13 Best Trendy Restaurants in Chicago 🍸

Ah, Chicago… one of the great American cities. With rich history, an iconic location on Lake Michigan, dazzling skyscrapers, and world-famous art and architecture, it’s easily one of the most vibrant places in the middle of the US.

Another thing that makes Chicago stand out from the crowd? The food. 

From deep dish to hot dogs to Italian beef, Chi-town is known for gifting the world with gastronomic wonders that are equal parts classic and innovative. Whether you’re a Chicago native looking to explore everything your hometown has to offer or you’ve only got a couple of days to take a bite out of local cuisine, you won’t want to miss the best trendy restaurants in Chicago. The ones that aren’t just hype, that will have you thinking about your meal long after you’ve cleared your plate. 

We’re covering the coolest restaurants that take first place in Second City for:

• Brunch spots bringing old world French techniques and all-American favorites
• Fun and funky fusion cuisine packed full of big flavors perfect for a fun dinner
• Swanky gastropubs + rooftop spots perfect for date night, girls’ night, or celebrations

And so much more. I hope you’re hungry… let’s dig in!

A Quick Amuse Bouche: Treat a Loved One to Trendy Cuisine with GiftYa

Great food demands great company. If there’s a trendy (or not so trendy… we don’t judge) Chicago restaurant that you simply must share with your favorite people, consider texting them a gift card with GiftYa. Choose from thousands of national and local Chicago stores, restaurants, and attractions, customize your gift, and it’s off. 

Then, your recipient can choose from several convenient ways to redeem – all from the phone that’s in their purse or pocket all day anyway. Just like these are the next generation of great restaurants, GiftYa is the next generation of gifting. 

Take a peek at the catalog to whet your appetite >>

Now, onward to the main course!

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1. The Girl & the Goat

📍 809 W Randolph St | West Loop | girlandthegoat.com

Chicago’s Restaurant Row – located on Randolph Street between Halsted and Ogden – is a world-famous destination for diverse, cutting-edge cuisine… and top-chef winner Stephanie Izard’s Girl & the Goat was one of the first eateries to call the now-iconic corner of the West Loop home. The goal was to bring bold, global flavors to the local community, making every guest who walks through their doors feel like family.

Dark and cozy, it has the quintessential New American gastropub ambiance. There are plenty of locally-sourced beers, creative cocktails, and seasonal menu offerings to choose from, but you won’t want to miss their most famous dish: the sticky glazed pork shank. The tender, slow-cooked dish is finished with a rich sauce that has just the right amount of heat and tons and tons of depth. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you. 

“Finally came round to visiting this Chicago classic spot and was not disappointed. Every dish was distinct and interesting.” – Yelp Review

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2. Aba

📍 302 N Green St | Fulton Market | abarestaurants.com

Aba means “father” in Hebrew – and if the family-centered origins of this Mediterranean spot’s name doesn’t give it away, Aba is all about sharing an intimate experience with your party, passing around tapas small plates ordered for the table. 

The food is, of course, amazing: flavorful and comforting at the same time. 

But the vibes truly take Aba to the next level. As soon as you step through the doors, you’ll be transported to another world latticed with wood beams, draped in vines, and washed in dim light from a variety of unique fixtures dotted around the ceiling. 

“Aba is one of those places that gets everything right -- the ambiance, the service, and most importantly, the food. It's the perfect spot for a date night or celebratory dinner, with a stunning patio and a warm, glowing vibe that makes every visit feel special. Aba completely lives up to the hype. I'd go back in a heartbeat.” – Yelp

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3. Daisies

📍 2375 N Milwaukee Ave | Logan Square | daisieschicago.com

Any foodie worth their artisanal flaky salt is familiar with the Michelin Star guide – and while Daisies hasn’t been honored with a star for their food (yet?) they have caught the iconic organization’s notice. In 2024, they received the Bib Gourmand distinction for good quality, good value cooking, but that’s not all. Since 2023, they’ve also held a Michelin Green Star honoring their strong commitment to sustainable gastronomy.

In non-foodie terms? Daisies has a real farm-to-table mentality, using produce grown at local farms that use ethically responsible practices. They’ve got a compost program, in-house fermentation program, and even programs to educate consumers about sustainable practices in the food industry. 

