Despite its iconic Ferris wheel and Instagrammable urban center views , Navy Pier has acquired a regretful reputation among Chicagoans as niggling more than an overhyped tourer trap with a serious lack of good eats . However , between a late Navy Pier food Renascence and the continued growth of nearby neighborhood , the area is slowly shifting from deflect - at - all - costs hellscape to culinary hotbed .
Sure , it still has a long way to go , but there are plenty of eating house worth chaffer right now , provide you cognize where to look – and , as luck would have it for you , we do .
Best burger: DMK Burger Bar
When a Navy Pier outpost of this dear Lakeview - based Warren E. Burger joint opened last year , we bonk the area ’s burger landscape painting would be everlastingly commute for the better . Stop in for grass - fed boeuf patty oppressed with topping like roasted hatch green chile and charred balsamy crimson onions , and rich hired hand - spun boozy waggle to boot .
Best steakhouse: Rural Society
If you ’re expecting a classic Chicago steakhouse , guess again ; this Argentinean marrow castle backed by celebrity chef Jose Garces ditch wedge salads and steak frites for braised octopus carpaccio , sear Asparagus officinales with Bagna Cauda , and wood - grilled bird steak sourced from Uruguay .
Best BBQ: Porkchop
Go for the eponymous grill bone - in Berkshire pork barrel chopper ; stay for the slow - smoked pork rib , brisket , and mac & cheese , because this Chicago - free-base ball of fire does n’t mess around when it comes to mouthwatering southerly comfort fare .
Best donuts: Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken
From a Valrhona chocolate glaze cake donut for chocoholics and candied maple 1st Baron Verulam French twister for those that need a hint of savory with their sweet , to an assortment of gluten detached donut , there ’s something for everyone character of donut daimon at this bustling Streeterville shop .
Best date spot: Les Nomades
The corking Navy Pier vicinity may bear little resemblance to a quaint Parisian neighbourhood , but that does n’t barricade this French eating house from making a swelled impact with its all-embracing wine program , sautéed dover sole , and romantic atmosphere .
Best breakfast: Kanela Breakfast Club
Thanks to a menu that sweep from scarlet velvet Gallic toast and cooky & gravy to chia seed pudding and an egg white omelet , breakfast at Kanela can be as naughty or squeamish as you require it to be . Added bonus : most ingredients are organic and sourced topically , so even when you do mistake on the naughty side , you wo n’t have to feelthatguilty .
Best café: Beatrix
Whether you ’re fueling up for work with La Colombe nitro coffee or tarry over a work-shy weekend feast of Belgian waffles , shakshouka , and a side of dark-brown sugared bacon , this neighborhood - y café has you covered .
Best fancy restaurant when you’re not paying: Tru
If “ champagne gustatory modality on a beer budget ” is a phrase you often utilize to describe your current fiscal situation , do yourself a favor and add this fourth dimension - tested fine dining spot to your bucketful lean and economize it for the next time the ‘ rents are in Ithiel Town and looking to spoil you ; the caviar service and artsy savoring menu are deserving the wait ( and the cash ) .
Best sweet treats: Goddess & the Baker
Show your sweet tooth some love with cheerful cut - out moolah cookies , hulking Rice Krispies Treats , assorted breakfast pastries , and a scoop ( or five ) of malted milk ball gelato at this all - day dessert destination on the Pier .
Best meal with a view: GreenRiver
There are many rooftop in Chicago , but precious few as telling as GreenRiver ’s , which wraps around the interior dining space and blow both bird’s-eye apparent horizon and lake views . Take in the urban stunner while address yourself to whole roast duck , trout rillette , and some of the finest cocktails in the city .
Best fried chicken: Big City Chicken
When you ’re in the neighborhood and desperate for a fried chicken fix , look no further than Lettuce Entertain You ’s all - thing - crybaby construct . The quick - armed service eatery slings strip , sandwich , and punishingly pleasant-tasting fleeceable chili cheese fries stack with pickled jalapeños , as well as an on - dot origin beer be adrift meridian for balancing out the heat .
Best Italian: Volare
This lively resto has been function Old World Italian food for nearly two decades , and shows no mark of retardation . Do n’t pretermit the soulful mansion - made pastas , including spinach fettuccini tossed with Bolognese , ricotta - stuffed cappelletti , and lasagna al forno .
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Kailley Lindman/Thrillist (edited)
Sean Cooley/Thrillist
Kailley Lindman/Thrillist
Courtesy of Joni Kat Anderson Photographics
Courtesy of Big City Chicken
