Where to take your parents to dinner in Chicago

WHEN THE PARENTS COME IN, WE PARTY. AND BY PARTY, I MEAN EAT REALLY GOOD FOOD.

I am originally from New York. My whole family is out there. So when I want to see them it typically involves a pricey plane ticket and a full day of travel. I like to go back a lot, because who doesn’t like NYC, but I also love to have the family here.

They don’t come often enough that they have their favorite go-to spots in Chicago, so I often spend a few hours digging up some of the most fun, best restaurants in the Chicago area. Since I’ve become a self-proclaimed foodie I have also created a self-proclaimed go-to list for where I will take my parents when they visit Chicago. You can borrow it, but let me know how they like it :)

BAR TAKITO

Location: West Loop

Atmosphere: Loud, dark, trendy, cute, fun

Type of Food: Mexican

Price: $$

Takes reservations: Yes

Website: http://bartakito.com/

Mel’s Comments: I really like the apps here, they’re intricate and delicious and easy to share. The tacos are tasty, but they come in threes so I would suggest going if you have similar appetites as the people you would go with. It’s best to order a few different kinds and share. Also, the cocktails are BOMB & so pretty.

BEATRIX

Location: River North

Atmosphere: Relaxed, nature-y, open, authentic

Type of Food: American (pastas, pork, burgers, fish, etc.)

Price: $$

Takes reservations: Yes

Website: http://beatrixchicago.com/

Mel’s Comments: Beyond food, there is a really great drink menu, both alcoholic & not. They have delicious fresh pressed juices. I also sat by the front and it was beautiful outside so the windows were wide open.

CAFE BA-BA-REEBA

Location: Lincoln Park

Atmosphere: Dark, up-beat, exciting, fun, intimate

Type of Food: Spanish tapas

Price: $$

Takes reservations: Yes

Website: http://www.cafebabareeba.com/

Mel’s Comments: Great place to bring a small group OR a large group. So many options on the menu. Sangria is absolutely delicious!

CARMINE’S

Location: Gold Coast

Atmosphere: Very similar to any other nice Italian restaurant.

Type of Food: Italian

Price: $$$

Takes reservations: Yes

Website: http://www.rosebudrestaurants.com/#!home

Mel’s Comments: This is my safe bet with the rents. I know people like Italian, and its a fancy restaurant in a fun area of Chicago.

CHICAGO ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (CINDY’S)

Location: The Loop

Atmosphere: Young, hip, trendy, you get it

Type of Food: American

Price: $$$ – $$$$

Takes reservations: Yes, email cindysinfo@chicagoathletichotel.com for reservations

Website: http://chicagoathletichotel.com/

Mel’s Comments: Pretty pricey, so I would suggest making sure your parents are taking YOU to dinner. Awesome views, awesome. This is becoming super popular, so get in while you can. Oh, and make sure to ask your waiter about getting half dishes if that is something you would want to do. It isn’t on the menu, but it is an option.

CHOP SHOP

Location: Wicker Park

Atmosphere: Casual dining, fun, cute tables, authentic feel, lit up patio available

Type of Food: Meat. And other American foods (chicken, fish, pasta, salads). Raw bar and bar bites (little bar food snacks, very tasty!) are also options.

Price: $$

Takes reservations: Yes

Website: http://www.chopshopchi.com/

Mel’s Comments: I don’t eat red meat, but would still take my parents here because: A) They do and B) It is a very unique Chicago restaurant. It’s also a great excuse to venture into Wicker Park if you don’t live there already.

COALFIRE PIZZA

Location: Lakeview & River West

Atmosphere: Pizza parlor

Type of Food: Pizza

Price: $ – $$

Takes reservations: No

Website: http://coalfirechicago.com/

Mel’s Comments: It isn’t deep dish, but it’s on the list for a reason. #YUM

DINOSAUR BBQ

Location: Lincoln Park

Atmosphere: Fun, BBQ type place

Type of Food: BBQ

Price: $$

Takes reservations: Yes

Website: http://www.dinosaurbarbque.com/bbq-chicago

Mel’s Comments: I’ve been to the NY locations as well. It’s worth a trip if you like BBQ. Parent favorite.

DOLCE ITALIAN CHICAGO

Location: River North

Atmosphere: Modern, up-scale type of feel. Outdoor area available.

Type of Food: Italian

Price: $$$

Takes reservations: Yes

Website: http://www.dolceitalianrestaurant.com/#!chicago/ctiu

Mel’s Comments: Huge menu with a ton of options, I think this is a crowd pleaser. They also have that really awesome pizza you have probably seen pictures of (with the pointy edges).

FIG & OLIVE

Location: Streeterville

Atmosphere: Modern, trendy, bright. Outdoor area available.

