Best Locally Owned Restaurants in Chicago, IL
19 places
Discover Chicago's culinary scene through a selection of locally owned restaurants that celebrate authentic flavors, rich traditions, and warm atmospheres.

5 Rabanitos Restaurante & Taqueria
Opens at
Authentic flavors from Guerrero shine at 5 Rabanitos, where family recipes transform traditional Mexican street food into a memorable dining experience.

Cedar Palace
Closed today
Charming, Cedar Palace offers cardamom and clove shawarma, silky hummus, and a cozy atmosphere rooted in 50 years of family recipes.

Small Cheval- Wicker Park
Opens at
Delicious burgers served quickly and affordably make Small Cheval a must-visit. Its casual vibe and multiple locations enhance the experience.

HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen
Closed today
Inventive Vietnamese dishes blend with breakfast favorites here. The grilled ribeye and fish sauce wings showcase their culinary creativity.

Smoque BBQ
Closed today
Exceptional brisket and uniquely crafted coleslaw make this BBQ joint a standout in Chicago’s food scene, ensuring a memorable dining experience.

Bavette's Bar & Boeuf
Opens at
Lively dining ambiance and standout dishes like prime steaks and homemade sourdough create a memorable experience at Bavette's Bar & Boeuf.

Lou Mitchell's
Closed today
Legendary in its warmth, Lou Mitchell's offers a nostalgic dining experience with free donut holes and a beloved Route 66 history.

Dove's Luncheonette
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Nostalgic vibes fill Dove's Luncheonette, a retro diner with Tex-Mex flair, where spicy chicken-fried chicken satisfies comfort cravings.

Margie's Candies
Opens at
Timeless joy radiates from Margie's Candies, with its long-standing tradition of homemade desserts and nostalgic retro décor since 1921.

Green Mill
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Vibrant history fills the Green Mill, a Prohibition-era club where live jazz and mobster lore create an unforgettable atmosphere.

Twin Anchors Restaurant & Tavern
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Historic meet Frank Sinatra's favorite haunt for burgers and ribs, where the secret sauce and speakeasy vibe turn meals into memories.

Tufano's Vernon Park Tap
Closed today
Timelessly rooted in Little Italy, Tufano's serves cherished Italian-American dishes with family warmth, making every meal feel like home.

Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago
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Irresistible, Portillo's offers unique dishes like Chicago-style hot dogs and legendary chocolate cake made with a surprising ingredient: mayonnaise.

Shaw's Crab House
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Eclectic live music enhances the atmosphere at Shaw's, while their fresh crab and diverse menu truly set this seafood gem apart in Chicago.

Gene & Georgetti
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Timeless ambiance envelops Gene & Georgetti, where three generations deliver prime steaks and genuine hospitality in a cozy, classic setting.

La Scarola
Closed today
Heartwarming, this family-friendly Italian spot boasts hearty portions, red sauce classics, and walls enriched with memorable neighborhood photos.

Alinea
Opens at
Transformative. The experience at Alinea transcends traditional dining, showcasing innovative molecular gastronomy that redefines flavors and presentation.

Exchequer Restaurant & Pub
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Timelessness radiates from this historic Loop pub, a former mob and jazz venue, famous for its pizza and vibrant student atmosphere.

Green Street Smoked Meats
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Savoring pulled pork, brisket, and ribs in a cozy atmosphere highlights the charm of Green Street Smoked Meats. Each bite is a meaty experience.