Welcome back to Chicago! It’s the perfect place to host the American Library Association’s (ALA) 150th anniversary, and we’ve compiled a master list of restaurants and cafés where you can celebrate while attending the 2026 Annual Conference and Exhibition.
From healthy breakfasts to decadent splurges and feasts, these establishments will provide whatever you need to keep your energy up for a long day of learning or feed your soul afterward. No matter what you decide to try, you’ll learn that Chicago’s reputation as one of the world’s great food cities is well deserved for its diversity and quality. This year, replace the standard tourist-trap meals with big and bold flavors from around the world. All the spots mentioned, organized by neighborhood, are easily accessible by public transit, a leisurely walk, or a quick ride share from McCormick Place.
South Loop, Hyde Park, and Near South Side
Apolonia
105 E. Cermak Rd.
312-363-2431
Chef Stephen Gillanders helms Apolonia, a modern Mediterranean spot with seasonal plates and fresh flavors. The blue crab bucatini is a standout, or if you’re there for dinner, throw caution to the wind and order the five-course chef’s tasting menu. Brunch (Sat–Sun), L (M–F), D daily $$$
Chicago Curry House
Multiple locations, including 899 S. Plymouth Ct.
312-362-9999
Tucked into the first floor of a condo building near Printers Row, Chicago Curry House is a longstanding Indian and Nepalese restaurant. The portions are large and the meals are affordable. Don’t miss the garlic naan and bone-in goat dish. The restaurant also has a sister location, Nepal House (1301 S. Michigan Ave.), in the South Loop. L, D daily $$
Eleven City Diner
1112 S. Wabash Ave.
312-212-1112
Stepping into Eleven City Diner, with its lunch counter and booth seats, you’ll be transported back in time to the 1950s. Breakfast is served all day, like at any diner worth its salt, and the onsite deli prepares all your favorite sandwiches. B, L, D daily $$
Manny’s Cafeteria and Delicatessen
1141 S. Jefferson St.
312-939-2855
Fan of Chicago’s long history of storied, strange, and sometimes unscrupulous politics? Head to Manny’s, where you’re likely to run into any number of Chicago politicians. (Even former President Obama has been spotted there.) Try the chopped liver sandwich or the massive corned beef—you won’t be hungry again for a week. B, L (Tue–Sun), D (Tue–Sat) $$
Mercat a la Planxa
638 S. Michigan Ave.
312-765-0524
Be prepared to share at this Spanish restaurant with a twist on traditional cuisine. You can order tapas or flatbreads to split, or splurge on a grilled plate just for yourself; we love the Wagyu burger and the steak frites. B, L (Sun), D daily $$$
Reggies
2105 S. State St.
312-949-0120
Still feeling all the adrenaline from a great day of learning? Head down to local dive Reggies for live music and a full menu of burgers, chicken sandwiches, and more than 70 beers. You can hang out at the bar and grill, get some fresh air on the roof deck, or take in a show. L, D daily $$
The Spoke & Bird
Multiple locations, including 205 E. 18th St.
929-263-2473
The Spoke & Bird sources ingredients for their café-style menu almost entirely from local farms; you’ll find more than 30 of them listed on the back of the menu. Whether it’s a sandwich, quiche, pastry, or coffee or tea, you can be sure you’re getting something fresh and delicious. B, L daily $
Wagyu House Chicago
1147 S. Delano Ct. East
464-768-8224
Wagyu House offers an all-you-can-eat experience of either hot pot or Japanese barbecue, with the best cuts of meat in the world. Parties of six or more can book the Spectrum dining room in advance, where dazzling immersive projections accompany the meal. L (Th–M), D daily $$$$
Pilsen
Café Jumping Bean
1439 W. 18th St.
312-455-0019
Coffee and pastries are served with a side of community at Café Jumping Bean, where you can spot local artists and musicians on nearly every visit. All the coffee beans are ethically sourced, and the economically priced sandwiches are crafted with health in mind. B, L daily $
Las Carnitas Uruapan
1725 W. 18th St.
312-226-2654
Father and son team Inocencio and Marcos Carbajal run Las Carnitas Uruapan with one main goal: providing authentic Michoacán carnitas that haven’t been tamed for American palates. That strategy has served them well for more than 50 years at this tasty takeout spot. You can order the carnitas on tacos or by the pound; either way, more than two hours of slow cooking shine through in every bite. L daily $
HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen
1800 S. Carpenter St.
312-702-1303
Prepare yourself for James Beard–nominated Vietnamese cuisine from powerhouse Chef Thai Dang. The menu changes seasonally, but the house fried rice, complete with garlic and actual puffed rice, is a mainstay for a reason. Do yourself a favor and order the Chef’s Grand Tasting Tour, a whirlwind meal through Chef Dang’s delicious whims. Brunch (Sun), D (W–Sun) $$$
Mariscos San Pedro
1227 W. 18th St.
312-508-4700
A trio of chefs from some of the most acclaimed restaurants in Chicago came together to open this seafood-focused Mexican restaurant in 2024—and they snagged a James Beard honor in 2025. The inventive menu features items like octopus hot dogs, crab Rangoon empanadas, and hamachi aguachile made with carrot, pistachio, and mint. D (Th–Tue) $$
