Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in Chicago / Illinois

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that are the best hot spots in Chicago / Illinois? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Maple & Ash

4.8

4.8 (4295)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Gold Coast / Streeterville

About the restaurant

Maple & Ash is an innovative take on the traditional steakhouse – mixing a modern aesthetic with authentic service to deliver classic wood-fired dishes. With a sumptuous menu crafted by two-Michelin-star chef, Danny Grant and a wine program named one of "America's Best" by Wine Spectator, Maple & Ash finds a way to celebrate every moment. It’s more than a restaurant, it’s an experience.

Visit us online for additional reservation availability - www.mapleandash.com

Top review

tommaso

Dined 4 days ago

Just great, my fav spot in Chicago. Just go there. Super

Baxters American Grille - Champaign

4.6

4.6 (663)

$30 and under

Steakhouse

Champaign / Monticello

About the restaurant

Baxters American Grille - Champaign offers seasonal menus that boast a variety of signature dishes that you can't get find anywhere else. Our concept provides a variety of steaks, seafood and chops accompanied with a management & chef team that are excited to offer a unique culinary experience. We offer a big-city dining experience within dinner, private dining and catering to the Champaign area. Whether you stop in for one of our new signature martinis or to dine in our upscale dining room Baxters is the destination for your evening out!

Top review

Thomas

Dined 6 days ago

Had a wonderful pregame meal. Very gluten-free friendly. Good appetizer, good entrees. Excellent service. Reasonable prices. Highly recommend Baxters.

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Popular dish

Steak Tacos

Donny G's Ristorante

4.6

4.6 (139)

$30 and under

Italian

Elmwood Park

About the restaurant

Welcome to Donny G's Ristorante! At Donny G's Ristorante & Bar in Elmwood Park we refuse to compromise on quality in our restaurant. That's why we source our fresh ingredients from local farmers' markets to prepare our menu offerings for you and your loved ones. We have a main restaurant as well as a banquet and entertainment space which holds up to 125 people. We have unique lunch, dinner, catering and banquet menus.

Top review

Ralph

Dined on Aug 24, 2024

Love this place, food and service are outstanding.

Red Star Kitchen + Bar

4.6

4.6 (164)

$30 and under

American

Matteson

About the restaurant

Welcome to Red Star Kitchen + Bar, where culinary artistry meets vibrant ambiance in a celebration of flavor and style. Nestled in the heart of Matteson, our restaurant invites you on a journey of gastronomic delight, blending modern sophistication with the warmth of a welcoming neighborhood gem.

Step into Red Star and be captivated by the contemporary design, where rich red hues and ambient lighting create an inviting atmosphere that effortlessly transitions from intimate dinners to lively gatherings. Our chic and comfortable setting sets the stage for a dining experience that goes beyond the ordinary.

Whether you're seeking a romantic dinner for two, a lively night out with friends, or a venue for a special celebration, Red Star Kitchen + Bar invites you to indulge in an experience where passion for food and a commitment to excellence converge. Reserve your table today and embark on a culinary journey that transcends the ordinary, only at Red Star.

Top review

Una

Dined 6 days ago

This is my second time going to this restaurant and I must say even though the first time was fun this time was everything. It was my father bday and i was trying something new for him. We had so much fun the drinks were everything especially the Don Julio margarita. The food was excellent GREAT JOB Oh yeah the customer service was very great as well

Gyu-Kaku - Naperville

4.5

4.5 (354)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Naperville

About the restaurant

Founded in Tokyo in 1996, Gyu-Kaku has become the world’s #1 Japanese BBQ brand! Thanks to our devoted fans we have reached over 700 locations worldwide. Each day, hundreds of thousands of people gather around the table-top smokeless grill, a centerpiece of our dining concept, enjoying selections of premium meats, just off the grill, and other freshly prepared foods from our kitchens, inspiring laughter, conversation, and a magical dining experience.

Our authentic yakiniku (grilled barbeque) dining experience crowns you the chef. Share a variety of delicious appetizers and premium cooked meats over a flaming grill, paired with Japanese sake, frosty cold beers, or other alcoholic and non-alcoholic options of your choice. We're the perfect spot to enjoy time with friends and family, organize an office party, or to spend quality time with your significant other!

