The unofficial guide to Chicago eating: River North

River North reserved it's spot on my food map back in 2004 when I lived there and saw the massive expansion begin. Now, it's home to more fine dining restaurants than casual and sets the bar for the "see and be seen" crowd. Truly, there are so many on my list that I have yet to make it to and more openings/closing than I can keep up with. I have a special guide coming on the restaurants that are on my wish list and River North happens to house most of them. From donuts to Asian Fusion cuisine, you can have it all with a white table cloth and top notch service. Just plan on wearing your best dress and the sparkliest pumps in your closet.

Full disclosure: I have not eaten at Siena Tavern, The Vault, RPM, GT Oyster or Bavettes. I know they would be on this list. I know it.

{If you want to read up on past Chicago eating guides including Andersonville, Lakeview and Lincoln Park...go here}

Here are my current favorites:
Best BrunchYolk/get the Iron Man omelette
Best Sushi: Naniwa/get the kani-su and the super white tuna sashimi

Best Pizza: Marcello's/get a large pepperoni and olive New York style
Best Coffee/Cafe: Meli's Cafe/get the Roasted Beet salad

Best Bagels: NYC Bagel & Deli/get the Everything Bagel with schmear
Best Rustic ItalianErie Cafe/get the Chicken Vesuvio

Best BBQ: Bub City/get the burnt ends and giddy up fries {new on the scene}
Best Burger: Portillo's/get the charbroiled burger and cheese fries
Best Tacos: Taco Joint/get the Tinga Tacos {new on the scene}

Best Thai: Panang/get the Pad See Eiw
Best Mexican: Mercadito/get the mixto ceviche

Best French: Kiki's Bistro/get the Coq Au Vin
Best Seafood: Shaw's Crab House/get the Chilled Florida Stone Crab Claws
Best Latin: Nacional 27/get the skirt steak
Best Steakhouse: Chicago Cut Steakhouse/get the half shell oysters and the bone-in filet
Best Persian/Mediterranean: Reza's/get the lunch buffet...all of it
Best Bar: Hubbard Inn/get the Hepburn {new on the scene}
Best Cupcakes: Sugar Bliss/get the Key Lime cupcake
Best Sandwich: Hannah's Bretzel/get the Pesto and Fresh Mozzarella
Best Overall: Gilt Bar/get the Pork Belly

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