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Where to Find Great Appetizers in Chicago

Feast on addictive opening courses and the ultimate game day bites

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Tom Brady is back in the Super Bowl.
|Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

A good appetizer can set the tone for the rest of the meal. Start things off right by making sure the first bites are memorable ones. These Chicago restaurants offer exceptional apps that arguably outshine the dishes that follow them. The varied lineup includes wings, nachos, mozzarella sticks, fries, dips, and much more. They’re also perfect for snacking or as part of a party spread. Read on to discover the essentials.

1月23日,芝加哥餐館permitted to serve customers indoors with a 25 percent maximum capacity per room, or 25 people — whichever is fewer. At the same time, despite winter weather, a number of Chicago restaurants continue to offer outdoor seating. Regardless, the state requires reservations for indoor and outdoor dining. The level of service offered is indicated on each map point. However, this should not be taken as an endorsement for dining in, as there are still safety concerns. For updated information on coronavirus cases in your area, please visit the city of Chicago’sCOVID-19 dashboard. Studies indicate that there is a lower exposure risk when outdoors, but the level of risk involved with patio dining is contingent on restaurants following strict social distancing and other safety guidelines.

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Village Tavern & Grill

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There are plenty of spots for great fried chicken in the city but the region’s best chicken fingers necessitate a visit to Schaumburg. Village Tavern’s famous starter features a tempura-style batter and secret recipe honey mustard dipping sauce. They’re also available in flavors like coconut, barbecue, buffalo, and habanero. A second outpost is located in Carol Stream. Orders can be placedonline.

Uru Swati

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West Rogers Park’s Devon Avenue is an oasis for vegetarians. The neighborhood is full of Indian restaurants, several of which are exclusively meatless.Uru Swatifocuses on dishes from the country’s northern and southern regions, and masala dosa and samosa chaat are can’t-miss appetizers. The latter is a popular street food featuring savory fried pastry topped with chickpeas, potatoes, yogurt, and chutney. Online ordering is availablehere.

Little Bad Wolf

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Burger enthusiasts know and love this Andersonville bar for its outstanding offerings. For folks who prefer smaller bites or wish to share,Little Bad Wolf’sburgers are available as sliders topped with American cheese, pickles, and red onion mayo. Online ordering can be donehere.

Big Jones

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Owner and chef Paul Fehribach celebrates Southern cuisine by faithfully recreating heritage recipes at hisAndersonville restaurant. Among the many traditional dishes is an excellent version of pimento cheese, a spread made of Hook’s cheddar, Duke’s mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, and roasted pimentos. It’s served with homemade benne crackers. Skillet cornbread and buttermilk biscuits are stellar starters too. Online orders for carryout or delivery can be placedhere.

Great Sea Restaurant

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The longtimeChinese-Korean eateryhas gained a cult following for its lollipop wings. This style of chicken consists of drumettes with the meat pushed down the bone for easy handling. The wings are coated in a sweet and spicy sauce and deep fried to perfection, making them the ideal game day food. Clickhereto order carryout or delivery.

Sfera Sicilian Street Food

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A new virtual restaurant featuring Sicilian street foods has arrived in Avondale. Sfera’s menu offers staples like arancini — deep fried balls of risotto. The quintessential Italian snack is stuffed with cheeses and other fillings such as garlic, beef ragu, and porcini mushrooms, and served alongside dipping sauces. Orders can be placedonline.

A bowl of arancini and marinara sauce.
Enjoy fried risotto balls from this ghost kitchen.
Sfera[Official Photo]

Smoke Daddy

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Smoked meats are undeniably the star of the show at thisbarbecue spotbut the nachos shouldn’t be overlooked. Warm tortilla chips are topped with barbecue sauce, chili, cheeses, tomatoes, cilantro, onions, and choice of brisket, pulled chicken, or pulled pork. It’s a glorious mess of deliciousness. Clickherefor carryout and delivery.

