Eat Your Way Through ‘The Bear’ in Chicago

Season three of “The Bear” is an emotional rollercoaster full of trauma, laughter, food envy, and love for the eateries feeding Chicago’s soul. Here are some of our favorites featured on or associated with the show.

Birrieria Zaragoza

Did someone from the show listen to the City Cast Chicago podcast’s episode about the city's best tacos? The cast reportedly ate at the spot specializing in slow-braised meats.

📣 Hey Chicago tip: Whether you're at the Archer Heights or Uptown location, you can order the birria by the pound for a large party (or a large appetite).

Chiu Quon Bakery

Founders Pui Yip and Cora Chiu opened their first location in Chinatown in 1986, bringing recipes from their native Hong Kong, including pork buns, raisin twist bread, and delicious taro buns. There’s also a second location in Uptown.

📣 Hey Chicago tip: They only take cash, so plan a stop at the ATM beforehand. And get there early on weekends — the line can get long, but I promise it’s worth it.

Doma

You could almost smell the famous egg sandwiches through the TV when Sydney, played by Ayo Edibiri, meets a friend at this Croatian café for an intriguing conversation. “Doma is home,” reads the restaurant’s website, and that’s exactly what it smells like inside — home.

📣 Hey Chicago tip: Domo offers delivery if you’re feeling antisocial.

D’Amato’s Bakery & Subs

There’s something special about the coal-fired sandwiches at D’Amato’s. The bread is so good that many other Chicago joints use it for their own offerings.

📣 Hey Chicago tip: If you’ve never had Sicilian-style pizza, this is where you should try your first. And follow it up with a pistachio-sprinkled chocolate cannoli.

Vienna Beef

Sure, the close ups of fancy French cuisine in the show are stunning, but all food is beautiful. Especially when it comes to the sausages at the historic Vienna Beef.

📣 Hey Chicago tip: July is both National Hot Dog Month and National Pickle Month, so plan accordingly.

🧑‍🍳 Restaurants From Seasons 1 and 2

Kasama

You already know that Filipino food in Chicago is having a moment — including the country’s only Michelin-starred Filipino restaurant. Whether you are dining in for the 13-course dinner menu or waiting for brunch, you are in for a treat.

📣 Hey Chicago tip: If you don’t want to wait in line for breakfast, order online for pickup. You’ll get to enjoy your meal a lot sooner.

Giant

Eagle-eyed Chicago foodies might have noticed that the Logan Square bistro was featured in the second season when Sydney is getting advice on how to open a restaurant.

📣 Hey Chicago tip: Book the chef’s counter on weekends and stir up a conversation with the chefs. Also, the bucatini and Japanese eggplant are must-orders!

Publican Quality Meats

Another spot on Sydney’s food tour of Chicago? The Fulton Market butcher that also serves a killer brunch and sandwiches.

📣 Hey Chicago tip: Not in the mood for charcuterie? Maybe go for oysters across the street at The Publican, a sister restaurant.

Mr. Beef

“The Bear” creator and Chicagoland native Christopher Storer has long been friends with Chris Zucchero, whose family owns Mr. Beef. He was inspired by the way time stood still inside the River North eatery and the regulars who frequented the spot.

📣 Hey Chicago tip: Tune into the City Cast Chicago podcast later this summer for an Italian beef taste test!

Loaf Lounge

Chicagoans can get a taste of “The Bear” any time when they order the chocolate cake featured on the show. Sarah Mispagel-Lustbader, co-owner of the Avondale cafe and bakery, consulted on the series.

📣 Hey Chicago tip: Order a whole cake in advance! Otherwise, your friends and fam might have to split a slice. (Been there, done that.)

Ooooh Wee It Is

During this past awards season, actor Ayo Edebiri said the Chatham soul food spot served some of the best food she’s had in her life.

📣 Hey Chicago tip: You can’t go wrong getting smothered shrimp and rice, lamb chops, yams, or sweet tea.

We’ll update the map after finishing the new season! In the meantime, consider going on a food tour inspired by “The Bear.”