Best Locally Owned Restaurants in Chicago, IL

19 places

Discover Chicago's culinary scene through a selection of locally owned restaurants that celebrate authentic flavors, rich traditions, and warm atmospheres.

Chilaquiles verdes

5 Rabanitos Restaurante & Taqueria

Open until

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4.0

Authentic flavors from Guerrero shine at 5 Rabanitos, where family recipes transform traditional Mexican street food into a memorable dining experience.

Arabic Style Chicken Shawarma Sandwich

Cedar Palace

Open until

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5.0

Charming, Cedar Palace offers cardamom and clove shawarma, silky hummus, and a cozy atmosphere rooted in 50 years of family recipes.

LOGO

Small Cheval- Wicker Park

Open until

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4.5

Delicious burgers served quickly and affordably make Small Cheval a must-visit. Its casual vibe and multiple locations enhance the experience.

Prawns

HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen

Opens at

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4.0

Inventive Vietnamese dishes blend with breakfast favorites here. The grilled ribeye and fish sauce wings showcase their culinary creativity.

Rib perfection!

Smoque BBQ

Open until

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4.5

Exceptional brisket and uniquely crafted coleslaw make this BBQ joint a standout in Chicago’s food scene, ensuring a memorable dining experience.

Dry Aged Bone In Ribeye

Bavette's Bar & Boeuf

Opens at

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4.5

Lively dining ambiance and standout dishes like prime steaks and homemade sourdough create a memorable experience at Bavette's Bar & Boeuf.

Donut holes

Lou Mitchell's

Open until

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4.0

Legendary in its warmth, Lou Mitchell's offers a nostalgic dining experience with free donut holes and a beloved Route 66 history.

Photo by endoedibles

Dove's Luncheonette

Open until

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4.0

Nostalgic vibes fill Dove's Luncheonette, a retro diner with Tex-Mex flair, where spicy chicken-fried chicken satisfies comfort cravings.

Storefront view, fyi... no parking in front of store

Margie's Candies

Open until

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4.0

Timeless joy radiates from Margie's Candies, with its long-standing tradition of homemade desserts and nostalgic retro décor since 1921.

Hearts & Minds trio 6/20

Green Mill

Opens at

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3.5

Vibrant history fills the Green Mill, a Prohibition-era club where live jazz and mobster lore create an unforgettable atmosphere.

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Twin Anchors Restaurant & Tavern

Opens at

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4.0

Historic meet Frank Sinatra's favorite haunt for burgers and ribs, where the secret sauce and speakeasy vibe turn meals into memories.

Chicken Parmigiana

Tufano's Vernon Park Tap

Open until

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4.0

Timelessly rooted in Little Italy, Tufano's serves cherished Italian-American dishes with family warmth, making every meal feel like home.

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Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago

Open until

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3.5

Irresistible, Portillo's offers unique dishes like Chicago-style hot dogs and legendary chocolate cake made with a surprising ingredient: mayonnaise.

Oysters, East coast

Shaw's Crab House

Open until

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4.0

Eclectic live music enhances the atmosphere at Shaw's, while their fresh crab and diverse menu truly set this seafood gem apart in Chicago.

Ribeye

Gene & Georgetti

Open until

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3.5

Timeless ambiance envelops Gene & Georgetti, where three generations deliver prime steaks and genuine hospitality in a cozy, classic setting.

Rigatoni Mandera

La Scarola

Opens at

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4.0

Heartwarming, this family-friendly Italian spot boasts hearty portions, red sauce classics, and walls enriched with memorable neighborhood photos.

Alinea photo

Alinea

Opens at

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4.5

Transformative. The experience at Alinea transcends traditional dining, showcasing innovative molecular gastronomy that redefines flavors and presentation.

Crispy Pizza

Exchequer Restaurant & Pub

Open until

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4.0

Timelessness radiates from this historic Loop pub, a former mob and jazz venue, famous for its pizza and vibrant student atmosphere.

Sliced Brisket, Macaroni Salad, Cole Slaw, complimentary white bread, Cornbread with Honey Butter

Green Street Smoked Meats

Open until

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4.5

Savoring pulled pork, brisket, and ribs in a cozy atmosphere highlights the charm of Green Street Smoked Meats. Each bite is a meaty experience.