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A skillet holds a sturgeon dish covered in a layer of golden honey and fish sauce. — Anelya in Avondale serves delicious and comfy Ukrainian food.

Chicago’s Best Cozy Comfort Food Restaurants for Winter

Defeat the snow with hearty dishes from these spots

by Ashok Selvam and Eater Staff Updated Nov 15, 2024, 3:56pm CST

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Anelya in Avondale serves delicious and comfy Ukrainian food.

| Garrett Sweet/Eater Chicago

by Ashok Selvam and Eater Staff Updated Nov 15, 2024, 3:56pm CST

Even Chicagoans get the blues, especially amid the grey skies and biting winds of winter. Fortunately, the city is equipped with many countermeasures and antidotes in the form of comfort food: dishes that tickle a nostalgic thread in the subconscious or generally produce a sunnier disposition.

The exact definition of comfort food is tricky to pin down and largely depends on family, heritage, and native region. Still, even those who didn’t grow up eating carbonara or congee can find solace in a warm meal made with love.

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Beard & Belly

For those who take comfort in the messy, meaty marvel that is poutine, take note of this Edgewater spot that serves a version with a significant fanbase. It’s a Canada-meets-Midwest masterpiece: french fries, cheese curds, and short ribs smothered in three-day gravy, white cheddar sauce, and fresh herbs. There’s also an ever-changing lineup of top-notch pies that hold up well on the ride home.

6155-57 N. Broadway Street, Chicago, IL 60660

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A post shared by Honeypie Chicago (@honeypie_chicago)

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Bayan Ko Diner

Bayan Ko was a Filipino and Cuban restaurant run by a couple a few doors down, but it shifted operations in March and turned the original location into more of a fine dining vibe. Now, this space serves more of the casual classics (lumpia, silog, ropa vieja). The food is simple with quality ingredients and continues to feature both Filipino and Cuban favorites.

1820 W Montrose Ave (at Wolcott Ave.), Chicago, IL 60613

Rice and an egg skillet. — Bayan Ko Diner is the Filipino and Cuban greasy spoon Chicago needs.

Also featured in:

Where to Eat and Drink in Ravenswood

Anelya

Chef Johnny Clark delved into his family’s history to open Anelya, the sibling to Parachute HiFi in Avondale. The theme is Ukrainian comfort food, presented boldly without pretension. The Zakusky, small plates like a trout roe tart and fried Crimean-style olives, aren’t to be missed. You’ll find a variety of soups, tangy ribs, and more.

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3472 North Elston Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60618

A display of small plates of Ukrainian food.

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Katsu-Shack

This newish entry in Lakeview is a prime destination for Japanese-style fried pork cutlets. The quality of the pork, the crispiness of the breading, and the seasoning are all top-notch with the katsu, and the black curry is a treat that’s not easily found around town. This fast-casual spot is decorated with Japanese baseball gear, and is not too far from Wrigley Field.

3109 North Halsted Street, Chicago, Illinois 60657

A fried pork cutlet.

Also featured in:

The Hottest New Restaurants in Chicago, November 2024

Void

A newcomer along Milwaukee Avenue, Void emphasizes fun and creativity by playing within the Italian American genre with unique pastas that are artfully executed. It’s a small menu, but order the focaccia, and, of course, Void’s take on SpagehttiUhOs.

2937 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60618

A can of spaghetti uhOs.

Also featured in:

The Hottest New Restaurants in Chicago, November 2024

Loaf Lounge

Loaf Lounge is operated by a husband-and-wife team with fine dining experience. Beyond the exquisite breads — which power the egg sandwiches and lunch offerings — Ben Lusbader and Sarah Mispagel-Lustbader nail the touches. Condiments like bacon jam pump flavor into the offerings. The coffee bar service is also wonderful providing Chicago more than the normal boring standards seen at chains. We haven’t even mentioned the sweets. Pro tip: Order cookies and cake slices to go.

2934 N Milwaukee Ave (N Central Park Ave), Chicago, IL 60618

A breakfast sandwich on an English muffin on blue and white checked paper.

Also featured in:

Mild 2 Spicy

Mild 2 Spicy is a solid Indian restaurant in the Lincoln Park and Lakeview areas with a large delivery radius. It’s also a rare spot that manages to get dosa, the South Indian delicacy, right. A good dosa with chutney, sambar, and spicy potatoes, is like a hug from a friend you haven’t seen in ages.

714 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614

Also featured in:

Athenian Room

This Lincoln Park classic serves some of the best Greek American food in town. Spanakopita, heart-warming soups, and the famous chicken Kalamata — with perfectly seasoned Greek fries further flavored by the lemony chicken — are all great choices.

