When your home is under construction, whether it’s due to a major interior remodel or because you’re having your roof replaced, you’ll probably be looking for a bit of respite from the seemingly constant hammering and a never-ending stream of contractors traipsing through your home. Talk about a headache!

What’s worse, you might not have access to your kitchen in these scenarios, so that can get frustrating for many families too, and fussy, hungry kids are no fun. Fortunately, if you’re trying to find a place to escape to for a bite to eat during a home improvement project, you have plenty of options right here in the Windy City.

Explore our list of the best Chicago restaurants, from fine dining and top-shelf cocktails to dive bars and delectable desserts— dig in!

FINE DINING

The Windy City might be best known for deep dish pizza, but Chicago’s dining scene is also home to over twenty Michelin star restaurants along with other high-end dining room experiences. These are our three favorites:

1) JOE’S STONE CRAB

As one of the most widely recognized seafood restaurants nationwide, with locations in Chicago, Vegas, and DC, you can’t go wrong with Joe’s Stone Crab. Known for their Florida Stone Crab and an extensive assortment of fishy (but flavorful) dishes, this is a favorite among our team. Just be prepared to pay market prices, even up here in Illinois.

2) GALIT

This James Beard Award-winning Middle Eastern eatery is a must-try in Lincoln Park, boasting a newly-earned Michelin star. Between the hummus and pita, roasted veggies, an assortment of meats and fish, and wines from all over the world, no one will go hungry here.

3) HUGO’S FROG BAR & FISH HOUSE

Another favorite of ours is Hugo’s Frog Bar and Fish House, which features stark white tablecloths and seafood dishes that are to die for. From whole fried snapper to an entire branzino, you better ensure everyone likes fish before visiting the Frog Bar.

CHIC DRINKS

If sipping is more your style, check out these two great spots for craft cocktails in Chicago:

4) KUMIKO

This Japanese-inspired cocktail and dining bar in the West Loop is headed up by Julia Momosé, a recent winner of a James Beard media award for her book, The Way of the Cocktail. Offering a wide breadth of Japanese whiskies and unique specialty cocktails, this is one of the best new bars on the scene, and they offer non-alcoholic cocktail options as well.

5) THE VIOLET HOUR

This elegant and intimate Wicker Park cocktail bar is the perfect date night spot, where you can sip some of Chicago’s best cocktails by candlelight and munch on a few small bar bites. The James Beard Award winner offers an ever-changing seasonal menu of creative libations, and you can check out the daily “Golden Hour” from 5 to 7, where cocktails are only $13.

QUICK BITES

Of course, you can also just grab a streetside hot dog or quick corner slice instead of sitting down at a restaurant. Try out these three delicious spots for a fast dine-and-dash (but don’t do that):

6) PEQUOD’S PIZZA

Don’t judge this book by its cover because Pequod’s has the best deep dish pizza in Chicago and possibly even the world. They even offer a $6.95 lunch special for a 7-inch pan pizza, making it the perfect quick bite for office workers.

7) GENE & JUDE’S

When you’re craving a classic Chicago style hot dog, stop by Gene & Jude’s, which was rated the best hot dog in the nation by Rachel Ray Magazine. You can grab a dog all the way ’til 1am, but if you want ketchup, we suggest coming with your own.

8) RED HOT RANCH

This late-night favorite will leave you feeling full without forking over too much cash. A little over $5 gets you a delicious and melty burger (or delicious dog) with fries on the side. Say less!

FAMILY FRIENDLY CHOICES

Feeding a group of starving kids can get stressful, but these two popular spots are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters at your dinner table:

9) CARMINE’S

Whether you’re heading out for a meal with the whole family or picking up a pizza to-go on the way home from work, you’re always guaranteed to be left stuffed and satisfied when you stop by Carmine’s. Known for its delicious soups, salads, and brick oven pizzas, this is a fun, affordable, family-friendly restaurant.

10) HONEY BUTTER FRIED CHICKEN

Another meal that’s always a big hit with hungry kids is chicken, so check out Honey Butter Fried Chicken for the best in Chicago! While the fried chicken is the shining star on this menu, don’t forget to try the other amazing southern food offered at this adorable restaurant, with outdoor patio dining available as well.

JUST DESSERTS

From bakeries and donut shops to sky-high scoops of ice cream, you don’t want to skip dessert in Chicago. Top off your tasting tour with a sweet treat at any of these:

11) ORIGINAL RAINBOW CONE

For more than 80 years, Chicago’s Original Rainbow Cone has been serving up the spectacular 5-scoop cones that give them their name, which feature these flavors:



• Chocolate
• Strawberry
• Pistachio
• Orange sherbet
• Palmer House (vanilla with cherries and walnuts)

Just make sure to bring a napkin or two (or twenty) in case you can’t slurp down all five scoops before a melty mess gets made.

12) JUSTICE OF THE PIES

Founded in 2014, this delicious bake shop also supports a great social cause. Inspired by her defense attorney father, owner Maya-Camille Broussard makes some bangin’ pies while also providing valuable resources to her local community. Purchasing pies here helps support Broussard’s “I Knead Love” workshop, which aims to teach underserved youth about cooking, baking, nutrition, and other kitchen skills, while also battling food insecurity for these kids.

13) STAN’S DONUTS AND COFFEE

Stan’s Donuts and Coffee has been a Chicago staple since 2014, offering up a sweet assortment of colorful and creative donuts, as well as an all-day menu of breakfast bites. And if you’re a coffee addict, you can also sign up for their coffee subscription to receive Stan’s signature coffee delivered right to your doorstep.

TRY THE BEST CHICAGO RESTAURANTS AROUND!

Between the cheap, Chicago-style hot dogs from a street cart and too many Michelin-star-rated restaurants to count, you truly can’t go wrong with any of these fantastic restaurants in Chicago. Even your pickiest child will find something to eat in this bustling Midwestern hub.

And while the Anchor Point Roofing team is busy working on your roof, why not give one (or two, or three) of these spots a try? With our work done in as little as one day, it’s the perfect opportunity to get away from the house and check out the big city with friends or family while we fix your roof.

Contact us now to learn more about our expert roofing services in Chicago, and maybe bring us a bite to eat too when you get back from your visit to the big city!