Chef John Shields’ Guide to Cozy Chicago Neighborhood Spots

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”