Their commitment to equity extends to treating their staff right, too. As a visitor, keep in mind that a 25% service charge is applied to every dine-in check to “ensure [their] deserving staff members get equitable pay and benefits.” So this is by no means a place to stop in for cheap eats, but if you want to use your dollar to support businesses that share your values, Daisies could be it.  

“If you've talked to anyone who's been to Daisies--like me--you probably had very high expectations. And if you've followed the recommendation--like me--your expectations were likely surpassed. Daisies is the perfect date night spot without being pretentious. One of my favorite restaurants I've tried this year!” – Yelp Review

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4. Maxwell’s Trading

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📍 1516 W Carroll Ave | Near West Side | maxwellstrading.com

“Trendy” doesn’t have to mean cold and intimidating. Maxwell’s Trading is one of the hottest restaurants in Chicago, but you’d never guess it by their comfortable, welcoming atmosphere. The service here sets the standard, and the New American cuisine is some of the best.

Don’t miss their most sought-after menu item: the rich and flavorful Basque Butter Cake. Yum!

“From the moment you walk into Maxwell's, whether it's a Wednesday or Saturday night, you're greeted with every seat filled in the restaurant and likely a line out the door of people patiently hoping to get a seat-- and that's for a good reason! everything we ordered was delivered with care and absolutely delicious.” – Yelp Review

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5. Cindy’s Rooftop at the Chicago Athletic Club

📍 12 S Michigan Ave | The Loop | cindysrooftop.com

Perched atop the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, Cindy’s is one of the best rooftop restaurants in Chicago. Soaring 13 floors over street level, guests can enjoy sweeping views of Millenium Park (including the famous Bean), Lake Michigan, and beyond. Once you’ve settled into the tastefully appointed dining area, you can enjoy brunch, lunch, dinner, or late night fare befitting of such a tip-top space. 

“OMG! Where do I start?!! The view is amazing and we scored a table outside at the railing with a magnificent view of Millenium Park and Lake Michigan.” – Yelp Review

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6. Smoque

📍 3800 N Pulaski Rd | Irving Park | smoquebbq.com

When you think of barbecue, you probably think of places like Memphis or Texas, but fans of melt-in-your-mouth brisket should think of Smoque (pronounced “smoke”) BBQ in Chicago, too. It’s an unassuming, neighborhood kind of place that was started by five regular Chicago guys with a passion for barbecue. 

They’ve tried all the combos to hone their craft – different cuts of meat, dry rubs, smokes, sauces, and techniques – and the results speak for themselves. Smoque has a loyal following of fans in Chicagoland… and we’re pretty sure if you stop on, you’ll be the next. 

“I can now confirm why nearly every friend of mine had Smoque on their must-visit lists of Chicago restaurants, and why mentioning this place always evoked a look of longing.” – Yelp Review

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7. The Crepe Shop

📍 2934 N Broadway St | Lakeview | crepeshop.co

Looking for a trendy little spot to grab breakfast, brunch, or lunch? Look no further than The Crepe Shop. Sweet or savory, every crepe is made using old-world French techniques and fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

The bright, cozy restaurant is the perfect backdrop for a fun morning out in The Windy City, and the expert baristas can whip up the perfect caffeinated pairing for your meal. 

“This is the real deal, maybe the best crepe I've ever had in the US. Almost as good as France, they knew what a basic sweet and savory crèpe should be. They do the classics (lemon, butter) and all sorts of tasty varieties. Highly, highly recommend this place.” – Yelp Review

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8. Ēma

📍 74 W Illinois St | Near North Side | emarestaurants.com

Orange County, CA-born chef CJ Jacobson brings a little bit of California flavor to Chicago’s River North with fresh, flavorful Mediterranean small plates. The space is light and airy, and the menu is packed with crowd-pleasing options like hummus, kebabs, and dishes featuring their house-made stracciatella cheese. 

“The food was absolutely amazing. 10 out of 10! The aesthetics of the restaurant was the icing on the cake which brought cultural appeal with classy elegance.” – Yelp Review

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9. Sweet Maple Cafe

📍 1339 W Taylor St | University Village | sweetmaplecafechicago.com

Sweet Maple Cafe is all about doing things the old-fashioned way. That’s why the restaurant has a loyal and diverse following of Chicago natives – entrepreneurs, police officers, students, professors, retirees, and more – who keep coming back for some of the best breakfast in town. From homemade biscuits to buttermilk pancakes drizzled in real Vermont maple syrup, Sweet Maple is serving up all of your morning favorites.

