All articles tagged with #chicago restaurants
Chicago restaurants are struggling with soaring operating costs due to inflation, higher wages, property taxes, and tariffs, leading to reduced profit margins, cautious expansion, and changes in staffing and menu pricing, which in turn affects customer spending and neighborhood vitality.
The article updates the Chicago dining scene with three new notable restaurants: Da Local Boy Cafe, a Hawaiian spot in Highwood; Dear Margaret, a French Canadian restaurant in Lakeview; and Daisies, an Italian-inspired restaurant in Logan Square. It highlights their unique offerings and the city's vibrant culinary culture, along with recommended activities for visitors like architecture tours and outdoor concerts.
Chicago celebrated its rich culinary scene at the 2025 James Beard Awards, with local restaurants Oriole and Lem's Bar-B-Q earning top honors, including Outstanding Chef and America's Classics Award, highlighting the city's vibrant food culture.
Donnie Madia, co-founder of One Off Hospitality and a Chicago restaurant legend, played a role in the new season of the TV show "The Bear." Madia's experience working at Mr. Beef, a sandwich shop that inspired the show, helped shape his career in the restaurant industry. The show's creators reached out to Madia for advice and insights into the kitchen environment, and he also made an appearance in an episode. The partnership between One Off Hospitality and "The Bear" highlights the authenticity and value of the restaurant industry.
Season 2 of FX's "The Bear" delves into Chicago's dining scene as the Beef's crew seeks inspiration for their new fine dining spot, the Bear. The season explores the challenges faced by restaurants, including staffing difficulties and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The show highlights various Chicago restaurants, such as Kasama and Publican Quality Meats, while also addressing the struggles of establishments like Funkenhausen and The Bristol. Despite the success of the Bear, the season emphasizes the harsh reality of the restaurant industry and the difficulties of staying afloat.
Season 2 of "The Bear" follows chefs Carmy and Syd as they attempt to transform a run-down Chicago restaurant into a destination-worthy fine dining experience. The challenges of the city's bureaucracy and staffing shortages, as well as their differing priorities for the restaurant's success, add to the pressure of opening in just three months. The show explores the mental strain of top chefs and the rarity of happiness even with success, while paying homage to the history of the restaurant industry in Chicago.