The West Loop, Chicago's culinary hotspot, boasts an impressive array of restaurants. But beyond the Michelin-starred establishments and trendy eateries lies a comforting classic: mac and cheese. This isn't your average boxed dinner; we're talking gourmet, elevated mac and cheese experiences. This guide explores thirteen of the best mac and cheese dishes the West Loop has to offer, ranging from creamy classics to inventive twists. Get ready to satisfy your cheesy cravings!
Creamy Classics: The Traditional Takes
This section focuses on restaurants that showcase perfectly executed, classic mac and cheese recipes.
1. RPM Italian's Four Cheese Macaroni and Cheese
RPM Italian's mac and cheese is a testament to simplicity done right. Their four-cheese blend creates a rich, creamy sauce that perfectly coats perfectly cooked pasta. The generous portion is a crowd-pleaser, making it an ideal choice for sharing (or not!).
- Key Features: Four-cheese blend, perfectly cooked pasta, generous portion size.
- Price Point: $$
2. Monteverde's Truffle Mac and Cheese
While technically a "twist" on the classic, Monteverde's truffle mac and cheese stays true to the heart of a comforting dish. The earthy aroma of truffle oil elevates the creamy cheese sauce to new heights, creating a luxurious experience.
- Key Features: Creamy cheese sauce infused with truffle oil, delicate truffle aroma.
- Price Point: $$
3. Girl & the Goat's Unexpected Mac and Cheese
Stephanie Izard's Girl & the Goat consistently surprises and delights. While their mac and cheese might not be the star of the show, it's a reliably comforting side dish that complements their globally-inspired menu. Expect bold, unexpected flavors.
- Key Features: Bold, unexpected flavor combinations, complements the globally-inspired main dishes.
- Price Point: $
Elevated Experiences: Gourmet Mac & Cheese
This section explores restaurants that push the boundaries of traditional mac and cheese, incorporating unique ingredients and innovative techniques.
4. Bavette's Bar & Boeuf's Lobster Mac and Cheese
Indulge in luxury with Bavette's Bar & Boeuf's lobster mac and cheese. The addition of succulent lobster elevates this dish from a comfort food to a special occasion treat. The rich cheese sauce is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the lobster.
- Key Features: Lobster, rich cheese sauce, luxurious experience.
- Price Point: $$
5. Au Cheval's Famous Burger (and Secret Mac and Cheese)
While known for its legendary burger, Au Cheval offers a secret, off-menu mac and cheese. This dish is a closely guarded secret, so be sure to ask your server about its availability and prepare for a truly unforgettable experience.
- Key Features: Secret menu item, unique flavor profile (ask your server!).
- Price Point: $$
6. Sunda's Spicy Mac and Cheese
Sunda's pan-Asian menu incorporates unique flavors into their mac and cheese, creating a spicy kick that will tantalize your taste buds. This dish is a perfect example of how a classic dish can be transformed with the right ingredients and techniques.
- Key Features: Pan-Asian influences, spicy kick, unique flavor combinations.
- Price Point: $$
Creative Twists: Beyond the Basics
This section focuses on restaurants that offer truly unique and inventive mac and cheese dishes.
7. The Purple Pig's Mac and Cheese with Chorizo
The Purple Pig's Mediterranean-inspired mac and cheese incorporates spicy chorizo, creating a flavorful contrast to the creamy cheese sauce. This dish is a testament to the versatility of mac and cheese.
- Key Features: Mediterranean influences, spicy chorizo, creamy cheese sauce.
- Price Point: $$
8. Swift & Sons' Short Rib Mac and Cheese
Swift & Sons takes comfort food to the next level with their short rib mac and cheese. The tender short ribs add a savory depth to the dish, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Key Features: Tender short ribs, savory depth, hearty and satisfying.
- Price Point: $$
9. Little Goat Diner's Rotating Mac and Cheese Specials
Little Goat Diner is known for its ever-changing menu, and their mac and cheese is no exception. Expect creative variations with unexpected ingredients and bold flavor combinations. Check their daily menu for the latest creation.
- Key Features: Rotating specials, creative variations, unexpected ingredients.
- Price Point: $
Casual Choices: Delicious and Accessible
These restaurants offer great mac and cheese options in a more casual setting.
10. Public House's Classic Mac and Cheese
Public House offers a straightforward, classic mac and cheese that is perfect for a casual meal. It's a reliable choice for a satisfying and comforting dish without breaking the bank.
- Key Features: Classic recipe, comforting dish, affordable price.
- Price Point: $
11. Formento's Mac and Cheese
Formento's provides a solid, tasty mac and cheese, a perfect complement to their Italian-American menu. It's a dependable choice when you need a classic side dish.
- Key Features: Reliable classic, complements Italian-American menu.
- Price Point: $
Unique Finds: Hidden Gems
Sometimes the best mac and cheese is found in unexpected places.
12. Beatrix's Mac and Cheese
Beatrix offers a surprisingly excellent mac and cheese, often overlooked amidst their larger menu. It's a worthy contender for those seeking a casual, delicious option.
- Key Features: Often overlooked, casual setting, delicious option.
- Price Point: $
13. Andros Taverna's Mac and Cheese (Seasonal)
Andros Taverna sometimes features a mac and cheese special on their menu. Check their seasonal offerings for a unique Greek-inspired twist on this classic dish.
- Key Features: Seasonal offering, Greek-inspired twist (when available).
- Price Point: $
Note: Price points are represented as follows: $ (inexpensive), $ (moderate), $$ (expensive), $$ (very expensive). Prices are subject to change. Always check with the restaurant for the most up-to-date menu and pricing. This list is not exhaustive, and many other West Loop restaurants offer delicious mac and cheese. Bon appétit!
