15 Illinois Restaurants Featured in Episodes of ‘The Bear’

Discover the best NEW way to eat your way around the city of Chicago. Stop in to eat, drink, or both at one of the restaurants featured on the first two seasons of FX's hit show, The Bear.

The Bear on FX

For my wife and I, this is the fastest we've both fallen in love with a TV show. It's also the fastest we've ever binged 2 seasons of a TV show. At less than 30 minutes each (except for the VERY emotional Christmas episode), it was easy to get caught up.

We needed a break after that Christmas episode. If you haven't seen that episode, you'll understand after you do. This amazing cast sure does know how to make you feel tension.

Now, as season 3 is set to be released in its entirety on June 27, I wonder if we can delay that gratification, or binge it all in a hurry again?

Favorite Thing About The Bear on FX

There is a lot to love about this show, but my favorite is how they make Chicago look in all the moments where the cityscape is the star of the scene.

I also love that this show has created a list of places for my wife and me to check out when we're in town. Some we can't wait to eat at again, and a big list of places we've never been.

Thank you to Tasting Table for giving us the list of, Every Chicago Restaurant Featured On The Bear So Far. They also included which episode each restaurant appeared.

Pequod's Pizza

You'll work extra hard to find a better deep dish in Chicago, as the experts say it's the best pizza in Chicago.

(Season 2 Episode 7)

Superdawg Drive-In

One of the 5 best hot dog experiences in Chicago.

(Season 1 Episode 7 and Season 2 Episode 5)

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Publican Quality Meats

This place that Sydney visits in Season 2 is near the top of my 'must-try' list. The name alone is all I needed to know about this place.

(Season 2 Episode 3)

Pizza Lobo

Pequod's was not the only pizza joint that made it onto the show. There is a little more than just deep dish in Chicago.

Mr. Beef

A big inspiration behind The Bear's concept.

After Lounge

After Lounge did not look the same in The Bear as it does in real life. This place served as the set for when "Marcus" went to Copenhagen to further his pastry talents.

MORE: Chefs Agree, Illinois Pizza Joint Serves Best Slice in America

Alice's Lounge

This is "Tina's" karaoke bar. Come belt out your favorite tune 5 nights a week.

(Season 2 Episode 5)

Margie's Candies

I mentioned how just watching those donut scenes spiked my blood sugar. If you could 'catch a case' of diabetes, this is the place it could happen.

(Season 2 Episode 3)

Lao Peng You

Another stop on Sydney's food tour in Season 2 Episode 3. Noodles and dumplings!

Kasama

Season 2 Episode 3, if you couldn't tell, featured "Sydney" on a Chicago food tour. The first stop was here for the same dish we could order, too: Mushroom adobo with a fried egg and garlic rice and a mango tart.

Johnnie's Beef

In Season 1 Episode 6 during one of the montages of shots around Chicago that I love so much, you see a shot of this place. Be sure to consider the Italian beef and sausage sandwich that will put you in a meat coma.

Ever Restaurant

This is the most recognizable restaurant from the show as it was featured during an entire episode. This is the fictional restaurant "Forks" where the character "Richie" goes through quite a transformation.

(Season 2 Episode 7)

Elske

"Sydney" was here rolling and cooking pasta and even tasting one creation that she spit into a napkin.

(Season 2 Episode 3)

Green Door Tavern

You can see the front of the building in several shots as it is next door to Mr. Beef. At one point in Season 1, "Richie" does mention that the place is closing but that was just for the show, the Green Door Tavern is NOT closing. The Reuben and deviled eggs are outstanding.

MORE: Calvin Klein Underwear Ads Featuring The Bear's Jeremy Allen White

Gene & Jude's Hot Dogs

Another joint I love that was featured in a sequence of Chicago footage. Yes, there is a great hot dog under all those fries. That's exactly how it is served.

(Season 1 Episode 7)

Avec

No other episode shows as many different eateries around Chicago like Season 2 Episode 3. This is the dish you see in the episode, Short Rib Hummus

Tasting Table will take you on an even deeper dive into each of these restaurants.

MORE: 'The Bear' Star Jeremy Allen White Spotted In Galena