Before you go, don't forget to taste our best-seller Harami Skirt Steak or Prime Kalbi Short Rib among other must-try dishes!

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Aug 18, 2024

Best tasting KBBQ I’ve had in the area. Bit pricey!

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Experience

Prix-Fixe Yakiniku Courses for Everyone!

Punch Bowl Social - Chicago

4.5

4.5 (86)

$30 and under

American

River North (Chicago)

About the restaurant

Punch Bowl Social, Proud Hosts of the Unexpected, brings people together for one-of-a-kind food, fun, first-rate hospitality, and entertainment. Scratch kitchens, craft cocktails, social gaming, DJs, and live music in eclectic and creatively designed spaces provide the perfect setting for exceptional experiences. Whether you’re looking to have a fabulous night out with friends or want to host an unforgettable event, Punch Bowl Social has got it covered.

Top review

Salayah

Dined on Sep 3, 2024

The vibe was great, because of the holiday it wasn’t that many people there. I appreciate the opportunity to be able to bring my little sister before 10pm. It was good wholesome fun for our family. We did originally attend for trivia night on Eventbrite. The top of the Eventbrite event did say California but the address was the Chicago location so that was very misleading. The manager did still accommodate us and she was very nice and explained it was the California location. Our waitress was amazing and she was so nice. She filled every request that we had. Great experience over all.

Lou Malnati's - Lincoln Square

4.5

4.5 (8)

$30 and under

Pizzeria

North Center

About the restaurant

Located at 4340 North Lincoln Avenue, on the border of Lincoln Square and North Center, our Lou Malnati’s Lincoln Square restaurant serves irresistible deep dish pizza. The space has a great indoor/outdoor feel with a living wall and retractable floor to ceiling windows that can be opened in the warmer months. This family-friendly location offers dine-in, delivery to the nearby neighborhoods of Ravenswood, Andersonville and Uptown, plus carryout and catering. We know that it’s one of the best pizza restaurants in Lincoln Square!

Top review

Bradvip

Dined on Jul 7, 2024

Always delicious pizza, and service was great. Never a miss.

Green Street Local

4.4

4.4 (288)

$30 and under

American

West Loop

About the restaurant

Green Street Local is the West Loop's Best Sports Lounge & Restaurant. We offer a Warm, Mature Setting, Where Patrons can Enjoy a Mindfully Crafted Menu Featuring New American Comfort Food, Craft Beers, Signature Cocktails & Premium Wines.

Top review

Joey

Dined 6 days ago

Great bar for watching sports. Menu is pricey for a sports bar. Large menu with no items that stand out.

Moretti's - Barrington

4.4

4.4 (246)

$30 and under

Italian

Barrington

About the restaurant

Award-Winning Moretti's pan and thin crust Chicago-style pizza is just the most famous part of our large menu. We offer a varied selection of Italian and American dishes, both classic and modern for lunch and dinner in a friendly atmosphere. The dining room is spacious and comfortable, or dine outdoors, weather permitting, in our beautiful garden patio. Prices are very reasonable, and the service is fast and friendly. Moretti's is a great option for anything from a relaxing dinner for two to a friendly get-together to watch the big game. All our food, not just the pizza, is available for take-out and delivery. Moretti's is always a great place for all your special occasions.

Top review

Darlenevip

Dined on Aug 17, 2024

The food is good but there are t any good vegetable or fruit options for children. The service was slow and poorly paced

Hacienda Calavera

4.4

4.4 (96)

$31 to $50

Latin American

Cicero

About the restaurant

Hacienda Calavera is a family-owned authentic Latin American cuisine restaurant in Cicero, Illinois. Inspired by creating a cultural interaction through food with one simple goal in mind: creating a place where people could experience the authentic feel of Latin America with its gourmet food and delicious tastes, incredible live music and warm familiar and festive vibes. Our Signature drinks include La Muerte, El Deseo. Enjoy our popular entrees like Los 3 Garcias, 3 Huastecos, & Langostinos. We look forward to serving you soon!

Top review

Jamesvip

Dined 5 days ago

Great restaurant with great service!! I will return.

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