Wisconsin
Madison's fleet impresses. Trucks ladling out adventurous dishes – East African, Jamaican, Indonesian, vegan – huddle at the Library Mall (aka at the foot…
Must-see restaurants in The Great Lakes
Ohio
Transcendent bacon and egg sandwiches, sublime doughnuts plumped with custard and flaky-crust tarts filled with tomatoes and herbed cheese win the day at…
Chicago
This bustling all-vegetarian South Indian restaurant serves toasty, kite-sized dosas (crepes made with rice and lentil flour) stuffed with all manner of…
Chicago
This neighborhood pub is known for its tavern-style pizza (with wafer-thin crust and sweet sauce) and its Polish dishes (such as pierogi and potato…
Ohio
A hippie co-op 40-plus years ago, the Winds has grown up to become a sophisticated foodie favorite plating seasonal dishes such as fig-sauced asparagus…
Gold Coast
Eight food trucks hub at the corner of Front and Wellington Sts, serving up barbecue, sushi, tacos and more, while the onsite bar pours craft beer and…
Ohio
It's the less formal restaurant at Young's dairy farm, serving omelets, burgers and sandwiches. But those are just clumsy foreplay for the main event:…
Upper Peninsula
Settle in at a rustic wood table amid locals and nibble a blueberry cream puff or espresso fudge brownie. For breakfast, one of the signature, over-the…
Wicker Park, Bucktown & Ukrainian Village
Early risers can get their fix of fantastic baked goods here starting at 6am, and everyone else can swing by at a more reasonable hour for Letizia’s…
Wisconsin
The Union Hotel & Restaurant dates from 1893, and simply walking into the main dining room takes you back in time at least a few decades. Dress up for…
Indiana
It's hard to beat a plate of mini burgers and a caramel milkshake while sitting at the counter on a twirly stool. Hinkle’s is an old-school diner in…
Chicago
Little Nha Hang may not look like much from the outside, but it offers a huge menu of authentic, well-made Vietnamese dishes. It's terrific for slurping…
Minneapolis
Descend the stairs to Hell's devilish lair, where spirited waitstaff bring you uniquely Minnesotan foods, like the walleye taco, bison benedict, 'Juicy…
Wisconsin
It's as if a little piece of New Orleans drifted up the Mississippi and beached itself in La Crosse's historic downtown. Cajun specialties, like blackened…
Cincinnati
A hipster magnet serving modern soul food amid reclaimed wood decor, the Eagle rustles up fantastic fried chicken (dipped in spicy honey), white cheddar…
Chicago
Celiacs, rejoice! Defloured is an entirely gluten-free bakery that believes everyone should be able to indulge in ooey-gooey down-home sweet treats like…
Wisconsin
This is widely considered to be the city's best venue for that Wisconsin classic: fried fish. Choose from perch, cod, pike, whitefish or catfish and a…
Detroit
It's in an offbeat location between downtown, Corktown and Mexicantown, but that doesn't deter young urbanites from flocking in to munch on 20 types of…
Indiana
A genuine butcher befitting of a much larger town than Columbus, the Savoury Swine offers an array of deli sandwiches in addition to gourmet provisions…
Indianapolis
A local favorite, Bazbeaux offers an eclectic pizza selection, such as the 'Tchoupitoulas,' topped with Cajun shrimp and andouille sausage. Muffaletta …
Ohio
The large hall puts out a spread of worldly prepared foods, baked goods, deli fare and locally grown produce. Seek out renowned Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream…
Detroit
The 'coney' – a hot dog smothered with chili and onions – is a Detroit specialty. When the craving strikes (and it will), take care of business at…
Gold Coast
This bright-hued, whimsically decorated cafe cooks the best breakfast in town. The blueberry oatmeal pancakes, pumpkin and cream-cheese crepes, and egg,…
Indiana
This down-home charmer inside a funky historic bungalow serves tempting breakfasts (sweet-potato waffles, farm-fresh egg scrambles, fried green tomatoes…
Michigan
This cute little exposed-brick cafe offers a long list of crêpes plumped with sweet fillings (pecans and maple syrup, bananas and Nutella) or savory ones …
Detroit
A sleek, industrial vibe marks this Detroit hot spot. The menu is all modern as well, with creative sides like cauliflower and spaetzel or brussels…
Chicago
Walk past diamonds, gold and other bling in a small jewelers mall before striking it rich in this cafe at the back. Creamy hummus, crisp falafel and other…
Wisconsin
Set in a glassy building with floor-to-ceiling windows and Capitol views, this cool-cat gastropub dishes up comfort foods such as fried chicken and…
Gold Coast
Top-notch Lowcountry cuisine in Northern Michigan? You betcha. Excellent service and a warm atmosphere are hallmarks of this popular restaurant on…
Wisconsin
The German name translates loosely as the 'living room' of New Glarus and the owners here take both hospitality and the town's Swiss heritage seriously…
Illinois
Family-run Bennison’s has been tempting Evanstonians since 1938. Follow your nose into the retro building for éclairs, maple-bacon long johns (a…
Chicago
First Slice not only serves made-from-scratch soups, salads, quiches, lasagna, sandwiches and at least half a dozen different flaky-crusted pies daily,…
Indiana
Rocco's is a South Bend institution, ladling marinara sauce since 1951. After football games, lines of Notre Dame alums craving pizza, pasta and other…
Illinois
Pull up a chair at the Palms Grill Cafe, where thick slabs of gooseberry, chocolate cream and other retro pies tempt from the glass case. Then walk across…
Minnesota
The vintage, homey cafe is a favorite of cyclists, thanks to its beyond-the-norm comfort food. Meatballs with lingonberry sauce, chicken potpie and kimchi…
Illinois
This tiny Hemingway District bakery does 'murderous pies' (according to one local; yes, he meant that positively!) but if you're not in the market for a…
Upper Peninsula
Who knew you could chow terrific Cajun food this far north? Lagniappe is warm and high-spirited, even on the coldest winter day. Fried catfish, sausage-y…
Wisconsin
Vintage ice-cream parlor across the river from the main downtown core sells homemade ice cream by the scoop, as well as freshly baked pies and some old…
Milwaukee
House sausages, wings, some of the city's best burgers and something like 20 different craft beers on tap each day. Be sure to reserve in advance for…
Cleveland
Mitchell's revamped an old movie theater into an ice-cream-making facility. Watch through big glass windows as staff blend the rich flavors. The goods are…
