10 must-visit restaurants in Chicago if you’re a fan of The Bear

Wise

09.07.24

4 minute read

The first season of The Bear premiered and you convinced yourself to finally take cooking seriously.

You bought an apron and a meat thermometer and every time you rounded the corner of your kitchen you shouted “corner!” giving your mum the scare of her life.

But hey, that’s the life of a newly self-proclaimed chef. One of anxiety and fear, and burning metal and screaming at your non-cousins, calling them “Cousin!” (no, because honestly, who calls their cousin, cousin?).

Anyway, Season 2 came around and while the kitchen lost some of its heat, you still had the apron. You added boiled eggs to your instant ramen and sprinkled them with spring onion. You even hosted a dinner party!

Season 3. You’re in too deep now. All those pans and pots, and what would your mother say if you were to give it up? And just as she was learning to shout “corner” too?! There is no other option. It’s obvious what you must do.

Move to Chicago. Yes.

Or at least visit Chicago and explore the restaurants that have now shaped your new personality.

But while the kitchen temperatures might be high, your financial worries don’t need to be.

Whether you’re a local or going to Chicago on a whim, inspired by this blog (the power I hold), having a Wise account helps you manage and exchange between multiple currencies, using the mid-market exchange rate. Even if you’re not a US local, with Wise you can spend money on food like one.

I'm just saying, food Wise, it’s the smartest option.

Food for thought

Should we dive into it?

Yes, Chef!

5 Restaurants featured in The Bear

Kasama

Bakery by day, fine dining restaurant by night, this Filipino Michelin Restaurant located in Chicago’s Ukrainian Village is one of the many must visit spots featured in the show. Visit at night for an opportunity of experiencing Kasama’s Filipino inspired tasting menu. Because let’s face it, one course is never enough.

Cuisine: Filipino

Price: $$

Superdawg Drive-In

You’ve seen them. You know them, and if you don’t, then look for the giant hot dogs on the roof. This Chicago classic has been operating since 1948, serving Chicago-style hot dogs that are pure beef. A suggestion: pair with the Superfries!

Cuisine: Chicago-style dogs, fries & milkshakes.

Price: $

Pequod’s Pizzeria

You cannot mention Chicago without mentioning deep dish pizza. And if we are to take the show’s word for it Pequod’s Pizzeria is one of the best. According to Yelp, it is in fact the #1 Pizza in the US, serving their pizzas with passion and a caramelised cheese crust (yum!).

Cuisine: Pizza

Price: $$

Ever

This one’s for you cousin! While unfortunately your meal will not be prepared by the one and only Olivia Coleman (cries in the corner - get it together Chef!), Ever is a very real restaurant. And while Riche might not have trained there, they do in fact have 2 Michelin Stars (I’m not starstruck, you are!). If you’re looking for a fine dining experience, this is the one.

Cuisine: Seasonal menu which frequently changes

Price: $$$

Johnnie’s Beef

One cannot mention The Bear without including a beef sandwich and according to Roadtrippers, Johnnie’s Beef might be the best there is. For the Brits in the audience: picture a Tesco sandwich, nothing like that. This is more sub-level and above. Famous for their beef sandwich, Johnnie’s Beef also serves hot dogs (is a hot dog a sandwich?), gyros, and meatless options. Head-up that this is a cash-only vendor. (casually slides Wise card across the counter: Did I mention you can withdraw cash in the local currency using your Wise card?)

Cuisine: Beef sandwiches, gyros, hot dogs

Price: $

5 Restaurants in Chicago outside of The Bear

While the following restaurants are not featured in the show, they are ones that The Bear fans will salivate over (did I go too far with the food puns?). From finer dining, to a famous thin crust pizza, we’ve got you covered. Heard!

Elske

Another fine dining restaurant in the mix, Elske simmers on Danish influences. For all the fans out there, this is the place for your sweet tooth as Elske is also famous for their delicious and imaginative confectionaries. Considering the adventurous and delicious treats Marcus comes up with on the show, we're surprised he hasn't visited Elske for inspiration (our bet is he probably has).

Cuisine: American fare with Danish influences

Price: $$$

Frontera Grill

No trip to the Windy City is complete without a taste of Mexican cuisine. With a festive atmosphere in the background, Frontera Grill offers delicious and authentic Mexican dishes that will spice up your palate.

Cuisine: Mexican

Price: $$

Lula Cafe

From buttermilk pancakes, to their namesake breakfast burrito, Lula Cafe is a spot on everyone’s must visit lists. Lula Cafe is the perfect place to visit for breakfast or brunch - and dinner - while also quenching the thirst of those seeking an evening drink.

Cuisine: New American

Price: $$

Vito & Nick's

We’ve talked about the deep dish Chicagoan pizzas, but what of the thin crust? (yes, thin crusts DO exist in America, even if they’re yet to take off). But Vito & Nick’s has. Taken off that is. Established in the 1950’s, Vito & Nick’s is a neighbourhood pizzeria specialising in thin crust pizza. If you want to spice up your pizza options, you know where to go!

Cuisine: Pizza

Price: $

Loaf Lounge

Serving you another sweet for your tooth, Loaf Lounge is the perfect place to visit if you are looking for a cake. In fact! Fan fact: Loaf Lounge’s co-owner and baker, Sarah Mispagel acted as a consultant for the show, and she made the chocolate cake we see Marcus make in Season 1. From whole cakes, to cake slices on the day, this is the place to go to satiate your sugar cravings.

Cuisine: Cafe

Price: $

That’s your itinerary sorted, chef! Now all you’ve got to do is get to Chicago and start spending. And we can help with that: using your Wise account you can exchange between 40+ currencies, withdraw money in the local currency and spend like a local! Sounds delicious doesn’t it?

Careful! Corner! No, mum, the other corner!