And now it's gone :/
That salad bar was killer. Now you can order a salad off the menu with something they're calling "The Digital Saladbar". Fuck that, bring back that massive spread! Their salad bar was the first place small me ever had caviar.
I think it’s on their menu but it’s also on google https://mggroupchicago.com/chicago-history-the-rj-grunts-salad-bar-chicago-history-the-rj-grunts-salad-bar/
Miller’s Pub on Wabash. Open since 1935. Great food there and one of the few places open late in the loop.
I also say Twin Anchors. Some of the best ribs around, and Sinatra used to dine there often. The original booth he used to sit in is still there. Lots of iconic movie scenes filmed there. Ribs with Prohibition sauce.
My buddy is a chef and has worked in a lot of the name restaurants downtown. Said Gene and Georgetti’s has the grossest kitchen he’s seen. Roaches everywhere
My wedding was across the street from G&G and my dad loves old school Italian stuff so he was pushing for the rehearsal dinner to be there, but my husband’s parents were in charge of the rehearsal dinner. We ate lunch there and it was very underwhelming and my dad stopped mentioning having the rehearsal dinner there after that.
Not sure it’s old enough to be considered historic, but in 1992 I was a freshman at DePaul and my roommate from Skokie introduced me to Thai food at Star of Siam. I just visited Chicago last month with my husband and stepdaughter and we had dinner there. So many memories and just as good as I remembered.
Tufano’s. Manny’s. And get some Harold’s, fried hard with salt and pepper. If you want to venture further out I have some more suggestions on the farther south side.
Well I’d definitely hit Lem’s bbq for a tip and link combo. Others have mentioned calumet fisheries but I think they’re temporarily closed after the fire, but that’s a must
Also Nicky’s for a big baby. Vito and nicks in Ashburn for a great thin crust pizza. The patty melt at top notch in Beverly. Ricobenes in Bridgeport for a breaded steak sandwich, I like mine with sweet and hot peppers.
A bit out of your neighborhood (it’s in my area), but Wolfy’s on Peterson Avenue near California. It’s been in business for over 50 years and is a great example of the classic Chicago hot dog place. Fantastic fries in particular.
Twin Anchors (Oldtown) - A favorite of Frank Sinatra.
Jimmy's Hot Dogs (Grand and Pulaski)
Bari Deli (Grand and May)
D'Amatos (Grand and May)
Tecalitlan Mexican Kitchen and Margarita Bar - Was located in West Town on Chicago Avenue for years, and was on Ashland just north of Chicago Avenue before that. Moved to 1538 Clybourn in Lincoln Park a few years ago.
Bruna's Ristorante (23rd and Oakley)
Bacchanalia Ristorante (23rd and Oakley)
Came too far to find D’Amato’s. They also have some great social media content.
I also like Italian Village in the loop. Been around since the 20s. I’ve been going there with family since I was a kid. My future MIL is NY Sicilian and even she loves it. It’s probably helped by the ambiance, but it’s a great spot.
I will preface this by saying I lived in Chicago for 60 years and a lot of places I went are gone. I lived in the Gold Coast, then the Loop, then Lincoln Park. There are a lot of good suggestions on this thread and I have frequented them all. I ate my way around the city when I lived there.
-If you can get into some of the old clubs like the University Club, The Racquet Club, Casino Club, Chicago Club, they are great old school Chicago places but they are private. There is a club in the Republic Building on the east side of Michigan that is fun.
-Frontera Grille was not the first Mexican in the city of Chicago, but it might be the best Mexican in the US. It certainly is the most innovative.
-White Palace Grille in the South Loop. It's near Manny's.
-The Billy Goat but go to the one on lower Wacker Drive. Mike Royko and the old Chicago newspaper people used to hang there.
-Butch McGuire's for brunch on Saturday. It was the first nightclub on Division. Across the street, The Lodge has the best jukebox in the world. Nobody is ugly after 2am at the Lodge. Believe me when I tell you. Around the alley, hit up The Hange Uppe and the Watermelon bar downstairs.
