Chicago, Illinois: Best Russian Restaurant Food Review

Chicago is Illinois' biggest city, and it is know by many names: The Windy City, the White City, the City That Works. As a food critic, I'd like to give Chicago another moniker: The City With The Best Russian Food.

One of the best things that I like about taking a vacation to big metropolitan cities like Chicago is the chance to make my tastebuds dance. I love trying new foods and new meals from around the world. Growing up, I'd had some contact with Russian food and I loved it! When I saw my first Russian restaurant in Chicago, I knew that I had a mission to find the best Russian restaurants that Chicago had to offer. And boy, was it fun!

Here is a roundup of my restaurant food reviews. Try a couple of these restaurants and let me know what you thought! The restaurant food reviews include Russian restaurants for those on a budget ("cheap" doesn't mean it can't taste great!) and Russian restaurants for those who don't really care about the price. Hey, as a tourist, it's okay to splurge on a gourmet meal every once in a while.

Chicago's Best Russian Food:

1. Russian Tea Time

77 East Adams St, Chicago, IL 60603

Phone: (312)360-0000

Every Russian food-lover who visits Chicago must stop by at the Russian Tea Time restaurant. Russian Tea Time is one of the focal points of Chicago's Russian culinary scene. The man at the restaurant told me that this Russian restaurant has been around for over a decade, and by the looks of the crowd, it has yet to disappoint them!

The restaurant's atmosphere is beautiful. The designs and feel are thought out and basic, but ornate. Lots of red!

I would strongly suggest going for afternoon tea, which starts in the late afternoon at 2:30pm. This is one of the finest tea services that I've been to, even comparing it to Buschart Gardens in Victoria, B.C., Canada.

They also serve lunch and dinner. I didn't get a chance to try lunch, but dinner at Russian Tea Time is fantastic. The prices for a place like this are low, so even those on a budget can enjoy some authentic Russian food like Ukranian Borscht or Vareniky. Don't know what those are? Stop by this restaurant and try some as soon as you get to Chicago.

Service was great, and the waiters all seemed very friendly.

2. Hopleaf Bar

5148 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL

Phone: 773/334-9851

Hopleaf Bar is a fine establishment for those who like their beer. Hopleaf has a huge beer catalog, which also means that you need to be at least 21 years old to visit this fine restaurant. It's more a bar than a restaurant, but it has some of Chicago's finest food. In true European style, the bar tender can help you pair some of their delightful beer with even more delightful food, and it's not too expensive, either. As a bar, you won't exactly get full restaurant service, but the people are friendly enough. This is a perfect place to go out with a couple friends after attending a business conference in downtown Chicago. Oh, and I was happy to notice that they accept American Express. Sometimes, it's hard to find places that take that credit card! Of course, you'll want to check ahead to make sure because policies can change.

3. Chicago Russian Restaurant: Regina's Restaurant

1820 W. Irving Park Rd.

Chicago, IL 60613

773-281-6925

Regina's Russian restaurant is a place to go for breakfast or lunch. It opens early, a little after 5 a.m., and closes shortly after lunch. If you're craving Russian for breakfast, or something light and yummy for a mid-morning snack or lunch, Regina's is a quaint and tiny little place that is bound to please you. It's one of those places that are tucked away and you won't read in Fodor's, but it's delicious and authentic. I loved it. Nothing fancy, but very satisfying. The prices are what you'd expect at a little mom-and-pop sort of place, ranging around $10 or under.

4. Chicago Russian Restaurant: Everest

440 S. LaSalle St., Chicago, IL

Phone: 312/663-8920

I can't even describe how amazing this Chicago restaurant is. Keep in mind, this place is NOT for those on a budget. This was the most expensive meal I found in Chicago, but you get what you pay for. Who else can boast to eat on top of the Chicago stock exchange, where you have stunning and breathtaking views of the entire city of Chicago. This is the sort of place that you'd celebrate an anniversary or a special birthday at.

The service at this restaurant was the finest I've seen. Everyone there is always attentive to your needs, but in that special way where your glass is always full but you never notice the waiter refilling it.

The food is pricey, but delicious. I can only afford something like this a couple of times a year, but those are the few moments that I treasure and look forward to for the other 365 days!

5. Chicago Russian Restaurant: Versailles Restaurant

131 W. Dundee Rd.

Buffalo Grove, IL 60089

847-465-1526

If Everest is fancy, this restaurant is the opposite, but the Russian food is still some of the best in Chicago. Free parking is just the beginning of a great experience. It's a little pricey, with Russian meals averaging around $20. The menus include Russian and French food, with some unique combinations and culinary twists. I loved the restaurant's atmosphere. Fancy and beautiful. When they poured me wine in beautiful crystal, I knew I was in Russian food heaven!

You'll probably want to make reservations and don't bother coming on the weekend. A tourist guide I read told me that it can get very busy here on the weekends, and it was right. Come on a Friday night and be prepared to wait. While I thought the food was worth the wait, you can save yourself some trouble and come on a Wednesday.

The food tasted great, and the wine menu is paired perfectly by your very helpful table host. I would come here again, especially with its middle-of-the-road Russian food prices.