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A duck fat hot dog garnished with Chicago-style toppings — The Duck Inn strikes all right South Side chords.

20 Restaurants That Define Chicago's South Side

Devoid of glitz, yet full of flavors

by Ashok Selvam and Eater Staff Updated Feb 21, 2023, 12:02pm CST

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The Duck Inn strikes all right South Side chords.

| The Duck Inn

by Ashok Selvam and Eater Staff Updated Feb 21, 2023, 12:02pm CST

The culture of the South Side is often viewed as hardworking, gritty, and blue-collar. The lack of glitz may be why some diners skip the South Side. Often ignored and underrepresented, the South Side offers more than the typical cliches.

Most South Side restaurants eschew fancy design preferring to serve food with a no-nonsense demeanor, an attitude locals have grown accustomed to, and one the rest of the city has seemingly yet to pick up upon. Simple, quick, and to-the-point, South Side cuisine can be defined by age-old family recipes of Pilsen carnitas or the tacos of Archer Heights. Or perhaps maybe it's southern comfort food that reminds you of home that you can find on the East Side. Yes, Chicago has an East Side.

It's the food you grew up with, and dishes that also define you. Sure, there are tweaks as recipes evolve, but the food doesn't change radically. The following restaurants best represent these qualities.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Birrieria Zaragoza

The menu’s simple, a small or large plate of organically raised, several-hour-roasted goat on handmade-to-order tortillas with hot salsa and tomato consommé. You are naturally intimate with other diners in this cozy Archer Heights 20-seater, as you enjoy the layers of flavor and complexity that makeup one of the best taco dining experiences Chicago has to offer, one that proves how formidable the city’s Mexican cuisine stacks up compared to the rest of America.

4852 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60632

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Vito & Nick's Pizzeria

Many Chicagoans swear that Vito & Nick’s serves the best pizza in the city. The restaurant is caught in a time machine, with Old Style glass fixtures hanging above a very come-as-you-are dining room and takeout counter. The thin-crust pizza has just a little puff and locals prefer sausage as the topping of choice.

8433 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60652

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Nickys the real Mccoy

Since 1979, Nicky’s has been serving the Gage Park neighborhood with some of the best hot dogs, hamburgers, and Grecian chicken available on this side of the city. The Real McCoy separates itself from other Nicky’s that try to mimic the same iconic greatness. A taste of all of the South Side is available under one roof at Nicky’s. Be sure to try their Big Baby (two griddled patties, with cheese inserted between, and pickle/ketchup/mustard on the bottom).

5801 S Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60629

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Fat Johnnies

This famous Marquette Park staple has been serving hot dogs to locals, travelers, and celebrities alike for countless years — all from a shack. As the popularity grew over the years, the concept and principles have remained the same, simply serve everyone the best hot dog possible. There is a large variety of hot dogs to choose from — or go with the classic Chicago style. There’s also the infamous “Mother-in-law” — a tamale smothered in chili that comes on a hot dog bun.

Open in Google Maps

7242 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60636

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Daniel January Zarnowski Raschke (@dannydawgs)

Lindy's Chili & Gertie's Ice Cream

Since 1924, McKinley Park has been the home for arguably the best chili in the city. Their legend has grown into large plates of chili cheese fries that Southsiders swear by, and gigantic milk shakes that take two to three people to tackle. You can get a hot dog or a tamale instead, if you’re feeling more tame than usual.

3685 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60609

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Harolds Chicken 95th

Harold’s chicken is legendary with its birds fried in beef tallow and then spritzed with mild sauce immediately after being lifted out of the frier. The chain’s logo, a butcher holding an axe and running after a chicken, has become iconic. A trip to Chicago wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Harold’s.

2237 95th St, Chicago, IL 60643

Top-Notch Beefburgers

Beverly is home to a burger that is nearly 75 years old. A classic diner spot that serves burgers of various weights and great milkshakes to go with it. Top-Notch is another place that boldly claims the best burger in Chicago.

2116 W 95th St, Chicago, IL 60643

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Southside Chicago Food (@southside_chicago_food)

Also featured in:

Chicago’s Essential Burgers

The Duck Inn

Chef Kevin Hickey is a South Side native and has used all his collective experiences and poured them into a special restaurant. Everything at the Duck Inn is familiar yet elevated, presented through Hickey’s perspective, a lover of Chicago street food culture as well as an accomplished chef with mastery of many fine dining techniques. Neither trample over the other at the Duck Inn, where customers can order a beef or hot dog on one night, a braised short rib, or the signature rotisserie duck on the next visit.

2701 S Eleanor St, Chicago, IL 60608

Visit Website

The Duck Inn

Also featured in:

Home Of The Hoagy

Customers form long lines out the door to sink their teeth into a steak sweet, a steak sandwich with onions, and the signature sweet sauce. It’s a glorious and sloppy mess, but one that represents home for many South Siders.

