One of "the Best Jewish Delis in the World" according to jaunted.com, Ashkenaz specializes in all the Jewish classics, from corned beef and pastrami sandwiches piled high, to their bagels with schmear, to sides and snacks like knishes, matzoh ball soup, and latkes. Your best bet is trying out the Reuben or the #1.
A Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises restaurant serving Thai and Chinese cuisine made with fresh ingredients, primarily from local farmers. Their most popular dishes include: dumplings, potstickers, sweet ginger sea scallops and shrimp, and barbecue pork fried rice. Accessibility limitations. Please contact site for more information.
Nestled in the middle of a strip of bars on Division Street and open every day until 5 am, Chi-town Pizza has a reputation for serving giant slices of pizza to hungry bar-goers. Accessibility limitations. Please contact site for more information.
11 W. Division St. | 312.255.0999
Culinary Treats on Delaware Place
Dining
Innovation in food and culinary style is prominent on this block of Delaware Place, at restaurants such as Feast (25 E. Delaware Pl.), the Goddess and Grocer (25 E. Delaware Pl.), and the ultra-chic cupcake shop more (1 E. Delaware Pl.).
Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a leisurely brunch, or a delicious dinner, you’ll find plenty of options at the 900 Shops (900 N. Michigan Ave.). Try hearty homemade soups, salads and artisan crafted breads at the Oak Tree Restaurant & Bakery on the sixth floor. For classic and Sardinian pizzas inspired by Italy, stop in Frankie’s Scaloppine and 5th Floor Pizzeria. Or, for a mid-shop pick-me-up, visit King Café Gourmet & Co. on the ground level, which serves croissants, sandwiches and paninis, salads, and fresh-baked desserts.
900 N. Michigan Ave.
Dining in the Biggs Mansion
Various
The pristine Biggs Mansion, a fine Victorian mansion built after the Chicago Fire, is now home to two highly praised restaurants: Il Mulino (1150 N. Dearborn St.), the New York original serving fine Italian cuisine; and in the coach house, Chef Art Smith's southern-style Table fifty-two (52 W. Elm St.).
Located in the sparkling Elysian Hotel are two lovely restaurants — the brasserie Balsan and its upscale counterpart Ria (11 E. Walton St.).
11 E. Walton St.
Division Street Bars
Bar
Some of Chicago's most popular watering holes are located on Division Street, just west of State Street. Try Butch McGuire's (20 W. Division St.), The Lodge (21 W. Division St.), Finn McCool's (15 W. Division St.), Shenanigan’s (16 W. Division St.) or Bar Chicago (9 W. Division St.). Accessibility limitations at some sites. Please contact sites for more information.
21 W. Division St.
Downtown Dogs
American (Traditional)
Pictures of dogs cover the walls of Downtown Dogs, a hot dog stand known for their sweet potato fries. Accessibility limitations. Please contact site for more information.
804 N. Rush St. | 312.951.5141
Elm Street Watering Holes
Bar
Just around the block from the lively cluster of bars on Division Street, find two more very popular night spots: The Hangge-Uppe (14 W. Elm St.) and Elm Street Liquors (12 W. Elm St.). Accessibility limitations at some sites. Please contact sites for more information.
12 W. Elm St.
Fine Dining on Rush & State Streets
Various
After a day of luxury shopping on Oak Street or viewing the beautiful mansions of Astor Street, dine at one of numerous upscale restaurants on Rush Street, including Morton’s (1050 N. State St.), the national chain that originated in Chicago; Hugo's Frog Bar (1024 N. Rush St.) and Gibson's (1028 N. Rush St.), which share a kitchen and specialize in seafood and steak; Tavern on Rush (1031 N. Rush St.), an upscale, contemporary steakhouse boasting an extensive menu of classic American fare; and Carmine’s (1043 N. Rush St.), where you’ll find a rotating menu of seafood and chops, plus signature pasta dishes in generous portions.
A neighborhood saloon, Luxbar is designed to convey the simple elegance of Adolf Loos' "American Bar," built in early 20th century Vienna . Artisanal in style, the menu reflects what they view as an accessible cornucopia of what you might eat on just any occasion. The specialty cocktails are from natural, fresh ingredients.
18 E. Bellevue Pl. | 312.642.3400
Maple Street Eateries
Various
Find several restaurants near the corner of Maple and State Streets to satisfy your appetite. Favorites include Blue Agave (1 W. Maple St.), Dublin's Bar & Grill (1050 N. State St.), The Hunt Club (1100 N. State St.), and Merlo on Maple (16 W. Maple St.). Accessibility limitations at some sites. Please contact sites for more information.
Mr. Kite's is a neighborhood candy store that has been serving up sweets to the neighborhood since 1987. Though they specialize in chocolate, Mr. Kite's also sells fun items like s'mores, candy apples, and ice cream. Accessibility limitations. Please contact site for more information.
6 W. Maple St. | 312.664.7270
Nightlife on Rush Street
Other
Enjoy a night out with friends at some of Chicago's premier lounges and nightclubs on Rush Street. For dancing and celebrity sightings try Level (1045 N. Rush St.); for great people watching on the outdoor patio, visit the Whiskey Bar & Grill (1015 N. Rush St); the Back Room (1007 N. Rush St.) is great for live music. Accessibility limitations at some sites. Please contact sites for more information.
Gleaming high above the renowned Magnificent Mile on the seventh floor of the Park Hyatt Hotel, NoMI epitomizes sophistication in dining. NoMI engages all the senses with a distinctive blend of experiences, from its distinguished art collection to tantalizing cuisine and inspired sushi. The adjoining bar area and outdoor terrace are popular gathering spots for drinks and lighter fare.
This two-story restaurant has a homey atmosphere accompanied by a comfort-food filled menu. The Touchitunes jukebox and a few TVs scattered around the restaurant make it a fun place to stop and grab a bite to eat. Accessibility limitations. Please contact site for more information.
As a quintessential Irish pub on Rush Street for over 35 years, Pippin's Tavern offers a laid-back atmosphere different than most of the bars in the area. Anthony Bourdain from the Travel Channel's, No Reservations even named it one of his favorite bars in Chicago.
Owner Sarah Levy started selling her chocolates and pastries when she was just 22 years old and they've been growing in popularity ever since. In fact, she was recently ranked by Brides Magazine as making one of the most beautiful wedding cakes in America. Accessibility limitations. Please contact site for more information.
Based in Germany, Tea Gschwendner is the world's largest specialty tea retailer, with over 300 selections of tea. The Chicago store is one of only four U.S. locations.
Founded in Portland, Oregon in 1953, this popular breakfast spot is known for their tasty batter, made with a sourdough base. Be prepared to wait for a table, because this place gets packed.
Stop into Trader Vic's for a famous "Mai Tai" cocktail, created by owner Victor Jules Bergeron at the original San Francisco location in 1944. Opening in Chicago in 1957, this South Pacific themed restaurant offers Polynesian cuisine that is distinctive, lighthearted and memorable. Additionally, event space is available for any event or special occasion.
A favorite for locals and tourists to hear authentic and raw jazz and funk until four in the morning. Accessibility limitations. Please contact site for more information.
Bistrot Zinc is an authentic French bistrot, serving classic "neighborhood" French food. Bistrot Zinc's moderately-priced classic & contemporary French food is served amid the authentic bistrot ambiance of tile floors, tin ceilings, and the beautifully handcrafted zinc bar. Experience the romance of France in Chicago in this lively Parisian atmosphere.
