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Fan-Favorite Loop Restaurants According to Yelp and TripAdvisor

Posted  5 years ago  in  Eat & Drink

The Chicago Loop brings people from across the globe in droves for its museums, theatres, and iconic attractions. But did you know the dynamic food scene is also a major draw? These restaurants ended 2018 with 4 stars and above on both Yelp and TripAdvisor.


The Dearborn

This restaurant pays homage to traditional American taverns with tufted leather booths, subway tiles, vintage-inspired lights, and custom murals depicting Chicago's past. At The Dearborn, sisters Amy and Clodagh Lawless combine their 40-plus years of hospitality experience—both here in Chicago and in their native Ireland—to create a restaurant that unites their passion for heartfelt service, a welcoming ambiance, and classically rooted food that isn't afraid to take culinary risks.

Cindy’s

The jewel in the crown of Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, Cindy's is a rooftop restaurant and open-air terrace overlooking Millennium Park and beyond. The award-winning menu created by Executive Chef Christian Ragano features family style classic comfort food, bio-dynamic wines, and award-winning cocktails with large format apothecaries. Cindy's also boasts magnificent views of Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, and Lake Michigan.

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AceBounce

AceBounce offers a unique social experience, combining three elements of hospitality: bar, restaurant, and high energy entertainment—Ping Pong. The quality food and drink menu is carefully curated by a local team, including James Beard award-winning chef and accomplished mixologist, Rick Gresh. AceBounce's menu exhibits a mixture of American, Mediterranean, and Asian influences, concentrating on high-quality ingredients and featuring local farmers and artisan producers.

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Boleo

Named for a move from Argentine tango, Boleo brings the dramatic flavors and sultry beats of South America to the best rooftop in the Loop for Chicagoans to enjoy year-round. Forget the 15-hour flight — all it takes to get to Boleo is a 15-story elevator ride to the top of The Kimpton Gray Hotel, where the curated playlist never ends. The savory aroma of Peruvian and Argentinian street food perfumes the air, while the massive retractable glass roof keeps the vibe warm no matter the season.

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Goddess and The Baker

Goddess and The Baker is a mid-century style gourmet storefront that offers fast and fresh food, while showcasing seasonal flavors with a global spin. From salads to a wide selection of made-to-order sandwiches, Goddess and The Baker serves what Chicago is hungry for. With a passionate focus on pastries and sweets, it serves dessert all day: layered rainbow cakes, cupcakes, creative cookies, and brownies.

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Protein Bar

With a focus on fast, healthy, and flavorful food that can be served engagingly, Protein Bar is changing the way people eat on the go. Be it breakfast, lunch, dinner, catering, or a snack, you will find the menu to keep you satisfied and on track.

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Formento's

Formento’s is an Italian restaurant that features the bright and light flavors of Italy. Created as a nod to the owner’s grandmother, “Nonna Formento,” guests will experience an array of dishes steeped from traditional family recipes alongside new-age dishes created by Executive Chef Todd Stein. The world-class wine menu offers guests more than 600 varieties from around world. At Formento’s, new world culinary creativity marries with generations past. It also features the West Loop's largest private dining space.

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Gayle’s Best Ever Grilled Cheese

As a mostly grab-and-go establishment, Gayle's Best Ever Grilled Cheese uses locally sourced and farmers market ingredients for its grilled cheese sandwiches. It supports over 24 small businesses through the restaurant. They also offer on-site catering and can be found in five farmers markets in Chicago.

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Nando’s Peri-Peri

Nando's is an international casual dining restaurant originating from South Africa, with a Mozambican/Portuguese theme. It is the home of the world-famous, all natural flam grilled Peri-Peri chicken, which is marinated for 24 hours before being basted and cooked in Nando's Peri-Peri sauce.

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Remington’s

Remington’s is a classic American grill in Chicago that serves up warm hospitality, excellent service, and, of course, exquisite meals. Its seasonal menu includes American Classics, a raw bar, and selection of savory desserts. The restaurant's signature dish, The Remington, is an 18-ounce, dry-aged prime bone-in New York Strip Steak.

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For more dining options, explore our Eat and Drink page.

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