Chicago+Restaurants+2017

= = =//Women Chefs and Woman-owned Restaurants //=

//**You Have to Eat!**// by Alexandria C. Odom

**LUNCH AND DINNER**

[|Elizabeth Restaurant] 4835 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, (773)-681-0651; $$$$ dinner - tapas, seasonal fruits and vegetables, desserts
// Owner and Chef Iliana Regan says: "I'd say the hardest aspect of the career is being able to switch from business woman to chef to mother to mentor all within an hour."media type="custom" key="29217979" // [|Yelp] [|Zomato] [|TripAdvisor]

[|Bread and Wine] 3734 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60618, (773)-866-5266; $$ dinner, weekend brunch - Italian, wine bar, cheese
// Co-owners Lisa Fosler Kelly and Jennifer Wisnieswki; American bistro and wine bar in a space that was a former laundromat on the city's northwest side. // [|Yelp] [|Zomato] [|TripAdvisor]

==== [|Honey Butter Fried Chicken] 3361 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, (773)-478-4000; $$ brunch, lunch, dinner - humanely raised chicken, sandwiches, salads, wings, cocktails ==== // Owner Christine Cikowski says: "It is a unique dining experience and always something new to taste." // [|Yelp] [|Zomato] [|TripAdvisor]

[|The Boarding House] 720 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654, (312)-280-0720; $$$ Monday-Saturday dinner, late night - Vegetarian, seafood, American, wine bar, desserts
// Chicago's first Master-Sommelier-owned eatery owned by Alpana Singh. //// Chef Tanya Baker joined Alpana Singh's Boarding House in River North as a line cook. Singh promoted Baker in 2014, and in 2015 she received a Beard nomination for rising star chef of the year. // [|Yelp] [|Zomato] [|TripAdvisor]

[|Seven Lions] 130 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603, (312)-880-0130; $$ brunch, lunch, dinner - gluten-free options, pasta, burgers
// Owned by Alpana Singh, Seven Lions is a modern interpretation of the classic clubhouse restaurant. It offers the perfect ambiance, social energy and everyday fare for a variety of dining experiences. // [|Yelp] [|Zomato] [|TripAdvisor]

[|NAHA] 500 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654, (312)-321-6242; $$$$ lunch and dinner - Mediterranean-influenced American cuisine, tea and herbal infusions, beer, cocktails
// Owned by Carrie Nahabedian, NAHA is a mix of American and Mediterranean influences from Armenian and Greek heritages. NAHA uses fresh, seasonal produce, meats, and cheeses from local farmers and growers. Gourmet magazine said “NAHA is solidly installed on the city's restaurant A-List. It is likely to stay there as long as it continues to serve Carrie Nahabedian's sophisticated comfort food.” Chicago Magazine said James Beard Award winner Nahabedian “reels in Mediterranean-influenced American. Sophisticated cooking is far from low key.” // [|Yelp] [|Zomato] [|TripAdvisor]

[|Kinzie Chophouse] 400 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654, (312)-822-0191; $$$ lunch, dinner, happy hour - steak, chops, pasta, seafood
// Owned by Susan Frasca, Kinzie Chophouse proves that men aren't the only ones who know a thing or two about what it takes to run a successful steakhouse. Kinzie Chophouse has been a Chicago staple for over 25-years. // [|Yelp] [|Zomato] [|TripAdvisor]

==== [|The Goddess and Grocer] 2222 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60614, (773)-292-7100; 1649 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, (773)-342-3200; 901 N Larrabee St, Chicago, IL 60610, (312)-988-9870; 1127 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610, (312)-265-1888; 25 E Delaware Pl, Chicago, IL 60611, (312)-896-2600; $$ catering, breakfast, lunch - deli, salads, sandwiches, soups ==== // Owned by Debra Sharpe, Goddess and Grocer provides the perfect casual and light fare and is a great location for lunch meetings. Goddess and Grocer is known for freshly made soups and sandwiches, seasonal prepared foods, an // // amazi ////ng salad bar, beautiful cupcakes and desserts, and more. // [|Yelp] [|Zomato] [|TripAdvisor] [|Duck Duck Goat] 857 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607, (312)-902-3825; $$$ dinner, weekend dim sum - Chinese // Duck Duck Goat reflects Stephanie Izard's signature "make your whole mouth happy" culinary style by blending classic, recognizable dishes with new flavors to tantalize the palate. Hand-pulled noodles, sauces crafted from scratch, and a Taiwanese-inspired dessert menu by Nate Meads. // [|Yelp] [|Zomato] [|TripAdvisor]

