’s perfect for enjoying your meal + a little bocci ball action.
- Favorite Date Night Spot: Chicago Cut Steakhouse
- It’s right on the Chicago River so the views are spectacular. Their service and food is ??
- A Spot I’ve Been Dying to Try: Girl & The Goat!
- It’s really hard to get a reservation there but it’s at the top of my list. I love Chef Stephanie’s restaurants here in Chicago, and I heard the Girl and the Goat is her best!
- It’s really hard to get a reservation there but it’s at the top of my list. I love Chef Stephanie’s restaurants here in Chicago, and I heard the Girl and the Goat is her best!
Shannon’s List
- Crosby’s Kitchen
- They have a salad that I will order above all else. I’m not a “salad when you go out,” kind of gal, so you know it’s epic.
- Taco Joint
- If you’re looking for guac options and a killer appetizer list, look no further. They also have a sick Happy Hour special involving Modelo and Tequila.
- Home Bistro
- Get the mussels and fries combo. Bonus: it’s BYOB.
- DryHop Brewers
- Perfect for a casual date night. Grab a flight of your favorite beers at this perfect gastropub.
- Perfect for a casual date night. Grab a flight of your favorite beers at this perfect gastropub.
Jacqui’s List
- Favorite Restaurant: Joe’s Seafood
- Favorite Date Night: Piccolo Sogno or Shanghai Terrace
- Dying to try: Mindy’s Hot Chocolate (we had a date night scheduled but I went into labor the day before so that didn’t happen)
- Best dessert: Mastro’s – the butter cake!
