Looking for the best restaurants to eat at in Chicago? Look no further than Yelp’s top 50 spots in the city, as chosen by elite users. These results may surprise you, as they highlight a diverse range of options from city staples to pop culture influences.
Yelp’s latest ranking “highlights the best local restaurants based on reviews from Yelp Elites – a diverse group of some of our most trusted and active community members,” according to a spokesperson for the company. This means that these rankings are based on the opinions of those who have tried and tested the food, making them a reliable source for finding the best eats in Chicago.
Topping the list is the renowned Girl & the Goat, known for its creative dishes and stylish ambiance. This is followed by Armitage Alehouse, Kasama, Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf, and Au Cheval – all of which have their own unique offerings and have earned their spots on this prestigious list.
But it’s not just the well-known restaurants that made the cut. Yelp’s top 50 also includes hidden gems such as Honeybear Cafe, known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious breakfast options, and Little Bad Wolf, a popular spot for its creative burgers and craft beer selection.
There are also some surprises on the list, such as Kasama and Mr. Beef, both of which were featured in the hit food show “The Bear.” This is a testament to the influence of pop culture on our dining choices and shows that these restaurants are not just popular among locals, but also have a wider appeal.
To determine the rankings, Yelp looked at the total volume of ratings for reviews given by “elite” users on the platform between August 2023 and August 2024. This means that these rankings are based on recent reviews, making them a more accurate representation of the current dining scene in Chicago.
If you’re looking to try some of the top-rated restaurants in the city, here’s a look at the top 20 on the list:
1. Girl & the Goat
2. Armitage Alehouse
3. Kasama
4. Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf
5. Au Cheval
6. Aba
7. The Purple Pig
8. Ciccio Mio
9. Honeybear Cafe
10. Little Bad Wolf
11. Indienne
12. Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings
13. Miru
14. Monteverde
15. Uncle Mike’s Place
16. Il Porcellino
17. Daisies
18. Trivoli Tavern
19. Alla Vita
20. Virtue Restaurant
For the full top-50 ranking, visit Yelp’s website.
In addition to these top restaurants, Yelp also revealed some interesting facts about the dining scene in Chicago. For example, the city is known for its love of burgers, as evidenced by the numerous burger joints on the list. And when it comes to Halloween, Illinois’ favorite candy is Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and the Chicago suburb of Naperville was named one of the top trick-or-treat towns in the ranking.
Chicago has always been known for its diverse and vibrant food scene, and these rankings only further solidify its reputation. With options ranging from fine dining to casual eateries, there is something for everyone in the Windy City. So next time you’re in Chicago and looking for a great meal, be sure to check out Yelp’s top 50 list for some delicious recommendations.