[|Little Goat Diner] 820 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607, (312)-888-3455; $$ breakfast, lunch, dinner - burgers, snacks, soups
// Stephanie Izard says, "Chefs either have a mom who is a terrible cook, so they have to, or the mom is a great cook. My mom was a really good cook. So I think that's why I ended up doing this." // [|Yelp] [|Zomato] [|TripAdvisor]

==== [|Girl and the Goat] 809 West Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60607, (312) 492-6262; $$$ dinner (opens at 4:30) - new American cuisine, vegetables, fish, meats, craft beers, house-made wines, vegan, Gluten-free options ==== // Owner and executive chef Stephanie Izard was the first woman to win Brovo's Top Chef and Girl & the Goat was named America's Best New Restaurant by Saveur magazine in 2011. // [|Yelp] [|Zomato] [|TripAdvisor]

[|Nohea Cafe] 1312 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60607, (312)-600-9305; $$ breakfast, brunch, lunch - sandwiches, wraps, salads // Owned by Shirley and Michelle G., Nohea Cafe is the perfect lunch destination in the West Loop, and also offers catering for events. // [|Yelp] [|Zomato] [|TripAdvisor]

[|Stock] 1427 W. Willow, Chicago, IL 60642, (312) 432-6575; $$ brunch, lunch - seasonal plates, sandwiches, pastries
// Stock, the cafe inside Local Foods—the grocery store tucked away near the city of Chicago truck parking lot near Lincoln Park—focuses on comfort foods and light bites. Chef Abra Berens adds to the menu seemingly every day. Berens, a Michigander, has worked at Floriole and Vie. // [|Yelp] [|Zomato]

[|Rockit Bar and Grill] 22 W Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60654, (312)-645-6000; $$ lunch, dinner - traditional American, burgers, sandwiches, salads
// Executive chef Amanda Downing has helped revamp Rockit, the infamous Hubbard Street bar. The suburban Elgin native is a veteran of the company, also working at their burger bar in Wrigleyville. Note: Downing left Rockit at the end of October. She said she's going to take some time off. // [|Yelp] [|Zomato] [|TripAdvisor]

[|Mad Love] 1810 W Montrose Ave., Chicago, IL 60613, (773) 687-9763; $$ lunch, dinner - Thai, curry, noodles
// Her storefront opened in Spring 2016, but Anna Abbey's Rock 'n Roll noodles has served Thai food at various farmer's markets around Chicago for years. Abbey's parents The Thai Room, one of Chicago's first Thai restaurants, and she's continued the family tradition. // [|Yelp] [|TripAdvisor]

[|Parachute] 3500 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, (773) 654-1460; $$$ dinner - Korean, oysters, dumplings
// Beverly Kim also made a splash by appearing on Top Chef, but her Avondale restaurant continues to pack guests in, as she works with her husband, John Clark. Parachute earned a Beard nomination after it first opened and holds a Michelin star. // [|Yelp] [|Zomato] [|TripAdvisor]

[|Owen and Engine] 2700 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, (773) 235-2930; $$ dinner, late night, Saturday lunch, Sunday brunch - British, snacks, nosh, burgers, beer
// Bo Fowler was raised in Minnesota after being brought over from Korea. She has opened two restaurants in Logan Square, Fat Wily's Barbecue Shack and the English gastropub Owen & Engine. A third restaurant, Bixi, will allow her to showcase her Southeast Asian culinary skills. // [|Yelp] [|Zomato] [|TripAdvisor]