807 W Webster Ave (at N Halsted St), Chicago, IL 60614

A black and white sign reads Athenian Room Since 1972.

Also featured in:

Le Bouchon

One of Chicago’s most beloved family-owned restaurants, Le Bouchon is a Bucktown icon and one of the city’s best French spots. The French onion soup (a similar soup can be found at sibling restaurant Obelix in River North) is gooey and perfectly balanced.

1958 N Damen Ave (at W Armitage Ave), Chicago, IL 60647

A white ceramic bowl topped with melted cheese covering French onion soup.

Also featured in:

Bigsuda

Bigsuda hits all the notes — scallion pancakes, handmade soup dumplings, cheesy bulgogi, and more. This cozy restaurant along Milwaukee Avenue in Wicker Park is from the owners of Oiistar. Inside, diners will find some of Chicago’s more creative Korean and Chinese food. Rice and noodles are always comforting and Bigsuda does them with a unique flair — for example bites of bulgogi are steamed with cheese.

1362 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60622

An array of dumplings, scallion pancakes, tea, and cocktails on a table. — Bigsuda’s menu is impressive.

Lao Peng You

When brothers and veteran Chicago chefs Daniel and Eric Wat opened Lao Peng You in West Town, they said the restaurant was inspired by their memories of family potlucks. It follows, that their feature item — suan tang shui jiao, or dumplings in a hot and sour broth (aged dark soy, vinegar, chili oil) — make diners feel like they’re part of the family too.

2020 W Chicago Ave (N Damen Ave), Chicago, IL 60622

A variety of Chinese dishes on a large table.

Also featured in:

Ricobene's

Ricobene’s breaded steak sandwich has a legion of fans, but don’t forget the pizza, hot dogs, and chicken Parmesan. This Italian American spot has been around since the ’40s and is a great stop for a true slice of Chicago culture.

222 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60606

Ricobenes breaded steak sandwich.

The Fat Shallot

This gourmet sandwich spot channels childhood grilled cheese memories into a creation fit for grown-up tastes with a version that combines melty Muenster, sauteed spinach, and caramelized onions between two slices of sourdough. It’s also available at the Fat Shallot food truck and outposts in Evanston, the Merchandise Mart, and Sterling Food Hall (formerly Revival).

125 S Clark St (W Adams St), Chicago, IL 60603

A big sandwich on toasty bread.

Also featured in:

Manny's Cafeteria & Delicatessen

Jewish deli icon Manny’s has built its identity around providing comfort to patrons of all backgrounds, with the arguably most famous attraction being its pastrami sandwich. A testament to tradition on rye, it’s an order that will reliably improve nearly anyone’s day.

1141 S Jefferson St (at Roosevelt Rd.), Chicago, IL 60607

A sandwich a plate.

Also featured in:

Cairo Kebab

Chicago doesn’t have too many Egyptian restaurants, but in University Village, Cairo Kebob has found a home with dishes like molokhia, a soup made with greens; delicious hummus, and succulent chicken. The molokhia is a standout, a soup that’s enjoyed by diners of all ages.

730 W Maxwell St, Chicago, IL 60607

Also featured in:

5 Rabanitos Restaurante & Taqueria

Pozole, a traditional hominy-based Mexican stew, is an ideal antidote to wintertime blues, and chef Alfonso Sotelo’s version comes with wonderful depth and complexity. The bowl is packed with pork or chicken, avocado, juicy lime, and topped with a pile of crunchy chicharron and sliced radish.

1758 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Buen Provecho Chicago (@buenprovechochi)

Also featured in:

Pleasant House Pub

Classic British pub food isn’t abundant in Chicago, but in Pilsen, Pleasant House Pub has been dishing out delicious savory pies for years. The Chicken Balti and mushroom and kale pies are favorites. The thick-cut fries and gravy are hangover cures.

2119 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60608

A savory pie spilling over with gravy.

Also featured in:

Chi Cafe

Congee — a rice porridge popular throughout many Asian countries — may just be the ultimate comfort food. Like kimchi jjigae, many fans grew up eating the dish when they were sick and fostered a lifelong affection for its flexibility and glutinous texture. Chinatown spot Chi Cafe features a number of versions, including preserved egg with vegetables and clam; salted pork bone; and abalone and shredded chicken.

2160 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Andrew Soh Chih Jen 蘇稚仁 (@endoru)

Also featured in:

TacoSur Birreria Tijuanense

Birria is a rich and comforting experience all on its own, but birria ramen — a modern invention that rounds out a bowl of broth and tender meat with flash-fried ramen noodles — offers a delightful twist on a Mexican classic. TacoSur’s version makes for a hefty, belly-warming meal.

