Mac and cheese. Just the words conjure up images of comforting warmth, gooey cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta. Chicago, a city known for its diverse culinary scene, offers a surprising array of mac and cheese variations, from classic comfort food to elevated gourmet versions. This guide dives into the top 20 places to find the ultimate mac and cheese experience in the Windy City. We've compiled this list based on online reviews, culinary expertise, and a healthy dose of personal indulgence!
Classic Comfort: Traditional Mac & Cheese Havens
These spots serve up the mac and cheese you crave – simple, cheesy, and satisfying.
1. Lou Mitchell's: A Chicago Institution
Lou Mitchell's, a Chicago landmark, offers a classic mac and cheese that embodies nostalgia. Its creamy, perfectly seasoned sauce is the definition of comfort food. The portion size is generous, making it perfect for sharing (or not!).
2. Kingston Mines: Blues and Mac
This legendary blues club isn't just about the music; their mac and cheese is a hidden gem. It's a rich, satisfying side that perfectly complements their soulful atmosphere.
3. The Purple Pig: Mediterranean Twist
While known for its Mediterranean tapas, The Purple Pig's mac and cheese is surprisingly delightful. They add a subtle Mediterranean flair, offering a unique twist on a classic.
Gourmet Mac & Cheese: Elevated Dishes for the Discerning Palate
These restaurants take mac and cheese to the next level, using high-quality ingredients and creative flavor combinations.
4. Monteverde: Italian Elegance
Monteverde's mac and cheese is an elevated experience. They use high-quality cheeses and fresh pasta, resulting in a dish that's both comforting and sophisticated.
5. Girl & the Goat: Globally Inspired
Stephanie Izard's acclaimed restaurant offers a globally-inspired mac and cheese that's both surprising and delicious. Expect unique flavor combinations that will tantalize your taste buds.
6. Bavette's Bar & Boeuf: Steakhouse Indulgence
Bavette's, a sophisticated steakhouse, offers a luxurious mac and cheese that's a perfect complement to their prime cuts of meat.
7. RPM Italian: Upscale Italian Comfort
RPM Italian's mac and cheese is a luxurious take on a classic. Creamy, rich, and perfectly executed, it's a must-try for any mac and cheese aficionado.
Unique & Unexpected Mac & Cheese: Adventures in Flavor
For those seeking something beyond the ordinary, these restaurants offer unique and innovative mac and cheese creations.
8. Public House: Craft Beer Pairings
Public House's mac and cheese is a perfect match for their extensive craft beer selection. The creamy texture and bold flavors stand up to even the strongest brews.
9. Small Cheval: Burger Joint Delight
Don't let the burger joint label fool you; Small Cheval's mac and cheese is unexpectedly delicious. A simple, yet flavorful side that perfectly complements their juicy burgers.
10. Piece Brewery & Pizzeria: Pizza & Mac Combo
Piece Brewery & Pizzeria pairs their amazing pizzas with a fantastic mac and cheese. The creamy richness cuts through the savory pizza, creating a balanced meal.
11. Andros Taverna: Greek Gourmet
Andros Taverna offers a unique Greek-inspired mac and cheese that's both flavorful and unexpected.
Beyond the Basics: Specialty Mac & Cheese Experiences
These locations stand out with their creative approaches and commitment to quality.
12. Estereo: Latin American Fusion
Estereo brings a Latin American twist to mac and cheese. Expect bold spices and unexpected ingredients.
13. Big Star: Taco and Mac Harmony
Big Star cleverly combines tacos and mac and cheese, creating an unexpected yet satisfying culinary experience.
14. Maple & Ash: Modern American Classics
Maple & Ash's mac and cheese is an elevated take on a classic, using high-quality cheeses and unexpected additions.
15. Rosebud on Taylor Street: Italian-American Tradition
Rosebud offers a traditional Italian-American mac and cheese that's both comforting and delicious.
Hidden Gems & Local Favorites: Discovering Chicago's Mac & Cheese Secrets
These spots offer delicious mac and cheese experiences that might be off the beaten path but are definitely worth seeking out.
16. Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken: Sweet and Savory Fusion
Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken combines the sweet and savory, offering a unique mac and cheese that complements their donuts and chicken surprisingly well.
17. Pequod's Pizza: Deep Dish Delight with Mac
Pequod's, known for its deep-dish pizza, pairs its pizza with a delicious mac and cheese, offering a complete culinary experience.
18. The North Pond: Fine Dining Mac
The North Pond, a fine dining establishment, offers an elegant and refined mac and cheese that elevates the dish to an art form.
Vegan & Vegetarian Options: Cheesy Goodness for Everyone
Chicago's culinary scene caters to all tastes, including those seeking plant-based mac and cheese.
19. Handlebar: Vegan Mac & Cheese
Handlebar offers a delicious vegan mac and cheese that's both creamy and satisfying, proving that plant-based options can be just as indulgent.
20. Gracias Madre: Organic Mexican Vegan Mac
Gracias Madre presents an organic, vegan mac and cheese with a delicious Mexican twist.
Conclusion: Your Chicago Mac & Cheese Journey Awaits!
From classic comfort food to innovative gourmet creations, Chicago offers a diverse range of mac and cheese experiences. This list is just a starting point; explore, experiment, and discover your own personal favorites. Happy eating!