1312 W 111th St, Chicago, IL 60643

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Home of the Hoagy (@homeofthehoagy)

Also featured in:

Kimski

Maria’s started as a humble slashie, excuse me — a packaged goods store — but its owners kept on adding. The bar is bigger and has a full kitchen that will soon welcome back chef Won Kim, who’s been scheming to revise his menu. While Asian Americans struggle to be seen in Chicago, Kim is ready to get loud with a brash Korean American menu. Or, just simply, crap he enjoys cooking. Chicago is the city that works and Maria’s and Kimski show that strength.

954-960 W 31st St, Chicago, IL 60608

Kimski Photos Maria’s Community Bar Restaurant

Also featured in:

Jim's Original

Jim’s Original, near the UIC campus, is an essential part of the city’s street food scene. Once open 24 hours a day, the city has cracked down on late-night vending, and that’s cost Jim’s 20 percent of sales. The menu is simple, but the star is the smoked Polish sausage. Maxwell Street style means covered in onions, and yellow mustard, and served with jalapeños.

1250 S Union Ave, Chicago, IL 60607

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Where to Eat Chicago’s Most Iconic Dishes

Ricobene's

Regularly regarded as the best sandwich in America, Ricobene’s has been serving the Bridgeport area since 1946 without ever losing a step. Their breaded steak sandwich has got national attention for being a gut bomb. But don’t sleep on the pizza. This place is also open late.

252 W 26th St, Chicago, IL 60616

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Chiu Quon Bakery & Dim Sum

Chiu Quon Bakery is the oldest bakery in Chinatown. And yes, checking notes — Chinatown is a part of the South Side! Find egg tarts, dumplings, and other baked goods inside this charming bakery that is the engine for a Chinatown that’s in the middle of a renaissance (while also spilling into Pilsen, Bridgeport, and other neighboring areas).

Open in Google Maps

2253 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Visit Website

A storefront that reads “Chiu Quon.”

Also featured in:

Shawn Michelle's Homemade Ice Cream Bronzeville

This is South Side scoop shop is an experience with off-the-wall flavors that sometimes make no sense until customers take a bite. Shaun Michelle’s staff knows what they’re doing. There’s something for everyone at this proudly Black-owned ice cream parlor. Be prepped for long lines during the summer.

46 E 47th St, Chicago, IL 60653

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ceilo Brown (@friction456)

Soul Veg City

Soul Vegetarian’s vegan menu has been initiated all across the country. The chefs behind the restaurant, now refreshed and called Soul Veg City, have created a different type of vegan cuisine that gives food flavors by embracing international traditions. The gyros, burgers, pizza, and food buffet show a side to Chicago that’s always existed even if that spotlight isn’t always shined.

Open in Google Maps

203 E 75th St, Chicago, IL 60619

Visit Website

The brick and glass exterior of a restaurant, Soul Veg City.

Also featured in:

Lem's Bar-B-Q

Lem’s is another experience with that sticky and red barbecue sauce that covers rib tips, links, and ribs. The small shop on 75th Street is one of the most iconic Chicago spots in the city, and proof that the city has a unique barbecue style.

Open in Google Maps

311 E 75th St, Chicago, IL 60619

Visit Website

A person ladling barbecue sauce over rib tips.

Also featured in:

Daley's Restaurant

This Chicago diner has moved into a new location and has continued the vibe as its loyal fanbase has followed. Daley’s features friendly service, quality and dependable meals, and an atmosphere that’s welcoming to all.

6257 S Cottage Grove Ave, Chicago, IL 60637

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Virtue Restaurant

Erick Williams is the first Black chef to represent Chicago and win a James Beard Award for Best Chef. His Hyde Park restaurant, Virtue, celebrates several forms of southern cooking and mixes them up to make them distinct. That takes Chicago ingenuity, and Williams has no shortage of that. There’s also the mirage that Virtue is for special occasions. That’s not true as Williams has put extra effort into making sure there are affordable options on the menu. Because another Chicago quality is it’s not really a party unless everyone is invited.

1462 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615

Visit Website

A black and white photo of Aretha Franklin outside of Virtue’s women’s washroom.

Also featured in:

Valois

Not only is this Hyde Park cafeteria always bustling with people, it’s bustling with buzz whenever President Barack Obama is in town. Known as one of his favorite places to have breakfast and lunch, Valois is the spot for any hungry Southsider from any political party. Don’t hesitate to try some of the dishes and platters dedicated to the 44th President.

