Our Top 25 Picks for Chicago Restaurant Week 2019

With nearly 400 options for restaurant week, Chicago Planner Magazine is sharing our Top 25 go-to spots for Restaurant Week 2019.

Aba

302 N. Green St. 3rd Fl. Chicago, IL 60607 | (773) 645-1400 | Dinner @ $48

Aba is one of the most beautiful restaurants in Chicago, with higher-end Mediterranean fare.  This Instagram-friendly spot gives you the feeling of elegance you need during this time of year.

Chicago Oyster House

1933 S. Indiana Ave. Chicago, IL 60616 | (312) 225-8833 | Dinner @ $48

Three courses of seafood followed by key lime pie sound divine, or you could opt to add some “turf” to your “surf” with either the filet mignon or lamb chop entree.  

Chicago Q

1160 N. Dearborn St. Chicago, IL 60610 | (312) 642-1160 | Brunch & Lunch @ $24, Dinner @ $36

While we’re a little obsessed with their brunch, Chicago Q’s smoked wings and brisket offerings on the dinner menu would bring us through the door later in the day. If you do go for brunch, be sure to complement your meal with one or two of their decadent Bloody Marys.

Duck, Duck Goat

857 W. Fulton Market Chicago, IL 60607 | (312) 902-3825 | Brunch @ $24, Dinner @ $48

This hot spot is offering a great value for brunch that has upgraded classic entrees.  Dinner has an extended menu that we feel won’t disappoint.

Duck Inn

2701 S. Eleanor St. Chicago, IL 60608 | (312) 724-8811 | Dinner @ $48

This Bridgeport gem is our favorite option for fine dining with incredible craft cocktails, so it comes as no surprise that their Restaurant Week menu is excellent.  We recommend  the Pork Belly and Scallop in XO sauce. 

 

Dutch & Docs 

3600 N. Clark St. Chicago, IL 60613 | (773) 360-0207 | Brunch @ $24, Dinner @ $36

Aside from this new Wrigleyville spot having a beautiful build-out, Dutch & Doc’s is offering a delicious, straight-forward brunch menu that includes your choice of a Mimosa, Bellini, Bloody Mary or mocktail.  The dinner menu delightfully showcases a variety of options starting at $36, but offers a $48 steak upgrade option.

Flight Club

111 W. Wacker Dr. Chicago, IL 60601 | (312) 284-2474 | Lunch @ $24, Dinner @ $36

With options like guacamole or shrimp cocktail for the first course of lunch, what’s not to love?  This is a good option if you want to enjoy some fun and games with your meal.  Show up with friends and add a game of darts while enjoying a hearty lunch or dinner.

Formento’s

925 W. Randolph St. Chicago, IL 60607 | (312) 690-7295 | Dinner @ $48, Add a 3 Course Wine Pairing for $20

Formento’s offers an upscale Italian experience in the West Loop.  We appreciate the option to add paired wines, too.

Frontera Grill

445 N. Clark St. Chicago, IL 60654 | (312) 661-1434 | Lunch @ $24, Dinner @ $48

The lunch menu is where it’s at for Frontera Grill.  Located in River North, Frontera offers stand-out options like Ceviche Hawaiian albacore or Banana leaf-steamed sweet corn tamales as a first course option.

Fulton Market Kitchen

311 N. Sangamon St. Chicago, IL 60607 | (312) 733-6900 | 3 Course Dinner @ $36, 4 Course Dinner @ $48

Fulton Market Kitchen is a West Loop staple, and their menu does not disappoint.  If you’re a vegetarian, they offer a quality variety that we feel some carnivores may be wanting take advantage of too.  Upgrade and enjoy lobster tortellini with truffle butter or farfalle with butternut squash.

Hutch American Bistro

3301 N. Clark St. Chicago, IL 60657 | (773) 248-1155 | Brunch @ $24, Dinner @ $36

This menu gets all the points for including a beverage in both the brunch and dinner menu while offering food options that are downright exciting to read about (Nutella Dough Poppers for brunch- What?!).  Located in Lakeview, the options feel like a regular menu, with a variety that makes this ideal for enjoying with a group of friends.

Lobby @ Peninsula

108 E. Superior St. Chicago, IL 60611 | (312) 573-6695 | Lunch @ $24, Dinner @48

Nothing feels quite like lunch in a bougie hotel, and the Lobby at the Peninsula is exactly that.   Enjoy Vichyoisse or Kale Salad for your first course, and crispy salmon or potato gnocchi as your decadent main course. If you’re not staying for tea, they offer upscale wine options starting at $15/glass.

Margeaux Brasserie

11 E. Walton St. Chicago, IL 60611 | (312) 625-1324 | Dinner @ $36

If you want a classic French meal at a great price, look no further.  Margeaux Brasserie is located in the Gold Coast and features French favorites like steak tartare tartine, and escargot.  Upgrade options start at $8 and include diver scallops, filet mignon, or an additional fromage course.

