Hometown Restaurants

While dining at Room 21, you expect Al Capone and his entourage of Chicago mobsters to come strolling in. In fact, this South Loop spot was once a Capone-owned speakeasy and saloon. Now, the famed designer/restaurateur Jerry Kl... more

How does a hot soup with a triple-decker beef sandwich sound in an ambiance that has the ideal blend of sophistication and modesty? Perfect! Enter this Jewish deli, which serves Kosher and many more delicacies and have a meal t... more

Chinatown's oldest restaurant dates back to the late 1920s. Won Kow Restaurant's menu offers over 100 items, from standard fare to the more exotic. Lovers of spicy food will be pleased to find a section on the menu strictly res... more

Opera, located in the south loop, is home to renowned Executive Chef Paul Wildermuth. This space overflows with color and feel of wonderland ambiance. For a truly unique and romantic evening request a private 'vault'. more

Dine amid candles and festive wall murals at Jalapeno's. Every meal comes with hot tortilla chips served with two types of unusual salsa. You will also get a basket of assorted breads;the jalapeno corn muffins are the best of t... more

For the tantalizing sights, smells and, most importantly, taste of authentic Chinese barbecue—Wing Chan Barbeque is sure to please. Look for it situated on two levels, with the downstairs featuring takeout and the upstairs offe... more

This University Village gem offers traditional Japanese fare with everything from sushi to an exposed teppan grill where you can see your meal being prepared. Try the rolls; Kohan prides itself on its inventive maki rolls. Ke... more

South Loop Club is popular with quite a few different crowds, including Columbia College students. There are ten types of beer on tap and a huge number in bottles. The menu offers burgers, pizza and an assortment of other bar-t... more

Located in the Printers Row neighborhood of Chicago, critically acclaimed chef Shawn McClain has another hit with Custom House. After the success of vegetarian themed Green Zebra and Asian inspired Spring, Custom House brings r... more

It is worth straying a few quick blocks from the bustle of Chinatown's epicenter to get to the Evergreen, a pleasant eatery that avoids the cliched dragon-and-phoenix décor of most Chinese restaurants. This is a comfortable fa... more