Huaraches Dona Chio is an excellent cash-only Mexican spot in Edgewater.

Au Cheval in the West Loop has our favorite Chicago burger, but that’s not the only great thing on the menu.

5 Rabanitos is a casual BYOB restaurant in Pilsen serving seriously great Mexican food.

Chicago Cut is a great steakhouse right on the river ideal for special occasions and power business meals.

Gibsons is a classic Chicago steakhouse that deserves its reputation.

Excellent sushi in an unlikely spot. This tiny restaurant at the bottom of the Hilton hotel on Mies van der Rohe Way street is worth a trip for any real sushi fan.

We wanted to hate it, but we can’t. RPM Steak can hang with the Chicago steakhouse classics any day.

Bad Hunter is an excellent vegetable-focused restaurant in the West Loop.

Swift & Sons might have a separate seafood restaurant inside of it, but this steakhouse is the star of the show.

Quality BBQ exists, and you don’t need to head south. Irving Park is where it’s at.

Daisies in Logan Square serves excellent housemade pasta that will make you want to eat your vegetables.

Sushi-san is an upbeat restaurant in River North with high-quality sushi and tasty small plates.

Duck Duck Goat is a high-end Chinese restaurants that’s always fun with excellent and interesting food.

Tiztal Cafe is a breakfast place in Uptown that serves amazing chilaquiles.

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.

Momotaro is like a Japanese Discovery Zone. You may need to sample the menu a bit, but hit your stride and it’s a great meal.