Sophomore Slump? Not for Chicago Restaurants
John and Amy discuss some of their favorite follow-up projects from great restauranteurs — which are also often more casual and accessible — along with what second acts may be coming soon.
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Dish From Chicago Magazine
Chicago magazine
The State of Dining in the Loop
We're joined by dining critic Nick Kindelsperger to discuss all the old and new spots he's enjoying in the Loop as the neighborhood sees yet another reinvention. Check out his Substack, Nick in the Loop.
These Are Chicago's 50 Best Restaurants
We've updated our list of the 50 best restaurants in the city. John breaks down the top 10 and describes what makes a spot really stand out. Read the full list here: https://www.chicagomag.com/chicago-magazine/august-202...
The Best Summer Dishes in Chicago
Writer Chandra Ram joins us to discuss the apps, mains, desserts, and drinks we love to get our hands on each summer.
Our Dining Pet Peeves
Amy and John gripe about shared plates, QR codes, patron PDA, and more. It's talk therapy!
A Somm Breaks Down Restaurant Wine Pours
We're joined by Maria Montero, a sommelier and manager for the Gibson's Restaurant Group. She'll help us understand the importance of pours, samples, and asking questions for a better wine experience.
The Restaurants We've Revisited Lately
Another round-robin episode where Amy and John chat about what's new at some old favorites.
Where We Eat in Uptown
From Buena Park pizza to Argyle corridor coffee: We explore Amy's neighborhood for all the best places to dine.
A Deeper Dive Into Our Best New Restaurants List
John and Amy break down all the restaurants that made this year's list. They also discuss the trend they see surfacing in Chicago dining.
The Nordic-Japanese Mash-Up We Didn't Know We Needed
Amy and John rave about Atsumeru, a new tasting menu restaurant. Plus, John gives us the scoop on a nontraditional (but extremely good) doner spot in Uptown.
Where We're Getting Fish Sandwiches for Lent
Food writer Titus Ruscitti joins us on the pod to talk fish sandwiches. Plus, John gives us the highlights of eating at Nadu.
A Half-Star Review and Pizza by the Slice
John describes a disappointing tasting menu, while Amy shares her recommendation on a dining hall pizza spot.
Cold Weather Bar and Restaurant Recs
When the temperature drops, John and Amy bundle up and head to particular spots across Chicago, whether for the cozy atmospheres or tropical vibes.
The 2026 Dining Trends in Chicago
Bagels popped up, French onion left the soup, and cafes went all-day: All the trends John spotted last year in restaurants across the city.
Our 25 Favorite Bites of 2025
In addition to John and Amy, we hear from our food writers about the dishes they loved most this past year.
John's Favorite Fries and Where to Eat at Chicago Airports
John breaks down what makes a great fry and where to find them. Amy takes us on a quick tour of where to eat at Midway and O'Hare airports.
How to Build a Chicago-Style Thanksgiving
Writer Chandra Ram joins John and Amy to discuss how to add local flavor to the big meal.
Chicago's Hottest Bistro & Two Great New Pizza Spots
John and Amy discuss Creepies, the new French Midwestern bistro from the Elske team, along with two tavern-style pizza places making waves.
Ranking Our Favorite Steakhouses
John and Amy discuss their top five Chicago steakhouses, and what they say about the scene right now. For the full list, head to chicagomag.com.
A Few of Our Favorite Meals Lately
John and Amy discuss some of the best places they've eaten recently, and chat about what they're looking forward to eating and drinking this fall (John's in a big pie-making phase).