Chicago is a Food City

The headline says it all – Chicago is at its core a food city. Chicago is arguably one of the best (if not the best) food city in the country. Often, Chicago gets overlooked when compared to cities like San Francisco, New York, and LA but many of the restaurants that end up getting snubbed on the Michelin list here would easily land at least one star in those other locations.

For most visitors and tourists, the food offerings start with deep dish pizza and end with the Chicago dog. For even a rarer few, pizza puffs, jibaritos, and tamales may also pop up in conversation when discussing the foods that are local or have associations with the city. However, Chicago offers more than just street food and casual fare. One of the world’s best restaurants calls the city home, as well as numerous top tier chefs known throughout the world, so wherever you end up eating you’ll likely have a great meal.

We acknowledge it might be weird reading a blog from a marketing company espousing the merits of a city’s food scene but if a tire company can become the most respected food reviewers on earth, we figure we can leave a few recommendations as well.  With that said, when it comes to showing our clients what the city has to offer, we know it starts and ends with a meal. Below are a few our favorite places to wine and dine our clients and ones that will leave a lasting positive impression.

 

North Pond in Lincoln Park

For a more formal dinner North Pond is a must try. North Pond is nestled in Lincoln Park and offers an unparalleled view of the city. Its even rumored that you may spot a beaver or two if you are there at the right time of year. However, Chef Bruce Sherman’s regularly rotating seasonal menu offers a variety of delicious and unique dishes that are not only perfectly executed and unique but will surprise and delight any clients you may have with you. For our clients, this restaurant is always a hit and unlike most other restaurants that offer a tasting menu, North Pond allows you to select different dishes for each course which gives the table more options to explore. Here are the three places we like to take our clients.

 

Chicago Cut Steakhouse in River North

Chicago Cut Steakhouse is your classic approach to a steakhouse and while the food is great, it is perhaps most well know for the incredible view of the river walk. It is convenient to most of the areas our clients tend to stay and was named as one of the most profitable restaurants in the country, largely in part to how exceptionally well-managed this steakhouse is. Services is always great, the selection of steak, lamb, and other proteins align perfectly with expectations. This restaurant also has a great ambiance that makes it feel like an old school Chicago restaurant. Its red leather booths and white table cloths radiate class and always make a positive impression on our clients. It has a diehard following of loyal customers and getting a table can at times be a challenge but its almost always well worth the visit, especially if you have clients staying in the Loop or River North areas. While not an ideal option for those with dietary restrictions including vegans and vegetarians, Chicago Cut Steakhouse can still accommodate. If you’re brave enough to drive, valet parking is offered to its customers.

 

Obelix also in River North

Obelix has earned quite a few accolades as of late and those accolades are all well deserved. While billed as French, this restaurant has more of fusion approach to french cuisine and also offers an exceptional variety of great wines (which makes sense for any French restaurant). Open for both lunch and dinner, its an ideal place for a client meeting especially those who be looking for a more elevated lunch. Obelix was recently named as a 2024 Chicago Finalist for Outstanding Restaurateur for the James Beard Awards, which means getting a table may be harder tomorrow than it was yesterday but whether you’re there for lunch or dinner you will leave impressed. Additionally, Nicolas Poilevey and Oliver Poilevey are also associated with Le Bouchon and Taqueria Chingon, which are also exceptional restaurants within their own categories and are both well worth the visit.

 

Dear Margaret in Lakeview

Dear Margaret is (as far as we know) the only French Canadian restaurant in the city and while you won’t find poutine on the menu, there is no shortage of delicious and unique dishes that will satisfy even the pickiest eater. In addition to the great food and wine selection, this smaller scale restaurant offers a cozy and quiet atmosphere most highly regarded restaurants fail to match. This makes for easier conversation and a more intimate dining experience for you clients. While not super formal, this restaurant has been named as a Bib Gourmand Restaurant by the Michelin Guide, which is great for the foodie client who wants to try a restaurant with some prestige.

 

Checkout our other Recommendations

While this is just a small glimpse of what restaurants Chicago offers its visitors, we here at West Loop SEO have compiled a list of our favorite places in the city. We are as passionate about making sure our clients have exceptional experiences in the city as we are delivering exceptional marketing services. Our list offers recommendations that feature fast food to formal dining and options that are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Regardless of your budget or time constraints, we are certain there is a place on our list that will leave you happy and full. Click the link below and view Our favorite local Chicago restaurants, eateries, cafes, and diners.