Type of Food: Mediterranean

Price: $$ – $$$

Takes reservations: Yes

Website: http://www.figandolive.com/menu/chicago/

Mel’s Comments: Not much, except that you should probably go at some point.

GIBSON’S STEAK HOUSE

Location: Gold Coast

Atmosphere: Fancy steak house

Type of Food: American, steak & fish

Price: $$$

Takes reservations: Yes

Website: http://www.gibsonssteakhouse.com/chicago-pages-325.php

Mel’s Comments: Again, I don’t eat red meat, but the fish was delicious & everyone’s steaks looked (and sounded) amazing. It’s a great steak house, probably the best in Chicago. Also, if you’re looking for a good dirty martini, look no further.

GT FISH AND OYSTER

Location: River North

Atmosphere: Chill, spacious, up-scale. Outdoor space available.

Type of Food: Primarily fish.

Price: $$$

Takes reservations: Yes

Website: http://gtoyster.com/

Mel’s Comments: SO YUM. Seafood is Me-Food, so this is my spot. Clam chowder is bomb and lobster mac & cheese is, well, lobster mac & cheese. Also a great place to snap some awesome pics of your meal because the food set up is beautiful.

HAMPTON SOCIAL

Location: River North

Atmosphere: Open, airy, “east coast” type feel, trendy

Type of Food: American

Price: $$

Takes reservations: Yes

Website: http://thehamptonsocial.com/

Mel’s Comments: Really fun atmosphere. 4 – 7 HH half off rosè

LAWRY’S PRIME RIB

Location: River North

Atmosphere: Almost like a medieval type of feel

Type of Food: Ribs & other American foods

Price: $$$

Takes reservations: Yes

Website: http://www.lawrysonline.com/lawrys-primerib/chicago?typ=full

Mel’s Comments: Very interesting, bring the ribs out on a roast

NICO OSTERIA

Location: Gold Coast

Atmosphere: Nice, open, light, social, breezy

Type of Food: Italian, Seafood

Price: $$$

Takes reservations: Yes

Website: http://www.nicoosteria.com/

Mel’s Comments: So hard to get a reservation but it opened recently and has a great menu. So tasty and an awesome, up-scale atmosphere.

OAK + CHAR

Location: River North

Atmosphere: Wood tables, classy, social, fun, bar stools

Type of Food: American fusion (I say fusion because there are a few different kinds of flavors and such)

Price: $$ – $$$

Takes reservations: Yes

Website: http://oakandchar.com/

Mel’s Comments: Really fun Happy Hour!! And its an awesome spot to talk and catch up with the family. The menu has some really interesting options but they are mostly “safe” — ex: fancy chicken wings

ROLLAPALOOZA

Location: Lakeview

Atmosphere: Simple, not fancy, intimate seating

Type of Food: Sushi/Japanese

Price: $$

Takes reservations: Yes

Website: http://www.rollapaloozachicago.com/

Mel’s Comments: I took my mom here, who won’t eat any type of funky fish, and she tried everything!! There display was beautiful and they honestly have a huge menu and every single option sounded amazing. They also have black rice which is different and pretty cool.

SIENA TAVERN

Location: River North

Atmosphere: Social, a little loud, fancier bar type of feel

Type of Food: American

Price: $$ – $$$

Takes reservations: Yes

Website: http://www.sienatavern.com/

Mel’s Comments: I love this place. It’s in an awesome location in River North and it has such a social, up-beat vibe.

SUMMERHOUSE SANTA MONICA

Location: Lincoln Park

Atmosphere: Fancy-ish, open, hip, trendy, light

Type of Food: American

Price: $$$

Takes reservations: Yes

Website: http://summerhousesm.com/locations/

Mel’s Comments: SH has a really cool atmosphere, it’s like a light and fun dining experience but there is a hint of up-scale charm. The food is very delicious and the servers are always so friendly. The dessert options are also to die for. So that’s awesome.

SUNDA

Location: River North

Atmosphere: Dark, private, intimate

Type of Food: Sushi

Price: $$$

Takes reservations: Yes

Website: http://sundachicago.com/

Mel’s Comments: I do love all sushi, but the food at Sunda is extra extra delicious. It is such a treat. And honestly, some of my favorite dishes are beyond the sushi offerings. The cocktails at Sunda are also crafty and made exceptionally well. Very creative and very tasty.

TANTA

Location: River North

Atmosphere: Intimate, spacious, rooftop available with amazing views

Type of Food: Peruvian

Price: $$$

Takes reservations: Yes

Website: http://www.tantachicago.com/

Mel’s Comments: Such delicate and interesting dishes. Each one sounds better than the next. And they look absolutely beautiful, so clearly I love it. Also, the cocktails are worth the trip alone. Do it. Trust me.