====[|Hema's Kitchen] 2411 N Clark St., Chicago, IL 60614, (773) 529-1705; 2439 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60659 ( http://www.hemaskitchendevon.com); $$ dinner - Indian, Mediterranean, vegan options, light fare, soups, lamb, seafood==== // Hema Potla, who runs two restaurants—one on Devon and another in Lincoln Park—grew up in Hyderabad, India. She opened the first Hema's Kitchen in 1992, bringing a mix of South and North Indian flavors to the table. // [|Yelp] [|Zomato] [|TripAdvisor]

[|Mana Food Bar] 1742 W Division St., Chicago, IL 60622, (773) 342-1742; $$ dinner, Saturday lunch - Vegetarian, Vegan. Gluten-free, Korean, tapas
// Mana Food Bar shocked Wicker Park when it opened in 2008, shattering expectations to what a vegetarian restaurant could accomplish. Executive chef/partner Jill Barron crafted a menu the fused flavors from all across the // // world, with a focus on Korea. // [|Yelp] [|Zomato] [|TripAdvisor]

[|La Diosa] 2308 N Clark St., Chicago, IL 60614, (773)-372-5559; $$ dinner, weekend brunch - Mexican, American, quiche, shakes
// Laura Martinez's story is an inspiring one. Martinez, who worked at Charlie Trotter's, has been blind since an infant. That hasn't stopped her from creating delicious Mexican comfort food — the chef opened La Diosa in Lincoln Park in 2015. // [|Yelp] [|Zomato] [|TripAdvisor]

====[|MAD Social] 1140 W Madison St., Chicago, IL 60607, (312) 243-2097; $$ dinner, weekend brunch, lunch, happy hour - chicken, beef, seafood, cocktails, Vegetarian options ==== // Executive chef Mariela Bolaños doesn't mess around inside Mad Social, the West Loop restaurant from Gina Stefani. A former executive sous chef at Bar Siena, she has traveled throughout Mexico and also learned to cook Italian and French food. // ====[|Yelp] [|Zomato] [|TripAdvisor]====

[|Willow Rm] 1800 North Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60614, (312)-982-2151; $$ dinner, late night, weekend brunch - seafood, cheese, wine, cocktails
// The chef post at Willow Rm., a new Lincoln Park bar/restaurant, is Marissa Janz's first chef job. She came over from Nico Osteria. // [|Yelp] [|TripAdvisor] ========

[|Ryuu Asian BBQ] 2766 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, (773)-661-1919; $$ Wednesday - Sunday dinner, weekend lunch - Korean, Asian fusion, sushi, ribs, soup, salad
// For decades, Noy Sengsourichanh has been working in the kitchens of some of Chicago's best Thai spots. Her daughter Anna Makmok was the namesake behind Anna's Asian Bistro in the West Loop. //

// Sengsourichanh has followed her family to Logan Square where they're trying a new concept. Her fried, stuffed avocado rolls are still just as good as you remember. // [|Yelp] [|Zomato] [|TripAdvisor]

====[|The Betty] 839 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607, (312) 733-2222; $$ dinner, late night, happy hour - toast, salads, seafood, fondue, cocktails, Gluten-free and Vegetarian options ==== // A former sous chef over at Avec, Rachel Dow has described her small plates at The Betty as "modern grandma." // [|Yelp] [|Zomato]

[|Monteverde] 1020 West Madison Street, Chicago, IL 60607, (312) 888-3041; $$$ dinner - Italian, snacks, small plates, pasta, Gluten-free options
// Sarah Grueneberg learned much while cooking at Spiaggia and she's let loose at Monteverde, the West Loop pasta haven where diners can see Grueneberg in the center of the restaurant while she rolls out and shapes the tasty noodles. She also appeared on Top Chef. // [|Yelp] [|Zomato] [|TripAdvisor]