A plate of nachos.
Smoked Daddy’s barbecued meats finds their way onto nachos.
Smoke Daddy[Official Photo]

Kasama

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Lumpia Shanghai, the addictive Filipino spring roll, is eminently scarfable. Though it’s generally eaten as an appetizer or snack, stopping after just one or two is a tall order. At Timothy Flores and Genie Kwon’s Ukrainian Villagerestaurant and bakery, the crisp, crackly rolls are filled with pork and complemented by a sweet chili sauce. Online orders can be placedhere.

Roots Handmade Pizza

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Mozzarella sticks are a top-tier appetizer andRootshas the best in the city. The local pizzeria makes its sizeable sticks from scratch and breads them in a special seasoning. Pull the cheese apart and dunk it in marinara for a satisfying experience. Carryout and delivery orders can be placedonline.

Tempesta Market

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Charcuterie boards are an irresistible opening salvo when hosting guests. The ones from West Town deliTempesta Market可以養活六到八人組成的嗎rtisanal Italian cured meats, cheeses, spreads, pickled veggies, and other accoutrements. Smaller portions are also available. Orderhere.

A charcuterie board.
Load up on Italian cured meats from Tempesta Market.
Tempesta Market [Official Photo]

Swift & Sons

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Boka Restaurant Group’sopulent steakhouseis the place to go to feast on classic appetizers. The menu boasts steak tartare, Caesar’s and wedge salads, and chilled shellfish from sibling restaurant Cold Storage. Orderherefor carryout and delivery.

One Off Hospitality’sMediterranean-influenced restauranthas been one of the city’s hottest destinations for almost two decades thanks to an impressive selection of wine and terrific small plates. The chorizo-stuffed and bacon-wrapped medjool dates bathing in piquillo-tomato sauce are the kitchen’s magnum opus and a must-order with every meal. Avec is accepting carryout and delivery ordershere.

5 Rabanitos Restaurante & Taqueria

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Head to thisPilsen spotfor homey Mexican cooking from chef Alfonso Sotelo, a vet whose resume includes stints at Topolobampo and Xoco. His freshly-made guacamole is one of the finest of its kind but for a rich dip, try the queso fundido loaded with al pastor. Fresh ceviche is a winner as well. Place carryout and delivery ordershere.

HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen

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Thai Dang’s modernVietnamese restauranthighlights a host of traditional dishes, such as fish sauce wings. The chef fries whole wings until they’re perfectly crisp and tosses them in a caramelized fish sauce glaze along with chilies. The mouthwatering chicken then arrives on a bed of fries. Order for pickup or delivery viaTock.

A bowl of chicken wings.
Fish sauce is the difference maker in HaiSous’ wings.
Jaclyn Rivas/HaiSous

Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings

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Dumplings are extremely versatile and can be enjoyed as an appetizer or main course. This Chinatowndumpling specialistproduces a variety of options filled with pork, lamb, beef, chicken, seafood, veggies, and other ingredients. The kitchen offers them boiled, steamed, fried, or frozen to cook at home. Place ordershere.

A plate of dumplings alongside sauces, side dishes, a teapot, and utensils.
Explore a world of dumplings at this Chinatown favorite.
QXY Dumplings[Official Photo]

Friistyle

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Fries are a universally loved food but seldom the main attraction. ThisBronzeville spotgives Belgian-style pommes frites the attention it deserves by topping the potatoes with an array of proteins. Options include Italian beef, smoked wings, roasted lamb, jerk salmon, and lobster. Orders can be placed forcarryout或交付通過第三party services.

Lindy's Chili & Gertie's Ice Cream

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The strange-yet-alluring combination of chili and ice cream has been a South Side specialty for decades.Lindy’s— first opened in 1924 — cooks a first-rate chili that customers can order with or without beans. It’s sold by the bowl, pint, quart, or five-pound bucket for large parties. There’s also a location in Bridgeview.

Garifuna Flava

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The city’s onlyGarifuna restaurantoffers up a taste of the Caribbean. Diners will find tasty appetizers like fried plantains, conch fritters, and panades, which are empanada-like corn patties packed with sautéed buffalo fish. Orders for pickup or delivery can be placedhere.

