Chicago's Best Foodie Street

By Food & Wine
Updated June 15, 2016
Credit: Photo courtesy of Maude's Liquor Bar
Chef Stephanie Izard shares her favorite spots on Chicago's foodie-friendly West Randolph Street, from a terrific brewery to an alley-turned Champagne bar.
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Girl and the Goat

Credit: Photo courtesy of Girl and the Goat
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“My first restaurant feels like a big party,” says the F&W Best New Chef 2011. “Our music is loud.” 809 W. Randolph St.; girlandthegoat.com.

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Little Goat

Credit: Photo courtesy of The Little Goat

At her new diner, Izard plays with international comfort foods, as in an eggy, pancakey kimchi-and-bacon dish. 820 W. Randolph St.; littlegoatchicago.com.

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Haymarket Pub & Brewery

Credit: Photo © Maggie Matuszewska

“This brewery has awesome beer. One of its most popular is the hoppy but nicely balanced Angry Birds. Everyone loves the sweet potato Tater Tots.” 737 W. Randolph St.; haymarketbrewing.com.

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Au Cheval

Credit: Photo © Kari Skaflen

“A badass version of a diner. I love to sit at the counter and order the chilaquiles, which are like breakfast nachos. They make the mortadella for a fried-bologna sandwich—I’ve wanted to order it, but I’m always too busy eating my nachos.” 800 W. Randolph St.; aucheval.tumblr.com.

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Nellcôte

Credit: Photo courtesy of Nellcôte

“The owners grind their own flour and make whole wheat spaghetti with an extruder. They turned the alley behind the restaurant into a Champagne bar; it feels like a little town square in Europe.” 833 W. Randolph St.; nellcoterestaurant.com.

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Graham Elliot Bistro

Credit: Photo courtesy of Graham Elliot Bistro

“The menu at chef Graham Elliot’s place is simple, without a million ingredients. On a recent visit, the wild boar pasta hit the spot. They sent out radishes and whipped lardo, a take on the classic radish-and-butter idea.” 841 W. Randolph St.; gebistro.com.

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Belly Q

Credit: Photo © Tyllie Barbosa

“Bill Kim cooks with bold, in-your-face flavors. With Belly Q, he is bringing really interesting, tasty Korean barbecue to the neighborhood. The last time I was in for lunch, I got the spicy fried chicken.” 1400 W. Randolph St.; bellyqchicago.com.

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Avec

Credit: Photo © Doug Fogelson DRFP

“I love the idea of communal seating. There’s a truffle-cheese flatbread that’s way too big for two, so you share with your neighbors and make new friends.” 615 W. Randolph St.; avecrestaurant.com

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Maude's Liquor Bar

Credit: Photo courtesy of Maude's Liquor Bar

“Run by Au Cheval owner Brendan Sodikoff, Maude’s has a great bar. There’s nothing too froufrou, just good classic cocktails like a sazerac.” 840 W. Randolph St.; maudesliquorbar.com.

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