Five Must Eats in Chicago

A couple of weeks ago I headed to Chicago for BlogHer ’13. I was a little bit nervous about heading to another big city after my experience in New York last year. New York was big, overwhelming and not the least bit as glamorous as I was expecting. Now before you scoff at me about big cities, I live near Los Angeles, but not down town Los Angeles, plus New York is definitely a bigger city feel than LA, in my humble opinion. But back to Chicago, while I was nervous, I was also excited. One because I had so many amazing friends that were also headed to BlogHer this year and two because all I wanted to do was try all the amazing food! I heard Chicago has some of the most amazing restaurants, and let me tell you, from the few I ate at, the city did not disappoint one bit!!

Since I love you all so much, I wanted to share my Five Must Eats if you’re ever in Chicago.

Rockit Bar & Grill

If you head there, the spinach artichoke dip is to die for and the signature Rockit Burger is incredible. While the hubs tried their beer and loved it, I stuck with my norm, Sangria, which was light and flavorful.

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Tre Soldi Trattoria and Pizzeria

Their pizzas are incredible! I really loved the ambiance, it’s small and personal with great service and food. We were there for a late dinner and it was the perfect, quiet spot to enjoy a great conversation with friends.

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Bridge House Tavern

We attended a Cocktail Party event with McDonald’s while visiting Chicago for BlogHer and they served some amazing beef and pork sliders along with some mouth-watering appetizers. If you’re looking for an intimate spot right on the water, then this is definitely a must eat while you’re in the city!

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Pump Room

We had brunch here with friends on our last morning in Chicago and it was incredible. It’s the perfect, cozy spot for coffee and brunch after a fun night out. I enjoyed a Toad in the Hole with smoked salmon and hollandaise sauce and I’m telling you there wasn’t a morsel left on the plate it was so yummy.

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 [my iPhone pic of my delicious brunch]

Yolk

Our last stop in Chicago was Yolk for a late brunch and my, oh my, was it yummy! Even though I had devoured that delicious brunch at Pump Room only hours earlier, it didn’t stop me from enjoying all the wonders Yolk had to offer us. This spot is a local favorite and at any given point in the day you may way over 30 minutes to eat, but let me tell you, it’s worth the wait!

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While we were in Chicago, we used the Open Table app to make reservations, especially in the evenings for dinner. In fact, it was how we found Tre Soldi. It was one of the few spots with an open table at 9pm. I highly suggest downloading it so you can enjoy a table at the restaurants I just shared with you. I seriously can’t wait to make another trip back soon, just so I can eat at some more of their great restaurants. My one regret was not making it to a deep dish pizza spot.

Have you ever been to Chicago?

Do you have any other great foodie recommendations?