A plate of panades.
Fried Belizean foods make for great appetizers.
Garifuna Flava [Official Photo]

5 Loaves Eatery

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Locals adore thisJean Banchet Award winnerfor its lineup of Southern staples. The salmon croquettes — available fried or grilled — are a particular favorite, especially the spicy version. Get them by ordering carryout or deliveryhere.

Al Bawadi Grill

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Located in Bridgeview and Niles, thisPalestinian restaurantis known for its wood-fired meats and exotic atmosphere. Before diners get to the entrees, though, it’s highly suggested they start with some apps. The hummus is a crowd-pleaser and can be enhanced with meat and roasted almonds. Falafel and baba ghanoush are notable as well. Clickhereto place orders for pickup and delivery.

Village Tavern & Grill

There are plenty of spots for great fried chicken in the city but the region’s best chicken fingers necessitate a visit to Schaumburg. Village Tavern’s famous starter features a tempura-style batter and secret recipe honey mustard dipping sauce. They’re also available in flavors like coconut, barbecue, buffalo, and habanero. A second outpost is located in Carol Stream. Orders can be placedonline.

Uru Swati

West Rogers Park’s Devon Avenue is an oasis for vegetarians. The neighborhood is full of Indian restaurants, several of which are exclusively meatless.Uru Swatifocuses on dishes from the country’s northern and southern regions, and masala dosa and samosa chaat are can’t-miss appetizers. The latter is a popular street food featuring savory fried pastry topped with chickpeas, potatoes, yogurt, and chutney. Online ordering is availablehere.

Little Bad Wolf

Burger enthusiasts know and love this Andersonville bar for its outstanding offerings. For folks who prefer smaller bites or wish to share,Little Bad Wolf’sburgers are available as sliders topped with American cheese, pickles, and red onion mayo. Online ordering can be donehere.

Big Jones

Owner and chef Paul Fehribach celebrates Southern cuisine by faithfully recreating heritage recipes at hisAndersonville restaurant. Among the many traditional dishes is an excellent version of pimento cheese, a spread made of Hook’s cheddar, Duke’s mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, and roasted pimentos. It’s served with homemade benne crackers. Skillet cornbread and buttermilk biscuits are stellar starters too. Online orders for carryout or delivery can be placedhere.

Great Sea Restaurant

The longtimeChinese-Korean eateryhas gained a cult following for its lollipop wings. This style of chicken consists of drumettes with the meat pushed down the bone for easy handling. The wings are coated in a sweet and spicy sauce and deep fried to perfection, making them the ideal game day food. Clickhereto order carryout or delivery.

Sfera Sicilian Street Food

A new virtual restaurant featuring Sicilian street foods has arrived in Avondale. Sfera’s menu offers staples like arancini — deep fried balls of risotto. The quintessential Italian snack is stuffed with cheeses and other fillings such as garlic, beef ragu, and porcini mushrooms, and served alongside dipping sauces. Orders can be placedonline.

A bowl of arancini and marinara sauce.
Enjoy fried risotto balls from this ghost kitchen.
Sfera[Official Photo]

Smoke Daddy

Smoked meats are undeniably the star of the show at thisbarbecue spotbut the nachos shouldn’t be overlooked. Warm tortilla chips are topped with barbecue sauce, chili, cheeses, tomatoes, cilantro, onions, and choice of brisket, pulled chicken, or pulled pork. It’s a glorious mess of deliciousness. Clickherefor carryout and delivery.

A plate of nachos.
Smoked Daddy’s barbecued meats finds their way onto nachos.
Smoke Daddy[Official Photo]

Kasama

Lumpia Shanghai, the addictive Filipino spring roll, is eminently scarfable. Though it’s generally eaten as an appetizer or snack, stopping after just one or two is a tall order. At Timothy Flores and Genie Kwon’s Ukrainian Villagerestaurant and bakery, the crisp, crackly rolls are filled with pork and complemented by a sweet chili sauce. Online orders can be placedhere.

Roots Handmade Pizza

Mozzarella sticks are a top-tier appetizer andRootshas the best in the city. The local pizzeria makes its sizeable sticks from scratch and breads them in a special seasoning. Pull the cheese apart and dunk it in marinara for a satisfying experience. Carryout and delivery orders can be placedonline.