3057 South Pulaski Road, IL 60623

A bowl of birria ramen.

Also featured in:

Ramova Grill

The Ramova Theater is back in Bridgeport, and the blue-collar corner diner also gets a second life thanks to Kevin Hickey and the crew behind iconic Chicago restaurant Duck Inn. The main event is the South Side chili, a classic recipe that’s lasted generations and has been revived for a new generation.

3520 South Halsted Street, Chicago, Illinois 60609

A bowl of chili.

Also featured in:

Pearl's Place

Gumbo, jambalaya, grits, and other Southern classics are why customers have returned to Pearl’s Place time and again since the Bronzeville restaurant opened in 1993. It’s a welcoming spot with both buffet and a la carte options, including fried chicken. Pearl’s might be Chicago’s most beloved soul food restaurant.

3901 S Michigan Ave (at E Pershing Rd), Chicago, IL 60653

Also featured in:

Garifuna Flava

Though it hails from the tropics, there are few dishes better suited to Chicago winters than oxtail stew. Garifuna Flava, serving food of the Caribbean and Central America, has a rich and fragrant version that’s well worth venturing out of doors.

2518 W 63rd St, Chicago, IL 60629

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rohit Ray (@rohit1128)

Also featured in:

Where to Find Great Appetizers in Chicago

Soul Veg City

Along 75th Street, Soul Vegetarian has been an oasis for meat- and dairy-free meals for decades. The restaurant’s recent transformation to more of a cafeteria-style spot showcases a diverse menu with many affordable options. The hot bar is underrated and is a great place for folks with different dietary concerns who still crave hearty fare.

203 East 75th Street, IL 60619

A plate of greens, macaroni and cheese, and sweet potatoes.

Also featured in:

Lem's Bar-B-Q

Chicago is synonymous with rib tips, and rib tips are synonymous with Lem’s. It’s a simple equation and one that draws locals and visitors to the South Side barbecue haven in all kinds of weather. Save time and just order the crispy, tender, messy delights by the bucket.

311 East 75th Street, IL 60619

A person ladling barbecue sauce over rib tips.

Also featured in:

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Beard & Belly

6155-57 N. Broadway Street, Chicago, IL 60660

For those who take comfort in the messy, meaty marvel that is poutine, take note of this Edgewater spot that serves a version with a significant fanbase. It’s a Canada-meets-Midwest masterpiece: french fries, cheese curds, and short ribs smothered in three-day gravy, white cheddar sauce, and fresh herbs. There’s also an ever-changing lineup of top-notch pies that hold up well on the ride home.

Open in Google Maps

6155-57 N. Broadway Street, Chicago, IL 60660

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Honeypie Chicago (@honeypie_chicago)

Bayan Ko Diner

1820 W Montrose Ave (at Wolcott Ave.), Chicago, IL 60613

Bayan Ko was a Filipino and Cuban restaurant run by a couple a few doors down, but it shifted operations in March and turned the original location into more of a fine dining vibe. Now, this space serves more of the casual classics (lumpia, silog, ropa vieja). The food is simple with quality ingredients and continues to feature both Filipino and Cuban favorites.

1820 W Montrose Ave (at Wolcott Ave.), Chicago, IL 60613

Visit Website

Rice and an egg skillet. — Bayan Ko Diner is the Filipino and Cuban greasy spoon Chicago needs.

Anelya

3472 North Elston Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60618

Chef Johnny Clark delved into his family’s history to open Anelya, the sibling to Parachute HiFi in Avondale. The theme is Ukrainian comfort food, presented boldly without pretension. The Zakusky, small plates like a trout roe tart and fried Crimean-style olives, aren’t to be missed. You’ll find a variety of soups, tangy ribs, and more.

3472 North Elston Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60618

Visit Website

A display of small plates of Ukrainian food.

Katsu-Shack

3109 North Halsted Street, Chicago, Illinois 60657

This newish entry in Lakeview is a prime destination for Japanese-style fried pork cutlets. The quality of the pork, the crispiness of the breading, and the seasoning are all top-notch with the katsu, and the black curry is a treat that’s not easily found around town. This fast-casual spot is decorated with Japanese baseball gear, and is not too far from Wrigley Field.

Open in Google Maps

3109 North Halsted Street, Chicago, Illinois 60657

Visit Website

A fried pork cutlet.

Void

2937 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60618

A newcomer along Milwaukee Avenue, Void emphasizes fun and creativity by playing within the Italian American genre with unique pastas that are artfully executed. It’s a small menu, but order the focaccia, and, of course, Void’s take on SpagehttiUhOs.

