Carnivale is a Latin fusion restaurant in Fulton Market.

Blackbird is an upscale restaurant in the West Loop with tasting menu options and a great weekday lunch.

Shaw’s is like the seafood version of a steakhouse. Come for a nicer dinner and order all the oyster, crab, and lobster.

Cindy’s has the best rooftop and views in Chicago that overlook Grant Park and Lake Michigan.

The Loyalist is a nice basement bar and restaurant with good food and drinks.

Hugo’s is a classic and fancy seafood spot, and the fish counterpart to Gibsons’ steaks.

Irazu is a laid-back Costa Rican restaurant with an excellent patio and a BYOB policy.

Frontera Grill is the most famous Mexican restaurant in Chicago. It’s a classic spot that’s doing excellent food in a casual sit-down place.

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba is a tapas restaurant that's been around for a long time. It's ideal for a lot of occasions.

Gene & Georgetti is a classic Chicago steakhouse that’s as old-school as they come.

Bill and Giuliana Rancic force us to like them with excellent Italian food in a trendy setting.

PQM is an excellent little cafe. We only wish it stayed open later.

Stella Barra is a comfortable and familiar place in Lincoln Park good for a lot of occasions. You’re also going for pizza, which is never a bad idea.

Prime & Provisions is the kind of steakhouse that fits a few different needs. Steaks are good, plus a few wildcard dishes elevate things to the next step.

It’s summer year round at Summer House Santa Monica. Don your finest Lululemon and chambray in an upscale dining environment.

Joe’s is consistently one of the best steakhouses in town, and you shouldn’t even order steak. Stone crabs are where it’s at.