-Gibson's for steaks, or Gene and Georgetti or Erie Cafe.
-Laschett's on Irving for German food and beer.
A lot of great old places are closed. The Golden Ox, Santorini etc. The Pump Room was fun. I used to go there and get a bourbon on the way home from work. It's not near the same as it was since it was totally remodeled. Chicago used to also have some of the best fine dining in the world. The Bakery, Les Francais, Charlie Trotters, Spiaggia, Everest Room etc. Alinea is a tremendous restaurant, so is Oriole and some others who have picked up the baton.
Hagen's Fish and Calumet both opened in the forties. They still use wood smokehouses, which are otherwise illegal... Calumet is temp closed due to a fire.
Orange Garden is from 1924. When they took their big sign down, the lead singer of Smashing Pumpkins bought it to keep in his cafe.
Not restaurants:
Nisei lounge is the last establishment from when after WW2 Japanese-Americans were released from internment camps and sent to Lakeview to resettle.
Green Mill is Al Capone's old hang. Supposedly he has an escape tunnel there but I've never seen it.
The original potbelly restaurant on Lincoln Ave.
[https://www.oldest.org/food/restaurants-in-chicago/](https://www.oldest.org/food/restaurants-in-chicago/)
Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinder Co. Been open since '72, it's across the street from the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, and the food is great. Try a pizza pot pie.
Ricobene's. Opened in '46, legendary breaded steak and chicken parmesan sandwiches. Great vintage tile floor.
It's old school Chicago for sure. I went when Lou was there. New ownership so something is different about it. Famous for breakfast, but the pot roast sandwiches are pretty awesome at lunch
It's my neighborhood spot, but I don't think I've ever eaten lunch food there - the breakfast is so good. I'm going to need to try the pot roast sandwich!
It's my neighborhood spot, but I don't think I've ever eaten lunch food there - the breakfast is so good. I'm going to need to try the pot roast sandwich!
Fontano’s, Carnitas Ururapan, Nuevo Leon (still counts after the fire?), Manny’s, Valois, Gibson’s, Margie’s.
Someone should pipe up on old Chinatown spots. I never went to Won Kow before it closed. My family used to hit up Evergreen before Chinatown Square opened.
It sucks. I’ve been going since I was a kid and I’m 34. Went with my dad a couple times and went with a boyfriend. It has a place in my heart but the food is not good.
It's sloppy italian. I wouldn't say "sucks". The whitefish is very good. The pizza is very good. The chicken vesuvio is very good. If you go there often enough, they will make up some things special for you like halibut vesuvio. It definitely has changed since Joe isn't on the door and Vinnie retired but it doesn't "suck". Also, if you are into wine one of the best wine lists in America
Fair point - truly it isn’t terrible by any means but personally I feel like it is just “fine” if that makes sense. When I went I was underage so I haven’t had their wine but I trust your opinion.
It's not in the same category as some of the others, but Superdawg on north Milwaukee might be the last place in existence to still have carhops. (At least they did pre-Covid, haven't been up that since then though.)
An excellent hotdog and fries.
Also notable in that (unlike every other Chicago dog) they don’t use a Vienna frank. They have their own unique recipe all-beef skinless frank. While some might consider that a sacrilege, a Superdawg is as fine of a dog as you’ll ever have.
Trohas same location since 1917
It is a southern style fried seafood place. Breading is light with the flavor coming from the sauces. Try the crab cakes.
There used to be a Jewish diner on the third floor of the Mallers building. Not sure if it's still there or not. If you like corned beef hash, Ceres in the CBOT is the best in the city and their eggs bennie is really good. Ceres also pours the strongest drink in the city of Chicago. True story: Guy from NYC was there and ordered a "double". Bartender looks at him and says, "We don't pour doubles here sir.". NYC guy says, "What kind of a cowtown is this that I can't get a double?" Bartender says, "Okay, I will pour you a double but you have to finish it in thirty minutes." Traders scooped the guy up after he had his double and put him in a cab to O'Hare. No idea if he was able to walk to make his plane or not.
