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Best Southwest American Restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

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330 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Girl & the Goat restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(15176)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • West Loop
Booked 179 times today
Girl & the Goat, nestled in Chicago's vibrant West Loop, is a must-visit for tapas enthusiasts seeking a truly memorable dining experience. Known for its bold and inventive small plates, the restaurant celebrates locally sourced, seasonal ingredients with flair and creativity. Diners rave about standout dishes like the "goat empanadas with their perfectly flaky crust and savory filling" and the "crispy, flavorful chickpea fritters." The lively atmosphere and friendly service only enhance the experience, making it an excellent choice for groups or adventurous foodies. With each dish designed to share, every visit promises a delightful culinary adventure.
A photo of The Oakville Grill & Cellar restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1233)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • West Loop
Booked 139 times today
Nestled in Chicago's vibrant Fulton Market District, The Oakville Grill & Cellar offers an exceptional Californian culinary experience. Inspired by the lush Napa Valley, this restaurant seamlessly integrates the finest ingredients from California and the Midwest. Guests rave about the "wonderful combinations" and "fresh and tasty" dishes that showcase the authenticity of Californian cuisine. The restaurant's atmosphere is lively yet relaxed, making it a perfect spot for any occasion. Patrons are particularly impressed by the seamless blend of flavors and the expansive wine list that features California's best selections. With impeccable service and a warm ambiance, The Oakville Grill & Cellar is a must-visit for those seeking a genuine taste of California in Chicago.
A photo of Summer House - Chicago restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(8125)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Lincoln Park
Booked 345 times today
Summer House in Chicago's Lincoln Park offers an authentic taste of Californian cuisine, transporting diners straight to the West Coast with its beach house decor and retractable glass ceiling. Chef Ben Goodnick’s menu brims with seasonal specialties, including market-driven pasta and artisan pizzas that capture the essence of California's fresh, vibrant flavors. Guests rave about the "delicious food and cocktails," with the prickly pear cocktail and oversized cookies receiving special praise. The restaurant’s sunny ambiance and friendly service make it a "wonderful environment" for any dining occasion. Whether brunch or dinner, Summer House provides an exceptional Californian dining experience.
A photo of The Gage restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(12202)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Downtown / Loop
Booked 142 times today
The Gage, nestled in the vibrant heart of Downtown Chicago, is a true gem in the world of Gastro Pub cuisine. With over a decade of delighting patrons, its menu effortlessly marries European flair with American innovation, creating a dining experience that’s both rustic and refined. Guests rave about its “incredible food service and atmosphere,” highlighting dishes like the “exquisite lobster bisque” and “delectable burgers with truffle fries.” The Gage's commitment to quality and tradition, paired with an award-winning wine list, ensures every visit is a memorable affair. Whether for brunch, lunch, or dinner, The Gage is a “must-visit” culinary destination.
A photo of Swift & Sons restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4766)
Price: Very Expensive
• Mexican • West Loop
Booked 56 times today
Swift & Sons in Chicago's vibrant West Loop is a testament to the excellence of American cuisine, particularly known for its upscale steakhouse offerings. The restaurant's ambiance, designed by AvroKO, creates a stunning backdrop for an unforgettable dining experience. Executive Chef Chris Pandel elevates traditional American steakhouse classics with a modern twist, as seen in their signature Beef Wellington. Reviews rave about the "superb food," highlighting dishes such as the Steak and Ale Pie and Short Ribs Bourguignon, and commend the staff for their "excellent, courteous, and alert" service. Swift & Sons is the perfect destination for any special occasion.
A photo of 3 Arts Club Cafe at RH Chicago restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(3750)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Gold Coast / Streeterville
Booked 181 times today
The 3 Arts Club Café resides in the grand central garden courtyard of RH Chicago, the Gallery at the Historic Three Arts Club, a 70,000-square-foot design gallery in Chicago's famed Gold Coast neighborhood. We invite you to enjoy our menu of timeless classics for brunch and dinner, and a selection of wines from esteemed vintners in the United States and Europe. RH Chicago also features the 3 Arts Club Wine Vault.For group dining inquiries, please email: chicagohospitality@rh.com
A photo of Beatrix - Fulton Market restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2712)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • West Loop
Booked 84 times today
Beatrix is a neighborhood coffeehouse, restaurant and meeting place in Chicago’s River North, Streeterville, Fulton Market, The Loop and Oak Brook neighborhoods. The restaurant is the brainchild of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises’ Founder Rich Melman, Executive Partner and Divisional President Marc Jacobs and Chef Partners Andrew Ashmore, Rita Dever and Susan Weaver. The menu features healthy meets delicious options, and is known for its iconic coffee and bakery counter, including signature cookies, in-house pastry favorites and our house blends from Beatrix Coffee Roasters, featuring Light, Dark, Espresso and Decaf roasts.
