The Top 5 Hole-in-the-wall Restaurants in Chicago is a city that is known for its diverse and vibrant food scene, and these 5 hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Chicago are a testament to that fact. Here is why they are the best restaurants in Chicago for you to discover.
1. Al’s Beef – Al’s Beef, included as one of the top hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Chicago, is a local favorite for its delicious Italian beef sandwiches. The restaurant has been around since 1938 and has a loyal following thanks to its mouth-watering sandwiches with perfectly seasoned meat, crispy bread, and hot peppers. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to try the best Italian beef in Chicago.
2. Fat Rice – Fat Rice, while among the top hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Chicago, is a small restaurant that specializes in Macanese cuisine, a blend of Portuguese and Chinese flavors. The restaurant’s signature dish is the Arroz Gordo, a savory rice dish with a variety of meats, vegetables, and spices. Fat Rice’s unique and flavorful dishes have made it a popular spot in Chicago’s food scene.
3. Lao Sze Chuan – Lao Sze Chuan, another of the top hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Chicago, is a small Chinese restaurant that has become known for its spicy Szechuan dishes. The restaurant’s menu features a variety of spicy and flavorful dishes, including mapo tofu, kung pao chicken, and dan dan noodles. Lao Sze Chuan’s authentic Szechuan cuisine has made it a favorite among Chicago’s Chinese food lovers.
4. Smoque BBQ – Smoque BBQ, one of the most popular hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Chicago, is a small barbecue joint that’s known for its delicious smoked meats. The restaurant’s brisket, pulled pork, and ribs are all cooked low and slow, resulting in tender and flavorful meat. Smoque BBQ’s dedication to quality has earned it a loyal following among Chicago’s barbecue fans.
5. Au Cheval – Au Cheval, while amid the top hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Chicago, is a small diner that’s known for its delicious burgers. The restaurant’s signature burger is the double cheeseburger, which features two patties, American cheese, and dijonnaise. Au Cheval’s delicious burgers and cozy atmosphere have made it a popular spot in Chicago’s food scene.
Top 5 Hole-in-the-wall Restaurants in Chicago
Al’s Beef
Address: Multiple locations in Chicago, the original location is at 1079 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607
Hours: Sun-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am-11pm
Phone Number: (312) 226-4017
Al’s Beef, included as one of the top hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Chicago, is a popular Italian beef sandwich restaurant that has been serving customers since 1938. The interior of the restaurant is small, with a few tables and a counter for ordering. The walls are decorated with photos of Chicago sports teams, making for a casual and comfortable atmosphere.
The signature dish at Al’s Beef is the Italian beef sandwich. The sandwich is made with thinly sliced beef that has been slow-cooked in a seasoned broth and served on a crispy Italian roll. The sandwich can be ordered with sweet or hot peppers and dipped in the broth for extra flavor. The combination of the tender beef, crispy bread, and savory broth make for a delicious and filling meal.
What makes Al’s Beef unique is its commitment to quality and tradition. The beef is cooked in-house daily, and the recipe for the seasoned broth has been passed down through generations. The restaurant has a loyal following among locals who appreciate its authenticity and consistency.
The service at Al’s Beef is fast and efficient, with friendly staff who are knowledgeable about the menu. Customers order at the counter, and their food is prepared quickly and brought to their table.
Main Menu Items:
1. Italian Beef Sandwich – Thinly sliced beef that has been slow-cooked in a seasoned broth and served on a crispy Italian roll. The sandwich can be ordered with sweet or hot peppers and dipped in the broth for extra flavor.
2. Polish Sausage – A grilled Polish sausage served on a soft roll with grilled onions, mustard, and sport peppers.
3. Italian Sausage Sandwich – A grilled Italian sausage served on a soft roll with grilled onions, mustard, and sport peppers.
4. Combo Sandwich – A combination of Italian beef and sausage served on a crispy Italian roll with sweet or hot peppers and dipped in the broth for extra flavor.
5. Pepper and Egg Sandwich – Scrambled eggs cooked with sweet peppers and served on a soft roll. This sandwich is a popular breakfast option at Al’s Beef.