Pleasant House Pub
2119 S. Halsted St.
773-523-7437
With roots in Yorkshire, England, the owners of Pleasant House serve up royal pies, which are savory meat-and-vegetable, tall-sided pastries filled with British favorites like steak and ale and more unique combinations like North African–spiced zucchini and squash. L, D (Tue–Sun) $$
Photo: Mariscos San Pedro
Quesabirria Jalisco Tacos
1314 W. 18th St.
773-771-2123
What started as a quesabirria taco shop operated out of owner Ventura Orozco’s apartment has turned into an under-the-radar taco sensation. These tacos—all halal—are sold by the pack and custom made. L, D (Tue–Sat) $$
Bridgeport and Armour Square
3LP
964 W. 31st St.
Chinese fast-food joint 3LP started as a project during COVID-19, with owner Henry Cai taking orders on Instagram for his hungry friends. Soon enough, the waitlist for Cai’s food was seven months long. The bestseller is a combo box of breaded chicken and BBQ pork, paired with garlic butter rice or jasmine rice. But don’t sleep on the Chicago-Chinese fusion Hot Pot Beef sandwich. L (F–Sun), D daily $
Cowabunga! Pizza Pies
1117 W. 31st St.
773-234-4819
Let’s be fair, some people just don’t like Chicago-style deep-dish. Opt for a New York slice at Cowabunga, a 1990s-themed slice shop paying homage to every millennial’s hero squad, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. L, D (W–Sun) $
The Duck Inn
2701 S. Eleanor St.
312-724-8811
It’s in the name: Delectable rotisserie duck, served with a host of upscale yet comforting sides, is the signature dish here. Be sure you preorder if you want to try it, because the crew makes a fresh batch daily in limited amounts. Brunch (Sat–Sun), D daily $$$
Kimski
960 W. 31st St.
773-823-7336
Korean-Polish fusion takes center stage at this counter-service restaurant. The small but intentional menu is inspired by the food the owners’ mother made for them when they were kids, combining their ethnic heritage into one unique meal. Kimchi Polish sausage or rice cake poutine, anyone? D (W–Sun) $$
Maxwell Street Depot
411 W. 31st St.
312-326-3514
Maxwell Street Depot is a quintessential Chicago hot dog stand: small, cash only, counter or window service, and serving some of the best local food at the cheapest prices. Definitely try the namesake Maxwell Street Polish, but the pork chop sandwich is a delight, as well. If you can’t eat both in one go, come back later—the stand is open 24 hours. B, L, D daily $
Ricobene’s
252 W. 26th St.
312-225-5555
An often-overlooked king of Chicago cuisine, Ricobene’s is famous for its breaded steak sandwich. The steak is pounded thin, fried, stuffed into a sub roll, and slathered with red sauce and melted cheese. It’s messy and it’s unmissable. L, D daily $
West Loop
Creepies
1360 W. Randolph St.
312-579-2727
This newcomer to Chicago’s dining scene has already garnered attention from big names like Michelin and Chicago magazine. The Midwestern French fusion bistro sits right next to big-sister restaurant Elske and isn’t remotely creepy, just delicious. Start with warm brie gougères, dine on sunchoke croquettes and roasted chicken with a liver-and-wine sauce, and wrap up with baguette soft-serve. L, D (Th–M) $$$
Duck Duck Goat
857 W. Fulton Market
312-902-3825
This is one of celebrity Chef Stephanie Izard’s restaurants, offering Chinese American fare in a beautifully decorated space. Try the soup dumplings and the duck and goat spring rolls, or order some hand-pulled noodles from the takeout window, where you can order off the entire menu to take back to your hotel and nosh on your own. L (Sat–Sun), D daily $$
J. P. Graziano
901 W. Randolph St.
312-666-4587
J. P. Graziano is more than just an Italian specialty grocery store. It’s also a sandwich shop with fresh-cut meats and a late-night window handing out subs until 11 p.m. or midnight. The house specialty is the Mr. G., a sandwich with provolone, hot sopresatta, prosciutto di Parma, and Genoa salami, topped with marinated Roman-style artichokes, truffle mustard balsamic vinaigrette, and more. L, D (Tue–Sat) $
Monteverde Restaurant and Pastificio
1020 W. Madison St.
312-888-3041
The Monteverde team has earned accolades from Michelin and James Beard throughout their careers, and that skill level is reflected in the homestyle Italian cuisine served here. Diners can watch all the restaurant’s pasta being made by hand and try balsamic vinegar that is barrel-aged onsite. Make sure to order their take on traditional cacio e pepe, made with lemon ricotta whey. L, D (Tue–Sat) $$$
Oriole
661 W. Walnut St.
312-877-5899
One of the West Loop’s many fine-dining establishments, Oriole stands out for its casual come-as-you-are vibe and eclectic menu—both in culinary terms and in presentation. One of the mainstays on the ever-changing tasting menu is the Buddha’s hand scallop dish. Tables are in high demand; make a reservation early or call the day before or day-of for any cancellations. D (Tue–Sat) $$$$
