Tiffany Wong: solidly the best donut place. i love their maple bacon cruller, pistachio lemon cake, apple cider cake, and cinnamon crunch raised.
Steve Kozarovich: Maple Bacon is a winner. But butterscotch old fashioned is fantastic! Look for the oversized donut sign or you'll miss this place.
Serious Eats: Pistachio-Meyer Lemon Doughnut: a bright, citrus glaze holds the toasted pistachios perfectly in place, but isn't too sweet as to overwhelm the actual taste of the old-fashioned doughnut itself.
2. River Roast
8.7
315 N La Salle Dr, Chicago, IL
Restaurant · River North · 56 tips and reviews
Chicagoist: The menu here has so many delicious items. Try the pillowy blini with creamy trout, perfectly crisped potatoes, an intensely complex turnip gratin, and meat, lots and lots of meat. Read more.
PureWow: Come hungry. These are not your typical small plates. Get the fish of the day! Read more.
Ritu Reimer: Shrimp & grits. RR potatoes. rabbit n waffles. All amazing!
6. The Gage
9.0
24 S Michigan Ave (btwn Monroe & Madison St.), Chicago, IL
Gastropub · The Loop · 341 tips and reviews
kate ryan: Elk poutine=amazingness. The rabbit salad, lamb entree and salmon entree were all equally delicious as well!
Teri Gidwitz: Try the Regular burger - maybe the best burger in the city. Read more.
Serious Eats: Chef Dirk Flanigan's upscale tavern, featuring incredible sandwiches, filling entrees, and a great burger.
8. South Water Kitchen
7.0
225 N Wabash Ave (at Wacker Pl.), Chicago, IL
American Restaurant · The Loop · 51 tips and reviews
Sarah Powers: WONDERFUL! Delicious food. MUST try the homemade granola. Great waitstaff, very friendly and knowledgeable.
Crain's Chicago Business: The grilled eggplant sandwich showcases clear flavors between the smoky eggplant with hints of cumin, fava bean purée, watercress and a thick slice of parmesan. Read more.
Shane Couturier: No artificial colors in the beer and spirits? This makes for some unconventional flavors and drink mixes. Is all natural beer any healthier?