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

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

Cafe Cancale is a seafood-focused French restaurant in Wicker Park.

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

Cabra is a great Peruvian-inspired small plates restaurant in the West Loop.

The Smith is a chain restaurant from New York. It’s a good place to get together when food isn’t the most important aspect of the night.

Cebu is a Filipino restaurant in Wicker Park.

Mako is a fancy omakase-only restaurant in the West Loop.

Galit is a Middle Eastern restaurant in Lincoln Park with great food.

Spinning J is an excellent bakery and soda fountain in Humboldt Park that has housemade sodas, fresh baked pies, and sandwiches.

Cira is a Mediterranean restaurant inside The Hoxton hotel in the West Loop.

Roister is a pricey, casual restaurant from the Alinea team located in the West Loop.

Lost Larson is a bakery and restaurant in Andersonville with very good food and a nice outdoor patio.

Middle Brow is an all-day brew pub that specializes in pizza and bread.

Jeong is an upscale Korean restaurant in West Town with delicious food.

Luella’s Gospel Bird is a Southern restaurant in Wicker Park that makes great fried and jerk chicken.