“Don't be surprised at the breakfast crowd that this place consistently pulls. I haven't been here in over 15 years, and it was just as good as I remember. The food is AMAZING. The indoor area gives the best at home feel. The fact that it hasn't changed is honestly so endearing.” – Yelp Review

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10. Bonci

📍 161 N Sangamon St | West Loop | bonciusa.com

Need a break from flaky Chicago deep dish crust? It’s important to switch it up every once in a while! So why not grab a slice of authentic Roman-style pizza (thin crust, bought by weight like you’re at a deli counter) from this trendy pizza shop located in the West Loop?

According to owner Toni Bonci, they’re guided by a few simple principles to make simply delicious food:

• High quality, no compromises
• Fresh, natural ingredients
• Treat agriculture as a culinary art

Badda boom. Plus, they only partner with people who produce ingredients that respect the value of food, nutrition, and culinary art, so it truly is a quality organization from the ingredients up. 

“This is not your average slice shop. This is Roman-style pizza by the gram--literally. You point, they cut, they weigh. The crust is next-level: airy, golden, with a crisp bottom that somehow still holds all the toppings without caving in. Toppings range from classics like potato-rosemary to wild cards like sausage with chicory. Bonci doesn't play safe--and that's the point. Inside, it's no-frills. You're here for the pizza, not the furniture. Grab it to-go, walk a block, and eat it like you mean it.” – Yelp Review

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11. 3 Arts Club Cafe

📍 1300 N Dearborn St | Near North Side | rh.com

I’m just going to let this photo of the skylit rooftop garden that is 3 Arts Club Cafe speak for itself here.

But in terms of food, you’ll love the curated take on brunch, lunch, and dinner – not to mention the extensive wine and champagne offerings. Regulars love the lobster roll, burrata, and smoked salmon.

“Still convinced this is one of the most beautiful spots to eat in Chicago! I especially love coming for brunch or lunch because you get to soak in alllll the natural light. If you haven't had the magical experience of dining at 3 Arts Club Cafe yet, this is your sign to do it! A must visit in Chicago!” – Yelp Review

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12. Molly’s Cupcakes

📍 2536 N Clark St | Lincoln Park | mollyscupcakes.com

Molly’s Cupcakes aren’t just a Chicago favorite – they’ve gotten tons of national attention. Molly herself won Food Network’s Cupcake Wars, and her cupcake shops have received awards from USA Today, Fox News, The Chicago Magazine, and more.

Your favorite classic cupcake flavors are perfectly executed – particularly the Red Velvet – but there are lots of creative flavor offerings too, like Samoa, Peach Cobbler, Creme Brulee, and so many more. And the flavors aren’t the only fun things at Molly’s original Lincoln Park location, either. You can grab a seat on the swings to sit at the counter, or find a spot to spread out and play board games while you munch on your sweet treat. 

Hands-down, one of the most whimsical spots in Chicago. 

“I love this place! Not only are the cupcakes amazing but the music is fun as well and the staff interact well with the customers. I have a great time every time I'm here. Saturday nights are so much fun. The staff danced and sang along with us.” – Yelp Review

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13. Three Dots and a Dash

📍 435 N Clark St | Near North Side | threedotschicago.com

Looking for a little Asian Fusion, tiki bar action? Look no further than Three Dots and a Dash. The top-rated cocktail bar offers plenty of unforgettable bites, like their thai fried chicken and crab rangoons. But of course, the flavor-packed cocktails and mocktails are the real star of this show. 

“Literally my favorite bar in all of Chicago. I'm a huge tikki drink fan and you can't miss checking this place out when visiting Chicago. Every drink is amazing, the vibes are perfect. Place is amazing for celebrating with friends or for a more intimate date. I come here every chance I get when I visit Chicago. Can't recommend this place enough.” – Yelp Review

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That’s a wrap on the trendiest restaurants in Chicago for breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks, and dessert!

There are a lot of hot dining options in Chicago, so we hope this has helped you narrow down the perfect place for your next eat. And don’t forget to check out the GiftYa catalog – we partner with lots of local Chicago restaurants, so consider treating a loved one to your fave.