Customer Reviews:
“I had the Italian beef sandwich with hot peppers, and it was the best I’ve ever had. The beef was so tender and flavorful, and the peppers added just the right amount of heat. The service was quick and friendly, and the atmosphere was casual and comfortable. I can’t wait to go back.”
“Al’s Beef is a Chicago institution, and for good reason. The Italian beef sandwich is legendary, and it lived up to the hype. The restaurant is small and cozy, and the staff are friendly and efficient. If you’re in Chicago, you have to try Al’s Beef.”
“I’m a vegetarian, so I didn’t try the Italian beef sandwich, but I had the grilled cheese, and it was amazing. The bread was perfectly toasted, and the cheese was melted and gooey. The service was quick and friendly, and the atmosphere was laid-back and casual. I’ll definitely be back.”
In summary, Al’s Beef is a must-visit restaurant in Chicago for anyone looking to try the best Italian beef sandwich in town. The commitment to quality and tradition, combined with friendly service and a cozy atmosphere, make for an excellent dining experience. They rank amid the top 5 hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Chicago for good reasons.
Fat Rice
Address: 2957 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Hours: Tue-Thu, Sun 5pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm, closed on Mondays
Phone Number: (773) 661-9170
Fat Rice, while among the top hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Chicago, is a restaurant that specializes in Macanese cuisine, a blend of Chinese and Portuguese flavors. The interior of the restaurant is cozy and intimate, with a mix of communal and individual seating. The decor features colorful tiles and artwork that reflect the restaurant’s Macanese inspiration.
The signature dish at Fat Rice is the Arroz Gordo, which translates to “fat rice” in Portuguese. The dish is a generous serving of jasmine rice that has been cooked with a flavorful mix of ingredients, including Chinese sausage, salted duck, prawns, chicken thighs, clams, and pork. The dish is served family-style and is meant to be shared among a group.
What makes Fat Rice unique is its commitment to showcasing Macanese cuisine, a lesser-known cuisine that blends Chinese and Portuguese flavors. The restaurant uses traditional ingredients and cooking techniques to create dishes that are both familiar and unique.
The service at Fat Rice is attentive and friendly, with knowledgeable staff who are happy to make recommendations and answer questions about the menu. Dishes are served in a timely manner, and the restaurant has a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.
Main Menu Items:
1. Arroz Gordo – A generous serving of jasmine rice that has been cooked with a flavorful mix of ingredients, including Chinese sausage, salted duck, prawns, chicken thighs, clams, and pork. The dish is served family-style and is meant to be shared among a group.
2. Fat Noodles – Thick, chewy noodles stir-fried with vegetables, mushrooms, and your choice of protein, such as beef, pork, or tofu.
3. Pork Belly Buns – Steamed buns filled with tender and savory braised pork belly, topped with pickled mustard greens and crushed peanuts.
4. Minchi – A Macanese dish of ground pork, diced potatoes, and onions, seasoned with soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and spices, and topped with a fried egg. Served with rice.
5. Serradura – A traditional Macanese dessert made with layers of whipped cream and crumbled Marie biscuits, topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Customer Reviews:
“The Arroz Gordo at Fat Rice is a must-try. The blend of flavors and textures is incredible, and it’s enough to feed a small army. The restaurant has a cozy and intimate atmosphere, and the staff are friendly and attentive.”
“I’ve never had Macanese cuisine before, but I’m so glad I tried Fat Rice. The Arroz Gordo was amazing, and the other dishes we tried were equally delicious. The restaurant has a unique and colorful decor, and the service was excellent.”
“I’m a vegetarian, and the options at Fat Rice were limited, but the staff was very accommodating and made some excellent recommendations. The vegetable dishes we tried were full of flavor and texture, and the Arroz Gordo was a hit with my meat-eating friends.”
In summary, Fat Rice is a unique and delicious restaurant in Chicago that showcases the flavors of Macanese cuisine. The Arroz Gordo is a must-try dish, and the other menu items are equally flavorful and satisfying. The cozy and intimate atmosphere, combined with attentive service, make for an excellent dining experience. They deserve to be ranked among the top 5 hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Chicago.