1518 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Christopher Soprano (@rice07)

Also featured in:

Calumet Fisheries

Just about as far east as you can go on 95th Street in the South Deering neighborhood, Calumet Fisheries has been serving up the freshest, tastiest smoked fish in Chicago. There’s no negotiation here: no seating, no bathroom, no parking and cash only. Even as unreasonable as it may sound, you’ll agree with the James Beard medal hanging on the wall and wonder why you haven’t tried driven here sooner.

3259 E 95th St, Chicago, IL 60617

Visit Website

Calumet Fisheries

Also featured in:

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Birrieria Zaragoza

4852 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60632

The menu’s simple, a small or large plate of organically raised, several-hour-roasted goat on handmade-to-order tortillas with hot salsa and tomato consommé. You are naturally intimate with other diners in this cozy Archer Heights 20-seater, as you enjoy the layers of flavor and complexity that makeup one of the best taco dining experiences Chicago has to offer, one that proves how formidable the city’s Mexican cuisine stacks up compared to the rest of America.

4852 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60632

Visit Website

Vito & Nick's Pizzeria

8433 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60652

Many Chicagoans swear that Vito & Nick’s serves the best pizza in the city. The restaurant is caught in a time machine, with Old Style glass fixtures hanging above a very come-as-you-are dining room and takeout counter. The thin-crust pizza has just a little puff and locals prefer sausage as the topping of choice.

8433 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60652

Visit Website

Nickys the real Mccoy

5801 S Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60629

Since 1979, Nicky’s has been serving the Gage Park neighborhood with some of the best hot dogs, hamburgers, and Grecian chicken available on this side of the city. The Real McCoy separates itself from other Nicky’s that try to mimic the same iconic greatness. A taste of all of the South Side is available under one roof at Nicky’s. Be sure to try their Big Baby (two griddled patties, with cheese inserted between, and pickle/ketchup/mustard on the bottom).

5801 S Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60629

Visit Website

Fat Johnnies

7242 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60636

This famous Marquette Park staple has been serving hot dogs to locals, travelers, and celebrities alike for countless years — all from a shack. As the popularity grew over the years, the concept and principles have remained the same, simply serve everyone the best hot dog possible. There is a large variety of hot dogs to choose from — or go with the classic Chicago style. There’s also the infamous “Mother-in-law” — a tamale smothered in chili that comes on a hot dog bun.

Open in Google Maps

7242 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60636

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Daniel January Zarnowski Raschke (@dannydawgs)

Lindy's Chili & Gertie's Ice Cream

3685 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60609

Since 1924, McKinley Park has been the home for arguably the best chili in the city. Their legend has grown into large plates of chili cheese fries that Southsiders swear by, and gigantic milk shakes that take two to three people to tackle. You can get a hot dog or a tamale instead, if you’re feeling more tame than usual.

3685 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60609

Visit Website

Harolds Chicken 95th

2237 95th St, Chicago, IL 60643

Harold’s chicken is legendary with its birds fried in beef tallow and then spritzed with mild sauce immediately after being lifted out of the frier. The chain’s logo, a butcher holding an axe and running after a chicken, has become iconic. A trip to Chicago wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Harold’s.

2237 95th St, Chicago, IL 60643

Top-Notch Beefburgers

2116 W 95th St, Chicago, IL 60643

Beverly is home to a burger that is nearly 75 years old. A classic diner spot that serves burgers of various weights and great milkshakes to go with it. Top-Notch is another place that boldly claims the best burger in Chicago.

2116 W 95th St, Chicago, IL 60643

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Southside Chicago Food (@southside_chicago_food)

The Duck Inn

2701 S Eleanor St, Chicago, IL 60608

Chef Kevin Hickey is a South Side native and has used all his collective experiences and poured them into a special restaurant. Everything at the Duck Inn is familiar yet elevated, presented through Hickey’s perspective, a lover of Chicago street food culture as well as an accomplished chef with mastery of many fine dining techniques. Neither trample over the other at the Duck Inn, where customers can order a beef or hot dog on one night, a braised short rib, or the signature rotisserie duck on the next visit.

2701 S Eleanor St, Chicago, IL 60608

Visit Website

The Duck Inn

Home Of The Hoagy

1312 W 111th St, Chicago, IL 60643

Customers form long lines out the door to sink their teeth into a steak sweet, a steak sandwich with onions, and the signature sweet sauce. It’s a glorious and sloppy mess, but one that represents home for many South Siders.

1312 W 111th St, Chicago, IL 60643

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Home of the Hoagy (@homeofthehoagy)

Kimski

954-960 W 31st St, Chicago, IL 60608

Maria’s started as a humble slashie, excuse me — a packaged goods store — but its owners kept on adding. The bar is bigger and has a full kitchen that will soon welcome back chef Won Kim, who’s been scheming to revise his menu. While Asian Americans struggle to be seen in Chicago, Kim is ready to get loud with a brash Korean American menu. Or, just simply, crap he enjoys cooking. Chicago is the city that works and Maria’s and Kimski show that strength.

