Press Release
Michelin today released its 2020 list of restaurants in Chicago that earned the Bib Gourmand distinction in its 10th and newest edition of the MICHELIN Guide Chicago. Michelin recognized 54 Bib Gourmand restaurants, featuring 14 new additions.
Introduced in 1997, Bib Gourmand restaurants are awarded by Michelin inspectors to establishments that serve good quality food at a good value, making it possible to order two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for around $40 or less (tax and gratuity not included). Bib Gourmand selections are often personal favorites of Michelin’s anonymous inspectors when dining on their own time.
More than 25 cuisine types will appear in the 2020 MICHELIN Guide Chicago. Notable cuisines amongst this year’s Bib Gourmands include Peruvian (Cabra), Barbecue (Flat & Point), Pizza (Nella Pizza e Pasta) and American Southern (Virtue).
Michelin inspectors have been meticulously dining their way through Chicago since 2009 and, while the famous Michelin stars remain the most celebrated international distinction in the MICHELIN Guide, the Bib Gourmand is a highly desired honor among restaurateurs.
The announcement of Chicago’s Bib Gourmand restaurants comes one week before the announcement of the 2020 selection, including Michelin-starred restaurants. The 2020 Michelin-starred restaurants in Chicago will be released on Thursday, Sept. 26. The Guide will go on sale Monday, Sept. 30, 2019, at major book sellers for a suggested retail price of $18.99 (ISBN 9782067238916).
Here's the list of new Bib Gourmands, as well as a short description of each restaurant:
Avlí Taverna
In Lincoln Park, the Greek cuisine at Avlí Taverna is bold and spirited thanks to chef and owner Louie Alexakis.
Birrieria Zaragoza
With a hyper-focused menu of roasted goat, specifically “birria tatemada,” a regional variation of the braised stew originally from Jalisco, Mexico, Birrieria Zaragoza is owned by Juan Zaragoza and takes meticulous care in the preparation of the slow-roasted dish, paired with homemade tortillas.
Cabra
Chef Stephanie Izard creates magic at Cabra, her latest stunning restaurant located on the rooftop of the Hoxton Hotel in the West Loop, where the food leans Peruvian enriched by chef Izard’s delicious liberties.
Cira
Cira, also located in the buzzing Hoxton Hotel, is led by the talented chef Chris Pandel. The kitchen spins bright, fresh ingredients into delicious dishes with Mediterranean flavors and delightful surprises.
County Barbecue
After more than two years of construction following a devastating fire, County Barbecue has returned with its savory smoked meats and boldly flavored sides.
etta
Chef Danny Grant, who also oversees the blockbuster Maple & Ash, steers the kitchen at etta, bringing his distinctive flair and flavors to this live-fire hot spot.
Flat & Point
A fantastic addition to the Chicago dining scene, this restaurant’s level of finesse and meticulous local sourcing by chef Brian Bruns makes it a true stand-out, particularly in the field of barbecue.
Funkenhausen
A modern beer hall with vintage touches, Funkenhausen offers a creative American menu that blends both German and Southern specialties. Chef Mark Steuer offers an original experience featuring items like garlic pretzel knots with mustard accompanied by pimento cheese.
Ghin Khao
This low-key setting in Pilsen serves northern Thai cuisine that is fresh and vibrant.
Ina Mae Tavern
This handsome New Orleans-style tavern in Wicker Park is named after chef Brian Jupiter’s great-grandmother and treats diners to classics like po’ boys, gumbo and buttermilk fried chicken.
Kie-Gol-Lanee
This quiet Oaxacan restaurant in Uptown delivers standout regional specialties like wide, crackly tlayudas and soulful, complex moles.
La Josie
Chef and owner Jose Luis Barajas is particularly skillful at preparing delightful tacos, served in a bright, comfortable space.
Nella Pizza e Pasta
The name of this delicious Hyde Park pizza restaurant belongs to chef and owner Nella Grassano, a classically trained pizzaiola. The menu is promising and the wood-burning oven central to its enticing fare.
Virtue
An ode to American Southern Cuisine, Virtue features an elegant space with open kitchen where Erick Williams leads his team to prepare updated Southern classics like chicken gizzards over dirty rice with creamy, lip-smacking chicken gravy.
This is the full list of the MICHELIN Guide Chicago 2020 Bib Gourmand Selection:
Arami
Avec
Avlí Taverna (N)
Birrieria Zaragoza
(N)
Cabra
(N)
Ceres' Table
Chilam Balam
Cira (N)
County Barbecue
(N)
Daguan Noodle
Daisies
DeCOLORES
Dos Urban Cantina
Duck Inn (The)
etta
(N)
Fat Rice
Flat & Point
(N)
Frontera Grill
Funkenhausen (N)
Ghin Khao
(N)
Giant
Gilt Bar
Girl & The Goat
GT Fish & Oyster
HaiSous
Herb
Ina Mae Tavern (N)
Jam
Kai Zan
Kie-Gol-Lanee
(N)
La Josie (N)
Lonesome Rose
Longman & Eagle
Lula Café
Mango Pickle
Marisol
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Mi Tocaya
Mott St.
Nella Pizza e Pasta
(N)
Pacific Standard Time
Passerotto
Pizzeria Bebu
Pleasant House Pub
Proxi
Purple Pig (The)
San Soo Gab San
Smoque BBQ
Sol de Mexico
Table, Donkey and Stick
True Food Kitchen
TWO
Untitled Supper Club
Virtue (N)
