Where to Eat: Chicago

Blueberry fritter and pistachio donut.

Chicago's restaurant and bar scene paints a diverse culinary landscape that creates options for visitors from around the world. Chicago is known for its rich gastronomic options, ranging from classic deep-dish pizzas to rooftop bars with city views. Chicago's restaurant and bar scene promise to tantalize your taste buds for every meal of the day.

The Starbucks Reserve Roastery

(Pictured: Inside the roastery; food and beverage items from the roastery.)

The Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Chicago is an extraordinary coffee destination, and is currently the largest Starbucks Coffee establishment. Spanning five stories and 35,000 square feet, it's a coffee lover's paradise. The interior is well-designed and features a copper silo and an impressive coffee cask, adding to the ambiance. I would also like to note that this is a great place to use the restroom while in the city, as they are clean and plentiful at this location. Each story features different items, so be sure to check out each floor. They even serve cocktails on the top floor- we enjoyed an espresso martini flight during our visit to their bar. From sipping rare Reserve coffees that you will not find at your typical Starbucks, to indulging in their mouth-watering baked goods, every moment at the roastery is a coffee-lover's delight. If you are in the Windy City, be sure to at least stop in here and take a look!

The Goddess & the Baker

(Pictured: Breakfast at the Goddess and the Baker.)

The Goddess & the Baker is charming cafe that offers a wide array of options for breakfast, from pastries and breakfast sandwiches to creative coffee concoctions, this was a lovely place to stop and have breakfast. The decor was delightful and trendy, and they had an outdoor patio that was ideal to enjoy the city view while having breakfast.

3 Arts Club Cafe

(Pictured: Breakfast inside the 3 Arts Club.)

Breakfast at the 3 Arts Club Cafe in Chicago is a luxurious and indulgent affair. My boyfriend was recommended this place by a friend, and it is actually located within an extremely nice furniture store (Restoration Hardware). I immediately felt underdressed in this enchanting cafe, which offers a unique setting amidst beautiful architecture and lush greenery. The ceiling is windowed and adorned with beautiful chandeliers, adding to the elegance of the overall experience. I cannot express how beautiful the inside of this restaurant is. The food was pretty simple, but beautifully presented. I would highly recommend this for some sort of special occasion, as the menu was a bit pricey; we still joke to this day about the $20 avocado toast on their menu! However, this is a wonderful place if you are looking for a luxurious breakfast experience while in Chicago.

Yolk.

(Pictured: Breakfast items at Yolk.)

Yolk Chicago offers a delicious and memorable breakfast while in Chicago. As far as taste goes, this was my favorite breakfast here so far. I was impressed by their coffee selection, offering a wide variety of unique drinks that were beautifully presented. The menu offers a wide array of mouthwatering breakfast options as well, from fluffy pancakes to savory omelets, satisfying every craving. Yolk Chicago is a breakfast haven, making it a must-visit spot for anyone seeking a scrumptious morning meal in the heart of the city. Be warned, however, this place gets pretty busy!

Giordano's Pizza

(Pictured: Dining at Giordano's Pizza.)

If you have been to Chicago before, you have most likely heard about Giordano's. Giordano's Pizza is a true classic and a must-visit for those visiting for the first time. Their stuffed deep-dish pizza is famous; each slice absolutely packed with toppings. This place also gets extremely busy, so plan ahead and don't show up when you are starving!

Pequod's Pizza

(Pictured: Dining at Pequod's Pizza.)

Pequod's Pizza offers my favorite slice of deep-dish Chicago pizza. The mouth-watering caramelized crust, with its delightful crispy edges, sets their deep-dish pizza apart from the rest. The generous variety of toppings made this pizza stand out from the rest, and every bite was delicious. I also wanted to note that the service here was excellent. We came during the Chicago Marathon and it was packed. We were forgotten about for a while, so the waitress offered us free beers!

Rooftop Bars: London House and Cerise Rooftop

(Pictured: Rooftop bars in Chicago and their views.)

During the Chicago Marathon, I had made reservations at two rooftop bars months in advance: London House and Cerise Rooftop. Although both bars offered breathtaking views of the city, I would have to say that there was absolutely nothing memorable about their drinks or the experience altogether. If anything, they were a little bland and a little overpriced. I would also like to note that the service was not fantastic either. Maybe we just came during a busy period, but I would expect better from high-end rooftop bars that were reserved well in advance.

Z Bar

(Pictured: Enjoying drinks at Z Bar.)

Z Bar Chicago is a chic and sophisticated rooftop lounge that exudes a luxurious ambiance. This rooftop bar experience was significantly better than the others mentioned above. The elegant décor, plush seating, and contemporary art create an intimate and comfortable setting for socializing or unwinding. The area we were seated in even featured a fireplace, adding a warm touch to the atmosphere. The cocktails here were unique and delightful, and the overall experience was fun with a hint of romance. Whether it's for a stylish night out or a relaxing evening with friends, Z Bar promises a memorable experience in the heart of Chicago.