With its vast variety of restaurants, Chicago is a popular city for locals and tourists to enjoy an unforgettable meal. Some restaurants in the energetic and diverse city are well-known throughout the country. From casual diners to elegant eateries, these famous Chicago restaurants are well-known for a reason: they have a long-standing history with the city and are simply the best of their kind.
The Rosebud
1500 W. Taylor St.
(312) 942-1117
Stars like Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennet to Oprah Winfrey and Conan O'Brien have frequented this famous Italian eatery. Opened in 1977, Rosebud’s chefs cook authentic Italian recipes like Chicken Vesuvio, and have a homemade signature square noodle pasta. As one of Taylor Street's original eateries, this famous Chicago restaurant is frequented by long-time regulars and tourists; business is always steady.
The Signature Room
875 N. Michigan Ave.
(312) 787-9596
Serving contemporary American cuisine, this famous Chicago restaurant has one of the best views of the city you will ever see. Located on the 95th floor of the John Hancock building, two of the restaurant’s walls are floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing for a sweeping view of the city. This makes for the perfect backdrop to an elegant meal. Go just before sunset to see Chicago in all different lights, and make sure to have a cocktail and listen to live jazz at the Signature Lounge on the 96th floor.
Gino's East
633 N. Wells
(312) 943-1124
Many people head to this famous Chicago restaurant to enjoy handmade deep-dish pizza and to scrawl their name on a wall, table or even a bathroom stall door, becoming a permanent piece of Chicago history. After it opened its flagship restaurant in 1966, this pizza place became an instant legend with locals, celebs and tourists.
Ed Debevics
640 N. Wells
(312) 664-1707
This famous Chicago restaurant's claim to fame is to be rude, obnoxious and enjoyable all at the same time. It serves typical diner food–burgers, fries and shakes–in a 50s-themed dining room, where the bar is made to look like a soda fountain. This restaurant first opened in Arizona in 1984, but that location has since closed. The Chicago location is now the last in existence.
Harry Caray's
33 W. Kinzie St.
(312) 828-0966
This Chicago Italian steakhouse pays homage to the famed Cubs announcer with its extensive collection of baseball memorabilia and pictures. The famous Chicago restaurant opened in 1987 and has since become nationally recognized, winning numerous awards including Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence every year since 1989. The atmosphere is fun and energetic, much like the restaurant's namesake.
The Walnut Room
111 N. State St.
(312) 781-3125
Diners can enjoy classic comfort food like chicken pot pie and duck confit at this famous Chicago restaurant located on the 7th floor of the Marshall Field's building. Many people make it a tradition to dine here during the holiday season, where they can enjoy their meal while sitting under a 45’ Christmas tree decorated with hundreds of handmade ornaments.
Gibsons Steakhouse
1028 N. Rush St.
(312) 266-8999
This famous Chicago restaurant has been a Gold Coast legend for almost two decades. Gibsons is housed in a space where Frank Sinatra and Barbara Streisand have both performed. Pictures displayed on the walls pay homage to its long history in the city. This traditional steakhouse thrives on local, regular business, and the staff takes pride in remembering their regular customers. People come for the huge steaks and delicious, large desserts and stay for the company.
Charlie Trotter's
816 W. Armitage Ave.
(773) 248-6228
Not only famous in Chicago, this restaurant is regarded as one of the finest restaurants in the world. For over 18 years the chefs have been dedicated to its excellence in culinary arts, with innovative, ever-changing cuisine. The restaurant offers three daily “degustation” menus: the Grand Menu, the Vegetable Menu and the Kitchen Table Menu. At this famous Chicago restaurant, diners are sure to please their palates with one of the priciest–but finest–meals in the city.
Fogo De Chao
661 N. Lasalle St.
(312) 932-9330
This famous Chicago restaurant follows the concept of “espeto corridor,” which in Portuguese means continuous service. Instead of a traditional menu, the restaurant offers an all-you-can-eat Brazilian buffet where guests can sample from over 15 cuts of fire-roasted meats, a variety of salads, fresh-cut vegetables and Brazilian side dishes. Flipping your coaster from red to green will signal that you're prepared for a feast of meat, carved tableside. Flip the coaster back to take a break, then rinse and repeat until you simply can't ingest anything more.
Billy Goat Tavern
430 N. Michigan Ave.
(312) 222-1525
Famously spoofed by John Belushi on Saturday Night Live (Cheezborger, Cheezborger!), Billy Goat’s has been a Chicago landmark, and quintessential diner, since 1934. It has moved locations since it was first established, but still serves the same great food. The famous Chicago restaurant's walls are covered with Chicago newspapers and photographs, and is a genuine symbol of the city's straightforward attitude. Original owner William “Billy Goat” Sianis and his goat were said to have cursed the Cubs back in 1945 when the goat wasn't allowed entrance to the game.