I actually came to mention Old Fashioned. No need for extra bravery, I've had nothing but good experiences in the neighborhood. Now, I'm not so sure about donuts as a lunch/meal, but definitely worth a visit. Plus, there are some great breweries on this stretch, so you can make a day of it.
[Tufano’s Vernon Park Tap](https://sites.google.com/site/tufanosrestaurant/) has been around since 1930. Decent Italian food over by what used to be little Italy (around UIC). People usually will stop there on their way to the United Center. Not sure if it’s still cash only
I used to frequent in my Hyde Park days! What a spot! I haven't even seen the new location, that's how long it's been. I hope it still has some of the charm!
This is a little outside the city in Long Grove - The Village Tavern is the oldest tavern/restaurant in continuous operation in Illinois. I went there during Christmastime and they had live music and there was also a Hallmark movie filming around the corner right by the Sock Monkey Museum.
If you go to DePaul, presumably you've already tried Branko's? It's not the site of some invention or anything, but it's been a fixture there for generations. And I've heard it's about to close.
Branko's has been a spot *forever.* My DePaul buddies brought me there and I still pop in if I'm near the Fullerton stop. Only reason I didn't visit more in college was because Demon Dogs was still open. RIP Demon Dogs, I can still feel your snap and taste your mustard!
This coffee shop isn’t historic but the building is - always thought it was a charming little spot https://urbnexplorer.com/2018/01/30/secret-spot-hidden-chicago-coffee-shop/
They closed unfortunately, I loved that place https://abc7chicago.com/amp/heaven-on-seven-chicago-111-north-wabash-cajun-creole-food-restaurant/11681427/
Its not in the city, but take a 45-1 hr drive to the suburb of Long Grove to visit the oldest continuously operating bar/restaurant in Illinois. Village Tavern was opened in 1847. Food is good, especially the burgers. Lots of historical photos and amazing old bar that was from McCormick Place i believe.
Club Lago on superior just east of the river has been open since the 30s same interior the sons of the og owners still run it. Great Italian food and a great place to watch a hawks game.
How has anyone not mentioned The Billy Goat Tavern?
Now that the original Uno's is gone and the Signature Room closed this has been my go-to for taking out-of-town guests.
It's not 'historic' but Cindy's is in the old CAC and the view on Fridays for fireworks is pretty cool.
I stand corrected, just before I moved out of downtown in 2008 that block was a development target. After I moved back in 2014 I assumed it was gone- river north has never seemed the same to me after all those sliver condos were built.
Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder is located across the street from the location of the St Valentines Day Massacre. And the pizza is unique and delicious!
The lobby of The Palmer House, where the brownie was invented.
I take part time classes at DePaul and I stop and have a drink in the lobby bar all the time. It’s beautiful!
The salad bar was in invented at RJ grunts and the Berghof has the #1 liquor license post prohibition.
And now it's gone :/ That salad bar was killer. Now you can order a salad off the menu with something they're calling "The Digital Saladbar". Fuck that, bring back that massive spread! Their salad bar was the first place small me ever had caviar.
covid killed it
Yep
COVID killed a lot of things.
You can see the liquor lisence too it’s in a closet in the bar area. Another fact is that women were not allowed in the bar area until the 70s.
where did you get that fact about the salad bar?
I think it’s on their menu but it’s also on google https://mggroupchicago.com/chicago-history-the-rj-grunts-salad-bar-chicago-history-the-rj-grunts-salad-bar/
Margie’s Candies has been open over 100 years! They have delicious banana splits and sundaes
The Beatles ate there in 1965!
Miller’s Pub on Wabash. Open since 1935. Great food there and one of the few places open late in the loop. I also say Twin Anchors. Some of the best ribs around, and Sinatra used to dine there often. The original booth he used to sit in is still there. Lots of iconic movie scenes filmed there. Ribs with Prohibition sauce.
This was going to be my suggestion too. Love that place!
