Chicago Area Restaurant Guide

The city of Chicago, founded in 1833, is rich in history, ethnic groups, sports enthusiasts, movie stars, and a wide variety of restaurants which contribute to the city's charm. Whether you are looking for a four star establishment where you may be seated near the likes of Oprah Winfrey or John Cusack, or an exciting sports tavern to celebrate after the game, you'll find it all right here in Chicago.

Sports Restaurants and Taverns:

Home to incredibly successful sports teams, including the Chicago Bulls, the White Sox, Cubs, and the Bears it is small wonder that the city boasts some of the most popular and well known sports bars in America.

Chicago sports bars have an atmosphere all their own. Fans can drink away their disappointments or celebrate a recent World Series championship.

The curse of the goat may be to blame for the Cubs losing streak, but it is also responsible for one of the most memorable and popular restaurants in all of Chicago: The Billy Goat Tavern and Grill. The tavern was created in 1934 when William ‘Billy Goat' Sianis, who had previously owned the Lincoln Tavern, opened this one after the famed curse of the Billy Goat occurred. The restaurant is a huge success, although the Cubs still haven't played in a World Series game.

Other popular taverns and sports bars in Chicago include Allstar Sports Bar and Grill, Harry Caray's Tavern (the beloved Cubs radio announcer), Paddy Mac's Bar and Grill, The Wiener's Circle, Sports Corner, Timothy O'Tooles, Wild Goose Bar and Grill, and Sluggers. These taverns provide the perfect atmosphere for sports lovers and bars goers alike. You don't necessarily have to enjoy sports to have a good time at one of Chicago's historic sports bars or sports restaurants.

Favorite Restaurants of the Stars:

If you are in the mood to rub shoulders with the rich and famous, they are known to frequent some of the following restaurants:

The Rosebud Italian Restaurant is known to serve Oprah and Mel Gibson as regulars, as well as John and Joan Cusack.

The trendy atmosphere of the Rock-it Bar and Grill caters to big names such as Vince Vaughn, Fergie, Beyonce, and the Black Eyed Peas. It's always a party atmosphere at this bar.

Gibson's Steakhouse is another restaurant famed for its food as well as its customers. Brooke Shields, Joe Montana, and Bill Maher are just a few of this restaurant's patrons.

Top Cuisine Winners:

If divine food and a perfect atmosphere all rolled into one sounds like your cup of tea, these Chicago restaurants are known to be the best of the best. If you are a tourist, put at least one or two of them on your dining agenda. They are known to deliver far above your expectations every time:

Tiffin's is an upscale restaurant well known for its superb cuisine and upscale interior. With menu items such as lamb kabobs and a large selection of vegetarian items, Tiffin's is a sure thing. If Greek cuisine makes your mouth water, Costa's restaurant is the most elegant around. Authentic food, soothing piano music, and beautiful decor are sure to create an unforgettable dining experience. Some of the other ‘must visit' restaurants include The Bongo Room, The Original Gino's East, and Dee's Mandarin.

For more information and useful guides to Chicago's eateries use the helpful links provided below:

Best of the Best Dining in Chicago

Chicago's Restaurant Guide

Chicago's Menu Pages

Concierge Chicago

Chicago Gluttons

Chicago Bites: A Dining Podcast

The Chicago Restaurant Examiner

City Search: Chicago Restaurants

Yelp: Real Reviews by Real People, Chicago

The Chicago Reader- 2008 Best of Chicago Restaurants

Top 10 Most Romantic Chicago Restaurants

Best Chicago Restaurants and Chefs

Chicago Traveler: Restaurant Resources

Chicago Menu Pages: A Complete Guide Divided by Area, Cuisine, and Menu Listings

Hip City Website: The Coolest Places to Dine in Chicago

Foodio 54 Website: Like a Yellow Pages Complete with User Reviews

Where the Locals Eat: A New Directory Arranged by Dining Category, Best-Of-Winners, and Maps

My Dining Spot: Chicago Restaurants and Special Offers