Purple Pig - When I used to travel a ton for work this would always be our go to group spot after our conferences. I cannot say enough wonderful things about this place. Whether you’re going for a quick bite and a drink or a full on meal, they always deliver. If you’re going for the first time, don’t skip out on the fried pig ears and fried egg, octopus la plancha and all the snacks and cheese. This place is bustling and such a fun dining experience.

Lou Malnatis - I am not a huge fan of deep dish pizza, it’s too heavy and I prefer NY style. However, if I am in Chicago, I’ll usually stop by Lou’s for one slice. Out of all the Chicago style pizza places, this one is my favorite. Add anchovies on top to really make it worth your while.

Honey Butter Fried Chicken - Keep in mind, I ate a whole sandwich from HBFK after eating a full meal at Parachute. But it was so close that I just couldn’t pass it up. And, I’m glad I did it - this was one of the best fried chicken sandos that I’ve tried. They give you a huge hunk of bird and the skin is perfectly fried. The honey butter adds a special flavor that I just can’t quite explain.

The Publican - The vibe at the Publican is half beer hall and half modern American farmhouse. Everything is locally sourced and selected with an emphasis on pork, seafood, seasonal veggies and oysters. It’s always crowded but that’s part of the fun whether you’re there for brunch, lunch, dinner or just a beer.

Little Goat Diner - I am a huge fan of Stephanie Izard and always try to eat at one of her place while I am in Chicago. Little Goat Diner was a pit stop for me and I still have’t tried a full meal there but their Cheez-it ice cream sundae was the perfect mid-morning snack.

Spiaggia - Famed Italian restaurant formerly led by Top Chef star, Joe Flamm has recently changed hands but the pasta is still homemade and new executive chef Eric Lees is taking the menu back to old school Italian roots. Their tasting menu is a modern take on Italian classics with new flavors thrown into the mix. Joe Flamm is moving on to an Italian Croatian restaurant partnering with the owners of BLVD (see below).

Quartino Restaurante - If a menu has meatballs on it, you can bet I’m ordering them. After a late work night, a few coworkers and I came into this crazy, busy Italian spot expecting to grab a glass of wine and a quick bite to eat. I was surprised to find some of the best veal meatballs I’ve ever tried. Since the meatballs were so good, we ordered the handmade pasta and it was a good decision. Their pappardelle was rich, hearty and had that deep meaty flavor that pairs so well with thick ribbon noods!

RPM Italian - RPM has a range of restaurants and RPM Italian is a great place to enjoy classics but I like how they add seafood into the mix. The lobster caprese and bruschetta with king crab or tuna are a great way to start while finishing the meal off with your good old spaghetti and meatballs.

BLVD - One of my oldest friends lives in Chicago so when he told me a friend of his was opening a restaurant, I had to stop in. Not only is this place beautiful but the food is really well executed. It is on the fancier side so be prepared to pay a little more but I think that it’s well worth it. The mini pot pies were very memorable and I would go back just for those alone and the steak tartare.