2937 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60618

Visit Website

A can of spaghetti uhOs.

Loaf Lounge

2934 N Milwaukee Ave (N Central Park Ave), Chicago, IL 60618

Loaf Lounge is operated by a husband-and-wife team with fine dining experience. Beyond the exquisite breads — which power the egg sandwiches and lunch offerings — Ben Lusbader and Sarah Mispagel-Lustbader nail the touches. Condiments like bacon jam pump flavor into the offerings. The coffee bar service is also wonderful providing Chicago more than the normal boring standards seen at chains. We haven’t even mentioned the sweets. Pro tip: Order cookies and cake slices to go.

2934 N Milwaukee Ave (N Central Park Ave), Chicago, IL 60618

Visit Website

A breakfast sandwich on an English muffin on blue and white checked paper.

Mild 2 Spicy

714 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614

Mild 2 Spicy is a solid Indian restaurant in the Lincoln Park and Lakeview areas with a large delivery radius. It’s also a rare spot that manages to get dosa, the South Indian delicacy, right. A good dosa with chutney, sambar, and spicy potatoes, is like a hug from a friend you haven’t seen in ages.

714 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614

Visit Website

Athenian Room

807 W Webster Ave (at N Halsted St), Chicago, IL 60614

This Lincoln Park classic serves some of the best Greek American food in town. Spanakopita, heart-warming soups, and the famous chicken Kalamata — with perfectly seasoned Greek fries further flavored by the lemony chicken — are all great choices.

807 W Webster Ave (at N Halsted St), Chicago, IL 60614

Visit Website

A black and white sign reads Athenian Room Since 1972.

Le Bouchon

1958 N Damen Ave (at W Armitage Ave), Chicago, IL 60647

One of Chicago’s most beloved family-owned restaurants, Le Bouchon is a Bucktown icon and one of the city’s best French spots. The French onion soup (a similar soup can be found at sibling restaurant Obelix in River North) is gooey and perfectly balanced.

1958 N Damen Ave (at W Armitage Ave), Chicago, IL 60647

Visit Website

A white ceramic bowl topped with melted cheese covering French onion soup.

Bigsuda

1362 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60622

Bigsuda hits all the notes — scallion pancakes, handmade soup dumplings, cheesy bulgogi, and more. This cozy restaurant along Milwaukee Avenue in Wicker Park is from the owners of Oiistar. Inside, diners will find some of Chicago’s more creative Korean and Chinese food. Rice and noodles are always comforting and Bigsuda does them with a unique flair — for example bites of bulgogi are steamed with cheese.

Open in Google Maps

1362 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60622

Visit Website

An array of dumplings, scallion pancakes, tea, and cocktails on a table. — Bigsuda’s menu is impressive.

Lao Peng You

2020 W Chicago Ave (N Damen Ave), Chicago, IL 60622

When brothers and veteran Chicago chefs Daniel and Eric Wat opened Lao Peng You in West Town, they said the restaurant was inspired by their memories of family potlucks. It follows, that their feature item — suan tang shui jiao, or dumplings in a hot and sour broth (aged dark soy, vinegar, chili oil) — make diners feel like they’re part of the family too.

2020 W Chicago Ave (N Damen Ave), Chicago, IL 60622

Visit Website

A variety of Chinese dishes on a large table.

Ricobene's

222 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60606

Ricobene’s breaded steak sandwich has a legion of fans, but don’t forget the pizza, hot dogs, and chicken Parmesan. This Italian American spot has been around since the ’40s and is a great stop for a true slice of Chicago culture.

222 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60606

Visit Website

Ricobenes breaded steak sandwich.

The Fat Shallot

125 S Clark St (W Adams St), Chicago, IL 60603

This gourmet sandwich spot channels childhood grilled cheese memories into a creation fit for grown-up tastes with a version that combines melty Muenster, sauteed spinach, and caramelized onions between two slices of sourdough. It’s also available at the Fat Shallot food truck and outposts in Evanston, the Merchandise Mart, and Sterling Food Hall (formerly Revival).

125 S Clark St (W Adams St), Chicago, IL 60603

Visit Website

A big sandwich on toasty bread.

Manny's Cafeteria & Delicatessen

1141 S Jefferson St (at Roosevelt Rd.), Chicago, IL 60607

Jewish deli icon Manny’s has built its identity around providing comfort to patrons of all backgrounds, with the arguably most famous attraction being its pastrami sandwich. A testament to tradition on rye, it’s an order that will reliably improve nearly anyone’s day.

