let’s eat and drink | chicago

We’ve been soaking up summer in the city these past few weeks – riding bikes, shopping and trying new restaurants. It’s been really fun and it makes me feel like a tourist in my own town. So here’s a few notable Chicago spots – some new to us and some old favorites –

Antique Taco – this place is happening! I went with one of my girlfriends a few weeks ago for lunch and this place fills up quick. It has rustic decor, mismatched tables and chairs and a pretty hip vibe. There’s a lot of unique flavors so you won’t be disappointed with the taco selection and order the guac and chips to share.

The Bongo Room – people really rave about this place! We rode our bikes here two weeks ago. I got the croissant sandwich with melted muenster, crisp bacon and an over easy egg and house potatoes. If you have a sweet tooth, I recommend the white chocolate and caramel pretzel pancakes. There will probably be a long line but it’s well worth the wait.

Xoco – a Rick Bayless restaurant with delicious Mexican food and quick service. We got the Baja chicken tortas – garlic chicken, homemade chipotle mayo, radish slaw and black beans on top of warm crusty bread. We also had some of the best guacamole I’ve ever tasted!

Yolk – it’s a great place for brunch and they have a few locations in the city. I always order the bacon quesadilla wrap – smoked bacon, scrambled eggs and green onions rolled in white flatbread with cheddar and jack cheeses served with salsa, sour cream and red diced potatoes. I’ve also had my eye on the banana blue crunch cakes with granola and fresh blueberries topped with bananas and drizzled with honey.

Black Bull – a tapas bar and a great place to go with friends. There’s a little outdoor patio too and they sure don’t slack on presentation – the food is served on wood boards. There are dozens of options but we loved the croquetas and grilled prawns and the sangria!

Farmhouse – it’s a relatively new spot in our neighborhood. It has a great natural interior design and these pretty cool sunflower mobiles hanging over the bar. The food blew our minds. Marc had the half roasted amish chicken with fresh apricots, roasted onions and sweet pepper sauce and I had the fish and chips and as an appetizer we had the warm pretzel with spicy brown sugar mustard. Next time I am going to have to try the maple brined pork chop with collard greens and ham glaze.

Let me know if you try out any of these spots and fill me in on any of your favorite Chicago restaurants!

photo credit kate zitzer