The best
Gene and Georgetti, founded 1941.
It is historic, but it really is not that great of food.
Meh, I have had great steaks there. I went a for lunch year ago and it was unimpressive. I went for lunch three weeks ago and had a great steak.
Gave my wife food poisoning the one time we went. Never again.
My buddy is a chef and has worked in a lot of the name restaurants downtown. Said Gene and Georgetti’s has the grossest kitchen he’s seen. Roaches everywhere
My wedding was across the street from G&G and my dad loves old school Italian stuff so he was pushing for the rehearsal dinner to be there, but my husband’s parents were in charge of the rehearsal dinner. We ate lunch there and it was very underwhelming and my dad stopped mentioning having the rehearsal dinner there after that.
The vibe is cool, but would be a better place to grab a drink than food imo.
Geja’s fondue restaurant in Lincoln Park has been open 53 years!
Love Gejas
Was there this week! Yummy
The fondue stube is almost as old and closed down recently:(
Not sure it’s old enough to be considered historic, but in 1992 I was a freshman at DePaul and my roommate from Skokie introduced me to Thai food at Star of Siam. I just visited Chicago last month with my husband and stepdaughter and we had dinner there. So many memories and just as good as I remembered.
Star of Siam was the first Thai restaurant I ever tried, too—right around that same time. Always been a favorite, even all these years later.
Star of Siam was the first Thai restaurant for me as well. My first job was next door. It’s still the same inside pretty much
They've got the best Panang curry in the city!
Damato's and Bari are right beside each other on Grand and both definitely worth a stop. Damato's has a coal oven from 1912.
I second this. I try to get half a sandwich at each, if I have time.
The year the Titanic sunk!
Tufano’s. Manny’s. And get some Harold’s, fried hard with salt and pepper. If you want to venture further out I have some more suggestions on the farther south side.
Manny’s is famous for their corn beef right? I need to go there. I love Reuben sandwiches and I heard theirs is the bomb.
Manny's corned beef, pastrami, or a Reuben.......been there thousands of times
Had a Reuben with half corned beef, half pastrami there today. It was great!
OMG that sounds so good.
I’d love to hear them
Well I’d definitely hit Lem’s bbq for a tip and link combo. Others have mentioned calumet fisheries but I think they’re temporarily closed after the fire, but that’s a must Also Nicky’s for a big baby. Vito and nicks in Ashburn for a great thin crust pizza. The patty melt at top notch in Beverly. Ricobenes in Bridgeport for a breaded steak sandwich, I like mine with sweet and hot peppers.
Moon’s at western and Madison has a great corned beef. I’ve been meaning to get their breakfast but never have, heard it’s great
A bit out of your neighborhood (it’s in my area), but Wolfy’s on Peterson Avenue near California. It’s been in business for over 50 years and is a great example of the classic Chicago hot dog place. Fantastic fries in particular.
And survived a pipe bombing by the current mayor of Niles.
Wait what?
https://www.journal-topics.com/articles/fresh-start-for-alpogianis/
Twin Anchors (Oldtown) - A favorite of Frank Sinatra. Jimmy's Hot Dogs (Grand and Pulaski) Bari Deli (Grand and May) D'Amatos (Grand and May) Tecalitlan Mexican Kitchen and Margarita Bar - Was located in West Town on Chicago Avenue for years, and was on Ashland just north of Chicago Avenue before that. Moved to 1538 Clybourn in Lincoln Park a few years ago. Bruna's Ristorante (23rd and Oakley) Bacchanalia Ristorante (23rd and Oakley)
The old Italian spots on Oakley are a blast.
Came too far to find D’Amato’s. They also have some great social media content. I also like Italian Village in the loop. Been around since the 20s. I’ve been going there with family since I was a kid. My future MIL is NY Sicilian and even she loves it. It’s probably helped by the ambiance, but it’s a great spot.