Lao Sze Chuan
Address: 2172 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
Hours: Mon-Sun 11am-9:30pm
Phone Number: (312) 326-5040
Lao Sze Chuan, another of the top hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Chicago, is a Chinese restaurant located in the heart of Chinatown in Chicago. The interior of the restaurant is spacious and decorated with traditional Chinese artwork and lanterns. The restaurant specializes in Szechuan cuisine, which is known for its bold and spicy flavors.
The signature dish at Lao Sze Chuan is the Chef’s Special Dry Chili Chicken, which is a spicy and crispy chicken dish served with dried chili peppers, garlic, and Szechuan peppercorns. The dish is a must-try for anyone who loves spicy food.
What makes Lao Sze Chuan unique is its commitment to authenticity in its Szechuan cuisine. The restaurant uses traditional ingredients and cooking techniques to create dishes that are both flavorful and authentic.
The service at Lao Sze Chuan is friendly and efficient, with knowledgeable staff who are happy to make recommendations and answer questions about the menu. Dishes are served promptly, and the restaurant has a lively and bustling atmosphere.
Main Menu Items:
1. Chef’s Special Dry Chili Chicken – Spicy and crispy chicken dish served with dried chili peppers, garlic, and Szechuan peppercorns.
2. Mapo Tofu – A classic Szechuan dish of soft tofu cubes cooked in a spicy chili bean sauce with minced pork.
3. Kung Pao Chicken – Sautéed diced chicken with peanuts, scallions, and dried chili peppers in a spicy sauce.
4. Szechuan Fish – Fried whole fish served with a spicy Szechuan sauce made with chili peppers, garlic, and Szechuan peppercorns.
5. Hot Pot – A traditional Chinese dish that is meant to be shared. A simmering pot of broth is placed in the middle of the table, and diners cook their own meat, vegetables, and noodles in the pot. Lao Sze Chuan offers several variations of hot pot, including spicy Szechuan hot pot and mild seafood hot pot.
Customer Reviews:
“Lao Sze Chuan is the best Szechuan restaurant in Chicago. The Chef’s Special Dry Chili Chicken is amazing, and the other dishes we tried were equally delicious. The restaurant has a great atmosphere and friendly service.”
“The food at Lao Sze Chuan is excellent, with bold and spicy flavors that are not for the faint of heart. The restaurant has a lively and bustling atmosphere, and the service is fast and efficient.”
“We loved the variety of dishes at Lao Sze Chuan, and the flavors were amazing. The Chef’s Special Dry Chili Chicken was definitely the standout dish, but we also enjoyed the hot pot and the ma po tofu. The service was friendly and attentive, and the restaurant had a fun and lively vibe.”
In summary, Lao Sze Chuan is a must-visit restaurant in Chicago for anyone who loves bold and spicy flavors. The Chef’s Special Dry Chili Chicken is a standout dish, but the other menu items are equally delicious. The service is friendly and efficient, and the restaurant has a lively and bustling atmosphere. They have earned the rank of the top 5 hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Chicago.
Smoque BBQ
Address: 3800 N Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60641
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:00am – 8:00pm
Phone Number: (773) 545-7427
Smoque BBQ, one of the most popular hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Chicago, is a casual, counter-serve restaurant that specializes in barbecue. The interior has a rustic and cozy feel with wooden tables, exposed brick walls, and dim lighting.
Smoque BBQ’s signature dish is the Texas-style brisket, which is smoked for up to 14 hours over oak and applewood. The result is a tender and flavorful brisket with a blackened crust that is served sliced or chopped.
One unique aspect of Smoque BBQ is that they make all of their sides from scratch, including their coleslaw, mac and cheese, and baked beans. They also have a unique self-serve sauce station where customers can choose from a variety of house-made sauces to complement their meal.
The service at Smoque BBQ is friendly and efficient. Customers place their order at the counter and then take a seat while their food is prepared. The restaurant is known for its quick turnaround time, and customers are often impressed by how quickly their food is ready.
Main Menu Items:
1. Texas-style Brisket – Smoked for up to 14 hours over oak and applewood, this tender and flavorful brisket is served sliced or chopped with a blackened crust.
