There’s nothing wrong with being a little cheesy—especially if you’re getting mac n’ cheesy! We still have a few more weeks of winter left, and that means we are going to keep digging into cozy comfort foods like macaroni and cheese at all our favorite Chicago spots. But who is the true big cheese of Chicago mac n’ cheese? Here are our favorite dishes, both classic and with a twist, to get your cheese fix on.
Frontier {1072 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago; 773.772.4322}
Known for their whole animals and seemingly endless protein options, Frontier does meat and they do it well. But their “hearty side” of 5 Cheese Mac (taken right from the grandma of Chef Brian Jupiter) is just as mouthwatering and can be enjoyed on its own or shared with a group. It comes in a hot skillet of goodness that you’ll be coming back for even as spring blooms.
Photo via MAD Social
MAD Social {1140 West Madison Street, Chicago; 312.243.2097}
Pretty much everything at MAD Social is Instagram-worthy but you might not wait to take a picture before chowing down on their Harvarti Mac & Cheese with sweet corn, wild mushrooms, crispy brussels sprouts, and a butter crumb crust. You can get some of your vegetables for the day, but they’ll be disguised by all the deliciousness of cheese!
Truluck’s {41 East Chestnut Street, Chicago; 312.982.0050}
A new DiningOut favorite, Truluck’s brings an upscale combination of seafood and steak to Chicago, complete with an extensive wine menu and live music throughout the week. It’s the perfect combination of decadent and approachable. One truly decadent menu item is their King Crab Mac n’ Cheese. It pairs perfectly with one of their steaks, or could be a meal all on its own!
Mable’s Table {1655 West Cortland Street, Chicago; 773.904.7433}
If you’re someone who can’t decide, don’t worry, because Mable’s Table serves mac n’ cheese FIVE ways. They call it A Shred off the Ol’ Block, and it means you can have all kinds of cheesy goodness without ever having to choose just one flavor. There is (of course) the traditional four-cheese blend, but there’s also Garden Vegetable, Cheeseburger with jalapeño and caramelized onion, Smoked Bacon & Pea Carbonara Mac n’ Cheese, and Dungeness Crab Truffle Mac. This welcoming neighborhood spot is perfect for tucking into a bowl or two (or five!)
Photo via Tavern at the Park
Tavern at the Park {130 East Randolph Street, Chicago; 312.552.0070}
Tavern at the Park serves up classic dishes that you will never, ever get tired of. That includes the Ashley’s Mac & Cheese, which comes with a decadent combination of four kinds of cheeses. You can get it as a main or a side, but we recommend pairing it with one of their burgers or steaks for an amazing duo.
Dolce Italian {127 West Huron Street, Chicago; 312.754.0700}
If you need your mac fix before noon, order it at brunch! Dolce Italian’s brunchtime Pork Belly Mac & Cheese comes with crispy pork belly, a fried egg, and formaggi (aka more cheese!) There is no better way to spend your weekend than lounging with pals at Dolce, Champagne in han, and mac on the table.
Public House {400 North State Street, Chicago; 312.265.1240}
They grab your attention with their outrageous specialty milkshakes, but what goes better with milkshakes than Mac and Cheese? Public House’s Multiple Choice Mac N’ Cheese puts YOU in charge with the choice to enjoy their mac plain, or add on any or all of 12 mix-ins like chorizo, buffalo, wild mushroom or house smoked bacon. It’s the perfect pairing!
By Kaleigh Glaza | Online Editor
The post Chicago’s Best Mac n’ Cheese appeared first on DiningOut Chicago.