[|Demera Ethiopian Restaurent] 4801 N Broadway St., Chicago, IL 60640, (773) 334-8787; $$ lunch, dinner - Ethiopian, seafood, beef, lamb, chicken, Vegetarian options // Tigist Reda grew up in northern Ethiopia and arrived in America in 2007. Over at Demera in Uptown, Reda has not only given many Chicagoans their first taste of her native cuisine, but also one of the best restaurants in the city. // ====[|Yelp] [|Zomato] [|TripAdvisor]====

==== [|Garifuna Flava - A Taste of Belize] 2516 W 63rd St., Chicago, IL 60629. (773) 776-7440; $$ lunch, dinner - Caribbean, tacos, salad, seafood, oxtail ==== // Over in Chicago Lawn, on Chicago's Southwest side, Yolanda Castillo and her family are cooking up traditional food from Belize. Chicago doesn't have an abundance of Belizean food, but back in 2014, Garifuna drew the attention of the Food Network's Guy Fieri who made a visit. // [|Yelp] [|Zomato] [|TripAdvisor]

[|Vermilion]10 West Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60610, (312) 527-4060; $$$$ lunch, dinner - Indian, Latin, tapas, Vegetarian options, cocktails
// In 2003 Rohini Dey gave up an exutive management consultant career to open Vermilion, an “Indian-Latin hot spot.” Dey also supports the James Beard Foundation Vermilion Women in Culinary Leadership Scholarship, intended to encourage more women to take on leadership roles in the food industry. "There are so many women in culinary school, but it dies out in the field," she told the Wall Street Journal. "It's appalling." // [|Yep] [|Zomato] [|TripAdvisor]

** BREAKFAST ** [|Southport Grocery and Cafe] 3552 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657, (773)-665-0100; $$ breakfast, brunch - french toast, pancakes, quiche, omlettes // Owned by Lisa Santos, Southport Grocery and Cafe is part boutique grocery, part cozy eatery. This spot is a mainstay on the Southport Corridor, thanks to an expertly curated selection of gourmet foods, locally produced, and a breakfast and lunch menu of elevated comfort food. // [|Yelp] [|Zomato] [|TripAdvisor]

[|Baker Miller] 4610 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, 773-654-3610; $$ breakfast, brunch - seasonal pies, eggs benedict, biscuits, grits, sandwiches // Co-owned by Megan Miller, Baker Miller serves all-day brunch. // [|Yelp] [|Zomato] [|TripAdvisor]

[|The Hot Bar] 4642 N Francisco Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, (872)-806-2901; $ breakfast, brunch - breakfast sandwiches, breakfast bowls // Owned by Megan Miller, this is a commuter-friendly offshoot of Baker Miller, Megan's super popular all-day brunch destination. // [|Yelp]

__ [|Goddess and the Baker] __ 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, (312)-285-2630; 33 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60603, (312)-877-5176; $$ breakfast, lunch - desserts, baked goods, breakfast sandwiches, bagels, toast, salads, lunch sandwiches, soup, chili // Owned by Debra Sharpe, Goddess and the Baker is perfect for casual and light fare - breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is also a great location for lunch meetings. // [|Yelp] [|Zomato] [|TripAdvisor]

[|Sweet Maple Cafe] 1339 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607, (312)-243-8908; $$ breakfast, brunch - Southern American, pancakes, french toast, omelets, muffins, cereal, soup, salad, sandwiches // Owned by Laurene Hynson, Sweet Maple Cafe launched in 1999 as a neighborhood breakfast and lunch destination in Little Italy. Laurene's advice: "Have confidence that you can do it. Have a clear vision of what you want and stay true to it." // [|Yelp] [|Zomato] [|TripAdvisor]

**DESSERTS** ====[|Vanille Patisserie] 3243 North Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657, (773)-868-4574; 2108 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614, (773)-868-4574; 131 N Clinton St, Chicago, IL 60661, (773)-868-4574; $$ breakfast, snacks, dessert - macarons, cakes, petite fours, muffins ==== // Vanille Patisserie specializes in authentic French pastries, desserts, and cakes. Owned and operated by chef Sophie Evanoff, Vanile is noted for its premier quality, taste, and dedication to its craft. // [|Yelp] [|Zomato] [|TripAdvisor]