 

Mon Ami Gabi

The Belden Stratford 2300 N. Lincoln Park West Chicago, IL 60614 | (773) 348-8886 | Brunch @ $24, Dinner @ $48

If you absolutely must have your French Cuisine for brunch, look no further than Mon Ami Gabi in Lincoln Park.  They consider a sparkling cocktail an hors d’oeurve option, which we’d say is a plus.  Mon Ami Gabi offers enjoyable, classic brunch options, including Eggs Benedict, French toast and Omelette Lorraine.

Oyster Bah

1962 N. Halsted St. Chicago, IL 60614 | (773) 248-3000 | Lunch @ $24, Dinner @ $36

This menu is seafood heaven at incredibly reasonable price.  Lunch gives you the most bang for your buck, and both lunch and dinner include a chilled seafood combo option for the first course.

Piccolo Sogno

464 N. Halsted St. Chicago, IL 60642 | (312) 421-0077 | Lunch @ $24, Dinner @ $36

Piccolo Sogno is a great spot for classic Italian fare done right.  Their lunch menu won’t disappoint with entree options that include chicken with goat cheese and shredded duck.

Promontory

5311 S. Lake Park Ave. W Chicago, IL 60615 | (312) 801-2100 | Dinner @ $36

As Hyde Park’s premier cocktail destination, Promontory is worth the short Metra trip from downtown to enjoy “Oysters Rockafella” from their signature cocktail list before diving into either the lamb shank or red snapper.  Promontory is not only a foodie go-to, but features a music venue if you want the fun to continue. 

Quartino Ristorante

626 N. State St. Chicago, IL 60654 | (312) 698-5000| Dinner @ $48 for TWO Guests

The best value for Chicago’s Restaurant Week in terms of price and location, the $48 option is the rare offering intended for two, leaving plenty of room in your budget for a bottle of wine and a couple of modern Italian cocktails at this charming spot in the heart of downtown.

Roka Akor

 

456 N. Clark St. Chicago, IL 60654 | (312) 477-7652 | Lunch @ $24, Dinner @ $48

Roka has an amazing menu, and their expertise shows in the options.  We appreciate the distinctive upgrade of the dinner options including a “for the table” item.  However, you can still get something as decadent as Wagyu Beef & Kimchi Dumplings for lunch.

Ruth Chris

431 N. Dearborn Chicago, IL 60654 | (312) 321-2725 | Lunch @ $24, Dinner @ $48

Ruth Chris delivers better than any of the Chicago steakhouses for a full, classic steak meal.  For only $24 for lunch, you can get a 6 oz petite filet with your choice of mashed potatoes, creamed spinach or sweet potato casserole, and a chef’s choice dessert.

Smoke Daddy

1804 W. Division Chicago, IL 60622 | (773) 772-6656 | Brunch & Lunch @ $24, Dinner @ $36

The Wrigleyville outpost of the Wicker Park mainstay offers a signature Bloody Mary as a perfect accompaniment to the pulled pork Benedict for their $24 brunch.  All of their options ensure you receive a hearty, barbecue experience so you won’t go wrong no matter the time of day!

Spiaggia Cafe

980 N. Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL 60611 | (312) 280-2750 | Lunch @ $24, Dinner @ $48

Spiaggia has excellent food, and a great location.  Their lunch menu is reasonably priced at $24 for a true, classic Italian meal.

Swift & Sons

1000 W. Fulton Market Chicago, IL 60607 | (312) 733-9420 | Dinner @ $48

The Key lime tart with Thai basil granita sounds like a wonderful conclusion to rich meal featuring beef Bolognese and seared scallops, or if you’re feeling particularly carnivorous, ribeye with guajillo aioli.   

Taste 222

222 N. Canal St. Chicago, IL 60616 | (312) 383-6620 | Lunch @ $24, Dinner @ $36

Umami Sliders and shrimp avocado toast meet elegant and charming decor at Taste 222.  Located in the West Loop, Taste 222 offers an approachable, upscale menu.

Tortoise Club

350 N. State St. Chicago, IL 60654 | (312) 755-1700 | Lunch @ $24, Dinner @ $48

We were intrigued by the $48 dinner that included options like smoked trout Caesar salad for the first course and root beer glazed crispy half duck with wild rice stuffing with lingonberry gastrique for the entree.  Centrally located downtown, we think you’ll enjoy the full experience at Tortoise Club.

Honorable Mention: Rainforest Cafe

605 N. Clark St. Chicago, IL 60654 | (312) 787-1501 | Lunch @ $24, Dinner @ $36

We realize that this list is focused on adult diners, so we wanted to give Rainforest Cafe an honorable mention for a great menu that would appeal to both kids and adults.  They offer appetizer varieties like cheese sticks for kids or spinach artichoke dip for moms and dads, and classic American fare including burgers, tacos and salads, making it a fun downtown destination for families.