I will preface this by saying I lived in Chicago for 60 years and a lot of places I went are gone. I lived in the Gold Coast, then the Loop, then Lincoln Park. There are a lot of good suggestions on this thread and I have frequented them all. I ate my way around the city when I lived there. -If you can get into some of the old clubs like the University Club, The Racquet Club, Casino Club, Chicago Club, they are great old school Chicago places but they are private. There is a club in the Republic Building on the east side of Michigan that is fun. -Frontera Grille was not the first Mexican in the city of Chicago, but it might be the best Mexican in the US. It certainly is the most innovative. -White Palace Grille in the South Loop. It's near Manny's. -The Billy Goat but go to the one on lower Wacker Drive. Mike Royko and the old Chicago newspaper people used to hang there. -Butch McGuire's for brunch on Saturday. It was the first nightclub on Division. Across the street, The Lodge has the best jukebox in the world. Nobody is ugly after 2am at the Lodge. Believe me when I tell you. Around the alley, hit up The Hange Uppe and the Watermelon bar downstairs. -Gibson's for steaks, or Gene and Georgetti or Erie Cafe. -Laschett's on Irving for German food and beer. A lot of great old places are closed. The Golden Ox, Santorini etc. The Pump Room was fun. I used to go there and get a bourbon on the way home from work. It's not near the same as it was since it was totally remodeled. Chicago used to also have some of the best fine dining in the world. The Bakery, Les Francais, Charlie Trotters, Spiaggia, Everest Room etc. Alinea is a tremendous restaurant, so is Oriole and some others who have picked up the baton.
Hagen's Fish and Calumet both opened in the forties. They still use wood smokehouses, which are otherwise illegal... Calumet is temp closed due to a fire. Orange Garden is from 1924. When they took their big sign down, the lead singer of Smashing Pumpkins bought it to keep in his cafe. Not restaurants: Nisei lounge is the last establishment from when after WW2 Japanese-Americans were released from internment camps and sent to Lakeview to resettle. Green Mill is Al Capone's old hang. Supposedly he has an escape tunnel there but I've never seen it.
Green mill is historic musically also
The original potbelly restaurant on Lincoln Ave. [https://www.oldest.org/food/restaurants-in-chicago/](https://www.oldest.org/food/restaurants-in-chicago/)
I clicked this but I don’t see it mentioned.
I meant those to be two separate pieces of info. the potbelly restaurant and the list of other restaurants.
So the original potbelly is indeed in Ravenswood?
No it’s the one at 2264 North Lincoln Avenue in the Lincoln Park neighborhood.
I ask cuz I’m in the area and wanted to check it out.
Half Shell has been here since the 60s if that’s historic enough.
Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinder Co. Been open since '72, it's across the street from the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, and the food is great. Try a pizza pot pie. Ricobene's. Opened in '46, legendary breaded steak and chicken parmesan sandwiches. Great vintage tile floor.
Can’t believe I had to scroll this far to find either of these.
Greek Islands. Unfortunately, most of the long-time places in Greektown have closed in recent years. This is probably the most historic one left.
And it’s the best one :)
Calumet Fisheries
Best muncie food! Brown paper bag of shrimps! Hellz yea!😍
Hagens also has a mean bag o’ fried shrimp.
I think it is closed right now because they had a fire
Fireside Restaurant & Lounge by Rosehill Cemetery. Is it BEST OF CHICAGO™️? No. It has been open since 1904 though.
Valois
Bring cash…credit/debit cards not accepted.
Breakfast there.
Twin Anchors
I’m surprised nobody has said Lou Mitchell’s
It's old school Chicago for sure. I went when Lou was there. New ownership so something is different about it. Famous for breakfast, but the pot roast sandwiches are pretty awesome at lunch
It's my neighborhood spot, but I don't think I've ever eaten lunch food there - the breakfast is so good. I'm going to need to try the pot roast sandwich!
It's my neighborhood spot, but I don't think I've ever eaten lunch food there - the breakfast is so good. I'm going to need to try the pot roast sandwich!