Rose Mary
932 W. Fulton St.
872-260-3921
Chef Joe Flamm owns and operates Rose Mary, an Italian and Croatian eatery serving up seasonal dishes in a space with a warm industrial loft feel. Flamm named the restaurant after his grandmothers, who inspired the rustic dishes. Menu items feature compelling combinations, like chestnut honey in a mushroom risotto or fennel pollen served with a stracciatella appetizer. D daily $$$
Bronzeville
Ain’t She Sweet Café
526 E. 43rd St.
773-373-3530
Run by mother-and-daughter team Margot and Ayisha Strotter, Ain’t She Sweet Café specializes in sandwiches and wraps where nothing is fried and everything is fresh and delicious. Favorites include the jerk chicken wrap, the jerk chicken bowl, the jerk salmon wrap … pretty much anything jerk. Pair it with a smoothie to cool your mouth. L (M–F) $
Bronzeville Winery
4420 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
872-244-7065
Bronzeville Winery is woman-owned and Black-owned, celebrating the history of this neighborhood’s deep roots. Join the celebration by ordering the Women in Wine Flight, or the Black on Black Wine Flight featuring wines by Black vintners. The elevated food menu features shrimp and stone-ground grits, Creole salmon tagliatelle, and more, all with recommended wine pairings, of course. Brunch (Sun), D (W–Sun) $$$
Cleo’s Southern Cuisine
Multiple locations, including 4248 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
773-575-7120
Cleo’s perfects classic soul food in a cozy flagship location that seats only 12. Menu standouts include the Eddie Mac, a mac-and-cheese-topped chicken thigh on a brioche bun, and the Sizzling Swamp, a platter of buttered grits topped with Creole fried catfish, lump crab, and house-made comeback sauce—and don’t sleep on the fried chicken wings. L (F–Sun), D (F–Sat) $$
Peach’s Restaurant
4652 S. King Dr.
773-966-5801
At Peach’s, Southern comfort food is served in a classic diner setting, attracting Illinois politicians who come for the cuisine and the community that gathers at the counter and tables. Looking for an adventurous meal to begin your day? Try the Bayou Breakfast Bowl, which includes alligator sausage and shrimp. And don’t skip the classics of Southern cuisine: catfish, greens, and grits. B, L (W–Sun) $$
Two Fish Crab Shack
641 E. 47th St.
773-855-8845
Did you ever expect to encounter an authentic seafood boil this far away from the Gulf Coast? Two Fish Crab Shack does it right, with five seasoning styles and six types of seafood. Want a custom boil? Two Fish can make a boil bag specific to your tastes. Just don’t expect plates or utensils. This is a meal to get messy with. L (Sat–Sun), D (Tue–Sat) $$$
Yassa African Restaurant
3511 S. King Dr.
773-488-5599
This family-owned restaurant brings Senegalese flavors to the South Side. The menu shines in its stew offerings, fish, and traditional Senegalese drinks like bouye, made from the fruit of the baobab tree and mixed with milk for a creamy and tropical taste. Be sure you also order dessert, particularly the thiakry—it’s similar to rice pudding but made with semolina. L, D daily $$$
Plant-Based Plates
Chicago may be known for Italian beef and hot dogs, but plant-based visitors have plenty of food options to choose from as well. Hop on the northbound Red Line to Lakeview for the last remaining location of local vegan stalwart The Chicago Diner (3411 N. Halsted St.; L, D, daily; $$). The restaurant’s been serving veg-only dishes since 1983. Penelope’s Vegan Taqueria (1165 W. 18th St. and 230 W. Chicago Ave.; L, D, daily; $$) offers pretty much any taco you can think of—al pastor, carnitas, barbacoa—all without meat, plus its Pilsen location is only three miles away from the convention center. If you’re heading to River North, PLANTA Queen Chicago (413 N. Clark St.; L, D, daily; $$) is a must-visit Asian-inspired dinner spot, sporting an all-vegan menu with items like ahi watermelon, kimchi bao, and avocado-beetroot tartare.
Historic Sweets
Since it’s ALA’s 150th anniversary, why not take a bite out of some Chicago history at one of our many historic bakeries? The gold standard is Weber’s Bakery (7055 W. Archer Ave.; Tue–Sun; $) on the Southwest Side; an excellent stop if you’re flying into Midway Airport. Weber’s opened in 1930 and specializes in a banana split torte, their version of Chicago’s iconic three-layer atomic cake. On the Northwest Side, head to Roeser’s Bakery (3216 W. North Ave.; Tue–Sun; $) in the Humboldt Park neighborhood, a spot that opened in 1911 and is known for coffee cake, assorted cookies, and homemade ice cream. For a more conference-convenient option, visit Chiu Quon Bakery (2253 S. Wentworth Ave.; daily; $), the oldest bakery in Chinatown. The #21 bus will pick you up right at the convention center and drop you a four-minute walk to delicious pastries. Chiu Quon opened in 1986 and offers a variety of sweet or savory buns, dim sum, and pastries like egg tarts, mochi balls, and mooncakes.
