Favorite Bars & Restaurants in Chicago: Hidden Gems Worth Visiting
Discover Some of Chicago’s Most Distinctive Dining and Drinking Spots With Drives & Detours. These Local Favorites Are Beloved for Their Unique Flavors, Standout Ambiance, and Cultural Significance
A wealth of hidden gems offer exceptional meals in Chicago — John Benitez / Unsplash
Chicago is a city celebrated for its food scene, but beyond the tourist-heavy spots lies a wealth of hidden gems that offer exceptional meals, inventive cocktails, and unforgettable experiences.
Whether you’re craving seafood, bold fusion flavors, classic barbecue, or craft cocktails, Drives & Detours’ handpicked locations provide an authentic taste of the city’s culinary landscape.
Here are four standout spots that locals and foodies alike rave about.
1. Hooligan: Fulton Market
Hooligan blends bold flavors and fresh ingredients — Pedro Lastra / Unsplash
Hooligan is the creation of Michelin-recognized chef Christian Hunter. Located inside Time Out Market Chicago, it promises a seafood-focused dining experience that’s both inventive and approachable.
The restaurant blends bold flavors and fresh ingredients in dishes, such as dressed oysters with XO sauce, peel-and-eat shrimp, and squash aguachile crudo.
Unlike the bustling food hall vendors on the market’s first floor, Hooligan offers a full-service sit-down experience, making it perfect for a relaxed lunch or evening out.
The restaurant’s design complements its menu—sleek, modern interiors with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, ideal for casual gatherings or special occasions.
It has quickly become a destination for seafood enthusiasts and those looking for a unique spot in Chicago’s ever-evolving culinary scene.
Hooligan combines the energy of a food hall with the sophistication of a Michelin-level restaurant, offering dishes that are both visually stunning and deeply flavorful, earning it attention from local foodie publications and critics alike.
2. Mirra: Logan Square
Mirra offers an exciting blend of South Asian and Midwestern Mexican cuisines — Christopher Alvarenga / Unsplash
Mirra is a standout fusion restaurant in Logan Square, offering an exciting blend of South Asian and Midwestern Mexican cuisines.
Chefs Zubair Mohajir and Rishi Manoj Kumar have crafted a menu that marries bold spices, inventive sauces, and comforting familiar textures, creating dishes that feel both unexpected and familiar.
This unique combination sets Mirra apart in a city known for culinary experimentation.
Beyond the innovative menu, Mirra delivers a vibrant atmosphere with modern decor, colorful accents, and a layout designed for sharing dishes and savoring the experience with friends or family.
The restaurant has garnered praise in foodie circles and local press, celebrated for pushing boundaries while maintaining approachability.
Mirra exemplifies Chicago’s evolving food scene by combining diverse culinary traditions into bold, memorable dishes, earning acclaim for creativity, flavor balance, and cultural storytelling through food.
3. Friends of Friends: West Town
Friends of Friends’ ambiance is warm and welcoming and you’ll be served by expert mixologists — Patrick Robert Doyle / Unsplash
Friends of Friends is a standout cocktail bar in Chicago's West Town neighborhood, celebrated for its inventive drinks and inviting atmosphere.
The bar offers a rotating menu of creative cocktails, expertly crafted by skilled mixologists who emphasize seasonal ingredients and bold flavors. Friends of Friends’ ambiance is warm and welcoming, making it an ideal spot for both casual drinks and special occasions.
The bar's commitment to quality and innovation has earned it recognition in local dining guides and among cocktail enthusiasts.
Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or a casual drinker, Friends of Friends provides a memorable experience that showcases the best of Chicago's vibrant cocktail scene.
4. Lem’s Bar-B-Q: South Side
Lem’s is famous for its hickory wood and charcoal-smoked meats — Miguel Angel Sanz / Unsplash
Lem’s Bar-B-Q is a legendary Chicago barbecue spot located on the South Side, famous for its hickory wood and charcoal-smoked meats.
This institution has been serving tender, flavorful ribs, sausages, and classic sides for decades, earning it a dedicated following among locals and visitors alike. The smoky aroma that greets you at the door is just a hint of the rich flavors inside.
In 2025, Lem’s was honored with the James Beard America’s Classics Award, recognizing both its culinary excellence and its cultural significance.
It’s more than a restaurant—Lem’s is a piece of Chicago’s food history, offering authentic flavors that reflect the city’s deep barbecue traditions.
Lem’s Bar-B-Q combines authentic preparation, decades of experience, and a welcoming neighborhood vibe, making it a true Chicago institution for anyone seeking genuine, award-winning barbecue.
Discover Chicago’s Inventive Seafood and Bold Fusion Cuisine
Make sure you savor authentic Chicago flavors, whether you’re exploring the city for a weekend getaway or a longer stay — Benjamin R / Unsplash
Chicago’s culinary scene is dynamic and diverse, offering experiences that go beyond the usual tourist spots.
These four establishments showcase the best of the city’s local dining culture, from inventive seafood and bold fusion cuisine to craft cocktails and legendary barbecue.
These hidden gems are essential stops for anyone looking to savor authentic Chicago flavors, whether you’re exploring the city for a weekend getaway or a longer stay.
Explore Chicago Your Way With Drives & Detours
Uncover the local favorites and off-the-beaten-path spots of Chicago with Drives & Detours — Aveedibya Dey / Unsplash
Take control of your Chicago adventure with Drives & Detours’ self-guided tours. Built for flexibility, packed with insights, and fully accessible offline, these tours let you experience the city at your own pace.
Buy your tour online in advance or access it through the app whenever you’re ready to go. Each route highlights both iconic landmarks and hidden gems, sharing Chicago’s rich cultural history along the way.
With Drives & Detours, you’ll uncover the local favorites and off-the-beaten-path spots that make Chicago truly unforgettable.
