Tortas Frontera by Rick Bayless
Celebrated Chicago chef Rick Bayless’s farm-to-terminal torta counter inside O’Hare itself, a genuinely distinctive made-to-order bite and an airport landmark that sits squarely in the O’Hare community area
The Farehouse O’Hare Plaza
A rare made-from-scratch restaurant, cafe, and full bar tucked inside the O’Hare Plaza complex within the residential O’Hare community pocket between Cumberland and East River Road
Gerry’s Fish & Chicken
Long-running neighborhood fish-and-chicken counter serving fried catfish, shrimp, and wings on a stretch of Michigan Ave where few independent sit-down spots remain
Nick’s Gyros
Longtime counter-service Greek-American spot on 63rd Street known for oversized gyros, char burgers and fresh-cut fries at bargain prices
Virtue Restaurant & Bar
Chef Erick Williams’s Michelin-recognized ode to Southern and diaspora cooking, one of Hyde Park’s marquee dining rooms
Evelyn’s Food Love
A beloved Washington Park spot for from-scratch soul food, seafood and brunch run by chef-owner Evelyn since 2017
Nafsi South Shore
Elevated soul food inside the historic South Shore Cultural Center, serving shrimp and grits and chicken and waffles with lakefront views
Majani Soulful Vegan Cuisine
Fast-casual plant-based soul food near the South Shore lakefront, rooted in Southern and African flavors
Daley’s Restaurant
Chicago’s oldest continuously operating restaurant (since 1892), now inside the Woodlawn Green Line station, serving soul food and classic diner breakfasts
The Polo Inn
Char-grilled steaks and chops in a restored 1914 space that was once Chicago’s oldest ice cream parlor