By Bob Glaze
Wells St. in Chicago has some of my favorite restaurants in the city. My top choices include:
In Old Town near Division and Wells, is the Glunz Tavern, next to the House of Glunz, one of Chicago’s oldest wine merchants. Originally opened in 1888 by Louis Glunz, the popular neighborhood gathering spot sat vacant for more than 90 years following its closure just prior to Prohibition. It was reopened in 2012 by his family members. It is known for its selection of beer, wine and European influenced cuisine. It has a casual, old-world atmosphere. On a recent visit, I enjoyed an excellent meat loaf dish on their outside terrace. The House of Glunz has a large selection of wine and spirits for sale. The Old World Tasting Room is a treasure trove of hand-carved furniture and drinkware from the neighborhood’s German past.1202 N. Wells.
Next door to Glunz Tavern is The Rabbit Hole. This is casual bar featuring craft beer, signature cocktails and bar food. I went for a travel group gathering and enjoyed it! 1208 N. Wells.
Further north is Orso’s Italian Restaurant, that has been popular in Old Town for over 40 years. I went for the first time recently and loved the atmosphere and the great food. I had pasta with pesto topped off with shrimp and mussels. I thought it was particularly fun during the Christmas season when there was great music and decorations. I am now going to make it an annual visit in December. I was back on a beautiful July evening with friends and loved the large outside patio in the rear that is covered with grape vines. 1401 N. Wells.
A few doors north at 1411 N. Wells St. is the Old Jerusalem Restaurant. This is a casual, family-owned neighborhood restaurant that opened in 1976. They have a large menu of Middle Eastern specialties. I went for lunch this past Wednesday and enjoyed my server, who is one of the family members, along with the kefta kabob sandwich with charcoal-broiled lamb in pita bread with lettuce, tomatoes, onion and tahini sauce. The baklava was also very good.
Nearby is another new find, the Old Town Pub at 1339 N. Wells. This is a cozy bar that has been open for over 20 years. It is a great spot for food, drinks and watching sports on TV. They have an extensive menu of burgers, sandwiches, soups, salads, tacos, wraps and pizzas. I really enjoyed my pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw. My friend liked the classic BLT sandwich. They have indoor as well as outdoor patio seating in front.
Next door, Au Cheval opened a small Old Town Location under the name of Small Cheval for burgers, shakes, beer and cocktails. Their outdoor patio is perfect during great summer weather in Chicago. I loved my cheeseburger, fries and a thick chocolate milkshake. 1345 N. Wells.
At 1516 N. Wells is Topo Gigio Ristorante, for great Italian food for over 25 years. I always enjoy the food! I was just back with friends and thought the food was excellent. They have some wonderful pastas!
Across the street is La Fournette at 1547 N. Wells. This is a traditional French bakery and café, with a rustic wood decor, selling fresh-baked breads, sandwiches, coffee, macarons and pastries. It has a long history. According to their website, “La Fournette traces its origins to Alsace, to the Zimmermann family bakery in Schnersheim, France. It is there that the Zimmermann family developed over four generations (110 years!) the expertise and craftsmanship for which they are reputed. On coming to Chicago in 2010, World Baking Champion Pierre Zimmermann and his wife, Michele, began to conceive of a bakery both distinctly Alsatian and uniquely Chicagoan, with quality, affordable, and accessible products.”
I was so glad to go back and enjoyed my favorite ham sandwich on a baguette, their quinoa taboulé salad and a yummy coconut cookie.
Next door is the Kanela Breakfast Club. One of four locations in Chicago, this is a casual restaurant with a large menu that “brings a local, organic, and flavorful approach to a Greek-infused American breakfast + lunch” They have waffles, pancakes, omelets, breakfast sandwiches, biscuits and gravy and eggs benedict. I enjoyed the goat cheese omelet with whipped sun-dried tomato pesto, goat cheese and arugula along with toast and breakfast potatoes.
Located in the same building is Gravroche. Opened in October 2024, this is a small, 32-seat restaurant located in a warm, intimate space with a menu of modern French cuisine. Many of the dishes are shareable. I enjoyed my mussels and fries with a taste of two crème brûlées for dessert. My friends enjoyed their entrees as well. I highly recommend making a reservation in advance. The staff was very friendly and helpful. They are open for brunch on weekends and they are now offering a chef’s counter tasting menu on Sunday evenings with two seatings. 1529 N. Wells.
Just north of North and Wells is the classic Corcoran’s Grill & Pub. Located across the street from Second City, they feature a large menu of pub food and drinks including burgers, sandwiches, salads. They have a large outdoor terrace in the back along with a large Back Room Bar. I really loved the brisket grilled cheese sandwich! I went back and enjoyed it again along with fries and tomato soup. The brunch menu looks great, so I definitely want to go back. 1615 N. Wells St.
Owned by the same group as Corcoran’s is Moon Star Kitchen & Bar next door at 1617 N. Wells St. Opened in August 2025 this is a stylish gastropub open for drinks and dinner and brunch on weekends. They have a creative menu of cocktails, wine, small bites and shareables. I went for dinner with neighborhood friends and enjoyed the Australian wagyu steak sliders with bourbon caramelized onions, arugula and tomato jam along with one of their signature cocktails, the Moon Star Maple Old Fashioned made with WhistlePig PiggyBack Rye Whiskey, WhistlePig Barrel Aged Maple Syrup, angostura bitters and a black cherry. They also have a large outdoor patio in back for the warmer months.
Cocoa + Co. is at 1651 N. Wells; for great chocolates, coffee and drinking chocolate. They also have pastries, croissants, quiche and other items. They carry a number of imported and gourmet chocolates. I love the dark chocolate bark with cherries and nuts! On my last visit I met the delightful owner, Kim Hack. It turns out we have several mutual friends.
North of Cocoa + Co. is Nookies on Wells which is a fun diner, since 1973, for all-day breakfast at 1746 N. Wells. I have always enjoyed it. I just went back again and loved my yummy frittata on the outdoor patio. The portions are huge!! They also have a full lunch menu with sandwiches, salads and entrees. I also liked the newly remodeled interior.
A block north of Nookies at the Hotel Lincoln is the recently opened Americano. Opened in mid-June 2024 in the former space occupied by The Kennison. This is an attractive, upscale restaurant with a 210-seat dining room and an 81-seat outdoor patio. They are open for dinner every night except Monday and for weekend brunch on Saturday and Sunday. I went for brunch and had an excellent build your own omelette with breakfast potatoes. My friend had the same dish. In the evening, my server recommends the miso salmon and the Mediterranean sea bass as two of the best items on the menu. They also feature raw oysters. It is very popular, so make sure to book your reservation in advance. 1816 N. Clark St. at the corner of Lincoln and Wells.
I hope you enjoy my recommendations.
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