2. Frontera Grill
8.4
445 N Clark St (btwn Illinois St & Hubbard St), Chicago, IL
Mexican Restaurant · River North · 256 tips and reviews
Chicago magazine: On recent visits, we enjoyed top-notch seviche, a satisfying tamal de chivo (goat), and lovely torta de elote for dessert. Read more.
Miguel Fernandez D: Must try the tamales. The spicy margarita is awesome.
larok: Frog legs tamal was delish! Also sopa azteca! And blue agave margarita!!
5. Sable Kitchen & Bar
505 N State St (at W Illinois St), Chicago, IL
New American Restaurant · Near North Side · 198 tips and reviews
Andie Cumber: Sweet corn tamales, roasted poblano, pumpkin seed mole and egg on top has just the right amount of heat so your sinuses are not wide open!
Mike Chernysh: The veggie sliders were great and so were the deviled eggs. Highly recommend their cocktail menu.
Time Out Chicago: Thought you'd want to know: Sable Kitchen & Bar has been nominated for Best New Beverage Program in Time Out Chicago’s 2011 Eat Out Awards. Vote now! Read more.
6. Portillo's
8.9
100 W Ontario St (at Clark St), Chicago, IL
Hot Dog Joint · River North · 667 tips and reviews
Stuart Kohl: Get a dog, get an Italian beef but also get a tamale on the side. They are amazing.
jiresell: The best hot dogs! Krinkle cut fries! Get a tamale. And a combo need and sausage with giardenara!
Manbque: Great burger, better fries, and outstanding chocolate cake. Trust me on the cake.
7. Theory
6.9
9 W Hubbard St (at N State St), Chicago, IL
Lounge · Near North Side · 72 tips and reviews
Jessie Clapper: The short rib tamales are delicious.
Bryan Schatz: Hands down, my favorite sports bar in Chicago. Try the crab dip and the nacho bites to start!
Time Out Chicago: Save the yelling and arm-waving for the Wrigleyville sports bars; this newcomer is for the sophisticated sports fan. The stools are cushioned, the music is mixed, and the specialty drinks are potent. Read more.
9. Al's #1 Italian Beef
8.4
169 W Ontario St (at Wells), Chicago, IL
Sandwich Spot · River North · 85 tips and reviews
Lina Gonzo: Get the Italian Beef with Peppers, fries, and a drink. Sounds simple? It is. The taste is incredible!
Matt Thompson: Best beef in the city! A must have if you're from outta town. Always have specials and a friendly staff to serve you!
Travel Channel: Try one of the dipped beef sandwiches - they've been a Chicago staple for 70 years. As seen on Man v Food: Chicago.
11. Streeter's Tavern
6.2
50 E Chicago Ave (at N Rush St), Chicago, IL
Dive Bar · Near North Side · 52 tips and reviews
Paula Kunin: casual bar , good music , giant yenga, beer pong and foosball
Chad: The big mirror on the wall by the men's room is two way... very cool. Piss and make sure no one is messing with your girl at the same time
Dan Gaken: Best bathroom in the windy city! The men's room has a two-way mirror looking back into the bar!