Best Restaurants for Spicy Food in South Loop

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

ChicagoNear WestNorthwest Suburbs

Neighborhoods

AndersonvilleBerwynBucktown / Wicker ParkDowntown / LoopEdgewaterElmwood Park

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

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

139 restaurants available nearby

1. TAK Korean Bistro

4.0

Excellent(45)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Korean • South Loop

Booked 4 times today

A Korean pocha restaurant in South Loop Chicago is a lively and casual eatery that serves up traditional Korean street food dishes and drinks. Pocha, which translates to "street food tent," refers to the popular outdoor food stalls found in South Korea, and this type of restaurant aims to recreate that experience in an indoor setting.At a Korean pocha restaurant, you can expect to find a variety of small plates, or "anju," that are meant to be shared among friends while drinking soju or beer. These dishes can include popular Korean bar snacks like fried chicken, spicy rice cakes, and seafood pancakes.The atmosphere at a Korean pocha restaurant is usually laid-back and social, with a focus on hanging out with friends and enjoying good food and drinks.Overall, if you're looking for a fun and flavorful dining experience in South Loop Chicago, a Korean pocha restaurant is a great choice. With its vibrant atmosphere and delicious street food, it's sure to be a memorable meal.

A photo of Pizzeria Portofino restaurant

2. Pizzeria Portofino

4.8

Exceptional(1734)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 177 times today

Pizzeria Portofino is a sun-drenched casual restaurant located directly on the Chicago riverfront offering hand-stretched pizzas, coastal wines, an expansive patio and breezy decor that will instantly transport you to the Italian Riviera.

3. Nobu Chicago

4.5

Awesome(2189)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • West Loop

Booked 140 times today

OPEN FOR LUNCH 7 Days a weekCentrally located in Chicago's West Loop, Nobu Chicago playfully blends elements of old world Japanese and new world utilitarian.

4. RPM Steak

4.7

Exceptional(6313)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steak • River North (Chicago)

Booked 78 times today

Located in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, RPM Steak is an updated take on the classic steakhouse and features a contemporary, chef-driven menu, an award-winning wine list and a well-curated craft cocktail program. The sister restaurant to RPM Italian, RPM Steak marks the second collaboration between Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises and Bill and Giuliana Rancic.

5. Siena Tavern

4.7

Exceptional(6128)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 104 times today

Entirely Rooted In A "From Scratch" Approach, We Present Upscale, Classic Italian Fares, Straight From Top Chef Alum, Fabio Viviani. Siena Tavern'S Extensive Wine List And Our Highly Contemporary Design, Interspersed With Rustic Details, Elevates The Genuine Italian Dining Experience While Simultaneously Maintaining Authenticity. Farm To Fork, Refined And Redefined.

6. Girl & the Goat

4.8

Exceptional(15082)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • West Loop

Booked 236 times today

Girl & the Goat opened in 2010 with the goal of offering a menu of bold, flavorful dishes designed to share in a fun and lively atmosphere. To complement the experience, we offer a curated selection of wines from around the world, focusing on small producers, along with a rotating list of craft beers and a playful cocktail menu crafted by our bartenders. The ever-changing menu, driven by locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, features favorites like sautéed green beans, roasted oysters, crispy short ribs, and confit goat belly. While reservations are encouraged for the dining room, our bar welcomes walk-ins, adventurers, and those who prefer spontaneity.

A photo of Le Colonial - Chicago restaurant

7. Le Colonial - Chicago

4.8

Exceptional(8004)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Vietnamese • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 113 times today

Le Colonial is a celebration of seductive spirit and vivid flavors reminiscent of Saigon in the 1920s. With locations in Atlanta, Denver, Delray Beach, Houston, Lake Forest, and Naples, the famed Vietnamese restaurant is designed to capture a bygone era of sophistication and opulence. Celebrated restaurateurs Rick Wahlstedt and Joe King deliver exquisite attention to detail in the luxurious, classic, and romantic atmosphere perched on Oak Street in Chicago’s Gold Coast. For special occasions, our private dining space provides a bespoke setting for unforgettable celebrations.

A photo of RPM Italian - Chicago restaurant

8. RPM Italian - Chicago

4.6

Exceptional(12365)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 115 times today

Located in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, RPM Italian is modern in approach and Italian in spirit, featuring a contemporary menu with dishes meant to be shared. The sister restaurant to RPM Steak and RPM Seafood, RPM Italian marks the first collaboration between partners RJ, Jerrod and Molly Melman of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises and celebrity couple Giuliana & Bill Rancic.

9. RPM Seafood

4.7

Exceptional(1781)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Seafood • River North (Chicago)

Booked 95 times today

Introducing RPM Seafood, a dramatic multi-level restaurant overlooking the iconic Chicago River featuring the truest expression of the world’s best fish and seafood.The sister restaurant to RPM Steak and RPM Italian, it marks the third collaboration between partners RJ, Jerrod and Molly Melman of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises and celebrity couple Giuliana & Bill Rancic.

10. The Gage

4.7

Exceptional(12134)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown / Loop

Booked 114 times today

The Gage has become a perennial favorite of locals and visitors alike for over ten years by effortlessly blending European influence with American style. The restaurant serves refined, rustic cuisine, innovative libations and an award-winning wine list all in a lively, convivial setting. Known as a “must visit” among Chicago’s dining scene, The Gage continues to evolve by serving well-rounded food and beverage menus that feature classic dishes and drinks with contemporary twists rooted in tradition.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

P
Parag
Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Great food as always, the chairs are upholstered and could be updated as they are hard to clean.
More info
The Indian Garden - ChicagoPrice: Moderate• Indian• Gold Coast / Streeterville
•
4.5
R
RyanVIP
Chicago / Illinois •12 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Amazing food and amazing drinks at a good price, the butter chicken is the go to dish.
More info
Bar Goa-ChicagoPrice: Moderate• Indian• River North (Chicago)
•
4.4
M
Mary
Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 6, 2025
Had a lovely dinner with friends. The menu is full of winners, food was delicious. Our waiter Jack was attentive and fun. Manager/sommelier Kent checked in several times, very engaging. We felt welcome and cared-for.
More info
Mia FrancescaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Lakeview / East Lakeview
•
4.5
B
BingVIP
Chicago / Illinois •70 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 23, 2025
Excellent midday meal: postickers, lemon shrimp, sole filets in black bean sauce, garlic green beans, shrimp fried rice; excellent service: quiet atmosphere at a corner table.
More info
Lao Sze Chuan - DowntownPrice: Moderate• Chinese• River North (Chicago)
•
4.3
S
savannah
Wisconsin •1 review
5.0
Dined on Nov 10, 2024
Amazing service and brought out delicious mochi for my birthday! Would go again.
More info
Kin Sushi and Thai CuisinePrice: Moderate• Sushi• Bucktown / Wicker Park
•
4.3

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