Ravyn Lenae

Home to the deep dish pizza, famous Italian beef, Chicago-style hot dogs and more, Chicago is a city known for its iconic takes on food. But beneath the world renowned dishes, lies a rich and diverse food scene influenced by the strong, vibrant immigrant communities who have shaped the city’s culture.

Born and raised in Chicago, Ravyn Lenae is a R&B singer-songwriter who describes the city’s cultural impact as something unique and unmatched by any other city. “I think there truly is something in our water when it comes to food, music and art. I’m always so inspired by the tight-knit community we’ve cultivated over the years.” 

Scroll down to discover Ravyn's favourite places to eat in Chicago.

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Chicago is a city known for its balance: its got all the draws of a typical major US city - a wealth of restaurants, respected galleries, a world-class music scene. Yet unlike the gatekeeping snobbery of New York, or the glittering pretence of LA, Chicago has the warmth and openness of a much smaller place. It carries all the creative credentials of a cosmopolitan capital, but without the arrogance of its counterparts.

Chicago is also a world-class destination for club heads - spearheading a new era in music after the decay of disco, a genre stifled by prejudices from homophobes and racists. In 1970s, disco thrived in Chicago, especially among the city's Black and queer population. When it disappeared - it left a void, and a community searching for a home. House first appeared at a members-only gay club in South Jefferson Street called The Warehouse, through the fearless sets resident DJ Frankie Knuckles. Today, Chicago continues to produce world-class talent across the club and wider cultural spaces - from inventive food spots to art galleries, club nights to community centres. 

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My family and I have been going here since I was a little girl. I usually order the chocolate chip pancakes with a side of hashbrowns.


Food

Deserts

Snacks

Cafe

Lumes Pancake House 

His place is definitely one of my favourites whenever I’m in the mood for a seafood boil. You have to make sure you get the “3 The Chi Way” sauce on whatever you order. I actually had a bottle of this shipped to LA because it’s that good.
 


Seafood

Restaurant

Two Fish Crab Shack

I’m a regular here. When I was living in Hyde Park this became one of my favourite Caribbean spots. I order the stewed salmon with extra plantains.


Jamaican

Ja Grille

This is a southside classic. I remember having my first BBQ ribs here and begging my mom to take me all the time.
 


Barbecue

I-57 Rib House 

One of the many great pizza spots we have. If you’re in the mood for heavy-handed cheesy pizza this is perfect.

Pizza

Pizzeria 

Beggars Pizza 

Bomb. I always order their fried shrimp with fries and veggies. This was my go-to whenever I waited too long to eat dinner because they’re open until 10 PM.


Grill

Meat

S2 Express Grill

UNDERRATED. Best lemon pepper wings in the city!


Fish

Takeaway 

Shark's Fish & Chicken

One half of the Cool Kids, Chuck Inglish led the first generation of internet rappers. While his solo work has transcended beyond the digital landscape – he's produced for the likes of Kid Cudi, Travis Scott, 2 Chainz, Chance The Rapper and Curren$y. An elder statesmen of the game Chuck's style draws on more than just hip-hop as he merges vibrant hues with tight rhymes. There's no wonder why both young and established artists flock to his home in Chicago for a chance to work with him. Check out his guide below for the all best food spots to hit in the Windy City.

Chicago’s most famous chicken shack - you go to Sears Tower and then go to Harold's - that’s what you do. It’s a tourist moment, but ya gotta do it.

This spot is like an international food market, food court kinda thing.

This is a whole new breed of pizza spot - try the caramelised cheese crust.

Top restaurant in the city - good date spot if you’re travelling with boo. Get the oxtail egg rolls!

The experience during games is super live, dope wings and get the parmesan fries.

The buffalo wings & the sandwiches & the happy hours :)

The pasta salad, the brisket, the chicken, the selections of beers on draft, the architecture - that type of shit.

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Chuck Inglish’s Top Chicago Food Spots

This list of black-owned businesses in Chicago is a result of collaboration across our global community and is by no means exhaustive. There are so many more incredible businesses out there and we welcome all suggestions. We’ll be updating this guide regularly, so if you feel like sharing, please email 

 for helping us curate this list, as well as all the other anonymous collaborators.

Found near Hyde Park, a modern and flavourful to-go flexitarian and transitioning vegan/vegetarian restaurant you're sure to love with its whopping burgers.

Vegetarian/vegan Southern and soul food plus a juice bar in a casual storefront space with local art.

Casual spot featuring comfort Food from the mountains of Ethiopia, with both meat & vegetarian options and a full bar.

The only boutique of its kind located South of Chicago and neighboring South Suburbs. A unique shop for rare and pre-owned vinyl records and premium vintage home décor and furniture.

With Hyde Park origins, Leaders 1354 is a lifestyle sneaker shop located in downtown Chicago that sells streetwear, Adidas and Nike shoes, and apparel.

A streetwear retail destination and creative hub based in Chicago. In their own words: "The idea behind Fat Tiger is more complex than a simple retail space, FTW is a vehicle, not only for us, but for others to express their ideas and visions".

Founded in 2007, Sir & Madame is a men's and women's clothing brand and luxury lifestyle boutique. The brand is the lovechild of the creative husband and wife team, Brian and Autumn Merritt. Their passion and creativity has produced an eclectic combination of casual and elegant pieces.

Majani - Swahili for 'green'. They serve delicious vegan cuisine to food enthusiasts and health-conscious patrons in Chicagoland by utilizing the freshest ingredients from local gardens and farms.

A small fitness and dance studio located out of the recreation hall of Lincoln Church. Located out of the Pilsen community, Healthy Hood was created to provide quality fitness and dance classes at an affordable price to the underserved.

The 7 Best Restaurants & Places to Eat in Chicago with Ravyn Lenae