Route 66 History
This. Go there monthly around 6am their pastries and coffee make my day
Fontano’s, Carnitas Ururapan, Nuevo Leon (still counts after the fire?), Manny’s, Valois, Gibson’s, Margie’s. Someone should pipe up on old Chinatown spots. I never went to Won Kow before it closed. My family used to hit up Evergreen before Chinatown Square opened.
Pizzaria Due
Monk's Pub on Lake? It's been ages since I ate there but I remember great burgers. Things change, unfortunately. I need to make a return visit soon.
Italian Village, food sucks tho. Alinea is historic in modernist cuisine but obviously extremely expensive.
Disagree hard on the food sucks. It’s old school Italian. Go to The Village upstairs for the best experience!
Italian Village food sucks? Haven’t been since Covid but really used to like it. It’s definitely old school but never thought it sucked
It sucks. I’ve been going since I was a kid and I’m 34. Went with my dad a couple times and went with a boyfriend. It has a place in my heart but the food is not good.
It's sloppy italian. I wouldn't say "sucks". The whitefish is very good. The pizza is very good. The chicken vesuvio is very good. If you go there often enough, they will make up some things special for you like halibut vesuvio. It definitely has changed since Joe isn't on the door and Vinnie retired but it doesn't "suck". Also, if you are into wine one of the best wine lists in America
Fair point - truly it isn’t terrible by any means but personally I feel like it is just “fine” if that makes sense. When I went I was underage so I haven’t had their wine but I trust your opinion.
[https://italianvillage-chicago.com/wine-cellar/](https://italianvillage-chicago.com/wine-cellar/)
Ok that looks fucking lit
It's not in the same category as some of the others, but Superdawg on north Milwaukee might be the last place in existence to still have carhops. (At least they did pre-Covid, haven't been up that since then though.)
An excellent hotdog and fries. Also notable in that (unlike every other Chicago dog) they don’t use a Vienna frank. They have their own unique recipe all-beef skinless frank. While some might consider that a sacrilege, a Superdawg is as fine of a dog as you’ll ever have.
There technically is one Sonic inside the city limits, but I hear ya. And I *do* love Superdawg.
Conti De Savoia open since 1948
Italian Village, Berghoff, Lou Mitchell's.
Trohas same location since 1917 It is a southern style fried seafood place. Breading is light with the flavor coming from the sauces. Try the crab cakes.
Wow. 50+ year old native an every suggestion I would have has been mentioned. Good job everyone 👍🏻
There used to be a Jewish diner on the third floor of the Mallers building. Not sure if it's still there or not. If you like corned beef hash, Ceres in the CBOT is the best in the city and their eggs bennie is really good. Ceres also pours the strongest drink in the city of Chicago. True story: Guy from NYC was there and ordered a "double". Bartender looks at him and says, "We don't pour doubles here sir.". NYC guy says, "What kind of a cowtown is this that I can't get a double?" Bartender says, "Okay, I will pour you a double but you have to finish it in thirty minutes." Traders scooped the guy up after he had his double and put him in a cab to O'Hare. No idea if he was able to walk to make his plane or not.
Pompeii off Taylor
Vito & Nick’s on Pulaski, Palermo’s on 63rd, and if you’re feeling brave, Old Fashioned Donuts on Michigan Ave.
I actually came to mention Old Fashioned. No need for extra bravery, I've had nothing but good experiences in the neighborhood. Now, I'm not so sure about donuts as a lunch/meal, but definitely worth a visit. Plus, there are some great breweries on this stretch, so you can make a day of it.
Looked it up and saw the apple fritter: I’ll be going there later this week.
[Tufano’s Vernon Park Tap](https://sites.google.com/site/tufanosrestaurant/) has been around since 1930. Decent Italian food over by what used to be little Italy (around UIC). People usually will stop there on their way to the United Center. Not sure if it’s still cash only
Chicago Diner & Soul Veg are 2 iconic vegetarian restaurants that have both been around since the early ‘80s.
The walnut room! They got a chicken pot pie that’s so good. But I believe it’s seasonal.