Tempesta Market

Charcuterie boards are an irresistible opening salvo when hosting guests. The ones from West Town deliTempesta Market可以養活六到八人組成的嗎rtisanal Italian cured meats, cheeses, spreads, pickled veggies, and other accoutrements. Smaller portions are also available. Orderhere.

A charcuterie board.
Load up on Italian cured meats from Tempesta Market.
Tempesta Market [Official Photo]

Swift & Sons

Boka Restaurant Group’sopulent steakhouseis the place to go to feast on classic appetizers. The menu boasts steak tartare, Caesar’s and wedge salads, and chilled shellfish from sibling restaurant Cold Storage. Orderherefor carryout and delivery.

avec

One Off Hospitality’sMediterranean-influenced restauranthas been one of the city’s hottest destinations for almost two decades thanks to an impressive selection of wine and terrific small plates. The chorizo-stuffed and bacon-wrapped medjool dates bathing in piquillo-tomato sauce are the kitchen’s magnum opus and a must-order with every meal. Avec is accepting carryout and delivery ordershere.

5 Rabanitos Restaurante & Taqueria

Head to thisPilsen spotfor homey Mexican cooking from chef Alfonso Sotelo, a vet whose resume includes stints at Topolobampo and Xoco. His freshly-made guacamole is one of the finest of its kind but for a rich dip, try the queso fundido loaded with al pastor. Fresh ceviche is a winner as well. Place carryout and delivery ordershere.

HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen

Thai Dang’s modernVietnamese restauranthighlights a host of traditional dishes, such as fish sauce wings. The chef fries whole wings until they’re perfectly crisp and tosses them in a caramelized fish sauce glaze along with chilies. The mouthwatering chicken then arrives on a bed of fries. Order for pickup or delivery viaTock.

A bowl of chicken wings.
Fish sauce is the difference maker in HaiSous’ wings.
Jaclyn Rivas/HaiSous

Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings

Dumplings are extremely versatile and can be enjoyed as an appetizer or main course. This Chinatowndumpling specialistproduces a variety of options filled with pork, lamb, beef, chicken, seafood, veggies, and other ingredients. The kitchen offers them boiled, steamed, fried, or frozen to cook at home. Place ordershere.

A plate of dumplings alongside sauces, side dishes, a teapot, and utensils.
Explore a world of dumplings at this Chinatown favorite.
QXY Dumplings[Official Photo]

Related Maps

Friistyle

Fries are a universally loved food but seldom the main attraction. ThisBronzeville spotgives Belgian-style pommes frites the attention it deserves by topping the potatoes with an array of proteins. Options include Italian beef, smoked wings, roasted lamb, jerk salmon, and lobster. Orders can be placed forcarryout或交付通過第三party services.

Lindy's Chili & Gertie's Ice Cream

The strange-yet-alluring combination of chili and ice cream has been a South Side specialty for decades.Lindy’s— first opened in 1924 — cooks a first-rate chili that customers can order with or without beans. It’s sold by the bowl, pint, quart, or five-pound bucket for large parties. There’s also a location in Bridgeview.

Garifuna Flava

The city’s onlyGarifuna restaurantoffers up a taste of the Caribbean. Diners will find tasty appetizers like fried plantains, conch fritters, and panades, which are empanada-like corn patties packed with sautéed buffalo fish. Orders for pickup or delivery can be placedhere.

A plate of panades.
Fried Belizean foods make for great appetizers.
Garifuna Flava [Official Photo]

5 Loaves Eatery

Locals adore thisJean Banchet Award winnerfor its lineup of Southern staples. The salmon croquettes — available fried or grilled — are a particular favorite, especially the spicy version. Get them by ordering carryout or deliveryhere.

Al Bawadi Grill

Located in Bridgeview and Niles, thisPalestinian restaurantis known for its wood-fired meats and exotic atmosphere. Before diners get to the entrees, though, it’s highly suggested they start with some apps. The hummus is a crowd-pleaser and can be enhanced with meat and roasted almonds. Falafel and baba ghanoush are notable as well. Clickhereto place orders for pickup and delivery.

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