1141 S Jefferson St (at Roosevelt Rd.), Chicago, IL 60607

Visit Website

A sandwich a plate.

Cairo Kebab

730 W Maxwell St, Chicago, IL 60607

Chicago doesn’t have too many Egyptian restaurants, but in University Village, Cairo Kebob has found a home with dishes like molokhia, a soup made with greens; delicious hummus, and succulent chicken. The molokhia is a standout, a soup that’s enjoyed by diners of all ages.

730 W Maxwell St, Chicago, IL 60607

Visit Website

Related Maps

5 Rabanitos Restaurante & Taqueria

1758 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608

Pozole, a traditional hominy-based Mexican stew, is an ideal antidote to wintertime blues, and chef Alfonso Sotelo’s version comes with wonderful depth and complexity. The bowl is packed with pork or chicken, avocado, juicy lime, and topped with a pile of crunchy chicharron and sliced radish.

Open in Google Maps

1758 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Buen Provecho Chicago (@buenprovechochi)

Pleasant House Pub

2119 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60608

Classic British pub food isn’t abundant in Chicago, but in Pilsen, Pleasant House Pub has been dishing out delicious savory pies for years. The Chicken Balti and mushroom and kale pies are favorites. The thick-cut fries and gravy are hangover cures.

2119 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60608

Visit Website

A savory pie spilling over with gravy.

Chi Cafe

2160 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Congee — a rice porridge popular throughout many Asian countries — may just be the ultimate comfort food. Like kimchi jjigae, many fans grew up eating the dish when they were sick and fostered a lifelong affection for its flexibility and glutinous texture. Chinatown spot Chi Cafe features a number of versions, including preserved egg with vegetables and clam; salted pork bone; and abalone and shredded chicken.

2160 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Andrew Soh Chih Jen 蘇稚仁 (@endoru)

TacoSur Birreria Tijuanense

3057 South Pulaski Road, IL 60623

Birria is a rich and comforting experience all on its own, but birria ramen — a modern invention that rounds out a bowl of broth and tender meat with flash-fried ramen noodles — offers a delightful twist on a Mexican classic. TacoSur’s version makes for a hefty, belly-warming meal.

Open in Google Maps

3057 South Pulaski Road, IL 60623

Visit Website

A bowl of birria ramen.

Ramova Grill

3520 South Halsted Street, Chicago, Illinois 60609

The Ramova Theater is back in Bridgeport, and the blue-collar corner diner also gets a second life thanks to Kevin Hickey and the crew behind iconic Chicago restaurant Duck Inn. The main event is the South Side chili, a classic recipe that’s lasted generations and has been revived for a new generation.

Open in Google Maps

3520 South Halsted Street, Chicago, Illinois 60609

Visit Website

A bowl of chili.

Pearl's Place

3901 S Michigan Ave (at E Pershing Rd), Chicago, IL 60653

Gumbo, jambalaya, grits, and other Southern classics are why customers have returned to Pearl’s Place time and again since the Bronzeville restaurant opened in 1993. It’s a welcoming spot with both buffet and a la carte options, including fried chicken. Pearl’s might be Chicago’s most beloved soul food restaurant.

3901 S Michigan Ave (at E Pershing Rd), Chicago, IL 60653

Visit Website

Garifuna Flava

2518 W 63rd St, Chicago, IL 60629

Though it hails from the tropics, there are few dishes better suited to Chicago winters than oxtail stew. Garifuna Flava, serving food of the Caribbean and Central America, has a rich and fragrant version that’s well worth venturing out of doors.

Open in Google Maps

2518 W 63rd St, Chicago, IL 60629

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rohit Ray (@rohit1128)

Soul Veg City

203 East 75th Street, IL 60619

Along 75th Street, Soul Vegetarian has been an oasis for meat- and dairy-free meals for decades. The restaurant’s recent transformation to more of a cafeteria-style spot showcases a diverse menu with many affordable options. The hot bar is underrated and is a great place for folks with different dietary concerns who still crave hearty fare.

Open in Google Maps

203 East 75th Street, IL 60619

Visit Website

A plate of greens, macaroni and cheese, and sweet potatoes.

Lem's Bar-B-Q

311 East 75th Street, IL 60619

Chicago is synonymous with rib tips, and rib tips are synonymous with Lem’s. It’s a simple equation and one that draws locals and visitors to the South Side barbecue haven in all kinds of weather. Save time and just order the crispy, tender, messy delights by the bucket.

Open in Google Maps

311 East 75th Street, IL 60619

Visit Website

A person ladling barbecue sauce over rib tips.

Related Maps