Best Southwest American Restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Regions

ChicagoNear WestNorth SuburbsNorthwest SuburbsSouth Suburbs

Neighborhoods

Albany ParkAndersonvilleAvondaleBedford ParkBelmont Central / CraginBerwyn

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

James Beard AwardMICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

325 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

The default order for search results reflects a number of factors, including table availability, restaurant location, search criteria, and restaurant reviews and ratings. In addition, payment made by a restaurant to OpenTable is also a factor for the relative ordering of restaurants.

1. Girl & the Goat

4.7

Exceptional(15103)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • West Loop

Booked 184 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

2. The Oakville Grill & Cellar

4.7

Exceptional(1202)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mexican • West Loop

Booked 134 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.

3. Swift & Sons

4.7

Exceptional(4731)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Mexican • West Loop

Booked 76 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 Summer House - Chicago restaurant

4. Summer House - Chicago

4.7

Exceptional(8061)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Lincoln Park

Booked 216 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.

5. The Gage

4.7

Exceptional(12170)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Downtown / Loop

Booked 151 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 Beatrix - Fulton Market restaurant

6. Beatrix - Fulton Market

4.8

Exceptional(2696)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • West Loop

Booked 162 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.

7. avec West Loop

4.8

Exceptional(941)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • West Loop

Booked 76 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.

8. HIDE + SEEK

4.5

Awesome(439)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mexican • West Loop

Booked 45 times today

HIDE + SEEK in West Loop, Chicago, is a vibrant Cocktail Bar that elevates the art of drink-making to new heights. Known for its "awesome cocktails" and "top-notch drinks," this establishment is a haven for cocktail enthusiasts. Diners rave about the expertly crafted drinks like the Shadow Play and Midnight in Madrid, which boast "incredible flavor profiles" that cater to diverse palates. The innovative beverage program offers fresh takes on classic cocktails, ensuring each sip is both refreshing and memorable. With a lively atmosphere and attentive service, HIDE + SEEK promises a cocktail experience that's both sophisticated and playful, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.

9. Bar La Rue

4.4

Awesome(288)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mexican • West Loop

Booked 56 times today

Bar La Rue celebrates French-American cuisine with an inventive cocktail program in the heart of Fulton Market. The stylish space boasts a beautiful all-season, street-side, walk-in-friendly pergola bar and dining area, perfect for a cozy patio experience. The menu incorporates French plays on approachable American comfort foods, offering an inviting setting for lunch, brunch, or dinner. Whether you're enjoying cocktails at the bar, celebrating birthdays, or planning a romantic date, Bar La Rue provides a Mediterranean-inspired atmosphere perfect for any occasion.

A photo of Mercadito - River North restaurant

10. Mercadito - River North

4.6

Exceptional(6381)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mexican • River North (Chicago)

Booked 147 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.

‘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

A
Ab
Miami - Dade •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
great food and good service! weather was nice too
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Pilsen YardsPrice: Moderate• Latin American• Pilsen
•
4.8
OT
OpenTable DinerVIP
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined on Mar 21, 2025
The food was incredible! Loved the Calabaza and pork shank. The staff was great, especially Paloma! She when above and beyond and was so kind! You felt like family right away. So many fun cocktails and a great vibe!
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CeibaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Mexican• Lincoln Park
•
4.7
M
Mireya
Columbus •1 review
5.0
Dined on Mar 18, 2025
It was great! Our server was wonderful! We had a lot of fun.
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La Cantina GrillPrice: Moderate• Mexican• South Loop
•
4.8
A
Andrea
Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 16, 2025
The waiter and staff were great! Food came out quickly and was delicious. We had several kids with us and they provided crayons and coloring paper. Thank you big star for being so accommodating!
More info
Big Star Wicker ParkPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Bucktown / Wicker Park
•
4.6
G
GiannaVIP
Chicago / Illinois •71 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 1, 2025
Loved tasty fish taco, burrito was terrifically tender beef Great for anytime Will definitely return
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Broken English Taco Pub - Lake StreetPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Downtown / Loop
•
4.6

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