954-960 W 31st St, Chicago, IL 60608

Kimski Photos Maria’s Community Bar Restaurant

Jim's Original

1250 S Union Ave, Chicago, IL 60607

Jim’s Original, near the UIC campus, is an essential part of the city’s street food scene. Once open 24 hours a day, the city has cracked down on late-night vending, and that’s cost Jim’s 20 percent of sales. The menu is simple, but the star is the smoked Polish sausage. Maxwell Street style means covered in onions, and yellow mustard, and served with jalapeños.

1250 S Union Ave, Chicago, IL 60607

Visit Website

Ricobene's

252 W 26th St, Chicago, IL 60616

Regularly regarded as the best sandwich in America, Ricobene’s has been serving the Bridgeport area since 1946 without ever losing a step. Their breaded steak sandwich has got national attention for being a gut bomb. But don’t sleep on the pizza. This place is also open late.

252 W 26th St, Chicago, IL 60616

Visit Website

Chiu Quon Bakery & Dim Sum

2253 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Chiu Quon Bakery is the oldest bakery in Chinatown. And yes, checking notes — Chinatown is a part of the South Side! Find egg tarts, dumplings, and other baked goods inside this charming bakery that is the engine for a Chinatown that’s in the middle of a renaissance (while also spilling into Pilsen, Bridgeport, and other neighboring areas).

Open in Google Maps

2253 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Visit Website

A storefront that reads “Chiu Quon.”

Shawn Michelle's Homemade Ice Cream Bronzeville

46 E 47th St, Chicago, IL 60653

This is South Side scoop shop is an experience with off-the-wall flavors that sometimes make no sense until customers take a bite. Shaun Michelle’s staff knows what they’re doing. There’s something for everyone at this proudly Black-owned ice cream parlor. Be prepped for long lines during the summer.

46 E 47th St, Chicago, IL 60653

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ceilo Brown (@friction456)

Soul Veg City

203 E 75th St, Chicago, IL 60619

Soul Vegetarian’s vegan menu has been initiated all across the country. The chefs behind the restaurant, now refreshed and called Soul Veg City, have created a different type of vegan cuisine that gives food flavors by embracing international traditions. The gyros, burgers, pizza, and food buffet show a side to Chicago that’s always existed even if that spotlight isn’t always shined.

Open in Google Maps

203 E 75th St, Chicago, IL 60619

Visit Website

The brick and glass exterior of a restaurant, Soul Veg City.

Related Maps

Lem's Bar-B-Q

311 E 75th St, Chicago, IL 60619

Lem’s is another experience with that sticky and red barbecue sauce that covers rib tips, links, and ribs. The small shop on 75th Street is one of the most iconic Chicago spots in the city, and proof that the city has a unique barbecue style.

Open in Google Maps

311 E 75th St, Chicago, IL 60619

Visit Website

A person ladling barbecue sauce over rib tips.

Daley's Restaurant

6257 S Cottage Grove Ave, Chicago, IL 60637

This Chicago diner has moved into a new location and has continued the vibe as its loyal fanbase has followed. Daley’s features friendly service, quality and dependable meals, and an atmosphere that’s welcoming to all.

6257 S Cottage Grove Ave, Chicago, IL 60637

Visit Website

Virtue Restaurant

1462 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615

Erick Williams is the first Black chef to represent Chicago and win a James Beard Award for Best Chef. His Hyde Park restaurant, Virtue, celebrates several forms of southern cooking and mixes them up to make them distinct. That takes Chicago ingenuity, and Williams has no shortage of that. There’s also the mirage that Virtue is for special occasions. That’s not true as Williams has put extra effort into making sure there are affordable options on the menu. Because another Chicago quality is it’s not really a party unless everyone is invited.

1462 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615

Visit Website

A black and white photo of Aretha Franklin outside of Virtue’s women’s washroom.

Valois

1518 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615

Not only is this Hyde Park cafeteria always bustling with people, it’s bustling with buzz whenever President Barack Obama is in town. Known as one of his favorite places to have breakfast and lunch, Valois is the spot for any hungry Southsider from any political party. Don’t hesitate to try some of the dishes and platters dedicated to the 44th President.

1518 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Christopher Soprano (@rice07)

Calumet Fisheries

3259 E 95th St, Chicago, IL 60617

Just about as far east as you can go on 95th Street in the South Deering neighborhood, Calumet Fisheries has been serving up the freshest, tastiest smoked fish in Chicago. There’s no negotiation here: no seating, no bathroom, no parking and cash only. Even as unreasonable as it may sound, you’ll agree with the James Beard medal hanging on the wall and wonder why you haven’t tried driven here sooner.

3259 E 95th St, Chicago, IL 60617

Visit Website

Calumet Fisheries

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