Best Restaurants, Must Try Places in Schaumburg

"Alinea’s website is clear: “Alinea is not a restaurant.” On top of delicious food, Alinea promises a performance, a spectacle of modern cuisine, and “a serving of emotions” over a modest three- to five-hour dinner of 18 to 22 courses. And ever since Head Chef Grant Achatz was featured on Netflix’s Chef’s Table, the restaurant’s notoriety has exploded. Alinea plays with the presentation (driftwood topped with seaweed), sensory experience (an edible helium balloon made of green apple taffy), and sound."

"Alinea is Chicago’s only three-star Michelin restaurant, but sister restaurants Next and Roister each have a star of their own (and offer takeout); the Alinea Group is the most decorated restaurant group in the city. Founded in 2005 by Chef Grant Achatz and Tock creator Nick Kokonas, Alinea is more of an immersive flavor experience than a conventional restaurant. Which makes it all the more impressive that they have translated their food-art into a take out format."

"Restaurants Bakeries West Loop. Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard puts her gourmet spin on the old-school diner model with this sweet West Loop restaurant that serves breakfast all day. Dig into reimagined classics like the Bull's Eye French toast on sweet onion brioche with eggs, crispy chicken and barbecue maple syrup."

"Navy Pier sure is touristy, but its location jutting out nearly a mile into the lake gives it some stunning vistas back across the water toward the skyline. Of the many places to eat at Navy Pier, none is better than Riva, a fine-dining restaurant with a seafood-driven menu. The food is superb, and the views are million-dollar."

"The family-owned Il Vicinato Ristorante has welcomed Chicagoland diners since 1983 and has changed little on its menu of Italian classics since its early days. The nostalgic neighb..."

"This friendly gem offers a kitschy-cozy setting for couscous, kebabs, and tagines—traditional casseroles served in earthenware and brimming with goodies such as juicy chicken breast showered with olives, lemon peel, and crispy potatoes. And don’t miss bastila, a sweet-savory phyllo pastry filled with shredded chicken and crushed almonds. Cash only.D Wed–Mon."

"Old Town Pour House Interior|courtesy of Old Town Pour House. Old Town Pour House is top shelf, and it’s not just their jaw-dropping collection of craft beers. Everything here is high end."

"Thalia Hall is a historic music venue, a massive building along 18th Street in Pilsen, that’s owned by 16” on Center, a company that runs venues like Promontory Hall in Hyde Park and Empty Bottle in Ukrainian Village. The building also houses Punch House, a lower-level ‘70s chic bar where patrons by drinks by the punch bowl. Then there’s Tack Room, a piano bar that dabbles in things like punk rock karaoke."

"The iconic Pilsen hall has punch-filled cocktails in the basement, a beer hall on the main floor, and a music venue upstairs for all your Instagramming glory."

"Chi Cafe first commenced in 2008 positioned in the center of China Town Square. They are offering special snacks, soup, Chiu chow style rice soup, noodle roll & sticky rice, noodle soup, congee, house special and more. The restaurant takes pride on dishes and beverages served together that play delightfully in everyone’s tastebuds."

"Archer Ave., Suite A (between Cermak Road and 21st Street.), the Chinese spot is the most popular cheap Chinese restaurant in Chicago, boasting four stars out of 1,137 reviews on Yelp. The menu features items like egg rolls and noodle soup. The site has lots more information on Chi Cafe."

"Chi Cafe not only has beautiful ambiance, but they have a menu full of fresh soups, fried rice, special snacks, and so much more. Stop in for a light lunch, snack, or super satisfying dinner. I must add that they are open until 4 am on weekdays and 24 hours on weekends."

"A Chinatown fixture for over twenty years, Triple Crown is cherished for its commitment to day-long dim sum. That means you can satisfy your cravings for shrimp dumplings, fried sesame balls, and puffy egg custard tarts right at 9:00 am or at 2:00 am, before the restaurant finally closes."

"If your ideal vision of a Chinatown eatery is small, authentic, and here to knock your socks off with one signature dish, look no further than Xi’an Cuisine. The décor is sparse, the drinks are BYOB, and the TVs are always on. This all matters very little though when the flavors are so big."

"Installation view, Duro Olowu: Seeing Chicago, MCA Chicago Feb 29-May 10, 2020 Photo: Nathan Keay, © MCA Chicago. Now openIn The Magnificent Mile area, Museum of Contemporary Art presents provocative and thought-provoking exhibits by local and global artists. With an emphasis on contemporary works, the museum presents a variety of compelling exhibitions, performances, collections, and educational programs throughout the year."

"This center dedicated to the famous artist is located in Jefferson Park, and with its bright mural you can’t miss it. You can check out an iPod at the front desk for a self-guided tour, or visit the first Thursday of the month at 2pm for a thirty-minute guided tour."