Avocado toast. It's more than just a millennial food trend; it's a culinary canvas. And Chicago, a city brimming with creativity and culinary innovation, offers a diverse and delicious range of avocado toast experiences. Forget the basic smashed avocado on sourdough; Chicago's avocado toast game is elevated, incorporating unique toppings, artisanal bread, and unexpected flavor combinations. This guide explores 25 of the best spots in the Windy City to indulge in this beloved dish.
Finding Your Perfect Avocado Toast in Chicago
Choosing the right avocado toast can feel overwhelming. To help you navigate this delicious dilemma, we've categorized our top 25 spots into different styles, ensuring there's a perfect slice for every palate.
1. Classic Avocado Toast Havens
These establishments provide the quintessential avocado toast experience, focusing on high-quality ingredients and impeccable execution.
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The Daily Beet: Known for its commitment to fresh, seasonal ingredients, The Daily Beet's avocado toast is a testament to simplicity done right. Expect perfectly ripe avocado, flaky bread, and a sprinkle of sea salt.
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Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe: While famous for their pancakes, Wildberry's avocado toast is a hidden gem. Their generous portion features creamy avocado, flavorful additions, and visually appealing presentation.
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Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken: Don't let the name fool you! Do-Rite’s avocado toast is surprisingly delightful. The combination of creamy avocado and perfectly toasted bread creates a satisfying breakfast or brunch option.
2. Elevated Avocado Toast Experiences
These locations take avocado toast to the next level, experimenting with unique flavor combinations and gourmet ingredients.
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Summer House Santa Monica: This trendy spot offers a sophisticated take on avocado toast, incorporating high-quality ingredients and unique flavor profiles. Expect creative toppings and artistic plating.
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RPM Italian: RPM Italian elevates the classic avocado toast with gourmet ingredients and a focus on fresh, seasonal produce. The presentation is as impressive as the taste.
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Monteverde: This acclaimed Italian restaurant presents a refined avocado toast, blending classic Italian flavors with the creamy avocado base.
3. Avocado Toast with a Twist
These restaurants offer avocado toast variations that venture beyond the traditional, incorporating unexpected and exciting flavors.
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The Purple Pig: The Purple Pig's menu often showcases adventurous takes on classic dishes, and their avocado toast is no exception. Expect unexpected toppings and bold flavor combinations.
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Girl & the Goat: Stephanie Izard's acclaimed restaurant regularly features a creative avocado toast option that changes with the seasons. Expect innovative flavor profiles and stunning presentation.
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Little Goat Diner: Another Stephanie Izard venture, Little Goat offers a playful and inventive avocado toast experience that's as exciting as it is delicious.
4. Budget-Friendly Avocado Toast Options
Delicious avocado toast doesn't have to break the bank. These spots offer excellent quality at affordable prices.
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La Colombe Coffee Roasters: Enjoy a delicious and affordable avocado toast alongside their expertly brewed coffee.
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Intelligentsia Coffee: Known for its high-quality coffee, Intelligentsia also serves up a satisfying and budget-friendly avocado toast.
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Stan's Donuts: While famous for their donuts, Stan's also has some solid avocado toast options at very reasonable prices.
5. Vegetarian & Vegan Avocado Toast Options
Many Chicago restaurants cater to vegetarian and vegan preferences. Here are a few places that excel with plant-based avocado toast.
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Handlebar: This vegan-friendly restaurant offers a creative and delicious avocado toast option packed with plant-based goodness.
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Flower Child: Flower Child is known for its healthy and delicious options, including their excellent vegan avocado toast.
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Crossroads Kitchen: Crossroads Kitchen is a renowned vegan restaurant that crafts a truly elevated vegan avocado toast experience.
Beyond the Toast: Factors to Consider
While the avocado itself is the star, several other elements contribute to the overall avocado toast experience.
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Bread Quality: The type of bread significantly impacts the taste. Look for options using artisanal, sourdough, or multigrain bread.
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Avocado Ripeness: Perfectly ripe avocado is crucial. It should be creamy and flavorful, not hard or mushy.
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Toppings: The toppings can transform a simple avocado toast into a culinary masterpiece. Consider options like everything bagel seasoning, red pepper flakes, feta cheese, or even a fried egg.
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Ambiance: The restaurant's atmosphere can enhance the dining experience. Consider factors like lighting, music, and overall vibe.
Conclusion: Your Chicago Avocado Toast Adventure Awaits!
Chicago's vibrant food scene offers a diverse range of avocado toast options, catering to all tastes and budgets. This guide provides a starting point for your own avocado toast adventure. Explore the city, discover new favorites, and savor the creamy, delicious goodness that awaits. Remember to check restaurant websites for updated menus and hours. Happy eating!