2. Pulled Pork Sandwich – Slow-smoked pork shoulder pulled and piled high on a bun with a side of house-made BBQ sauce.
3. Burnt Ends – A customer favorite, these flavorful and tender pieces of brisket are caramelized on the outside and served with a side of bread and pickles.
4. Smoque Sampler Platter – Perfect for sharing, this platter includes a sampling of all the restaurant’s signature meats, including brisket, pulled pork, and ribs, served with your choice of sides.
5. Mac and Cheese – One of the many scratch-made sides at Smoque BBQ, this mac and cheese is made with a blend of cheeses and baked until golden and bubbly.
Customer Reviews:
“The brisket was so good, it practically melted in my mouth. The mac and cheese was also amazing – definitely some of the best I’ve ever had.”
“The pulled pork sandwich was delicious and the service was fantastic. I also appreciated the variety of sauces available at the sauce station.”
“I can’t get enough of Smoque BBQ’s burnt ends. They are so tender and flavorful. This place is a must-visit for any barbecue lover.”
Smoque BBQ is a popular barbecue restaurant in Chicago known for its Texas-style brisket, scratch-made sides, and self-serve sauce station. The cozy interior and friendly service make for a great dining experience, and customers rave about the quality of the food. They stand out among the top hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Chicago.
Au Cheval
Address: 800 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
Hours: Monday-Sunday 10am-10pm
Phone Number: (312) 929-4580
Au Cheval, while amid the top hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Chicago, is a classic American diner-style restaurant that is known for its burgers and upscale takes on comfort food. The interior of the restaurant is dark and cozy, with a retro feel and lots of wood and leather accents.
The restaurant is most famous for its cheeseburger, which is made with two beef patties, American cheese, Dijonnaise, and house-made pickles, all served on a toasted bun. The burger is so popular that it has been named the best burger in America by multiple publications.
One unique aspect of Au Cheval is its bar program, which features an extensive list of craft beers, cocktails, and spirits. Additionally, the restaurant offers a range of other dishes, from foie gras and scrambled eggs to fried chicken and waffles.
The service at Au Cheval is known for being friendly and attentive, despite the restaurant’s busy atmosphere. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and can provide recommendations for both food and drink.
Main Menu Items:
1. Double Cheeseburger – Two beef patties, melted American cheese, Dijonnaise, and house-made pickles on a toasted bun.
2. Fried Chicken Sandwich – Buttermilk-marinated chicken breast, spicy mayo, shredded lettuce, and pickles on a brioche bun.
3. Foie Gras and Scrambled Eggs – Seared foie gras served with scrambled eggs and toasted brioche.
4. Grilled Cheese – Wisconsin cheddar, Dijonnaise, and pickles on sourdough bread.
5. Pancakes – Buttermilk pancakes served with butter and syrup.
Customer Reviews:
“I had the cheeseburger and it was honestly the best burger I’ve ever had. The meat was juicy and flavorful, and the toppings were the perfect complement. The service was also excellent, and I appreciated the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the restaurant.”
“I came to Au Cheval for brunch and was blown away by the quality of the food. I had the foie gras and scrambled eggs, which was rich and delicious, and my friend had the fried chicken and waffles, which was also amazing. The cocktails were a nice touch as well.”
“This place is worth the wait. The cheeseburger is hands down the best burger I’ve ever had. The service is also top-notch, and the atmosphere is cozy and inviting. I’ll definitely be coming back.”
Au Cheval is a must-visit restaurant in Chicago, particularly for anyone who loves burgers and comfort food. With its friendly service, extensive bar program, and cozy atmosphere, it’s easy to see why the restaurant has become so popular. They can definitely be counted among the top hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Chicago.
Each restaurant offers a unique dining experience and signature dishes that have earned them a loyal following among locals and tourists alike. From classic Italian beef sandwiches at Al’s Beef to the creative Macanese-inspired cuisine at Fat Rice, these restaurants offer a taste of Chicago’s culinary diversity. This is why they are the best restaurants in Chicago for you to discover. So, whether you are a foodie looking for a unique dining experience or just someone who appreciates a good meal, these top 5 Hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Chicago are definitely worth a visit.
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