As one of the largest cities in America, Chicago is a culinary mecca. It is famous for its deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, and Italian beef sandwiches. However, there are many hidden gem restaurants in Chicago that offer unique and delicious food, and they are off the beaten path. Here are the top five hidden gem restaurants in Chicago:
1. Honey Butter Fried Chicken:
Located in Avondale, Honey Butter Fried Chicken serves one of the best- fried chicken in Chicago. Honey Butter Fried Chicken offers a unique product that is imported only from Indiana. The chicken is marinated for 12 hours and cooked in a pressure fryer, which results in super juicy, tender, and crispy chicken. Customers can choose different seasoning and various dipping sauces. It is also known for its homemade biscuits that come with whipped honey butter.
2. Alinea:
Alinea is a fine dining experience located in Lincoln Park. At Alinea, patrons can enjoy innovative cuisine that is unique and visually stunning. The restaurant serves a 17 to 20-course dinner, with dishes such as a floating edible balloon, hot potato cold potato, and lobster with passion fruit. Alinea is not just a restaurant; it is a theatrical experience that is worth the splurge.
3. Smoque BBQ:
Smoque BBQ is located in Irving Park, and it serves the best barbecue in Chicago. The restaurant offers a variety of slow-cooked meats, such as brisket, pulled pork, chicken, and ribs, that are seasoned with a homemade dry rub and smoked over hardwood for 12-14 hours. Smoque BBQ also offers a variety of homemade sides, such as mac and cheese, coleslaw, and baked beans, that are perfectly complementary to the meats.
4. Cellar Door Provisions:
Cellar Door Provisions is located in Logan Square and offers one of the best breakfast and brunch menus in Chicago. The restaurant offers homemade bread, pastries, and seasonal dishes that are made with locally-sourced ingredients. Patrons can enjoy dishes like homemade granola, tartine with avocado and egg, and bacon, egg and cheese biscuit sandwiches.
5. Katsu:
Katsu is located in Norwood Park, and it serves some of the best sushi in Chicago. The restaurant provides an authentic Japanese experience with dishes made using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Katsu serves a unique sushi menu, and each piece of sushi is perfectly crafted and presented. Customers also can enjoy other Japanese dishes, such as tempura and udon, that are made with premium ingredients.
In conclusion, Chicago has a lot of hidden gems when it comes to restaurants. These five restaurants offer unique dining experiences and delicious food that is worth sampling. Whether it is chicken and biscuits, 17-course dinners, barbecue, homemade bread, or sushi, these hidden gem restaurants in Chicago offer something for everyone.