Gold Coast
This humming pub turns out terrific broasted (combining broiling and roasting) chicken, fish tacos, lamb lollipops and gumbo in a cozy, wood-floored room.
Must-see restaurants in The Great Lakes
Gold Coast
It's a rightfully lauded, long-standing spot to get a wax paper–wrapped cheeseburger, spicy curly fries and cold beer in New Buffalo. Cash only.
Milwaukee
This 1950s-era, neon-lit drive-in specializes in frozen custard, a local concoction that's like ice cream but smoother and richer. Cash only.
Michigan
Golden Harvest is a loud, punk-rock-meets-hippie diner serving the sausage-and-French-toast Bubba Sandwich and hearty omelets; cash only.
Cleveland
Try big, sunny Presti's for its popular sandwiches and divine pastries. It's a neighborhood favorite where older Italians meet and gab.
Northern Minnesota
It's a classic for sandwiches and pizza, plus beer at the attached Pickled Herring Pub. Go ahead: ask about the lutefisk pizza.
Minnesota
Likable greasy spoon, serving enormous helpings of hash browns at breakfast and a classic list of lunchtime sandwiches.
Michigan
Horn's saloon serves American burgers and south-of-the-border fare, and there's live entertainment nightly.
Upper Peninsula
Enjoy new and used books, live music and wi-fi with your sandwich or pasty in downtown Munising.
Gold Coast
After a day of fun in the sun, refresh with sandwiches at gastronome favorite Folgarelli's.
Upper Peninsula
Sample the local meat-and-veggie pie specialty or grab a mega sandwich at Jean Kay's.
Chicago
The Wrigleyville location of long-running local favorite Smoke Daddy treats Cubs baseball fans to slow-cooked porcine delights and an easy-breezy vibe…
Chicago
Upmarket American dishes such as glazed short ribs, steaks and fried chicken are a hit at Dutch & Doc's, one of a new crop of restaurants gussying up…
Chicago
The Wrigleyville location of Chicago's West Town Bakery bucks the familiar bakeshop formula, offering quirky treats like French toast 'cakeballs' as well…
Ohio
When hunger strikes in the wee hours, Mikey’s knows what you need: a slice of ‘spicy-ass pepperoni’ (with chili sauce) or maybe the Cheezus (American…
Michigan
Olga provides a taste of the islands in her bright, color-splashed eatery. Curried goat with rice, jerk chicken and creole tofu (sautéed with bell peppers…
Michigan
Stella’s still basks in the glow of its burger being crowned ‘best in America’ by GQ magazine in 2012. The patty earned it: a half pound of juicy goodness…
Illinois
While one would be forgiven for assuming Big Bill to be a legendary old-timer who used to shoot vodka with Ulysses S Grant, the owner here is actually a…
Wisconsin
Lake Geneva weekenders turn out in droves for brunch at this colorfully appointed daytime-only cafe, where locally sourced ingredients tie together…
Chicago
Have a pillow ready for the inevitable sugar crash after you gorge yourself on the down-home, old-fashioned desserts made at this Lincoln Park bakery-cafe…
Chicago
It bills itself as an 'urban food hall,’ which translates to a midrange food court with more than a dozen different globally themed kitchens featuring…
Wicker Park, Bucktown & Ukrainian Village
Don’t let the motorcycle theme, burly burgers and steel finishing intimidate you: behind the macho facade at this popular brunch spot are artful dishes…
Wisconsin
Cheesy in every sense of the word, this New Glarus restaurant (not a hotel in spite of the name) plays up the Swiss connection with appetizers and mains…
Chicago
Though it's standard Indian food in a standard Indian-restaurant ambience, this is a nice option for the South Loop that offers a rare bonus: Nepalese…
Chicago
Kopi gives off a crunchy Asian trekker-lodge vibe, from the low tables and seating pillows by the front window to the bohemian clientele and flyer-filled…
Minnesota
The nation's largest enclave of Hmong immigrants lives in the Twin Cities, and this market delivers their favorite Vietnamese, Lao and Thai dishes at its…
Wicker Park, Bucktown & Ukrainian Village
Hip but not in your face about it, this small indie cafe offers a variety of sandwiches, bagels, plant-based items (vegan chili, a black-bean burger), as…
Wicker Park, Bucktown & Ukrainian Village
In the old ‘Polish Downtown’ is this hole-in-the-wall holdover, a true mom-and-pop joint (with owner Helena up front and husband Jerry in the kitchen)…
Shifflet’s Bar & Riverside Grille
Wisconsin
The hamburgers, steaks and ribs at this riverside bar and grill rarely rise above 'just okay,' but people come here by the carload for the stunning views…
Gold Coast
Little details like a vintage sign and rattan bistro chairs bestow this Three Oaks bakery and deli with a cozy, old-world charm. The seasonal, farm-to…
Northern Minnesota
Family-owned Palmer's has been feeding the folks of Hibbing for four generations. Burgers are the big draw on the small menu, which also includes chicken…
Michigan
Little Africa's all-vegetarian, Ethiopian menu includes various stews made from split peas, beets, lentils, squash, tofu and spinach, all of which you…
Chicago
Lao Sze Chuan is known for its hot-spiced dishes served in its bright-red room. House specialties include the three-chili chicken, which is tender and…
Chicago
The beauty of this little shop – besides the yummy, yeasty, perfectly sweet original glazed doughnuts – is its location right smack off the 606 trail…
Chicago
Honky Tonk's colorful, art-filled walls and live music by rockabilly, swing or blues bands give it a high-spirited vibe. Memphis-style dry-rub barbecue…
Minneapolis
You'll have to stand in line to eat at this South Minneapolis dive bar, where legend has it the 'Jucy Lucy' was born. It's a local cheeseburger, where the…
Indianapolis
The mugs are frosted and filled with a wonderful home-brewed root beer. The buns contain burgers, chili dogs and juicy pork tenderloins (Indy's best!)…
Northern Minnesota
Order at the counter of this informal sandwich shop and ice cream parlor, and then wedge yourself into a table beside the exposed brick walls. There's a…
Chicago
Apart from signature hot dogs, carnivorous delights include the Italian sausage combo – which marries Italian beef and Italian sausage on a single soggy…
Wisconsin
This landmark downtown bakery and sandwich shop is a local favorite. People pop in for the takeaway fresh-baked bread, including the house speciality, a…
