6 Restaurants You Don't Want to Miss in Chicago

Restaurant Info

• (312) 944-8888
• http://mapleandash.com
• 8 W Maple St Chicago, IL 60610
• 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM

3. The Whale Chicago

The Whale in Chicago is a destination spot, a neighborhood restaurant, and a cocktail bar all in one. The Whale is a nod to a high roller gambler with a large bankroll who receives the absolute cream of the crop when it comes to comps, freebies, and other perks from the casino.

Food popular here

• Crab Cake Benny

• Lobster & Waffles

• Trout Schnitzel

Let’s see how people review this restaurant

"Absolutely loved this place.  Fantastic brunch vibe.  Food was flavorful and tasty.  Drinks were just ok, but that is not a priority.  Loved the crab rolls had a delicious bun.  Shrimp and grits were amazing and spicy loved it.  Wings were tasty as well.  Will be back for sure!!!" - Cs B.

"Art Deco, open-air, relaxed vibe. Great bar, good drinks and food, comfortable seating indoors and out." - Kathy J.

"The best! Try the crab roll! This menu is stellar, and the ambience is absolutely beautiful, the DJ was awesome too although I thought just a tinge too loud where it was impossible to hear someone from across your table so we had to eat silently basically." - Dahlia R.

Restaurant Info

• (773) 825-2900
• http://www.thewhalechicago.com
• 2427 N Milwaukee Ave Chicago, IL 60647
• 05:00 PM - 12:00 AM

4. Gaijin

Gaijin by Chef Paul Virant is a okonomiyaki restaurant, offering both Hiroshima-style and Osaka-style of the savory Japanese pancake.

Food popular here

• Short Ribs Plate

• Traditional Hiroshima Style Okonomiyaki

• Twice-cooked Garlic Plate

Let’s see how people review this restaurant

"Tucked away under the loop, like many of our favorite bars and restaurants in the city, is Gaijin. Our experience at Gaijin was lovely. The menu had a great price range and a nice dish selection to choose from. Fantastic service and great flavors. Honestly, the biggest highlight of this restaurant would be the Okonomiyaki Japanese Pancakes and the Mochi Donuts. We frequently eat Japanese cuisine, and Gaijin was completely spot on with their flavors. Normally we wouldn't write about the deserts first, but the Mochi Donuts are definitely an honorable mention. The Maple Mochi donut was by far the best Mochi donut that we have ever had. The maple glaze was sweet, but it was not overwhelming in the slightest bit. The donut itself was so rich, dense, and filling that it could nearly be a meal for two!  We definitely recommend ordering the Black Sesame Ice Cream to eat alongside the Mochi Donuts! The flavor combination is outstanding! The appetizers were decent. The Korroke was good and classic. We really admired how Gaijin stuck with traditional 日本人 flavor combinations, especially when in came to their Okonomiyaki Japanese Pancakes. The twice-cooked garlic was done well, but we wish the crackers served alongside it were made in house. Our waiter was sociable and helped us with any questions that we had. The setting of the restaurant was industrial and you really felt like its aesthetics worked perfect with the eatery's location. Everything was thought out properly, from the layout of the eatery itself, to the Hi-Chews that came alongside the check! Gaijin was simple and did not stray away from that fact. When simple is done well, it can be greatness. That is definitely what Gaijin achieved. We will definitely return for their Japanese Pancakes and Mochi donuts." - Too Much Tuna B.