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Top Restaurants In Old Town, Chicago

CHICAGO Illinois Old Town circular metal sign over sidewalk in neighborhood shop signs along street
CHICAGO Illinois Old Town circular metal sign over sidewalk in neighborhood shop signs along street | © Kim Karpeles / Alamy Stock Photo

Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood houses some of the most diverse dining experiences in the city. You’ll find smaller sports bars that serve as sponsors for the beer league teams down the street to some classier dining. Conveniently located a few blocks away from Lincoln Park (arguably the best park in all of Chicago), it’s no small wonder that this neighborhood attracts a more active crowd. Here are 10 of the best places to eat in Old Town, Chicago.

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Chicago Q

In a city that was quick to adopt jazz and the blues into the music scene, good Southern barbecue wasn’t far behind. Chicago q continues in that tradition with their high-quality meat and house rubs, all prepared for you with that Southern flair. Although they are on the pricey side, you can’t beat Chicago q when it comes to portion size and quality. They even have alligator for you Southerners that have found yourself a long way from home.

Topo Gigio

Topo Gigio embodies everything that comes with excellent Italian food, comfort, hominess, and of course, romance. But during the warmer months in Old Town, Chicago, Topo Gigio becomes the best casual date spot in the neighborhood. With outdoor seating right on N Wells Street, you really get a sense of the neighborhood, the people laughing as they go to and from shows, the sweaty athletes heading to their favorite pub after a hard fought victory, and everyone else in between. This compounded with the exquisite Italian cuisine, such as their mouthwatering conchiglie alla sarda, a seashell pasta in a tomato-cream sauce with ground sausage, peas and pecorino cheese, make it impossible to go wrong with Topo Gigio.

Twin Anchors

In a city like Chicago that’s filled with history both big and small, the Twin Anchors finds itself in between, giving a glimpse in its own small way into the lives of historic, cultural giants like Frank Sinatra. Specializing in barbecue ribs since 1932, it’s no small wonder that many of their regulars claim this is the spot for ribs in the city. With its comfortable BBQ joint interior and incredibly personable wait staff, the Twin Anchors is a must. Apparently Sinatra thought so to, as he made sure to stop by every time he passed through the city.

Boka

Boka has garnered multiple awards since it opened

In a neighborhood that revolves primarily around American-style food, it only makes sense that there has to be one restaurant that goes above and beyond. Welcome to Boka, where high-end American food is taken to the next level. With a fair price considering the quality of the dishes (i.e. their melt-in-your-mouth Rohan Duck with celery root, kumquat, and bitter greens) and an upscale atmosphere perfect for date night, Boka stakes its claim deservedly.

Dawali Jerusalem Kitchen

Although the majority of Old Town’s restaurants specialize in American fare, the neighborhood still attracts diverse flavors, especially from Italy, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East. And so if you’re looking for the best falafel, freshest pita, or most mouthwatering kufta, look no further than the Dawali Mediterranean Kitchen. With delicious options like their beef shish kabob entrée, Dawali Mediterranean Kitchen delivers high-quality cuisine without the high-quality price.

Old Town Pour House

Old Town Pour House is top shelf, and it’s not just their jaw-dropping collection of craft beers. Everything here is high end. The upscale pub food (think duck confit nachos), classy wood interior, and mature but high energy ambiance. Don’t let the aesthetic fool you though, the Old Town Pour House is 100 percent a sports bar. So if your team is on TV, grabs some friends and head over to the Old Town Pour House.

About the author

Brady Guy is a graduate of Eckerd College where he earn his degree in Communications in Creative Writing. He is also currently Associate Producer of the PleasureTown Show, a dramatic episodic podcast set in the wild west. Brady enjoys telling stories and one day hopes to one day have his very own study to stuff with dusty volumes, none of that Kindle nonsense.

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