====[|Vosges Haut-Chocolat] 951 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614, (773)-296-9866; 520 Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, (312)-644-9450; $$$ snacks, dessert - chocolates, candies, truffles ==== // Owned by Katrina Markoff, Vosges Haut-Chocolat is a luxury chocolate shop. // [|Yelp] [|TripAdvisor]

[|Hoosier Mama Pie Company] 1618 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, (312)-243-4846; snacks, dessert - savory pies, sweet pies, seasonal fruit pies, quiches, coffee
//Owned by baker Paula Haney, the Hoosier Mama Pie Company is a new artisanal bakery striving to be a great old pie company. // [|Yelp] [|Zomato] [|TripAdvisor]

====[|Floriole Cafe and Bakery] 1220 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614, (773) 883-1313; $$ breakfast, lunch, dessert - pastries, scones, breakfast sandwiches, bread, cookies, lunch sandwiches and salads ==== // Sandra Holl's baked good first were notice while at the Green City Market. The acclaim continued over at Floriole, a charming full-service cafe in Lincoln Park. // [|Yelp] [|Zomato] [|TripAdvisor]

==== [|Bittersweet Pastry Shop and Cafe] 1114 West Belmont Avenue #8, Chicago, IL 60657, (773) 929-1100; $ breakfast, lunch, early dinner, snacks - desserts, coffee, soups, sandwiches, salads ==== // European style pastry by self-taught chef Judy Contino and her talented staff. Contino pastries have been recognized as Chicago's best by Chicago Magazine and New City and New Woman Magazine chose her as one of the top 10 female chefs in America. [Contino handed over the reins to Chef Mindy Gohr and Esther Griego in 2015.] // [|Yelp] [|Zomato] [|TripAdvisor]

==== [|Black Dog Gelato] 859 North Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60622, (773) 235-3116; French Market 131 N Clinton St., Chicago, IL 60661 (312) 575-0306; Revival Food Hall 125 S Clark St., Chicago, IL 60603, (773) 999-9411; Mariano Park 1031 N State St., Chicago, IL 60610, (312) 742-7895; $ snacks, dessert - gelato, sorbet ==== // Before opening her own store Jessica Oloroso had been selling her gourmet gelato and sorbet with unusual combinations of flavors through other restaurants for a number of years. The Chicago CBS affiliate named Black Dog best gelato in 2012. // [|Yelp] [|Zomato] [|TripAdvisor]

==== [|Mindy's HotChocolate] 1747 North Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60647, (773) 489-1747; $$$ weekend brunch, lunch, dinner - traditional American, salads, entrees, sandwiches, seasonal desserts ==== // HotChocolate Chef and Owner Mindy Segal won the 2012 James Beard Award for Outstanding Pastry. The restaurant and dessert bar is an “urban café” specializing in contemporary food and desserts inspired by seasonal and local ingredients. // [|Yelp] [|Zomato] [|TripAdvisor]

**MISCELLANEOUS**

[|Slippery Slope] 2357 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, (773)-799-8504; $$ - full bar
// Owned by Mandy Tandy, Slippery Slope is a trendy bar and nightclub selling their own bottled cocktails. // [|Yelp] [|Zomato]

==== Found Kitchen and Social House1631 Chicago Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201, (847) 868-8945; $$$ lunch (Friday-Sunday), dinner - new American cuisine, flatbreads, sandwiches, salads, seafood ==== // Named one of 2013’s best new restaurants by Chicago Magazine, Found is Amy Morton’s “socially conscious American bistro.” In May the New York Times described the restaurant’s “succulent local fare.” The menu, created with chef Nicole Pederson, is focused on seasonal small plates. // [|Yelp] [|Zomato] [|TripAdvisor]
 * If you decide to make the trek to Evanston to tour the Frances Willard House, check out: **