A photo of avec West Loop restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(959)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • West Loop
Booked 74 times today
Avec West Loop is a shining example of Contemporary American cuisine, offering a unique twist on Mediterranean classics with a Midwestern flair. Nestled in the vibrant West Loop of Chicago, this beloved eatery has been delighting diners for over two decades. With an inviting atmosphere and a communal dining experience, guests are treated to "fantastic service" and "food packed with flavor." The menu features standout dishes like the Chorizo-Stuffed Dates and Short Rib Hummus, which are "must-try" items according to patrons. The innovative menu and exceptional wine program make Avec an "unforgettable experience" that consistently exceeds expectations.
A photo of Mercadito - River North restaurant
4.5
Awesome(6411)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • River North (Chicago)
Booked 130 times today
Nestled in the vibrant heart of River North, Mercadito offers an authentic Mexican culinary journey that shines with its exceptional Seafood dishes. Renowned for its "terrific chili relleno with seafood" and "delicious" ceviche, the restaurant has captivated diners with the freshness and quality of its Seafood offerings. Guests rave about the "incredible" lobster tacos and the mixtas ceviche, which are "fantastic" and a true testament to the restaurant's dedication to authentic flavors. The ambiance enhances the dining experience, providing a chic backdrop for savoring exquisite Seafood paired with refreshing margaritas. Mercadito is a must-visit for Seafood enthusiasts seeking a delightful culinary escape.
A photo of Café Ba-Ba-Reeba restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(9475)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Lincoln Park
Booked 184 times today
Café Ba-Ba-Reeba! in Lincoln Park, Chicago, is a must-visit for those craving authentic American cuisine with a delightful twist. This vibrant restaurant is renowned for its delicious tapas and energetic ambiance, making it "one of the all-time favorites" for locals and visitors alike. The "amazing food, drinks, and service" consistently receive high praise, with many highlighting the delectable seafood paella and flavorful sangria. The lively atmosphere paired with attentive service ensures a memorable dining experience. Café Ba-Ba-Reeba! effortlessly combines traditional American flavors with a contemporary flair, making it a standout choice for any occasion.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • AshleyVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •18 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Parking is awful around the restaurant looked 20 minutes to park the car.
    More info
    Pilsen YardsPrice: Moderate• Latin American• Pilsen
    4.8
  • JavierVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •23 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Very well done and flavorful dishes. We went for breakfast and we really liked it. Portions were just the right amount. Delicious mocktail and they were accommodating with requests.
    More info
    CeibaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Mexican• Lincoln Park
    4.7
  • Alina
    Chicago / Illinois •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Great place! Got the pitcher of Margarita with prickly pear and nachos. It was amazing!
    More info
    Big Star Wicker ParkPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Bucktown / Wicker Park
    4.6
  • SinéadVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    i like the mango margarita with tajin on the rim or mango fresca for n/a and my favorite tacos are the carne asada, brisket and ay papasito. 3 very different options. carne is the classic tiny pieces of steak with a generous amount of onion and cilantro on corn. the brisket comes on a flour tortilla with pickled onion, carrot and a jalapeño slice or two. the ay papasito is a fried purple potato small taco and pickled cabbage topped with cheese
    More info
    Broken English Taco Pub - Lake StreetPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Downtown / Loop
    4.7
  • NicoletteVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Mar 30, 2025
    We’ve been here several times and it’s always great! We’ve never had a time where the food taste different or not the same, this place is consistent. It’s is a bit pricey, but the quality is great. The drinks are average, more on the sugary side but not mad. Like you have to have a marg at some point! Service is quick and friendly. It’s a bit loud in there between the music and people, but when it’s almost 70 degrees in March then hey if you can’t beat em, join em.
    More info
    Cafe El TapatioPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Lakeview / East Lakeview
    4.8
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