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TenGoku Aburiya
Diego Mexican Restaurant
West Randolph Street
Galit

5 places

Chef John Shields’ Guide to Cozy Chicago Neighborhood Spots

Find out where the three Michelin-starred chef likes to dine with his family when he’s not at Smyth.

About the list

Just because you serve three Michelin-starred meals each night doesn’t mean you need—or want—to eat that way all the time. In fact, chef John Shields of Chicago’s Smyth + The Loyalist often prefers settling into a delicious, comforting meal at one of the city’s many neighborhood restaurants—often with his young kids in tow. 

Here, Shields reveals where he enjoys going on his off nights, whether for Baja-style tacos, creamy hummus with fluffy pita, or what he calls the best chicken sandwich in Chicago. 

“What I like about all five of these the most is that they’re really consistent and they always deliver,” Shields says. “It’s not because some three-star chef comes to their door. You know it’s good because they don’t make a big deal out of it, and it’s always on point.”

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Chicago, United States
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This Japanese izakaya serves a range of food—from sushi to karaage to ramen—and even a variety of Korean dishes, including spicy fried chicken lollipop wings. Shields says it’s an approachable restaurant with a fun, shareable menu. “Everything is super shareable, and you can get small portions to try a lot of things, which I enjoy. It’s a reliable place I can get into, the food delivers, and it’s great for families.”

Chicago, United States
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Diego is chef Stephen Sandoval’s homage to Baja-Mediterranean street food: tacos, ceviche, tostadas, queso fundido, and more. “It’s near Smyth and it’s a really focused menu. It’s a cool space with really delicious stuff. It always delivers. My kids love it, too.”

Chicago, United States
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Around the corner from Smyth is chefs David and Anna Posey’s hygge-inspired American restaurant with Danish influences. “[Chef] David [Posey] does a great job with the proteins, and I love the desserts. My youngest daughter declared it her favorite restaurant in the world.”

Chicago, United States
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This Michelin-starred Middle Eastern restaurant from chef Zach Engel serves some of the best creamy hummus and fluffy pita around. Their four-course, family-style menu starts with salatim (small, shareable savory snacks like pickles and labneh), followed by falafel that tastes straight out of the Levant and a variety of elevated dishes like lamb kebab and smoked turkey shawarma.

“The level of service that [partner] Andrés gives, the warm welcomes from [chef] Zach [Engel], and the service from the team—along with delicious food—I just really enjoy going to it. It feels really relaxed, and I can let my hair down.”

Chicago, United States
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GG’s, owned by Boka Group chef Lee Wolen, is set in the heart of Chicago’s Southport Corridor shopping district, making it an easy stop for Shields between work, home, and his kids’ schools. “Personally, I think it’s the best chicken sandwich in the city. We’ve had friends over and done group dining at home, and the food is just fun. It’s everything you want with sides and entrees. The oatmeal cream pies are pretty darn tasty, too.”

TenGoku Aburiya

TenGoku Aburiya

651 W Washington Blvd
Chicago, IL 60661
United States

Elske

West Randolph Street

1350 W Randolph St
Chicago, IL 60607
United States

GG's Chicken Shop

GG's Chicken Shop

3325 N Southport Ave
Chicago, IL 60657
United States

Galit

Galit

2429 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60614
United States

Diego

Diego Mexican Restaurant

459 N Ogden Ave
Chicago, IL 60642
United States

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