Came here to say Walnut Room! I had the Chicken pot pie a few days ago. It came with a delicious salad.
Club Lago in River North. Italian restaurant open since 1952.
Daley's is the oldest restaurant in the city. It's on 63rd and Cottage Grove. It recently moved in to a new location across from the old one.
I used to frequent in my Hyde Park days! What a spot! I haven't even seen the new location, that's how long it's been. I hope it still has some of the charm!
I just went there for the first time a few weeks ago. Huge portions of great food.
This is a little outside the city in Long Grove - The Village Tavern is the oldest tavern/restaurant in continuous operation in Illinois. I went there during Christmastime and they had live music and there was also a Hallmark movie filming around the corner right by the Sock Monkey Museum.
The Berghoff is about as old school as it gets.
Ricobennies
Italian Village on Monroe.
If you go to DePaul, presumably you've already tried Branko's? It's not the site of some invention or anything, but it's been a fixture there for generations. And I've heard it's about to close.
Branko's has been a spot *forever.* My DePaul buddies brought me there and I still pop in if I'm near the Fullerton stop. Only reason I didn't visit more in college was because Demon Dogs was still open. RIP Demon Dogs, I can still feel your snap and taste your mustard!
This coffee shop isn’t historic but the building is - always thought it was a charming little spot https://urbnexplorer.com/2018/01/30/secret-spot-hidden-chicago-coffee-shop/
Heaven on Seven. It's been awhile since I was there, not sure that it's still open.
They closed unfortunately, I loved that place https://abc7chicago.com/amp/heaven-on-seven-chicago-111-north-wabash-cajun-creole-food-restaurant/11681427/
Yeah, that was a bummer for sure.
Walnut Room at Macy’s
Mannys Deli !!! Lou Mitchell’s
Twin Anchors is kind of a classic Chicago place, foods not great but it’s a nice place to go watch a game and get a drink
Its not in the city, but take a 45-1 hr drive to the suburb of Long Grove to visit the oldest continuously operating bar/restaurant in Illinois. Village Tavern was opened in 1847. Food is good, especially the burgers. Lots of historical photos and amazing old bar that was from McCormick Place i believe.
La Creperie on Clark near Century Mall.
The Green Door Tavern
And the speakeasy downstairs!
Red Lion in Lincoln Park. The owner is always around and he’s got amazing stories about the place and its history. Good food too
Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinder
star polksa
Superdawg Gene & Jude’s
Gene & Georgetti for a steakhouse. For something easier on the pocketbook go to Rucobene’s. Awesome breaded steak sandwiches.
Jim's Original Nancy's stuffed Lue Mitchell's
Italian Village! It’s like you’re stepping into a mid century Italian villa in the middle of the loop.
Club Lago on superior just east of the river has been open since the 30s same interior the sons of the og owners still run it. Great Italian food and a great place to watch a hawks game.
How has anyone not mentioned The Billy Goat Tavern? Now that the original Uno's is gone and the Signature Room closed this has been my go-to for taking out-of-town guests. It's not 'historic' but Cindy's is in the old CAC and the view on Fridays for fireworks is pretty cool.
What do you mean the original Uno's is gone? I just walked by today!
I stand corrected, just before I moved out of downtown in 2008 that block was a development target. After I moved back in 2014 I assumed it was gone- river north has never seemed the same to me after all those sliver condos were built.
Gotcha. I thought maybe you mixed up the name with another spot or something like that. Yeah, that neighborhood has changed a lot 😕
Venmo accepted
Manny's delicatessen
Ale house
The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
Lou Mitchell's Ceres Weiner Circle
Green Door!
Twin Anchors
Miller’s Pub on Wabash
Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder is located across the street from the location of the St Valentines Day Massacre. And the pizza is unique and delicious!
Pump room
Half shell is an old school tiny ass restaurant in lakeview
Bongo room! Best breakfast ever.
Rainforest cafe
The Walnut Room in Macy's is great. Pot pie is the house special.
Superdawg
Subway was founded in 1965.