Chicago, a city renowned for its deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs, also boasts a surprisingly vibrant escargot scene. For those unfamiliar, escargot refers to snails, typically land snails, prepared as a culinary delicacy. While not the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Windy City cuisine, many restaurants offer this French classic, each with its own unique twist. This guide explores 19 of the best places to indulge in escargot in Chicago, showcasing a range of styles and price points.
Where to Find the Best Escargot in Chicago: A Diverse Selection
Finding the perfect escargot dish depends on your preferences. Do you prefer a traditional preparation, or are you open to adventurous variations? This list caters to all tastes, from classic buttery garlic to more modern and experimental approaches.
Classic French Elegance
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Le Bouchon: This charming bistro serves an authentic, classic escargot dish. Their preparation perfectly balances the richness of garlic butter with the delicate texture of the snails.
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Rosebud on Rush: A Chicago institution, Rosebud offers a sophisticated take on escargot. Expect a refined presentation and impeccable service.
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Mon Ami Gabi: With its stunning views of the city, Mon Ami Gabi provides an elegant setting to savor escargot, often served with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious garlic butter.
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Bavette's Bar & Boeuf: This steakhouse offers a high-end escargot experience, emphasizing the quality of the ingredients and meticulous preparation.
Modern & Innovative Escargot
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The Purple Pig: Known for its Mediterranean-inspired tapas, The Purple Pig offers a unique escargot preparation that incorporates local and seasonal ingredients. Expect an adventurous and flavorful experience.
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Girl & the Goat: Stephanie Izard's acclaimed restaurant provides a creative, globally-influenced take on escargot, often incorporating unexpected spices and flavors.
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Monteverde: This Michelin-starred restaurant features a sophisticated, often seasonal escargot dish that showcases the chef's innovative techniques and attention to detail.
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Oriole: Another Michelin-starred establishment, Oriole offers a refined, multi-course tasting menu that may include a meticulously prepared escargot course, highlighting seasonal ingredients and masterful culinary techniques.
Casual & Approachable Escargot
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RPM Italian: This upscale Italian restaurant offers a more approachable escargot dish, making it a great option for those less familiar with the delicacy.
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Andros Taverna: While primarily a Greek restaurant, Andros Taverna surprisingly offers a delicious escargot preparation with a Mediterranean twist.
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Tanta: This Peruvian restaurant offers a fusion approach, incorporating traditional escargot techniques with Peruvian ingredients.
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Big Star: This popular West Loop taco joint might surprise you with its unexpectedly good escargot, often featured as a special.
Hidden Gems & Unexpected Finds
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Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!: This Spanish tapas restaurant often has escargot on its rotating menu, offering a unique Spanish-influenced twist.
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La Sardine: This intimate French bistro offers a charming and authentic escargot experience, perfect for a romantic evening.
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L'Appetito: A neighborhood favorite, L'Appetito offers a consistently reliable and tasty escargot dish.
Beyond the Traditional
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Estereo: This upscale cocktail bar might have escargot on its small plates menu, offering a unique pairing with their sophisticated cocktails.
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Siena Tavern: Known for their Italian-American cuisine, Siena Tavern sometimes features a creative escargot preparation on their menu.
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RPM Steak: A sister restaurant to RPM Italian, this upscale steakhouse occasionally features escargot as a special, often paired with other exquisite dishes.
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Swift & Sons: This upscale steakhouse sometimes includes escargot as part of their menu, often presented with high-quality accompaniments.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Escargot Destination
- Price: Prices vary widely, from casual options to high-end culinary experiences.
- Ambiance: From intimate bistros to bustling restaurants, the atmosphere can significantly enhance the dining experience.
- Menu Variety: Some restaurants feature escargot as a consistent menu item, while others offer it as a special.
- Reviews: Checking online reviews can help determine the quality of the escargot and the overall dining experience.
Conclusion: Your Chicago Escargot Adventure Awaits!
Chicago offers a surprisingly diverse range of places to enjoy escargot. Whether you prefer a classic French preparation or a modern culinary twist, you're sure to find a restaurant that suits your taste and budget. So, embark on your Chicago escargot adventure and discover your new favorite spot! Remember to check restaurant websites for menus and reservations, as availability can vary. Bon appétit!
